{"forum_id": "452", "reg_title": "The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "reg_desc": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87914", "author": "Robert Rigby, Jr., \"FCPS Pride\"", "date": "2021-01-04T02:20:00", "title": "Support the Model Policy Wholeheartedly", "text": "I support the model policy wholeheartedly. A principal once said to me \"Children can not learn in our school if they do not feel welcome.\" This model policy is the first step in creating schools in Virginia that are inclusive and welcoming for transgender and non-binary students of all ages. It provides students with the self-agency they need to direct their coming-out and/or transition at school with the support of the adults in their lives. It will guide my district in developing their own policy. From a school employee's point of view, a policy similar to this will provide guidance and direction to follow in supporting trans and non-binary students in my school. It does a good job of looking out for the interests of students, families and school staff. Many thanks to the Virginia Department of Education and all who worked developing this model policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87915", "author": "Josh Israel", "date": "2021-01-04T06:34:00", "title": "Please support this vital policy", "text": "I strongly support these proposals, which are very much consistent with what the General Assembly envisioned in its legislation. Virginia must treat every student with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender identity or expression.  This policy would go a long way toward making sure that happens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87916", "author": "Leigh Quarforth", "date": "2021-01-04T09:15:00", "title": "Please support this policy", "text": "I am in full support of this policy guidance.  Trans rights are human rights.  Plain and simple."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87917", "author": "Kendall Maximini", "date": "2021-01-04T09:26:00", "title": "Please support this policy", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. Please implement this policy to help protect all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87918", "author": "Hilary Lee", "date": "2021-01-04T09:28:00", "title": "An Essential Policy", "text": "As a teacher and parent, I fully support this policy. It is essential for the health and wellbeing of our students and of our community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87919", "author": "David Gorman", "date": "2021-01-04T09:36:00", "title": "Support from a School Counselor", "text": "As a middle school counselor, I have supported several transgender students, and I know their challenges with parents, teachers, and students. This VDOE guidance will be incredibly helpful in bolstering our support of transgender students. This guidance is important in order to better support transgender students and reduce their risk factors."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87920", "author": "Bernice McCormack", "date": "2021-01-04T09:38:00", "title": "I support this policy", "text": "I believe students can only learn if they are in a welcoming and nurturing environment. This Policy helps to create that space for Transgender students of Virginia. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87921", "author": "Anna-Marie York", "date": "2021-01-04T09:42:00", "title": "It’s about time!", "text": "My transgender son was bullied in high school, primarily by teachers. This guidance is a long time coming and is desperately needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87922", "author": "Christopher J. Cuevas, Equity Consultant", "date": "2021-01-04T09:46:00", "title": "A long overdue policy", "text": "I am incredibly excited to see that this pro-equality and evidence based policy is being considered for introduction to guarantee protections for transgender and gender variant youth in Virginia. These long overdue policies would cement a schools as safe places for all students and ensure that students across gender identities can indeed feel welcomed and protected for living as their authentic selves while obtaining a quality education free from harassment and violence. Kudos to you, champions of equality!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87923", "author": "Meaghan Hackney", "date": "2021-01-04T10:09:00", "title": "100% support", "text": "I totally support this needed policy. It is important for kids, ALL kids, to feel safe, supported and that they are treated equally to their peers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87924", "author": "Zoe Padron", "date": "2021-01-04T10:16:00", "title": "I support this policy", "text": "As an educator and a mother I completely support this policy. I have worked with many LBGTQIA+ students over the years and have seen how difficult it can be for students who are gender nonconforming or transgender to navigate public schools when there are not policies in place to support them. Rates of depression, feelings of isolation, and real and present concerns about safety are everyday occurrences for students who attend school but do not identify as the gender they were assigned at birth. Policies like this one will not solve everything. There is no silver bullet. But this policy will go a long way to helping to make school safer for LGBTQIA+ students and it will mean that their rights are respected and their humanity is recognized. Isn't that what everyone wants? The right to be treated with dignity and respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87925", "author": "Hillary Gerson-Krohn", "date": "2021-01-04T10:24:00", "title": "It is long overdue and so needed. This may save lives!!!!!", "text": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools This is long overdue and may save lives...."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87926", "author": "Olivia Johnson", "date": "2021-01-04T10:27:00", "title": "Parent of a trans elementary student in Virginia", "text": "I am a parent to trans student in Fairfax County. My child is 10 years old and very clear on their identity. They receive unconditional support and acceptance at home, and, for the most part, their identity has been respected by school administration, fellow students, and parents in the community. I wish this would be the case for all trans students in the state of Virginia. Even with the support and acceptance, there have still been struggles. My child doesn't like to make waves or stand out. Bathroom accomodations have been a troubling subject for them. Being so young, I believe they were the first trans student the elementary school had had. While asserting that my child could use whatever bathroom they wanted, they were STRONGLY encouraged to use staff bathrooms. While my child didn't complain about this, they also never felt comfortable using the bathroom at school. They would get off the bus and run home to use the toilet. It was a somewhat small thing. My child didn't complain. But when I put myself in their shoes, I can't imagine that anyone can do their best learning when they can't take care of basic bodily needs. I support this guidance because I think every school will be aware of best practices, whether they've had out trans students or not. These \"small\" changes will have a lasting and positive impact on trans students. They will help cis students as well, by seeing a model of acceptance. When my student changed their name and pronouns, the school did clued into the changes right away. My child expected this, and I can only imagine how painful and erasing it would be for students who need to fight for their name and pronouns to be adopted. I want my student to be able to participate in all the enriching activities available to other students. I support the guidance regarding overnight trips, clubs, sports, and all the activities that all students should have access to. Affirming children's identities, affirming the diversity within Virginia schools, is beneficial to the entire community. This guidance sends a clear message to all students: you belong! You are valid! You can expect respect and affirmation. I'm also a parent to cis students in the county. For their sake, I want them to see their sibling treated with respect. I want them to enter the world understanding and accepting people different from them. So many of these lessons are learned in the early years in school. I want all Virginia schools to be places of equality and empowerment, and these guidelines do a wonderful job of ensuring that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87927", "author": "Jennifer Wiggins", "date": "2021-01-04T11:11:00", "title": "Please support this policy", "text": "Evidence based practice should be used as the reference for our legislation and policies.  This policy supports our students' needs based on current science and evidence.  Every child deserves a safe environment to learn and to feel seen and heard.  Our transgender children suffer from significantly higher rates of suicide than their peers because they are not safe and do not feel supported.  This policy could save lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87928", "author": "Christopher Candice Tuck", "date": "2021-01-04T11:31:00", "title": "I Support This!!", "text": "As a parent of two elementary students and a person who is transgender non-binary, I fully and whole-heartedly support this legislation. This legislation is vital to prevent students of all gender identities and sexual orientations from being the victims of bullying, harassment, and terror that leads to higher rates of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and lower scholastic performance. Students should be enabled by these policies to focus less on issues no child should have to face and allow them to focus instead on the education they are offered. This policy will save lives and should be implemented immediately."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87929", "author": "Sarah Harris", "date": "2021-01-04T11:36:00", "title": "My Full and Complete Support", "text": "I fully support the draft guidance provided by the Virginia Department of Education for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. As a former Virginia public school teacher and parent of three school-aged kids, I know firsthand that in order to be ready to learn, children first need to feel safe and supported at school. These policies, in addition to the professional development that teachers and staff will receive in order to more fully understand the gender spectrum and gender identity, will be life-affirming and life-changing for LGBTQ+ students and beneficial for ALL members of the school communities. Gender expansiveness and the gender spectrum are not new phenomena. We now have the language and understanding to be inclusive and affirming of transgender students, so we have the moral responsibility to do so. Thank you for these policies and for prioritizing the safety, well-being, and inclusion of all Virginia students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87938", "author": "Lisa Rogerson", "date": "2021-01-04T12:42:00", "title": "I am in FULL support of this policy!", "text": "As a parent to a couple of students in Virginia, I fully support this policy. It is essential for the health and wellbeing of all of our students and of our community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87939", "author": "Liz Matthews", "date": "2021-01-04T12:44:00", "title": "Enthusiastic support for this policy!", "text": "As a parent of one transgender elementary student and one nonbinary graduate from Va public schools, I enthusiastically support the Model Policy for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools. My children are lucky enough to attend school in Arlington, where a policy was already adopted to support transgender students; but most trans students in Virginia have not been this fortunate. We need this policy to ensure that every single gender expansive student in Virginia has a safe, supported, and equitable school experience. Without a state policy, we will still have school districts who insist on withholding equal rights from trans students, as they did in the case of Gavin Grimm. Without a state policy, we will still have many trans students who are afraid to go to school, and will even self harm or consider suicide, because of bullying and discrimination. Thank you, Virginia lawmakers and Department of Education, for creating and adopting this policy, which will support, defend, and even save the lives of our beautiful transgender and nonbinary students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87940", "author": "Julia Mills", "date": "2021-01-04T13:04:00", "title": "I 100 percent support this.", "text": "I am a lawyer who serves as a Guardian ad Litem for children and teens in all types of cases and I think the VDOE Policy governing the inclusion and treatment of Transgender students in school is long overdue, and vital to both educate teachers and students about transgender youth, and also to support transgender youth in school. I’ve had several cases with transgender teens and know how important family, peer and school support is. These Guidelines are wonderful, will educate all and I support them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87941", "author": "Sarah Snow", "date": "2021-01-04T13:14:00", "title": "I support the Model Policy!", "text": "I support anything that affirms and validates the sacred worth of all persons, specifically those in the transgender community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87942", "author": "Geneva Cleveland", "date": "2021-01-04T13:16:00", "title": "Support trans students and their families", "text": "If you have not gone through the experience of having someone you love transition you cannot imagine how much fear is involved for all concerned. Having a set policy that sets and enforces standards to protect trans students from harm would be serve to make the experience much less terrifying. I expect it would actually save lives as well - fear and desperation often go hand in hand. I'm sure you are aware of the statistics regarding self-harm among trans youth; they aren't good. Do your part to make their young lives better and safer by providing your support. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87943", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T13:17:00", "title": "I fully support this policy", "text": "This is a thoughtfully developed set of guidance that has the potential to do wonders to support the whole development of all children. The literature tells us that social and emotional wellbeing contributes to cognitive wellbeing, and vice versa. Imagine what creating an affirming and inclusive environment for all children regardless of their gender identity can do for their social and emotional and cognitive health, and thus for that of our society. I am thrilled to see this policy be put forward and I am hopeful for more peaceable and peaceful (school) communities as a result. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87944", "author": "Jen Steele", "date": "2021-01-04T13:18:00", "title": "I fully support this policy!", "text": "This is a thoughtfully developed set of guidance that has the potential to do wonders to support the whole development of all children. The literature tells us that social and emotional wellbeing contributes to cognitive wellbeing, and vice versa. Imagine what creating an affirming and inclusive environment for all children regardless of their gender identity can do for their social and emotional and cognitive health, and thus for that of our society. I am thrilled to see this policy be put forward and I am hopeful for more peaceable and peaceful (school) communities as a result. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87945", "author": "Marijean Oldham", "date": "2021-01-04T13:31:00", "title": "I Fully Support this Guidance", "text": "I fully support and applaud the guidance provided by the Virginia Department of Education for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. As a parent of two school-aged kids and two adults, I am well aware of the need for kids to feel safe to thrive at school. These policies, in addition to the professional development that teachers and staff will receive in order to more fully understand the gender spectrum and gender identity, will be life-affirming for LGBTQ+ students and their families. Thank you for these policies and for prioritizing the safety, well-being, and inclusion of all students in Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87948", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T13:37:00", "title": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87950", "author": "Jennifer Surratt", "date": "2021-01-04T14:29:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "Thank you for engaging the community for public comment on policies to support and protect our transgender students in their education.  I believe that these are necessary steps to move towards a more equitable educational experience for all students.  We know that students who are transgender have to navigate an often hostile world and they should experience both safety and support in their schools and academic communities.  I am encouraged by these next steps and fully support this guidance. Jennifer Surratt RIchmond, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87951", "author": "Ann Hardman", "date": "2021-01-04T14:33:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I fully support this document as an ally and also a mom of a transgender child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87952", "author": "Liz Carlson", "date": "2021-01-04T14:38:00", "title": "Fully support this document!", "text": "As the parent of a transgender student in VA public schools, I am fully in support of this guidance document, which will help ensure a safe and inclusive environment for my child and so many others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87955", "author": "Mónica Socarrás , QLatinx", "date": "2021-01-04T15:00:00", "title": "In support", "text": "I am in support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87961", "author": "Sherry Keenan", "date": "2021-01-04T17:31:00", "title": "100% endorsement and support", "text": "I support wholeheartedly the model policies for LGTBQ+ students that the VDOE has provided for all Virginia public schools. This is comprehensive, thoughtful, inclusive and kind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87962", "author": "Kelly Lindsay", "date": "2021-01-04T17:38:00", "title": "Statement of support for the draft guidance provided by the VDOE", "text": "I am the parent of three non-LGBTQ+ children, and I fully support this document as a way to ensure public school as a safe place for all students. I remember driving my kids to school the day after the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook elementary.   My eyes filled with tears of fear and anxiety imagining that they might not be safe at their sweet community elementary school.  I opened up my minivan door and my son hopped out, only to be greeted with open arms by his teachers, who said \"Good Morning!\"--just like they did on every other day of school.   In that moment I was flooded with relief and comfort knowing that no matter the situation, my children were surrounded by adults who cared for them just as I would.  School was a safe extension of my home, and that gave me and my kids so much comfort during a traumatic time. For LGBTQ+ kids, regular days at school can feel uncertain and fear-filled.  They're often navigating physical and psychological spaces that constantly scream: YOU ARE DIFFERENT!  THIS SPACE IS NOT FOR YOU!\"  Over time, this kind of marginalization can make kids feel as fear-filled and anxious as I was the day after the 2021 school shooting.  But unlike the random cruelty of violent events, the systemic obstacles and challenges facing LGBTQ+ kids are fixable.  With a relatively small allocation of resources, we can remove some of the things that make schools feel unwelcoming to LGBTQ+ students.   I want LGBTQ kids and their families to feel that same feeling of peace and belonging when they enter their school buildings.  Don't we want to do everything in our power to unmarginalize all children in our communities?  I urge you to consider the recommendations made in this guidance, and push forward for a safer, more inclusive public school system in VA."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87963", "author": "Susan Goldman", "date": "2021-01-04T17:46:00", "title": "Fully support this policy, please implement without delay", "text": "I support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87964", "author": "Adam Shubert", "date": "2021-01-04T17:58:00", "title": "I support this policy", "text": "As a Virginia public school parent, I fully support this vital enhancement of our school policies to ensure equity, equality, and respect for all students. Thank you to all involved in crafting these new guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87965", "author": "Alix Tate", "date": "2021-01-04T18:04:00", "title": "Fully support the model policy", "text": "This will help so many of our students feel safe and welcomed at school. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87966", "author": "Abra Frankel", "date": "2021-01-04T18:09:00", "title": "I support this policy.", "text": "Thank you"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87967", "author": "Stephanie Leasure", "date": "2021-01-04T18:41:00", "title": "It's about time", "text": "I fully support this policy and think it's long overdue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87968", "author": "David Dooley", "date": "2021-01-04T19:08:00", "title": "A step forward - well done!", "text": "Thank you for creating the guidance document.  For those who have not read it, then I suggest you do so.  It has great resources included.  A step forward!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87969", "author": "Brianne Kirkpatrick", "date": "2021-01-04T19:28:00", "title": "I fully support this policy", "text": "As a parent to three children, I fully support this VDOE policy. One of my children is often misgendered by strangers, when out in public. Knowing that he is safe to express himself at school--a place where the staff, teachers, and students in our community see him for who he is rather than how he looks--has been vital to him developing a sense of himself and the freedom to focus on learning in school. Every child in Virginia deserves the same treatment, starting with protection under the law. Thank you for moving this policy forward in 2021!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87970", "author": "Logan Zeigler", "date": "2021-01-04T20:29:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "I support the guidance. All students deserve a safe and inclusive educational environment that recognizes their gender identity and protects their rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87971", "author": "Mahzarine Chinoy", "date": "2021-01-04T20:32:00", "title": "I wholeheartedly support this policy", "text": "It is a basic human right for all to be who they are with dignity and safety.  It is imperative that our school system supports trans kids during these emotionally intense years such that they can grow up in a safe and wholesome environment.  For these and many more reasons, I fully support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87972", "author": "Anastasia Mazur, Arlington Public Schools Teacher", "date": "2021-01-04T20:43:00", "title": "I fully support this", "text": "Children cannot learn unless they first feel safe. The trans community is one of the most vulnerable in our country, but it doesn't have to be that way. This bill will pave the way for all trans students in Virginia to have a safe space to grow, play, and learn. As an educator in Virginia it is paramount that this bill passes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87973", "author": "Daniel Grahn, Arlington Public Schools", "date": "2021-01-04T20:45:00", "title": "This will save lives!", "text": "Transgender students need the support of their school. For one thing, their teachers may be the only adults in their life who are supportive of them. As a transgender person I have been that person who needed support. If I didn’t have that support I don’t know what I would have done. I just want the next generation to have it better than I did."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87974", "author": "Inku Midoriya", "date": "2021-01-04T20:53:00", "title": "Please and Thank you", "text": "On behalf of the Trans Children scared to speak up publicly: please take in your heart the existence of these voices and thank you for listening. On behalf the Trans Allies that stand with and  celebrate every victory of thier Trans Warriors: please add your grit to pulling them from the hells they live and thank you for your strength friend. On behalf of this Parent of a Trans Child: thank you for taking this moment and please turn this into real and life saving change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87975", "author": "Amanda Morris", "date": "2021-01-04T21:11:00", "title": "I do not support this policy", "text": "These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87976", "author": "Teresa Carver", "date": "2021-01-04T21:14:00", "title": "NO!", "text": "I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87977", "author": "Amy Cobert", "date": "2021-01-04T21:14:00", "title": "Support This Guidance!", "text": "I support this guidance because I want my children and all of their friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87978", "author": "Deborah Mason", "date": "2021-01-04T21:15:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I don't want anyone at school discussing transgender information with children. It is a law kids have to go to school. However, our taxes support the school. This is not for teachers to teach our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87979", "author": "Complete Mechanical Cont.LLC", "date": "2021-01-04T21:17:00", "title": "Trans", "text": "There are plenty more reasons to oppose these guidance policies, here's one: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87980", "author": "Bill Shirley", "date": "2021-01-04T21:17:00", "title": "VDOE,  transgender policies.", "text": "These guidelines have nothing to do with instruction, only indoctrination, totally bogus."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87981", "author": "John McCauley", "date": "2021-01-04T21:19:00", "title": "Transgender student proposed guidelines", "text": "I do not agree with the proposed guidelines for transgender students. What is proposed is not something initiated by or promoted by our children. Rather it is part of the agenda of he radical left that wants to take parental control away from where it naturally belongs. Radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children have no appropriate basis in our culture. There are far more pressing problems and programs facing the General Assembly that need addressing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87982", "author": "Doug MacDougall", "date": "2021-01-04T21:19:00", "title": "I do not support this.", "text": "I do not support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87983", "author": "Deborah Mason", "date": "2021-01-04T21:19:00", "title": "NO, I do not support anyone discussing transgenderism with my child.", "text": "No No, No. Not you all's business to do this to other people's children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87984", "author": "jim S", "date": "2021-01-04T21:21:00", "title": "This is a wrong Policy", "text": "This policy will promote more and more confusion in adults and children.  I believe this will lead to less and less protection for biological women and men who choose to be what they were born.  There is no science to this and only promotes division with in the community.   It will create more disruption in the school and remove all privacy from the individual ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87985", "author": "Mike Helsabeck", "date": "2021-01-04T21:23:00", "title": "Do Not Approve", "text": "As a parent, grandparent, teacher and citizen, I do not approve of proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate school children.  I do not support SOGI policies and guidelines being implemented. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87986", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T21:23:00", "title": "Proposed guidelines are based on radical theories", "text": "Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression.  Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87987", "author": "Floridalma Hernández", "date": "2021-01-04T21:27:00", "title": "Transgender police", "text": "I don’t support any of this type of proposal, related to transgender in our school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87988", "author": "Eric Josephs", "date": "2021-01-04T21:27:00", "title": "I do not approve of this radical and dangerous policy. Do not confirm delusion of mind.", "text": "I do not approve of this radical and dangerous policy. Do not confirm delusion of mind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87989", "author": "Trish", "date": "2021-01-04T21:28:00", "title": "Hell NO??", "text": "Stop trying to indoctrinate our children! Shut your confused mouths! Not your place! Stay away from our lids! More people will be home schooling because of you sick freaks!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87990", "author": "Calixto Said", "date": "2021-01-04T21:28:00", "title": "I do not aprove. Parents are the ones responsible for teaching their children about this subject.", "text": "Some people only want to teach children about this subject in school because they don’t agree with what most parents are teaching at home. If we are going to indoctrinate children in schools from now, let’s stop calling ourselves a free nation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87991", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T21:29:00", "title": "Using schools for indoctrination, not education", "text": "Absolutely not. The state wants to use schools to indoctrinate children and take away the freedom of free thought of the vast majority of students. They also want to completely remove the right of the parent to raise their children and instead push questionable identity and gender politics while forcing the majority of students and parents to live in fear of what they may say or think."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87992", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T21:31:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender Policy", "text": "I do not support this policy for the following reasons. The majority of the students are not transgender and would not be comfortable sharing toilets/changing rooms with both genders. An alternative is to have unisex bathroom/changing rooms. Secondly, I don’t know how faculty/staff or students are going to know whether a student is transgender unless it is announced to the entire school on a daily basis as a students sexual identification may change. Thus, I do not agree to disciplinary action for faculty, staff or students as it could have been a simple mistake, not intended to offend."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87993", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T21:31:00", "title": "Discrimination", "text": "These policies are absolutely discrinatory to anyone who believes in the biblical truth of how God created man and women. It defies biological facts about the sexes and leaves children confused and unprotected. It is wrong to not only take the parental role in teaching morality away but consequencing those who desire to teach right and wrong, and do so from their constitutional right to choose their faith. For benefit a minority of those choosing unnatural identities, the majority of the youth are indoctrinated to accept this as normal, or be subject, along with teachers and adminitrators, to persecution if they do not fall in step."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87994", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T21:34:00", "title": "Please do not support this", "text": "Please do not support this radical and dangerous policy, it would endanger the lives and mental health of many students, faculty and staff!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87995", "author": "David W", "date": "2021-01-04T21:36:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "As a long-time Virginia resident, I voice my disaproval for the current transgender policies being considered for my state.  This is not part of the education mandate of any state to indoctrinate our children in matters that are should only belong to parents/guardians.  Focus on the core curriculum that students need to compete for jobs in the economy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87996", "author": "Kara Craft", "date": "2021-01-04T21:37:00", "title": "guidance document/ treatment of transgender students", "text": "The transgender issue should not be an issue. It definitely has no place in schools, but has been promoted to center stage by public schools and the media. It puts all in a position of being the offending party at some point in some way, plus God made us male and female....it's not that complicated. True learning in schools in the original intent, has been discarded."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87997", "author": "Mark Bowyer", "date": "2021-01-04T21:38:00", "title": "Fleeting", "text": "The current confusion about gender in our society is an historical anomaly. While there have been limited examples at various times in history, no nation has ever pushed the issue to the degree that the United States has these past several years. It is likely that the pendulum will swing in another direction and this will be looked back upon as error. I agree that everyone deserves protection from bullying and persecution, but to build in curricula that attempt to perpetuate this idea of gender fluidity is a great mistake. Good studies have shown that children are most successful when raised by a male and a female parent. Public policy should protect individuals, but should not erode the fundamentals of gender nor their importance to parenting. Thank you for your kind attention."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87998", "author": "Vet asst", "date": "2021-01-04T21:39:00", "title": "I do not support this guidance", "text": "I do not support this guidance, a parents right should not be removed based on a trend. Children are  not responsible for deciding such a life changing part of life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "87999", "author": "Kathryn H", "date": "2021-01-04T21:41:00", "title": "Proposed transgender policies", "text": "I do NOT approve of this policy. It is dangerous and discriminatory against other students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88000", "author": "Kristin", "date": "2021-01-04T21:41:00", "title": "Absolutely Not", "text": "School-aged children are still pretending to be animals, inanimate objects, and imaginary creatures. Tweens and teens are already facing the difficulties of this day and age along with developing minds and bodies. They aren’t ready to make these types of decisions that could affect their entire future. This policy should not be passed and will no doubt cause further confusion for children, not to mention incredible difficulty to the teachers who already do so much. I absolutely do not support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88001", "author": "F. Blake", "date": "2021-01-04T21:42:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88002", "author": "Mary Rephlo", "date": "2021-01-04T21:46:00", "title": "Opposition to draft model policy re transgender students", "text": "I strongly oppose these policies.  They drive barriers between parents and children.  They also do not respect the right to privacy of other students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88003", "author": "Lewis A. Kellison, Jr.", "date": "2021-01-04T21:47:00", "title": "Opposition to VDOE proposed guidelines", "text": "I do not approve of VDOE proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. The proposed guidelines are immoral and a abomination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88004", "author": "Michael Reynolds", "date": "2021-01-04T21:47:00", "title": "I do not approve.", "text": "I do not approve of these proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  These guidelines are blatant assault on our freedom on conscience."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88005", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T21:47:00", "title": "do NOT support this policy!", "text": "As a taxpaying citizen, I vehemently disagree with implementing any of these policies. While these are considered to cut back discrimination of people who consider themselves transgender, it is really flipping the whole system around to discriminate against anyone who has a different opinion. What happened to a free society where people can have their own opinion and be able to speak it freely without fear for their safety or risking retribution? It's actually mentioned in the 1st amendment of the Constitution, so I would recommend reading that and considering how you are violating the rights of millions of children and families by implementing these policies. It is NOT your right to invade the personal space of a minor, making them feel uncomfortable and unsafe in the presence of a different gender, ESPECIALLY without parental consent or permission. What is wrong with leaving things as they are??!! Why is it \"wrong\" to allow one person to feel uncomfortable by \"forcing\" them to use the bathroom around people they don't want to....but it's somehow not considered wrong to allow them to make others uncomfortable by switching bathrooms??! None of this makes any sense and I hope you will realize this. If a person wants to do certain things in the privacy of their home, that should not involve other people and their innocent children. If a child wants to change their name, that should be between them and their parents until they reach adulthood. I think the educational system should re-focus on the study of real academics, not radical social ideologies. And let's consider teaching respect for ALL people, not just minorities and people who are considered \"different.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88006", "author": "Ina", "date": "2021-01-04T21:50:00", "title": "Please DO NOT pass this dangerous delusional policy", "text": "This policy will goes against every protection we have struggled to put in place for our girls. It will take away first amendment rights of teachers and other students and create utter confusion in children to go along with these types of delusional changing beliefs! This will create a totally unstable world for our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88007", "author": "Kathy Shaibani", "date": "2021-01-04T21:50:00", "title": "Misguided \"guidance\"", "text": "The document reflects a view of sexuality and the family that is inconsistent with science and with the values of many Virginians. Most children are happy with their gender; how is it beneficial to impressionable young minds to encourage the idea of gender fluidity at school? Children do not belong to the state, or to the school system; why is it considered helpful to kids to reduce the role of a child's parents? Surely the idea that no one in school should be bullied over gender confusion or gender identity can be taught without pushing more controversial ideas. Most children are comfortable in their bodies. I shudder to think of the troubles society will reap in the future if the \"guidance\" in this document is visited on young Virginians. Further, the proposed guidance puts a tremendous burden on school officials and teachers and will create all kinds of difficulties in implementation. I wish Virginia would focus on education, not indoctrination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88008", "author": "Barbara Mirus", "date": "2021-01-04T21:50:00", "title": "Transgender policies in schools", "text": "Radical theories about gender identity should not be forced onto school children and their families. Great harm will be done to children if these policies are enacted. Don't experiment on our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88009", "author": "Abril Herrold", "date": "2021-01-04T21:52:00", "title": "These new rules are a distortion to the truth.", "text": "while we should respect people’s sexual orientation and while we are “forced” to accept them. I think it is unfair for those , who believe in the differences between men and women, to force them to share bathrooms and to socialize with them or to be part of their lifestyles. I want my kids to be who they are, a girl or a boy should not be forced to be something else just because the “ other” transgenders are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88010", "author": "Mandy H", "date": "2021-01-04T21:52:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "This is all very confusing to everyone involved. There needs to be protection for sure for anyone who is being bullied in any case. Parents should be the first level of authority within reason of a situation. The public servants are to be there to help, not to create division and blindness in the relationship between the child and parent. This is a violation of privacy of other students depending on how far this is carried in a given situation with gender-specific facilities and dress. Because of the continued development in children, these policies create chaos and confusion as children are constantly changing. I agree that hostilities should be vanquished, but this is also creating hostility for people with different thoughts on these things and one human and their identity is not more important than another human and theirs. These policies are creating one group of people to bow down to the other without any voice. This is wrong. This is the very thing that we all despise, complete subjection of one's views over another."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88011", "author": "Paula Madigan", "date": "2021-01-04T21:53:00", "title": "Against transgender policy", "text": "I do not approve of this policy!! It goes against Biblical teaching as in Genesis it says \"God made them male and female\".   Transgenderism is a mental disorder.  Trans students need to have conversion therapy. The more society keeps saying to students that it is OK to be trans, the higher the likelihood that a student will think that being trans will make them happy.  Sadly this is not the case.  Instead the student falls into despair and commits suicide.  Please watch the new DVD \"In His Image\" by American Family Studios."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88012", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T21:54:00", "title": "I Do Not Support This - Gender Dysphoria is a disorder", "text": "Can we get back to the basic and remove all the extra stuff. Teach them how to read and write. Master that and then talk to me about all this other stuff. The TRUTH is gender dysphoria is a disorder that we no longer want to acknowledge or the other FACT that according to Pediatrics, the majority of children identify with their assigned sex at birth as adults. Let's ignore the facts and go with feelings.  We acknowledge my feelings that I totally disagree with this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88013", "author": "Erin Martin", "date": "2021-01-04T21:54:00", "title": "NO to the proposed new Dept of Ed policies", "text": "I do NOT approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female. Based on SCIENCE (biology), males and females are different, and that's a good thing.  The indoctrination of our school children must STOP."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88014", "author": "Amy Long", "date": "2021-01-04T21:56:00", "title": "This transgender policy -- a travesty for students and staff!", "text": "I thought we were supposed to be guided by science. This transgender policy is utter nonsense, contradicting the laws of nature and nature's God. To implement this in our schools would be a travesty and a tragedy for our students, as well as our teachers and staff. This is an abomination in the eyes of God!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88015", "author": "Aimee Stine", "date": "2021-01-04T21:57:00", "title": "No! No! No!", "text": "I not support or approve of these dangerous theories on how to “educate” children. This is not the role of our educational system. Leave this alone and focus on getting the schools reopened and children back up to speed on what they have missed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88016", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T21:58:00", "title": "I do not support", "text": "This is weird and over the top. My kid doesn’t deserve to be punished because they have a moral objection to the taboo."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88017", "author": "Beth G", "date": "2021-01-04T22:02:00", "title": "No to the proposed transgender policy. Yes to kindness and respect.", "text": "Suggested transgender policies and their broad base implementation will create chaos and confusion and impact many students and faculty. Transgender issues should be dealt with on a case by case basis. Kindness and respect for all should be practiced always. As a parent of a female athlete, transgender policies could impact her rights and opportunities. Policy makers should ask themselves how best do we balance the rights of all students?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88018", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T22:07:00", "title": "NOT in support of the indoctrination!", "text": "Please stop reducing people's identity to their sexual orientation! There is more to human beings than just their sex. This is so dehumanizing it's sickening. This is definitely not healthy for children and their development. You are creating a new (fluid gender) religion while descriminating others, which is unconstitutional."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88019", "author": "Victoria Catlett", "date": "2021-01-04T22:08:00", "title": "Policy Refernces One-Sided", "text": "The parent/student resources section includes only information from one perspective. This policy is by definition one-sided.  Resources should also include materials and studies such as the New Atlantis (Fall 2016) -- a very high suicide rate; studies by the American College of Pediatrics (5/2017).  Other medical studies: transition treatments lowers life expectancy & causes sterility.  Psychological damage due to lack of opportunity to explore ALL options. Reports by former transgenders regarding inadequate counsel. Misinformation abounds about \"conversion therapy.\"  There are no barbaric shock treatments; it is deliberate misinformation.  Talk therapy is NOT conversion therapy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88020", "author": "David Hurley", "date": "2021-01-04T22:10:00", "title": "Transgender education is not the VA schools system responsibility. Parents have this right.", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. Americans freedoms are being slowly eradicated: One law, policy and opinion at a time. Parents should retain this responsibility to guide their children who feel they need this gender education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88021", "author": "Darcy Martoccia", "date": "2021-01-04T22:10:00", "title": "I SUPPORT THIS GUIDANCE", "text": "I support this guidance 100%"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88022", "author": "Gary Porter", "date": "2021-01-04T22:14:00", "title": "Terrible Idea", "text": "Your proposed transgender student policies are a travesty of logic and science and an affront to the God who created these students.  To force teachers and school staff to reinforce gender dysphoria in these confused young people is nothing short of tyrannical and will force competent staff to leave the profession or seek employment in the Christian education sector (which will be more than happy to take them). But I'm sure you're going to do what you have the power to do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88023", "author": "Bill Thatcher", "date": "2021-01-04T22:15:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT!!!!!", "text": "This anal bill is totally AGAINST GOD's and my MORAL VALUES!!!!!!    The legislature has lost their collective way and are destroying everything that we have been taught to be honest and upright!!!!   What an abysmal shame, BUT, as my Dad used to remind we children:   \"There is a 'pay-day' \"! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88024", "author": "A. Prater", "date": "2021-01-04T22:17:00", "title": "I wholeheartedly disagree. This is not education", "text": "I’m opposed and appalled to think this dysphoria or delusional thinking that parents can’t raise their children and to be threatened if gone against this proposal is a pure shame and sin. Not for it, and further more.... unconventional, unwelcome, and unconstitutional."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88025", "author": "Dan Bertuna", "date": "2021-01-04T22:21:00", "title": "Not appropriate for schools", "text": "As a parent and citizen, I do not approve of proposed guidelines that seek to eliminate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate school children.  Sexual identify and gender issues are not matters for schools to mandate - this is an area that should be left to parents and families. In addition these policies are completely unworkable and will force students, faculty and administrators to comply with a view of sex and gender even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. The policies provide no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88026", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T22:23:00", "title": "I don't support this at all!", "text": "These proposed policies are reprehensible and seek to undermine parents in guiding and protecting their children from governmental indoctrination. It's the parents responsibility to choose for their children, not VDOE or this God-less government. I don't see VA seeking protection for other populations, but they'll waste taxpayers money with this nonsense. VDOE and everyone that supports these measures will be judged by God (Jesus Christ) for turning children into a perverse form of His Image. It's no wonder more parents are homeschooling their children so they aren't subjected to these lies. I vote no to it all!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88027", "author": "David Zimmerman", "date": "2021-01-04T22:25:00", "title": "Policies are potentially dangerous and unworkable", "text": "This proposal by VDOE is totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88028", "author": "Patrick Grandelli", "date": "2021-01-04T22:26:00", "title": "Draft Gender Identity Guidance limits the rights of MOST students and adults", "text": "Do not implement this policy. If a child wants to dress in the stereotyped gender of their choice, that is a decision for the child and parents. Adults and students should be kind to the student, of course.  But ALL students and adults have rights, and the the government/school must not attempt to coerce unconvinced adults and students to deny objective reality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88029", "author": "Cindy L", "date": "2021-01-04T22:27:00", "title": "Not your right to mislead children", "text": "It is not your right nor your responsibility to step in and exploit the children who are confused about who they are. There are in fact only two genders and it remains that way no matter what anyone 'FEELS\". You will contribute to the confusion of the students...and yet you are willing to mess with their heads for your political gain. Shame on all of you who vote for this disgusting proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88030", "author": "Samuel Heywood", "date": "2021-01-04T22:27:00", "title": "Thumbs down to the proposed gender identity policies", "text": "Only the most deranged weirdos and sickos would support the proposed gender identity policies.  Let the normal and morally upright citizens take charge of our public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88031", "author": "Kelli C.", "date": "2021-01-04T22:32:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As an educator of 11 years, I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88032", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T22:33:00", "title": "Stop undermining and demonizing parents. Schools need to teach science, not feelings.", "text": "Parents are responsible for educating their children about sexuality, not the government. Public school staff have no business withholding information from parents about their children, \"disciplining\" their children for using proper biological terms to identify others, or reporting parents for teaching their child basic science. Teach science in the schools and save psychology and psychoanalysis for the psychiatrist's office. Children should always be taught to respect every human being, however respect goes both ways. Political correctness is so concerned with being sure not to offend transgender students in any way possible, that it has completely ignored those of us who cannot in good conscience support such a worldview being forced on our children. If you truly support freedom and diversity of thought and expression, then you will consider the effect these guidelines will have upon those parents and students who cannot comply with them because of their faith."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88033", "author": "Concerned Commonwealth Citizen", "date": "2021-01-04T22:34:00", "title": "Very serious & potentially abusive proposals", "text": "It is very noble and appropriate that the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) is attempting to address the long overlooked needs of teens struggling with gender dysphoria (GD). The proposed \"Guidance Document\" unfortunately does not deal adequately with the root of the issues. Gender dysphoria is unequivocally a psychiatric disorder and has to be addressed within this context. Unless a school can ensure that any given student struggling with GD is in the care of an accredited psychiatrist, experienced in the management of teens with GD, attempts at \"enabling\" or \"empowering\" these students will only backfire. While it is certainly important for schools to create a supportive and harassment free environment for students struggling with GD, the open ended tolerance of any title /name the student wishes to be addressed will only further isolate & harm these students, and leave room for potential abuse. Likewise, the coercive & punitive articles aimed at both faculty & students who fail to adhere to these policies will likewise result in sowing disdain for the very students the Guidance Document seeks to help."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88034", "author": "Patty Lohrey", "date": "2021-01-04T22:35:00", "title": "Gender identification guidelines", "text": "I completely disagree with the proposed guidelines concerning gender identification and proposed reprimands in our public schools. Please explain to me why any teacher would want to have to guess in how to address a student who is being told they can be any gender at any given time??? Totally RIDICULOUS!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88035", "author": "Holly", "date": "2021-01-04T22:37:00", "title": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinction", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88036", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T22:38:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88037", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T22:41:00", "title": "I SUPPORT THIS!!", "text": "I support this guidance, much needed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88038", "author": "J.  Wise", "date": "2021-01-04T22:42:00", "title": "Proposed transgender policies", "text": "I am opposed to every part of the proposed transgender policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88039", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T22:43:00", "title": "Strongly disagree. This is sickening, weird, against God's laws and nature.", "text": "Disgusting"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88040", "author": "Cisgender TransAlly", "date": "2021-01-04T22:43:00", "title": "SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT", "text": "I support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88041", "author": "Anna Catron", "date": "2021-01-04T22:44:00", "title": "(Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I do NOT support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools as proposed by the VDOE.  Thank God for private schools if this were to pass. This is absurd."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88042", "author": "Dana Robinson", "date": "2021-01-04T22:49:00", "title": "New guidelines regarding transgender students", "text": "I cannot support or agree with the proposed guidelines regarding transgender students for a number of reasons. First and foremost, as a strong and committed Christian, I hold firmly to the Word of God that He created male and female, and that the gender at birth is His intended plan for that individual. I have compassion for anyone who may express confusion regarding their “feelings” about their gender. This is not unusual for young children, who are growing and developing mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Unfortunately, through media and school education curricula children are exposed to subtle or not so subtle suggestions that promote further confusion. Secondly, exposure in school bathrooms and locker rooms and showers constitutes invasion of privacy for those who do not share the “feelings” of the gender confused person and can promote voyeurism, and with older students, situations of assault. Thirdly, the confusion over pronouns with potential for punishment/prosecution is particularly confusing for young children. Since the transgender students may choose to switch back and forth, or continue to change their preferred pronouns, this enables them to manipulate others, and is exceedingly unfair to those others. The confusion that would be caused by these suggested guidelines for the children, teachers, administrators, parents and community could lead to irreparable social, mental, emotional and spiritual damage. It  is for these reasons that I object to and cannot support these guidelines. Six of my eight grandchildren and my great grandson would be affected, and I therefore object to making the many students make such extreme changes and mandatory adjustments for the few who may demand those changes and adjustments. I ask that you remove this proposal and reconsider for the sake of the majority of students, school personnel, families and the community at large."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88043", "author": "Mike Martoccia", "date": "2021-01-04T22:49:00", "title": "I approve of this guidance.", "text": "It’s hard to imagine that the USA contends to be the land of opportunity and land of the free while at the same time certain citizens are precluded from equal human rights. It’s about time VA moves to this century."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88044", "author": "Disclosing information to parents is WRONG", "date": "2021-01-04T22:54:00", "title": "I do not support these policies especially withholding information to parents", "text": "I do not feel my daughters and son would be safe with these new policies.  It seems like you are no longer sharing important information with parents. Policies that withhold information from parents is not alright with me. In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) Furthermore guidelines encourage others to report parents to Child Protective Service if they disagree with any of these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88045", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T23:01:00", "title": "do not approve", "text": "do not approve of proposed guidelines based on theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88046", "author": "Atwood Brooks", "date": "2021-01-04T23:01:00", "title": "Oppose Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I vehemently disapprove in any way shape or form of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  There is absolutely no good that can come of this.  It is totally immoral and a total disregard of all that is decent and holy. We should never give in to the desires of these perverted degenerates. The whole LGBTQXYZ movement is a lie promoted by Satan and only a way of trying to justifying some of the most heinous sins against God, man, and nature.  Anyone voting for this abomination should expect to face God's wrath and His most severe judgement. I can't believe that our society has sunk so low as to even be considering these things. What's next? I sincerely urge you to read Chapter 1 of the book of Romans in the Bible.  May God have mercy on your soul if you support this madness. Sincerely, A.Brooks"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88047", "author": "Jasmin Miller", "date": "2021-01-04T23:06:00", "title": "SUPPORT! SO MUCH SUPPORT! ALL THE SUPPORT!", "text": "As the parent of a transgender child, I am so glad to finally see some guidance for schools. This will help educators be better prepared when faced with situations that are likely very new to them. It will help parents feel less overwhelmed in knowing that policies already exist to keep their child safe. It will help students feel protected by a system that shapes so many aspects of their lives. And it will foster a sense of inclusivity that will hopefully soon erase the sense of fear and anger that can often arise when anything LGBTQ+ is discussed in a public setting. Setting a baseline saying “we support this because it is right” will set the tone for a kinder environment and a kinder future. Please know that the work you all have done and continue to do means the world to so many. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88048", "author": "Heidi D", "date": "2021-01-04T23:10:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance. LGBTQ students deserve respect and support, especially transgender students. In addition, the guidance also provides better policies for supporting all students, fighting sexism, misogyny, and toxic masculinity, for example by eliminating dress requirements based on gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88049", "author": "Marie", "date": "2021-01-04T23:17:00", "title": "Very much against proposed guidelines", "text": "I am very much against the proposed guidelines which are based on radical theories and which do not provide for safe and supportive education for our students.  This is very wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88050", "author": "Dawn", "date": "2021-01-04T23:18:00", "title": "I am so grateful my children are past", "text": "I am so thankful my children are past school age. But am saddened for my grandchildren. There is no way I could/would support this insanity! We have lost our minds. One day we will wake up and realize how messed up things have gotten. Unfortunately the children always suffer for the acts of the adults! Heartbreaking!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88051", "author": "Normal guy", "date": "2021-01-04T23:18:00", "title": "Do not support!", "text": "This is a crazy proposal.  I do not support it.  These people need God, not a new language.  There are two sexes and you are born as one or the other as your DNA proves.  Removing or adding parts does not change your gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88052", "author": "Deborah Schneider, parent of 2 Virginia students", "date": "2021-01-04T23:20:00", "title": "Virginia parent of 2 students in favor of proposed policy", "text": "I'm writing in favor of the Model Policy for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools draft policy that supports and affirms transgender students in Virginia, that is currently posted for public comment. Protecting our children, all of our children, is one of our most important jobs. Whatever your thoughts on gender identity, I hope we can agree on that much.  Trans children are one of the most vulnerable groups of children in the country. They are victims of bullying, harassment, and beatings. They feel unsafe at school, because they are unsafe at school. I saw this abuse when I was a child, and while I’m glad to hear from friends that there has been some change for the better over the years, school is still far too unsafe for our transgender and nonconforming children.  A large percentage of these kids have tried to kill themselves due to the abuse they suffer for at the hands of those who hate and mistreat them for not conforming to the gender they were assigned at birth. As an adult, as a mom, and as a woman of faith, I have a responsibility to speak out to make the world a better, safer place for kids today. The good news is that when trans students are accepted, supported, and cherished, as all children should be, in other words, when they're not in an unhealthy environment, they will be happy and healthy and grow into happy and healthy adults. That's what well-substantiated, scientific, peer-reviewed research shows us. Affirming and supporting our trans children just as they are strengthens their families' ability to support them as they grow up. There is plenty of misunderstanding and fear about transgender issues. Bullying, harassment, beatings, and abuse won't stop unless we take action. They won't stop if we ignore the plight of these children and simply hope for the best.  I appreciate that Virginia is putting into place policies that provide clear guidance about how to make our schools more safe, supportive, and inclusive.  Teachers and staff who model how to accept schoolmates as they are will help all of our children make school safer for everyone.  I'd like to thank the Virginia Department of Education for working on this Model Policy in support of transgender and gender non-conforming students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88053", "author": "Abbie", "date": "2021-01-04T23:29:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose this policy. Stop trying to take the parent out of their children’s lives!", "text": "Absolutely oppose this absurd policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88054", "author": "Dr. Dawkins", "date": "2021-01-04T23:30:00", "title": "I do not approve of the radical proposed Transgender guidelines", "text": "The proposed transgender policies are untenable. There are no real boundaries and will make it easier to offend a student at the whim of what they choose to be that day. And ALL counseling to encourage this behavior or medical procedures/medications/hormone treatments must be revealed to the parents. The Virginia government should not be responsible for the costs of these procedures that have shown in many European studies to cause permanent mental damage to those that undergo this methodology. Parents need to know so that they can monitor their child's health. Family members could sue for damages, also. There are SO many repercussions of 1. not telling the parents 2. mental stability of the students 3. jeopardy that the teachers may lose their jobs if they offend a student just because they don't know how the student wishes to be addressed from one day to the next and 4. anyone can use whatever bathroom or locker room they feel like for the day which makes some young women and young men feel unsafe and violated. There are so many chances for teachers, schools, and DOE being sued by the students, parents, or other family members by this vaguely worded \"treatment of transgender students.\". This policy would also violate the first amendment if a teacher or another student has a religious belief that this type of behavior is wrong and has to comply with this policy. I highly recommend that this proposal does not become permanent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88055", "author": "Kat Masterson", "date": "2021-01-04T23:32:00", "title": "I SUPPORT THE GUIDANCE", "text": "I support the new guidance. We need to do better for our transgender youth. They're an important p art of our community and our schools need to be better equipped to help them. This is an important first step."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88056", "author": "Chuck Hodges", "date": "2021-01-04T23:36:00", "title": "Male and Female", "text": "Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88057", "author": "Holly", "date": "2021-01-04T23:37:00", "title": "Dangerous, far reaching, violation of rights", "text": "These policies put \"cis\" gender students at risk when there are no limits or ways of regulating students claiming a different gender. Furthermore, these policies put WAY to much power in the hands of teachers and administrators while taking control away from parents. There is no way I'm sending my kids to public school with these ridiculous and dangerous policies. No one is going to punish my kids for not calling a student by their preferred pronouns. That is a complete violation of their 1st amendment rights. These policies put kids at risk. When did school become so focused on appeasing CHILDREN opposed to teaching them how to survive and succeed in the world. This is infuriating and incredibly disheartening."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88058", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T23:41:00", "title": "No to Transgenderism", "text": "I do not approve of your guidelines which are ungodly and highly immoral."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88059", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T23:52:00", "title": "These policies demonize diverse thought and freedom", "text": "Parents are responsible for educating their children about sexuality, not the government. Public school staff have no business withholding information from parents about their children, \"disciplining\" their children for using proper biological terms to identify others, or reporting parents for teaching their child basic science. Teach science in the schools and save psychology and psychoanalysis for the psychiatrist's office. Children should always be taught to respect every human being, however respect goes both ways. Political correctness is so concerned with being sure not to offend transgender students in any way possible, that it has completely ignored those of us who cannot in good conscience support such a worldview being forced on our children. If you truly support freedom and diversity of thought and expression, then you will consider the effect these guidelines will have upon those parents and students who cannot comply with them because of their faith."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88060", "author": "Deborah", "date": "2021-01-04T23:53:00", "title": "NO! NO WAY! NOPE! NEVER!", "text": "I do not support state-run schools that remove parents from the equation. I'm SO glad I left my teaching career so I can engage in being a voice for my students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88061", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T23:55:00", "title": "Have you all COMPLETELY lost your minds?!!!!", "text": "I strongly oppose these dangerous guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. I can promise you that if this passes, once this school year is over, NONE of my children will EVER step foot inside a Virginia public school ever again!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88062", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-04T23:55:00", "title": "I do NOT support the policy chages regarding transgenderism", "text": "For thousands and thousands of years, the human family has operated on the SCIENCE of a child being born with an XY or XX chromosome genetic  make up. The idea that a small verbal minority can come along and \"wish\" that away is absurd.  Parents have always been the resposible party in civil society to teach these subjects.  I stongly object to our children being indoctrinated (read \"brain washed\") by \"educators\" (not their parents). Women's rigjts have come along way in the last 30 years. To have a biological boy take away opportunities from girls sports and deny biological girls the hard fought rights they have earned is criminal. Do NOT change the policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88063", "author": "Employee", "date": "2021-01-05T00:01:00", "title": "Transgemder", "text": "I do not support your DOE guidance concerning transgenderism. Nor do I support allowing transgenders to use female bathrooms or showers or participate in girls sports."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88064", "author": "Shannon Seiberlich", "date": "2021-01-05T00:06:00", "title": "Unscientific Government Proselytizing", "text": "I absolutely do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical and unscientific theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. This is for parents to teach their children. The school is not a church or parent. The schools are supposed to educate children not proselytize. Those in positions of authority in the school classroom and halls have the greater responsibility to demonstrate and show by example how we love one another, rather than bring society down to its basest nature and tendencies. This idea in the air is absurd. The absurdity is exemplified by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver closing a prayer with \"Amen and Awomen\" and the jokes that followed, i.e. is it Ramen or Rawomen, is it Menu or Womenu, is it Hispanic or Herspanic, pimento cheese or piwomento cheese? What has happened to intelligent conversations, dignity, and class and aspiring to a higher standard--inspiring and calling children to their best self? We have fallen so low! What you're doing is a crime--child abuse--taking advantage of impressionable young people, which it appears is the goal here."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88065", "author": "Heather M", "date": "2021-01-05T00:07:00", "title": "NO to ALL policies advocating transgender and undermining my God-given authority over my child .", "text": "Attention VDOE: I do not approve of any of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. Gender is determined at birth. God made us male and female since the beginning of time, and anything contrary to that is a flat lie. (Genesis 5:2 New Jerusalem Bible) Lying to children is abominable and I will not stand for it in any school that is funded by our family's tax dollars. Furthermore, I will not stand for any school to undermine my God-given authority as a parent to my child. My children are my children. No state/government-run institution will have any authority over my children. Period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88066", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T00:21:00", "title": "Do NOT support this proposal", "text": "//The Virginia Department of Education continues to be committed to working with school divisions to ensure a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students. // This statement is among the guiding principles, however, with a cursory look at the proposal, this will not only misguide students, but also teachers. It is negative for students because they will concerned about what not to do, in constant fear of being reprimanded for making mistakes because the demands are contrary to reality. It won't be safe because the teacher's jobs are endangered for making a mistake while trying to refer to children who likely don't even understand what they're asserting. And it will not be nurturing because you're allowing children to continue to play in a virtual world when the outcomes have real world consequences. These proposed policies and ideas are not positive for students, they're not safe for teachers, and they're not nurturing for the students. We should have policies that affirm their biological identity, punish bullying period, the reason of bullying is irrelevant, and empower teachers to be caring, but realistic."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88067", "author": "A Concerned Christian Mother", "date": "2021-01-05T00:23:00", "title": "No exceptions/accommodations for anyone who doesn't go along due to their religion=Discrimination", "text": "How DARE you discriminate against anyone who believes that God made man and woman because that's what you are doing with the approval of this policy. Do not force teachers, parents and students to go along with your ideological agenda that we must all label everyone into a 'right' and 'wrong' group, further pushing society into decline and promoting division and hatred. If we do not agree with this ideology, that doesn't equal discrimination. In fact, you are the ultimate hypocrite! This policy is completely discriminatory against anyone who doesn't conform. At least try to save face and include a religious exemption. In fact, not only are you disseminating an anti-Christian mindset but remember, resulting suicides are a very real and increasing statistic in people who are transgender, and you are only fueling the fire towards it for those students who are in need of love and attention. Don't encourage the pain and suffering they are going through now. These negative outcomes occur many years later, so of course there would be no recourse on you for the damage you could potentially do with the approval of this policy. In addition, you are also absolutely overstepping your boundaries when it comes to my child's upbringing. You have no right to teach my child that this immoral behavior is okay and should be celebrated and embraced, and face consequences if you disagree. Even if he requests another pronoun, concealing this from me??...this is dangerous, besides dishonest. And by the way, isn't the education of our children supposed to concentrate on the truth about biology, not the influence on it via societal values or lack thereof? And why is it okay now to change definitions all in the name of inclusion? Diversity and inclusion means excluding those who object to ideological uniformity. There is a fundamental breakdown of our school system if you disagree with this statement. And how does this policy teach our kids to be upstanding, truthful, and moral citizens? Why is it that you do not support a strong family unit? You have totally missed the mark if you are trying to insert yourself into our homes, challenging parents' rights. In fact, you would go behind parents' backs and actually call Child Protective Services crying 'child abuse' on me because I read the Bible to my child where St. Paul writes through the power of God, the Holy Spirit, saying that this conduct is a sin. Instead, I suggest you repent for your sins and not worry about my own or my child's. God created everything, sees everything, but still forgives everyone who asks. Finally, here are TEN VALID reasons if you haven't read this already from the Virginia Family Foundation. Yeah, they are watching you too! Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12). The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression.  Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88068", "author": "Richard O'Neill", "date": "2021-01-05T00:59:00", "title": "Object to Transgenderism", "text": "A person's gender is created by God at the moment of a person's conception, and it is not subject to any human alteration. Those persons who do not accept their gender are mentally ill. They need to recognize that they are mentally ill, and not demand that everyone recognize their supposed right to create a gender for themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88069", "author": "Julie Hall, very concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-05T01:03:00", "title": "Parents should never be excluded from any aspect of their child’s education, care or well-being", "text": "The board of education Recommended standard p.12 & p.13 draft policy p.12 Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students (To our entire government, especially education department. This feels like insanity. Can we not support & care for children who are suffering from this gender dysphoria without punishing every other person for seeing reality for what it is & wanting to take care of our children & have full say in their education!? And to protect them from harmful & confusing ideologies as well as situations? Children are precious & impressionable & you’re trying to decide what is right or wrong for my child to believe (which is certainly not truly backed by any scientific evidence nor long standing moral ground) while trying to pull all parents out of the rights they should have as life creators & care takers.)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88070", "author": "Mary Gregory", "date": "2021-01-05T01:11:00", "title": "Proposed Guidelines for transgender", "text": "I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88071", "author": "Linda", "date": "2021-01-05T01:11:00", "title": "Strongly Disapprove", "text": "Moms and Dads have the moral responsibility to train up their wards not the school; I also believe biologically female girls need their privacy from biologically male boys. Our kids deserve better future and not a confused one about their identity .I totally don’t support this. Thanx."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88072", "author": "Michelle", "date": "2021-01-05T01:44:00", "title": "Do not support!", "text": "I strongly oppose this guidance! This is entirely ludicrous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88073", "author": "Faith Mills", "date": "2021-01-05T03:38:00", "title": "I DO NOT SUPPORT ANY OF THESE POLICIES!!", "text": "I DO NOT SUPPORT ANY OF THESE POLICIES!! ITS OPPORTUNITY FOR RAPE! IT SILENCES TEACHERS AND PARENTS OF THEIR RELIGION AND BELIEFS ON RASING AND TEACHING THE CHILD THE RIGHT WAY! AND IT TAKES AWAY A STRAIGHT CHILDS RIGHT OF SPEECH TO SO SAY WHAT THEY BELIEVE AND HOW THEY LOOK AT PEOPLE...HOW GOD INTENDED, MALE AS MALE AND FEMALE AS FEMALE. NOT BOTH, NOT \"WANNA BE THE OPPOSITE\". MALE AS MALE ,FEMALE AS FEMALE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88074", "author": "(Self)", "date": "2021-01-05T05:08:00", "title": "Transgender policy:  this is child abuse.", "text": "VA proposed transgender policies are child abuse and a gross violation of parental rights. These policies, if enacted will contribute to the delinquincy of minors.  The State of Virginia will be held responsible if it enacts these horrors!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88075", "author": "Timothy Buchanan", "date": "2021-01-05T05:26:00", "title": "I hotly disapprove of transgender indoctrination", "text": "The recent push toward more radical and dangerous social engineering experiments in so-called public schools is WRONG! The state must not impose its godless religion upon the good people of the Commonwealth regardless of the bogus arguments that these sinister policies are to protect children. I demand that this insanity be rejected and NOW! Public education in America has been failing with every passing year that liberalism is imposed at the expense of academia. In the name of Almighty God, Leave our kids alone!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88077", "author": "James Koehr", "date": "2021-01-05T05:30:00", "title": "Very Strongly Disapprove", "text": "Science and natural law are very clear that there are innate differences between males and females.  Quite undermining our culture by indoctrinating our children in this hateful, anti-woman ideology"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88078", "author": "Andrea Rizzo", "date": "2021-01-05T05:30:00", "title": "I support this policy", "text": "It’s time for inclusion. This policy will give a family I love the peace of mind to send their child to school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88079", "author": "John Yancey", "date": "2021-01-05T05:40:00", "title": "OPPOSE This Legislation", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation. Education is already a difficult process without adding the extra chaotic burden of dealing with these addition regulations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88080", "author": "Beth Tubbs Ford", "date": "2021-01-05T05:52:00", "title": "Please do not pass the proposed guidelines for transgender students", "text": "It app reads impossible to regulate causing more stress on teachers and staff - one more thing they have to deal with, when it should be the parents of each student who is in charge of this situation. Please do not put more responsibility on our teachers - let them do their job — teach! Thank you. Respectfully, Beth Tubbs Ford"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88081", "author": "K. Gregory", "date": "2021-01-05T05:53:00", "title": "I do not approve of this policy.", "text": "I do not approve of this policy. It takes away parent and teacher rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88082", "author": "Thomas v", "date": "2021-01-05T06:00:00", "title": "Sick agenda", "text": "the perversion that is being forced upon society is the mentally deranged writing laws for the mentally deranged.."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88083", "author": "Reagan", "date": "2021-01-05T06:00:00", "title": "This has the potential to harm many students. Please do not support!", "text": "By allowing transgender kids to use bathrooms/locker rooms that do not agree with their biological sex, you are opening up many opportunities for kids to be raped/harassed/etc., and that should not be. School is a place for learning, not pushing political agendas and causing harm to students. If I had kids, I would homeschool them out of fear for their safety. Please reconsider, and do not support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88084", "author": "D Wallace", "date": "2021-01-05T06:04:00", "title": "Removal of federal government from state schools", "text": "Time to remove children from government schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88086", "author": "NONE", "date": "2021-01-05T06:18:00", "title": "Transgender education policy", "text": "School age children don't yet know who they are -DO NOT APPROVE THIS POLICY"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88087", "author": "Mark Tinsley", "date": "2021-01-05T06:19:00", "title": "Your attempt to protect the rights of one group severely limits the rights of others", "text": "Two of the foundational institutions in American culture are the family and the church.  These polices/regulations take rights away from the family and faith communities while supposedly giving rights to the transgender population.  That is to say, you are thwarting family law and canon law by creating a form of administrative law.  This is not a wise move.  Undermining family and faith--the pillars of society--will not offer more stability for the Commonwealth.  It is a long-term recipe for social collapse.  Start down this path, and you will regret the results.  Please do not support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88088", "author": "Patricia Ward", "date": "2021-01-05T06:36:00", "title": "There are male and female", "text": "To deny that there are male and female sexes is the height of insanity! To expect CHILDREN to be able to adhere to such an OUTRAGEOUS policy should be against the law. They are TOO YOUNG to understand. I STRONGLY OBJECT to one group's rights supplanting the rights of every other child. It is unconstitutional and discriminatory."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88089", "author": "Richard Ciofani", "date": "2021-01-05T06:39:00", "title": "4.  Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be.....", "text": "1. This seems to be an infringement of separation of church and state, denying parents the right to teach, mentor and provide a stable religious upbringing, which we as citizens have a Constitutional right to do so."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88090", "author": "Richard Ciofani", "date": "2021-01-05T06:43:00", "title": "All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questione", "text": "Point 7 seems perverted and would allow a student \"without transgender issues\"  the right to voyeuristic practices of watching and/or filming students of the opposite dress, etc. These practices would likely lead to posting x-rated photos on the dark web for whatever purposes. I truly don't understand how this entire topic falls into the realm of education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88091", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T06:44:00", "title": "oppose transgender policy", "text": "Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school, and also the policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. These transgender policies are very wrong & hurtful for all involved and should not be implemented under any conditions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88092", "author": "Rick B", "date": "2021-01-05T06:45:00", "title": "STOP this MADNESS", "text": "Authority does not grant privileges, It DEMANDS  Responsibility. Will any of you \"Authorities\" take responsibility when a young girl or boy is raped or beaten because of these insane measures.  If a child commits suicide due to the confusion which these \"rules\" bring about.  Didn't think so.  School regulations are to be written to protect students and faculty.  These, however, remove viable guidelines and safety measures for the sake of an agenda that deems to dissolve individuality and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88093", "author": "Gary Kohl", "date": "2021-01-05T06:47:00", "title": "VDOE draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "The following are some of the reasons I oppose these policies Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression.  Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88094", "author": "S L Cuddy", "date": "2021-01-05T06:48:00", "title": "Confusion for All", "text": "Is it possible that children have discovered that they can extract time, effort, and attention from peers and adults around them when they claim to have gender demands?  Many children love to have their emotional needs met through attention-getting behaviors.  What would be the response of biological males being on a swim team with a biological female who identifies as male and goes topless at swim meets?  How many incidents will take place in rest rooms and locker rooms and showers when the biological opposites are mixed to achieve emotional equality, when physical equality does not exist?  Whatever has happened to protecting the innocence of children until they reach a legal age that allows them to be responsible and make decisions that will serve them well?  Society protects children through expectations regarding child care, nutrition, safety in cars, inoculations, smoking, alcohol consumption, driving, etc.  Why are we letting them, and in some instances encouraging them, to make decisions that will be devastating to them later?  Are some parents using their children for their own emotional gratification?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88095", "author": "Donna DallaVilla", "date": "2021-01-05T06:55:00", "title": "Transgender guidelines for public schools", "text": "Transgender policies in the public school forum is a direct attack to all who adhere to God given principle s.  These policies would completely undermine any parents or teachers who do not agree with them.  Not only is this not the place of the school to be promoting , it is another attempt to indoctrinate our children with an ideology that is contemptible to a majority of people.  Focus on educating the children and stop this radical trend.   If not , more and more parents will be opting out of public education as well as teachers who do not advocate this skewed thinking."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88096", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T06:56:00", "title": "Transgender guidelines", "text": "I do NOT approve this dangerous policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88097", "author": "John Gaul", "date": "2021-01-05T06:59:00", "title": "I support this", "text": "I support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88098", "author": "Holly Degn", "date": "2021-01-05T07:00:00", "title": "I do not approve of this policy.", "text": "this guidance would be harmful to our schools. This policy would punish those who do not subscribe to transgender ideology even if they are willing to treat all students equally and fairly. The science behind transgender ideology is far from settled so this policy is inappropriate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88099", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T07:00:00", "title": "I do NOT approve.", "text": "I do Not approve!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88100", "author": "Rachel", "date": "2021-01-05T07:02:00", "title": "Thought Police", "text": "Welcome to Communist Russia/China/North Korea. This is the way their oppressive societies are run. Take the parents completely out of a child's life and make the \"State\" their parent. The inmates are running the asylum. Rather than giving them a valuable education in serious, challenging subjects, you are focusing on nothing but what a student wants to be called, his or her sexual identity. You are squandering these precious and short years by preparing these children to be self-obsessed, entitled, spoiled adults of the future who think they are the center of the Universe, and who are not prepared to face any difficulty, rejection, or struggle that will happen in their lives. You are not helping them. You are crippling them while making a mockery of the public school system. But most damaging, you are destroying the family unit, which the Bible states is the way for us to grow up nurtured and loved. Woe to you who are making these insanely stupid laws."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88101", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T07:04:00", "title": "10 Reasons Why We Must REJECT This Policy", "text": "Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression.  Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88102", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T07:12:00", "title": "This is stupid", "text": "This is the dumbest thing ever"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88103", "author": "Eileen Bakke", "date": "2021-01-05T07:12:00", "title": "Policy guidelines on Transgender Students", "text": "As a parent, grandparent and educator, I want to severely object to the guidelines issued by the Commonwealth regarding transgender students. These policies directly and substantially undermine parental rights and responsibilities, granting the school personnel authority to bypass parents when dealing with their children on extremely personal and sensitive matters. Furthermore, these policies cater to the changing whims of students, making it impossible for educators to interpret and enforce these policies. Indeed, how can teachers do their jobs if they have to worry every day about being reported by an “offended” student. These policies fly in the face of biology, adult authority, and common sense. I urge you to remove this policy guidance, and allow districts, in collaboration with parents, to determine more measured and specific policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88104", "author": "Miles Akins", "date": "2021-01-05T07:18:00", "title": "draft model of proposed transgender policy", "text": "I strongly object to and urge you NOT to move forward with this proposal!  It is clearly not in line with the Constitution of the United States Amendment 1. Miles Craig Akins 121 Warwick Hills Williamsburg, VA  23188"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88105", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T07:20:00", "title": "oppose transgender legislation", "text": "Please oppose the transgender legislation.  This is putting all educators at risk as well as our students.  Our education system is in turmoil without adding this legislation! Thanks"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88106", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T07:22:00", "title": "This goes against nature, God and every human being", "text": "Stop encouraging people to indulge their every, single whim. This proposal presents a danger to 'normal' parents who acknowledge the biological reality of their child being male or female and most certainly presents danger to (yes, the more-so) vulnerable females, whose private spaces are now being invaded by males. This is completely unacceptable"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88107", "author": "Fran", "date": "2021-01-05T07:22:00", "title": "I support this document", "text": "I fully support this document and am grateful for the writers who worked so hard on it. It is a meaningful first step toward protecting the rights of transgender students in Virginia K-12 schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88108", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T07:25:00", "title": "Schools Transgender Policy", "text": "I do not support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88109", "author": "Helen Magneson", "date": "2021-01-05T07:27:00", "title": "Transgender issues I am a retired teacher, having taught", "text": "I am a retired teacher having taught grades 5-14.  Young people change their direction during those many years...hating themselves, feeling insecure, on emotional rollercoasters.  To restrict them to an opinion one day when they will change a days, weeks or months later is ridiculous.  They need to get to know themselves, make new connections and new friends, and not be indoctrinated.  Teachers and counselors need to be good listeners, giving them good advice, but not restricting them to single opinions.  They are learning what it means to be male or female.  That takes some a long time.  Many into their twenties."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88110", "author": "Kendra Sheets", "date": "2021-01-05T07:32:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "The policies that are being considered I find extremely disturbing. I do not support them as they fly in the face of common decency, my faith and beliefs  of two genders, children’s emotional stability and guidance in matters of biological gender.  I believe that those of you pushing these policies are mentally ill.  Children deserve better"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88111", "author": "Mike", "date": "2021-01-05T07:33:00", "title": "These policies can not work.", "text": "I strongly oppose these policies.  There is no way they will work.  These policies do not recognize the rights of all groups to live according to their beliefs.  School teachers and administrators cannot be expected to keep up with how each student feels about their bodies each day when that feeling can change from day to day.  the concept of male and female is a \"natural law\" that cannot be changed.  We have laws for a reason, so everyone can live together in harmony without one group having advantages that disadvantage other groups.  It's like changing other laws every day; how would we react to speed limits changing every day on the roads we use, and getting fined for breaking the law when we did not know it changed?  Wake up Virginia, use some common sense for a change and vote against these policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88112", "author": "F.", "date": "2021-01-05T07:34:00", "title": "transgender policies", "text": "I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88113", "author": "Mark Menotti", "date": "2021-01-05T07:34:00", "title": "Do NOT Support this EVER", "text": "This violates God's Natural and Divine law.  It is immoral.  It HARMS those individuals who are suffering from this dementia.  This is a psychological problem that requires compassion but not JUMPING INTO BED with someone having delusional thoughts.  It's the equivalent of \"going along\" with someone thinking they are Napoleon Bonaparte.  There are only TWO GENDERS.  Stop your insanity.  Marxist school board members bought by wealthy liberal donors are killing our education and severely harming our children.  You ought to be VERY ASHAMED of yourselves for even bringing this up.  I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS NOR WILL I EVER SUPPORT THIS.  I WILL PROTEST WITH EVERY FIBER OF MY BODY THIS INSANITY AND IMMORALITY.    NO! NO! NO! NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88114", "author": "Lisa", "date": "2021-01-05T07:38:00", "title": "Save our schools", "text": "I don't think schools should be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. My concern would be if I had a daughter and they were allowing boys in the the locker room and bathrooms of the school. You never know some kids who are not transgender will pretend to be to just get a look at a female. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. What is happening to my rights as a parent?  This is insane.  You wonder why public school enrollments are going down, this is why! here are so many chances for teachers, schools, and DOE being sued by the students, parents, or other family members by this vaguely worded \"treatment of transgender students.\". This policy would also violate the first amendment if a tea"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88115", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T07:40:00", "title": "My right to exist", "text": "All Americans are equal, well, at least we are supposed to all be equal.  Many of you in Richmond think otherwise these days.  I am a woman, and I have the right to exist in America.  This gender appropriation is morally corrupt, and I will not participate in it, ever.  To force our children to be exposed to the opposite sex in bathroom and locker room situations, to take away all Title 9 protections from females while telling them they do not have any rights is contemptible and flies in the face of all things Constitutional.  Shame on you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88116", "author": "Rena G", "date": "2021-01-05T07:42:00", "title": "DO NOT APPROVE", "text": "I would like to express my sincere disagreement with the VDOE policies to eradicate the distinction between males and females.  This is not a principle in line with science and should not be approved on any level.  Thank you for your consideration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88117", "author": "Jon U", "date": "2021-01-05T07:43:00", "title": "School Transgender Policy", "text": "I cannot suppose this policy for transgender students. It will create confusion and put teachers and administrators in a impossible positions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88118", "author": "Larry Allen", "date": "2021-01-05T07:45:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "if you want to help people you don’t help them by going along with the delusion. We can not redefine who we are based off how we feel and expect everyone to go along with that. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” ??Genesis? ?1:27? ?KJV?? if you desire to encourage these young men and women, encourage them to be would God has made them to be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88119", "author": "Shannon Doleski", "date": "2021-01-05T07:47:00", "title": "I support the model policy", "text": "I support the model policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88120", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T07:50:00", "title": "VDOE Proposed Policies", "text": "As an earlier comment indicated, these proposed policies are an assault against God--who will ultimately demand an answer if they are enacted, His natural law--not the grievously misguided whims of human law--and every human being."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88121", "author": "John Casserino", "date": "2021-01-05T07:51:00", "title": "Remove this Extreme Policy that is Changing our Culture", "text": "The only reason for such extreme changes is NOT to promote equality, but to reorient our culture to a very distorted view of nature and cause a permanent change in the lives of all children to think a particular way.  This way of thinking, transgender encouragement, has no basis in science nor humanity.  Even if it were to be a \"reasonable\" concept, which it is NOT, why is our government insisting on forcing particular language and ultimately thinking upon the next generation?  How does forcing impressionable children to accept and encourage a transgender lifestyle make us more compassionate or equal?  It doesn't.  There must be some specific desire to change our culture to laud such an upside down way of thinking - our culture is not perfect, but this policy is going in the wrong direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88122", "author": "Donald Spitz - Pro-Life Virginia", "date": "2021-01-05T07:52:00", "title": "Unholy and against the Holy Bible", "text": "I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. This is unholy and against the Holy Bible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88123", "author": "Sharon Kirk", "date": "2021-01-05T07:53:00", "title": "Transgender guidelines", "text": "What about the rights of the students who identify as male or female?  While I do believe that there MAY be individuals who are exploring their sexuality, the greater population of students and teachers will surely find this objectionable.  You are allowing the “rights” of a few to take precedence over the rights of many.  The abyss just enlarges."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88124", "author": "Kelly Klug", "date": "2021-01-05T07:57:00", "title": "Entitlement before maturity", "text": "With the changing of these guidelines and boundaries,  by allowing kids to take ownership and act without parental consent, this move allows children to become adults before they are mature enough for the responsibility.  The law has governing boundaries on driving, alcohol,  tattoos,  insurance benefits, and dependency.  These are in place because the parent is to be in a shepherding role, a training role until maturity has been reached.  By undermining this, you are claiming to be the parent.  If this is so, then where were you in the middle of the night as they cried as an infant, or where were you when we had to go school shopping and pay for materials?  How about when death hit our family,  were you there to comfort and console?  No, because that is the privilege and right given to parents and families.  A move to change such regulations places entitlement in a child's hands who will still need to run to their caregiver, their guardian, their parents when the world fails them.  Back up! Go back to the core! Let families love and love well, even walking kids through hard things."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88125", "author": "Carol", "date": "2021-01-05T07:58:00", "title": "I OPPOSE this policy - Please reject it.", "text": "Please vote against this policy.   It it neither proper or helpful to allow children to make decisions like this, especially behind their parents' backs.  It is also not constitutional to prohibit parents from teaching their children religious belief - in this case that God created gender and wrote their gender in their DNA.  This is also a dangerous open door for pedophiles of all sorts and the removal of gender pronouns is not only ridiculous but is not even natural."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88126", "author": "Jeanne M Irons", "date": "2021-01-05T08:00:00", "title": "Madness", "text": "If a person is born with a vagina, SHE is a female.  If a person is born with a penis, HE is a male.  What the person \"feels\" like on any given day DOES NOT change these FACTS.  Please stop the madness, this garbage shouldn't even be in conversation and especially NOT in education guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88127", "author": "D.H.", "date": "2021-01-05T08:00:00", "title": "Gender Dysphoria", "text": "Why would you want to do further damage to these confused students who already have mental challenges?  Legitimizing their confusion will only make matters worse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88128", "author": "Barbara", "date": "2021-01-05T08:02:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "How about teachers stick to teaching and STOP worrying about what’s in students pants, between their legs or their sexual preferences!!! It’s no ones business. Class rooms are for teaching our children math, English, history... it is NOT to be used as a platform to express ones sexuality. Teachers have enough to deal with, you shouldn’t add this ludicrous policy to their plates too!! Exactly when are they suppose  to actually find the time to  teach! I hope you realize there are now hundreds of thousands  of kids that identify with different animal species (I’m not kidding look it up, Apparently all teenagers know about this) So my question is.., where does it end???  My children are told to keep their Christian views to themselves, they weren’t even allowed to label an art picture a “Christmas tree” because it might offend someone. Well I’M offended now! So where are MY rights?  You can no longer refer to the holiday this country has always celebrated ( the birth of Christ) as  Christmas break!!  ... Freedom of  religion is what this country was founded on .... not the ever changing trends of the transgenders!! If you allow this there will be no limits to the depth we will sink. Once again the SCHOOLS are not the time or place to debate whether your son or daughter feels like a girl or boy!  If this passes... I’ll be home schooling!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88129", "author": "DNorris", "date": "2021-01-05T08:04:00", "title": "Strongly Disapprove of Transgender policy", "text": "I do not support the Transgender policies being put forth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88130", "author": "Kelly Cabana", "date": "2021-01-05T08:05:00", "title": "Do not approve VDOE Proposed Guidelines", "text": "As an educator, I do not approve of the VDOE proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88131", "author": "Aaron Taliaferro", "date": "2021-01-05T08:06:00", "title": "Schools are not parents", "text": "These guidelines replace the judgement of parents with the judgements of school administrators.  The most / the most - VA should do is take a Libertarian position on the issue - allowing each family to do as they wish with respect to identity.    The idea that a school could be allowed and sanctioned by the state to choose a child’s wishes over the guidance of parents is a terrible precedent to even consider. With respect to access to facilities, biology not self identification needs to be determinant for minors. Furthermore, these guidelines run roughshod over the religious beliefs of any school employee who believes in biology as the way identity is determined in accordance with a designed order established by a creator.  Male and female is not as fluid as these guidelines allow for."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88132", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T08:10:00", "title": "Dissaprove of this policy", "text": "This policy is very concerning, and in violation of individual rights and the rights of family. You are in essence forcing staff and students to agree with your politics with no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. You are also undermining parental authority, by lying or withholding information from parents about their own children. Please reconsider your position on an ever changing cultural and political ideology norm. Focus on what your role as educators, or you might find yourself with a mass exodus from the public school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88133", "author": "Henry Bromley", "date": "2021-01-05T08:11:00", "title": "This is child abuse", "text": "These children need mental help. We are encoded with DNA, and biology just is. Parents need to be held accountable for abusing their children by promoting self-mutilation, and medical providers need to be sued for malpractice (mental health is now a joke). Also, women should be outraged. 100 years of since women's suffrage, only to be replaced by men dressing as women. Stop reverse discrimination!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88134", "author": "Aaron", "date": "2021-01-05T08:12:00", "title": "Freedom of Speech?", "text": "I do not feel that these policies reflect the freedoms and tolerance for everyone. By requiring others be subject to disciplinary action for their freedom of expression is unconstitutional. If we are advocating for tolerance, then it should be reflective of everyone's freedoms and not limiting for some. If someone wants to be referred to in a certain way, they can and should introduce themselves to people in that manner. Coersing people to use certain language"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88135", "author": "Dana Adams", "date": "2021-01-05T08:14:00", "title": "I support the draft guidance.", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially LGBTQ youth. All students deserve a safe, accepting, and inclusive educational experience in Virginia public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88136", "author": "C R", "date": "2021-01-05T08:14:00", "title": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE THESE POLICIES", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE THESE POLICIES WHICH ARE DANGEROUS, LUDICROUS AND STRAIGHT FROM THE PIT OF HELL. REPENT, LAWMAKERS OF VIRGINIA! YOU WILL BURN IN HELL FOR ETERNITY IF YOU DON'T REPENT. HELL IS FOREVER. REPENT. ALMIGHTY GOD DOES NOT CONDONE BRAINWASHING AND CREATING INSIDIOUS LIES TO CONFUSE THE MINDS OF INNOCENT CHILDREN. JESUS SAID IT IS BETTER FOR SOMEONE TO BE THROWN INTO THE SEA WITH A LARGE MILLSTONE THAN TO CAUSE ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES TO STUMBLE. WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TO THE NEXT GENERATION???"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88137", "author": "Lisa Kratz Thomas", "date": "2021-01-05T08:17:00", "title": "God doesn’t make mistakes!", "text": "Totally against transgender policies in school.  I believe these kids need counseling not policies to support the craziness.  How can a child possibly make a decision in elementary or middle school that will effect their entire life?  Ask yourself if you thinking or worldview has changed since you were a kid?  What is wrong with you people????  Protect our children - they should be thinking about playing outside and riding bikes not sexuality!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88138", "author": "Beverly", "date": "2021-01-05T08:18:00", "title": "Transgender pronouns", "text": "Seeing as humans are born with a gender which does not transition from one to another or several or many of transition from one to another and back , common sense dictates the use of generally accepted pronouns such as have been used since the beginning of speech and language known to the individuals who are speaking and all their ancestors, it is disingenuous to allow, promote,  insist that generally accepted norms of speech and language be subject to ridiculous, ludicrous, and disingenuous uses for commonly understood terms such as he, she, and so on. Please do not support this lunacy of using male and female pronouns in such a manner as to subject common sense to impossibly devolved rules and regulations. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88139", "author": "Larry Simpson", "date": "2021-01-05T08:23:00", "title": "Draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "Do not approve proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions male and female and indoctrinate our school children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88140", "author": "Bishop Darryl Husband", "date": "2021-01-05T08:24:00", "title": "I disagree/disapprove and am disappointed in this policy. Where are we headed as a city, co nation?", "text": "While I am of the mind and heart that we must love all people, I am also challenged by our push to change laws and policies to force all of us to ignore our God given gender and be subject to address every person as they decide they want to be that day. It is a slippery slope. The family and humanity as a whole is moving further as further away from its intended creation and purpose. Our identity is not subject to a vote, even by us personally. We didn’t have anything to do with our gender when we were conceived. How do we get to determine what it becomes after we get here, unless we have become God?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88141", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T08:29:00", "title": "Do not approve", "text": "This proposed legislation is very concerning.  I urge you to oppose it.  It supports one point of view at the expense of all others.  This will hurt our schools and students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88142", "author": "Sheran Rigg", "date": "2021-01-05T08:33:00", "title": "Draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. Education is your job, not indoctrination. Please stop those who are trying to pervert our children by manipulating their thought processes and \"feelings\" with dangerous and harmful rules that are nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88143", "author": "Pamela Bishop", "date": "2021-01-05T08:35:00", "title": "Disapprove of Transgender school policy proposals", "text": "I disagree with the transgender policies and vehemently with those that specifically remove parents from the discussion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88144", "author": "Concerned Cititzen", "date": "2021-01-05T08:39:00", "title": "Strongly Do Not Approve of Transgender Policies", "text": "The proposed transgender policies are not helpful to anybody. It will only create an environment where everyone lives in fear. All persons are entitled to respect and dignity because they are human, not because they identify with one ideology or another. These proposed policies only create fear and mistrust in our schools.  The only benefit that I can see is that it will drive more parents and children to private schools or home schooling, where they should be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88145", "author": "Gary embrey", "date": "2021-01-05T08:41:00", "title": "School transgender policies", "text": "I do not agree with these proposed policies.  Please do not approve"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88146", "author": "Melody CHellis", "date": "2021-01-05T08:42:00", "title": "Transgender Students nonsense", "text": "I DO NOT agree with this preposterous policy. This is poison to a child's mind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88147", "author": "A Concerned Virginia Citizen", "date": "2021-01-05T08:46:00", "title": "A Concerned Virginia Citizen", "text": "I am writing to protest the bizarre and harmful transgender policies now being considered.  A child is born male or female and this does not change because said child (or adult) wishes otherwise.  To act as if this were the case, that biological sex can be changed at a whim, is dangerous.  It is harmful to both the child and to society.  Please consider the consequences of your actions if you continue down this path. Sincerely, A Concerned Virginia Citizen"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88148", "author": "John Lewis", "date": "2021-01-05T08:49:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed guidelines.  God created male and female."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88149", "author": "Cheryl", "date": "2021-01-05T08:50:00", "title": "Do not support, too much power to schools/government, dangerous precedent", "text": "These policy proposals give schools too much power. Not telling parents their child will be sharing a bathroom/locker room with someone of the opposite sex possibly putting many at risk, forcing teachers to report parents who the child says isn't supportive (child could lie), no mention of providing mental health help to the child or allowing parents to do what's best for their child..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88150", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T08:51:00", "title": "NO, I DISAGREE FULLY", "text": "NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. this is sick and disgusting. For those that choise this path that is their choice but to push this on our kids like this is sick and twisted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88151", "author": "Linda Fair", "date": "2021-01-05T08:56:00", "title": "I strongly disagree", "text": "This is up to the parents not educators and is the most ridiculous thing I have heard. It’s not up to the schools to educate kids and to punish the parents for disagreeing"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88152", "author": "Marcy", "date": "2021-01-05T08:57:00", "title": "Do not approve", "text": "I do not approve the proposed guidelines for schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88153", "author": "Phong Nguyen", "date": "2021-01-05T08:58:00", "title": "Policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I strongly disapprove of all policies. They are harmful to all students and destructive to families. These abusive policies instill fear in the students. Schools are educational and nurturing environments. These policies have no place in public schools or anywhere in America."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88154", "author": "Anita Zimmerman", "date": "2021-01-05T08:59:00", "title": "Transgender Legislation", "text": "I strongly urge you NOT to support the proposed new transgender guidelines. They would jeopardize the safety of children in dressing rooms and bathrooms, take away the rights of parents to guide their own children, and actually encourage children to explore \"alternative lifestyles.\"  Forcing students and faculty to use non-gender pronouns also hampers free speech and helps to break down the God-given differences between males and females."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88155", "author": "Seth Houser", "date": "2021-01-05T09:02:00", "title": "I do NOT support!", "text": "If you believe for one minute that any sane father or mother would be okay with their daughter(s) changing in a locker room/restroom with a biological male, you're out of your mind. If these laws go into effect, the only thing a young straight man has to do is claim he \"feels\" like a girl and then nothing can be done about his entry into any women's locker room he pleases. This is going to end up putting our young women at risk of (at the least) unwanted sexual attention and no right or grounds to complain about it at all. I ask you, \"HOW IS THIS EMPOWERING FOR WOMEN?!\" As a society, we tell all women (and rightly so) that if they are being taken advantage of, they need to stand up for themselves and reach out for help. How would this legislation help that? It wouldn't! There is absolutely nothing stopping a man who has ill intent from simply walking into a women's locker room and taking advantage of the situation. As a future father, I VEHEMENTLY oppose this legislation through and through. That's just how I feel about page 18. The rest of the legislation takes away a parent's ability to parent due to the fact that the state is allowed to hide all manner of conversations regarding sexual orientation from ever reaching the ear of the parent. Absolutely ridiculous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88156", "author": "Concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-05T09:02:00", "title": "Forced Speech", "text": "This is a complex issue and I certainly recognize that those who don't believe that their gender conforms with their sex must find navigating through school challenging. However, this response is not only ultimately damaging for them, but also a real abrogation of the rights of others. In no other situation do we allow minors to make an assertion and force adults to accept it without question. Adults have a responsibility to direct, guide and nurture  youth through difficult experiences. This proposal forces adults to be negligent in that duty. Further, despite citing the first amendment right of freedom of speech, no thought appears to be given to the very notion of forcing school staff to speak a certain way. Is there any other time we force people to use words they believe to be false? This proposal will only deepen divisions in our state and country and further alienate many people from the public school system. I wholeheartedly call on you to reject this guidance document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88157", "author": "Joe Carley", "date": "2021-01-05T09:03:00", "title": "Please not not approve this - horrible policy", "text": "This policy is offensive and is not intended to protect anyone from harassment but to actually harass and intimidate children and isolate them from their family values."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88158", "author": "Donna Lauderdale", "date": "2021-01-05T09:03:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Dear Members of the Virginia Department of Education, It is appalling to me that you are suggesting transgender policies for the public schools of Virginia that are so disruptive and unenforceable. It appears that you believe that all students are perfect examples of humanity who never take advantage of a situation to create problems for others, particularly those in authority. Do you honestly believe that students will not say they have changed gender just to annoy a teacher or administrator from day to day? Do you really believe that teenage boys seeking a sexual thrill are not going to invade a girls' restroom or locker room just because they can by saying they are transgender? Do really want to create the scenario where a student who is unhappy with a grade or a criticism from a teacher can force the dismissal of a teacher on the basis that their gender has not been respected--with no substantiation? How many teachers' lives have been destroyed by unsubstantiated claims of \"sexual harassment\" in the past? What are you thinking when you suggest that all parents (other than yourselves of course) are a threat to the identity of their children? That parents should not be notified when a child is making a life changing, possibly life-threatening decision is ludicrous. If a child has a fever, a sore throat, or any number of other minor illnesses, teachers, school administrators are expected to notify the parents immediately. Why not here? Do you assume that most parents, outside the VDOE, do not love their children and want what is best for them in their lives? Children with legitimate identity issues need help, particularly psychological help, from as many sources as possible. Children who are taking advantage of a situation, such as these proposed policies, to create problems for others or just to pull a prank, should not be given opportunity to do so in the name of equality or social justice. There is no equality or justice in destroying lives of other people, on a teenage whim. Policies should be equitable to all--teachers, students and administrators. These proposals are not. If implemented they will create infinite discord in classrooms at all levels, but particularly at the middle and high school levels. Go back to the drawing board. Put yourself and your family in the middle of this situation and come up with policies that make sense and help more than hurt the children and families of Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88159", "author": "Ronald Spanton", "date": "2021-01-05T09:04:00", "title": "VDOE draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "This subject is not something that should be addressed by the state or the school system. Parents should be left to deal with this entirely as they are responsible for their children, not the state. The very idea that someone can be other than what they were born, male or female is ludicrous. This is another example of government overreach, and a loss of freedom, and it is based on a lie. Concentrate education on math, history, science, english and other such useful skills."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88160", "author": "Chuck Robb", "date": "2021-01-05T09:06:00", "title": "Violation of God Created order", "text": "These comments are targeted at the gender issue that should not be an issue we are discussing.  Crazy to think that we are... God has created two genders that we see in Genesis Male & Female.  To teach our children differently is to disregard the scripture and will lead to God bringing judgement on us as a commonwealth in an even greater way.  If an individual chooses to participate then let that judgment fall on them. But if we begin to legally agree or allow through governmental approval we will bring then judgment upon our state. Think logically.  Where will this leave humanity in 50 years when our children have had a sex change and can no longer produce offspring? This is where this is leading. Governmental approval without the parents consent for a sex change. Would you be here is you parents were allowed to have hormonal injections? Our children need to be taught truth from God's word.  This is the Truth that has lasted for generations.  Do your history and see what happened to Sodom & Gomorrah in the middle east.  It was destroyed - completely. I am not the best at communication via text, I hope that I have made a brief, but clear point. Thank you"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88161", "author": "Kathleen Cantwell", "date": "2021-01-05T09:09:00", "title": "Policy for Transgendered Students", "text": "I am opposed to these policies. First of all, any policy from the Department of \"Education\" that refers to \"sex assigned at birth\" needs to be put on hold until our \"educators\" can review basic biology. Sex is determined by chromosomes - not a doctor or mid-wife crying out \"It's a boy!\" or \"It's a girl!\" Well before genitalia develops, the XX or XY chromosomes are already in place to determine the sex of the child. Obviously, this policy is not about biological sex but perceived gender. The language should still reflect science accurately where possible. Since gender by today's standards is prone to change at a moment's notice with no obvious outward signals, asking educators to address such a fluid issue is too much of a burden to place on anyone. I suggest we agree to acknowledge some children may feel differently from their appearance but while they are a child, stick with what is knowable and defined. We place age limits on many issues that require a minimum amount of experience and maturity. Let's decide gender \"choices\", at least within the confines of our schools, must wait until post high school. Is that fair? It's reasonable. Children learn to wait for a whole host of opportunities until an appropriate age or the completion of basic schooling. Meanwhile, let's educate our children and leave parents or counselors to address typical sexual or \"gender\" confusion and questions - not teachers! If these policies are approved, we will lose many good teachers who simply will not be able work within the scope of these requirements - not because they are hateful, but because it is an impossibility. I suggest we get back to figuring out the basic mission of the schools and work on addressing that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88162", "author": "Richard Spencer", "date": "2021-01-05T09:09:00", "title": "Strongly disapprove of the Transgender draft policies being presented", "text": "I do not approve of the draft model policies on transgender being presented by the VDOE.  These radical ideas go against all of the norms of human history and would have been inconceivable if introduced even as little as a decade ago.  The confusion for our children precipitated by such policies will be devastating and ultimately history will show such policies if enacted, to be a huge divergence from any reasonable societal governance, contradicting social mores and norms of human development and leading beyond repair for many of our youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88163", "author": "Rick Brown", "date": "2021-01-05T09:10:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Please represent all of the population of Virginia as not everyone agrees with these policies. I'm in favor of caring for ALL in our state, no matter where they \"land\" on this topic."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88164", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T09:11:00", "title": "Disapprove", "text": "It is angering that this is what the Virginia Assembly was working on while the rest of us were locked down due to the pandemic.  Truly using a crisis to government advantage.  This guidance document is very one sided and doesn't seem to explore other view points. The document seems to assume that: 1.) The state and strangers at school know what is better for children than their own parents and 2.)  That children make the best decisions.  I think most can agree that these assumptions are false.  These suggested policies do not take into consideration the feelings of males and females that are being subjected to the so called trans in their bathroom, locker room, or sports team.  I know being trans is fairly \"trendy\" right now.  Gender should not be a trend.  I think these agendas are forgetting how serious these types of decisions are.  Gender decisions can have life long consequences and should not be left up to a child and the state, which is kind of what these policies are suggesting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88165", "author": "Julie Keenan", "date": "2021-01-05T09:11:00", "title": "Do Not Approve Proposed Transgender Guidelines", "text": "Please do not approve the proposed transgender guidelines! Students in elementary and secondary schools are children. They are growing and going through so many hormone changes and super-impressionable stages. By taking away more parental rights about what our young impressionable minds learn about and are exposed to leaves parents in the dark when their child comes home confused about things they should never be learning about at such young ages. The extremely small percentage of people that consider themselves transgender do not warrant any changes in our children's schools. We should always be on the lookout for bullying as no child should be bullied or brutally bullied as was my case. We need to remember that as children are growing and going through puberty they are and will be confused about themselves often. These feelings will not be solidified until they are in their twenties, not when they are 10! With the extremely small percentage of people with these feelings, we cannot bully the other 99.999 percent because one or two kids in a school feel this way. By allowing them to use the teacher's bathrooms the problem is solved. Now if the 30 percent of children that are bullied and feel like they have to do something, \"or else\", could get this much attention! Bullying in general has not been handled in any meaningful way! We cannot take away any parental rights, or interfere with their religious views. Every parent has the right to oversee every part of their child's education and their life choices until they are an adult!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88166", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T09:11:00", "title": "I do NOT approve of these regulations.", "text": "In regards to the transgender policy, I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88167", "author": "Steve", "date": "2021-01-05T09:13:00", "title": "Illogical, unscientific, a set up for teacher abuse by trans students", "text": "This policy flies in the face of biblical truth and is, therefore, inherently unconstitutional.  “ So God created man ( people ) in His own image, in the image of God, He created him, male and female He created them.”  Genesis 1:27. ESV A teacher or student with a Judeo-Christian foundation will be subject to discriminatory behavior by those claiming to be \"trans\".  Male one day, female the next, neither the day after, both, who knows?   Students who are accused will not have the right to have their parents present to defend them.  This is discrimination.   Our society has been moving to eliminate discrimination by eliminating labels, such as oriental, colored, poor, disabled, retarded, etc. And this has been good.  Now, labels are all important if you are trans!  Illogical.  All people should be treated with respect.   In a society that constantly screams “ follow the science\", and \"I believe in science\", when it comes to the 'trans' population, science is totally ignored.  Does anyone even remember basic biology?   This policy is rife with problems that will only cause more confusion, conflict, legal issues, and a further undermining of an already troubled education system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88168", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T09:14:00", "title": "Stay out of the family-Do Not Approve", "text": "Government has no right to force this into the family. This is extreme and ridiculous. Government needs to focus on more important issues."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88169", "author": "Marlin Sharp", "date": "2021-01-05T09:17:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88170", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T09:23:00", "title": "I do NOT support this", "text": "These regulations not only defy science, they also would not be good for the well-being of students. Discussions about student's feelings about their gender should be conducted with parents/guardians and their doctors, not teachers. Teachers should not be forced to violate their closely-held religious or personal convictions about LGBTQ+ issues, and espeically not without the knowledge of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88171", "author": "Ann Haymes", "date": "2021-01-05T09:23:00", "title": "Disapproval of transgender policies.", "text": "I strongly disapprove of the direction that the VDOE is taking with the transgender.  These regulations are very dangerous on so many levels and are not realistic in any setting especially the classroom. Parents must raise their children not allow the State the control. PLEASE REVOKE THESE REGULATIONS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88172", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T09:24:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "This is perhaps the most ridiculous thing I have ever read.  These suggested regulations would be impossible to follow for anyone.  Not to mention they are ABSURD.  Why don't we just let the CHILDREN be in charge?!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88173", "author": "Angie Johnson", "date": "2021-01-05T09:24:00", "title": "Do Not Approve Proposed Transgender Guidelines", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88174", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T09:24:00", "title": "DO NOT support", "text": "“Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of ALL students in states of undress. Now, you have moved to discriminate against ALL students as they would not be able to express being uncomfortable with changing in the same room as someone of the opposite gender. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action.  This is absurd."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88175", "author": "Patrice Smith", "date": "2021-01-05T09:29:00", "title": "DO NOT APPROVE transgener guidelines", "text": "I do not support the guidelines being proposed for transgender students. Please do not pass this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88176", "author": "Amy Herrera", "date": "2021-01-05T09:29:00", "title": "I do NOT support", "text": "I will sue if a my sons are put into inappropriate situations. You can not and should not jeopardize the majority to support the .5%"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88177", "author": "Esther Toppin", "date": "2021-01-05T09:31:00", "title": "Do not approve the transgender policy", "text": "I do not approve of the transgender policy.  It is unfair to everyone except the student.  The teachers will never know what gender the student is on any given day.  The teachers have enough to deal with on a daily basis and do not need the distraction of having the students decide what gender they want to be today.  Also, teachers are not being given the option of opting out of the policy even if it goes against their conscience. The bathrooms and shower areas should be restricted to the students that are biologically the gender they were born with.  Otherwise boys or girls could be deciding on a gender to be voyeuristic.  Students would have no privacy as they undress or shower or use the bathroom. Gender discussions should be done at home with the parents.  Students are still under the guidance of the parents they live with, and the school should not have the authority to undermine that.  Parents might not even be aware their child has a gender problem if this is allowed by the school.  Students might be unduly influenced to make gender decisions by their peers when they really had no inclinations to do it on their own. Giving the minority rights that take away rights from the majority do not seem to be in the best interest of equality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88178", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T09:31:00", "title": "Indoctrination", "text": "It is hard to believe that a Governor/Doctor spent all those years studying medicine and does not recognize the implication of this overt indoctrination. I spent many years in the military with transgenders and gay, as the govenrment used the military as an opportunity for experimentation.   I defended then and still defend the ability for them to freely participate like everyone else, but reject that being gay or transgender has anything to do with their qualification/s. I have participated in Training and Development as a career for 50 years; in the federal goverment, State Government, Business and Industry, and the local school system.  This blatent indoctrination will contribute nothing to developing a ready work force or a stronger nation. I am opposed to the government forcing me to act or not act in a certain way (allowing that it does not infringe upon other people's God-given, constitutional rights), particularly when they restrict my access to information. Ignoring physical differences and particularly the impact it will have on children is more than egregious."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88179", "author": "Sam Harris", "date": "2021-01-05T09:33:00", "title": "100% Support as a parent and human being", "text": "I am a parent of three Albemarle County students and I fully support the proposed policies. As a parent of a non-binary child, this gives me hope that he will feel comfortable learning and growing at school. As a human being, this gives me hope that we will continue to move forward in a world that is less discriminating towards anyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88180", "author": "Joyce", "date": "2021-01-05T09:33:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "Absolutely DO NOT agree with the proposed recommendations for my children and/or grandchildren."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88181", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T09:35:00", "title": "Do not approve", "text": "I do NOT approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  I pay school taxes so my children can be educated in academics, not indoctrinated into young radicals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88182", "author": "barb argoe", "date": "2021-01-05T09:36:00", "title": "definitely oppose this...very harmful for all..transgender issue", "text": "Oppose this transgender school policy which is totally immortal and totally not appropriate for the school or the government to meddle into."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88183", "author": "Kathleen Jones", "date": "2021-01-05T09:38:00", "title": "Reverse Discrimination", "text": "VDOE's proposed transgender policies result in reverse discrimination toward those who identify by their birth gender and only furthers the confusion of those transgender individuals who cannot decide whether they are male or female or both or neither or..... whatever they want to be.  Sometimes a society MUST draw the line because you CANNOT satisfy every individual's 'whim' of the day.  Birth gender has been accepted as the norm by our society since its inception without significant issues.  I am sure there is a reasonable alternative without punishing the majority who accept the gender with which they are born with such ridiculous policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88184", "author": "Opal Morgan", "date": "2021-01-05T09:41:00", "title": ".How can professing educated people promote transgenderism?  Crazy!", "text": "How can we, professing educated adults, support this illness of gender dysphoria? Transgender is an illness.  The children, specifically ages 0-21, are not physically or cognitively capable of choosing their gender after conception.  Simply put... none of us can biologically change our gender.  It is naturally impossible and, if you really seek evidence, it is medically impossible. So, my question remains: How can we, supposedly educated adults, support this illness of gender dysphoria? Transgender is an illness.  The job of the education system is to educate students with ‘truth’ not deform their minds promoting their deformed ‘ideas’ or ‘obsessions’ (i.e. ‘I don’t want to be a girl/boy.’ ‘I am fat, ugly, stupid.  I am not valued so I’ll just commit suicide.’ etc). Is anorexia a supported ‘idea’ in the education of our children or is it presented as an ‘eating disorder’?  Note: It is a proven eating disorder caused by mental illness. Many more such proven examples can be presented to debunk the transgender agenda (i.e. drug abuse, alcoholism, pedophilia, etc.). We the People must return to the simple and teach the children intellectually not promote their ideas and/or the deformed ideas of cancel culture groups that could care less about the children and the family unit. This bill will only promote the illness and ultimate destruction and death of the children and their families suffering with its physical, mental, and emotional effects. Should you need evidence of studies to prove the above, do your homework.  You are the elected official put in office by “We the People”.... do your due diligence and defend the children and their families suffering with transgenderism.  Do not be negligent to deny it as an illness and get help to the children suffering with the promotion of their developmental ‘ideas’ which cause them harm. When we entertain ideas, do we not promote them? Kinda crazy to think that we as a society are even debating such a simple issue that, bluntly put, merely needs solid counseling from God fearing parents, families, teachers, counselors, politicians, etc.     PERIOD Prayers, Opal Morgan Colossians 3:23-24 Ephesians 6"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88185", "author": "Carl Russell", "date": "2021-01-05T09:44:00", "title": "Vehemently Disapprove of this policy", "text": "I cannot believe the corruption of values at VDOE has come to this.  Proponents of this policy need to be removed from the public trust as they have clearly demonstrated they are not fit to be near our children, let alone be in a position of influence of our education system. If common sense and a God-given conscience cannot make this clear to any thinking citizen, then listing each reason in specifics is a waste of time.  But for those who need reasons spelled out; please refer to The Family Foundation and their clear-headed list of concerns about this horrible expansion of immorality and social sickness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88186", "author": "Charlie", "date": "2021-01-05T09:46:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "Forcing Educational systems to mandate speech is a violation of both the US and Virginia Constitutions.  These policies are inherently impossible to enforce or if enforced will violate an individuals due process rights.   Additionally, these policies will forcefully remove an individuals right to privacy.   Finally, the cost of litigation will be borne on the backs of taxpayers who are already burdened by excessive taxation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88187", "author": "Alice Roddy", "date": "2021-01-05T09:47:00", "title": "Policies for the treatment of transgendered students", "text": "The proposed rules or standards for the treatment of transgendered students will open the flood gates of dissention, chaos, and lawsuits. The legitimate interests of all the parties have not been considered in the rush to attend one particular subset. For example, these policies ignore rights of freedom of thought and religion. They assert as fact that \"gender identity is an innate part of a person's identity\" but offer no evidence to the truth of this assertion. They propose isolating and excluding parents who may have information about the student unavailable to school personnel and such ignorance may result in harm to the student. The policies assume good motivation on the part of all claiming transgender status without considering that some may have salacious or other motivation in making such claims. On the other hand, the policies assume bad motivation of the part of anyone who has difficulty complying. Our habitual language doesn't change on a dime and use of the \"wrong\" pronoun is as likely to be a slip as to be intentional. Anxiety about being accused of harassment may cause some to avoid speaking to or about anyone transgendered, excluding them in order to protect oneself. These policies are like gasoline on the fires of the culture wars. They will also result in an exodus from the public schools to safer environs. Given the number of people who have left due to the COVID shutdowns, do the schools want to lose more?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88188", "author": "Philip Bramblet", "date": "2021-01-05T09:48:00", "title": "MANY MORE WILL REMOVE THEIR KIDS FROM PUBLIC SCHOOLS", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the proposed guidelines for transgender students in our schools. These guidelines are tyrannical, unscientific, and morally wrong. Any boy could claim to be a girl and go into the girl's locker room. Students could sleep together on overnight outings and teachers would be unable to object or inform parents about it. It puts students at risk instead of protecting them. It is not based on real science, but is directly opposed to science. It does not reflect the majority views of our society. It forces people to use certain speech at risk of punishment, which is tyranny. Most importantly, it violates God's moral standards and encourages sexual perversion. People who are confused about their gender have a psychological disorder, and the rest of society should not be forced to participate in their confusion. They should be protected and treated with dignity as human beings, but these policies are not about protection. They are forcing a worldview that many of us do not agree with. You will continue to lose many students from the public school system if you push this agenda. You are hurting and not helping your students, families, and society as a whole. I oppose these guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88189", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T09:48:00", "title": "NO", "text": "NO . I am so sadden to hear this is being considered.  As part of the Church, I apologize for allowing the world to create bandaids instead of healing and deliverance.  This is an issue the Church has yet to understand as well as the world.  First and foremost this is a sin issue, which means it's an reflection of an individual's decision being brought to light and instead of repentance, that individual is trying to force their views on others. God created sex to allow His creation to \"produce after its kind.\" When anything is misused, it causes harm. I acknowledge since the fall of mankind, the things God has called good have been perverted. God's laws were created to protect us not control us. Many of these children are victims of abuse. A better idea is to help them heal and discover who they were created to be. Teach our children to except themselves as well as the fact we all are different.  No longer allow what we do - our actions and choices be the component in which we define ourselves. We are created and defined by God for His purpose.  When we fall short, He forgives and shows us a better way to ensure a blessed life as well as safety. Live a life of intentional forgiveness not bitterness. Teach the children the identity of God based upon His word, then they will understand who they are. God is love and desires good not evil to permeate our lives. For the sake of each child - yours included, VOTE NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88190", "author": "Kristie Parkinson", "date": "2021-01-05T09:49:00", "title": "Policies are not scientifically based-ridiculous", "text": "I strongly do not agree with these guidelines. I have a master's degree in biology and this is so completely radical that even radicals should be ashamed of it. It is not for the welfare of the individual, the family, or society to allow these policies to exist. From a scientific standpoint, this is absolutely crazy and whoever came up with this needs to check actual bone fide science to see that these policies will do more harm than good in every respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88191", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T09:51:00", "title": "Transgenderism:  Why are we lying to our children?  Boys are boys and girls are girls.  Period.", "text": "It is not right to teach our children that they can be other than the way they are born.  You cannot change the truth into whatever you desire.  What is natural is natural and what is unnatural is at the least, a strange hybrid, and at the most, an outright abomination. It is not right to expect parents to allow their children to be used as experiments by the medical community, the psychologists, the atheists, and the pedophiles.  It is not right to subject children to the horrors of sexual exploitation in the name of education.  People don't have to be educated about how to have sex or what kind of sex to have.  A proper education would be to instruct children on how to protect their own body from unwanted demands or invasions.  A teen-aged child should hear about abstinence, not excess. Since we supposedly want everyone to be heard, why don't (or won't) you hear the voices of those who object to transgender policy making?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88192", "author": "Scott Jones", "date": "2021-01-05T09:52:00", "title": "Do not support at any level", "text": "How is this considered a compromise when one side if forcing their agenda/rules/beliefs with complete disregard for the other's views or beliefs.  Since this is done with tax payer money in a public (meaning for the people) then this should be placed on a ballots and voted for."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88193", "author": "Margaret Tate Leftwich", "date": "2021-01-05T09:55:00", "title": "NO", "text": "I do not agree with current proposed gender-identity policies.  We need to protect our children and allow them to grow up to freely discover for themselves who they were created to become."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88194", "author": "Nola Miller", "date": "2021-01-05T09:55:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the draft guidance put forth by the VDOE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88195", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T09:56:00", "title": "None of your constituents want this. Will you actually listen?", "text": "Are you actually going to appease this tiny segment of the population with obviously mental issues when 99% of your constituents are opposed to it? You are putting school districts, teachers, and other students in a huge trick bag and setting everyone up for huge lawsuits when this handful of kids decide to change their pronouns from day to day. The fact that we are even having to discuss this nonsense is sickening."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88196", "author": "Mr Peters", "date": "2021-01-05T10:00:00", "title": "Transgender polocies", "text": "If you continue with this change in policies you are creating a system that robs parents and students of their constitutional and religious rights. Parents will continue to move to home schooling and everyone will have lost their right to freedom of speech as they will not be allowed to disagree with a moral issue. Your agency doesn't have the authority to stop our rights by preventing our freedom of speech and freedom of religion so this will end up in the courts while the state cannot afford the costs of defending this illegal action. Honor and represent all the citizens of Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88197", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-05T10:02:00", "title": "I do not approve", "text": "I do not approve of the guidelines for transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88198", "author": "Quintin McClellan", "date": "2021-01-05T10:03:00", "title": "Transgenderism will destroy the school system", "text": "I am strongly opposed to adopting any such policy on transgenderism Genesis 1:27 reads, \"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.\" Why is this basic human concept, male and female, up for debate?  This proposal will not leave it up to debate.  It will decide against the will of the people and parents and dictate what it is we are to believe and how we are to act.  It will tell parents what is acceptable.  It is no less than a trojan horse of immense proportion that goes beyond the schoolyard directly into our homes and threatens the way we raise our children. One example of the far reaching consequences of such policies would be that parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Not since the beginning of human existence has there been a threat to the understanding of human sexuality as male and female. You don't have to be a Christian to understand this truth. The fact that all people are either male or female is in harmony with natural law which every reasonable person accepts. The hypocracy of this effort to re-define human sexuality is in fact that it excludes the area of athletics. What? How on earth do you choose where you want to apply this policy and where you don't?  The implications are obvious.  But don't think it will stop at athletics.  If it all started in the bathrooms and locker rooms it will not stop until it has encompassed every facet of our children's lives, on and off the field and in and out of our schools and homes.  Something tells me they aren't learning about the dangers of Marxism is history class."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88199", "author": "Charles G", "date": "2021-01-05T10:03:00", "title": "Transgender \"Pro-Nouns\"", "text": "What is the matter with you people?  You just keep getting even weirder.  What parent is OK with this \"pronoun\" nonsense?  You claim a belief in science - then practice it and acknowledge there are TWO genders.  There IS no \"third\" or any other gender whether you believe it or not. We do NOT need more thought police on the left."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88200", "author": "Jenny Turner", "date": "2021-01-05T10:06:00", "title": "Wholeheartedly Support", "text": "I've been a teacher for 10 years, a parent for 14 and I am proud to support this guidance. Though my own children do not identify as LGBTQ+, they have friends who do. It is of the utmost importance that all students are able to attend school safely and learn in an inclusive environment.  Most people can and WANT to do the right thing, but lack the knowledge, understanding or support to do so. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88201", "author": "Rob", "date": "2021-01-05T10:08:00", "title": "Sure, don't tell parents", "text": "You continue your assault on families. There is no scientific basis as others have mentioned. I think the Harvard/MIT study regarding a \"gay gene\" bears this out. “It’s effectively impossible to predict an individual’s sexual behavior from their genome,” said Neale, the director of genetics in the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School (HMS)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88202", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T10:11:00", "title": "Objections To Policies", "text": "I believe these policies place an undo burden upon teachers to comply with ever shifting goal posts. Teachers could be culpable for “perceived” discrimination, with many portions of these policies removing the parent from having knowledge of the child’s situation/mindset. I believe education starts at home, and to think parents would be removed from having the most intimate knowledge of their child would not protect the child, but rather create further divisions between parent and child. I cannot support these policies due to the administrative and daily burden it would create, as well as the ethical complication of removing the parent from parenting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88203", "author": "Roanoke County Citizen", "date": "2021-01-05T10:13:00", "title": "I DO NOT SUPPORT", "text": "I adamantly do not support this bill!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88204", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T10:16:00", "title": "Stop this nonsense.", "text": "I do not support this waste of time and money."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88205", "author": "Leanne Fox", "date": "2021-01-05T10:16:00", "title": "I support these model policies.", "text": "I support the draft guidance supplied by VDOE. Both my children are public school students in Virginia. I am disheartened to see the number of vitriolic and hateful comments here, but I know I should not be. People fear what they do not understand, and the first step in understanding is creating a safe atmosphere for people to learn. It is impossible to learn more -- at school, or about our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters -- when 84% of any group reports feeling unsafe at school. Schools should be safe spaces for ALL students, full stop. I am a Christian, and Jesus makes himself very clear to me in Mark 12: 30-31. He does not say love my neighbor as myself as long as I'm comfortable with my neighbor, as long as my neighbor lives how I think they should, or even if I know my neighbor is living by His commandments (In fact, Jesus had something to say about judgement in Matthew, 7:1-3). He tells me to love my neighbor as myself. The same expectations I have for my own safety and acceptance apply to everyone. Virginia has a terrible and shameful legacy of segregation and discrimination within education, going so far as closing schools and denying children an education, because of bigotry and white supremacy. The damage that was done decades ago by school closure and racist textbooks and more still lingers, and we will be working to address it for decades more. The issues LGBTQ+ individuals face today are different but still have similarities. We should learn from our past to prevent future shameful and damaging discrimination, especially when it impacts children. Thank you for your attention, and I will be following the resolution of these model policies. Leanne Fox"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88206", "author": "David Pegram , RVA", "date": "2021-01-05T10:16:00", "title": "Please no approve these without religious faith exemption for student, teachers, staff", "text": "These are beyond all reason, science and sanity. Our children don’t need more confusion, they need to learn and not be distracted by worthless policies like these. Please don’t allow them to be implemented- it will further reduce educational scores, and it is of an anti-Christ and anti-Biblical spirit. God forbid that this should become a hallmark of modern Virginia scholasticism.  NO Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88207", "author": "Paul Perrone", "date": "2021-01-05T10:19:00", "title": "Descent into Lunacy", "text": "On one hand I strongly disagree with these recommendations because they are contrary to science and common sense.  On the other hand as the \"anointed geniuses\" impose more of their lunacy on parents perhaps they will finally see the light and begin to withdraw their children and cause the collapse of the bloated government school system. The cowardice of the government officials during the pandemic of not allowing in-person schooling despite the recommendations of the CDC (the approved government science) began to open the eyes of many parents who now realize that these high-salaried officials care more about \"the public school system\" than children. To reiterate - these recommendations are contrary to science and common sense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88208", "author": "Elaine Hanger", "date": "2021-01-05T10:20:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. These guidelines put impossible requirements for teachers as students are able to change their identities daily. They also place students at risk as any boy can invade the private places of girls in locker rooms. These policies are absurd and dangerous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88209", "author": "Sarah", "date": "2021-01-05T10:21:00", "title": "I fully support this Guidance Document", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE.  My son has identified as bisexual.  He also has several gay and bisexual friends.  We have taught him to love everyone, he is fully supported at home, and he fully supports all of his friends.  We believe human rights means everyone should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their gender identity. Sadly, my son has seen the struggles his friends have gone through with name-calling and he even experienced blatant disrespect from a school counselor in elementary school. We must stand together to ensure everyone has the same safe education opportunities.  I support this draft guidance because I want my son and all of his friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88210", "author": "L. Hackman", "date": "2021-01-05T10:21:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools)", "text": "Strongly oppose these policies! This is in the parent's area of responsibility and authority, not the school's nor the government's!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88211", "author": "Patrick Crawford", "date": "2021-01-05T10:25:00", "title": "Incorrect Reference Material Used in Proposal", "text": "The proposed policy references the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) document \"Revised Sexual Harassment Guidance: Harassment of Students by School Employees, Other Students, or Third Parties, Title IV\"; however, according to the US Department of Education/OCR website this policy has been RESCINDED . Link guidance from US Dept of Education References to this guidance (page 10 of proposal) must be corrected and the content validated to ensure compliance with current publications."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88212", "author": "Mallory Middleton-Neely", "date": "2021-01-05T10:27:00", "title": "I DO NOT APPROVE", "text": "This is absolutely insane."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88213", "author": "BMC", "date": "2021-01-05T10:30:00", "title": "Do not approve", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  Please focus on educating our children in academic subjects, not indoctrinating them in radical progressive social policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88214", "author": "Lauren Middleton", "date": "2021-01-05T10:30:00", "title": "Do NOT approve this policy", "text": "I whole heartedly disapprove this policy and it’s guidelines. You are hurting every child if this moves forward. Especially those suffering with gender confusion. Help them don’t hurt them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88215", "author": "S Carlson", "date": "2021-01-05T10:30:00", "title": "Not in favor", "text": "I do not support this policy. That’s what hurt more children but it helps."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88216", "author": "Rhonda Cook", "date": "2021-01-05T10:31:00", "title": "Proposed policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I object to the proposed policies for the treatment of transgender students. These troubling policies are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. I speak for all parents to stand for and protect their children from these proposed troubling policies that I adamantly object to."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88217", "author": "Ronald D Ford", "date": "2021-01-05T10:32:00", "title": "Transgender Policies in Schools", "text": "Hello, I just wanted to tell you that I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school.  Ronald Ford"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88218", "author": "Herbert Hentzen", "date": "2021-01-05T10:33:00", "title": "God's truth trumps all!", "text": "God created man and woman.  The truth!  God created family!  The truth!  Schools have no business teaching our kids about this nonsense.  Teach truthful history, science, math, reading.  Let the parents / family teach our kids about God's truth of sex, gender, ......."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88219", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T10:34:00", "title": "\" transgender\" policies", "text": "These policies are ridiculous and disturbing. For schools to exclude parents is completely WRONG ! These are the sorts of things that occurred in the Soviet Union. This is all part of the Left\"s plan to destroy our country from within by destroying the family unit."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88220", "author": "James Wilson", "date": "2021-01-05T10:36:00", "title": "This is insane!", "text": "Boys are boys and girls are girls.  Teach them to be who they are biologically and stop the stupidity of teaching based on feelings.  This is insane!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88222", "author": "Barbara", "date": "2021-01-05T10:41:00", "title": "NO", "text": "How about we acknowledge gender dysphoria as the legitimate, treatable psychological disorder it is, as is clearly indicated in the DMS-5?  I propose instead, as a society we encourage the adults in their lives get the kids the help they need, rather than further confuse and watch as they grow into suicidal tendencies, which we have an abundance of data to support.  It is outright abuse to allow minors who experience confusion as a result of our culture to continue to feel as if they don't belong in their bodies, and avoid treating them.  We would NEVER accept this for a child who identifies as fat and ugly, then let them continue on a destructive mental path toward anorexia or bulimia or other harmful patterns because their mind (mental disorder) tells them they are something only they see/identify as.  Stop this radical nonsense, and keep it OUT of our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88223", "author": "Lanier Mayberry", "date": "2021-01-05T10:41:00", "title": "I Do Not Support", "text": "According to God, we are Male and female. There is no dispute and no gray area. I find it exremely disturbing that the stat of Virginia gets to decide that my children should be taught otherwise. We need to put God back in our schools where he belongs. Stop taking Jesus away from those of us that believe in him."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88224", "author": "Bob Lawrence", "date": "2021-01-05T10:42:00", "title": "Policy Gone Wrong", "text": "This is insane.  It is political correctness gone to new depths of uselessness.  It is a detriment to students and teachers on so many levels."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88225", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T10:43:00", "title": "Guidelines for treatment of transgender students", "text": "The proposed guidelines for treatment of transgender students are much too extreme. Guidelines such as these should, in my opinion be based on love and respect for others rather than dictatorial. They should not be a source of indoctrination for children as these would be. They should be based on tolerance and individual rights rather than radical theories. They should include provisions and policies that contain in that include guidelines definite distinctions between make and female. While respect and acceptance are important. This definite distinction should not be blurred. Causing this societal pillar to be blurred will cause society to crumble. Thank you for taking my comment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88226", "author": "A concerned grandmother", "date": "2021-01-05T10:43:00", "title": "Vile and outrageous", "text": "This is a vile and evil proposal and contrary to God’s laws. Children will be confused and harmed by this. Parents will be unjustly split away from their children. Nothing good can come if this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88227", "author": "Emmi", "date": "2021-01-05T10:47:00", "title": "Support!!", "text": "Thank you for supporting our transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88228", "author": "Charles Bias", "date": "2021-01-05T10:49:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Physical biology is more than 99% consistent on what is female and male.  Very few genetic variations occur that make gender difficult to discern!  When policies depart from \"science\", we are teaching something irrational.  The best path forward is stick with the obvious biological difference and stop catering to people's personal choice or felt needs.  We can remain sensitive to people, without making sweeping policy change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88229", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T10:51:00", "title": "DISGUSTING", "text": "I do NOT approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. This is the most vile, disgusting, and ridiculous left wing propaganda ever."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88230", "author": "Julia Mabus", "date": "2021-01-05T10:52:00", "title": "Do not support this policy that denies basic biology and criminalizes those who stand for truth", "text": "As a mother, foster mother, adoptive mother of girls - I object strongly to policies that may place them in danger by allowing biological males into their bathrooms and dressing rooms - and that will deny them titles, trophies and scholarships through athletics by allowing biological males to compete in female sports and steal the top positions due to their biological differences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88231", "author": "Shannon and Amy Tate", "date": "2021-01-05T10:52:00", "title": "Do not support", "text": "Please do not support this legislation. It is creating chaos and disorder among our already stressed schools. It is completely attacking social order and creating confusion where none exists. Parents are the authority here, not the school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88232", "author": "New Beginnings Baptist Church", "date": "2021-01-05T10:54:00", "title": "transgender acceptance", "text": "As a christian this is absurb!!!  This is totally against the Word of God!! Our house and senate in VA. doesn;t have a clue to the danger this is and the worst part is they don't care. Let's all stand against this!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88233", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T10:57:00", "title": "Do not approve", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88234", "author": "Crista Kostenko", "date": "2021-01-05T10:58:00", "title": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88235", "author": "chris j Gulliver", "date": "2021-01-05T11:02:00", "title": "where is this country going?NO NO", "text": "There is the reason we are Male and female, How hard is this to figure this out. If you look at history Nations have fallen because of sexual morality also we are giving our kids more rights than we the parents. yes, I am a God-fearing man Jesus believer . This goes beyond or faith. What is wrong is wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88236", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T11:02:00", "title": "Support 100%", "text": "Thank you for this document.  Transgender students deserve the same protections and rights as everybody else, there should be no question about this.  If they feel safe and protected, they can learn, and every student is entitled to an education.  Hate has no place in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88237", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T11:02:00", "title": "I do not approve", "text": "I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88238", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T11:06:00", "title": "I do not approve", "text": "If you are going to move forward with this policy, just eliminate girls' sports. Physical boys who cannot excel in boys' sports will choose to call themselves girls to excel there. Protect children in their restrooms and locker room. Children should not be forced to undress or go to the bathroom with people who were born of the opposite sex. Feel free to create single-occupancy restrooms, but then you will need to figure out how to keep sex and drugs out of them. This policy is ill-advised."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88239", "author": "Danielle Doane", "date": "2021-01-05T11:09:00", "title": "Completely and totally object to this misguided and harmful policy", "text": "This is an abrogation of the rights of parents and of your duty to provide a good education for our students. And as a reminder we pay for you to uphold this duty. These policies will lead to students and teachers being penalized by subjective and unenforceable rules that will only lead to confusion and create a toxic and litigious environment. Even before COVID the Virginia education statistics were declining. Maybe instead of focusing on how to appease your liberal friends you consider how to help Virginia students improve in the core areas of math and science. These policies are not rational and are not based on science. You are basically giving in to a minority hate mob at the expense of the children that you were put in place to protect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88240", "author": "Flora FOCER", "date": "2021-01-05T11:09:00", "title": "Politically correct transgender policies", "text": "These policies are insane! Pure evil & heresy! I pray that parents will wake up, stand up & against these with every ounce of strength!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88241", "author": "Kathy", "date": "2021-01-05T11:10:00", "title": "Irreversably damaging policy for our children and country", "text": "This is the most destructive policy I have ever seen and shows how power hungry, hateful and selfish our schools have become. This should not even be discussed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88242", "author": "concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-05T11:10:00", "title": "100% against this! Please do not support!", "text": "100% against this! Please do not support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88243", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T11:10:00", "title": "Completely against this", "text": "My child should not be subject to these teachings, per the bible Man and Woman were created. If my child or other children choose to go against it, thats their decision. Just as God and religion are kept out of school, out of the pledge of allegiance, this should be kept out. if kids or parents need counseling, thats what doctors and psychologists are for. Our children have enough to deal with, adding this garbage is despicable. Leave them be!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88244", "author": "Healthcare provider", "date": "2021-01-05T11:13:00", "title": "Unnatural and harmful to normal child development", "text": "The proposed recommendations do not follow normal natural development. For those children who have questions about or wish to explore other sexual presentations, they should speak to their parents or designated medical or psychological provider. The school has no role in this issue and places itself in a position of litigation by concerned parents or loss of taxpayer funding."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88245", "author": "Patricia Palmer", "date": "2021-01-05T11:14:00", "title": "I approve", "text": "I'm glad school policy will no longer harass young people who are learning about who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88246", "author": "Amy Thomason", "date": "2021-01-05T11:15:00", "title": "Transgender School Policy", "text": "I disagree with this policy. The wording sets up a situation where a predator can simply claim to be of the opposite sex to gain access to the opposite sex's bathroom or locker room and no employee is allowed to question it. It has a grave opportunity to create more harm than good with the current wording."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88247", "author": "Robert", "date": "2021-01-05T11:16:00", "title": "Forces gender ideology on those who disagre with it and fails to protect students and parents", "text": "This proposed policy's demands impose gender ideology on students, parents, and teachers. It forces them to say what they think is not true (insisting that they call a male she/her etc.). In trying to advance the \"rights\" of the LGBTIQ+ community, these policies would trample the actual rights of the vast majority of students, parents, teachers and staff, as well as put youth at risk for moral, psychological, emotional, and physical harm."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88248", "author": "Gerald Bostock", "date": "2021-01-05T11:18:00", "title": "I do not approve", "text": "I do not approve"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88249", "author": "Robin Pavlosky", "date": "2021-01-05T11:19:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "I do not approve of these proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88251", "author": "Danielle Tinder", "date": "2021-01-05T11:20:00", "title": "Support This Policy In Virginia and Everywhere", "text": "The model policy is a step in the correct direction in supporting transgender students in Virginia. Those who oppose supporting a vulnerable population's needs are feeding hate, ignorance and irrationality. This policy makes school more manageable for a trans student and does nothing to impact other students' ability to learn and grow in the same environment. This is a no-brainer. Of course schools should be following these guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88252", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T11:23:00", "title": "I do not approve of your proposed policy.", "text": "I do not approve of your proposed policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88253", "author": "Kayla Buchanan", "date": "2021-01-05T11:24:00", "title": "Transgender Rights at the expense of everyone’s rights", "text": "These policies propose to protect those transitioning apparently at all cost without consideration to religious liberty or anyone else’s first amendment right. This document cites the first amendment as cause for allowing transgender people to be open and have freedoms to use their assigned restroom and even change their identity without their parents consent or even knowledge. However, these policies also make it so that it is not allowed to say anything negative about these policies within the school. Furthermore they allow for these young children to transition without the parents’ knowledge which possibly could seriously damage this young child with the schools consent in the name of freedom. These policies go against the protection of all children and seek to harm many for the appearance of tolerance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88254", "author": "Mary-Jean P Hale", "date": "2021-01-05T11:24:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "While students are failing in classes due to the lack of actual education, the VDOE is spending its' time on this nonsense. Our tax dollars at work."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88255", "author": "Carlene Hudgens", "date": "2021-01-05T11:27:00", "title": "I support this guidance", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided from VDOE. As a new mother, I am looking ahead to a bright future. A future that will make school an inclusive, safe space for all children. This guidance will provide a safe environment for LBGQ+ students. It will make school be a place for children to grow and learn, and not be discriminated against. As all schools should be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88256", "author": "Samantha", "date": "2021-01-05T11:27:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this policy, because it is the morally correct choice, and reflects the needs of the students it aims to protect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88257", "author": "Guadalupe M. Bowling", "date": "2021-01-05T11:28:00", "title": "Concern Parent and Teacher", "text": "Unnatural and harmful to normal child development"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88258", "author": "FCPS School Counselor", "date": "2021-01-05T11:28:00", "title": "100% Support - this policy will save many lives", "text": "As a high school counselor, I have worked with many transgender students in my career. Some have very supportive and empowering families, others feel unsafe in their homes and with their parents. While we can't make everyone be a good parent, school should be a safe place for ALL students. None can be successful and perform as expected if they don't have a trusted adult on their side or feel protected. It breaks my heart to work with children who fear every word they say at home and every email they send, monitored by parents, will be used against them. This policy will make our trans kid feel seen and affirmed, as cis kids are on a daily basis. To anyone who feels this policy violates your beliefs or rights, please know it doesn't affect YOU. Not everyone in this state practices Christianity, and they should not be held to your personal standards. The first amendment makes an excellent read--you should check it out. Please also educate yourself on the difference between gender and sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88259", "author": "Robert Floyd", "date": "2021-01-05T11:34:00", "title": "DO NOT APPROVE!", "text": "Do not approve of this proposed measure-- virtually 100% of it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88260", "author": "Lisa Dunick", "date": "2021-01-05T11:35:00", "title": "I support this. The hateful and ignorant comments here show it’s desperately needed.", "text": "I whole heartedly support this proposal. the amount of ignorance and hate in these comments only shows how much these protections are necessary."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88261", "author": "Letha Marshall", "date": "2021-01-05T11:37:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT", "text": "gender confusion should not be met with codependency! A child born with their gender is what their gender is. I cannot believe we are even having to tell you people this. This is EXACTLY why my child will be attending private school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88262", "author": "Sylvia", "date": "2021-01-05T11:37:00", "title": "I do not approve", "text": "I do not approve of any of this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88263", "author": "H. A. Strickland", "date": "2021-01-05T11:37:00", "title": "100% DISAPPROVAL", "text": "This policy proposal bends biological and normative/societal 'sense' in favor of a less than 1% minority.  Now that alone may trigger you to act affirmatively but please use your God-given sense and vote DOWN these wrong-headed, dangerous policies for the good of the normal, and majority of Virginians."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88264", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T11:38:00", "title": "Opposed to proposed draft model policies for Transgender students", "text": "I am against the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools for the following reasons: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. There are many more reasons to oppose the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. These policies are detrimental to our educational system and will only add more problems then what they hope to solve. Please do not support these policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88265", "author": "Francis J. Larvie", "date": "2021-01-05T11:39:00", "title": "I OPPOSE THIS STATE-PRESCRIBED MANIPULATION OF SEMIOTICS IN SCHOOLS", "text": "A mind is a terrible thing to waste, especially on this counterfeit educational agenda.  As bad money drives good money out of circulation, this bad idea likewise serves only to deprive students of appreciation for truth, beauty, and goodness, which real education inspires.  There is no greater purpose to this agenda than to drive true education out.  This is why it comes cloaked in glittering but illogical cliches about \"equality and justice,\" themselves pinched counterfeits of the great Theological and Cardinal Virtues.  With advanced studies in literature at UVA and other national institutions, I am terribly familiar with the purpose of the ideologies--critical theory and critical discourse analysis (CDA)--that hatched this proposal as well as the hobbled minds that propose it.  State manipulation of grammar is one step toward the intentional indoctrination and manipulation of perceptions and consequently of behavior contrived for recruiting the young to a vision of misery.  It is thus a form of indoctrination and ideological propaganda annihilating the family to target the children.  It serves only the arbitrary whims and revenue streams of postmodern autocrats and wannabes.  It's oppression \"ur-myth\" has long been discredited.  Imposing this fallacy on the young is an abuse that will require ever harsher punitive laws to banish goodness, truth, and beauty to the ideological gulags where those who have most to gain from them will have the least opportunity to do so.  Just say no to this bad idea."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88266", "author": "Rebecca Taylor", "date": "2021-01-05T11:42:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines regarding transgender use of restrooms. All females and especially children need to feel safe when using the restroom. It is possible for a male to claim to be transgender in order to enter a female restroom. It could also be unsafe for a female transgender to use the boys’ restroom. Separate but equal is much safer for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88267", "author": "James Hekel", "date": "2021-01-05T11:42:00", "title": "I have read it and I am fine with it.", "text": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools All Virginia school boards I have reviewed the 20-page guidance document.  It includes helpful definitions and applicable laws.  It explains what is at stake by using specific statistics.  It encourages school boards to continue important efforts to improve safety, privacy, and access to education of children.  The guidelines could be a helpful starting point for schools boards beginning to think about this issue and how best to comply with existing law. I encourage everyone here to participate in local elections and to engage in conversations with local school board members.  This document is meant to be a model, or merely suggestion.  It is not the actual policy that will go into effect in their local schools.  Your school board must comply with the law, but it does not have to adopt this document as written.  They can, of course, provide greater protection than the law requires, but not less."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88268", "author": "Erin", "date": "2021-01-05T11:44:00", "title": "Oppose....This severely hurts the ones that it is intended to help.  The irony is undeniable.", "text": "This severely hurts the ones that it is intended to help. The irony is undeniable.  About 80% of children who question their gender will be fine with their biological gender once they enter puberty.  Even Bruce Jenner regrets what he did to his body.  What is the real agenda here?  Why is society putting children through needless pain?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88269", "author": "Upshur Whittock", "date": "2021-01-05T11:45:00", "title": "I’m for it.", "text": "I’m all for it.  These children need all the help and sympathy we can give them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88270", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T11:48:00", "title": "Disapprove", "text": "Disapprove"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88271", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T11:48:00", "title": "Oppose VDOE Proposed Guidelines", "text": "This policy sets students, teachers, and staff up for failure as this policy is highly subjective.  This policy falls outside of the mission of the Public School System.  These matters are handled at home and are private and personal.  This policy seeks to take control away from parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88272", "author": "Michael Sciacca", "date": "2021-01-05T11:48:00", "title": "Transgender issues...", "text": "I am very upset that we/Virginia R allowing children who R confused about there sexual identity regulate our states laws! !! Just because a child (or an adult) makes a claim/statement about his/her sex DOESN'T make it true !!! They MAY FEEL that they R a different sex then that in truth they R, BUT that DOESN'T change the fact of what they R !!! And the schools need 2 involve the parent of these children 2 inform them of the seriousness of the situation. Also the state needs 2 provide counseling 2 these children 2 help them realize that they can't let there feelings & emotions overcome what is real !!!!??????  MIKE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88273", "author": "L. Harrell", "date": "2021-01-05T11:49:00", "title": "100% oppose this", "text": "Unbelievable that this is being introduced into our school system. Protection from bullying can be done individually by each school, their administrators, and teachers. Further, it can be avoided by teaching values in the HOME.  I predict a mass exodus from public schools in Virginia if this is adopted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88274", "author": "Hunnel", "date": "2021-01-05T11:49:00", "title": "draft of treatment of transgender", "text": "I do not approve of these proposed guidelines regarding the treatment of transgener students based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88275", "author": "Robert Bradshaw", "date": "2021-01-05T11:55:00", "title": "Strongly Disapprove of Proposed \"Transgender\" Policies", "text": "There are only two genders. Male and female. Individuals who are confused about their gender need counseling and therapy. Requiring teachers, administrators, and other students to facilitate the so called \"transgendered\" person's delusion and confusion will cause further harm to their mental state. Lastly, violating the rights of the parents by failing to inform them about important information regarding their child's mental health should not even be considered."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88276", "author": "Ann F", "date": "2021-01-05T11:57:00", "title": "Gobbledegook", "text": "The science is clear. Sex is determined at conception, either male or female. It is never “assigned at birth”.  Mental illness, including gender dysphoria, should be dealt with on an individual basis not by attempting to change language and/or culture."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88277", "author": "Sara L Martin", "date": "2021-01-05T11:58:00", "title": "Let's support our students in any way we can", "text": "I support this effort to recognize and affirm whatever decisions students make about their own gender identity. If this keeps one student from suicidal feelings, it is worth it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88278", "author": "Shirley Stokes", "date": "2021-01-05T11:58:00", "title": "VDOE  Disapprove 100%", "text": "100%  Disapprove"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88279", "author": "Roberta Williamson", "date": "2021-01-05T12:00:00", "title": "Transgender rights", "text": "I support laws or regulations that provide freedom for transgender people to live their best lives.  Until the rights of this minority are solidified, we are all at risk.  Those who are ignorant of what transgender means, and those who through prejudice and fear are willing to continue to restrict children and adults who are transgender, should not be allowed decide the laws."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88280", "author": "teacher", "date": "2021-01-05T12:08:00", "title": "BIOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL CONSIDERATIONS OF OTHERS AS WELL", "text": "No student should be harassed or bullied for any reason and all should be respected and educated regardless  of whether I agree with their choices.  However, their \"rights\" should not supersede the rights of those who recognize and adhere to biology.  For instance, I should not have to share my bathroom with someone who was a man at birth.  I think this issue has gone too far---as much of society has.  It has also put an undue burden on educators and school systems.  I have no problem working with or teaching those who have made lifestyle choices I disagree with. I do have a problem when I as an educator now have to fear a lawsuit because I forget to call Sally, John, this year.  You must also be careful to respect the spiritual rights of those who know that God created male and female.  We can accept, teach, and love those who may think differently.  We also need to understand that really caring for our young people does not mean we accept every belief and way of thinking.  We care about them enough to correct them and lead them in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88281", "author": "Joanna", "date": "2021-01-05T12:12:00", "title": "This policy tramples on the People's rights. State's right do not extend to forcing gender ideology on those who disagree with it.", "text": "This policy tramples on the People's rights. State's right do not extend to forcing gender ideology on those who disagree with it. This proposed policy demands & imposes gender ideology on students, parents, and teachers. If a student wants to be part of the LGBTIQ community that is their freedom, but not everyone has to believe as they do. Each school should have the freedom to decide how to handle a student who wants to change their gender identity moment by moment or simply to benefit their circumstances. Whereas parents should have the right to name their own children or change their names EACH SCHOOL should be able to adopt their own dress code without being forced to have everyone dress in a gender neutral manner. The state is to have minimal control over the people. This policy is also unconstitutional and does not support freedom of speech by forcing every teacher/peer to say what they think is not true (insisting that they call a male she/her etc.).  In trying to advance the \"rights\" of the LGBTIQ+ community, these policies would trample the actual rights of all students, parents, teachers, and staff, as well as put these youth in an incredible position of power instead of needing to listen to a teacher/staff. Consider instead, supporting the LGBTIQ kid by encouraging teachers/students to not make unkind remarks when a biological boy wants to dress like a girl for the day or the other way around. DO NOT TRAMPLE ON EVERYONE ELSE's RIGHTS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88282", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T12:13:00", "title": "I oppose this bill. I want to know what is going on in my children’s school and being taught.", "text": "I am Appalled  at the government and governing officials that are trying to take over our home lives and teach stuff that is not ok in my opinion. It is not the government and the public schools to tell my children what sex they are either female or male. I am a parent.  I parent my children. I don’t need the government and the Public schools telling me what gender my child should be.  This is an infringement on my rights as a parent.  I never asked the Public School and government to cross that line of sexual identity. They have crossed that line. If children are struggling with their identity then work with those but you don’t need to subject the whole school to this Institutionalizing of gender.  The public schools and government want to push down our children’s throat that they need to adjust for a small Minority of children that are struggling with their identity. Commonsense has gone out the door I am extremely irritated. With the decision of the governing officials and the public school to cram down ideologies and institutional ways a child should be.  I oppose this Bill strongly. I am so disappointed in a public school. My tax dollars pay to help  keep teachers to teach educated about Science, Math, History and Language arts. The agenda that the public school and the governing officials are doing to our children is far more detrimental to there brains and hearts. All  because the government has an agenda. My children are not your Guinean Pigs.  My tax dollars are paying for children to have an education and NOT for my children to have sexual education. It’s amazing how people try to do out based education and you think this is going to work I believe some of your governing officials and public school educators need to go in and sit in the classroom and see what some of these teachers are dealing with and the students in the classroom. People need to have a reality check because teachers have a passion to teach but now we’re jamming all this junk down their throat about sexuality they don’t have time for that. The teachers worry about test scores because otherwise if they don’t get test scores they lose government funding. And you’re worried about transgender wording because it might offend somebody if you call them  male or female . Also governing officials and public school educators you need to take a step back out of your office and go sit in the classrooms not just for a check in day but for a few weeks to really see what is going on. Watch with the teachers what they have to deal with and you’re worried about wording if a child is male or female. Because it might offend somebody. Also the teachers didn’t go to school to know about mental health issues and a ADD, ADHD and dyslexia and all the stuff that they have to battle every day when they enter that classroom. Children that are having a meltdown because they’re being abused at home. Also the teachers didn’t go to school to know how to deal with medical issues and about mental health issues and ADD, ADHD and dyslexia. These are to name a few that they have to battle every day when they enter that classroom. children that are having a meltdown because they’re being abused at home. Instead of focusing on transgender wording because you’re afraid to hurt somebody or offend them. Why don’t we really take a look at what’s going on as a whole because with a mental health crisis and it’s affecting the children to learn and the teachers because their hands are tied."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88283", "author": "Erica Bohr", "date": "2021-01-05T12:13:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "The responsibility of educators is to impart knowledge and truth and the desire to gain understanding as a person grows.  Helping to develop one's character through these formative years is a privilege.  Our society is reaping the abuse's of that privilege and the problems that existed many years ago, have not been solved or even helped in the least.  Clearly man's solution is failing and getting worse.  God has given us a moral code to live by and He is our help, but when we refuse Him, failure is the result.  I am sure we have all been witness to how our feelings and emotions lead us to mistreat people and to do or say things we wouldn't normally.  Allowing those feelings to take precedence over truth is not the answer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88284", "author": "R.Cress", "date": "2021-01-05T12:22:00", "title": "Virginia School Transgender Polices: DONT DO IT", "text": "Dear Virginia Department of Education: During this COVID situation, there are many people who use the mantra \"follow the science\" and then, they never follow the science.  Public policies have not been made based upon peer reviewed medical studies or evidence based medicine but upon fear and non-science.  America has not even had a \"public debate\" over what really works and what does not...and if we are to be a body politic, public discourse that deals in real facts that are observable/provable needs to happen. And now, we are being threatened with more pseudo-science and unproven psychological theories that will be a direct threat to the well being of children and families. Do you really believe that a man can have a baby? Can a man have a period? Are you going to encourage young people to pursue sex changes, knowing that the majority of kids with gender dysphoria grow out of this mindset once they are into adulthood?  If a pregnant \"person\" appears in the emergency room and declares herself to be a man, are you going to demand/force that the medical staff treat the pregnant woman as a man, thus endangering the child???????  If you don't treat the woman as a man, can the woman sue because the medical staff treated her according to her \"true, DNA identity?\"  Would you be happy for this to happen?  I sure hope not! This is pure insanity. Do we really want to encourage people with psychological disorders by giving them legal rights to trample upon everyone and ruin their lives, all because we are afraid to say \"THIS IS WRONG.\"  There have only been two sexes in the history of the world and Bruce Jenner will always be a man, whatever name he wants to be called by. Obviously, this is going to be an emotional discussion.  But let it also be a scientific (real medical knowledge please, not psychology) and logical.  And even though this is asking for a whole lot, the \"morality\" of encouraging people to be something that they are not must also be discussed.  This is not moral to perpetuate fraud. I realize that humans want to be completely in control of their \"identity\", but God and nature have assigned identity to people whether they like it or not. To deny this is to open up a Pandora's Box scenario that will harm children (boys in a female locker room, or vice versa...you know this is not going to end well) and such policies will cause far more harm  than good. It really is common sense.  But,  such is rare these days. Please insist that male and female are real,  and please do not make policies that give the transgender activists power to ruin the lives of students and good, honest families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88285", "author": "Charles H.", "date": "2021-01-05T12:22:00", "title": "I Do Not Support", "text": "The proposed policies are another attempt to impose woke ideology on the common person, who (I hope to God) does not support it. They would facilitate complaints of \"discrimination, harassment, or bullying.\" Invariably, the end result is that students, teachers, &c. are terrorized for offenses they did not commit, or arraigned for minor offenses against political correctness, &c. They would have school personnel withhold information \"relating to a student’s transgender status\" from parents, thus undermining the authority and right of parents as the principal caretakers of their children. They would \"eliminate or reduce the practice of segregating students by gender to the extent possible,\" thus robbing students of valuable time spent learning and growing with members of their own sex. They would undermine the beauty of having two sexes with bland uniformity. There is no reason for \"gender-neutral attire.\" They would subject confused female students to the terrors of the men's locker rooms. They would facilitate confusion and feelings of \"superiority\" and elevated social status. Students participating in the latest \"fad\" should not expect authorities to recognize their fad as sacred. Is it not miraculous that half the girls I know all of sudden are boys? They would subject school staff to yearly indoctrination sessions, imposing hateful woke ideology on innocent people. If the state actually cares what the people of Virginia think, they will listen to their valid concerns, rather than staging a mock townhall, then proceeding to do as they please. These proposed policies do not reflect the values of the people of Virginia. It remains to be seen whether or not authorities care."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88286", "author": "Johnny Jones", "date": "2021-01-05T12:27:00", "title": "Gender identity CAN NOT be independent of biological sex. Stop the madness!", "text": "The idea that gender identity can be independent of biological sex is unscientific and has no place in an educational environment. If the Department of Education truly wants children to learn then they will strongly oppose what is an obvious destabilizing agenda that only further divides and distracts from a proper education and has no place in public schools. It is issues like these why America is rapidly losing ground to other countries in terms of education and technology. What is the icing on the cake is that those who do not want to participate in this madness would be forced to comply or suffer penalty. Then who is discriminating against who? How would this be fair and just?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88287", "author": "Mr. & Mrs. James Quattrocelli", "date": "2021-01-05T12:27:00", "title": "Document: Model Policies for the treatment of transgender students in VA's Public Schools/22.1-23.3", "text": "Because society has embraced this evil lifestyle of homosexuality, now you have young people confused.  I am praying and say let the children just be children. Your efforts are only confusing the little ones. Why not instead encourage them through examples of whole families with a masculine Male Dad and a feminine Female Mom. Why not start reading to them in the classroom about these family roles or allow for play time to be demonstrated by a Mom and Dad and children who are either a girl or a boy....just as it was done when I was in school in the 50's. We had no trouble back then wondering what gender we were! What you see through this effort will be the children having a healthy respect for how they were designed.  They will like themselves and look forward to the role God has created them to carry out. I believe this is a better alternative than what this bill is proposing. Confusion and the Bullying will cease because there will be no need for it. The kids needs examples and unfortunately when Mommy went out to work in the 70's, she became too busy to pay attention to how society was robbing her of her family. So now we all are asked to make excuses for all this sick behavior. Leave them to be how they were created, boy or girl....its simple as that. THEREFORE WE ARE OPPOSED TO THIS BILL! God bless you and help you to do the right thing and to honor God our Creator. Mr. and Mrs. James Quattrocelli"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88288", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T12:31:00", "title": "Oppose the Guidance", "text": "The policies put in place by Virginia's Department of Education place students and educators who hold the traditional view of men and women, a view based on both history, tradition, religion, morality, and most importantly SCIENCE.  It is perfectly appropriately to address a person with XY chromosomes as a male and XX chromosomes as female.  This is objective reality based on science.  It is measurable and ascertainable.  To address someone as other than they are is to LIE to them.  I cannot, in good conscience lie to my children or even to other children.  Nor would I have my own children lie to other children.  Moreover, it will put the guidelines in conflict with Article I, Section 16 of the Virginia Constitution.  To quote the relevant part: \" No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of religion, and the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.\"  It is a matter of religious conscience that God created man and woman.  To be forced to profess that one is the other, or that there is some alternative to this duality is to compel a religious belief at odds with the Virginia Constitution."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88289", "author": "Debra Starner", "date": "2021-01-05T12:35:00", "title": "I DO NOT APPROVE OF YOUR POLICY", "text": "I DO NOT APPROVE OF YOUR POLICY for transgender students. This is wrong on a moral level and should not be forced on our children. You should be ashamed of yourselves for even considering such a policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88290", "author": "Product of the Alexandria Public School System", "date": "2021-01-05T12:40:00", "title": "100% support", "text": "I support this guidance 100%. While I'm not trans, being allowed to use a nickname and dress how I chose when I was a student meant that I became a more confident and respectful adult. I never go by my full first name, even professionally. No one questions me when I ask to be called by a shortened version nor do they question my partner who goes by a middle name. When people get married and change names, no one questions them nor their prefixes if they go from Miss to Mrs. or Ms. Even as a kid, I had friends who asked to be called by nicknames and again, no one questioned this. We dressed like weirdos but were sure to dress respectfully for more formal occasions like church and special events. Our clothing choices harmed no one. All of my weirdo friends are now middle-aged parents with desk jobs and single-family homes. We are in every way \"normal\". Being different as children didn't harm us for life and it meant everything that we could explore who we were in a safe way. Names and clothing can all be changed. The confidence and dignity that comes with being allowed to express yourself and be affirmed and respected for those choices makes an impression that lasts a lifetime. Why are trans kids any different? Affirming who someone else is costs you nothing and means everything to that person whether it is calling them by a preferred name, letting them wear appropriate clothing that makes them comfortable, and/or using pronouns that reflect who they are. Seeing the joy in people who finally have their identifies validated is priceless. Schools have a duty to teach the whole child. This guidance is part of that. Please implement it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88291", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T12:41:00", "title": "Discrimination on Both sides", "text": "Good afternoon. I believe this policy is one sided and does not protect everyone. What about how it makes other children feel? I believe you should love everyone and meet people where they are, but what about the kids who feel uncomfortable. Telling parents that they cannot encourage them to embrace their god given birth sex is discrimination against other peoples religion (in the context of you teaching them that they can choose and putting new ideas in their head vs. already struggling with it) It will cause bullying towards people of religion, do we not care about them? If you are not religious then of course you wouldn't care how they would feel because it does not pertain to you. We must respect one another and not choose only one. Why are there not classes to teach people how to love another despite their differences and opinions?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88292", "author": "Kristen Allen", "date": "2021-01-05T12:41:00", "title": "Government overreach and assault on parental rights", "text": "+These policies are harmful to families, transgender students and all children. The affirmation and celebration of gender identities not in line with biological sex leads to dependence on cross-gender hormones, mutilating surgeries, the loss of private and safe spaces for girls. +The policies lead to confusion among all children as they question whether they can trust the body they were born in, or need to declare their pronouns. They are forced to address sexual identity issues before it is developmentally appropriate. +While some believe these policies are well-intentioned, they in fact undermine the primary role parents have in raising their children. +It is a gross act of arrogance for schools to insert themselves in the most intimate of developmental stages when children are wrestling with their identities. +These policies make no allowances for teachers, parents or students who disagree with affirming transgender identities based on biology, morality, common sense or safety concerns. This is bad policy for all Virginians!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88293", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T12:43:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "I do not approve of these policies.  they have no place in our educational system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88294", "author": "A Normal Wife", "date": "2021-01-05T12:44:00", "title": "I do not approve of the proposed policy!", "text": "This is crazy.  I do not approve - this policy is insanity.  I am ashamed to be a Virginian if this is what our new democrat overlords support.  CRAZY!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88295", "author": "Dale Bennett", "date": "2021-01-05T12:49:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "I am 100% against this, As a father of a young daughter, it should not be ok for a male to use the same restroom as she. If you are going to approve such a ridiculous policy, then supply their own restroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88296", "author": "K. Thompson", "date": "2021-01-05T12:49:00", "title": "Concern with Policy", "text": "I have worked in child development for 12 years - working with children ages 6weeks to 12 years in both the public and private sectors. I’ve worked with youth with many gender identity and sexual preferences. I believe they should not be bullied or discriminated against due to this lifestyle. I believe all children should be safe and protected at school. I believe children should be free from external stressors while on school to allow for the best learning and growth opportunities. I have committed LT professional life to our young community members and believe they are our future. I do not believe this is the way to provide the one things above. Some of the changes proposed related to ending gender split groupings, allowing free choice for bathroom and changing spaces and expecting an open dialogue so early on about gender fluidity are, for lack of any other appropriate term, HARMFUL. We are proposing dramatic and, quite possibly traumatic, changes to the school building and protocols for a very small number of students. In reality (and I know because I was a middle school teacher!) the students experiencing suffering related to these policies are not experiencing it due to which bathroom they can use! Their suffering is due to bullying and lack of discipline and expectations. Less rules and structure are completely in opposition of the true goal- to eliminate bullying and discrimination. As a mother, I am also super concerned about opening the door to allowing shared changing spaces. Our children are already specialized way too early due to our culture. Please do not further this by buying into the idea that an elementary child has ANY clue what their gender identity or sexual orientation may be or that it is different than their same sex peers! This is actually causing children to notice and identify their differences even earlier on! Please consider these decisions from the lease of limiting educational disruptions and encouraging mutual respect. I beg of you not to adopt this plan as is!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88297", "author": "Patty, Grandparent", "date": "2021-01-05T12:50:00", "title": "Concerned Garndparent-needs revision", "text": "While I do not believe the state has the right to take the decision about gender issues away from the parent, I can understand the concern in the schools. The ultimate responsibility for children, should always be with the parent, not the sate/school. I do not support this bill as written as I think it will create more confusion for children in our communities. I do think children that are suffering with gender dysphoria need support and this should be something that is address with parents and schools in partnership. However, by creating confusion and chaos for all other children in the school system by allowing the use of bathrooms and dressing rooms by anyone and making children and educators subjected to disciplinary action for not using a specific pronoun is not the way to solve this issue. People have the right to identify however they want but all others should not be punished or subjected to disciplinary action or forced to not honor their their religious beliefs because of the beliefs of a few. If a child is being bullied or made fun of because of gender issues, then disciplinary action is appropriate but not just because of using the wrong \"pronoun.\" I strongly disapprove of this bill. It needs major revision to address the issue and I don't know what the answer is but this is bill is not the answer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88298", "author": "Debbie Grossman", "date": "2021-01-05T12:54:00", "title": "Model Policy for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I support this policy and support transgender students in general."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88299", "author": "Ramona Weaver", "date": "2021-01-05T12:54:00", "title": "Pronoun policy", "text": "I disapprove–not mildly, but strongly. There are many pressing issues I had rather you address than this rather esoteric WOKE one."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88300", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-05T13:00:00", "title": "Disapprove of Trans Language", "text": "The guidelines proposed by VDOE are absolutely in appropriate for schools & students. For any student to simply state a new identity on any given day, without parent knowledge or legal documentation to back up the change, is wrong. Parents oversee their children until they become “adults” at least until age 18 & have a right to know what is going on in school. Without requiring legal documentation, any student can exploit these policies to cause distraction, harm or negative consequences for teachers and other students. In addition, students must feel safe in bathrooms and locker rooms. They should never be expected to share these spaces with members of the opposite sex biologically!! Stop this madness!! I understand that trans students may not feel comfortable in life, but if a student is truly struggling with this issue then he/she need counseling, parent knowledge and support not wishy washy rules from VDOE that put other students, teacher and staff at risk for retaliation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88301", "author": "Charles Perkins", "date": "2021-01-05T13:00:00", "title": "Draft Policies for Transgender Children", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines that are proposed based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female students and indoctrinate our most precious assets, our children. I could state many reason I am opposed and primarily because this is a subject that should be left to the family and not government. Schools being allowed to assist students explore gender and make decisions without a parent knowing is unacceptable and another government power grab to take parental responsibilities away.  Other reasons include a failure to us a student's new preferred pronouns that could change day to day and even defy basic rues of grammar would be harassment and discrimination for both faculty and students and they would be subject to disciplinary action."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88302", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-01-05T13:02:00", "title": "Disagree with Transgender proposal", "text": "I strongly disagree with the idea of public schools catering too a small, confused minority of students in regard to their gender identity. I am especially concerned about enabling the use of the locker room or bathroom for the opposite gender. I also appreciate the wonderful teachers we have in the public school system and do not think they should be forced, some against their conscience and beliefs, to refer to students according to the student’s preferred pronoun. That is going way too far. Teachers need the freedom to teach without additional restrictions and concerns that this policy would add to their plate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88303", "author": "Gloria George", "date": "2021-01-05T13:04:00", "title": "This Policy Poses great Security and Safety Concerns for ALL.", "text": "This new transgender language violates the DOE Federal and State enrollment, Security and Safety policy.  And will violate public school registration of students. Every Public School Principal must be accountable for every student present in the school and on the school grounds.  The Public school administrators are responsible for ALL proper state documentation (birth certificate), medical records (vacinations/special needs) and legitimate copies are filed.   IF these documents are NOT provided the students can not attend school.   If students do attend and do not comply with state required documents than the school is in violation. These State regulations are the foundation to providing \" accountability \" and \" security \" for ALL students and staff within each school.  If parents are enrolling their children in school they have Federal, State and Medical documents that provide verification for that student. That verification is how each student is accounted for. It is for accountability and security at PUBLIC Schools.  If a student is enrolled, proper documentation will allow the school principal to clearly and account for that student at All times.  It is NOT up to the parents OR the students to identify or change their gender when enrolling in school. These are Federal and State regulations that allow students to be enrolled in public schools.  No papers/documents that legally reflect identity than Principal and administration can NOT enroll that student.   this is NOT a parent or student decision when attending PUBLIC school.   every student must attend PUBLIC school with legal documents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88304", "author": "Susan Lewis", "date": "2021-01-05T13:05:00", "title": "I Support This Policy", "text": "As a teacher for over 42 years, I know how important it is for students to feel safe, accepted, and happy at  school for learning to take place. Ample research supports this. Indeed, why would we not protect every single child in our schools? It is a simple conclusion that a rigorous policy is needed to protect a vulnerable group of students, not only to safeguard their education, but to allow them to thrive emotionally and socially. Any less of an effort will have lifelong (and possibly life threatening) negative consequences for them. Therefore I support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88305", "author": "Mike, Educational Professional", "date": "2021-01-05T13:09:00", "title": "This proposal promotes inequality - please ammend", "text": "Under the heading \"Student Identification\" the second paragraph begins, \"When a student asserts that they have a name and/or pronoun affirming their gender identity, school staff should abide by the student’s wishes as to how to address the student.\"  This needs to be expanded to include additional support for child and community development! Examples include: \"When a parent asserts that they have a parental philosophy affirming their child's gender identity, school staff should abide by the parent’s wishes as to how to educate that child.\" \"When a community asserts that they have an education philosophy affirming a student's gender identity, school boards should abide by the community’s wishes as to how to educate that child.\" \"When a school board asserts that they have an educational philosophy affirming a student's gender identity, VDOE should abide by the school board's wishes as to how to educate for that child.\" I believe we have turned this predicament on its head and fear that we will lead more gender nonconforming youth into disillusionment and despair by this anti-community approach."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88306", "author": "SPS", "date": "2021-01-05T13:10:00", "title": "Why are you not following the Science?", "text": "I do not approve of this policy. With Covid, we are told to \"follow the science\". But with transgender you are following feelings, not science. The persons DNA and chromosomes determine what sex they are, and the DNA and chromosomes cannot be altered. So being transgender is subjective, not factual. Where do you draw the line? If I identify as a dog, can I pee on a fire hydrant? Whose moral code are we supposedly all blindly following anyway?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88307", "author": "Gloria George", "date": "2021-01-05T13:12:00", "title": "NOT PART OF PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL CIRRICULUM _No responsibility to add policy definition", "text": "This is NOT a PUBLIC SCHOOL responsibility. Therefore no policy is required. Overstepping educational scope and responsibilities. \"Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88308", "author": "Jeff", "date": "2021-01-05T13:17:00", "title": "STRONGLY disapprove!", "text": "Not the purpose of the educational system. Please consider the concerns of the people. This actually hurts all involved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88309", "author": "Carol Leake, concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-05T13:18:00", "title": "I strongly oppose the VDOE proposed guidelines.", "text": "VDOE, I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88310", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T13:19:00", "title": "Violation of Public School Responsibilities _Remove statement", "text": "Public School provide mental health staff to address MANY student concern.  Remove all language below as this is already covered under existing guidelines.  NOT a PUBLIC SCHOOL responsibility to state what parents can encourage or not.  Parents and school staff are partners in children's educational needs. (Public school does not have the authority to write policy on what parents can or can not do) \"Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13)\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88311", "author": "Former publ", "date": "2021-01-05T13:20:00", "title": "New transgender guidelines", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88312", "author": "Concerned grandparent", "date": "2021-01-05T13:21:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Totally opposed to these policies as they undermine parents and religious beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88313", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T13:25:00", "title": "Transgender proposed legislation", "text": "Please do not pass this bill. It discriminates against parents. As a teacher, it makes my job harder & finally it would do a real disservice to anyone struggling with the issue of transgenderism. Counseling rather than rules need to be in place to help each individual cope with the realities of his/hers choices of changing gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88314", "author": "Gloria George", "date": "2021-01-05T13:27:00", "title": "Policy in Violation of Federal & State requirements (Security issues for ALL)", "text": "Federal and State laws have enrollment requirements for ALL Public School Safety and Security.  More oversight and audits are needed to ensure Public Schools are complying with Parents enrolling students. proper federal and state documents as to WHO is enrolling in school medical records indicating WHO is enrolling in school recommend removing vague statements below that DO NOT comply with public school enrollment requirements that provide safety and security in the schools. There should not be a Policy for \"claiming identity\" - poses a great security threat to ALL.  Every public school must have legally attending and accountable attendance of students and staff. Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88315", "author": "Sheila Richardson", "date": "2021-01-05T13:29:00", "title": "transgender policies-horrified", "text": "This is so incredibly destructive that it amazes me it is ever proposed... will lead parents to remove children from public schools, will lead teachers to find other means of employment, will lead anyone who believes \"God made them male and female\" to wash their hands of the whole system. Where are the rights of parents? Government schools, you do not own our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88316", "author": "Outraged Virginian", "date": "2021-01-05T13:29:00", "title": "Transgender Lunacy", "text": "Simply put, this is lunacy pushed by the left. Give me a birth certificate and I’ll tell you what gender you are. Sorry, but your genetics don’t care about your feelings."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88317", "author": "Bill Parsons", "date": "2021-01-05T13:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose proposed transgender guidelines!", "text": "VDOE, I strongly oppose the proposed transgender guidelines.  They would eradicate all distinctions between male and female, distinctions that are CRITICAL for children to understand, and indoctrinate our school children, assuming a role that should be reserved for parents. Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar – should NOT be considered harassment (Recommended Standard, p.10).  Furthermore, students and faculty should NOT be subject to disciplinary action due to failure to use the preferred pronoun of a student. Schools should be explicitly forbidden from \"helping\" a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding his/her gender expression of sexual identity.  This is a role for parents to play, not anyone in the school system. Under the proposed guidelines, all students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty.  This is inappropriate and would violate the privacy and safety of students in states of undress. Bill Parsons Springfield, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88318", "author": "Victoria", "date": "2021-01-05T13:31:00", "title": "Children should not be pawns for government social experiments and power", "text": "For the safety and privacy of every child, objectively honor them by their biological sex of male or female.   To do otherwise is child abuse.  Do not endanger them physically, emotionally, and spiritually."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88319", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T13:33:00", "title": "The proposed changes are contradictory", "text": "These proposed changes are contradictory.  How can a teacher treat this information confidential as stated here: “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) IF the teacher is supposed to be doing the following: “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88320", "author": "Michael", "date": "2021-01-05T13:33:00", "title": "Oppose this Guidance Dcument", "text": "I fundamentally oppose the intent as well as each of the individual articles."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88321", "author": "George", "date": "2021-01-05T13:40:00", "title": "Remove statement - unclear, confusing, vague, violates DOE regulatory enrollment guidelines", "text": "Remove this statement .  Policy contradicts the enrollment status of students and violates safety and security of other students. (will pose legal and lawsuits against schools)   This policy statement violates the PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL Mission.  School staff, parents are partnering for success of students and NOT hiding-consealing information.  The first sentence does not map to second sentence (remove all together or re-write for comment) The first sentence contradicts the use of biological references in other policy statements that say remove references BUT then references it below. (what is a biological male if you are now saying remove all references to male/female) How will you know if there is a biological male in a room?  Therefore PUBLIC SCHOOLS Have an Enrollment process that provides accountability and identifies ALL students. Recommend removing - all together this statement is not clear and concise Sc h ools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88322", "author": "NLA", "date": "2021-01-05T13:41:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "I strongly disagree with this proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88323", "author": "Steph", "date": "2021-01-05T13:41:00", "title": "Unnecessary and Irrelevant", "text": "Teachers have enough on their plate already they do not need to add this non-academic  burden on teachers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88324", "author": "Huber Parsons", "date": "2021-01-05T13:41:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS POLICY!!!", "text": "I am appalled at the way this fascist, intolerant policy would co-opt parental responsibilities and place them in the hands of school bureaucrats, while advancing an agenda that sacrifices the well-being of children. The policy is not based on science.  Rather, it is forcing a Transgender Religion on everyone. And the purpose is not to improve the educational experience of all children in Virginia schools, which should be the primary focus of the Virginia Department of Education. This policy directly violates Section 16 of the Virginia Bill of Rights , which states: \"That religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and, therefore, all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other. No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of religion, and the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities...\" The policy directly contradicts the U.S. Constitutional right of freedom of religion because it does not allow for any exceptions based on religious faith or conscience.  In the United States, the government cannot force everyone to adopt a particular religious belief, and the government cannot prohibit the free exercise of religion. Girls should be protected, not made vulnerable by boys/men who want to use girls' bathrooms, locker rooms, or other facilities. This policy would make girls vulnerable to sexual predators and cause harm to countless girls across the Commonwealth. This policy would also destroy girls sports because it would allow boys who \"identify\" as girls to compete on \"girls\" sports teams, thereby defying the common-sense intent of Title IX provisions ensuring equal opportunities for both girls and boys in athletics. THIS POLICY SHOULD BE REJECTED BY THE VDOE. The government should NOT impose a particular religion on all students/parents which is contrary to science, contrary to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, contrary to the U.S. Constitution, would result in HARM TO GIRLS, and would DESTROY GIRLS SPORTS. Rather, a reasonable and legal alternative would be for LGBT+ activists to create their own private schools where people could self-select into them. That would allow LGBT+ people to exercise their freedom of religion without the government imposing a particular religion on everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88325", "author": "Margaret", "date": "2021-01-05T13:42:00", "title": "Totally disgusting, again hurting our most PRECIOUS resource, for less than 1% of society!", "text": "Disgusting, again hurting our most PRECIOUS gifts for less than 1% of the population,  This is child abuse!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88326", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T13:44:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "VDOE please do not do this.  STOP.  Just Stop trying to force a new age morality.  This is immoral on so many levels.  Even if all relatives have deceased and the child is in a state group home of some kind, you should train the child up in the way they should go, the way they are designed.  In 99.8% of children, their sex is very very clear. Since you are only dealing with 0.2% of children, ADMIT IT, and handle as special cases.  I believe these special cases are best handled by parents with advice from others when asked by the parents.  Government STAY OUT of my FAMILY BUSINESS! Do your job, not mine."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88327", "author": "Dean Dye", "date": "2021-01-05T13:45:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "The proposed policy guidelines are truly abhorrent and disgusting. They would almost be funny if not for the fact that these are real children and the real future of our Commonwealth. Please do not enact or even consider any of these policy guidelines Thank you. Respectfully, Dean Dye"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88328", "author": "Monica Darnell", "date": "2021-01-05T13:45:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Policies", "text": "This is child abuse!  How dare you hurt our precious children and destroy our families with these lies and distorted views.  May God have mercy on you because what you are doing is pure evil."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88329", "author": "Irvin McMahan", "date": "2021-01-05T13:46:00", "title": "TRANSDENDER CHANGES", "text": "I AM AGAINST THIS PROPOSED CHANGE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88330", "author": "Christine Wingard", "date": "2021-01-05T13:48:00", "title": "Is this what you want for your children/grandchildren? NO", "text": "Please do not pass these harmful requirements.  I cannot imagine the mayhem this will create.  These recommended standards cause confusion in children/young adults, remove parents (who in most situations care about these children more than any one else, and by the way, pay the taxes for the public school system to educate their children) from involvement in their children's lives, and endanger children, especially girls, to harmful situations. Furthermore, there is no provision for exception or accommodation for those who conscientiously oppose.  In every way this is harmful to all students.  Conscientious and concerned parents will have no choice but to withdraw their students from the public system.  Perhaps that may be the best outcome from this entire onslaught.  Parents care about their children, care for their children, raise their children, and pay for their children.  VDOE must listen to the outcry of the parents!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88331", "author": "Radhika", "date": "2021-01-05T13:50:00", "title": "100% Support", "text": "Please protect trans and non-binary students, teachers and other public school system people. This is a step in the right direction. You have my full support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88332", "author": "Michael", "date": "2021-01-05T13:51:00", "title": "Students DO NOT have the authority to Do What Ever they want - when they Feel like it in PUBLIC SCHO", "text": "This is violation of DOE, federal and state guidelines on how to conduct Public educational instruction in a safe and orderly fashion.  This policy violates enrollment status accountability for ALL students through out the day.  This statement explicitly states that staff and/or school admin,, faculty \"are NOT allowed\" to do their job and question ONLY Transgender students. BUT non-transgender students are allowed to be questioned. Remove statement below, Invalid. Biased to ONLY transgender students. Violates DOE Federal and State mission and School Principal, staff, admins, faculty roles and responsibility who ARE responsible for ALL Students (who they are, where they are and what they are doing when conducting school business).  Students, specifically transgender students DO NOT RUN the Public Schools All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88333", "author": "Timothy Cox", "date": "2021-01-05T13:53:00", "title": "Opposed to Transgender Policies - In Favor of Science and Safety for Boys and Girls - Children Grow", "text": "These suggested policies are hurtful not only to boys and girls who are sensitive to undressing at home for bath time (let alone at school or at a friend's home), but also to boys and girls who want to experiment with their gender identity. Gender and sex are not fluid realities. They are not social constructs. Gender and sex are God-given, scientific realities rooted in biology. A child who is consistently taught that he or she may identify as something or someone else may one day be in charge of boys and girls who identify as boys and girls. If and when that adult is allowed to enter a restroom or locker room with children of the opposite sex, that adult becomes a sexual pervert. That adult, regardless of his or her then gender identity, becomes a danger to those children. Remember: children who today are encouraged to experiment with a fluid concept of gender identity will one day be adults who may harm boys and girls. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Tim"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88334", "author": "Calvin Ashley", "date": "2021-01-05T13:55:00", "title": "i support", "text": "I 100% support the Model Policy as a current student"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88335", "author": "Jessica Stover", "date": "2021-01-05T13:59:00", "title": "I 100% support this document", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. Every child deserves to have systems in place that allow them to be children, free from discrimination and harassment. These guidelines use an evidence based approach to give tools to educators and other individuals in power to better support all their students, especially those at risk of maltreatment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88336", "author": "Richard Hohos", "date": "2021-01-05T14:01:00", "title": "Student transgender and sexual identity", "text": "Concetrate teaching students classical education and leave social issues to their parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88337", "author": "JRR", "date": "2021-01-05T14:01:00", "title": "Oppose the new policies regarding transgender students", "text": "When someone suffers from gender dysphoria, society should help the person accept who they really are.  By expecting society to reject reality in favor of an internal disconnect, everyone (most especially the sufferer) loses, and we do a disservice to all involved.  Perception, even self-perception, is not always reality.  We should all strive to accept, then deal with, reality, even when it conflicts with our self-perception.  Understanding the reality is the first step.  To do otherwise puts us in the position of being an enabler and harming the individual with gender dysphoria (or any other kind of dysphoria, for that matter).  Such acceptance of erroneous self-perception opens the gates to further acceptance of unreality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88338", "author": "George", "date": "2021-01-05T14:02:00", "title": "PUBLIC SCHOOL_ Students do not run the school.  PERIOD", "text": "Remove this statement.  Using over exaggerated language and overstated words to misconstrue context.  Public School and PE uniforms are already neutral.  DOE Federal and State guidelines on proper dress code exist.  Without citing every team uniform, band uniform, activity uniform..etc Policy should remain the same. High-level, related to ALL students and staff.  We (staff and parents) are teaching children proper dress for many different situations.    This policy is out of context, poorly written and should not be considered or re-written with clear and concise language for less ambiguity. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression.  Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88339", "author": "Allison", "date": "2021-01-05T14:02:00", "title": "This is an incredible step, approve and pass this to protect kids from bigotry in schools!", "text": "This is a fantastic first step. I am disappointed seeing some of the other comments on this forum that have so much bigotry and vitriol. Kids need to be respected, as we are not raising children but little adults. The behavior they learn in school carries into their adult lives, just as much as anything they learn at home. If they learn to respect trans and other LGBTQ members of their school community through these policies and normalize that respect, they will carry it into their lives hopefully and the world will have fewer of these vile people that are being so hateful. My younger brother is trans and deserves just as much respect and fair treatment as anyone else as a human being. Anyone saying otherwise is being hateful and is not based in science. Them using the bathroom is no more a concern than anyone else using that bathroom, the “bodily and religious concerns of others” are not effected. Someone else being trans being against your religion is not their problem. They have a right to practice their own beliefs, if you will, and being their true selves is part of it. The real infringement of rights is happening to the trans students, and they deserve to have their rights protected. This is vitally important, please PASS THIS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88340", "author": "Loudoun County Parent", "date": "2021-01-05T14:04:00", "title": "Stop weaponizing speech", "text": "These policies will cause more harm then good. They are not based in science. They are the result of 100% group think that does not believe in objective reality or the scientific method. They will silence teachers and students who believe in science. They are a disservice to women's sports (see latest research below). They remove parental rights. They place power in the hands of ideologues. They will drive out good teachers. They will drive out students. They will result in lawsuits. They do nothing to prepare our children to be ready to participate in the 21st century. The emotional needs of students who may question their identity should be left to counselors, not school admins, teachers, and students. These policies will be weaponized and used by individuals to punish anyone that does not conform to their way of thinking. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/trans-women-retain-athletic-edge-after-year-hormone-therapy-study-n1252764?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88341", "author": "Matt", "date": "2021-01-05T14:07:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I do not approve!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88342", "author": "Desiree Shaffer", "date": "2021-01-05T14:08:00", "title": "Dangerous Policies", "text": "These are very dangerous policies for Virginia's children, parents, and teachers.  It does not make sense to enact these rules for a VERY small minority of children who identify as transgender.  Consider all of the problems caused by allowing biological boys to compete against biological girls in sports.  This has robbed these young women of opportunities and awards.  This is a slippery slope which Virginia should not go down.  No one can even imagine all of the complications that will arise.  Staff and students would be subject to \"disciplinary action\" and perhaps legal suits if they don't use the \"correct pronouns\".  Schools will be allowed to advise children to move forward with irreversible hormone treatments and surgeries, without the parents' knowledge.  Unfortunately the popularity of transgenderism is spreading and many young people are making irreversible life decisions that will affect their future health, happiness, and well-being.  We should not encourage this.  And these policies would allow persecution of students and parents who believe that God created male and female, and it was good."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88343", "author": "OnemoreSB", "date": "2021-01-05T14:11:00", "title": "Do Not Support These Proposed Changes", "text": "These policies will hurt children and adults alike. Gender and sex are beautiful, scientific realities. They are not to be taken lightly. All people have eternal dignity and worth because they are created in God's image."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88344", "author": "Judith Applegate", "date": "2021-01-05T14:12:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "I do not approve!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88345", "author": "GA", "date": "2021-01-05T14:16:00", "title": "Parents have the legal right, via the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 1974),", "text": "remove this draft policy statement. Public School staff DO NOT have the authority to withhold any information from parents/legal caretakers. This also goes against Federal and State Public School guidance to share information and colloborate on students achievements . Hiding information and/or knowingly with holding student incidents from parents is in violation Parents have the legal right, via the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 1974), Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88346", "author": "Emily Keenan", "date": "2021-01-05T14:16:00", "title": "100% Approve", "text": "I am full support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. I am so proud to see this kind of document exist to better support the success and wellness of all students - no exceptions. These proposed model policies will truly save lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88347", "author": "Liz Taylor", "date": "2021-01-05T14:19:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support the Virginia Department of Education's efforts to support transgender students with this policy. All students, including transgender students, thrive when their emotional, physical and learning needs are met and their rights are protected. This policy will help ensure that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88348", "author": "Ian Prior", "date": "2021-01-05T14:19:00", "title": "How much $$$ has VA put aside for when they get sued into the dark ages for this dystopian garbage", "text": "Hey, I'd like to make a stink about this but screw it. Time for private school!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88349", "author": "Tonya", "date": "2021-01-05T14:21:00", "title": "Looneyville", "text": "I keep thinking this craziness will go away...nope! One journalist coined it \"looneytune,\" that is what it feels like, that we are living in looney-toon-ville right now.  More harm is being done to our children by not standing for truth.  What kind of school do we have when truth and facts are being denied and letting feelings take over our education. When will the brave step forward in our school boards and in our legislature and say enough is enough? I strongly oppose such policies that causes so much harm for our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88350", "author": "GA", "date": "2021-01-05T14:23:00", "title": "Public School CAN NOT TAKE AWAY PARENTS RIGHTS and withhold information", "text": "“School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Parents have the legal right, via the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 1974), Public School staff and faculty DO NOT have the legal authority to withhold information and/or knowingly HIDE information from parents.  DO NOT approve recommend standard, p12 as written as it is in violation of parental rights.  legal lawsuits may follow against schools for withholding info"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88351", "author": "Michael Nichols", "date": "2021-01-05T14:24:00", "title": "Model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "To whom it may concern: While I fully agree that any student should be treated respectfully, these policies being proposed by VDOE are an overreach based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and treat our school children as a social experiment in sexuality. None of those theories have compelling evidence and support from the scientific community as a whole. Implementing these policies would in fact be potentially more detrimental to children's long-term health and well-being since much self-proclaimed transgenderism in younger people more often than not stems from a confused psychological state of gender dysphoria which requires the wisdom and maturity of professional accompaniment and counsel rather than an unbridled, unloving response of just giving license to whatever the student may be feeling at the moment. We're supposed to be the adults in the room here! Another difficulty with the proposed guidelines is that they assume a posture of disrespect toward the role of the parent as primary caregiver by handling student manifestation of transgenderism as knowledge to which the state is privy but the parent is not. What automatically qualifies the state to be more responsible in handling these matters than the parents themselves? This usurping of the authority of the state over the parent sets a dangerous precedent for the abuse of public power in other arenas as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88352", "author": "Barbara", "date": "2021-01-05T14:25:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE STOP FORCING LIBERAL AGENDAS IN SCHOOL", "text": "Our children are LOSING ground and THIS is what VDOE is focused on?! THIS IS THE PRIORITY?! CAN WE PLEASE GET BACK TO ACTUAL learning and STOP the pushing social agendas?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88353", "author": "Michael", "date": "2021-01-05T14:27:00", "title": "security concern - Public School have to be accountable for ALL and know identity (pick one)", "text": "“Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) This is not a PUBLIC SCHOOL issue.  The Department of Education at the Federal and State level decide on curriculum NOT determining ones identity .  Remove statement above as it violates Federal enrollment status and poses a security concern due to loss of accountability"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88354", "author": "Keith Osterhage", "date": "2021-01-05T14:29:00", "title": "Model Policies for Transgender Students", "text": "I fully support these model policies to insure dignity, respect and safety of ALL persons.  I believe that LGBTQ persons are created by God and as such should be afforded protection from those who live in fear, ignorance, prejudice and bigotry.  As a Catholic I also say this as a FULL REBUKE of the hateful email sent by my parish--St Raymond of Penafort--urging all to oppose these policies.  The people who sent this from St. Raymond's would surely be in the \"GIVE US BARABAS\" crowd."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88355", "author": "Bret Lansdell", "date": "2021-01-05T14:31:00", "title": "DISGUSTING - STOP RUINING OUR SOCIETY", "text": "How DARE you discriminate against anyone who believes that God made man and woman because that's what you are doing with the approval of this policy. Do not force teachers, parents and students to go along with your ideological agenda that we must all label everyone into a 'right' and 'wrong' group, further pushing society into decline and promoting division and hatred. If we do not agree with this ideology, that doesn't equal discrimination. In fact, you are the ultimate hypocrite! This policy is completely discriminatory against anyone who doesn't conform. At least try to save face and include a religious exemption. In fact, not only are you disseminating an anti-Christian mindset but remember, resulting suicides are a very real and increasing statistic in people who are transgender, and you are only fueling the fire towards it for those students who are in need of love and attention. Don't encourage the pain and suffering they are going through now. These negative outcomes occur many years later, so of course there would be no recourse on you for the damage you could potentially do with the approval of this policy. You are also absolutely overstepping your boundaries when it comes to my child's upbringing. You have no right to teach my child that this immoral behavior is okay and should be celebrated and embraced or face consequences if you disagree. And by the way, isn't the education of our children supposed to concentrate on the truth about biology, not the influence on it via societal values or lack thereof? And why is it okay now to change definitions all in the name of inclusion? Diversity and inclusion means excluding those who object to ideological uniformity. There is a fundamental breakdown of our school system if you disagree with this statement. And how does this policy teach our kids to be upstanding, truthful, and moral citizens? Why is it that you do not support a strong family unit? You have totally missed the mark if you are trying to insert yourself into our homes, challenging parents' rights. In fact, you would go behind parents' backs and actually call Child Protective Services crying 'child abuse' on me because I read the Bible to my child where St. Paul writes through the power of God, the Holy Spirit, saying that this conduct is a sin. Instead, I suggest you repent for your sins and not worry about my own or my child's. God created everything, sees everything, but still forgives everyone who asks."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88356", "author": "MG", "date": "2021-01-05T14:34:00", "title": "SAY NO WAY _ identity without any substantiating evidence  (SECURITY CONCERN FOR ALL)", "text": "“Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) Do NOT accept policy as written.  Accountability and Security considerations must be complied with.  Enroll with proper and legal documentation. Pick a nick name under current rules.  As a teacher, many students refer to generic nic-names (a female student likes to be called Bobbi.  Another male student likes to be called Staci.)  These are very appropriate ways already in place.  why we do not added policy with vague, unclear and ambiguous language. Public School has the resposnibility for knowing who students are legally - legally enrolled"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88357", "author": "a Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-01-05T14:34:00", "title": "I do NOT agree with these new policies,How is this even acceptable?", "text": "I heard a lady speak of this kind of thing. There are more girls claiming to be \"gay\" than ever before. And it's because it's the POPULAR thing to do right now, it does not mean they will continue on that path. How dare the schools and teachers even get involved with this on this kind of level. Everything about this bill is harmful and disgusting and opening doors that should not be. This will truly do more harm than good and I dont appreciate the fact that you all want to not only change history but now our children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88358", "author": "Concerned Virginia Citizen", "date": "2021-01-05T14:35:00", "title": "Proposed guidelines for Transgender in Schools", "text": "As a Virginia citizen of four in high school, I do not approve of the proposed guidelines fir transgender which is based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. Regulating pronouns is absurd.  These guidelines are removing the parent from parenting their child.  The schools did not give birth to these children and should not be in the position of raising them.  VDOE must maintain a standard of educating children, not directing sexual identity or preference.  In addition, this is not factual or scientific at all.  How can any of these guidelines represent academics?  These guidelines belong to mental health professionals, not education department. Not only are the guidelines as non factual and wrong, it discriminates against parents who embrace God-given identity.  These guidelines are an overreach of VDOE. Where have the days gone when VDOE protected ALL children?  The guidelines purposely puts many children at-risk.  Sharing facilities is dangerous.  Why is it so difficult for VDOE to only educate children?  Why does VDOE have to impress transgender policies into the school and penalize those who oppose such guidelines? Where is the protection of those students or staff who have strong religious beliefs?  Is VDOE now infringing on people of faith rights?  Will VDOE start accepting behaviors of pedophila? Again, VDOE is putting children at risk! These proposed guidelines are a direct violation of rights for all people who oppose the indoctrination of transgender population in schools.  As a Virginia citizen, I oppose these proposed guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88359", "author": "Jeff Keaton", "date": "2021-01-05T14:39:00", "title": "Please don't make this mistake", "text": "This experiment on children and their gender descriptions will create mass confusion and lead to many good people leaving your schools, etc. Do you really want to continue causing excellent employees and families to leave because they cannot in good conscience go along with these divisive policies?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88360", "author": "Patricia Stimrs", "date": "2021-01-05T14:40:00", "title": "GENDER NEUTRAL LANGUAGE", "text": "I take exception to the proposed legislation to eliminate gender specific language from our educational curriculums.  This is an extreme and harmful idea.  It defies the personhood of people and criminalizes my exercise of  freedom of speech   and freedom of religion in conscience to acknowledge God's design in human nature. Respectfully,  Patricia Stimers"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88361", "author": "MG", "date": "2021-01-05T14:42:00", "title": "REMOVE reference to \"WISHES of a STUDENT\" this is PUBLIC SCHOOL", "text": "“A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Remove this recommended policy.  Legal terminology and policy do not use \"wishes\"  Public School Staff and Faculty can not cater to student \"wishes\". This policy is open for interpretation and mis leading.  Nick names are used everyday and they need to be professional in nature.  THIS ambiguous policy and do not apply to ALL students therefore remove and re-write to avoid discriminatory policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88362", "author": "Martha Danielson", "date": "2021-01-05T14:43:00", "title": "100% SUPPORT THIS POLICY", "text": "As a parent of a transgender student in the public schools of Virginia, I support this policy for many reasons. Primarily because my child has been specifically singled out by a teacher because of a request made to use my child's preferred pronouns. The teacher was instructed by school administration and school board personnel to use the correct pronouns and the teacher refused creating a very unhealthy and potentially dangerous atmosphere for my child. All children should be given the same respect whether transgender,cisgender, or nonbianary. In my child's case, the teacher asserted his religious belief, and stated that it went against what he believed and therefore refused to use the correct pronouns even after a meeting that I had with the teacher prior to the school year begininng. Even after I explained the benefits of using the correct pronouns, in large part, the amount that it can lower suicidal ideation that the child may be experiencing. I do not believe that transgender students should be given over and above treatment to that of their cisgender peers, but I do believe that educators should consider the science that is more than evident and overwhelming and realize that these children have every right to be treated fairly while in the school. The schools have a responsibility to ensure a safe and equitable learning environment for all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88363", "author": "Karen Mire", "date": "2021-01-05T14:43:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "In reviewing these policies, I have several objections.  These policies seek to confuse young people and make them believe that they can choose what genre they are when science clearly tells us that gender is determined by DNA. So even if a you changed their physical body to alter their body to looks like another gender, they would genetically still be the gender they were born with . 2) Studies have proven that their are higher rates of suicide for children who change their sex, so kids who feel they need this change need psychological help them deal with their feelings . 3). These policies take away the Parent's rights 4) These policies are against my Christian beliefs and I will not support them being introduced to your children ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88364", "author": "S Hernandez", "date": "2021-01-05T14:46:00", "title": "Do NOT support!", "text": "It is unreasonable to discriminate against the majority in favor of the minority. Also, where is the belief in science now? We believe in COvid science facts, “evolution” science, etc, but not when it pertains to the science of the human body and DNA make-up? We cannot allow children to act on their feelings and possible mental illnesses in order to punish or cause even more harm to themselves and others. Do we allow the delusions of someone with schizophrenia to dictate how we run society? No, that would be absurd! The same goes for this gender dysphoria. We would allow a girl with fully developed breasts who then decides she is a male, to run around topless at a sporting event where the other males are also shirtless? This could lead to some possible sexual assault of this young lady who then identifies as a male or even unnecessary nudity that those young males would then be subject to see. I can see so many horrible consequences from these rules. You all are doing a great disservice to everyone to allow this confusion and madness to continue. There will be many sad consequences if this were to pass. What is evil will become good, and what is good will be evil—that is what we are seeing here. I am all for respecting every person that God has created, but you cannot punish other people for disagreeing with the gender changes. These kids that feel they are a different gender need loving guidance, counseling, and are certainly needing of respect, but these policies will only make so many things worse. Please do not allow this to happen in our school systems!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88365", "author": "Laura Potter", "date": "2021-01-05T14:48:00", "title": "I strongly support these proposals", "text": "I strongly support these proposals which are very much needed for the well-being and safety of all students.  The prejudice and ignorance on view in many of the comments posted attests to its urgency."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88366", "author": "Gloria", "date": "2021-01-05T14:49:00", "title": "Remove reference to T-Gender.... Be inclusive and remember others (overweight kids, disabled kids..", "text": "“For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) REMOVE this recommended standard, p10. UNLESS YOU insert all other acts of verbal harassment students endure (such as being overweight, too skinny, poor, wealthy, disabled, frizzy hair..etc Citing Transgender is not enough. this policy statement is ambiguous and can be taken out of context especially if the student is not transgender.  Current policy is inclusive and diverse to capture ALL Public School verbal harassment policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88367", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T14:52:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "This is wrong on so many levels.  This will open so many more issues in our schools.  Anyone can enter a restroom or locker room based on what they choose.  What stops sexual predators from identifying this way to enter the space of others of the opposite sex?  How is the school going to answer to rapes that may occur due to the oversight that would be taken away from teachers & staff?  We are teaching our youth that all they have to do is complain about something and rules will be changed b cause they are not happy with rules & laws.  I could go on & on."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88368", "author": "Ed", "date": "2021-01-05T14:53:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "These changes fly in the face of science and reality in general.  They will penalize faithful Christian students, teachers, and families with children in the public school system.  These changes ought not be adopted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88369", "author": "AM", "date": "2021-01-05T14:58:00", "title": "Your attempt to protect the rights of one group severely limits the rights of others - Echoed", "text": "These polices/regulations take rights away from cisgendered students, families, religious communities, and teachers under the guise of equality. Protecting a minority by putting the majority at risk is not equality - it is a reversal of power, and spawns the same issues that inspired its implementation. The measures you propose do NOT protect ALL students. I strongly encourage you to revisit and rewrite these policies so that ALL students and staff alike are protected. These regulations, which were written to protect a minority, WILL be exploited by people acting in bad faith. These regulations place students that claim to be transgendered (whether they actually are or not) in a place of power, where they can punish teachers & other students they dislike by constantly changing their definitions of self so the teacher or other student is always doing or saying the wrong thing. It also puts other students at risk - predators WILL use the new regulations about locker rooms and restrooms under the guise of protection of gender identity in order to commit sexual assault. NO student should have to feel afraid using the restroom or locker room. To protect transgender students' privacy, I recommend that a third restroom/locker room be installed - a designated unisex one, with more than one toilet or stall so that transgender students AND cisgendered students alike can use this room without anyone knowing their gender identity, and those students that fear compromising situations can use the restroom or locker room that corresponds to their sex at birth. I strongly disagree that parents should be taken out of the decision-making process regarding their children, and they have a right to know what happens to their child at school. Parents are far more likely than administrators and teachers to truly know the needs and desires of their children, as they've raised them since birth and care for them on a daily basis. An administrator who deals with a student once a week does not know more than their parent about what they need or what's healthy for them. It is abhorrent that a parent can be reported to Child Protective Services for not supporting their child's gender identity. That is not congruent with child abuse. The human brain is not fully formed until age 25 - these are children that are still learning and growing, and they change their minds with the breeze of a wind. Parents should not be cut out of decision-making regarding the humans they've poured countless hours, time, and energy into sustaining. Being removed from your home by CPS is psychologically damaging to parents and children alike, and this measure will be used by people in bad faith to punish those that they dislike. A case of child abuse must be much more robust (evidence of ongoing physical or emotional abuse or neglect, which does not include simply disagreeing with your child) before you upturn the lives of families and children forever. The effects of a CPS intervention do not end with litigation or resolution - unwarranted removals can scar children for life. I again echo another commenter's words: \"Undermining family and faith--the pillars of society--will not offer more stability for the Commonwealth. It is a long-term recipe for social collapse.\" It is a path of no return. Please do not support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88370", "author": "Kristen Haines", "date": "2021-01-05T15:00:00", "title": "Gender is not binary", "text": "Until we stop forcing an untrue issue, we will continue to see hate take root in people's hearts. For the religious readers, the bible says God created night and day. It doesn't specificially talk about all the other hours of the day, does it? What about noon? Would you say that noon doesn't exist because it's not in the bible? We live with something other than JUST night and JUST day. As such, when it says He created male and female, the bible encompasses every permutation and every person in between. You know WAY more people living along the spectrum of gender than on either end of it - people are just afraid to tell you or show you. It's time we accept the science AND embrace God's main message: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. This policy does just that. Thank you to the leaders embracing this and sowing seeds of kindness and acceptance instead of hate and denial."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88371", "author": "Gloria George", "date": "2021-01-05T15:00:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT", "text": "After review,  these recommended Policies are not clear and poorly written. Students wishes and Students can do what ever they want when they want ... should not be in SCHOOL POLICY"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88372", "author": "Ronald Pavlosky", "date": "2021-01-05T15:01:00", "title": "I oppose this disgraceful act.", "text": "How dare you try to over ride the rights of parents whose job is to raise their children. Our government officials cant even do a good job ruling our state, now they are trying to rule our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88373", "author": "Carole B Wyncoop", "date": "2021-01-05T15:02:00", "title": "Model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I strongly oppose the policies listed in this document.  The removal of parental governance and rights is appalling.  Allowing children to change their gender at a whim is dangerous and disruptive to the educational system and teachers that work so hard to teach our children.  Punitive actions taken against our educators for so called \"harassment\" of using a pronoun that one of these children disagrees with is counterproductive and demoralizing.       I can't say strongly enough how morally wrong I believe these policies to be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88374", "author": "Caitlin", "date": "2021-01-05T15:04:00", "title": "These policies will save lives", "text": "I strongly support this proposal.  Inclusion for this population is essential, as they are some of the most at risk students in our communities.  We need to support them and make them feel validated."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88375", "author": "Jean", "date": "2021-01-05T15:06:00", "title": "Transgenderism", "text": "How dare you try to change what God has created! God created us male and female. A union between a married man and woman brings life. Anything else produces spiritual death."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88376", "author": "Brenda Sutton", "date": "2021-01-05T15:13:00", "title": "I oppose", "text": "I oppose the proposed agenda and am waiting for some common sense, moral policies that honor God and His word to be put forth.  God created us to be a man or a woman and He does not make mistakes!  We are tired of these liberal agendas being thrust on us!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88377", "author": "Mary Hazzard", "date": "2021-01-05T15:29:00", "title": "Opposed to Flawed Model Policies", "text": "I oppose the model policies.  The model policies read like ones drafted with little consideration beyond the misguided and one sided gender affirming ideological narrative. Since these policies are not evidenced based and ignore studies and accounts (and now legal action) of those who suffered harm and who regret transition, they do not serve students who identify as transgender. The impact on girls who identify as girls and boys who identify as boys, and children and adolescents who detransition is recklessly disregarded. Teachers who validly object face professional discipline. Objecting students face discipline. Most concerning  is authority given to schools to interfere with and undermine parental prerogative. No one concerned for the welfare of children should champion these \"model\" policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88378", "author": "AS", "date": "2021-01-05T15:29:00", "title": "Fully support the VDOE Guidance Document", "text": "As a parent of 3 students in Albemarle County Public Schools, I fully support this guidance document. LGBTQ+ students should feel safe in their schools! The transphobic/hateful statements on this public commentary are enough to see why students don't feel safe. This document gives me hope that these students may finally be able to overcome the discrimination and harassment they deal with currently."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88379", "author": "Dennis Smith", "date": "2021-01-05T15:30:00", "title": "Beware of Identity Politics", "text": "Is this not more about identity politics than actual prevention of bullying? I do not want to see kids bullied by the faculty or students. I also do not want to see parents limited to nothing more than mindless machines of our common wealth. Does this not open the door for boys who identify as girls to take place and ultimately dominate in girls sports because of their bodies natural tendency to produce testosterone (science)? Does this not potentially pave the way for the common wealth to dictate to parents how their children should be raised when the parents are concerned that puberty blocking drugs may damage their children in the long run (again science)? If parents and child decide to take this direction they have every right to be treated with respect by the  common wealth, if this is where this starts and ends, fine. Even though, I myself disagree with this on a personal and Spiritual level. However, in the public square no persons rights should trample another persons rights. This goes down to the basic principle of treating others they way you want to be treated. I have seen and have been bullied myself over numerous things including my Christianity. It was dealt with by my teachers or even by working with my parents and teachers. There was no need for action by the legislator. Which is why I ask, is this not more about scoring political points with identity politics than looking after the needs of our students. We all have different views and opinions and most should be respected, especially if it involves a healthy parent child relationship. In general public education families from all the different backgrounds, religious or otherwise should be respected. If this was written under more general terms and required the need for parents and faculty to work these things out together, I think you would have more backers. That includes myself. No one wants to be bullied, by students or the common wealth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88380", "author": "Kent Stoneburner", "date": "2021-01-05T15:32:00", "title": "proposed DOE guidance document", "text": "do not agree with proposed documents, and with parents not being informed of school's actions with child"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88381", "author": "Paul", "date": "2021-01-05T15:39:00", "title": "Completely unnecessary and dangerous", "text": "Why is this necessary? This only distracts the young and takes focus away from grade school learning. When they are young adults (18+), they can then choose to assert identity politics as they wish, but while they are a minor, they are under the complete responsibility and care of their legal parents or guardians."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88382", "author": "Melissa Kepler", "date": "2021-01-05T15:42:00", "title": "Parent of 3 Students Supports This Policy", "text": "I support this policy - it is a great foundation for support to all students and will help make school a safer place. I am the parent of three Virginia public school students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88383", "author": "Liza M", "date": "2021-01-05T15:43:00", "title": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE.", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88384", "author": "Jean", "date": "2021-01-05T15:44:00", "title": "Dept of Education/transgender", "text": "Completely wrong and completely confusing to all involved. Please keep real biology and real science. Please leave fairy tales out of our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88385", "author": "Mike", "date": "2021-01-05T15:45:00", "title": "Fully support this guidance", "text": "100% support this necessary guidance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88386", "author": "Celia Stone", "date": "2021-01-05T15:45:00", "title": "Inclusive Policies Literally Save Lives", "text": "I strongly support the initiatives to protect trans and nonbinary youth in our schools. Trans and nonbinary students are owed the same respect from teachers and administrators as their cis peers. Institutional protections against discrimination and harassment can and will save students' lives, as they promote a broader culture of acceptance and inclusion. Every year, we lose too many LGBTQ+ individuals to self-harm and assault, both of which are largely a product of intolerance that is permitted at the institutional level and brushed off as insignificant. By fostering an environment of acceptance and enforcing non-discriminatory protections at the school level, we can transform our culture to be safer for this community. We have a moral obligation to build a foundation of inclusion and respect for the next generation, and this starts in the schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88387", "author": "Jean", "date": "2021-01-05T15:46:00", "title": "Completely Wrong and completely confusing. Let's keep science and biology accurate.", "text": "Please do not confuse things. Biology is science and there are only 2 sexes and cannot be changed. Please leave this garbage out of our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88389", "author": "Harriet Hirsch", "date": "2021-01-05T15:51:00", "title": "I totally support this guidance.", "text": "Please follow the guidance for transgender students as described above.  It has my total support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88390", "author": "Megan Burks", "date": "2021-01-05T16:08:00", "title": "I completely support this!", "text": "This is all backed by science and is for the health and well-being of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88391", "author": "R Juárez", "date": "2021-01-05T16:09:00", "title": "This will endanger all children", "text": "In an effort to give children freedoms they aren’t mature enough to handle, in order to protect their feelings, a decision like this would not only punish those being forced to act in strong opposition of their core beliefs, but it would foster an environment that would endanger all children. Forcing a student or staff member to go against their beliefs to cater to someone else’s sexual preferences or confusions is no different than forcing a person to either acknowledge faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son or else be punished. Either scenario would produce insincere behavior stemming from fear. Instead, worry more about teaching children to be kind and respectful of one another’s differences and challenges, as staff sets the example. Don’t endanger young boys and girls. Don’t be the cause of fostering situations for rape and sexual abuse. This change pretends to protect some children, but would in the end harm them all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88392", "author": "Antonio E Esteve", "date": "2021-01-05T16:09:00", "title": "Quit politicizing schools and concentrate on teaching students.", "text": "This transgender agenda makes no sense in our schools.  The job of the schools is to teach students not to brainwash them with adult agendas.  I guess now you want to change the English language to eliminate words than have been used for many years and start a new vocabulary.  I am totally against this.  I will work to reduce funding to schools and recommend all parents to send their children to private schools or to home-school them were they will not be subjected to this political agenda.  Don't forget you work for the people who pay your salaries."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88393", "author": "Sherry", "date": "2021-01-05T16:13:00", "title": "DNA", "text": "\"Follow the science,\" except when it comes to DNA.  This is horrific and completely upside-down."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88394", "author": "Jason See", "date": "2021-01-05T16:15:00", "title": "?? Support this policy! ?? ??????", "text": "As a parent of 3 students in Albemarle County Public Schools, I fully support this guidance document. LGBTQ+ students should feel safe in their schools! The transphobic/hateful statements on this public commentary are enough to see why students don't feel safe. This document gives me hope that these students may finally be able to overcome the discrimination and harassment they deal with currently. Sadly, my kids have seen the struggles their LGBTQ+ friends go through with name-calling and even blatant disrespect school administrators. I know that if my children were struggling with these issues, I would do everything I could to make sure they has the same safe education as everyone else. I support this guidance because I want my kids and all of their friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone. Virginia is for Lovers, not hatred!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88395", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T16:20:00", "title": "Concerned teacher and parent", "text": "I understand that now a days there is an increasing number of children that are struggling with gender identity and this can be very difficult and confusing for the child  and their parents to go through. As a teacher I make every effort to treat all of my students with care and compassion and to support them socially, emotionally and academically. However, these policies are in my opinion overstepping the boundaries between teachers and school officials and families. As a parent I would vehemently oppose the school's involvement in counseling my child on any subject without my knowledge. As a teacher, I would not feel qualified or comfortable interfering with sensitive subjects such as a child's identity. Every trauma experience that a child may go through is unique to each individual child. These policies are ambiguous, impersonal and invasive. They do not protect the students, teachers, or parents; on the contrary they put all the above at risk of losing their individual rights to express their personal convictions and opinions in making the best decision for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88396", "author": "AL", "date": "2021-01-05T16:21:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "It’s life not confusing enough? Our children do not know right from wrong as it is, and now we want to confuse them even more by saying it is OK to be bisexual, gay or lesbian and now transgender! Practice what you want to practice if you must but do it in the privacy of your home not in the setting of public education!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88397", "author": "Karen Goers", "date": "2021-01-05T16:28:00", "title": "I don't approve!", "text": "I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88398", "author": "Kathleen Green", "date": "2021-01-05T16:33:00", "title": "support transgender students", "text": "I write as a Mom, MomMom and retired registered nurse here in the Commonwealth.  I support the guidelines written to protect transgender students and keep them safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88399", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T16:34:00", "title": "DO NOT APPROVE THIS", "text": "Please do not approve this sickening agenda"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88400", "author": "TO", "date": "2021-01-05T16:34:00", "title": "I do not support", "text": "These policies harm all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88401", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T16:40:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "As a former Virginia public school student, I fully support this guidance. Transgender youth need, want, and deserve to feel safe in their schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88402", "author": "Joe Hodgin", "date": "2021-01-05T16:42:00", "title": "Transgender BS", "text": "Forcing transgender anything on the 99% heterosexual population is wrong!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88403", "author": "SA", "date": "2021-01-05T16:42:00", "title": "Totally Disagree", "text": "This is completely ridiculous! Totally Disagree! Terrible use of our tax dollars!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88404", "author": "Timothy Reese", "date": "2021-01-05T16:48:00", "title": "VDOE transgender policy", "text": "please.   Please.   PLEASE.   STOP with all this silliness. I absolutely DO NOT APPROVE of this     ' new ' Virginia Department of Education ' Guidelines ' for transgender students. FACT : A male or female's IDENTITY is imprinted, marked, branded on that individual by their PERSONAL ' DNA ' at the MOMENT ' HE ' or ' SHE ' is CONCEIVED . PERIOD You FOLKS are by far way tooooo Educated for this silliness. WAKE UP.   Even a devout atheist knows the reality of this biological truth.   ' Transgenderism ' is a psychological fantasy. Thank you for your attention."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88405", "author": "John Hinkle", "date": "2021-01-05T16:54:00", "title": "Proposed transgender  policy.", "text": "I am totally opposed to any public school policy that puts my grand daughter violates her privacy. She should not have to shower or use restroom facility that allow biological males as joint tenants. Biological girls and boys are not meant to see each other naked!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88406", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T16:56:00", "title": "gender", "text": "I do not support any measures to remove/reduce traditional gender from our schools. All children are born either male or female. Those that choose their own gender are the minority so we should not change our entire culture for those few individuals. This is indoctrinating the children into beliefs and views that are not aligned with traditional values. Treat everyone equal also means to treat the children with traditional gender roles equally and they deserve to use a bathroom or locker room meant for their gender in which they can feel comfortable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88407", "author": "Dustin Shuman", "date": "2021-01-05T16:57:00", "title": "Fully Support!", "text": "As a gay male who advanced through the Prince George County public school system, I can clearly see how many students this guidance would have helped...and saved. That was over a decade ago, meaning these guidelines are all the more needed, worthwhile, and valuable. These guidelines can and will quell the shameful ignorance and hatred many adults impose on their own and others’ children. It will save lives and improve the emotional health of cis citizens, applying the same principles of acceptance and respect to so many other areas. Only rightful good will come for this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88408", "author": "Gretchen Stelling", "date": "2021-01-05T16:59:00", "title": "School transgender policies", "text": "Revolting perversion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88409", "author": "Mavel Morales", "date": "2021-01-05T16:59:00", "title": "Education Equity", "text": "Gender is a construct that is on a spectrum. Our priority should always be our students first and that includes who they are as people. Inability to respect and nourish the well being of a student is a failure to understand the fundamentals of humanity and, furthermore, education. Inequity shall not be tolerated nor perpetuated. The safety and health of our students is necessary to create any real learning."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88410", "author": "Charles Lane", "date": "2021-01-05T17:00:00", "title": "Transgender Proposal", "text": "I do not support this legislation. It will cause more harm than good."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88411", "author": "Helen", "date": "2021-01-05T17:11:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I support this policy and it is a great first step in helping and respecting transgender students. Having access to information like this and teaching them while they are young can help save lives and create a more inclusive environment"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88412", "author": "Mary Meyer", "date": "2021-01-05T17:12:00", "title": "Oppose the new guidelines based on eradicating male/female distinctions", "text": "As a retired elementary school teacher, I am strongly opposed to the new guidelines about eradicating distinctions between males and females.  Baldrige in education says that school is all about learning, learning, learning not constant chaos and arguments.  Anything that disrupts the teaching of SOLs needs to go.  Thus this policy needs to be tossed. I cannot tell you the number of times a boy pretended to enter the girls' restroom for giggles and the turmoil that seethed out into the classroom all that day.  ALL students have the right to privacy.  No student's individual gender choice should overcome this right of a free appropriate education for the whole group. During this time of the pandemic, teachers and students do NOT need one more thing interrupting the teaching of basics.  Students are woefully behind and need a safe, calm environment to catch up. Again, I am strongly opposed to these guidelines since they will be detrimental to the learning process."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88413", "author": "John H.", "date": "2021-01-05T17:13:00", "title": "YOU'VE LOST YOUR SANITY / OUR KIDS GET DAMAGED", "text": "If you implement any of this completely illogical, inappropriate, and confusing social experimentation in our tax-funded schools, you and you alone will be liable for the irreparable damage you will cause our children.  There are multiple layers to how absolutely foolish and irresponsible this politically correct garbage, but here's a few: Our kids' international competitiveness in the basics; (math/science, reading/writing and classical education) continues to decline annually, and this is DIRECTLY proportional to the # of new social experiment stuff you've increasingly introduced at the expense of actual EDUCATION-focused initiatives.  STOP and get back to the basics... this is what we're paying you for!! PARENTS and families OWN the responsibilities of dealing with the complicated subjects of sexuality and identity.  Schools can offer advice/mentoring WHEN SOLICITED, but otherwise need to STAY out of this business pushing agendas that don't align with the majority of tax payers.  Even if it did, this is NOT YOUR ROLE. Kids have dealt w/ identity questions for millennia.  Instead of leaving these issues to parents where they belong, or offering good guidance on the sex that NATURE made them, you are injecting absolute confusion when you entertain the prospect of the foolish deception of 'transgenderism'.  Step back for a minute.. do you realize how utterly ridiculous this is??  We were created with beautiful, glorious identities and natures, that have always needed a little coaching from moms, dads and sane adults.  Instead, you are injecting CONFUSION to impressionable kids that can only lead them down a path of further confusion, depression, and hopelessness.  YOU will be responsible and held accountable by our community and by God.. if you have any regard for Him and His creation?  If so- basic sanity check- He has never mistakenly made a man a woman, or a woman a man. DROP THIS TOPIC, STOP WASTING OUR TAX DOLLARS, AND FOCUS ON EDUCATION... the basics that continue to experience decline. John H. Husband, Father, Fairfax Cty Tax-Payer, U.S. Marine, Educator"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88414", "author": "Peggi Johnson", "date": "2021-01-05T17:18:00", "title": "Support for bill regarding treatment of transgender students in Virginia Public Schools", "text": "As a parent of an adult transgender child, I am grateful for this fine work and wholeheartedly support passage of this bill. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88415", "author": "Mrs. Manley", "date": "2021-01-05T17:19:00", "title": "Wholeheartedly disapprove of the policy superseding parental authority, religious rights, and...", "text": "I've reviewed your proposed policy on the treatment of transgendered students and am grieved as a mother of 2 girls, ages under 7, who are/will be in the public school system in Virginia. The policy is radical and threatens parental authority, my kids' safety, and my and my children's religious rights. The policy is based not on biology/science but instead people's feelings, which we know are ever so fickle especially in children. Gender identity by definition is subjective, opinion-based with no objective measures that can be applied, but this policy has potentially extreme punishments for people who are perceived as not being supportive of those who decide to make themselves a new identity. It's so bizarre to me that in this nation where we have and celebrate technology that can tell us the sex/gender of the unborn by 1) a blood test as early as 7 weeks after conception or 2) the amazing ultrasounds of today (3-D, 4-D) and simultaneously fight for the right to deny such celebrated information post birth.  Have you pondered how we so comfortably talk out of both sides of our mouths? I do not want any school member having conversations with my kids without my knowledge or frankly with my knowledge on this subject, no thank you to \"helping them explore or make decisions\" about gender identity.  Anything you do in secret is wrong. I expect transparency. I am not abusing my child if I disagree with her stance on this and am saying so, despite kids' big emotions and reactions. On the same topic, your policy states that I wouldn't be notified if one of my kids did something perceived as an offense against another student/teacher that the school investigates. Parents are to be partners in the educational process in everything else except this?  Teachers reach out to share concerns about other behaviors, grades, etc. but can't about this topic unless it needs resolving at the school level?  I would want a chance to ask my kids about it, address with my kids how one should behave, my expectations going forward, etc.  I can't even try to help my kids or intervene on their behalf with this. My family's faith is the foundation for our home.  If I choose to continue to teach my kids about how God created male and female, that they are different and complementary, and he imprinted them with DNA and body parts that shows this as well, then my freedom to practice my faith is called into question when your policies say I could be reported to CPS if I continue the same conversations I've had with my kids since their birth.  \"You are a little girl.  He is a little boy.\" None of these conversations have been to hurt others. They state biological facts. I also teach that we are supposed to love one another (which we can do by the way without being supportive about every opinion they have or decision they make) but to what extent are we supposed to reshape everything to fit the whim of the moment? On that point, kids need stability and to know the rules and expectations.  This policy makes it so that the rules are really whatever an individual says on whatever day they say it is. Today, I feel like a female, so today you must all refer to me as she.  Tomorrow, I feel like a male, so call me he. Does this make sense to anyone but the person?  How can all others appropriately handle this situation, which is a legitimate situation?  Just look on social media to see how often some people change their minds about these things. I am not comfortable with anyone choosing their bathroom or locker room whenever and without notification of why. Maybe this is less of any issue in elementary school but after puberty begins, I have concerns of the abuse of this rule, safety of my daughters, or any potential of my daughters seeing male genitalia in person while students change into and out of gym clothes. There is no way to make things work for all, but this policy seems to tip the scales out of balance for the majority who abide by the belief that the sex they were born equals their gender and for a lifetime. Will there be a fear of offending transgender people?  People across the board are so easily offended by everything these days. So most will tiptoe around it, not out of acceptance but fear. Is that progress for anyone? We teach children over time that they are capable of managing their feelings and are expected to but that they are also entitled to their opinions. How do we navigate this fairly between children with different viewpoints on this? If one voices an opinion that is contrary to transgenderism/fluid gender identity, then feelings are inevitably invoked for those transgender students.  It appears that when one does not support this choice or has a difference in opinion about this topic, then it's automatically discriminatory. But the feelings of the transgendered student are not expected to be managed in this case, nor is mutual respect ensured. The choice to go against one's born sex is choice made by a subjective opinion by the transgendered individual alone and still that one's opinion is more important/valid than any another's. When situations come up, maybe it is more fair to also expect that feelings can also be managed and opinions of all can be respected. Ultimately, the policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. If this moves forward, and I hope it doesn't, there have to be exceptions, as this entire policy is made for the exceptions to the biological understanding we have had since the dawn of man. Anything less is hypocritical. Also, it's important to note that I do not want any kids to be bullied or to be in emotional pain.  I can't think of a single person growing up that wasn't bullied at one time or another by someone or made to feel lesser- the popular kids for being popular, the smart kids for being nerds, short kids for being short, red-haired kids for being red-haired, less than athletic for being less than athletic, poor kids for being poor, overweight kids for...well you get the myriad of scenarios that could be played out. I saw literally all of these scenarios and more. So we need something more than this far from fair policy that only covers only a sliver of what can happen in our schools, aimed only for a few. I think that's where Jesus's restorative love comes in. If only we in our own brokenness could figure out how to apply it like He lived it.  That would be transformative! Thank you for your consideration. Please see the following excerpts from the policy that prompted my above response: “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18)  “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88416", "author": "Kimberly Klaus", "date": "2021-01-05T17:20:00", "title": "Keep up the good work!!", "text": "This is a fantastic step forward! Please continue to protect the rights of ALL people and all students. Arlington has had a similar policy for a while. Thank you for this work!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88417", "author": "tina held", "date": "2021-01-05T17:23:00", "title": "Opposition to  proposed transgender legislation", "text": "I wholeheartedly disagree with the proposed items listed on the transgender agenda.  Please vote against it.  Do not enact thsee rules.  They will only help to break families apart and make parenting, an already challenging job, a lot harder for parents. tina held"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88418", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T17:24:00", "title": "transgender students", "text": "I do not agree with the proposed bill addressing transgender student treatment. The bill is an attempt to legislate language and penalize those who do not agree with the \"transgender\" agenda. The science of biology supports male or female sex for every individual. We have a government that supports free speech for everyone. Children are not the property of the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88419", "author": "Jeffrey Cronheim", "date": "2021-01-05T17:24:00", "title": "Dangerous and Unwarranted", "text": "This is a dangerous usurpation of parents' right and is founded on identity politics, not science. You will actually endanger the lives of children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88422", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T17:25:00", "title": "DO NOT APPROVE", "text": "I do NOT approve of these proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  This is not right!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88420", "author": "Luther Wellons", "date": "2021-01-05T17:25:00", "title": "The Wisdom of Man Without God", "text": "Oh, the wisdom of man, void of God.  Pure insanity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88421", "author": "Chief One", "date": "2021-01-05T17:25:00", "title": "How far we have fallen!!!  Check the plumbing!!!", "text": "There is absolutely no evidence for the notion of transgender.  Just because someone wants to dress differently does not mean a physical change is in order.  It's plain sense that men and women are put together with different parts and functions.  Now I know some can lob off parts and claim gender change, but that  is no where near becoming someone of the opposite sex.  How foolish for our legislatures to spend time on this subject."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88423", "author": "Lisa G", "date": "2021-01-05T17:26:00", "title": "I support this policy", "text": "I support this policy as a parent in Fairfax county."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88424", "author": "Jordan K", "date": "2021-01-05T17:28:00", "title": "I support this policy", "text": "As a Fairfax County parent, I support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88425", "author": "Lyndele von Schill", "date": "2021-01-05T17:30:00", "title": "Support for Trans* students", "text": "All students deserve to be safe, protected, and to learn in a supportive environment.  Don't allow ignorance of biology and what it means to be human the ability to create unsafe places for trans students. It's 2021, and Virginia needs to be leading the way when it comes to human rights and a solid understanding of science."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88426", "author": "Michelle Hawthorne", "date": "2021-01-05T17:34:00", "title": "Educate / Don't Indoctrinate and Confuse!", "text": "Stop!  Equality / safety, etc.. should be offered to ALL students.  No group needs to be called out.  By doing so w/ regard to 'transgenderism', you're crossing into the realm of sexuality and identity that should be handled and owned by parents.  And then fostering the confusion inherent to this flagrant disregard for nature. Teenagers, particularly boys, will have a hay day with this naive and inappropriate policy.  What teenage boy wouldn't use the excuse to claim gender dysphoria, to have a look at our vulnerable teenage daughters in the shower or bathroom?  With this policy, any push back would be claimed as 'discriminatory'.  You're catering to a loud, whiny, less than 1% segment of the population, and screwing the rest of us. You've lost your minds!!!!! Protect our children and THROW THIS FOOLISH POLICY IN THE TRASH."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88427", "author": "Rachel Gross", "date": "2021-01-05T17:42:00", "title": "I support the Model Policy", "text": "As a proud graduate of Fairfax County Public School system, I thank the Virginia Department of Education for working to create a safe and supportive environment for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88428", "author": "Anne", "date": "2021-01-05T17:43:00", "title": "Guideline document on transgender", "text": "I am totally opposed to this being proposed for Virginia schools. This matter belongs in the hands of the parents, not the schools. The thought of taking more of our parental rights away  on how to raise our children, along with our God given right to bring them up according to our beliefs is appalling. Stick to the basics and leave the parenting where it belongs, in the homes, not in the schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88429", "author": "Jen B", "date": "2021-01-05T17:46:00", "title": "Human Rights in Schools- YES", "text": "The model guidance document related to gender is a huge leap forward in protecting our students basic human rights in public schools. Every section outlined was thoughtfully researched, as seen in the references section, and discussed with a diverse committee including student representation. Gender identity and expression is an important aspect of our students growth and development. They need our support to feel safe and respected. That type of support comes from the top down and we will be teaching our students (and unfortunately some staff) to respect each other through these policies. Students deserve a safe space in their school, especially when they are rejected in their homes as some of these other comments may hurtfully suggest... After reading this new guidance I am proud to say I teach in Virginia public schools where we support and honor ALL of our students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88430", "author": "AN", "date": "2021-01-05T17:47:00", "title": "Wonderful. In full support", "text": "I cannot thank you enough for this draft in supporting trans youth. I hope that those who are approaching this subject in fear will learn with experience that this support only improves lives; a person’s gender is their own, and it is not the end of the world. I wish this had been in place when I was in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88431", "author": "Andrea Gross", "date": "2021-01-05T17:49:00", "title": "I support the proposed transgender policy", "text": "As a Fairfax County parent, I fully support the model transgender policy. I am dismayed by the ignorance and cruelty displayed by the policy's opponents in their comments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88432", "author": "Andrés A Lievano", "date": "2021-01-05T17:49:00", "title": "I oppose this kind of rule, it is against Natural Law. It es the climax of corruption and perversion", "text": "I oppose this kind of rule, it is against Natural Law and Morals. It es the climax of corruption and perversion. Only abortion is worst than this legislation. If approved it will be one fundamental factor to destroy our Virginia and the U.S.A. Bring this proposal to be voted directly by the people. There is no chance it will be law ever. Also, if you there include abortion in the ballot, and you find that people do not follow your amoral goals. God have mercy on our legislators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88433", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T17:53:00", "title": "Transgender in Schools and Public Spaces", "text": "Thank you for reading my comment. I want to start with my experience working as a preschool teacher in the afternoons while attending college when I lived in Ogden, Utah, in 1990 or 1991. I was a teacher in the three or four year old classroom.  There was a boy who thought he was a girl in the class.  When we asked the girls to line up to go outside or use the restroom, he always got in line. We had to remind him that he is a boy and to get in the boy's line.  He was a good listener and would always get into the boys' line. What struck me about this young boy was his lack of desire or inability to play with other children, and he looked confused and emotionally absent.  He was quiet and would sit for hours playing with girl dolls.  Kids play with dolls.  I get this, but this was different. I told my supervisor about this, and she was aware of the circumstances.  The boy was being raised by a single Mom, and the Mom did not want a boy, so she decided to raise him as a girl.  I understand now that the Mom had most likely had experienced great trauma, abuse, and rejection in her life most likely by men and that she didn't want to have a boy as this was a reminder of the hurt and abuse she experienced. From my experience, it appears our wholeness or brokenness comes from the family life - the parent or parents and their parenting choices and techniques. Everyone has the freedom and right do what makes them happy as long as it is does not harm another person.  It seems that Mom was harming her son because she was rejecting him and his behavior showed it. Why aren't the parents or guardians being held accountable for parenting choices and techniques that confuse their children?  Is it not neglectful and abuse if a normal functioning child cannot read by third grade, for example?  Why is it not viewed as neglectful and abuse if the child does not know if he is a boy or she is a girl?  Why is the emotional and mental part of a child's well-being being separated from his or her academics?  Why is the entire classroom or school forced to change due to a few's perspective or understanding about what they believe? Aren't we ignoring the rights of whole and natural laws? What harm is being caused by forcing children to accept something that is is confusing?  Does this not cause more and widespread confusion?  These are the first questions we need to ask before accommodating when working with children. I ask: \"Where is that boy today?  Is he okay?\"  I still think about him."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88434", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T17:58:00", "title": "Let parents decide what is best for kids", "text": "Sex and physiology related topics is not appropriate to be taught in schools. Parents and guardians are the right folks to do this. Let kids be kids The scientific evidence for gender dysphoria is unequivocal in saying that most kids grow and identify as their birth sex. in addition, transgender treatments are irreversible with too many people regretting them. So, kids should not be taught/deciding on these topics outside the nuclear family"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88435", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T18:00:00", "title": "UNACCEPTABLE & Dangerous", "text": "These proposed policies violates parental rights, deliberately excluding parents from knowing about what is going on with their child at school. As parents we are morally, financially and legally  responsible for our children. Thus, we must remain informed and decide what is right for our child and NOT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. These policies also place undue burden on school administrators whose only job is to teach- not raise our children for us!! Additionally, these policies jeopardize safety, opening the door for boys of all preferences to enter the ladies rooms creating rape zones. This is completely unacceptable! Anonymous"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88436", "author": "Ann Rohde Payes", "date": "2021-01-05T18:03:00", "title": "In support of VDOE to support transgender youth", "text": "Every child deserves to have systems in place that allow them to be kids, free from discrimination and harassment. These guidelines use an evidence-based approach to give tools to educators and other individuals in power to better support all their students. I support the dissemination of these tools to all schools in Virginia. When we know better, we can provide more equitable and inclusive opportunities to promote success for all youth. Thanks to the professionals who developed the guidelines and to the legislators who support transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95640", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:02:00", "title": "VA school policies that support transgender students", "text": "Absolutely, 100% support for these students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95641", "author": "BP", "date": "2021-02-03T15:03:00", "title": "Referendum", "text": "Let the people decide"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95642", "author": "West", "date": "2021-02-03T15:04:00", "title": "A message from a trans adult in the community - VOTE YES!", "text": "It's hard to write about something that hits so close to home. As a trans adult who faced inequity growing up, I can't stress enough how important it is to support our trans kids. We need to support them in who they are, not who you think they are. Using religion as any sort of argument against protecting trans children goes directly against the separation of church and state and should not be considered. Using biology to justify bigotry towards trans people is factually incorrect and has no place in our laws and schools. As a marginalized group, trans people need the support of our schools to stop allowing harassment and discrimination from those who don't take the time to understand our experiences. This guidance will hopefully be the start to a better learning environment for all people, regardless of how others feel about them. Vote YES!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95643", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T15:06:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Strongly oppose!!! Children are considered minors for a reason. To put a policy in place that would discipline a child without notifying or involving the parents is a complete loss of rights and trust in the school system. I don’t agree with any form of bullying and it should absolutely be addressed but to say for the privacy of the transgendered person you wouldn’t notify the parents is absurd. You will lose several students and teachers if you approve this policy. The school is not the place to enforce such a policy. Your sexual preference/orientation does not belong at school. School is for education. Just like my personal home life does not belong at my place of employment. This is not the answer at all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95644", "author": "Royce Sherlock", "date": "2021-02-03T15:06:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support adoption of the proposed transgender guidelines for schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95645", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:06:00", "title": "Sound Guidelines", "text": "These guidelines are reasonable and let schools meet the needs of their trans students. As a Virginia educator, I support these guidelines and believe they will lead to more equitable treatment of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95646", "author": "Matthew M", "date": "2021-02-03T15:07:00", "title": "There are only 2 genders", "text": "There are only 2 genders. Male and Female. Anything else is a myth. We should be talking about how to bring back Christian values back into the school. Not spreading lies to our children. Jesus said whoa to you who hurts one of these little ones or leads them astray. “but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” ??Matthew? ?18:6? ?ESV??"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95648", "author": "former VA public school student", "date": "2021-02-03T15:07:00", "title": "SUPPORT AND PROTECT TRANS STUDENTS", "text": "Trans students deserve to go to a school that recognizes their identity and that allows them to literally just exist safely and comfortably at their school. It is the responsibility of the public education system to provide a safe learning environment for all students, including trans students, by protecting their rights and privacy. No trans student should be forced to advocate for their own right to be treated with dignity and respect.  School policy needs to protect them. Protect trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95647", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T15:07:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "As a concerned citizen, I strongly support this measure! All measures to make our children safe in their learning environment should be taken. This is a huge step forward, and will improve the mental health of all students by ensuring they can safely and respectfully express themselves in their learning environment. This is important for trans and cis children alike, as well as children questioning. For our children to be actively accepting and healthy adults, it is on us to support this measure to show them that we can build a better world for all of us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95649", "author": "Greta Goetz", "date": "2021-02-03T15:07:00", "title": "Support! Protect trans students.", "text": "Strongly support. We must protect our trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95650", "author": "Amelia", "date": "2021-02-03T15:09:00", "title": "Support", "text": "support!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95651", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:09:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance. All children deserve to be protected and feel safe in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95652", "author": "Josh cano", "date": "2021-02-03T15:09:00", "title": "LGBTQ", "text": "This would be a great opportunity and progressive step towards including LGBTQ communities n schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95653", "author": "Richard Gropper", "date": "2021-02-03T15:10:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95654", "author": "Tabitha", "date": "2021-02-03T15:11:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "Trans students deserve to be able learn in a safe and nondiscrimanatory environment!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95655", "author": "Amy", "date": "2021-02-03T15:11:00", "title": "Protect TRANS STUDENTS", "text": "protect trans rights they deserve the world"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95656", "author": "Matthew M", "date": "2021-02-03T15:11:00", "title": "This is why we need school choice", "text": "This is exactly why we need school choice. Divide up the Education budget per kid and send that money to the school of the parents choice. Let’s get that on the ballot for the next election."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95657", "author": "D Fry", "date": "2021-02-03T15:11:00", "title": "Supporting Trans Students Keeps Students Safe", "text": "It is imperative, for the life and safety of our trans and non-binary youth to support them and keep them safe. It's no secret that being trans is difficult, and many trans folks deal with mental health complications and unsupportive or abusive families. Trans folks are at a higher risk for suicide and homelessness than many other groups. Here are some facts about trans suicide rates: https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/suicidality-transgender-adults/ Schools have the unique opportunity to accept trans and nonbinary students for who they are, and to model positive behavior for these students' peers so that as adults, trans folks may have more opportunities to lead a healthy, supported adult lives in Virginia. If the government's job is to protect our society, it's important to consider the most vulnerable of us, which includes trans and nonbinary youth. In this way, the government can also help ensure that trans folks can live and thrive as adults."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95658", "author": "Rebecca Williams", "date": "2021-02-03T15:12:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!", "text": "It is vitally important that all people are accepted and treated as equal.  This is especially true with children. They yearn to be heard and valued and accepted by the adults around them and their peers. We can all do a better job of opening up our minds and hearts in the name of inclusivity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95659", "author": "Sylvia Barley", "date": "2021-02-03T15:12:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95660", "author": "Tonya", "date": "2021-02-03T15:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This just opens the doors for predators to target our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95661", "author": "Mallory", "date": "2021-02-03T15:14:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this proposal to protect transgender and non-binary children from discrimination in Virginia public schools. Policies should be based on research and science, rather than religious ideology. There are thousands of transgender and non-binary children in Virginia, and they deserve to be treated fairly and with dignity, regardless of what school they attend."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95662", "author": "James Williams", "date": "2021-02-03T15:15:00", "title": "Support - It's for them, not you", "text": "When reviewing this policy, I ask those who oppose to consider where the concerns lie. If it's how this will affect you as a straight person and what types of conversations you may now be forced to have with your children, then understand this policy is not an infringement of your rights. This policy is to provide a support system for the victims in the scenario who are bullied for how they live, for who they like, for how they dress, etc. It's a call and a request for standards of decency for these students. This policy is one effort to help a group of marginalized people in our community. There will always be more options and ways in which people can be helped or laws in place, but this immediate policy is not such a dramatic step. This policy creates a structure that can be adjusted and developed with time as necessary. Currently, there is not a structure, so people are receiving disparate treatment from jurisdiction to jurisdiction in our Commonwealth. If you believe that there is a concern for your children's safety, then those concerns can be vetted under this policy. You can address your fears, and if there is a legitimate concern to be addressed, it can be included. However, if you feel that something that has never happened may happen to your child, then you also have to address this fear on a personal level. For example, there are plenty of myths about LGBT+ people and whether trans people are trying to harass straight people in bathrooms. If this is your concern, then dig into the data or ask the school board to do so. Listen to what is presented and reevaluate if it's something worth your time and stress. I won't say everyone has illegitimate fears out there, but if you don't know the circumstances, then it's on you to look into it. This policy is meant to help those students who are suffering, so let's get a policy in place and help our community better take care of our kids. If you had a trans child, then you would want them to be taken care of and supported in school. That is what is requested here. Please support this policy so that we can support the kids and the Commonwealth as a whole."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95663", "author": "Jenny S", "date": "2021-02-03T15:15:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!!!!!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights and everybody no matter their gender identity/expression DESERVES FAIR TREATMENT. It sickens me to see how many close-minded individuals actively want to TAKE AWAY rights from fellow human beings just because they don’t agree with how they were born. Transgender individuals already through hell please give them the support they need and deserve"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95664", "author": "Devon Adair Halbert", "date": "2021-02-03T15:16:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "Support$$"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95665", "author": "Maddy", "date": "2021-02-03T15:16:00", "title": "Strongly Support!!! Protect trans students!", "text": "Trans youth is valid and must be protected and made to feel safe in their schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95666", "author": "Sarasvati", "date": "2021-02-03T15:17:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I support the guidance!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95667", "author": "Will", "date": "2021-02-03T15:17:00", "title": "Transgenders", "text": "Transgender is a metal health crisis and not a third option. Regardless of the facts transgenders will totally destroy female girl sports . This isnt moral or decent and to force these opinions on people is wrong ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95668", "author": "Michael Paulson", "date": "2021-02-03T15:17:00", "title": "Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students. I am 77 years old. A lot has changed as I have aged, and I have learned a lot and been made aware of a lot of things I was not previously aware of. While we have always known that there is a wide range of intelligence and may other things about humans, we were somehow not aware of the range of sexuality that could exist between/among our friends and families. Many time we heard from friends or even religious organizations that people who were not like us or not a certain way, racially, religiously, or sexually, were different, inferior, or just bad or evil. As we have matured and learned more about humanity, we have come to realize that we need to change our understanding about things. In particular, we must learn to accept humanity in all its forms, racial, religious, sexual, or whatever. We do not understand how all these things happen in life, but also we cannot change them, we need to accept them as long as they are not injuring others. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school. None of us has decided to whom or where we are born, or what our minds will be like. The thing we are learning is that we all have to work together to help each other and not diminish any one of us for the way we/they were born. One of things that bothers me the most is the suicide of young children. Not accepting them as they are is a major cause of suicide in children, and we can avoid some of it by accepting them as they are. Young children particularly are easily influenced and prone to embarrassment or depression if they are not accepted as they are. Therefore, I believe that all students should be treated equally and accepted as they are, racially, religiously, or sexually, and have equal access to education as long as they are not interfering with education which is the purpose of school. I believe all students should be allowed to thrive and reach their full potential."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95669", "author": "Dawn Long", "date": "2021-02-03T15:17:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Strongly oppose! A person’s sex is determined physically at birth, along with those DNA. Transgender identity issues is a psychological problem, not a physical mistake and should be dealt with by a psychiatrist! The Lord didn’t make a mistake when He determined the sex of baby while in their mother’s womb. It should be no surprise people have this mindset on transgender issues, cause the Lord did say, “in the last days people would would have a reprobate minds”. They will call what is evil good and what is good evil. The consequence of this issue will not only affect children in schools but eventually in every area of our lives to an extent we have never known. Please don’t allow this to happen!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95671", "author": "David Olson", "date": "2021-02-03T15:19:00", "title": "Ansolutely Not", "text": "What gives you the right to threaten and cajole us to either conform or face threats of removal? The trans community represents less than 1% of the student population, yet everyone must be severely impacted by this proposed legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95670", "author": "Anon", "date": "2021-02-03T15:19:00", "title": "OPPOSE!!!!!!!", "text": "I oppose this absolute insanity!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95672", "author": "mackenzie neaton", "date": "2021-02-03T15:19:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "Trans lives are the most vulnerable lives. They also are some of the most brilliant mines that contribute to our society! Must protect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95673", "author": "Mr. Thorpe", "date": "2021-02-03T15:19:00", "title": "Vehemently Oppose", "text": "I believe the subscriptions set forth in this document are morally and ethically wrong.  No long term environmental study has been made on this proposal.  It is increasing the moral pollution of Virginia and demoralizing the general populace. Removing thousands of children from a loving and protective parent’s home as enforcement to make a small minority “feel” better is  not democracy but unconscionable child abuse. Why are lawmakers now so hateful and unwilling to be democratic any longer? Discourse and discussion is looked upon as an act of terrorism by those in authority.  I strongly object to this measure on the grounds of the first amendment.  It is an infringement upon our religious beliefs as well separation of church and State."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95674", "author": "nicole v", "date": "2021-02-03T15:20:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I believe we should be doing everything possible to protect the rights of students who are transgender, gender nonconforming, nonbinary, etc. These kids have the right to feel safe too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95675", "author": "Colleen C", "date": "2021-02-03T15:21:00", "title": "Oppose!! This is extremely dangerous!!", "text": "In order to tolerate and include everyone, you have to exclude others. This is Orwellian."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95676", "author": "Maddi Erdall", "date": "2021-02-03T15:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support the policies to support trans students. Research shows that such policies have significant positive impacts - not only on trans students but all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95677", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:23:00", "title": "Support! Protect trans students.", "text": "Strongly support. We must protect our trans students. C'mon now!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95678", "author": "McCall Bromelkamp", "date": "2021-02-03T15:23:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans rights = human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95679", "author": "Amelia", "date": "2021-02-03T15:24:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "Please support the protection of trans lives! Forcing medical treatment shows a misunderstanding of transgender health care and does not reflect equal rights for all persons in this country. Surgery requirements would not only be a barrier for all trans lives but it would increase monetary stress as many trans lives are unemployed or under deployed due to discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95680", "author": "Anita Matney", "date": "2021-02-03T15:24:00", "title": "transgender     u are either a woman or a man  no man claimed woman in womans bathroom", "text": "u are either woman or man   that is it    no man claiming to be a woman should be allowed in a womans bathroom   this is sick"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95681", "author": "Carey", "date": "2021-02-03T15:24:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Strongly Opposed.  It opposes God.  It takes parenting out of the hands of the parents and provides power to the state.  It creates more problems than it solves.  We need more teaching of the fundamentals of education and less teaching and discussing the social issues of our time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95682", "author": "Alice Hall", "date": "2021-02-03T15:25:00", "title": "Policy for Trans Students", "text": "I stongly support the well-researched and evidence based proposal.  Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide inclusive and safe learning environments. This policy would protect this very vulnerable group of students and provide a safe and inclusive learning environment so that they and all students can be successful. Sincerely, Alice Hall"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95683", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T15:25:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Imagine being opposed to this, I can't. A lot of you seem to have advanced biology degrees all of the sudden. Don't have kids if wont accept who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95684", "author": "Connor Hughes", "date": "2021-02-03T15:25:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "strongly in support of supporting and protecting trans students’ rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95685", "author": "Madeline Clark", "date": "2021-02-03T15:25:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "Students should be allowed to explore and express their gender identity/presentation in a safe environment without fear of retribution. Transgender children deserve to be protected just as much as cisgender children, especially in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95686", "author": "Cindy", "date": "2021-02-03T15:26:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this. Where are my daughter's rights to feel safe and not have to dress or use the bathroom in front of a biological boy? This is tyrannical and contradicts biology and science. One cannot change their biological sex because you can't change the x and y chromosomes. It's child abuse. It destroys families. Children are already protected in school but if this passes, only transgender kids will be protected. Children need their innocence protected and not exploited."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95687", "author": "Mental health treatment stops suicidality", "date": "2021-02-03T15:26:00", "title": "A mother, a nurse, and a researcher = OPPOSE", "text": "Evidence-based? The only evidence-based studies on transgender youth are from 7+ years ago (making them no longer viable) where the majority of trans youth was the persistent and insistent desire of a young boy to be a girl. Today, we are seeing a new phenomena of teenage girls wanting to be boys. It happens in clusters of friend groups. The data support it, look it up. Transgender youth is the ONLY area of the medical field where the patient dictates their illness and the course of treatment. There have been multiple doctors that have spoken about the dangers and long-term consequences of providing affirming treatment which includes hormones, top surgery, bottom surgery, etc. without question. I support the rights of every individual to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, regardless of sex, class, race or background but I do not support changes without facts to support it. There is no evidence this treatment is effective. Suicidality remains high, well into adulthood in the trans community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95688", "author": "Jenna Welch", "date": "2021-02-03T15:26:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Yes please do everything in your power to protect and support transgender students and the entire LGBT+ student community. To do anything less would be a betrayal of our students' human rights. Children should not face institutionalized discrimination of any kind, for any reason, ever."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95689", "author": "Michele L", "date": "2021-02-03T15:26:00", "title": "I fully support this legislation", "text": "I believe all children need to be accepted for who they are and supported throughout their life journey. Validation of identity without judgment fosters healthy citizens. This legislation will save lives. I fully support and urge you to pass it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95690", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:27:00", "title": "Nudists don't force Naturalism on others!!! dont force LGBTQ on our Kids!!", "text": "Strongly Oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95691", "author": "Ashley Dove", "date": "2021-02-03T15:27:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students.  As a parent of three girls, these policies have a very real potential to put them in very harmful situations.  When anyone is allowed in spaces that have been private and secure spaces for girls, you take away their rights to privacy and violate their safety. It is also highly concerning that this allows schools to help your child make huge decisions about themselves without involving their parents.  Multiple parts of these policies specifically state that parents will not be informed about what is happening at school, especially things that could affect a student negatively and that is not alright.  Parents have a right to be informed about their child at school and by taking away this dialogue you interfere with family relationships.  As an educator, I should have the right to not be a part of something that I don’t agree with and violates my beliefs.  This is not something the schools should be involved with in general.  Please DO NOT ratify these policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95692", "author": "Donna", "date": "2021-02-03T15:27:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95693", "author": "Symone Walker, Arlington NAACP Education Committee", "date": "2021-02-03T15:28:00", "title": "VDOE Model Policy for Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Schools.", "text": "I strongly support the adoption of this Model Policy for Treatment of Transgender students in Virginia Schools.  Transgender rights and civil rights and human rights, and fully supporting and protecting transgender students is the only moral choice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95694", "author": "Evan Hannah", "date": "2021-02-03T15:28:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95695", "author": "Patricia B.", "date": "2021-02-03T15:28:00", "title": "Support trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students", "text": "I strongly support the model policy for trans and non-binary students. All students deserve a safe and supportive school environment, and in fact need that support to fully access their education and thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95696", "author": "chris", "date": "2021-02-03T15:29:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT", "text": "This is an important step in creating a safe environment for all VA students and help foster inclusiveness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95697", "author": "Patricia Petroccione", "date": "2021-02-03T15:29:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Children can not learn in an environment where they do not feel safe, welcomed, or valued. The policy recommendations will provide much needed guidance, procedures and supportive materials so schools can provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, especially LGBTQ youth. I believe the education and training recommendations are particularly important for the many educators, counselors, and other school staff who deal directly with the students on a day to day basis. When our children succeed, we all succeed. I am a parent of two children who graduated from the Virginia public school system, and I very strongly support this policy recommendation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95698", "author": "Amanda", "date": "2021-02-03T15:29:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose and will take my children out of school if this passes!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95699", "author": "Martie McMahon", "date": "2021-02-03T15:29:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I am a gender non-conforming adult. People would describe me as a woman who looks very much like a man. I have always been gender non-conforming ever since I was little. Sadly, I did not have a successful school career because of the way I was treated. I was not able to graduate high school due to low attendance. I was bullied by other students, and the administrators and teachers in my school did nothing in my defense. I was prevented from using the bathroom at my school because of my appearance. There were many times when I feared for my safety, and knew that the adults at the school didn’t have my best interest in mind. It saddens me greatly to think about the opportunities I have missed because of the gap in my education. I was not able to attend college. When I think of kids today, I hope they have an easier path than I did. I want them to be supported and defended, and I want them to be given access to education and opportunities no matter what they look like or identify as. Not understanding someone else, or disagreeing with them politically, is never an excuse to mistreat them. We can’t force kids to suffer because some grown adults think that they don’t matter. Every child deserves the right to safety, health, and an education. We cannot allow kids to be discriminated against for being their authentic selves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95700", "author": "Emily Brents", "date": "2021-02-03T15:30:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Supporting children being themselves should be a no-brainer, no matter what."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95701", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T15:30:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support this proposal.  Why would anyone not be in favor of protecting a child? Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide inclusive and safe learning environments. This policy would protect this already vulnerable group of students and provide a safe and inclusive learning environment so that they and all students can be successful. (also no child is going to fake being trans to prey on your child in the bathroom, grow up)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95702", "author": "Ella", "date": "2021-02-03T15:30:00", "title": "Homesexual students", "text": "Everyone is entitled to respect and freedom from harassment and bullying.  There are already policies in place about that issue.  Perhaps it needs to be made stronger or enforced more consistently. The Bible tells us God created everyone either male or female and each one is a unique person.  Everyone should be able to accept males who are more sensitive and females who are tomboys.  They each have a valuable place in our society and have many valuable things to contribute to our world.  There is nothing wrong with them that needs fixing or changing.  If God hadn't been removed from public life (including our public school system) it would be easier to help students see the value in differences in peoples personalities and to accept those differences as good, normal and given by God to benefit all of us.  Tomboys help us females concentrate more on having a healthy body and active lifestyle.  Sensitive boys grow up to be nurturing men who are good fathers, good husbands and good employees and employers.  They show concern when it's needed and help make life more pleasant especially when things get rough. I know several people quite well who are or have been homosexual.  They all had a father who was absent, very dysfunctional or they had endured sexual abuse as they were growing up.  Several have gotten counseling from professionals who specialize in these types of issues and are now happy they didn't have access to or encouragement to make permanent, life altering changes with surgery or hormones.  They are now adults who say they are happy and they act like they are.  Those I know who are still practicing homosexuals admit they are still unhappy and dislike themselves although they've gotten counseling to accept themselves as homosexual. Allowing biological makes in the same bathroom or locker room with biological females is a recipe for potential rape.  How would females protect themselves from males who are only pretending to be female?  Allowing biological males to compete in sports against biological females pushes female sports back years.  Males have a different body makeup than females and their DNA hasn't changed even if the way they think about themselves has.  It's unfair to females to have to compete against males and to try to make them think they have an equal chance to succeed. Parents should be part of their children's lives and decision making.  Parents have a long term interest in and relationship with their children unlike most school personnel.  Parents and their adult children will be left to pick up the pieces and try to correct the damage that was done by those who are no longer part of their lives.  Unless parents have been deemed in a court of law to be so bad they have lost permanent custody of their children they have a right to know what is happening in their children's lives and be able to get their child the help they think they need.  Most teenagers think they know more than their parents.  I know I did but I've reversed my opinion about that a long time ago.  Whether the school system agrees with parents' values and views makes no difference as to who is supposed to be in charge of minor children. I hope most of this policy will be struck down.  It's dangerous to experiment on people.  We all know the teen years and early 20s are times of figuring out who we are and what our values will be.  People need time to work through all that without being influenced to accept what is seen as the latest \"great\" ideas that will likely be discarded as time goes by."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95703", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:31:00", "title": "STUPIDITY AT ITS BEST", "text": "This is the most ridiculous thing that I've ever heard of being pushed in the public schools. As an educator this brings so many negative actions to our attention that will happen. Who will monitor these bathroom/locker rooms? Our children will NOT be safe in the public schools anymore. There are so many other ways this could be handled. How about a private bathroom, with only one at a time allowed?!? If this is passed, public schools will lose a ton of employees and students! There are private schools that can keep our kids safe, and home schooling will be a big hit! I'd love to know the ridiculous, idiotic, moron that came up with this plan!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95704", "author": "Lindsey Martin", "date": "2021-02-03T15:31:00", "title": "Support for Trans Students", "text": "Societies across the globe have throughout time have not only seen, but embraced individuals with genders different than what was assumed by their sex organs. Trans people, whether public with their gender identity or not, have contributed to and supported our communities since ancient times. But humanity, not history, should compel us to protect our trans friends, neighbors, children, and peers. We teach our children from their earliest years to be themselves and care for others. Yet, adults every day allow trans youth to be the target of vicious harassment and attacks. Trans students should be uplifted, not alienated, by school administrators. Students learn by example, and in allowing individuals to express their gender in a way that is authentic to themselves while not tolerating the bully-ish behavior from closed-minded individuals (who have not bothered to learn about gender and sex, and are unjustifiably interested in someone else's genitals) is how we build a society that is compassionate, collaborative, and interested in the success to all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95705", "author": "David Carter", "date": "2021-02-03T15:32:00", "title": "Transgender in school and sports", "text": "Absolutely NOT!! Males have absolutely no place in Female sports or any other female organisations. The same holds true for Females."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95706", "author": "Ashlyn Grantham", "date": "2021-02-03T15:33:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!", "text": "Trans rights are a human right!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95707", "author": "Elizabeth Walsh", "date": "2021-02-03T15:33:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance. My children in Virginia public schools deserve a safe and inclusive school community, and their transgender friends and classmates do as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95708", "author": "ACS", "date": "2021-02-03T15:34:00", "title": "OPPOSE- parents should maintain authority on these critical issues", "text": "Oppose these guidelines. Parents have authority over their children. The government shall not dictate how parents should handle gender related issues with their children. Parents and staff should continue to work together to teach against bullying of any kind. We must not create more confusion and chaos for our students.  Keeping biological males and biological females separated into gender specific bathrooms and locker rooms is non-negotiable to maintain privacy and safety. Or create multiple single person bathrooms/changing rooms. Allowing biological males and females to intermingle in these ways would be completely irresponsible, damaging psychologically, and dangerous physically."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95709", "author": "C Shumaker", "date": "2021-02-03T15:34:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender school policy", "text": "I oppose the requirements being considered for the Virginia School transgender policies.  These policies provide no exceptions for faith based beliefs and block parents access to have gender discussions with their children.  It is taking away the rights of many to serve a few.  There has to be a better solution to ensuring transgender students are not bullied and have resources available to them than to take away the rights of the majority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95710", "author": "Daria Yaari", "date": "2021-02-03T15:35:00", "title": "Support Amendment", "text": "Protect trans people from this awful oppression. Shame on you for creating this hostile environment for this community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95711", "author": "Not needed", "date": "2021-02-03T15:36:00", "title": "Transgender in Schools", "text": "The fact this needs addressing is sick- Science is built on 2 genders: female and male.Anything additional is a family matter and needs to be handled by that family. The fact we actually have a medical doctor as our governor (cough, cough) and he is not only promoting this but allowing it is disgusting. Teaching this or allowing this to proceed borders on child abuse. Children waiver on their sexual being for a period of time naturally- promoting this as anything more is so sad."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95712", "author": "Peter S.", "date": "2021-02-03T15:36:00", "title": "I strongly support this", "text": "I strongly support our LGBTQ+ kids, and this is no exception. It should be a no brainer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95713", "author": "Courtney", "date": "2021-02-03T15:36:00", "title": "Support trans rights!", "text": "Support trans rights!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95714", "author": "Patrick Murtaugh", "date": "2021-02-03T15:38:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans kids need support and recognition. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95715", "author": "Mario Guevara", "date": "2021-02-03T15:39:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Under no circumstance does anyone deserve to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. It is during these formative years that schools teach students how to succeed, they also teach students how to treat each other. It comes as no shock that transgender and nonbinary students report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all. No matter what side of the aisle you are on, it is a fact that these students are our future. We cannot sacrifice their mental health and physical well being on divisive rhetoric. It is our responsibility create an environment set up for equitable success. Not failure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95716", "author": "Emma B", "date": "2021-02-03T15:40:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95717", "author": "Melissa Daddio", "date": "2021-02-03T15:40:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95718", "author": "Katherine Rothgeb", "date": "2021-02-03T15:41:00", "title": "opposed to the proposed transgender bill for VA schools", "text": "I would like to express my concerns about the proposed transgender changes in VA schools. As a retired school teacher, I see this as putting teachers at odds with their religious beliefs and whether they will be able or want to continue teaching in the public schools. It will not promote empathy between student and teacher, rather alienation. \"Let's see, is Susie a he or she or a they today?\"  It also will destroy the fabric of the family structure for families whose beliefs do not concur with these changes. The proposals will set a barrier between parents, child, and school.  As far as allowing transgenders to go into restrooms or gym locker rooms of their \"identified\" gender, what  about the other students who have low self-esteems and regard their bodies as less than perfect? This also puts students at risk of sexual harassment and abuse. Students of the middle and high school age are very body-conscious, and have not the maturity that goes with age to \"look the other way.\" Younger children flip-flop from day to day in their chosen activities, one day playing with dolls, the next trucks and trains. They do not have the idea of gender-identity unless or until it is introduced to them by outside influences. I feel that these proposals are very detrimental on many levels. Please do not enact these changes in the public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95719", "author": "Cole Eldridge", "date": "2021-02-03T15:42:00", "title": "Strongly SUPPORT", "text": "Trans rights are human rights! Strongly SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95720", "author": "David Barsky", "date": "2021-02-03T15:42:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Strongly support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95721", "author": "Shira Tikofsky", "date": "2021-02-03T15:42:00", "title": "support amendment", "text": "Support amendment"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95722", "author": "Scarlett Hutchison", "date": "2021-02-03T15:42:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "if you guys are actually in support of the zero tolerance policy in your schools, you will do everything and anything you can to make sure that trans and gender non-conforming students such as myself feel safe and cared for at school. trans rights are human rights and its time you all start acting like it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95723", "author": "Clare Konizeski", "date": "2021-02-03T15:43:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As an elementary school educator, I strongly support this guidance to protect trans and non-binary youth. Schools need to be places where all children can be safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95724", "author": "Maria Vollmar", "date": "2021-02-03T15:44:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans people are people. It has no effect on others the way an individual decides to live their life and we should respect how others choose to live without inhibiting them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95725", "author": "Zoha Malik", "date": "2021-02-03T15:44:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT TRANS RIGHTS", "text": "Trans rights are human rights, allow trans youth to be accepted and be who they want to be!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95726", "author": "Grandparents of 6", "date": "2021-02-03T15:45:00", "title": "Transgender Policy in Virginia Public Schools", "text": "We are strongly opposed to this proposed policy change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95727", "author": "C.Weaver", "date": "2021-02-03T15:46:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Strongly disagree.   I have 3 boys and I would never want my kids in the same bathroom or locker room  as someone of the opposite  sex.  Especially if I had teenage girls.  This is taking away our kids rights to make a few students comfortable.   The school system has no right to make these decisions for the rest of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95728", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:46:00", "title": "No", "text": "These children need our love and I strongly oppose this. My tax dollars my voice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95729", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:46:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95730", "author": "Ashley", "date": "2021-02-03T15:47:00", "title": "HELL No!!!!!!!", "text": "This is the most ridiculous thing ever!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95731", "author": "John Cook", "date": "2021-02-03T15:47:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I believe we must make systemic change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95732", "author": "Phillip Zapkin", "date": "2021-02-03T15:48:00", "title": "Strongly Support--Trans Rights are Human Rights", "text": "I stand in full support of legislation to protect the health and well being of Transgender youth in Virginia schools. We know that transgender students are more likely to experience harassment, bullying, and violence at their schools due to their gender identity. This must change and policies must be implemented in schools to allow all students to grow and thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95733", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:48:00", "title": "Strongly DISAGREE!!", "text": "STRONGLY DISAGREE!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95734", "author": "Catherine P.", "date": "2021-02-03T15:49:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "All children's rights need to be protected. All children need to be treated with compassion and understanding and you are taking away safe spaces for girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95735", "author": "Lacey Wakeman", "date": "2021-02-03T15:49:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I think these new regulations are wonderful and should already be in place. School should be a safe zone. If someone wants to be transgender they should have the right to do so. People even parents and grandparents are so unaccepting to this subject at times, when that’s not going to change the outcome at the end of the day. They will be who they want to be, school should be a safe place for anyone to be who they want to be. I feel this will lower bullying and suicidal rates for Virginia Schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95736", "author": "Brandon M", "date": "2021-02-03T15:49:00", "title": "Support but also increase mental health accessibility", "text": "I strongly support this but I also think a related topic of equal importance is increasing accessibility to mental health resources to students throughout the commonwealth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95737", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:50:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "Totally support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95738", "author": "Jason", "date": "2021-02-03T15:50:00", "title": "I guess this preps little children for Pedo State Representatives.", "text": "I guess this preps little children for Pedo State Representatives. Elementary school, get them early, so it's easier for government employees to groom them later. Sick pedophiles!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95740", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:51:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT HUMAN RUGHTS", "text": "I support the identification of transgender students as their chosen gender - let them be happy and comfortable with who they are. Everyone wants to be happy so why should we deny people that? Anyone who opposes is a backwards hick who lacks empathy and care for anyone but themselves and is not a model for the future of humanity. We don’t need more hate in this country. If you someone can identify as a racist, sexist, backwards, fear loving member of a triple lettered, fear based home organization, then others should be able to identify as a harmless gender they seem fit to themselves because that would literally harm no one."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95140", "author": "Michael M.", "date": "2021-02-03T11:00:00", "title": "Disagree", "text": "The  proposed policies articulate views, such as the view that \" Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five or six\" , that go 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, hotels rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would be uncomfortable if they encountered  a member of the opposite sex, particularly adults, in gendered facilities. 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 policies infringe upon parents' rights and duties to rear and care for their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95141", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T11:00:00", "title": "Vote NO!", "text": "As a parent, I am completely appalled by the guidelines that are suggested in this document.  While the intent of providing guidance on how transgender students are to be treated and protect them from bullying behavior, this guidance completely infringes upon the rights of everyone else.  To treat others as gender neutral is one thing, to allow completely co-ed restrooms and locker rooms without question is unacceptable.  Until you are able to reconfigure ALL schools to gender neutral restrooms and, more importantly locker rooms, (which is cost prohibitive), I do not want a boy (biologically) walking into the locker room with my daughter.  Not because I care about one way or another about the boy's choice (or preference), but because it would make MY daughter UNCOMFORTABLE.  Why does she need to be subjected to that environment?  In reverse, why does my son need to be subjected to a girl (biologically) who identifies as male having to get undressed in the same locker room or walk into the restroom while he is using a urinal?  Where is the protection for the MAJORITY? As for the protection of the students' preferences from their parents, who do you think you are?  Are school officials legal guardians now?  Where does this stop? These guidelines are unworkable.  That is without even getting into the moral implications.  Stop this madness now!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95142", "author": "Concerned Mother", "date": "2021-02-03T11:00:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As a concerned parent, I strongly oppose this! For one, the government and the school system need to stop trying to be the parents/family. Elementary and secondary school kids are just that... STILL KIDS. We need to hold onto their innocence as long as possible and stop allowing KIDS to make these adult like decisions - especially without the parents knowledge! The passing and implementing of these bills can be very dangerous and I oppose them!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95143", "author": "AZ", "date": "2021-02-03T11:00:00", "title": "Support Transgender teens", "text": "i absolutely support this and any piece of legislation that will support transgender teens and people. Don’t drop the ball."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95144", "author": "Adam Rafa", "date": "2021-02-03T11:01:00", "title": "Trans people deserve death, not support", "text": "ABSOLUTELY SICKENING that our society has come to accept such people. This country was founded for men and women."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95145", "author": "Concerned parent, former educator", "date": "2021-02-03T11:01:00", "title": "Oppose the current policies in this proposal", "text": "I oppose the detailed proposal written in the attached document. The policies being pushed forward are promoting a new standard of keeping parents in the dark regarding big ideas. The policies encourage children to seek guidance from the public school system, rather than partnering with the family to create a support network for the child. I will never support policy which intentionally eliminates the parent in any part of the child education. These policies also force those who do not religiously support it, to conform. I expect that regardless of the outcome, parents will receive FULL disclosure, communication on expectations, and options for those who oppose it based on religious beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95146", "author": "Kim", "date": "2021-02-03T11:01:00", "title": "Transgender should not be pushed in our schools.", "text": "I do not support this in any way shape or form. If someone wants to change themselves it shouldn't be pushed down my throat nor my child's. God created man and woman, if you choose to be something else that's on them. I don't and won't accept their sins, just as I would not expect them to accept mine. I will treat them with respect, but will not cater to it. If that's the case put beer in water fountains and give drugs to addicts. Trans don't need to be in women sports either."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95147", "author": "NoVA Family", "date": "2021-02-03T11:02:00", "title": "Support saves lives: put the health and safety of our students first", "text": "Trans youth are disproportionally at risk for suicide and mental health distress, and supporting their identity is a concrete way to substantially reduce the risk of both. Our public schools should be putting the health and safety of our children first, and validating a student's gender identity is a simple way to do just that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95148", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:02:00", "title": "Oppose transgender legislation", "text": "This will be so confusing for children who already have so much emotionally on their plates. It makes teaching more difficult because it adds so much more pressure on the teacher. It basically creates chaos in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95149", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:03:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "While there’s no place for bullying, there’s also no place for giving a public entity the right to usurp parental rights. These issues are difficult and families must work through them without interference from the public school. This is a major overstep of the role of public entity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95150", "author": "William", "date": "2021-02-03T11:03:00", "title": "Transgender issue.forced compliance", "text": "I strongly oppose any idea that infringes the rights of one to support the other ....come up with another solution.....it is not up to the government to force any type of rule that will discriminate one against the other . This is an infringement on one's right to support the right of another COME UP WITH A BIPARTISAN SOLUTION....THIS IS NOT THE WAY."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95151", "author": "Brad", "date": "2021-02-03T11:04:00", "title": "Absolutely Not", "text": "First let me say by reading the comments from others I am pretty sure most of the people who are for this do not even have kids in public schools. If that is the case they have no dog in this fight and should not be able to push there opinion on others when it will not effect them whatsoever. Second lets go back to the start, a man has parts different from a woman at birth. Therefore they are different, if a boy chooses to be a woman I don't think anybody cares same thing if a woman wants to be a boy. This is America go ahead. But to have the state push these type of ideas on our children is unacceptable. Parents have the right to know what is going on in there kids life and although the school may not need to call and tell them if the parent reaches out the information should be there. They are not considered adults until they are 18 years of age right? you have to have the parents consent for anything until that point. If a child is bullying another student the parents should be involved to help correct the issue not left in the dark. The school does not decide how we discipline our children. If a child decides to be Transgender the parents need to know, this should be a conversation between parents and children not the school system. The fact you want to take kids away from parents if they do not agree is unconstitutional and highly inappropriate. These are kids who don't even know what they want after graduating high school mush less there identity. LEAVE IT TO THE PARENTS. To not allow religious exemptions is also unconstitutional. I don't care if your muslim, christian, catholic or budist. freedom of religion is being taken away primarily to the christian faith the country was founded on. Our currency still says in GOD we trust, so why are we doing things that go totally against that? Every student has the right to learn no doubt, no child should ever be bullied. These ideas come from the far left and in no way should be allowed as I have said before we are talking about innocent children. Its awful interesting how all this comes up like the people at the top really care about the students. Where have you been since last March? Why are we not back in schools full time? Why does no one really care about the kids and just stupid policy for a very small group of students? why would we add all this for a small group and potentially harm the large group? There are better alternatives that could be considered but our commonwealth and governor appear to join the far left in most cases. If you really want to help the children get them back in school learning from teachers, bring back the pledge of allegiance and focus on the child's future not liberal agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95152", "author": "Laura - A LGBTQIA member and advocate", "date": "2021-02-03T11:04:00", "title": "I stand in strong support", "text": "I strongly support this. Adolescence is hard enough when everyone is figuring themselves out and what they believe. Such a precious time deserves to be protected. Protecting these individuals hurts no one, but failing to do so will irreversibly harm them for the rest of their lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95153", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T11:04:00", "title": "Do Not Support - You are disregarding women's rights", "text": "I wholeheartedly vote NO on this proposal.  I do not agree with the pressure by the media, hollywood, leftist politicians and inept parents to allow young children whose brains, body and emotions are not fully developed, to make such an uninformed, uneducated and dangerous decision to \"change\" the gender God had blessed them with in this life.  To me this means that you are saying God is fallible, which is wrong.  I do not want to go further into my beliefs nor judge a person for their actions (or inactions), but it does concern me that there is a promotion of something that will bring harm to an innocent child. This I will leave to God to make the ultimate judgement. Regardless of what the parent and child decide, be careful that you are looking to remove the rights of the majority (girls and women) in order to appease a select few.  Several years ago there was the \"Me Too\" movement to empower women to ensure their voice, safety and well-being.  This so-called policy will silence and discriminate against women - biological women.  Argue either way, I believe that becoming transgender is a choice.  If you believe that science is real, then you cannot in good conscience place a biological male in a situation where they are exposed to women in the locker room and bathroom. Science will not refute that biological males are more powerful in body, size, strength than biological women. The potential risks of severe bodily injury or even psychological and emotional injury during \"supposedly fair\" sporting competition will have a last effect. As the father of a teenage girl, I fear that you are placing emphasis that she and other young women, DO NOT MATTER.  You have a responsibility to her and all young women to encourage and support them in our public school system.  Again, being transgender is a choice.  If someone chooses this, then they have to accept the consequences that go along with it.  You are trying to please everyone, which is impossible.  Find a better solution that makes sense without taking away or disregarding the rights and opportunities of my daughter and the other young women in our school system. My children choose to pray in school.  Would you consider their First Amendment rights? Is that something you are willing to propose to the state? How is their choice of freedom of religion any different?  How about their right to peaceful assembly or to have a voice to be heard? Food for thought...."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95154", "author": "Whitney", "date": "2021-02-03T11:04:00", "title": "Vote no!", "text": "I do not support this bill. It takes the rights away from parents dealing with this delicate situation as a family matter also it is unconstitutional to severely punish people for accidentally mispronouncing a person's preferred pronoun."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95155", "author": "Concerned mom in Midlothian", "date": "2021-02-03T11:05:00", "title": "OPPOSE!!", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE the undermining of parental authority!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95156", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:05:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!", "text": "Wholeheartedly support! Trans rights are human rights! Every student deserves protection and a space where they are able to be themselves in a compassionate and inclusive setting; where they are safe. We are not a binary society. All are welcome!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95157", "author": "Rachel Dolfi", "date": "2021-02-03T11:06:00", "title": "SUPPORT TRANS KIDS", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. No child should be discriminated against for expressing themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95158", "author": "KT", "date": "2021-02-03T11:06:00", "title": "Male & female", "text": "I do not support this bill. This should not be a thing for a child. DNA will always tell who you are. You can't hide from God. We were made male and female and it should remain the same for any trans to use the correct desigated restroom for the gender God made them. If otherwise, we will see more sexual assault in our schools. A lot of children will be pulled from school and they will lose a lot of grant money. That is a promise.. Just saying."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95159", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T11:06:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the legislation/amendment regarding transgender policies. This is not the role of our government to mandate such requirements of the tax payers. And this policy is detrimental to society in general."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95160", "author": "Laura Gray, LCPS", "date": "2021-02-03T11:07:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 16. As a faculty sponsor of a high school Gender-Sexuality Alliance, I work with trans students every day. They are keenly aware of the challenges to their safety that exist under current public school policies. I believe the actions in this bill are necessary, and a first step towards creating an equitable learning space for trans, nonbinary, and gender-non-conforming students. I hope that this will be the groundwork for further legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95161", "author": "Kimberly", "date": "2021-02-03T11:08:00", "title": "I support the guidance.", "text": "I support the guidance to protect trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95162", "author": "Cathryn Virginia", "date": "2021-02-03T11:08:00", "title": "I Support for Trans Kids Everywhere", "text": "I support the guidance in favor of improving the lives of trans and non-binary kids in schools! Thanks, have a great day."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95163", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:08:00", "title": "Protect and support transgender youth", "text": "I strongly support these policies. All children have a right to an education in a safe and healthy environment, including LGBTQIA+ identifying children. Supportive measures and inclusive alterations to things like dress codes could have changed lives when I was in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95164", "author": "Matthew Branch", "date": "2021-02-03T11:08:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I wholeheartedly support these guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95165", "author": "High School Counselor", "date": "2021-02-03T11:08:00", "title": "100% support", "text": "Please support the guidance for protecting LGBTQ+ and trans youth! The safety and well being of these young people depends on steps like this happening."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95166", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:09:00", "title": "do not support", "text": "I do not support all the parts of this legislation and therefore cannot support it as a whole"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95167", "author": "Amanda", "date": "2021-02-03T11:09:00", "title": "Support trans kids", "text": "Transgender kids have an equal right to safe and harassment-free public education, and it is imperative that school boards are given the guidance to be able to provide that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95168", "author": "Sarah Jenkins", "date": "2021-02-03T11:09:00", "title": "Supporting all students mean supporting transgender students", "text": "Transgender individuals have some of the highest rates of suicide and are victims of violence at much higher rates than the average. We need to do everything we can to protect and support our transgender students. Transgender affirming policies in our school system are a necessary part of protecting and affirming all students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95169", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T11:10:00", "title": "Protect Children Struggling with Mental Health Issues by Opposing This", "text": "I believe those struggling with gender dysphoria greatly need help and support.  But by treating them as if they are completely normal only hurts them.  There are countless examples of people who have gone through a sex change and have greatly regretted it.  These individuals need help and need to be protected by not making this a \"normal\" thing.  Any other mental illness has many options for counseling and help. True love does not turn a blind eye nor does it support an individual in the guise of acceptance/tolerance while that person is doing something harmful to themselves.  By truly loving another person, one wishes what is best for that person.  Good parents will seek medical attention for their child if he is struggling with schizophrenia.  Parents who tell their child that their condition is completely normal and don't seek medical help are not helping their child.  The same logic applies to people struggling with gender dysphoria.  Let parents be parents and make these decisions for their children.  I do not want the state to decide when my child learns about this because they do not know my child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95170", "author": "Terry Claxton", "date": "2021-02-03T11:10:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Elementary and Secondary schools", "text": "I am totally against the regulations you want to implement into the Virginia school system. I am against you trying to usurp parental authority, you allowing children to decide which bathroom/locker room they want to use on any given day, and most of all these regulations provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodation for students, parents or teachers whose religious faith, conscience or understanding of basic biology that prevents them from adhering the radical transgender ideologies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95171", "author": "A mom of sons", "date": "2021-02-03T11:10:00", "title": "Strongly disagree with this proposal", "text": "I strongly disagree with this proposal. While our schools need to focus on inclusion and less bullying across all areas, this will not help that. I strongly disagree with any proposal that silences one group. And this does that. It cuts the parents out of what is happening with sexual identity of children. It silences families that believe in sons, daughters and mom and dads. It cuts out any supper of families who do not agree with any part of this proposal by saying not agreeing is bullying. That’s not true. You can disagree and still love and include someone. Focus on inclusion of ALL. Also this seems to be a medical and mental health diagnosis which schools have no ability to make or hold up. I know because CCPS tells us all the time they cannot diagnose or even use the words dyslexic for my child, who is dyslexic, because it is a medically diagnosis and they cannot diagnosis medically. Gender should also be something a parent and medical is discussing. Once a family and medical team has established this, they may approach the school to create needs for child. But the public school should be doing nothing but including that child as every other child. This proposal doesn’t do that. Also, as a parent I have a right to know what body parts my young child may be exposed to at school. As in shared bathrooms and changing rooms. Again this proposal is not ok. Focus on inclusion not silencing groups as this does."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95172", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:10:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I support this policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95173", "author": "Steve Rose", "date": "2021-02-03T11:10:00", "title": "I strongly oppose!", "text": "I oppose the proposed VDOE transgender policies. They will add to the confusion and stress that our young people already experience. They have enough to deal with as they grow physically, mentally, academically, socially, and spiritually and don't need another layer of correctness so as not to hurt someone's feelings."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95174", "author": "Brooke Cooper", "date": "2021-02-03T11:10:00", "title": "I fully support the proposed protections for trans and non-binary students.", "text": "Supporting the equal rights and equal protections of young transgender Virginians (transgender includes binary and non-binary trans people) is imperative.  Trans youth don't deserve to be bullied or threatened just because of who they are.  They don't deserve to be assaulted or killed just because of who they are.  Their murderers shouldn't have the right to be shielded by hateful trans panic criminal defenses in court.  They don't deserve the indignity or public humiliation of being dead-named or misgendered by administrators, teachers or other students.  They don't deserve be excluded from gender-segregated spaces because of the sex they were assigned at birth.  Or barred from using the bathrooms or locker rooms that align with their brain gender.  They don't deserve to be denied social transition when they are pre-pubescent.  They don't deserve to be denied hormone blockers to avoid unwanted puberties when as they enter the age of puberty.  And they should be allowed transition hormones when they are fully secure in and confident of their brain gender, which often is well before they hit age 18.  I am sick of the anti-trans commenters who have peddled harmful myths and twisted exceptions as the mainstream, going so far as to deny trans people's very existence.  Lastly, extremist religious views, wrapped in the warped veil of \"religious freedom,\" should never entitle anyone the right to harm transgender people like me, especially the most vulnerable -- transgender youth.  Ever.  Please, please, please, pass these proposed protections for trans and non-binary students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95175", "author": "Naomi Lilac Gordon", "date": "2021-02-03T11:11:00", "title": "trans rights are human rights", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. Protect trans kids"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95176", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:12:00", "title": "Strongly oppose! Work on your bullying policies.", "text": "This is scary. I agree with those who say, what if a random boy says he classifies as a girl and goes into the girls bathroom just to peek at girls or vise versa. That is sad that children would have to worry about this.."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95177", "author": "Susan Hodges", "date": "2021-02-03T11:12:00", "title": "Proposed transgender policies", "text": "As  citizen, I am appalled at the interference of the state in our lives. These new regulations are disregarding the core unit of the family, even actually undermining it. This discriminates against the religious values that we live by and disregards the science that sex is determined at conception and evidenced by every cell in the body (not just genitalia). These laws put the state above the family and pit the children against the parents. Please vote against this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95178", "author": "Paulette", "date": "2021-02-03T11:13:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth", "text": "Support Trans Youth. it’s hard enough to be a teen let alone to be LGBTQUIA+ having everyone on the same page to support students is important!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95179", "author": "Alex Cathcart, MD", "date": "2021-02-03T11:13:00", "title": "Unequivocal support by a pediatrician", "text": "As a pediatrician, I have the privilege to work with many LGBTQ and gender non-conforming children. I am very disappointed by the huge amount of negative comments here; the casual cruelty is on display for children like my patients, and can have real harm. I fully support the proposed measures, which have precedent elsewhere in the country and can have a tangible, positive impact on children's lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95180", "author": "Jennifer McDonald", "date": "2021-02-03T11:14:00", "title": "Concerned Mom!", "text": "I oppose!! The consequences being set forth are absurd and go against all legal rights of the child , and freedoms that both child and adults have. When a student or adult decides to be transgender and come out as such, that is a personal decision, therefore it should remain the personal decision of everyone else to accept it or not. Until gender reassignment surgeries are done, students and faculty should continue to use their birth given gender restrooms. That would protect both parties from false allegations that would arise. There are freedoms in place, and having such ridiculous proposal goes against freedom of speech!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95181", "author": "Michael clancy", "date": "2021-02-03T11:14:00", "title": "100% support . Vote yes!", "text": "I have no \"skin\" in this game. But I want to protect the rights of other peoples children.  The world has moved on since I was born in the 70s. And laws needs to be changed to support the changes in all our children. Protect Trans kids rights! And let them pee in peace!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95182", "author": "Concerned parent and educator", "date": "2021-02-03T11:15:00", "title": "OPPOSE TRANSGENDER POLICY", "text": "As a parent and educator I strongly oppose even the thought of this. It goes against everything . How can this even be thought about being implemented."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95183", "author": "Andy Reyes that’s right I used my government name", "date": "2021-02-03T11:16:00", "title": "STRONGLY AGREE AND SUPPORT, protecting trans kids", "text": "I strongly support this! You can not say you support our youth if you don’t support the ones who will need support the most. This is not forcing legislation down any parents/tax payers throats, it is being open to every child that wants to have the freedom to be who they truly are. Also for those who oppose, it is laughable you do not put your whole name in the comment. Cowards."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95184", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T11:16:00", "title": "Protect Trans and ALL Kids", "text": "As a parent, I can’t understand having to fight for this-For BASIC protection and rights for a child. ALL CHILDREN deserve to feel safe and supported in their school with no exceptions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95185", "author": "Leanne Hyler", "date": "2021-02-03T11:16:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "These bills violate the rights of Christian families. These policies attempt to alter scientific facts. What does this teach the children? Furthermore, these bills attempt to take parental control and place it with the school. We are strongly opposed & MY children will NOT attend VA public schools if this nonsense is passed/enforced. Leanne Hyler"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95186", "author": "Jasmine", "date": "2021-02-03T11:16:00", "title": "Support trans youth at all costs", "text": "Support trans youth at all costs. Support trans youth at all costs. Support trans youth at all costs. It’s our job to protect children, full stop."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95187", "author": "Barbara", "date": "2021-02-03T11:19:00", "title": "Include all students", "text": "If we support all children in our schools, than that means children that identify as transgender. Our schools are filled with kids from various backgrounds. This has always been the case. We are learning how to be more accepting. By not moving forward, we are subjecting our transgender kids to discrimination and stigma."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95188", "author": "Mia G", "date": "2021-02-03T11:19:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this guidance because, at the bare minimum, a school should be a place where everyone feels safe. Everyone deserves to learn in an environment that feels comfortable and welcoming to them. Everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95189", "author": "NANCY MORIN", "date": "2021-02-03T11:20:00", "title": "Proudly Support this legislation! Trans Kids Need Our Support!", "text": "Please support this legislation to continue to provide resources to Trans Kids in our schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95190", "author": "Wesley Wilde, Social Science Major, Richmond SPCA", "date": "2021-02-03T11:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT. Protect our youth!", "text": "Children need support and love no matter what. If you would only love your child if it conformed to what you consider ‘normal’ than you do not love your child unconditionally. Trans and nonbinary youth deserve support! Opposing this bill will not change them, it will only make them feel ostracized from their classmates and society and will cause depression and even suicide in some cases. It is imperative to support our children no matter what."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95191", "author": "VA Student", "date": "2021-02-03T11:23:00", "title": "Completely support", "text": "The messages of hate left in this forum are EXACTLY why this needs to pass. Educating our children to be accepting of all people, regardless of gender identity, will prevent vile comments like what are left on this board from happening again. I was in Virginia’s school system for 10 years until I graduated in 2016, and I was constantly disappointed by the regressive ideas being taught. It is your responsibility to do better, so do better. Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95192", "author": "Alison Sanderlin", "date": "2021-02-03T11:24:00", "title": "In strong support", "text": "We must protect all of our children and especially those who are the most vulnerable. Trans children need administration and teachers to support and affirm their gender identities. This is important for their survival."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95193", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:24:00", "title": "Very much in support!", "text": "This is wonderful progress and will be very beneficial to the health, safety, and general well being for transgender individuals!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95194", "author": "Collin Lopestad", "date": "2021-02-03T11:24:00", "title": "All students include trans students!", "text": "Transgender individuals have some of the highest rates of suicide and are victims of violence at much higher rates than the average. We need to do everything we can to protect and support our transgender students. Transgender affirming policies in our school system are a necessary part of protecting and affirming all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95195", "author": "Kenneth Vaughan", "date": "2021-02-03T11:25:00", "title": "Support for LGTBQ+ youth", "text": "I feel this is a step in the right direction for allowing people to be themselves. It is important for young folks to be supported by adults that are in positions of power and influence in their lives. I'm sure there are many out there that feel ostracized by their peers and also those within the administration. Hopefully this will help strengthen these students' self worth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95196", "author": "Whitney Rainey", "date": "2021-02-03T11:26:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "All students including trans and non-binary students should be supported and protected in Virginia schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95197", "author": "Also a mom of sons", "date": "2021-02-03T11:27:00", "title": "fully support!!", "text": "I live in fredericksburg though my son hasn’t yet told us if he is a different gender than the one assigned at birth, we fully support him as he loves pink, wearing dress, and makeup. no kid should feel ashamed for how they identify or who or what they like. we should be teaching kids compassion, not judgement."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95198", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:28:00", "title": "No No No", "text": "Absolutely oppose all of this!!! My children have rights as well and you are disregarding them!!! My daughter should be able to have privacy in a GIRLs bathroom!!! My son should be able to have privacy in a BOYS bathroom. Letting children use whichever bathroom/changing room they want to use that day is ridiculous!!!! My children's safety is on the line here and this is unacceptable!!! A school should be a safe zone for all children. Put in bathrooms/changing rooms at the schools for individual use that are for female or male (family restrooms) like they have at stores!!! I am absolutely appalled that the schools are even debating that this is a good idea. You should be ashamed of yourselves!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95199", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-02-03T11:28:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT. Trans individuals are still people and deserve to be treated w basic human respect", "text": "Trans individuals are still people who deserve to be treated with respect. Trans children deserve to be protected like all other children are protected for who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95200", "author": "Dale J", "date": "2021-02-03T11:28:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights.", "text": "I strongly support this legislation and believe in upholding protections for trans people as a matter of inalienable civil rights. I hope that in time those who are so ardently opposed to this may come to see the necessity for the protection of such rights as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95201", "author": "Nichole", "date": "2021-02-03T11:28:00", "title": "Transgender youth", "text": "I support transgender youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95202", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:29:00", "title": "STRONGLY oppose. This is completely insane to push this kind of abuse", "text": "Please do NOT pass this. This is incredibly harmful to our children, and the threat of action against those who would oppose it is insane"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95203", "author": "Rose Castle", "date": "2021-02-03T11:29:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights! Protect trans youth!", "text": "All children deserve to be protected, supported, and seen. To not offer basic rights and protections to these children is basic discrimination. Please help these children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95204", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T11:29:00", "title": "Absolutely NOT", "text": "I do not believe it is the right of the government to mandate how parents can raise their children.  All this bill will do is discriminate against all other children.  The opposite sex should not use the same bathroom or play some of the same sports.  This will create a divide that may never be fixed.  I have taught my children to be respectful to everyone, but this will be undermining everything I have taught.  Basically, a transgender child will be in charge of a school system and that is fundamentally wrong.   Put policies in place that would hinder discrimination just like there is for minority groups, but do not place this group above anyone else.  If this passes, there will be an overwhelming decrease in the public education sector and more private and homeschooling."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95205", "author": "Aidan Slate-Greene", "date": "2021-02-03T11:29:00", "title": "Support", "text": "The arc of the moral Universe is long, but it bends towards justice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95206", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:30:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender guidelines", "text": "I am a public school teacher and a mom and while we need to increase anti bullying efforts, the schools  are not the place to figure out your thoughts on gender. That is something that needs to be dealt with at home and young children especially don’t even know what they are deciding. This totally goes against my religious beliefs and if I can’t push religion in my classroom then others shouldn’t be able to push their views on me. Some of these policies would make me not want to teach anymore"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95207", "author": "concerned citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T11:31:00", "title": "Reject the Model Policies for treatment of Transgender students", "text": "Oppose as they undermine rights of parents and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95208", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:31:00", "title": "Support! Protect Trans Kids!", "text": "I strongly support the protection and safety of trans children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95209", "author": "Haleigh Fitzpatrick-Owen, HCPS", "date": "2021-02-03T11:32:00", "title": "Teacher in proud support of our trans students", "text": "I am a middle school teacher in proud support of trans and gender non-conforming, gender-exploring students. Students have a right to feel safe in exploring and solidifying their identities in the public school setting. Normalizing the acceptance of trans youth will pave the way for greater acceptance of trans and LGBTQ+ people. We need to uplift the trans and queer community and begin building a strong foundation of love and understanding early on in our future generations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95210", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:32:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95211", "author": "Elizabeth Solano", "date": "2021-02-03T11:32:00", "title": "Protect Trans Students!", "text": "I am 100% in support of the guidelines proposed to protect Trans students within the Virginia school system. They deserve safety just as much as cisgender students. This decision should not be influenced by fear, lack of understanding and education of those who are opposed to this proposed guideline. As someone who works within the public school system it is important we continue the work of decolonizing and addressing white supremacy practices and this is one of the ways we can work towards equitable education for ALL."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95212", "author": "Julia Merkel", "date": "2021-02-03T11:33:00", "title": "support transgender students", "text": "i support the model policy protecting transgender students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95213", "author": "Imshan Dhrolia MPH, MD23", "date": "2021-02-03T11:33:00", "title": "Support Trans Students!", "text": "Trans youth deserve the same rights, protections, and priority we assign to all children in our society. These comments show that there is a lot of misinformation amongst the opposition as to what Gender Dysphoria actually entails and how we can best support trans students as they navigate their adolescence. There is also an apparent paucity of medical knowledge amongst the general public as to best practices for caring for trans youth and trans populations in general. Most concerning is the overwhelming amount of hatred and fear that these oppositional comments display--it's telling that most of those were submitted \"anonymously\" or without an actual identifier. I urge you to pass this in support of our trans youth who so desperately need the community love, acceptance, and support that we seem to so easily provide to cis youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95214", "author": "Erin S", "date": "2021-02-03T11:34:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights!", "text": "Strongly support this! Trans kids are one of the most at-risk groups of young people and deserve better treatment and protection! Protect trans kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95215", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:34:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "I am against these transgender policies being brought into our schools. We are talking about children, who are not old enough to make decisions for themselves. Why should our schools try to make decisions for them? Especially introducing one sided ideologies that everyone doesn't agree with. If this should occur, this allows any gender to go into any restroom or locker room without being questioned with other children who may not be comfortable with this, which could lead to those children to not use the restroom at all. This could result in medical issues from them holding going to the restroom for the whole day. Why should my children have to do this? This also could lead to an increase in sexual assault, teen pregnancies, and many other serious problems. If this bill should be approved, my children will not longer be attending a public school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95216", "author": "Nathan Bentley", "date": "2021-02-03T11:34:00", "title": "Wholeheartedly support", "text": "A good education is paramount to success in life, and key to a good education is a safe, supportive environment for all students to learn in. That safe, supportive environment must be gender affirming. Not only will it drastically improve the lives of trans or questioning students, it will improve the lives of cis students as well. So much of the stress of middle and high school revolves around trying to conform to the arbitrary standards of masculine or feminine imposed by society. Breaking down those barriers, showing male kids it's okay to like \"girly\" things, or female kids it's okay to enjoy \"masculine\" activities, as well as just more activities that put male and female students into the same arena where they can interact in non-gender segregated ways will help students grow up without many of the toxic stereotypes that infest our thinking. Support for Trans kids is support for all kids. Making schools safer for trans students makes schools safer for all students. I fully support this proposal, and note that those in opposition aren't actually concerned for students. They're simply uncomfortable with the idea, or just straight up bigots."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95217", "author": "Hazel Scott", "date": "2021-02-03T11:35:00", "title": "Please weigh everything carefully!", "text": "Please consider every angle.  I am deeply involved in helping youth heal from various traumas.  Most children who suffer from gender-dysphoria need in-depth counseling and NOT a life-long medical path.  I know kids who were pushed down this path and then killed themselves when they understood that they had made a grave mistake and could not undo the harm.  This is a travesty and one of the largest medical experiments on children in all of history.  I am liberal and left-leaning and what is being proposed is WRONG. Do your homework - before many more children are harmed and sterilized. https://www.segm.org/ Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95218", "author": "Iren", "date": "2021-02-03T11:35:00", "title": "YES! Support!", "text": "I support this guidance because, at the bare minimum, a school should be a place where everyone feels safe. Everyone deserves to learn in an environment that feels comfortable and welcoming to them. Trans rights are human rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95219", "author": "John Sizemore", "date": "2021-02-03T11:35:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Everyone deserves the respect this guidance looks to provide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95220", "author": "Tina Combs", "date": "2021-02-03T11:35:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed!!!!", "text": "You can choose to believe what you want. However, you will not force your thoughts and beliefs on my child or myself. Then on top of this nonsense, you threaten to take my child from his home if he and I don't do as you say! I will remove my child from the public school system and home school him."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95221", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:36:00", "title": "Vote NO!", "text": "Putting all other children at risk, giving the school the ability to let children be sexualized in the classroom and taking away parental guidance is over stepping so many boundaries! This is dangerous on multiple levels and there will be no turning back!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95222", "author": "Supportive + concerned resident", "date": "2021-02-03T11:37:00", "title": "I SUPPORT the guidance", "text": "I strongly support the guidance. Protect our youth and their rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95223", "author": "Very Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T11:37:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "These bills violate the rights of Christian families. The policies attempt to alter scientific facts.  Furthermore, these bills take parental control and rights and place them with the school which is damaging to our free American society.  Please withdraw and do NOT re-introduce these terrible bills."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95224", "author": "Trey", "date": "2021-02-03T11:37:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Imagine being in the year 2021 and still not caring enough to protect our trans youth. They are some of the most vulnerable students and this policy could be lifesaving. All LGBT youth deserve not only to survive, but thrive - and this starts NOT ONLY (as some suggest) at home, but in the school system as well. There is no reason to oppose this other than a fundamental bigotry within yourself. Do better, and allow LGBT youth to thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95225", "author": "Amy W.", "date": "2021-02-03T11:37:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT. It's long overdue!!!!", "text": "We need to stop treating transgendered and non binary children as less than just because of who they identify as. They deserve ALL of the same rights as children who are cisgendered. In a 2018 LGBT youth report 12,000 children were surveyed, only 26% of children said they felt safe at school...ONLY 26% and that's not the worst of it. Only 5% of those surveyed reported that all of their teachers and school staff suppored them and their lgbtq peers. Legislation must be in place so that ALL children can be safe in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95226", "author": "Alexandra M", "date": "2021-02-03T11:38:00", "title": "Support Trans Students!!", "text": "Please do all that you can to support the most vulnerable among us at such a critical time in their lives. All children deserve to feel safe and protected even if their identity is not understood by all. All children deserve the right to be educated without fear"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95227", "author": "Private", "date": "2021-02-03T11:38:00", "title": "Science Based Strong Opposition", "text": "First, there is no science that supports affirming a trans identity. More and more research is proving this and more and more countries are tamping down their \"quick to affirm\" approach.  In addition, more de-transitioners are coming out daily. As well as doctors, specifically endocrinologists, are coming forward about the harms of medical/hormone transitions.  Long term effects are still not known.  Educate yourselves:  segm.org has over 100 experts speaking out.  Another resource:  www.transgendertrend.com/schools-resources/."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95228", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:39:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95229", "author": "Christine", "date": "2021-02-03T11:39:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender legislation in many many ways. First of all God created a man and a woman exactly the way he wanted to. And one of those purposes is to make babies.  You don’t get to change that.  I will not allow a child or grandchild of mine to attend a public school that I pay taxes for every day to ultimately confuse children to the point that there is absolutely no other explanation then God made you that way. By allowing such conduct you are inviting illegal and immoral acts amongst students. I will legally fight this all the way to the Supreme Court Or as far as I can possibly take it. If you want to make our country less divided then put religion (love) back in school.  I am at awe as to how this country has gotten to this place.  The only way to get it back is to put religion back in our country and in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95230", "author": "Allie", "date": "2021-02-03T11:39:00", "title": "I support trans students!!!", "text": "I support trans students! Seeing some of these comments on here is deeply disturbing"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95231", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:40:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95232", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:40:00", "title": "Grade A Screwball idea!", "text": "This messing with gender is NUTS!  This is solely a family issue to be solved by parent and child. Don't hurt these children! Schools and agencies must stay out of it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95233", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:40:00", "title": "SUPPORT!!", "text": "I fully support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. This is important for all students to be treated fairly and safely. Transgender and non-binary children face discrimination that no person should have to experience and school should be a safe place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95234", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:40:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools as they are harmful to children and undermine the rights of parents and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95235", "author": "Lauren", "date": "2021-02-03T11:41:00", "title": "Strongly support the guidance", "text": "I strongly support the guidance and am hopeful of virginia becoming more supportive and inclusive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95236", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:41:00", "title": "No Way", "text": "While I support the transgender community, I feel that this is VERY concerning and honestly frightening. Our children are being put into dangerous and uncomfortable situations. They should be able to have the comfort of knowing that they are ALWAYS safe in their schools. This is crossing the line. Students should always be supported, but when its ethical. I don't know how the school(s) think that this is a good idea. It is absolutely absurd. This is support of child harm."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95237", "author": "Rachel", "date": "2021-02-03T11:41:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "STRONGLY SUPPORT !!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95238", "author": "Maria", "date": "2021-02-03T11:42:00", "title": "Oppose - Dangerous Bill for youth and parents", "text": "These laws would endanger children and the rights of parents to raise their children according to their conscience. Abuse of minors in the public school system is a very real danger, laws that would promote secrecy and pressure to conform to sexual content at the risk of being removed from one’s home will provide child predators huge leverage in our system. Also, while we want to believe that the people claiming a sexual identity different from their biological sex are being sincere, this law completely abolished protections for students against those who would misuse the law. Imagine an older male student using the female bathroom to prey on young women, and then threatening to report them as having anti-Trans views if they don’t comply with their sexual demands. That same student might be too afraid, as many young women are who are attacked, to come forward, fearing they might be removed from their home or punished in some way at school. We already have anti-bullying protections on the books, we do not need to turn our schools into re-education camps where people with peaceful opposing views are threatened for wanting to uphold their views in their own homes. This is a dangerous precedent to set. Imagine if the tables were turned and schools were teaching that you cannot identify as LGBT or you will be re-educated and made to deny yourself. Further yet that your LGBT status reflects on your home life and that you should be removed from your home. This is not the place of our education system, sexual politics and dangerous intrusions into the familial relationship are not appropriate. There are already laws that protect abused children and stop bullying at schools based on any sort of sexual, ethnic or racial basis. This is an unnecessary overstep that will open the door to great harm."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95239", "author": "This is such an overstep on parental rights!!", "date": "2021-02-03T11:42:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE. Read the entire policy outlines everyone!", "text": "These policies are an outrageous, dangerous overstep on parental rights and should not even be considered to be put in place. My children will never step foot in the school system with these policies and I would encourage all I know to stand against this and pull their own children out as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91107", "author": "JEREMY GREINER", "date": "2021-01-22T19:09:00", "title": "Bad Policy", "text": "I am sympathetic to those who do not know what gender they are and to those who present as one gender but identify as the other (or experience \"fluid\" feelings regarding their gender), but allowing children the ability to choose which facilities to use with regard to their gender identity is a bad idea, because it has the likelihood of making a large percentage of those affected by the policies very uncomfortable or even endangered. I wish there could be 100% individual facilities, but that is not feasible. For decades (centuries?) males have shared facilities with other males who have same sex attraction. While not a perfect system, it has worked reasonably well. The current problem this guidance wants to fix is not much different. In essence, the guidance takes a problem that affects a relatively small number of people and makes it a problem for a vastly larger number of people. While I am no expert, the way I see it you need one facility for people who anatomically, hormonally, psychologically, etc. are female and are attracted to males (group A let's call them). You need a second facility for people who anatomically, hormonally, and psychologically are male and are attracted to females (group B lets call them). That would take care of 95% or more of the population.  I do not know but perhaps private facilities can be provided for all others? (I am hesitant to say let's call them group C because I know these people could be grouped into several other groups based on combinations of anatomy, hormones, psychology, etc.) Some may claim this might ostracize those that use them, but what is called for is education, support, and information that those that use these private facilities are equal in worth and dignity with all others. They are simply different. The same way a woman is different from a man. Again I am sympathetic to those who do not fall into group A or B, but I am also concerned that a small number, particularly from group B, might use the policy to enter facilities meant for the other heterosexual group.  That would be disastrous. I addition, the guidance would allow students and administrators to circumvent the parents from all this. The parents are the primary caretakers for their children and if there is concern for the safety of the student, circumventing the parents will only sweep the mess under the carpet setting the stage for a potentially calamitous future situation. All in all, we need to go back to the drawing board on this issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91108", "author": "R Cooper", "date": "2021-01-22T19:10:00", "title": "Most Strongly Oppose VDE's Proposed Transgender Policy", "text": "We do not approve of the Virginia Department of Education’s proposed draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students.  These guidelines are based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91109", "author": "Bill Clarke", "date": "2021-01-22T19:11:00", "title": "Oppose indoctrination of our children", "text": "This policy would take away the rights of parents to be the primary responsible person to train their child what is right and wrong. Teaching and convincing children that transgenderism is ok when it is a mental illness would be child abuse. We need to help children who are confused through their issues but teaching children this is ok is wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91110", "author": "John Lawless", "date": "2021-01-22T19:21:00", "title": "Wholeheartedly Opposed!", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91111", "author": "K. Izzo", "date": "2021-01-22T19:23:00", "title": "Gender policies", "text": "How can gender be reassigned?  We are who we are and I believe we are born with a physical gender that should be integrated and accepted into who we are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91112", "author": "Emily Brown", "date": "2021-01-22T19:24:00", "title": "Protecting ALL children?", "text": "As a Virginia public school educator, I firmly believe in protecting all students. Each and every child should feel welcomed and cared for by their educators. Unfortunately, the proposed Transgender Policy will not do that. Even though I consciously disagree with transgender culture, no student should be harassed. The state, however, desperately needs to reevaluate what constitutes harassment. I could just as easily argue that an adolescent boy who identifies as a girl who uses the girls’ restroom and openly changes for PE in the girls’ locker room with my 13 year-old 8th grader is in itself harassment. In fact, this policy is worded in such a way that would prohibit me as a teacher or parent, or even my daughter,  from reporting a boy lied about his identification just so he could get into the girls’ locker room, not a far-fetched notion for an adolescent teen of any gender. If a student is uncomfortable changing in a locker room or using a bathroom that is not specifically associated with the gender with whom he or she identifies, then a separate place should be provided. That satisfies the student discomfort without forcing other students’ discomfort. My second biggest issue with this policy is the state’s assertion that it knows better than a child’s parent. Parents should never be kept out of any discussion or decision that impacts their child in public school. In asserting otherwise, the state is trying to assume guardianship of that child, and that is wrong. In my opinion, education is overly involved in students’ home lives as it is because a lot of the public relies too heavily on schools to meet all the needs of their children, which is taxing the system. Finally, as a mandated reporter, I have had the obligation of notifying CPS, which I have done a few times in my 18 year career. Parents arguing with a child about transgender issues is not abuse. For goodness sake, parents have been raising their children since the beginning of time and arguing over several issues, especially with their teenage children. To say that makes them unsupportive and unloving is ridiculous. This policy is riddled with problems, assertions, and wording that, if passed as is, would create more problems, not protect the small population of students it is written for."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91113", "author": "Donna Hazen", "date": "2021-01-22T19:24:00", "title": "Transgender bill", "text": "Why are we wasting our time on something were there is a very slim majority.  This is all nonsense.   Is this what our legislators do with our tax money?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91114", "author": "K. E. Sturgill", "date": "2021-01-22T19:34:00", "title": "Proposed Statewide Transgender Policy", "text": "The proposed policy is impractical and fraught with danger. This policy promotes an activist political agenda at the expense of a safe educational environment for all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91115", "author": "Kyleigh Hynes", "date": "2021-01-22T19:39:00", "title": "Strong Support for VDOE Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I am a current social work graduate student who graduated from Virginia public schools in 2015. As a high schooler, I was involved in multiple extracurricular activities, such as the ADL's Peer Training Program, where I had the privilege of working with and learning from trans and non-binary students at my school. While these niche spaces were quite affirming and allowed students of all gender identities and expressions to thrive, the overall school environment was not as welcoming and this produced a notable difference in how trans and non-binary students were able (or rather, not able) to come into this larger space and feel safe interacting with their peers and educators. As a former public school student and as a current social worker, I know that trans and non-binary students are more likely to be mistreated by students, teachers, and administrators than their cisgender counterparts. Trans and non-binary students have the right to the same education as any other student, but it much harder for them to have the same chance to succeed in their education if their very identity is being scrutinized, invalidated, or attacked at school. The study of human development tells us that the school environment plays a large role not only in a child's intellectual development, but in their socioemotional development, as well. It is therefore vital that we listen to trans and non-binary children, allow them agency over their identities, and set in place regulations that affirm their experiences and promote their wellbeing as they grow into adults. These model policies were drafted by an abundance of qualified stakeholders and community members, and I believe that the policies should be adopted as currently written in order to ensure that trans and non-binary students in Virginia are protected within our school systems."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91116", "author": "Momx3", "date": "2021-01-22T19:45:00", "title": "I do not agree with fluid gender policies.", "text": "Having a policy to include fluid gender is just too broad.  If you have transitioned or are in the process of transitioning, current policies cover you.  Leave well enough alone!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91117", "author": "Pat", "date": "2021-01-22T19:48:00", "title": "Do NOT adopt a policy that essentially mandates promotion of gender confusion to school kids.", "text": "Do NOT adopt a policy that essentially mandates promotion of gender confusion to school kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91118", "author": "Angela Cross", "date": "2021-01-22T19:53:00", "title": "1st Amendment Rights of Christian Educators in Proposed Gender Policies", "text": "It has come to my attention that in the midst of a pandemic, when many families are struggling to survive on limited income and through job loss that the VA dept of education is proposing changes that could pose a risk to the jobs of thousands of VA teachers of faith. I agree that no student should be bullied or threatened, especially those struggling with gender confusion, but requiring staff to address students by chosen gender pronouns poses a risk to the jobs of educators of all Abrahamic faiths. Many VA educators hold sincere religious beliefs regarding the nature of biological sex. Forcing teachers to use pronouns that go against the truth of biology is compelling speech and a violation of the first amendment rights of educators. As Christians, knowingly telling a lie or leading a child astray is a sin. We take very seriously Matthew 18:6 where Jesus warns \"whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were drown in the depths of the sea.\" VA DOE would be asking the educator not only to lead the gender confused child astray, but also to undermine the trust that teachers work so diligently to build with every student that is listening. As an educator of over 20 years, I have watched as my students learn and grow. It is natural for children to go through changes as they mature. Life changing decisions should not be left in the hands of minors while they are developing and experiencing hormonal changes. Many teachers, who care deeply for their students, will not affirm them in a lie that could lead them to seeking hormone treatments or unnecessary dangerous surgery that could sterilize them for life. Parents have the right to be made aware and involved in life changing decisions for their minor children. The VA DOE has the responsibility to protect students rights, as well as faculty and staff and parental rights in education. By moving forward with these proposed changes you  violate parental rights and leave teachers and schools vulnerable to lawsuits. These proposed policy changes put educators in the position to chose between sinning against their God or losing their job."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91119", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T19:56:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to this politicized policy", "text": "I feel the transgenderism is an issue for adults and there are much more important things to focus on the class room, and the privacy and protection of young women is in danger by this policy by choosing to embrace the delusions of some saying they are not who they are genetically and hormonally speaking. Let's propose a scenario. A young man claims to trans and asks to change in woman's locker room. Can you see where this is going? This provides an easy opportunity for misbehavior of many kinds. And even if the boy's, telling the truth that he believes he is this way, you're violating the privacy and endangering emotional health of an entire mass for a sole person. That doesn't seem fair. Instead, we should hold firm to what science proved through the human genome project that there are two genders, but that neither is better than the other nor should be treated as such. Man is no better than woman and vice a versa. Period. I do believe no child should face bullying or harassment. That is given and should be addressed for certain, but this policy goes too far by over-stepping the parents and hurting the majority for a few. How will this affect Muslim and other religious communities in the public school systems? Do they have a say on how they raise their child? It feels forced upon them. Do students who practice Judaism or other Abrahamic faiths have to forfeit their belief in two genders under threat on school punishment? Not everyone can afford private school. Especially during a pandemic. I feel this also creates a target on the backs trans-students in a way, opening up more ridicule and the potential for lashing out. As someone who has been bullied in Virginia schools, this sets me uneasy for their safety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91120", "author": "Leslie Sturgill", "date": "2021-01-22T19:57:00", "title": "Proposed statewide transgender school policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the statewide transgender school policy. I believe this policy will have the effect of promoting and causing gender confusion in children. This is an irresponsible and harmful policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91121", "author": "Patricia M Tryal", "date": "2021-01-22T20:06:00", "title": "I strongly oppose", "text": "This policy and the supposed \"science\" behind this transgender movement is one of the most harmful ideas that has been thrust upon the school systems.  The whole idea is nothing but an excuse to defy the Creator, who created them \"male and female.\"  As though kids today had nothing to cause them fear and confusion, the forcing of teachers and students to refer to a girl as a boy and vice-versa defies logic. May blind eyes be opened to see the lies behind this kind of thinking."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91122", "author": "N. Moody", "date": "2021-01-22T20:09:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I am 100% AGAINST this proposed Treatment of Transgender Students!  It is PURE EVIL!  To even put into a child's head that there is a chance God made a mistake in his/her identify as a boy or girl at birth is truly an abomination to the Lord!  Lawmakers should be ashamed of themselves for even considering such an action!  \"Lord help us ALL!\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91123", "author": "Bruce Clark", "date": "2021-01-22T20:29:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I wholeheartedly support this policy.  I have a 15 year old nonbinary grandchild.  They should not be discriminated in their school for their gender.  Current gender science identifies many more than two genders.  Biology does not determine gender.  Please adopt this policy state wide.  Thanks"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91124", "author": "David M", "date": "2021-01-22T20:34:00", "title": "Menstrual supplies in the Boys bathroom?", "text": "The model policies for the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools ( HB 145 and SB 161 ) would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students. of the many problematic parts I will highlight this: 22.1-6.1 of the Code of Virginia requires each school board to make menstrual supplies available at all times and at no cost to students in accessible locations in each elementary school and in the bathrooms of each middle and high school. Accordingly, these supplies should be made available in all bathrooms to be gender-inclusive. and this: School divisions should accept a student’s assertion of their gender identity without requiring any particular substantiating evidence, including diagnosis, treatment, or legal documents. A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth. This should involve more than a casual declaration of gender identity, but it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity, and expression of gender identity can present differently from student to student. I see nowhere in these policies concern for my daughter's safety and comfort and well-being.  There is really no attempt whatsoever to prevent the inevitable situation of ill-intentioned boys going into girls' bathrooms, locker rooms, hotel/cabin rooms and simply stating that they are \"a girl\".  There are no guards to protect my daughter in this scenario. This anything goes approach will just open the floodgates to situations where our children will be forced to accept unwelcome behaviors that violate their dignity and innocence."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91125", "author": "Abby Barone", "date": "2021-01-22T20:42:00", "title": "Parental Rights & Proposed Transgender School Legislation", "text": "As a parent of young children, I believe that those children are my responsibility. My husband and I should be able to decide how to raise our children. This legislation is an extreme overreach on the behalf of our government. For a school system to know about issues involving our child and not notify us is outrageous. When a child is at school and going by a different name/gender identity, the parents should know. It's obvious that something is wrong there, and it is the responsibility of the parent to seek help with that issue however they see fit. The duty of the school should be to report these requests to the parent immediately. Other parts of the legislation also remove parent rights and notification of what is happening at school with their minor children. If girls are changing in the locker room and a transgender male is allowed to enter the locker room at the same time, parents should be notified. I strongly oppose this legislation, and I hope and pray that it does not pass. Parents have the right to know what is going on with their children when they're at school. Schools should communicate that information with parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91126", "author": "Amy", "date": "2021-01-22T20:44:00", "title": "Opposed to new transgender policies", "text": "Please hear the voices of so many parents, who are opposed to these new rules. The age group this applies to is so vulnerable and many are so broken by their life experiences already as tweens and teens. Kids need guidance from their parents who know and love them, not the government or school system seeking to replace the authority of parents. These youths should not have to fear the vulnerability of changing in front of their biological opposite. Teachers, who have already been through so much this past year, should not have to fear retaliation if they can't remember what to call someone, or if they have a conviction that male and female are distinct from each other."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91127", "author": "Mary Williams", "date": "2021-01-22T20:47:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed for the sake of all children and staff", "text": "These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91128", "author": "Timothy Cline", "date": "2021-01-22T20:47:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender regulations proposed by VA Department of Education", "text": "If VDOE approves the draft policies, they would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91129", "author": "Gabe Willard", "date": "2021-01-22T20:59:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91130", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T21:01:00", "title": "transgender school policy", "text": "While I understand the need to protect transgender students, this policy will only further promote gender confusion.    It promotes dishonesty between parent and child and it could cause trauma to students who have to share changing and bathroom facilities with students who are biologically of the opposite sex.  It is also a a disaster for girl's and women's sports. I recommend all who can, send your kids to private or religious schools and stay away from public school education.  Or home school.  And remember, elections have consequences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91131", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T21:14:00", "title": "Transgender Policies - Please focus on academics and not political ideology", "text": "I am a firm believer that all humans should be loved and treated with respect. I am also a firm believer in education - academic education provided by the schools and value/moral/worldview education provided by the parent. This was never the government’s role to teach political ideology. Let’s keep our anti-bullying laws, but we don’t need to force ideas not everyone believes in (even scientists) on our most vulnerable population. Nor should we consider subjecting our children to uncomfortable moments with a child of the opposite sex in the bathroom, locker room or sports team. Please think about your own young daughters, nieces or sisters. Please allow our family to share our own values while you share yours within the context of your home. Allow school to remain an academic institution and nothing more."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91132", "author": "Dawn Peters", "date": "2021-01-22T21:23:00", "title": "Support!!!", "text": "My daughter is gay & was picked on during high school.  We met many transgender students at her school and other schools.  I wanted my daughter and her friends to have a the same safe education as everyone else. I support this guidance because I want all students to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91133", "author": "J. S. Butler", "date": "2021-01-22T21:26:00", "title": "Oppose House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161", "text": "While every child is certainly entitled to a safe education in public schools, attempting to teach children that the transgender lifestyle is \"normal\" or acceptable or for anyone/everyone is wrong.  The idea that gender is simply applied to infants at birth is tantamount to saying we are all given two arms and two legs by accident.  I strongly oppose this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91134", "author": "Mitchell D. Norman", "date": "2021-01-22T21:35:00", "title": "VDOE Draft Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I am adamantly opposed to the above proposed policy.  I am especially appalled with the provision to allow students of one biological gender to use the bath and dressing rooms of the opposite biological gender and to do so without any interference from school officials.  What are you thinking?  The wishes of a vocal and very minor minority should not supersede the right of the vast majority for decency!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91135", "author": "Lee", "date": "2021-01-22T21:36:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender bill", "text": "The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91136", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T21:40:00", "title": "Promoting gender confusion in schools", "text": "This goes too far and is unnecessary. Parents can talk to their children if and when they are ready. Schools need to get back to teaching math, reading, history, CIVICS, and geography. This is not for teachers to be teaching!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91137", "author": "Carolyn R. Goodnight", "date": "2021-01-22T21:45:00", "title": "VA Department of Education Transgender Model Policy", "text": "I believe the Virginia Department of Education is usurping the rights of parents by mandating a K-12 transgender model policy in our public schools. Parents are their child’s first role models. Parents are teachers as a child advances to the  developmental stages. Parents are the authority of their family ensuring the child’s moral, spiritual, physical, mental, and social well-being by the values and beliefs they affirm."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91138", "author": "RevTodd", "date": "2021-01-22T21:54:00", "title": "Made in His Image - Oppose Confusion Policy", "text": "As a pastor, and father, that has worked in the healthcare industry for over a decade, I agree with the Family Foundation that the church can no longer remain silent on this and other issues involving the indoctrination of our children.  No matter what people may think or say about us, the health (mental, physical, and spiritual) of our children & grandchildren should be the priority before allowing the state to plant seeds of confusion that has been proven to lead to anxiety, depression and suicidal tendencies in those that attempt to live alternate identity lifestyles than how they were created. This is why I will be tackling this issue, along with the rest of the liberal sexual agenda, by making our church members aware of this by the following actions: > Showing the “In His Image” movie to our congregation  ( https://inhisimage.movie/ ) > Providing & discussing the following literature with all parents * Gender, A Conversation Guide for Parents and Pastors ( https://bit.ly/3p5qvo5 ) I hope that the church rises to the occasion for the sake of the next generation. Proclaiming the truth in love is imperative to combat the darkness (Eph.4:14-15)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91139", "author": "Susan healy", "date": "2021-01-22T22:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose gender ideology in schools. A child's sex is determined at conception by God.", "text": "Children are only confused by this ideology, which does not correspond with reality.  And they are too young and innocent to realize that they are just being used.  Let's protect them, not abuse them!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91140", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T22:13:00", "title": "I do NOT support this", "text": "i feel like while you’re trying to protect one, you are neglecting the other. You can’t protect one at the expense of another, it’s backward"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91141", "author": "Veronica A Dowdell", "date": "2021-01-22T22:28:00", "title": "the transgender policy is not considering all individuals' needs", "text": "The policy on transgender does not protect all individuals but is merely trying to push an agenda and indoctrinate young people. What protection is there for young girls who do not want to share a bathroom or locker room with a biological boy? What protection is there for an individual (student, parent or even teacher) whose beliefs align with science (that DNA clearly defines a person's gender) to be able to practice their faith with out being considered bullying, or abusing? What protection is there for a confused young person who is being taught to pursue transgenderism when they are just naturally going through a stage and the majority of young people will outgrow this gender dysphoria and may have huge regrets for pursuing something they weren't mature enough to really make a decision? What protection is there for the family unit if the school is teaching children to deceive and hide things from their parents? This policy is terrible and not in the best interests of anyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91142", "author": "Melissa Karamanov", "date": "2021-01-22T23:27:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I cannot back a policy change that should not even be on the table regarding our schools.  Schools are meant to educate our children and teach them certain subjects.  When children are growing their minds they do not need to be concerned with things that do not have a place in schools.  There is no reason to call people by preferred pronouns in a school setting.  We all have a first name that is used in our documentation.  Gender only has two identities  male and female.  Sexuality has nothing to do with gender.  Our developing children need to be at school to learn and gender and sexuality have absolutely no place in a school or classroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91143", "author": "Sasha Machi", "date": "2021-01-22T23:29:00", "title": "I do not support the transgender guidelines", "text": "i am deeply concerned about the transgender guidelines, especially as they do not require any formal evaluation of students.  Our understanding of gender identity issues is far from settled and efforts to impose  on the community as a whole a series of practices that purport to serve the interests of a very small minority while simultaneously failing to take into account the social and emotional development of the vast majority of children who are not experiencing these difficulties is unjust, inappropriate, reckless, and irresponsible.  The special needs of these students should not dictate a whole new regime of bathroom sharing and individualized pronouns, as well as a deeply troubling misunderstanding of biological facts."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91144", "author": "Travis James", "date": "2021-01-22T23:33:00", "title": "Stop corrupting children. Local companies can’t hire these poorly educated, brainwashed kids.", "text": "Stop corrupting these kids with your filth.  They desperately need better education in math, science and an appreciation of their country’s history."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91145", "author": "Bella T", "date": "2021-01-22T23:40:00", "title": "MUST ALLOW STUDENTS TO BE WHO THEY ARE!!!!", "text": "How is this even a question! Trans people deserve equality and equity! We MUST grant our students FAIR TREATMENT. Transphobia is NOT about morals its about VIOLENCE and FEAR and its ABSURD that those two things even cross peoples minds. I suggest we even provide education about out transgender health and history so as to teach kids THE TRUTH rather than letting continue to be taught BIGOTRY AND HATRED!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91146", "author": "M Vannoy", "date": "2021-01-23T00:55:00", "title": "DOE Transgender policy", "text": "I do not agree with this policy. Stop pretending that elementary,  middle school,  or high school kids are mature enough to make these types of decisions.  Most kids who FEEL like they can drive a car cannot and any caring parent would not give them the keys. We have a legal drinking age in this country even if you are serving in the military, why?  We don't want immature young sailors, soldiers, airmen, marines or guardsmen to openly use a substance that could negatively impact their performance. Sex misused or endorsement of ideas not consistent with their birth identity is basically giving a child the keys to a vehicle they are not licensed to drive after giving them a beer. Religious point of view aside, stop setting our teachers up for failure and creating further distractions and avenues for deviant behavior and lawsuits. As a former military supervisor I can attest to the disruption this causes for what is truly only 1% of the population. Parents should never be disqualified from helping their children navigate this subject. Simply appalled."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91147", "author": "Lou", "date": "2021-01-23T01:08:00", "title": "Adamantly against", "text": "I stand against these gender confusion  proposals"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91148", "author": "Caroline", "date": "2021-01-23T01:22:00", "title": "This harms young women harassed by predators.", "text": "I am against this sickening attack on women. You men want to prey on young women by going into to stalk and rape. Stop your WAR ON WOMEN!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91149", "author": "Dina", "date": "2021-01-23T02:34:00", "title": "Please oppose these transgender policies that is harmful for kids", "text": "I agree that every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. They may never be the same again and later deeply regret such a choice for many years after - https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2019/02/11/transgender-debate-transitioning-sex-gender-column/1894076002/ and experience much higher rates of suicide https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-transgender-non-binary-lgbtq-youth-suicide-trevor-project-survey-20200715-qz4wut4mwzdglfpzesc6akltky-story.html . Also- according to these studies below - Most kids grow out of it. 1. https://www.transgendertrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Steensma-2013_desistance-rates.pdf?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=680533cc-5199-403c-991f-fde320fe86b1 2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25231780/ 3. https://www.transgendertrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Steensma-2013_desistance-rates.pdf?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=680533cc-5199-403c-991f-fde320fe86b1 In light of these facts, please allow the current anti bullying rules and laws to do what they should for all children in school and stop promoting dangerous transgender policies and instruction that can inflict much greater harm and possibly result in grave regret or even death. If they want to pursue transitioning- they can still do so when they are older and have a broader view to see if they still even desire to do so. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91150", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T05:02:00", "title": "This puts an end to Title IX", "text": "As has happened in Massachusetts, this policy will open the door to biological males to compete directly against girls who train for years to gain scholarships to college.  No one should have a hand in this policy who does not have a teen girl in their household."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91151", "author": "Kathleen Vaughan", "date": "2021-01-23T05:44:00", "title": "I oppose transgender education programs in schools", "text": "I oppose any laws or policies that shift authority for the health and wellbeing and moral instruction of children and minors away from parents and grants it to school employees. This is unconscionable and a hallmark of totalitarian governmental systems, not a free society. Parents have the right and responsibility to know what their children are being taught and what they are going through. How dare you propose to use my tax dollars to reduce my knowledge of my childrens' needs? I have serious concerns about a blanket responses to transgenderism. Children develop at different rates and learn in different ways. A programmatic approach to transgenderism is confusing. Underlying needs, such as depression and early childhood trauma could go unaddressed. Statistics show that most youth diagnosed with gender dysphoria outgrown the condition. Due to this and the many physical health concerns related to blocking hormones in developing adolescents, as well as the irreparable effects of invasive surgeries, there is a growing ethical movement among physicians who do not support gender altering medical intervention in youth. Many chronic and debilitating medical conditions could result. Transgenderism should be treated medically, not politically. Anything less than this is distorting and grossly irresponsible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91152", "author": "Marilyn", "date": "2021-01-23T06:56:00", "title": "Protect ALL not just some - stand against Transgender Indoctrination in VA Schools", "text": "As an educator, I firmly believe in providing a safe learning environment for all students and teachers, protecting all students emotionally and physically. Each and every child should feel welcomed and cared for by their educators. Unfortunately, the proposed Transgender Policy will do the exact opposite of that. I do feel concerned for those students who identify as transgender; I want no student harassed. However, this proposal is only supporting a few individuals and promoting harassment towards many that still identify as their biological gender of male or female. Who is going to protect the young girl confronted with by a ‘male’ in the locker room, using the excuse of identifying as a female just to gain access to the girls? And who is going to protect the young ‘boy’ from being mocked by ‘girls claiming identification as a boy to gain access to the ‘male’ locker room? If a bill such as this is passed, will locker rooms/bathrooms be provided for those who want to be only with their biological identifying peers? Or are they no longer to be protected? This policy also puts teachers in harm’s way rather than protecting us and providing us an environment where we can do the job we have been called to do – teach. What protection is there for an individual (student, parent, or teacher) whose beliefs align with science (that DNA clearly defines a person's gender) to be able to practice their faith without being considered a bully or abusive? Furthermore, this policy is usurping authority from the parents. Parents are ultimately responsible for their children and should never be kept out of any discussion or decision that impacts their child. I oppose any laws or policies that shift authority for the health and wellbeing and moral instruction of children and minors away from parents and grants it to school employees. This policy is filled with problems, assertions, and wording that would create additional problems rather than providing protection and education for students in a safe happy environment. Stop Transgender Indoctrination in VA Schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91153", "author": "Susan Herbert", "date": "2021-01-23T07:03:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policies", "text": "I oppose transgender policies and teachings. Teach the basics: reading, writing, math, civics and American history."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91154", "author": "Anna N", "date": "2021-01-23T07:20:00", "title": "Trans kids need support NOW", "text": "All children deserve support, ESPECIALLY trans children. This is a step towards real progress. Don't sit on the wrong side of history."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91155", "author": "Kayla", "date": "2021-01-23T07:27:00", "title": "Do not support transgender indoctrination in public schools", "text": "The indoctrination of transgender ideals in public schools is a terrible mistake. There is not a one size fits all, and to say that all children should be taught about this in a tax funded school system is dangerous and ridiculous. I believe in supporting all students, not just some."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91156", "author": "Lauren Sandy", "date": "2021-01-23T07:44:00", "title": "SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT", "text": "STRONGLY SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91157", "author": "Amy Ayre", "date": "2021-01-23T07:44:00", "title": "Do not impose transgender beliefs upon our children-no to DOE proposal", "text": "Please allow parents to do the teaching on the topic of sexuality. By imposing the beliefs outlined in this policy, it goes directly against many families' foundational, religious beliefs that God created men and women male and female and their anatomy reflects that. Moreover, young children are not emotionally ready to deal with such a difficult topic. Teenagers are in a state of turmoil and flux hormonally. The over-sexualization of our culture only adds to that confusion and turmoil. Finally, asking children, even teenagers - who are still children under the law - to share a bathroom or a changing room with someone who does not share their anatomy does more harm than good. Should the DOE go against common sense and science, we will be studying the fallout from this harmful policy for decades."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91158", "author": "Paul Hogan", "date": "2021-01-23T07:58:00", "title": "Transgender Policy--Another Point for the Case for School Choice", "text": "As you can see by the comments, many parents and teachers are adamantly opposed to the introduction of mandatory \"transgender\" policies in Virginia public schools.  Counseling eight, nine or ten year old students, most of whom do not know their favorite flavor of ice cream, on whether they would like to change their gender (sic)* without consulting parents is particularly abhorrent. If the Commonwealth persists in imposing such policies, which many of its citizens vigorously oppose, it should also make a provision for school choice, through vouchers, for those who cannot afford the alternative to the secular ideology of the public schools. *BTW, when I was in school, \"gender\" was a grammar term."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91159", "author": "Paul Webb", "date": "2021-01-23T08:02:00", "title": "Support Trans Kids In School!", "text": "This is a long overdue and great step forward in creating a healthy and supportive environment for trans and non binary children, who are at great risk of harassment and worse in current conditions. Please support! Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91160", "author": "Greg Stockton", "date": "2021-01-23T08:14:00", "title": "Proposed Gender Identification Policies Hurt Children", "text": "Educational policies should not be adopted to promote gender spectrum views. The articles at the sollowing links show that either there is a high risk of harm to the children, or the policies are not needed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25231780/ , https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/study-finds-health-risks-transgender-women-hormone-therapy-n890031 , https://www.transgendertrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Steensma-2013_desistance-rates.pdf?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=680533cc-5199-403c-991f-fde320fe86b1 , https://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug07/challenges I urge that you do not move forward with this, similar and other policies that are designed to harm society, families and children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91161", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T08:48:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "I strongly oppose the DOE Transgender policy as they violate my religious freedoms and responsibilities as a parent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91162", "author": "Anon", "date": "2021-01-23T08:54:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Kids in school deserve a learning environment where they feel safe and secure, and these changes allow for that outlet."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91163", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T08:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91164", "author": "john f mclaughlin", "date": "2021-01-23T08:58:00", "title": "Gender policies in school", "text": "Are you kidding me?  This is an affront to common sense thinking and now the ridiculous thinking of the new far left. If they want to be special put them in special classes together or give them transgender bathrooms and showers.  Why mess with the other 99% who know who they are and feel differently and want their own boy/girl bathrooms and shower facilities. Parents are responsible for their children, not the teachers.  No wonder parents are increasingly homeschooling or going to private schools.  Hey, maybe that is the idea.  Make less work for public schools. Make the teachers use the kids bathroom facilities and see how they feel about it. Insane ideas period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91165", "author": "Khiya", "date": "2021-01-23T08:58:00", "title": "Supporting Students", "text": "Any policy changes that facilitate anti discrimination, and foster a more well rounded and supportive community should be overwhelmingly welcomed by the people it’s affecting. I strongly support this change, as it teaches kids from a young age that they are allowed to be their true self and not fear repercussions of it in school. Learning is a fragile balance of outside forces, it would be nice if gender discrimination was eliminated as a force."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91166", "author": "Nessa", "date": "2021-01-23T09:06:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Please listen to the voices of so many parents who are opposed to these new policies. The age group this applies to is so vulnerable and could create more confusion and damage to growing kids... Most of whom, cannot decide what to eat or wear or which toy to get. Kids need guidance from their parents who know and love them, not the government or school system wanting to replace the authority of parents. Parents should never be kept out of any discussion or decision that impacts their child in public school. I do not believe it is protecting ALL children's rights. This won't be safe for ALL kids. As we know, kids brains do not fully develop till they are in their 20s so to push this policy is VERY IRRESPONSIBLE and VERY DAMAGING. Also, teachers, who have already been through a lot this past year should not have to fear retaliation if they can't remember what to call someone, or if they have a conviction that male and female are distinct from each other."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91167", "author": "Leslie", "date": "2021-01-23T09:11:00", "title": "opposed", "text": "Please listen to the voices of so many parents who are opposed to these new policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91168", "author": "Tamara Hartzell", "date": "2021-01-23T09:18:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I wish this guidance had been around when my children were school age. Everyone deserves to be safe and welcomed at school. I'm proud to support this guidance and all LGBTQ+."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91169", "author": "Arnold D. Carico", "date": "2021-01-23T09:36:00", "title": "SOGI and our public schools", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the imposition of many of the contemplated SOGI regulations.  While I understand they are aimed at aiding those who are in the midst of gender dysphoria, the proposed regulation would only spread the confusion concerning gender into our open classrooms and do little to aid those in distress, while denying parents their rights to be most intimately involved in their children's life decisions.  Schools will be permitted to help students, explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school without a parent even knowing!! Additionally, the definition of \"gender identity\" is totally subjective to each person claiming it, hence, it cannot possibly be known by any person other than the one claiming it.  Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly \"changing\" their \"gender identity\" to exploit situations to what they perceive as being to their advantage."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91170", "author": "Patricia McAdams", "date": "2021-01-23T09:38:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose any regulations that would mandate that children be exposed to the confusion  that is currently being advanced concerning the truth about human sexuality.  Parents are the natural and first educators of their children.  They have a sacred duty to do this.  All children are to be cherished and protected as gift's from God, who made them with the help of parents.  This abrogating of parental rights will only lead to further breakdown of the family.  Please rethink this regulation and find better ways to ensure the health of children and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91171", "author": "Rayel McKennett", "date": "2021-01-23T09:41:00", "title": "Please oppose new transgender policy", "text": "Research process that 80 percent of kids who struggle with gender dysphoria in their youth, outgrow it in adulthood.  Yet, the recent trend toward approval of such dysphoria is causing youth to take hormones and permanently alter their anatomy which causes permanent harm to their reproductive abilities.  Suicide rates among this population are high and it's not because of a lack of acceptance since acceptance is at an all time high.  It is dangerous to the health of our youth to promote this risky behavior. In addition, while no one should be harassed in terms of physical harm, it is an extreme and radical step to punish teachers for speech that misuses a pronoun. Finally, it is the schools job to protect all students and not to cause harm or discomfort to those students who choose to identify with their birth sex by making them share bathrooms with those of different anatomy.  We should have anatomically correct bathroom policies so that kids can focus on learning reading, writing, and arithmetic and not be distracted or confused by things of a sexual nature at a young age.  The parts are different, the bathrooms should be different.  No matter what your belief about your anatomy is, if it looks different from each other, it should be afforded different space for changing, showering, etc. Please oppose this legislation.  It's not healthy or safe and does not promote a learning environment that will excel our youth in bettering the technological advancement of our country. Thankyou for listening."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91172", "author": "Michelle Welsh", "date": "2021-01-23T09:43:00", "title": "Srongly opposed", "text": "I fully support protecting any and all students from bullying. I strongly oppose forcing students to change clothes and share bathroom facilities with other students who are of the opposite sex anatomically.  I do not support forcing the VHSL to allow students to compete as the gender they want to be called. I strongly oppose forcing teachers to change pronouns daily. Adopting these proposed initiatives will be very harmful to a large number of students, and it will not address underlying issues that cause depression and anxiety.  On the contrary, it will create more anxiety for everyone affected by it.  Have any of the potentially harmful consequences even been considered? I do support modest dress codes for all students, those that de-emphasize physical attributes. I do support an environment with no bullying.  I do support parents and families. I support guidance counselors being available to counsel students who are depressed and help them to develop good, positive habits and skills for handling conflict. I taught in the public school system, and my students knew they could not harass or bully their classmates. I see that the schools have made a tremendous effort to confront bullying, let's keep that up!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91173", "author": "John Messer", "date": "2021-01-23T09:47:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I am writing to strongly oppose the Virginia DOE Proposed Transgender School Policies.  Current school policies already protect transgender students, together with all students in Virginia public schools, from discrimination.  These new proposed policies go far beyond this protection to single out transgender students for privileged treatment above other students.  The result of these policies will be the denying of rights to other students such as the rights to privacy, freedom of association, parental involvement, and a school environment free of coercion.  There is also much medical evidence coming to light as to the devastating effects of encouraging gender confusion in children.  Encouraging children to decide for themselves if they are male or female regardless of their biological gender and DNA is emotionally detrimental; and if they are encouraged to pursue a course of medical gender transition, the devastating physical outcomes are also well documented.  These polices are not for the good of our children but are being used to promote a political agenda which will also further lessen the effectiveness of our educational system as valuable personnel and material resources are spent on enforcement of these polices rather than on a sound academic education. Plus, this proposed policy makes no allowances for religious exemptions and is therefore a violation of 1st Amendment-Freedom of Religion guarantees. There will be lengthy and expensive court challenges because of this which will further strain the already tight school systems budgets. There will be many parents that will simply pull their children out of public school and opt to homeschool rather than subject their children to this indoctrination. That will be a further detriment to Public education. I copied this from another commentator who is far more eloquent than myself, and I would add that perhaps Virginia schools might make better use of their taxpayer funded time by having a push to have every child that graduates being able to read, write and be mathematically proficient (they are not) instead of spending valuable resources on issues that are clearly the sphere of family life and values."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91174", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T09:50:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to transgender policy!", "text": "Strongly opposed to transgender policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91175", "author": "Amendment-Keeper and Bearer (You know which one...)", "date": "2021-01-23T09:52:00", "title": "The Devil Seeks to Devour your Children", "text": "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 We will not allow you to devour our children's souls. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20 We will not allow you to to corrupt our children with evil. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Luke 17:2 We will not allow you to cause the little ones to stumble. Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. Isaiah 1:4 Woe to you who lust to be purveyors of evil !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91176", "author": "Sarah Elizabeth Ault", "date": "2021-01-23T09:54:00", "title": "Transgender Former NNPS Graduate Supports this!!", "text": "I am a Woodside High School graduate of class of 2004. A product of Newport News Public School system. I was not out during my high school years. However I always indicated I was more female inside when I attended. That being said, I have had several friends who were not on the gender binary during my school years. Many of them were rejected by even their own parents. These children, my FRIENDS, frequently hurt themselves due to rejection. I strongly welcomed them with open arms. I myself am now out, open and honest with myself. I am now transgender myself. During my HS years, I actively avoided the locker rooms because of this dysphoria. However, everyone is different. Those who are opposed due to \"men being in women places\" have it all wrong, Transgender Women are indeed women, so this argument holds no water. Further, there are already laws in place to protect women and men both from the fears they already have (predators using gender identity to prey on women/men). Also why is it always about \"men\" entering \"women\" bathrooms and never the other way around? Instead of pushing their viewpoints onto others and making the transgender individual feel like second class citizens, I propose we delegate those that are opposed to such policies be forced to use single-occupancy restrooms. This will solve the entire problem! Nobody is forcing the cisgender individual from using the bathroom assigned to their gender. They instead choose to force their viewpoints onto others. The transgender individual isn't the one with the issue, rather the cisgender person is the one with the issue here. Their rights stop where mine start. I am available for assistance if needed in helping transition to a more inclusive environment in our schools. I am not a professional (yet) however as I am trans, I can help provide lived experiences and will help in any way possible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91177", "author": "Laura", "date": "2021-01-23T09:58:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed!", "text": "\"Apparently, state education officials are not including kids’ bodily safety and privacy into their definition of “safe for all.” Because according to this policy, schools must allow boys identifying as girls, for instance, to use the girls’ bathrooms or change in female locker rooms—and this can all be done without ever notifying parents. Sadly, no one ever talks about the harm done to very young girls, for example, who feel powerless to expect physical privacy in the present of biological males—not to mention young men who don’t want to change in front of biological girls.\" Virginia already has anti-bullying laws...use them! Stop ignoring the science/DNA of biological differences!  You are only hurting kids and my guess is you will lose good teachers who have to adhere to the ever-changing, confusing, cultural \"rules\"."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91178", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-01-23T10:02:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. Please do not impose this on our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91179", "author": "Brown Rea", "date": "2021-01-23T10:10:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose forcing confusing content on small children; agree to protect All children; whichever persuasion they are coming from. I grew up with controversial issues and still recall how some teachers caused perturbations for me; wishing not having to go to school. Hi"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91180", "author": "Will", "date": "2021-01-23T10:14:00", "title": "Please listen to the majority of parents and my own voice as a student.", "text": "I graduated from VA public high school a couple years ago. As policies like these continue to roll out, it breaks my heart to think of peers and younger children that will be collateral damage to these policies. Our government recognizes that even college age students like myself lack sufficient maturity to make wise decisions when it comes to handling substances like alcohol. Why are laws beginning to be passed to allow children to decide whether or not to receive hormones that have permanent effects on their bodies? Students spend their time in grades k-12 not just learning how to read and write and do math problems- they're learning about themselves and what it means to be a man or a woman. I am all for making everyone feel safe and happy, but I don't think it's responsible to encourage young children who are confused about their gender to embrace an ideology that has at best a questionable backing by science. Most children with gender dysphoria end up finding confidence in their physical bodies and sex ( source) . PLEASE consider the parents' opinions on this site. Parents are the ones who know what's best for their children and can provide the love and support to empower children to be their best. My parents certainly did that for me. Please hear the parents' voices."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91181", "author": "Larry Kruger", "date": "2021-01-23T10:15:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance. Trans kids deserve respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91182", "author": "BJ Mitche", "date": "2021-01-23T10:20:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this decision! As a mom of two girls I feel this will open doors that may put them in a place of harm. Whether it be physically or emotionally."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91183", "author": "Cindy", "date": "2021-01-23T10:25:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the VDOE's proposed guidelines for transgenders"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91184", "author": "Rob", "date": "2021-01-23T10:35:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I do not approve of these proposed VDOE guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91185", "author": "T. Nelson", "date": "2021-01-23T10:40:00", "title": "Please, no!", "text": "I agree with you that every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91186", "author": "Shane scales", "date": "2021-01-23T10:41:00", "title": "oppose oppose oppose. We should not be teaching our kids this in school.", "text": "Oppose we shouldnt be teaching our kids this in school. There shouldn't be any harm to any kids agreed. But this is something that should not be taught in school. Oppose . This should be illegal. Our kids are already being taught things we can't control."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91187", "author": "William Angus", "date": "2021-01-23T10:49:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am opposed to this bill which uses our children as political plunder for this cultural war."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91188", "author": "Evelyn Mazloom", "date": "2021-01-23T10:57:00", "title": "Love our students and teachers; please, please reconsider", "text": "This policy is well-intended—the stated goal is non-discrimination—but I write with concerns about the way we’re seeking to get there.  I really feel that the measures this policy suggests will not help our children understand themselves and experience love in a community in the way we perhaps hope.  We should be cutting into something much deeper than what this policy points at; the easy thing and the right thing are often not the same thing.   Man or woman speaks of a biological half in reproduction; what kind of body are you biologically?  Sex and its associated pronouns do not have to mean anything more than that, but when we treat them as if they should, we make dangerous stereotypes, create a lot of confusion, and even promote the sense that some people don’t belong in their own bodies.  Sex doesn’t have to be confining insofar as what traits a person can have or what kind of dynamic should exist between a man and a woman, let alone among people of the same sex.  If we keep defining what sex we “should” be by the societal roles (by feelings, positions held, personality traits, interests, etc.) that people of particular sexes have played historically—thus shifting our pronouns and promoting shifts in our bodies for this reason—we will both lose our sense of self and continue to stake a great deal on things that distract us from ever knowing who we truly are.  It should be socially okay for a guy to spend more time with/feel more at home with girls or a girl to spend more time with/feel at home with guys, but we should take a closer look when we see that someone feels a need to actually be a sex that he or she is not.  There’s more to the picture than we’re considering.  When we simply promote the changes for fear of hurting someone (though sensitivity is 100% imperative) rather than seeking to see a person’s heart, we aren’t cutting to the roots of why a person would feel a need to actually change gender pronouns or even, in some cases, undergo actual body-changing (and potentially dangerous) procedures later in life.  This is not a prudent way to help our students. Beyond ramifications for students, it should be noted that this policy would put teachers who may hold legitimate personal or religious beliefs—not a desire to be unloving toward their students but a sense of moral obligation to love in the way they understand love—in a position that would force them to act against their beliefs or potentially lose their job, which would be inherently discriminatory and unconstitutional.  The state is not and should never act as if it ought to be a person’s highest dictate of moral authority, and if we desire true inclusion, we need to approach this issue differently."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91189", "author": "Fran Williams", "date": "2021-01-23T11:17:00", "title": "I object to this policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy.  The parents of a child are the people to best raise the child.  The school system is there to educate the children, not replace parental guidance. This regulation removes the parents from gender discussions and decisions made by a child and that is inappropriate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91190", "author": "Kathleen Sweeney", "date": "2021-01-23T11:24:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "I oppose this policy. Parents can teach their children concerning this subject."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91191", "author": "R. Saville", "date": "2021-01-23T11:33:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the humanistic doctrine being taught in schools, including the indoctrination of the transgender agenda. It is extremely dangerous mentally and emotionally to children to undermine parental guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91192", "author": "Edward Read MD", "date": "2021-01-23T11:35:00", "title": "Transgender is an assumptive term attempting to denote normalcy. It is not based on medical science", "text": "The definition of “Gender Identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it. It cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. It cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method in direct contradistinction to a person's gender based on chromosome analysis or objective, observable anatomy. 400 times in my medical career I have declared to all present at a birth, \"It's a boy or it's a girl.\" That was a declaration of observable fact, it was not an assumption. Gender dysphoria exists as a subset of \"body dysphoria\" where a person's view of their body is distorted. An example of body dysphoria is eating disorders where a person views themselves as overweight and \"fat\" despite their objective weight or visible body characteristics. Yet we treat dysphoric individuals radically different. One we give hormonal medications or perform surgery to attempt to alter the body to align with dysphoric thinking. The other we therapeutically address the dysphoric thinking to align with the reality of the body. Would a physician perform liposuction at the request of an anorexic teenaged patient because the patient views themself (dysphorically) as obese? Would a physician perform liposuction and breast removal surgery at the request of a biologic/genetic female teenaged patient because the patient views themself as both obese and as a male when the patient is visibly neither obese nor anatomically a male? It is overtly abusive to force objectively determined male and female students to share positions on sports teams and locker room facilities with those claiming a subjective, dysphoric identity that overtly conflicts with visible reality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91193", "author": "B Rochefort", "date": "2021-01-23T11:59:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "I oppose any policy that pushes or teaches our children about transgender issues. Those are topics to be discussed at home not in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91194", "author": "Holly Foster", "date": "2021-01-23T12:01:00", "title": "Support Trans Kids!", "text": "Trans kids have it even harder than trans adults as they are limited in resources on how to feel included, validated, and accepted. Can you imagine trying to find help while getting bullied and ridiculed in school? We absolutely need protections for them so that they feel safe and heard."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91195", "author": "Richelle", "date": "2021-01-23T12:03:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "This is so confusing and now another distraction from the real job of teaching academics.  Why is this even an issue in our schools?  This should be a private matter !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91196", "author": "Billy", "date": "2021-01-23T12:11:00", "title": "Transgender legislation.", "text": "Strongly oppose this measure. No scientific evidence to back any of this proposal. It will harm many children and youth in our commonwealth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91197", "author": "Jane Zimmerman", "date": "2021-01-23T12:17:00", "title": "Strongly oppose the proposed transgender policy", "text": "Every child —including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment.  Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence; therefore it is, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting, and, at worst, it could actually damage kids who are still developing. In addition, it is a scientifically false statement that people are just arbitrarily “assigned” a gender when they’re born.  This totally separates gender instruction from basic DNA science and biology. In addition, the draft policy clearly reveals the Virginia Department of Education wants this radical thinking incorporated in all educational content and curriculum, such as history, literature and science. Please reject this radical policy for the protection of all our children and their parents, families and teachers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91198", "author": "M. Christen", "date": "2021-01-23T12:26:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy, which seeks to force the state's public school students to positively affirm those suffering from the disorder of gender dysphoria. This draft guidance also seeks to undermine parents' authority to educate their children in the area of sexual mores. If imposed, this guidance will force students and parents who object to this offensive intrusion into this sensitive area, to either protest loudly and constantly, and, or pull their children out of Virginia's public schools. Accommodation may be able to be made for students suffering from the gender dysphoria disorder, but forcing this on all students and staff, and proposing to spy on and turn-in parent to CPS, is not only wrong-headed, it is an assault on the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy, and religion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91199", "author": "Kelly", "date": "2021-01-23T12:32:00", "title": "Model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I find this policy very concerning and a tremendous overreach of education into attempting to rewrite natural law. You stick to reading, writing and arithmetic and we shall raise our children. Your proposal smells more like indoctrination, not education. Stick with what you were assigned by the people of Virginia to do. Teach, do not indoctrinate!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91200", "author": "Eve Marie Barner Gleason", "date": "2021-01-23T12:40:00", "title": "Oppose all kinds of discrimination", "text": "No child (or person) should be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against. Puberty is a confusing enough time for youth and it is also the time when they are most likely to experience sexual abuse for the first time.  We should do everything we can to protect youth, certainly from any sexual behavior by adults but also from sexual experiences that they don't want or aren't ready for in the context of peer relationships. We should all be able to agree that vulnerable children, including those who may be experiencing a sense of conflict between their birth sex and their own sense of gender identity should be respected. However, please consider the following in crafting final regulations: 1. It is absolutely unacceptable for schools to act in loco parentis with respect to a child's sexuality. School officials should never keep a minor's professed gender identity secret from parents or facilitate the child accessing any medications without parental approval. While access to puberty blockers do not appear to be part of the current draft regulations, I am concerned they might open the door to this in the future. If school officials are concerned that a child's home environment is abusive for any reason, they have the ability to involve CPS. They should be required to share relevant information about a child's health with parents. 2. I agree with the new regulations that the school should not enforce sex-specific dress codes. If a minor wants to dress in a way that is consistent with their personal preference but within the boundaries of the overall school dress code, that should be fine. Parents can decide what clothes they are okay with their child wearing to school. If this represents a change from the status quo, however, school dress codes should be clear about what parts of the body must be covered for all youth to promote student well-being (in other words, there should not be widely different standards for males and females). 3. Bathroom usage rules have become a political flashpoint. They shouldn't be. We need win/wins instead of win/lose propositions in public institutions. People, especially youth, should be able to toilet in privacy and safety. People should also be able to toilet in a way that does not subject them to harassment. I might be generally politically right of center, but bathroom wars annoy me. We should all be able to agree on both of the foregoing statements. What this means to me is that there will need to be major reconstruction of school bathrooms IF genetic males and females will be allowed to go in multi-person bathrooms previously labeled for the other sex. This is because we are dealing with people, and some (not necessarily transgender people) will take advantage of the new regulations to behave in unsafe ways. So, either, people toilet based on their genetic sex, which seems problematic for certain reasons, OR they toilet where they wish BUT the school bathroom stalls are updated to provide complete visual privacy. My daughters know what some kids at school are like and they are worried about being spied on by someone who might think it amusing or sexually gratifying. They don't want to change in locker rooms with someone who is a genetic male. That should be their choice and they should not be harassed for their privacy preference. If genetic males/females are allowed to change and toilet with females/males based on their current and perhaps changing sense of gender identity, then accommodations should be made to allow students who desire it to have whatever level of privacy makes them feel safe. 4. Names and pronouns appear to be another flashpoint for discussion. Again, everyone should be respected but \"everyone\" includes youth and school staff who recognize only two sexes. How do we deal with this? To be a civil society we need to respect everyone. Instead of simply imposing one point of view, can we come to a rational and respectful compromise? Surely, staff can refer to students as \"students\" instead of \"boys and girls.\" In one of the schools my daughter goes to, we have an excellent principal. He makes a point of learning every child's name and he encourages school staff to learn their names too. He wants everyone to feel \"seen.\" That's excellent. But schools have many children and, even if no one had an objection to doing so, it seems unreasonable to expect staff to learn any possible pronoun or nickname that a child may adopt, especially if these might be able to be changed frequently. No staff member or student should get in trouble simply for calling a child by the name that is recorded in school records.  One reasonable accommodation might be that someone who believes that there are two sexes might address youth only by the student’s name of record and not by pronouns. (whether their belief be based on their understanding of biology, sociology, faith, or conscience). Whatever changes are made should be made with common sense and respect for all persons in view. There should be a realistic appraisal of \"what could go wrong\" with a change, recognizing that some youth are prone to mischief and enjoy trying to get authority figures or peers in trouble. For example, what happens if a youth who has no symptoms of gender dysphoria decides they want to be addressed by a different nickname or a different set of pronouns each week? What if they decide they want to switch locker rooms from week to week? What if student A is in the locker room not associated with their genetic sex and makes an inappropriate comment to student B who tells staff about the comment: who gets in trouble -- is it student A for the inappropriate comment or student B for reporting it? Please know that I don't believe students who are experiencing gender dysphoria are especially likely to be these mischievous students. I tend to believe they will not, but that other students will take advantage of the rule changes to make trouble for their peers or staff. That should not be allowed. The point is that regulations should respect parents, respect the beliefs of students and teachers, AND protect youth from bullying, harassment, or discrimination. Regulations should also promote consistency: consistency with the youth's name/nickname of record and consistency over time. Most school systems already have strong anti-bullying policies. If those are working, they should not be forced to change them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91201", "author": "Physician", "date": "2021-01-23T12:42:00", "title": "Strongly Support Affirming Environments", "text": "As someone who has cared for over 100 transgender and gender-diverse youth as a physician, many in Fairfax Schools, I am beyond confident that affirming treatment is life-saving and ethically mandated as part of non-discrimination policies. I am happy to contribute to policy efforts if contacted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91202", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T12:45:00", "title": "Transgender: The role of parents in public education should not be removed or threatened", "text": "Transgender: The role of parents in public education should not be removed or threatened"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91203", "author": "Sandra L Modersohn", "date": "2021-01-23T12:58:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Follow the science! Feelings aren't fact.  There are so many confusing things a child goes through as they mature into adults. Why would we feel the need to confuse them further?  We need strong, steadfast voices declaring real truth to these kids. We do not need to be telling them that the truth is whatever they want it to be.  Being the light for children in crisis doesn't mean just telling them what they want to hear.  It means being brave enough to guide them and love them.  If a child truly believes that eating a package of cookies every afternoon will make them happy, that doesn't mean it's the truth.  Adults are supposed to have a wider view that we use to help guide our children.  Why are we really considering forcing this on every child?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91204", "author": "A wife and mother", "date": "2021-01-23T13:06:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS MADNESS", "text": "These guidelines are NOT based on science and are not sustainable. This is absolute madness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91205", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T13:30:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "This is crazy.  This \"science\" is crap and how much money did you spend to make up the facts that supposedly back this up?  Kids go through so many phases in life, a lot of confusing emotional/hormonal phases.  Kids have been going through this since the beginning of time.  God created male and female.  You people are out destroy this world.  You don't care about these kids or any American.  You only care about your own agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91206", "author": "Leigh Ann Luscan", "date": "2021-01-23T13:34:00", "title": "SupportPr", "text": "Providing a safe, inclusive, affirming environment for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students to learn and thrive is an obligation of a healthy society. Suicide rates among trans youth are still tragically high and we should all be doing our part to dismantle the ways we still discriminate and make LGBTQIA students feel inadequate and excluded. Lives depend on it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94137", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:27:00", "title": "Support Trans and Non Bionary Children in Schools", "text": "Please vote to support the rights of trans and non binary students in schools. As a parent I want my child to go to school in an environment that is supportive and understanding of all of its students celebrating their diversity. I urge you to vote to support the rights of transgender and non binary students. It is imperative to their mental well being. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94138", "author": "mother of 2", "date": "2021-02-02T19:29:00", "title": "upskirting and sex will become a problem", "text": "Just imagine this for a second. It’s gonna happen"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94139", "author": "Hayden P", "date": "2021-02-02T19:29:00", "title": "STRONGLY support", "text": "This proposal is a vital stepping stone in achieving equal rights for all children, ESPECIALLY transgender children. These children deserve the right to privacy and advocacy in their schools in the unfortunate event that they are not receiving that support in their homes. Regardless of age, children are human beings with the right to choose how they identify and this is a decision that should be completely their own. Our job is to offer them the support and resources they need in order to lead a healthy life as who they truly see themselves as. This bill is not threatening families - it is protecting all family members but giving these children a safe environment to be who they were born to be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94140", "author": "Daniel Hayden", "date": "2021-02-02T19:29:00", "title": "Suppprt", "text": "Support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94141", "author": "Jessica Loveless", "date": "2021-02-02T19:29:00", "title": "I support 100%", "text": "I support 100 %. Trans people deserve to be treated with respect and love. Who ever opposed needs to look at themselves and realize that we are all human beings and deserve equality and that no matter who you are, you deserve equal rights and support. I think it’s absolutely disgusting for those who are being incredibly rude. Grow up and look at this world. Provide love and respect, stop giving hate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94142", "author": "Carol Ann", "date": "2021-02-02T19:30:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose any legislation granting transgender rights while in school.  If a girl or boy decides after school that they want to be transgender, so be it.   However, school is certainly not the place for making that decision, using different bathrooms, etc.  Children/teens often find school difficult for many reasons.  This would make everyday life much more difficult for them.  For the safety of all involved, please do not grant transgender rights while in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94143", "author": "Valerie Catrow", "date": "2021-02-02T19:30:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "ALL students should be protected from harassment and discrimination in school. I fully support this legislation that protects the well-being of trans and non-binary youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94144", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:32:00", "title": "strongly oppose!!", "text": "This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. This will only harm our children.  It will not help them in any way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94145", "author": "Richard", "date": "2021-02-02T19:32:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Imagine a society without male or female mankind would die out.How foolish are leaders are. This is the end result when you have taken God out of are society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94146", "author": "Colton", "date": "2021-02-02T19:32:00", "title": "Protecting trans youth is a necessity, not an option. Strongly support.", "text": "It's really appalling to see how many people are viewing children's lives as expendable. It's unethical to think that juggling transgender rights is a game, instead of someone's reality. Transgender youth deserve protection, safety, and access to resources in order to have the same livelihood as other children. People need to invest in their own education regarding LGBTQ+ policies and protection. I support these policies to keep children safe. I support these policies because transgender rights isn't an option, it's a necessity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94147", "author": "Elizabeth", "date": "2021-02-02T19:33:00", "title": "off all the parents", "text": "I couldn’t imagine a more destructive or reckless policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94148", "author": "JP", "date": "2021-02-02T19:34:00", "title": "Transgender Guidance Document", "text": "Completely Opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94149", "author": "Hanna", "date": "2021-02-02T19:34:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully endorse the promulgation of these regulations as written. The Virginia General Assembly voted to pass this legislation, the regulations must not bow to the narrow views of those who lack the compassion to protect transgender children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94150", "author": "James R", "date": "2021-02-02T19:35:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is indoctrination at its finest and does not belong in the schools of Virginia.  This has nothing to do with children and everything to do with forcing adults people’s feelings on those that don’t agree."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94151", "author": "Tasia", "date": "2021-02-02T19:36:00", "title": "Strongly support for the wellbeing of trans students.", "text": "I strongly support this for the improved health and wellbeing of trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94152", "author": "Sandy", "date": "2021-02-02T19:37:00", "title": "I hope the LGBT community is happy, trampling women’s rights. Extremely disturbing. Virginia is lost", "text": "terrible"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94153", "author": "Jane Ball", "date": "2021-02-02T19:38:00", "title": "??", "text": "This is excellent, necessary, guidance for our schools. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94154", "author": "Tlp consulting", "date": "2021-02-02T19:38:00", "title": "All students - regardless of gender identity-deserve love and support", "text": "Trans students, gender diverse students, gay lesbian bisexual or agendered , neuro typical Neuro atypical :  all  students deserve a thoughtful unbigoted learning environment and educators who champion inclusion and belonging for all!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94155", "author": "torin c", "date": "2021-02-02T19:38:00", "title": "fully support, trans rights are human rights", "text": "trans rights are human rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94156", "author": "Pastor Darren Howdyshell", "date": "2021-02-02T19:38:00", "title": "In Strong Opposition", "text": "This is an unacceptable policy in our public schools. We cannot and will not accept this perversion as an acceptable environment in which we task our children to learn. This policy would make our public schools “unsafe,”prompting parents to remove their children (and their support) from public education, forcing them to find an alternative educational track. The church may facilitate this alternative to the greater extent. This drastic change would ultimately result in declined attendance, support, and resources available to all public schools. In the the end, children unable to afford or attend a private Christian school- will be hurt. I stand in strong opposition to this. God help us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94157", "author": "Nathan Jennings", "date": "2021-02-02T19:39:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "If this simply protected minority students/families, I would support it, and I believe so would the vast majority.  But that's not the case.  Actual effects of these \"guidelines\": Gives public schools and faculty roles and authorities which it has never known, nor should it have.  It is not the function or purpose of the school system, or the government, to \"guide\" children in the discovery of their sexuality.  That belongs to the parents / guardians and to the children themselves.  The schools exist solely to educate our children, academics.  Even sports are only a function to support academics. Gives the schools / government a \"back door\" into the homes and rights and privileges of private families.  It violates the rights of families to guide their family's upbringing based on their religious, philosophical, and moral perspectives.  Nothing prevents a youth from choosing a different path when they become an adult, and this is very frequently the case. Inserts the government / schools / staff between children and their parents, and follows the pattern of stretching an ever expanding definition of \"abuse\" as a reason to do so.  Many times resulting in physically removing children from the parents, even if it's only for a temporary period.  It's traumatic for the parents & the children alike; and 80% of the time it turns out to have been completely unnecessary, if not completely false pretenses.  Parents are effectively put on \"notice\" and no protection or rights of parents is mentioned or acknowledged anywhere in these \"guidelines\". There is no consideration given to biological females who are uncomfortable with changing or using the restroom with biological males, and vice versa.  No guidelines provide for what qualifies as \"consistently affirming\" that they are male or female; it's completely subjective.  What about the rights of these to feel safe and secure in their person. While you may not want to admit it, every law or statute that is created to \"protect\" one group may be exploited by predators and / or others with some malintent for nefarious purposes.  There is nothing here that prevents that.  It is either incredibly naive, or sadistically purposeful to pretend that some children and / or some staff will not take advantage of an environment such as this would create.  There are always stories in the news of teachers, staff, or other students that are arrested and brought up on charges for inappropriate conduct toward other students.  How can you possibly pretend that this isn't a very real likelyhood? These guidelines would create a major distraction away from the purpose of being at school in the first place.  It is for these reasons that all boy and all girl schools exist.  No one blames children for wanting to explore things.  But having your school highlight and parade and encourage these things AT SCHOOL or even away from school creates an environment in which it is even more difficult to learn. Forcing people to use \"preferred pronouns\" is a violation of free speech; and one that goes against actual science and causes people to violate their conscience.  There are only two biological sexes; male and female.  Scientifically speaking, there are no others.  This attacks the most basic and fundamental and well understood and established truth of our humanity.  Then it attaches punishment for those who disagree with this unscientific and false view of biology, and offers absolutely no protections for religious or philosophical differences of view; rather, it attacks the ALREADY EXISTING RIGHTS of freedom of thought.  If we have a right to free speech, then we have a right to free thought. At every turn, the parents are kept \"in the dark\" about what is happening with their child.  Regardless of whether the student is \"experimenting\" with their \"sexual identity\" or being reprimanded for not using the proper \"preferred pronouns\", or if a child of the biologically opposite sex is changing or showering in their locker room or bathroom, no notice is given.  Previously, anytime I was sent to the principle's office, or some other notable situation arose, my parents always received a letter or phone call.  Parents are being told that they have no right to direct their children's upbringing, and are not allowed any assurances that their children will be protected. Both Virginia law (1-240.1) and the Supreme Court of the United States of America (Troxel vs. Granville) have affirmed that parents have the right to make decisions about the upbringing, education, and care of their own children, and that it's one of the oldest rights recognized in our country.  Virtually every line of these proposals violate these long upheld understandings / rights.  Our children belong to us and are not property of the state.  The educational system is there as a service to the people which benefits the state by having an educated populace.  It doesn't matter if you like it or not.  That's how it is. There already exists a massive movement against bullying.  There already exist policies that disallow discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, and ethnicity.  These \"model policies\" create far more problems than they solve.  To ram these guidelines down the throats of 99% of the population to protect an already protected 1%, is rightly seen as an attack against families and individuals of faith or philosophically different ideologies in the favor of those who differ.  And to pretend that this is an epidemic in our schools and society is the height of living in an illogical and disconnected, alternative reality at best; and a blatant, insidious, and desperately wicked scheme against the fabric of our society at worst. You have a few choices with these policies under consideration: Reject these policies completely. Remove them from consideration until all of these and other reasonable concerns have been properly addressed / fixed.  Or, Go ahead and pass these policies and prove to all of us what we already know; you don't belong in your positions; you don't represent the people; and you care NOTHING about true equality, fairness, or freedom. We'll be watching with great interest.  Thank you for your consideration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94158", "author": "Misty Cook", "date": "2021-02-02T19:39:00", "title": "Strongly opposed!", "text": "Ridiculous policies being proposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94159", "author": "Claire", "date": "2021-02-02T19:40:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I fully support this measure and the protection of all trans students (as well as everyone in the LGBTQ+ umbrella)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94160", "author": "Amanda", "date": "2021-02-02T19:40:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I fully support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94161", "author": "Pretrea Mawyer", "date": "2021-02-02T19:40:00", "title": "Opposed STRONGLY! Children are confused enough about life, God doesn’t make mistakes", "text": "why would you (meaning any responsible adult) allow our children to be, get, or encourage them to question who God made them? Plain evil"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94162", "author": "Macarena Saez", "date": "2021-02-02T19:42:00", "title": "I strongly support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I strongly support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools (Guidance). It is based on science and facts, and it aims at protecting the most vulnerable group within the student population. Thousands of people in the US do not fit the roles assigned by society based on sex and gender. This is an undeniable reality. The evidence lies on the testimonies and experiences of millions of people in the US and around the world who suffer from exclusion, discrimination and violence only because their gender and sexuality do not correspond with societal expectations and preconceived norms.  Evidence also shows that gender non-conforming youth are at highest risk of depression and suicide, caused by marginalization and bullying. Governments have an obligation to protect every citizen, especially our youth. A reading of Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board (4th Cir. 2020) leaves no doubt that the Guidance is constitutional. It also complies with the Virginia Human Rights Act, and the right to equality as established in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, signed by the US in 1977 and ratified in 1992. The most important reason to support this Guidance, is that it is the right thing to do.  The Guidance does not force anyone to do anything and it does not put any other group at risk.  The argument made by some people that integrating trans people may put girls at risk in schools is unfounded.  Gender and sexual based violence against girls is a serious problem, but it does not come from trans people. The Guidance is a move in the right direction to assert the right to equality of some of our most vulnerable kids and teenagers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94163", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:42:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Undermining parental authority is most concerning."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94164", "author": "Kristy", "date": "2021-02-02T19:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Strongly oppose the transgender draft model. Since the day children are born they are identified as male or female based in their dna. Creating an environment of confusion for children and being punished for the use of pronouns is ridiculous. My children would be extremely uncomfortable if a male used the same restroom and locker room. They would not feel safe and have already expressed their concerns with me on the topic. Do you care about my daughters safety?? It is a parents responsibility to discuss social aspects of their life. It’s the schools responsibility to educate my child on core curriculum (math, science, language, etc). They should not be discussion sexuality or gender confusion without parental permission."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94165", "author": "Maggie", "date": "2021-02-02T19:43:00", "title": "Strongly support!!!!!!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94166", "author": "Becky Hawryluk", "date": "2021-02-02T19:43:00", "title": "Protect Transgender Students", "text": "I fully support the protection of the health and well-being of transgender students in Virginia public schools. Children have a difficult enough time growing up. Allow them the safe space to be their authentic selves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94167", "author": "STOP!! You are forcing parents to pull their kids from Public Schools", "date": "2021-02-02T19:44:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE - this goes far beyond Transgender equality", "text": "As if Virginia needed another reason for parents to seriously consider pulling their children out of Public Schools.  This policy/bill as written goes FAR beyond equality for transgender students.  It essentially mandates promotion of gender confusion to young children, and specifically provides a divisive \"privacy\" mechanism for the school system to separate children from their parents.  People are paying attention now more than ever to what is going on in our school systems.  You clearly have not thought through the ramifications of continuing to force another radical policy (CRT wasn't enough?), further indoctrinating our children.  You are giving the masses no choice but to re-locate, homeschool or send to private.  Our children will not be your pawns in political agendas and identity politics.  ENOUGH!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94168", "author": "David who has lived in and paid taxes in Loudoun County since 1987.", "date": "2021-02-02T19:44:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "The key issue with assignment of gender is would parents of a girl want a boy, either self-identified or parent-identified as a girl, welcome in the girls restroom? Obviously no. Doesn't that question make some parents feel like the school system and the government are taking control of their children's identity which comes from the parents DNA and not the school system or from any level of government, or the Supreme Court? Back off, please. Changing sexual identity does not align with DNA (not to mention physiology) which very clearly identifies kids and grownups as male or female. Have you ever looked at a DNA strand? I have. Besides ignoring biological fact, isn't it presumptuous or even arrogant to think that by changing one's identity, one will or can change their DNA? DNA is like gravity. It is given. It has rules and tendencies. You learn to live with them and they can actually offer some benefits. Kids can and mostly do work through sexual identity issues without being told who and what they are by the school system or the government. Leave the duty of affirmation to their parents. Back off, please. If the County and the Commonwealth declare no relationship between DNA and sexual identity, and the abolition of sexual identity becomes the basis of law, isn't that totalitarianism? Strikes me as edging towards Nazi Germany. Male and female identification since the history of civilization has never been mandated or considered totalitarian. It just is. It is natural law. Male and female are actually a one of many bases for unity among civilizations for millennia. Work with it, folks as civilizations have for the past thousand of years. The assignment by any level of government of sexual identity erodes unity in our culture. We own our identity, not any level of government. Do we really need this issue to further divide us given the current broader political climate and divisiveness in the U.S. and specifically in Virginia and Loudoun County? Don't fix what is not broken. My vote is no.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94169", "author": "Dani Chowen, Virginia Tech Student Government Association member", "date": "2021-02-02T19:45:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. ALL students, including transgender students, deserve to feel safe and welcome in schools and to have their freedom of expression and right to safety and health protected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94170", "author": "Kassandra Smith", "date": "2021-02-02T19:46:00", "title": "Strongly support, please protect trans youth", "text": "Strongly support, please protect trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94171", "author": "Annika Papke", "date": "2021-02-02T19:46:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As someone who went through the Virginia public school system, kindergarten through college, I strongly support an initiative that supports ALL VA kids. This isn’t about your religion and isn’t going to lead to “sex in schools”, it’s about kids feeling comfortable being themselves. I wholeheartedly support an initiative that will help and support an already at risk population and stand with Trans youth and Trans lives everywhere."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94172", "author": "Stephanie Claybrook", "date": "2021-02-02T19:46:00", "title": "Oppose and here is why", "text": "Let me start by saying that I believe that all children should be treated with dignity and respect. And everyone has a right to a fair  education. When it starts infringing on others is where my problems lie. These pronouns and how to use them properly in the possessive and reflexive forms will be extremely confusing for elementary students, teachers, high schoolers, etc. Will we also begin teaching elementary schoolers him/her/zir/eir, etc during language arts class? The list is not exhaustive. A simple google search of gender neutral pronouns will yield 16+ gender neutral pronouns. Will elementary students be required to address transgender teachers with their pronouns? This question and many others lie ahead before this policy can be put into place. The draft policy states the following: “Many transgender students will adopt the gender pronouns associated with their gender identity, but a growing number are using gender-neutral pronouns. Some examples of commonly used pronouns include she/her/hers, he/him/his as well as gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them/their and ze/hir/hirs.” “A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory. Schools also should be prepared for genuinely innocent confusion or uncertainty that may come up from school staff and students. Existing school board policies, including anti-discrimination, harassment, and bullying policies, may need to be adjusted or clarified relating to processes that address when a school staff member fails to comply with the student’s request or an administrator’s directive to use the asserted name and pronoun.” Does this stop with staff members? Will my children be expelled for bullying for not using a made up pronoun when referring to another student? What about children with autism who think in black and white? Boys exist and girls exist. There is no inbetween for them. Will a special needs child be expelled for failing to recognize a ze? The consequences for not adhering to these policies, for teachers, students, and SPED students, should be hashed out before this policy goes into effect. Otherwise, it may be confusing for all parties. I’m grateful that they make space for accidents. However, actually remembering how to properly use each  pronoun may prove to be difficult. I can’t imagine being a high school teacher in a progressive area and having to remember which of these made up pronouns to use (see gender neutral pronoun chart) for each student and facing disciplinary action if it persists. Furthermore, it opens up teachers and schools for lawsuits. How is one to defend that it was a mistake verses persistent misusage? Also, I’m saddened to see that there will be no more homecoming/prom king and queen, no more daddy/daughter dances, etc. this policy manual calls for the reduction and elimination of such. I’m thankful my daughter was able to attend a Daddy/Daughter dance at her elementary school prior to this policy going into effect. The existence of transgender children is rare (I can’t even find any statistics on transgender children under the age of 13) at this age, and to have to eliminate it for all seems excessive. Also, there are no parent advocacy groups listed on the resources appendix. Only seemingly pro-LGBTQ+ groups and individuals. This seems very one-sided. Are these the groups that were allowed to craft this policy? Were cisgender parent advocacy groups invited to participate? It mentions diversity, yet I see no mention of groups such as the American Family Association. Also, let’s throw religion into the mix. Requiring a child or a teacher, who believes in God and that God created the male and the female, nothing in between and nothing outside of the binary system, to acknowledge a transgender/non-binary pronoun could be viewed as an infringement upon their religious beliefs. Before a policy is put into place, this needs to be addressed. The intent of this policy, to protect the transgender students, is respected. However, at a minimum, it allows for the rights of other students to be infringed upon. This policy needs to be reworked and the input of cisgendered parent advocacy groups should be considered. From a legal perspective, a number of “what-if” scenarios and “what happens when...” should be addressed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94173", "author": "Mary Dyer", "date": "2021-02-02T19:46:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policy for schools", "text": "While I have much compassion for students struggling with their sexuality, and agree that they must be protected, this law is way overboard. Two key issues in my mind. First, I can never agree that any information of things happening in school should be kept from the parents. The responsibility of education is given by God to the parents of the child (this is stated in the bible). While I recognize that some parents, probably need to have some intervention, this law would set up a situation that would make this parents vs the school, which doesn't benefit the student when education requires cooperation between both. Secondly, the numbers and statistics of sexual related crimes are on the increase so significantly, I just cannot imagine the temptation of students to play games and make things up for the sake of satisfaction because they are allowed to by the \"rules\"."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94174", "author": "Reagan George", "date": "2021-02-02T19:47:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "English is a very difficult language to master as a second language and this gender pronoun conflict makes it even more so.  You are either blessed with a male or female chromosome at birth.  Everything in between is considered a birth defect.  Your sex is not \"assigned\" at birth it is only observed and reported by medical professionals on the birth certificate.  Anything else is a mental disorder, similar to a person claiming to be a poached egg.  Why are we letting the patients run the asylum."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94175", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:47:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "I am absolutely opposed to this. Allowing biological males or females to mingle in bathrooms of the opposite sex is a huge liability and is inviting a myriad of issues."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94176", "author": "Doug", "date": "2021-02-02T19:48:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "This is wrong and unacceptable"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94177", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:48:00", "title": "Support Trans rights fully", "text": "I support trans rights completely!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94178", "author": "Nasir", "date": "2021-02-02T19:49:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "The job of school is to provide the best education with qualified teachers, staff and a safe and loving environment to our kids. It’s also the job to be together with us parents protecting the innocence of our kids and making sure they are safe all around. Schools are not permitted to any way shape or form to misguide our children in ways that are contrary to the values that we give to our children. Again, school is suppose to be with us parents helping us educate our kids and at the same time protect them from harm and evil. If this happens to be approved, most likely you will not lose 13,000 or so who already left FCPS but will lose thousands and thousands of more families!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94179", "author": "Concerned Christian, future father, current uncle and citizen", "date": "2021-02-02T19:49:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. It strips parental rights & religious freedoms; the very fabric of this nation.", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy being recommended.  The policy violates parental rights, student rights, religious freedoms, encourages bullying of those who do not identify with transgender ideology, and allow for an uninviting and confusing learning environment. Parents are primarily and foremost responsible for the upbringing, education, and care of their children. This is a fundamental liberty and right along with religious freedom.  These are rights are upheld by the Constitution and Supreme and Virginia Courts.  This troubling policy proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. This policy provides absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student, teacher, parent, or legal guardian whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Included in the policy are provisions that clearly violate these rights such as: “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) This will permit schools to help a student explore, facilitate, and make decisions about his or her sexual identity while at school without the permission of the child’s parents . “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. This violates parental rights and religious freedoms. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Essentially schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. This puts young girls who are growing and changing at risk of sexual harassment and bullying. This would also eliminate privacy and the safety of students. This would allow students to act as a member of the opposite sex, use of bathrooms and locker rooms of the opposite sex all without the knowledge of and permission of the student’s parents. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, nor will parents have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” [This is a clear violation of due process clause of the 5th amendment.] This violates parental rights and puts religious freedoms at risk."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94180", "author": "Michael Karabinos", "date": "2021-02-02T19:49:00", "title": "Support and urge compassion", "text": "I support this guidance and urge the State to do all it can to include and protect its Trans students. The Trans community faces hate, violence and degradation daily.    At the same time, we are learning more and more about gender diversity every day. It is time we catch up to reality and stop driving people to hide who they are and live by dead names."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94181", "author": "Ldove", "date": "2021-02-02T19:49:00", "title": "Strpngly oppose", "text": "You better read your bible. There are only 2 genders male or female. God didnt create adam and steve, he created adam and eve."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94182", "author": "Eileen Romero, Virginia Department of Health Health Counselor", "date": "2021-02-02T19:49:00", "title": "Support as a Means to Prevent Suicide and Violence", "text": "This comment pertains to the guidance for transgender youth in the education system. As a DIS and Health Counselor often interviewing LGBTQ* youth, I can’t imagine anything more important than protecting the lives of young people period. The fact that this is debatable, while violence, harassment, inequity in access to healthcare, and ultimately suicide plagues CHILDREN which is what they are, seems cruel and inhumane. It’s simply impractical and nonsensical even from a policy and prevention perspective. I’m not here to make an emotional appeal, since having a heart that rises above implicit bias to drive equitable change is apparently rare. This guidance is ultimately practical and beneficial overall, in relieving an unnecessary burden from teachers, parents, and staff. Research is clear. Professionals are clear. Data and numbers lack bias and prejudice. It would be a shame to deprive children of equity and access at their place of education, because of the feelings of some unaffected and unburdened citizens. These children already deal with similar prejudice outside of school in almost every realm. Shouldn’t school be a safe place?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94183", "author": "Zach Pauley", "date": "2021-02-02T19:50:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "The \"Guiding Principle\" section (Page 8) is a fine summary of what the commonwealth's goal should be going forward in the treatment of trans/nonbinary students. VDOE has a legal obligation to provide an environment for any and all children to learn, without harassment from their peers, their educators, or from intentional or unintentional mistreatment by the educational system. Virginia has not always been quick to react as changes in society take place. The school system is a perfect place to teach trans/nonbinary students that they are welcome, and to teach others to welcome these students. I look forward to the implementation of this guidance document and from the changes to follow."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94184", "author": "Celah Pence", "date": "2021-02-02T19:50:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I oppose the Statewide Transgender School Policy. -Requiring faculty and students to use \"preferred pronouns\" will be confusing and will waste valuable learning time to enforce. -I strongly do not want the state helping my child explore his or her gender expression.  I gave birth to my child; I want to teach my own child about these things.  This Policy weakens/undermines my role as a parent. -Allowing any gender into any bathroom/locker room will open the way for sexual assault - including upon the very students pushing for such things.  It will, in addition, cause difficulty and embarrassment for students who prefer gender specific bathrooms. -A gender-neutral dress code allowing girls to go topless is radical at best, and will prove to be very disruptive to a functioning school environment. -This policy does not address the rights of teachers, parents, and children who do not agree with these mandates."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94185", "author": "Kirsten", "date": "2021-02-02T19:50:00", "title": "100% SUPPORT!!!", "text": "100% support. Every single individual matters."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94186", "author": "HULSE DAVID, USN", "date": "2021-02-02T19:52:00", "title": "I Support this legislation", "text": "I Support this legislation, Equality for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94187", "author": "Patty P", "date": "2021-02-02T19:52:00", "title": "Strongly oppose the VDOE Transgender Draft.", "text": "This contradicts science, strips parental rights, and forces people to accept  these viewpoints.  Before reputable doctors will provide hormone therapy or medical procedures to alter ones biology, psychological evaluations are required.  This draft sidesteps any reasonable processes and unnecessarily pushes the desires of a few on the whole.  Unacceptable.  Public schools are overstepping and have likely outlived their usefulness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94188", "author": "Lourdes Fernandez", "date": "2021-02-02T19:52:00", "title": "Protect trans students", "text": "I strongly support protection for trans students. Our students deserve full support and inclusion. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94189", "author": "NVM", "date": "2021-02-02T19:52:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "This has gone way to far"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94190", "author": "Jamie", "date": "2021-02-02T19:53:00", "title": "In support of protections for transgender and non-binary students", "text": "I strongly support protections for transgender and non-binary students. As an educator myself, I see how this is good for all children, regardless of their gender or sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94191", "author": "Rebecca James", "date": "2021-02-02T19:53:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this gender confusion policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94192", "author": "Ben K", "date": "2021-02-02T19:54:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose/School policy should be based on the needs/concerns of the majority", "text": "\"Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.\" This is a private issue between parents and their children that doesn't need consultation/guidance from the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94193", "author": "P Amiri", "date": "2021-02-02T19:54:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94194", "author": "Virginia Resident", "date": "2021-02-02T19:55:00", "title": "This comment section is quantitive data demonstrating the need for transgender protection", "text": "It's so ironic how this entire comment section is a literal demonstration of the hate and harassment faced by the transgender community. Why are all of these comments referencing god, treating UNDERAGED children like pedophiles, sexualizing youth in schools, and emphasizing the need to include politics? I support this policy because the need has been directly demonstrated by this comment section."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94195", "author": "Margaret Graf", "date": "2021-02-02T19:55:00", "title": "100% support", "text": "I support the model policy protecting transgender students because I am not a bigot.  All people deserve to be who they are and exist in safety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94196", "author": "Adrian Siegel", "date": "2021-02-02T19:55:00", "title": "In Full Support", "text": "I graduated from H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program in 2017. I was lucky enough to attend a school where many of the guidelines proposed were already being practiced. It not only supported the equal treatment of the trans students at my school, but also created a diverse learning environment that supported compassion for all students. I am highly in support of the proposed guidelines so that all Virginia students, and especially transgender students, can exist in environment that ecourages their learning, growth, and empathy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94197", "author": "Jeffrey Clowes", "date": "2021-02-02T19:55:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "Strongly support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94198", "author": "T Arden", "date": "2021-02-02T19:56:00", "title": "All the people opposing should be ashamed. This is about the protection of children. CHILDREN!", "text": "This passing is a necessity to the safety of trans and non binary youth. It also will help in teaching children to respect each other regardless of gender identity.  We should not live in a world where people need to fear for their lives because of who they are. We need to spread the love and encourage our children to do the same. Some people say Jesus loves everyone so why are y’all being so hateful? All children deserve the right to be protected and loved! Don’t discourage what you don’t understand or can’t relate to. Control your fear based hate and mind your own. If you have nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94199", "author": "K Johnston", "date": "2021-02-02T19:56:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94200", "author": "Father Beeman", "date": "2021-02-02T19:57:00", "title": "Oppose - Listen to Science, respect parental rights", "text": "Oppose - Listen to Science, respect parental rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94201", "author": "Tracey", "date": "2021-02-02T19:58:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "I believe children with gender identity problems should be protected from bullying and be given help and guidance in this area of their lives. However I believe this is a parental issue and very personal between a child, family, and counselors. The new policies trying to be implemented into our public schools are dangerous to our children, parent/child relationship, parents rights, protection of all children involved, unlawful rights given to teachers/counselors, safety violations of our young men and women in locker rooms and restrooms, lawful rights being taken away from unwilling participants, sexual exploitation of our most vulnerable...our children. These new policies should never be implemented in our public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94202", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:58:00", "title": "SUPPORT PLEASE ALLOW TRANS CHILDREN THE SAME COMFORTS AS EVERY OTHER", "text": "Using the bathroom is not sexual allow trans kids the same basic comforts you allow your cis students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94203", "author": "Kelly", "date": "2021-02-02T19:58:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Stop this nonsense"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94204", "author": "Richard", "date": "2021-02-02T19:58:00", "title": "Gender policy", "text": "Strongly oppose. unbelievably dangerous!  Common sense has died!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94205", "author": "Stephanioe Thomas", "date": "2021-02-02T19:59:00", "title": "Support policies to protect trans kids", "text": "I strongly support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth.  Some of the vital work of adolescent development is to explore issues of identity separate from one's parents.  Respect for youth's privacy and autonomy is important to their well-being, and so much more so for trans youth, who face so many dangers.  I see comments opposing the protections, and particularly the privacy aspects.  While I understand the concern of parents who want to know when their child is going through struggles, the way for parents to address that is for parents themselves to be open and receptive to information from their children.  Trans youth face multiple threats, and two of these are suicide and homelessness.  Outing trans youth to their parents puts them at risk of homelessness and violence or at greater risk of suicide if they feel they have to hide their identity at school as well as at home and have no outlet for expressing themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94206", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:00:00", "title": "100 % support", "text": "I support this 100%."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94207", "author": "Gulsah Kemer", "date": "2021-02-02T20:00:00", "title": "Protect transgender and non-binary students!", "text": "I strongly support protections for transgender and non-binary students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94208", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:01:00", "title": "Model policies for treatment of transgender students in Virginia schools", "text": "100% OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94209", "author": "Megan", "date": "2021-02-02T20:01:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Strongly support. Everyone, especially children trying to find themselves, deserve to feel safe and supported in the place they spend most of their time"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94210", "author": "Robin", "date": "2021-02-02T20:01:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "This is totally out of line. Where are our straight children rights to feel safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94211", "author": "Heather", "date": "2021-02-02T20:02:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "As a parent of two, I fully support this guidance. My children have been taught to treat others in the way they wish to be treated themselves, by the very schools that need to do better in protecting transgender students. It's time for the school system to make good on these lessons, and to demonstrate the courage of their convictions, rather than letting bullies determine who gets to be treated as human."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94212", "author": "Alex Burruss", "date": "2021-02-02T20:02:00", "title": "Equality", "text": "Equal rights for all!! Transgender people are just as valid as anyone else and deserve to be treated as such. Our education system is built in such a way where it uplifts those on top and forgets those who are shunned. We need to change this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94213", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:03:00", "title": "can not support as written", "text": "I can not support this as it currently stands. Protection must be in place for both transgender and non transgender. Trampling on the rights of one group to give rights to another group does not solve anything. It creates hostility, frustration, and anger which is the exact opposite of what is needed. Balance must be achieved for this to have any kind of positive outcome. Protections must be in place to keep policies from being abused and allowances must be made to accommodate everyone involved. Forcing policy such as this without consideration for all parties involved is foolish, irresponsible, and potentially dangerous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94214", "author": "Lisa bowman", "date": "2021-02-02T20:03:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policy", "text": "god made boys and girls!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94215", "author": "Concerned mom of 6, grandma of 3", "date": "2021-02-02T20:03:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender policy.", "text": "I strongly oppose this transgender policy.  It is taking away parental rights and disregarding the safety and privacy rights of girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94216", "author": "Kellie", "date": "2021-02-02T20:04:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed to these new policies. I believe they set a dangerous precedent and will not be harmful to the children and their families"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94217", "author": "Sophie Roberts", "date": "2021-02-02T20:05:00", "title": "Protect trans children", "text": "Trans people, especially trans BIPOC, have a short life expectancy due to hate crimes and suicide. Protecting trans youth is a public health concern."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94218", "author": "Betty", "date": "2021-02-02T20:05:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "This issue can be handled without infringing on the rights of others, including rights to freedom of religion and parents’ rights to make decisions on behalf of their families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94219", "author": "maddy j", "date": "2021-02-02T20:05:00", "title": "in support", "text": "I attend school in Fairfax County and I am completely in support of these proposals!! Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94220", "author": "Sabrina", "date": "2021-02-02T20:06:00", "title": "WRONG", "text": "First off I have 4 kids. 2 of them are grown, 1 is about to be a senior so I don’t worry about him as much but my youngest is 9. Now I teach my kids to love and respect everybody of any gender, race, whatever. But the first time a little boy goes in the dressing room and makes her feel uncomfortable during school or a sport or whatever we have a problem. She has a right also to be comfortable with changing and she has rights as well. Nobody is going to steer my child into thinking she’s something she’s not. She has a mind of her own as well. So if she grows up and chooses to not like boys I will love her the same. If she is brainwashed into this I guess I will be a child abuser because I WILL NOT tolerate this. If she is made to a certain type of way because “Johnny” wants to get dressed in the same room watching her AGAIN I guess I will be a child abuser because over my dead body and I will roll up in that school and it will be a problem!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94221", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:06:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "I completely support this idea and it should not be debatable whether this should happen or not"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94222", "author": "Virginia Tax Payer", "date": "2021-02-02T20:06:00", "title": "Please let children be children. Opposed to the Trans’ curriculum.", "text": "Let’s focus on reading, Writing, math and natural science. Children have enough pressures. Leave alternative sex Ed for adult-parent conversations"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94223", "author": "C. McDorman", "date": "2021-02-02T20:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!", "text": "To think that I could be turned in and face charges because of how I choose to raise my kids is outrageous! I have 2 boys and don't want them in a locker room/bathroom with any girls just like I don't want any girls in their locker room/bathroom it's an invitation for problems. I do not believe any child should be bullied ever and am trying to raise my boys to treat everyone how they would want to be treated. I don't think it's right to make EVERYONE go along with this policy and threaten them with charges if they don't. I oppose this 100%!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94224", "author": "Lydia Leventhal", "date": "2021-02-02T20:06:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support these changes in support of trans students. We cannot continue to force people to follow a false gender binary of man/woman and nothing else that is determined only by physical attributes. Children know who and what they are and we as adults must allow them to grow and develop into the people they wish to be. There are countless people who do not fit into any physical or even genetic box of \"male\" or \"female\" and gender non-conforming youth need to have a safe space to learn and grow just as their gender conforming peers have. No child should feel unsafe or unwelcomed in their school for their gender and sexuality. The idea that cis girls will be threatened by trans students in school rest rooms is an unfounded claim, and in fact, trans youth are the ones at heightened risk for abuse and discrimination. This is not a topic of religion or faith, but facts, legality and compassion. State and local government in Virginia already have a precedent in the case of Grim v. Gloucester County County School Board (4th Cir. 2020), that protects the rights of transgender students in public school settings and has been determined to be constitutional. This argument has already been won from this case. This guidance is a progressive move for all students towards a less prejudiced Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94225", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:07:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "trans kids deserve rights and should be given the opportunity to feel safe in schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94226", "author": "Carrie", "date": "2021-02-02T20:07:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "A man is not a woman and a woman is not a man.  A boy is not a girl and a girl is not a boy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94227", "author": "Michael", "date": "2021-02-02T20:08:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "I completely disagree with confusing children with this madness. U are born male or female it is that simple. Stop trying to CO fuse these kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94228", "author": "jess h", "date": "2021-02-02T20:08:00", "title": "full support", "text": "support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94229", "author": "Yoyo", "date": "2021-02-02T20:08:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "Protect trans students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94230", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:09:00", "title": "I oppose this policy", "text": "I do not support this policy, especially in elementary schools. This will have unintended consequences negatively impacting far more kids than it will protect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94231", "author": "Isabelle Rodriguez", "date": "2021-02-02T20:09:00", "title": "Support from a former student", "text": "All students should have access to a safe and welcoming environment to learn and grow in, regardless of their gender identity. I strongly support these guidance updates. As a former Henrico County public school student, I felt that the majority of my teachers were not well equipped to teach, support or engage thoughtfully with students that did not share their world views or lived experience. Much work needs to be done and this will be a good step for Virginia schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94232", "author": "Amy", "date": "2021-02-02T20:09:00", "title": "A Model Policy is Needed to Ensure Equity and Support for ALL VA Students", "text": "Virginia has already passed two bills which require needed and overdue trans-inclusive policies in all Virginia public schools. These guidelines are not just essential, but provide resources so that school staff and have the needed tools to comply with the law.  Trans inclusive policies are life-changing and life-saving for the Commonwealth's most vulnerable youth, but in truth research consistently demonstrates that they benefit ALL students. A review of the comments received as part of the open comment period clearly show fear which exemplifies the need for education.  Trans persons exist in every culture, society, religion, race, and country.  Inclusive policies do not 'welcome' a discussion on gender into our schools; trans students are already there and they are as deserving of and have the same right to a Free Appropriate Public Education. With regard to Student Identity, I am concerned that the Model Policy is not aspirational and instead cowers in the face of parents who are not supportive of a student's trans identity. This defeats the whole point of a Model Policy which should provide guidance for how schools can meet the needs of the student while not endangering the student outside of school and/or disrespecting the parents.  Schools can honor a student's name and pronouns while also using legal and assigned sex in discussions with parents.  The guidance can also recognize that the journey to acceptance takes time and than not every parent reaches acceptance. This can cause dysphoria and life endangerment to the young person. When schools closed due to the pandemic, The Trevor Project experienced a tremendous volume increase in their calls as young people who had depended on schools for needed validation, support, and affirmation lost such. Calls in general to CPS have deceased because staff isn't able to put an eye on students to ensure safety. Distance learning demonstrated the role schools play in students' lives. Rather than diminish that role, we should take the opportunity to explicitly define it. The demeaning and fear-mongering comments on this thread evidence the dire need for education and an understanding of the developmental normalcy and legitmacy of gender diversity. I implore the Department of Education to continue with the Model Policy with the understanding and recognition that such is required by law, and this document merely provides the guidance and support school districts need to comply with the law. By and large, many school districts are already doing what is right for kids and a significant number already have trans-inclusive policies.  This is best practices, what kids need, and what kids deserve. There should be no hesitation or backpedaling in doing what the DOE and the Commonwealth know is necessary and right. The guidance itself was written through contributions of educators, parents, religious organizations, and students across the Commonwealth. Now is the time to provide schools with the resources they need to comply with existing regulation which will help to ensure that trans* and gender diverse youth are able to attend school with both physical and psychological safety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94233", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:09:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "I am absolutely opposed to this idea! I have four children, three of which are girls. If this were approved then how will my daughters be protected against a boy whom states he feels like he is suppose to be a girl just to get access into the girls locker room or restrooms? This opens doors for sexual assault and other means of possible abuse. Let's not be oblivious to the fact that there will be young men/boys who decide to abuse the transgender identity for this very purpose and it's disturbing!!! We have to protect our daughters better than this!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94234", "author": "Some Christians YOU are!", "date": "2021-02-02T20:10:00", "title": "Strongly support transgender student rights", "text": "I can't believe this is even debatable. If you can't handle other people being different from you, don't leave the house!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94235", "author": "Bruce Delp", "date": "2021-02-02T20:10:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94236", "author": "Mary Veilleux", "date": "2021-02-02T20:10:00", "title": "Transgender in the schools", "text": "I beg you to reconsider your desire to encourage gender confusion among our youth . This confused state is in psychology, called Gender dysphoria and is usually outgrown in time. please , I beg you to listen to the “other side” and learn from transgenders who are appalled that this is being encouraged in our youth. Allow adults to make up their own minds after 18, but leave children to the care of their parents and good doctors who gave the very Best for the children in mind and not a hideous, child destroying agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89598", "author": "Olivia A", "date": "2021-01-11T22:27:00", "title": "Support trans youth!!", "text": "Support trans youth!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89599", "author": "Susan", "date": "2021-01-11T22:29:00", "title": "I completely support!!!", "text": "I completely support!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89600", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T22:31:00", "title": "Transgender Issues - Understanding vs Advocacy", "text": "Succinctly written, any policy, procedure, or curriculum on transgender issues should not include literally forcing others (whether by shunning, excluding, or even inciting violence) to agree in whether the issue is right or not and to advocate for other believes. Just as transgender individuals have rights, those who are not and don’t necessarily agree with aspects of it, have the right to respectfully disagree. My children attend Arlington Public Schools and they have felt bullied by transgender student and support groups. We believe in acceptance and include everyone in our lives - whether they believe or not in the same things we do. We should be treated with same respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89601", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T22:36:00", "title": "?!?!", "text": "This is madness and nothing short of child abuse toward every student on which it is imposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89602", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T22:36:00", "title": "Does everybody forget how hard women fought to get public restrooms?", "text": "Please respect women’s rights too. Find a middle solution."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89603", "author": "Ned Carlo", "date": "2021-01-11T22:40:00", "title": "I support helping children who suffer from gender dysphoria", "text": "But I'm not sure of the \"science\" that tells our unelected bureaucrats in charge of our public schools that letting boys use the girl's bathroom, for example, is the best way to balance the interest of helping children suffering from gender dysphoria with the interests of the rest of the community.  I'm also not sure of the 1st amendment legal scholarship that went into the proposed guidelines.  For example, while the 1st amendment may prohibit a school from preventing \"students from expressing their identity\", I think it also would prohibit a school from punishing a student who doesn't want to call a boy a girl simply because the boy wants to be called a girl."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89604", "author": "Lincoln", "date": "2021-01-11T22:42:00", "title": "I support trans people", "text": "i support trans people"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89605", "author": "Paul Wilee", "date": "2021-01-11T22:49:00", "title": "NO, NO, NO", "text": "I do not support this as a school function!!! This is once again the roll of Parents and only parents. Public s hools are more and more trying to replace the prenatal responsibilities with their social agenda ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89606", "author": "Steve B", "date": "2021-01-11T22:52:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I fully support this guidance. As the parent of a transgender child, I wish this guidance was already in place. We've been fortunate enough to be in schools that have worked with us to make the schools more inclusive, not only for our child, but for all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89607", "author": "Rachel", "date": "2021-01-11T22:52:00", "title": "I support this wholeheartedly! The", "text": "This is an excellent step forward for the VDOE. As a Virginia resident and future school parent, I want a school that supports all children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89608", "author": "Carolina", "date": "2021-01-11T22:55:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT!!", "text": "STRONGLY SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89609", "author": "Lexie Marrow", "date": "2021-01-11T23:02:00", "title": "In full support", "text": "This is something that has been needed for a very long time. Too many children have suffered at the hands of school administrators not taking the correct actions to protect them. Any opinion rooted in hate and only supported by religious beliefs should be disregarded. School should be a safe place for ANY child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89610", "author": "addy", "date": "2021-01-11T23:04:00", "title": ".", "text": "i support!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89611", "author": "Eva L", "date": "2021-01-11T23:04:00", "title": "I fully support!!!", "text": "support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89612", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T23:07:00", "title": "i support!!!!!", "text": "i support lgbtqia rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89613", "author": "lilli", "date": "2021-01-11T23:11:00", "title": "trans rights", "text": "i support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89614", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T23:22:00", "title": "I support", "text": "I support Trans rights ???‍??"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89615", "author": "Karla Aguilar", "date": "2021-01-11T23:25:00", "title": "I SUPPORT", "text": "I SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89616", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T23:37:00", "title": "Yes", "text": "I support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89617", "author": "Ella J", "date": "2021-01-11T23:37:00", "title": "I FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "I support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89618", "author": "lains", "date": "2021-01-12T00:02:00", "title": "100% SUPPORT!!!! HELP AND PROTECT LGBTQ+ KIDS!!!!!!!!", "text": "anyone who is not in support of this is a hateful human being."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89619", "author": "olivia", "date": "2021-01-12T00:13:00", "title": "//", "text": "I fully support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89620", "author": "Steven E", "date": "2021-01-12T00:29:00", "title": "Trans youth need respect and support", "text": "Trans youth need respect and support to get them through such a difficult and confusing time in their lives—a part of which we all had to go through at one time. Don’t waste your energy on tearing them down."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89621", "author": "Jeannette", "date": "2021-01-12T00:48:00", "title": "Trans rights.", "text": "fully support!!!! Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89622", "author": "Sarah Y Fanning", "date": "2021-01-12T01:08:00", "title": "Support 100%", "text": "All people deserve to be recognized for who they are and treated with respect and equality. This absolutely includes all trans and nonbinary people. Schools must be a safe and welcoming place for all students - and this includes trans and nonbinary students. Sometimes, school may be the safest place they have, as unfortunately not all families are accepting and loving the way they should be. And this less to abuse and death more than in any other demographic. Providing a safe and accepting space that respects the needs of trans and nonbinary students should not even be up for debate. This is a basic human right. They are not harming anyone by just being who they are. But denying them this is causing irreparable harm. Schools must accomodate trans and nonbinary students by respecting their pronouns and names, ensuring they have proper restroom and locker room privileges that make the feel safe and not singled out, training for teachers, staff, counselors and social workers for handling the challenges faced by these students and advocating for their rights, as well as knowing how to ensure they are safe outside of school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89623", "author": "James Hope", "date": "2021-01-12T01:11:00", "title": "Support", "text": "strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89624", "author": "emma", "date": "2021-01-12T01:21:00", "title": "i support", "text": "i completely support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89625", "author": "Sydney", "date": "2021-01-12T02:16:00", "title": "100% support trans kids", "text": "I support this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89626", "author": "Susan Sather", "date": "2021-01-12T02:33:00", "title": "Support Model Guidelines for Transgender Students", "text": "As a past PTA President and active parent volunteer over the past twenty-three years, and a lifelong Virginian, I am so pleased to see Virginia working to ensure transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming student’s rights to fair and protective treatment. These basic guidelines set a good standard which will help students who may otherwise be at high risk of mistreatment and depression. The simple requirement for all teachers and school staff to respect student preferred pronouns and names, will make a huge positive impact. Thank you for the care and effort put into these guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89627", "author": "emma mcfarland", "date": "2021-01-12T03:36:00", "title": "protect trans people.", "text": "trans people deserve protection, respect, kindness. trans people belong in our society. transphobes do not belong. the easiest remedy for transphobia and ignorance is knowledge and education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89628", "author": "Evan", "date": "2021-01-12T04:04:00", "title": "100% Support", "text": "As a future educator and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I believe this model should be supported by everyone. Any motion that creates an environment where every student feels accepted, seen for who they are, without judgement or discrimination, should be good passed. Educators are tasked with teaching there students, but most importantly, they are their to help raise the future generations of our great country, and by actively supporting our transgender students, they will be more confident and feel more included in our society, allowing for them to flourish as they become adults."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89629", "author": "Cecilia", "date": "2021-01-12T05:05:00", "title": "Yes! Support trans kids!", "text": "Thank you so much for putting this list of policies together. I believe that it has the potential to make a positive difference for so many kids and help give them a safer environment in which to learn and grow! Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to this effort."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89630", "author": "julianne", "date": "2021-01-12T06:13:00", "title": "full support", "text": "trans rights are human rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89631", "author": "Maria Austria", "date": "2021-01-12T06:14:00", "title": "I fully support the guidance.", "text": "I support the fair and equal access to education of our LGBTQ friends. They are part of our community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89632", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T06:52:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I reject the lunacy of these guidelines beginning with the terminology.  Doctors don't assign the sex of a baby at birth as if it is a decision for them to make.  They just observe and report the genitalia they see.  Why don't parents just wait to name their child until after he/she/it has had time to decide which sex it will identify with?  Such policies do a disservice to our children.  We all have to accept what we are endowed with at birth.  We each have talents and limitations, even weaknesses.  Achieving adulthood is a process of maximizing one while overcoming the other. Happiness is not derived from bemoaning the physical characteristics you were born with and fixating on how to change them.  Society should not enable unhealthy fixations and behavior.  We will sow what we reap."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89633", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T07:16:00", "title": "100% SUPPORT!", "text": "It's no question of whether this is important or not. I fully support this, and you should too if you care about those around you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89634", "author": "Marianna Martins", "date": "2021-01-12T07:56:00", "title": "I SUPPORT 100%", "text": "I SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89635", "author": "James Grimm", "date": "2021-01-12T07:57:00", "title": "FULL SUPPORT", "text": "I am expressing my full support of Virginia's adoption of this policy. As a parent of a gender expansive child, I can fully understand the life changing implications of inclusion. We only benefit from living in a world where people are free to be who they are. Over the past few years, I have opened myself up information on gender and what that actually means. If you think gender is binary as I once did, your information is outdated, and misinformed. Please challenge yourself to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, and I have no doubt that you will find compassion there."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89636", "author": "Mason Phillips", "date": "2021-01-12T08:23:00", "title": "These policies are ESSENTIAL", "text": "It is unfortunate, but our schools desperately need this guidance from the state. Without it, too many school boards are reluctant to codify policies that protect transgender students for fear of the political fallout. It angers me that so many still see LGBTQ issues as political issues that one can choose or not choose to support. Our transgender students are not trying to make a political statement. These are not political issues. They are human issues, and it shouldn't be choice whether or not we provide equal access, rights, and protections to these students. I fully support the proposed policy, and I applaud the state for undertaking this hard, but necessary work."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89637", "author": "olivia barton", "date": "2021-01-12T08:48:00", "title": "support trans kidss!", "text": "support trans kids. they are humans like us they are girls and boys. they are who they are. shouldnt even be labeled as trans. theyre  them thats all that matters"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89638", "author": "L. Flanagan", "date": "2021-01-12T08:54:00", "title": "OPPOSE as a scientist, mother and community member.", "text": "I don't see how these changes would help America, families or schools. Hiding situations from parents during a childs' transitory years would be defeating the foundation of what it means to be a family. If a home is to be built on trust, love and guidance, a school should not intervene and keep huge developmental red flags from parents. Red flags being wanting to be a different gender, risk for suicide, sharing bathrooms, distracting from curriculum/learning and overall drastic changes to the education system, as we know it. Furthermore, a child is developing and trying on new ideas and noticing what it means to be one sex or the other. With this vulnerable child development phases of industry versus inferiority or role versus identity confusion, a school is not the pillar for these children - the family is. Schools do not have the right to intervene and encourage new age philosophies. Transgender situations happen for a very small percentage (0.58% US 2016, World Population Review) of folks, so why subject the population at large to the challenges of a few? Also, a large majority of transgender individuals end up wanting to reverse their transformation. From a scientist perspective, your genes determine your sex. A man will not conceive and a women will not embody as much physical strength, naturally. Schools jumping into medical and political fields, will just leave resource-less education systems that much worse. People will pull their kids into private schools and/or move to more conservative locations; thus poor, physically stuck children will be jeopardized further from this experimental school situation. Don't let this happen. Preserve what American families and education systems have left. Oppose these drastic changes before it's too late."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89639", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T09:09:00", "title": "Support trans kids!!!!", "text": "Trans rights are essential. I support these policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89640", "author": "Libby", "date": "2021-01-12T09:09:00", "title": "Support LGBTQ+ kids!!!", "text": "I support trans kids! Human rights apply to every human on earth! They need to be treated with respect!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89641", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T09:34:00", "title": "100% support", "text": "100% support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89642", "author": "Bryce Johnson", "date": "2021-01-12T09:45:00", "title": "Support LGBTQIA+ Children", "text": "Children are our most valued possession as growing Americans. They need our societies love and support unconditionally so these bills which aid society into helping transgender children need to be passed. It’s not science, it’s not genetic, it’s just a fact of life. The passing of these bills is crucial to having your communities support and the support from all LGBTQIA+ members and"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89643", "author": "Mike Undseth", "date": "2021-01-12T09:47:00", "title": "OPPOSE regulations run amok", "text": "The issue of gender selection and related subjects are a matter of concern for all of us, but we need to remember that science and the world at large remains unsettled about this.  There are biological traits that determine gender, not whim or preference.  These are not \"decisions\" that anyone can make, let alone children.  We should not further muddy the waters with this ridiculous set of rules and regulations.  Those struggling with gender confusion need counselling and help, not acceptance and encouragement.  We are on a very slippery slope, and this only speeds up our descent.  We already have laws and regulations to address bullying and discrimination...we don't need to add a litany of new laws to specifically address each and every possible scenario.  It is interesting to note most of the supporting comments come from a well orchestrated movement from the LBTGQ community, and not Virginia residents.  Please do not adopt these new regulations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89644", "author": "Maureen Breen", "date": "2021-01-12T09:51:00", "title": "Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89645", "author": "Julie Mende", "date": "2021-01-12T09:51:00", "title": "Support LGBTQ+!!", "text": "PROTECT AND SUPPORT LGBTQ+ KIDS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89646", "author": "Scott", "date": "2021-01-12T09:56:00", "title": "This Doesn't Follow the Science", "text": "I do not approve of these proposed guidelines based on these radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female, indoctrinate our school children, and discipline those who disagree. Science in no way can speak to gender preference since it isn't rooted in anything scientific... it is relative to each person as they feel on any particular day. In fact, science itself reveals the binary nature of sexuality biologically. Follow the science! To give power to the school systems to help a child develop the identity of a child is to strip parents of their privilege and responsibility. Government does not have unlimited authority over the family unit; government only has the responsibility to preserve and protect the family unit. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty, administrators, and parents to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89647", "author": "Jerson Nolasco", "date": "2021-01-12T10:06:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "i strongly support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89648", "author": "American patriot", "date": "2021-01-12T10:07:00", "title": "Guidance document. Board of education on gender", "text": "Gender: A set of social, psychological, and emotional traits that classify an individual as typically masculine or feminine, although the social construct of gender may be more diverse across a continuum rather than as a binary system. NOT!!!! Gender: Either of 2 sexes. Male or female. What a waste of tax dollars. Our kids are screwed. I DO NOT support this nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89649", "author": "Adam Keplinger", "date": "2021-01-12T10:09:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I am in favor of efforts to make sure Virginia's schools are safe and welcoming environments that allow all students to reach their potential without fear of bullying, harassment and discrimination. Protecting transgender and nonbinary students is key to their success."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89650", "author": "Barbara Krainik Burgundy Farm Country Day school", "date": "2021-01-12T10:10:00", "title": "Support", "text": "No more children should suffer in silence and contemplate suicide because they are not loved and accepted for who they are. School is a place kids spend the majority of their waking hours (well, at least pre and post covid). That means we have a duty to ensure EVERY child who walks through the doors of a school building feels protected and safe to be themselves. Transgender and nonbinary students need to be especially protected as they are far too often the target of bullying and discrimination. They are already struggling to navigate a world that dismisses them at the least and outright despises or attacks them at the most (read 57 Bus if you don't believe me). Please do right by our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89651", "author": "Patricia Smith, Appomattox Regional Governor's School", "date": "2021-01-12T10:12:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. As an eductor with over thirty years of teaching experience, I know first-hand how important it is for students to be able to be their authentic selves in the classroom. It is difficult to do anything well in life if we are hiding who we are, if we are constantly trying to avoid detection, if we are feeling scared and silenced. How are students expected to learn if they cannot be their true selves in our classroom? And isn't that what we're teaching anyway --- how to be YOU. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89652", "author": "Megan Patrick", "date": "2021-01-12T10:13:00", "title": "Support Transgender Students", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. This issue is near to my heart as an educator and a mother. I am proud to be the GSA faculty sponsor at the high school where I teach. My students formed the Genders and Sexualities Alliance several years ago because a safe and welcoming space was sorely needed for them. Our numbers have grown until we're the largest club in school, and that speaks to the necessity of our purpose. I see, every day, the anguish and difficulties that LGBTQ+ students face. I have taught several transgender and nonbinary students, and it is horrifying to me that we even have to discuss protecting them. Why isn't that immediately obvious? Our goal should be to always protect and honor every student we teach. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. Their rate of suicide is far higher than their cisgender peers, and that's simply unacceptable. Supporting trans students is suicide prevention. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Megan Patrick VA Educator and Parent"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89653", "author": "C Peterson", "date": "2021-01-12T10:17:00", "title": "Transgender Policy for Schools", "text": "As a concerned Grandparent of students in the Prince William County school system as well as a citizen of Virginia, I have reviewed the VDOE draft of the policy to fairly accommodate transgender students in public schools. While I support the desire to make sure no student is the victim of discrimination, bullying or unfair treatment, I do not support what boils down to \"special treatment\" for transgender students at the expense of others. In the interest of fairness, safety and to reduce emotional trauma of all involved I would request that the policy be amended to provide an adequate number of single use bathroom, shower and locker facilities for use by those desiring privacy.  In my opinion this is the healthiest and kindest way to manage students with gender identity issues and to reduce negative discrimination of said students. Thank you C Peterson"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89654", "author": "Matthew Brady (Burgundy Farm Country Day School)", "date": "2021-01-12T10:21:00", "title": "Wow, thank you!", "text": "GLSEN is a Godsend when it comes to protecting the rights of trans/nonbinary students. My private school is adopting this policy for our JK-8 students, and I am excited to see Virginia public schools doing the same. Honoring our gender identity for all students is a literally matter of life and death; thank you for prioritizing this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89655", "author": "shreya gaskill", "date": "2021-01-12T10:34:00", "title": "fully support", "text": "I completely support this, protect trans rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89656", "author": "Whit Flores", "date": "2021-01-12T10:34:00", "title": "Support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. I am a nonbinary college student born, raised, and currently living in Virginia. I survived Virginia schools. Too many of my fellow nonbinary and transgender peers did not. When I was 16, I started a support group for LGBTQ+ youth in my community. We met monthly at the public library for over a year (pre-Coid-19). It was not much, nothing fancy, and still it was magical for too many of the members. I say the magic they felt is unfortunate only because basic support shouldn’t be so rare. I wish it weren’t the only safe place they had in their life. Many of their stories shocked me, like the 7th grader who had to go the bathroom at the opposite end of their school because there was a teacher (not theirs) who would yell at them if they saw them stepping into the one they felt most comfortable in. Policies such as the one proposed are necessary to stop such harassment was taking place and hopefully will lead to such bullies being held accountable for their actions. Students ought to be protected from harassment in school. Students are being harassed for their gender, what they wear, and which bathroom they use by both other students and teachers. This is not acceptable. I should not have been the closest thing they had to an authority figure who treated them with respect. They deserve better. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. These policies make a difference. Sincerely, Whit Flores (they/them)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89657", "author": "Caroline Ayers", "date": "2021-01-12T10:38:00", "title": "PROTECT TRANS YOUTH", "text": "As a person who grew up in VA Public Schools, I am fully aware of the need for policies to prohibit the  mistreatment of trans youth. I’m so excited that this conversation is taking a turn and opening up in favor of trans people in the schooling systems of VA."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89658", "author": "Leon Connors", "date": "2021-01-12T10:48:00", "title": "Talk about it.", "text": "Provide trans youth with a safe environment to learn in"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89659", "author": "Phillip McDonald", "date": "2021-01-12T10:51:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "This agenda encourages subjectivist denial of objective reality for sensitive children. It will lead children who have social difficulties to blame all their problems on how they feel about their sexuality and encourage them to turn to drug- and surgery-based alterations to their bodies for no logical reason and without changing the chromosomes in all their cells or improving their ability to get along with others. I have personally witnessed this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89660", "author": "Samantha Anderson", "date": "2021-01-12T10:56:00", "title": "I Support This", "text": "Protect trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89661", "author": "Jean", "date": "2021-01-12T10:59:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender Policies", "text": "As a taxpaying constituent of Virginia, I am outraged at the proposed Transgender policies. My reasoning:  Gender is determined by biology at birth.  No physical mutilation by surgery or drugs, no clothing expression, no language expression will change this fact.  And facts matter.  It is these biological facts that should direct policy. Any child with severe struggles can receive supportive care by their caregivers who may enlist outside help, if they deem it is needed.  Our taxpayer monies do not need to interfere in these matters, as government based solutions tend to further complicate matters.  Allow caregivers to care for their children as they see fit. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89662", "author": "Amy reyes", "date": "2021-01-12T11:01:00", "title": "I 100% support trans kids", "text": "I 100% support trans kids!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89663", "author": "Courtnie N. Wolfgang, Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Art Ed", "date": "2021-01-12T11:04:00", "title": "In support of Virginia's Trans and Non-Binary students", "text": "Good morning, I'm writing in support of the proposed Model Policies for protection and affirmation of Virginia's trans and non-binary students. I have been an educator for almost 20 years, working in higher education to help prepare new teachers to the field for the last 10. This is a matter of safety and human rights for our students. I thank you for consideration of these policies and urge you to make the right decision. In solidarity, Dr. Courtnie N. Wolfgang"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89664", "author": "Taylor-jean", "date": "2021-01-12T11:05:00", "title": "Protect Trans Youth", "text": "Trans youth deserve to life a safe and happy life just like anyone else. They deserve to be protected by the law."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89665", "author": "Justin Ferguson", "date": "2021-01-12T11:09:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "I pray that Godly wisdom will prevail.  I do not believe anyone should be criticized or ill-treated. I do believe that this proposal will open up the opportunity for unimaginable things to take place in our schools. I ask when a male student who does not identify as transgender, but his girlfriend is in the locker room and they want to dress out there, what's stopping them from doing inappropriate things.  I foresee rapes increasing, molestations increasing, suicide increasing, peer pressure increasing, prejudices increasing, and the list goes on. The only thing I am in favor of is a separate bathroom, changing room, and showers for those who desire accommodations. Also there should be equal teaching, accommodations, and opportunities for those who abide by theirs God-given sexual orientation. Most legislations seems very one sided to me. Do the right thing for our future generations.  Do the Biblical thing!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89666", "author": "Stephanie Hamm, RN -PATH-CSU", "date": "2021-01-12T11:12:00", "title": "I support this", "text": "I am in support for protection for LGBTQ children. I work at an Adolescent Crisis Center and I see first hand the struggles LGBTQ students face. They are being pushed to the brink of having suicidal thoughts as well as attempts. There is so much work that needs to be done to protect the rights of LGBTQ children, at the very least I want them to feel safe and supported as they attend public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89667", "author": "Audre Balanda", "date": "2021-01-12T11:14:00", "title": "Support Trans Children!", "text": "The mistreatment of trans children is the equivalent of child abuse, harassment, and hate speech! They deserve the same rights and they deserve the same treatment as any of their peers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89668", "author": "Jacob Taraschke", "date": "2021-01-12T11:22:00", "title": "Support LGBTQ+ Children.", "text": "It is absurd to me as a future educator that there are adults in this state that would be perfectly fine sitting by while a child is given less respect and a lower quality of life just because they identify differently than them. They. Are. Children. And all deserve to go to school and have a healthy and productive environment to help them become the best person they can be!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89669", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T11:23:00", "title": "Support", "text": "i support this! Protect trans rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89670", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T11:29:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Why would you oppose this? Let people live their lives how they want to."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89671", "author": "not an idiot", "date": "2021-01-12T11:30:00", "title": "support", "text": "there is no reason not to support this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89672", "author": "Noname", "date": "2021-01-12T11:35:00", "title": "Concerns over transgender public school policy", "text": "These decisions and choices need to stay within the family. Children will manipulate these policies, children will be taken from loving homes and placed in foster care. Do we really need more children with mental health issues in foster care?  I had a friend whose 5 year old child actually thought she was a dog, they even ate out of the dog bowl. This went on for a while, we were correct to tell this child based on what body you have, you are not a dog. Same applies to being male and female. You are or you are not. Transgenders do not commit suicide more likely because they do not get support, it is because they have a mental illness that needs to be addressed.  Same a depression. Children are notorious copy cats of their peers, think the ripple effect.  Please stick to education, math, language arts, science, history, not hotly debated social problems. Not your place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89673", "author": "Sarah A. Luong Appomattos Regional Governor's School for the Arts and Tech", "date": "2021-01-12T11:42:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I have just read through the whole proposal and I am crying tears of joy for all the hard work, research, and love that has gone into this document. For anyone out there who is claiming science, I am sorry but recent events have proven that we can quote sources on either side, and we get nowhere. These folks have put much time and energy into credible, peer-reviewed studies, and they know what they are talking about. As a high school teacher for the past 16 years at a school where many students are transgender or non-binary, I can say from experience that this will help kids. At our school we already do most of this stuff and have had almost no issues with parents or kids complaining about bathrooms or pronouns for many years. It is good to have this guidance on how to handle problems that could arise, but for the most part I have seen that students intuitively get it. So thank you, to the people who have developed this based on science and lead by love. It is really amazing how far we have come but also, how much work it takes just do to the right thing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89674", "author": "Larissa Nunez", "date": "2021-01-12T11:42:00", "title": "100% Support for LBGTQIA+", "text": "Teacher in 100% Support for LBGTQIA+ students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89675", "author": "Jane Cornelius", "date": "2021-01-12T11:48:00", "title": "Full Support!", "text": "As the mother of a transgender youth, and a longtime Board Membe of PFLAG Blue Ridge,  I know firsthand the need for such guidelines to protect our students.   These policies are based on best practices which have been thoroughly researched.  It is critical for our childrens' emotional and physical well-being to provide them with the support they need and deserve.  My own child was in 5th grade (2010) when we realized that it was necessary to support his gender identity.  We got ourselves educated, talked to medical experts in the field, and realized how important family support was to his well-being. We tried to help educate his teachers & counselors, who were sympathetic, but we were out of our depth.  I am relieved that these policies are finally being introduced.   Fortunately, my son is a happy, healthy 20-year old sophomore at Va Tech.  It wasn't always easy, but we persevered and did the right thing.  Please help make the school atmosphere easier for today's non-binary children.   Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89676", "author": "Anna Hebner", "date": "2021-01-12T11:48:00", "title": "Support trans youth", "text": "This document provides useful guidance to school districts on how to protect trans youth from discrimination and bullying at school. As a former teacher and a parent of a former Virginia public school student, I will be glad to see schools adopt pro-active policies protecting the legal rights and emotional well being of trans kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89677", "author": "Lu Ann Maciulla McNabb", "date": "2021-01-12T11:48:00", "title": "I strongly support the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Thank you for your proposed guidance to assist education agencies in adopting policies that protect transgender and nonbinary students. All students have the right to feel safe and secure in their school and to thrive and reach their full potential. My youngest is gender queer.  They have bravely come forward to be their authentic self. However, they waited until they were an adult before doing so. I can only imagine how difficult it would have been had they done so in their K-12 years.  Too many transgender and nonbinary students in our schools have been bullied, discriminated against, mocked and stripped of the dignity owed to all students. Teachers, staff, administrators and students play such an important role in the academic achievement and social well-being of our children.  They make all the difference in whether a child, teen or young adult feels respected and accepted. These policies will enable our schools to be a haven where children learn, follow their passions and achieve their dreams. Too many children who have not received such support have either contemplated, or committed, suicide.  That is tragic. I commend you for drafting this guidance and encourage you to adopt it so that our schools throughout the Commonwealth welcome all and educate our students to be caring, compassionate citizens of the world. Sincerely, Lu Ann Maciulla McNabb"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89678", "author": "Courtney Fox", "date": "2021-01-12T11:50:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!", "text": "I passionately believe that all children, including transgender and non-binary children, have a right to feel safe and included in their school communities. I oppose bullying, harassment and discrimination of any child in school and support transgender students and their families. I believe that transgender students should have the right to self-determine their gender expression (names, pronouns, and dress code) in schools and that school records should be updated accordingly. Additionally, schools should provide for non-segregation in facilities, in extra-curriculars and classes and training for school mental health professionals, at a minimum, should be mandated. All children in the Commonwealth of Virginia deserve to be accepted and honored for who they are. Let's do the right thing and make that official and enforceable. Respectfully, Courtney Fox Arlington, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89679", "author": "VA high school student", "date": "2021-01-12T11:53:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I believe the number one priority of all educators should never stray away from educating the children that show up to school, no matter how they show up. If they are online or in person if that student shows up to school, there is some part of them that desires to learn. Every single one of these students that comes to learn should be able to in an accepting, supporting environment. This seems like an unreasonable goal, but one we should aim for. If this environment is lacking, there will be a loss of motivation and effort in school. Isn’t the educators job to educate kids no matter their situation. To be impartial to their students differences and teach them to their best ability. I believe there should be a smooth transition to these changes to ensure the safety and security of all students; nonetheless a change must happen. Times are changing and adapting to the change will do more substantially more good than fighting it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89680", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T11:59:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Please do not adopt this policy as it stands. I believe all students deserve to be respected at school, but this crosses the line. Respect does not have to equate agreement. For families who don't believe gender is a choice, this is disrespectful and a complete attack on our values. Welcoming a child into school is one thing, forcing every student and family to agree with their choices despite their discomfort, is different. This is a slippery slope that will take us to who knows where. I respect my friend who smokes, or marries someone new every two years, that doesn't mean I would teach my children to make those choices. Please, add some nuance to this policy that respects the entire community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89681", "author": "Pam Watkins", "date": "2021-01-12T11:59:00", "title": "Would NEVER Support!!! God creates us as who He wants us to be.", "text": "Only God creates us and we cannot change what God has created.  Many times some traumatic experience has confused children and created doubt in their mind.  Truly the evil happening is straight from the devil.  The doubt created is used by the devil to encourage deviance from God's plan for us as His children.  What these children need is help!  They do not need everyone making it easier for the evil to take hold of their lives and create even more confusion for them.  What these children need is to be reminded of the love God has for them and who God created them to be.  They need adults to help them through their confusion, not offer them more confusion to pile on top.  The only way for these children to find true happiness is to be reminded of the fact that they are God's children and He has loved them from before he created them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89682", "author": "Josh Rooke", "date": "2021-01-12T11:59:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I 100% support the \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students\" and think that it is an important step in reducing the amount of trauma and stress that our students face. Warm regards, Josh Rooke"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89683", "author": "Kassi", "date": "2021-01-12T12:16:00", "title": "fully support, a step in the right direction!", "text": "As a physician who provides care to transgender individuals I see the impact that a supportive vs non-supportive environment has on people throughout their lives. Data demonstrate that supportive environments reduce risk of anxiety, depression, self harm and suicide. This is especially important in people who are already high risk for these outcomes like transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89684", "author": "Cathy", "date": "2021-01-12T12:16:00", "title": "Want wholeness for the person in the long run", "text": "Pease check out those, websites who people want to silence, who temporarily wanted to tamper with their birth identity. Statistically it works for a few years, but it then the sense of unnatural begins to overtake. Can lead to drastic measures. One who truly cares, cares about the long run of a person, to be whole in themselves. Not a growing sense of wrongness inside."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89685", "author": "sam", "date": "2021-01-12T12:20:00", "title": "WHY WOULDNT YOU SUPPORT THIS", "text": "there is literally no reason to oppose this.. unless you're a complete and absolute idiot. if you have more than 2 braincells you should have the sense to not oppose something that does nothing to affect you and does everything to aid someone else. there's people who need this. badly. CHILDREN who need this. the fact that some of the people here commenting can't get that through their heads astounds me. believe it or not bill, scott, and \"american patriot\"- this isn't about you. it's about people facing struggles that you don't understand and that they don't need to be facing in the first place. actually, it's about  students AKA people so young you probably don't even remember being thier age, pam. and if you do i'm willing to bet good money it's moderately positive memories and not gender and identity discrimination. these kids are put in positions you and i aren't. you simply don't know what it's like for them. who are you to decide what they do or don't need and/or deserve? who gave you those credentials? and just so we're all clear: it's a scientific fact that gender is NOT a binary. the only people going against science here are the uneducated conservatives obsessed with the idea that there are exactly two sexes and exactly two genders. you're wrong and throwing hissy fits about students being treated properly despite being (what you have incorrectly decided is) \"against science\" is only showing your lack of knowledge on the subject and the fact that no one should take you seriously. either research these topics correctly and listen to scientists or don't give your unwanted, oppressive \"opinions\". human rights aren't opinions. and on that note: being against human rights isn't really a cute look. if you're sincerely concerned about this getting passed- i suggest you do some serious self reflecting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89686", "author": "Virgina High School Student", "date": "2021-01-12T12:30:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "School is a place for students to learn. It is also a place many students use as an escape because it is supposed to be a judgment-free zone. Trans students should feel safe in the buildings, and there is no good reason to deny them an environment that is harassment-free. I have gone through a lot of comments that do not support this, and the main argument I see is that it goes against religious values that are mostly Christain ideals. So let me say this, the topic of religion is already kept out of schools to avoid conflict. By saying this bill shouldn't be passed because it goes against your beliefs is harmful to those who are not part of your religion. In no situation should your religion be pressed onto others. Religion is supposed to help people feel safe and secure, but using it as a method to deny other kids safety is completely wrong. People also seem against using the preferred pronouns of students. Everybody has preferred pronouns, even straight people. Pronouns are like your name, they are a method of identification. That is why if you have a nickname you ask people to call you by it. It's the same with pronouns. If you respect student's nicknames in school, you should respect their pronouns too. Sex is biological, gender isn't, so stop with that argument. As a student in Virginia, I see no reason not to pass this bill. The majority of people who oppose it are, quite frankly, old and are not even affected by this because they aren't even in the buildings. If you are so distraught by kids finding their identity I think you should ask yourself why it bothers you so much. Living a life of judgment and worrying is much more harmful to yourself. Schools are a place for learning, not hating on others, and if other student's self-identity troubles you, maybe online school is the place for you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89687", "author": "Bree", "date": "2021-01-12T12:33:00", "title": "I support", "text": "I support trans’ rights! They deserve to have an excellent education as everyone else does!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89688", "author": "Student", "date": "2021-01-12T12:49:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Trans students should feel safe in school like everyone else. If parents are so worried that their kid is using a bathroom that trans students are using, maybe they should know that students don't use the bathroom together so that shouldn't be a problem. And changing in PE shouldn't matter because only creeps look at each other while changing, so worry more about your kid being a creep then hating on other kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89689", "author": "emma", "date": "2021-01-12T12:51:00", "title": "support", "text": "i support this!! there should be no reason not to protect trans kids from the discrimination and transphobia that unfortunately is in our state"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89690", "author": "Ari Shikari", "date": "2021-01-12T13:01:00", "title": "I SUPPORT 10,00%", "text": "I support this so much, everyone deserves respect. Even if they are different."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89691", "author": "Owen", "date": "2021-01-12T13:04:00", "title": "Support", "text": "There is no reason not to support this, it protects the basic rights of children who deserve the same treatment as everyone else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89692", "author": "Jaliyah D", "date": "2021-01-12T13:07:00", "title": "I support", "text": "I support the LGBTQ+ Community and feel like this bill makes efforts in doing that"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89693", "author": "delaney", "date": "2021-01-12T13:07:00", "title": "this is for the bill of the protection of transgender students in virginia.", "text": "There is absolutely no reason that transgender students should be treated any differently than other students just because they are trying to figure out who they want to be. Being kind and respectful of someone’s identity is the bare minimum, and if we can’t do that, we’re in danger as a community. Another person’s identity has nothing to do with you and it doesn’t bother you, so therefore nobody has any right to take anything away from them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89694", "author": "Adeline S", "date": "2021-01-12T13:11:00", "title": "I support", "text": "I completely support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89695", "author": "Kristin Untiedt-Barnett, Smyth County Schools", "date": "2021-01-12T13:11:00", "title": "Support", "text": "To Whom It May Concern: I am a secondary educator in Southwest Virginia who also serves as the faculty adviser for the Marion Senior High School GSA club. I have seen, first-hand, the impacts of harassment and discrimination on students. LGBTQ+ students are at a much higher risk of self-harm and suicide as a result. Our schools should be safe places where students are able to thrive and reach their full potential, free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination.  The Virginia Department of Education has a duty to set the standard for our schools and to provide teachers and students with the support they need to make their schools safe for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89696", "author": "archer", "date": "2021-01-12T13:12:00", "title": "??", "text": "Support!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89697", "author": "Damien", "date": "2021-01-12T13:23:00", "title": "I 100% support this. Whatever Pam said is wrong.", "text": "I don't know why someone wouldn't support this.  Pam, you're wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90098", "author": "Dana McGuire", "date": "2021-01-14T21:49:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this guidance because I believe all children deserve a safe, supportive, and affirming school environment where they can learn and thrive. This guidance will help ensure schools throughout the commonwealth are welcoming for all students, regardless of gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90099", "author": "Brandie Lemmon", "date": "2021-01-14T22:00:00", "title": "I Support!", "text": "I have a young child in the public school system. We have several gay/lesbian friends and family. In our home and in our congregation, we have taught our children acceptance and love for all. It is the cornerstone of our lives. I want my children to see that this sort of support, love and acceptance reaches past the walls of our home and church. Schools play an integral role in the development of a child and I want my children to see that building and that community as a safe place for everyone, regardless of gender identity. Thank you, Brandie Lemmon"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90100", "author": "SUSAN REECE", "date": "2021-01-14T22:02:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS PROPOSED MANDATE. THIS IS WRONG"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90101", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T22:03:00", "title": "Absolutely Oppose these Mandates", "text": "I am completely opposed to this insane proposal. This is taking the rights and responsibilities of a parenting and handing them to the school. I certainly don't want the school/state raising my children or influencing them with their radical left-wing agenda. This is evil, plain and simple. Can you even imagine the lawsuits that are going to come out of this?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90102", "author": "MICHAEL J CUTLER", "date": "2021-01-14T22:07:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose chairman ralph's intention to remove God and parents in the upbringing of ANY child. Children ARE NOT property of the state and have NO claim on them EVER."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90103", "author": "Educator", "date": "2021-01-14T22:16:00", "title": "I support this guidance", "text": "I fully support this guidance. All students deserve a safe and positive learning environment that does not discriminate. I support the VDOE’s policy to better equip educators, school counselors, and administrators to ensure all students are respected and are provided an inclusive educational experience. As an educator and counselor in training I feel this guidance outlines the policies and procedures necessary to protect our LGBTQI+ community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90104", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T22:26:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I strongly oppose to this new law that is Being impose on us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90105", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T22:30:00", "title": "To the Max, I oppose this legislation.", "text": "I strongly oppose to this. Against my believes and values."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90106", "author": "J K", "date": "2021-01-14T22:34:00", "title": "Opposed to schools making this a priority - not your job! Teach reading writing and math!", "text": "“School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) This is not your job.  It is a parents job.  Stop overstepping! Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. Stop promoting confusion.  The person is a \"he\" or \"she\" until they are an adult. The fact that he/she can be elimited is wrong and so is the fact that you want people to be punished for calling someone what they are. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) Such a dangerous policies that will endanger our young girls. Please stick with teaching reading, writing, and math.  That is what will have a positive impact on our children. “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Students should never he interigated without the parents being present. You are not be sensitive to the fact there will be many false accusations to ruin a child's life. The policies totally ignore those who have religious beliefs, or scientific beliefs that are contrary to the policies that you are pushing.  These are not the thoughts of the majority. VOTE NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90107", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-14T22:35:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE on multiple levels: If passed: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. If passed, our children will be pulled out of Virginia Public Schools and we will seek employment elsewhere."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90108", "author": "Barbara Rice", "date": "2021-01-14T22:39:00", "title": "draft transgender student policies misguided", "text": "The goal of providing a safe and wholesome environment to students, faculty, and staff is a commendable one.  The proposed guidelines, however, are misguided and overreaching.  Restroom and locker room privacy will no longer be guaranteed:  \"Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student's gender identity shall be available to all students.\" (p. 18)  \"School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.\" (p. 18)  Schools will be able to discipline students or staff for not using desired pronouns (pp. 10, 12), will not inform parents of restroom privacy issues (information about a student's transgender status is regarded as \"particularly sensitive\" and shall not be disclosed . . . p.12), and could interrogate or discipline children without parental knowledge (p. 10).  These are just a few of the problems in the proposed guidelines.  Please do not enact them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90109", "author": "Andrea Aron-Schiavone", "date": "2021-01-14T22:43:00", "title": "Social Worker Supporting this Lifesaving Policy", "text": "Trans students deserve all the protections afforded to them so that they can not only survive, but thrive. As a social worker, I am passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations and trans students face adverse outcomes such as homelessness, bullying, and even suicide at disproportional rates. Hate has no place in institutions that are supposed to protect youth and help them feel safe. I strongly support ! Thank you for your time and consideration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90110", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T22:53:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policy proposed by the Virginia Department of Education.", "text": "Do not disregard the role of parents in public education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90111", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T22:54:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "strongly oppose this as it now opens perverts to enter either bathrooms and endanger our children’s safety.  STRONGLY OPPOSE.  WE STAND AGAINST THIS PERVERSITY."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90112", "author": "Phuong Yokitis", "date": "2021-01-14T23:47:00", "title": "Emphatically Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed guidelines as they have the effect of substituting the state’s temporal prerogatives over the rights of parents to raise their own children as they see fit.  Specifically, these guidelines explicitly allow unelected school administrators to withhold important information from parents regarding their children.  Furthermore, these guidelines extend beyond the school to specifically stipulate that parents could be held liable for child abuse solely for not affirming a child’s stated gender preference at any particular time.  In effect, these guidelines marginalize parents even further by usurping parents’ deeply held moral or religious convictions as they apply to how they raise their children, and even to the very essence of humanity itself. These guidelines, presented without actual debate, do not mention minimum age of child, suggesting that they still apply even when child is too young to be aware of the importance of such a decision has on their life.  These guidelines have no rational scientific basis, rather, they rely strictly on a child’s emotional whims at any particular moment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90113", "author": "A RESPONSIBLE PATENT", "date": "2021-01-14T23:47:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "AS A PATIENT, I STRONGLY OPPOSE THE TRANSGENDER SCHOOL POLICY THAT VDOE PROPOSED. THE POLICY BRINGS NO EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS OR SERVES ANY EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES TO STUDENTS BUT CREATES CONFUSION AND CHAOS TO SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT. STUDENT GENDER IDENTITY IS STUDENTS' AND THEIR FAMILY MATTER NOT RESPONSIBILITY OF DOE. WE DON'T OPPRESS OR INTERVENE TO TRANSGENDER PEOPLE ON THEIR GENDER CHOICES. WHY ARE WE ASKED TO COMPLY WITH STATE POLICIES THAT TOTALLY AND OBSTRUCTIVELY AGAINST OUR FAMILIES CORE PRINCIPLES?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90114", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-15T04:35:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This policy looked great, up until the part where it took parents rights away. Not disclosing to the parents about a child’s struggles? That is unacceptable! Children are just that: children. They need their parents no matter what they are going through. Schools should not keep “secrets” from parents. Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90115", "author": "Thomas B Fitzpatrick", "date": "2021-01-15T05:14:00", "title": "I support the guidance", "text": "I support the guidance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90116", "author": "James Michael Jackson, parent", "date": "2021-01-15T05:52:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose - bad policy will do more harm than good", "text": "While transgender children must be protected, this policy will do more harm than good. School districts should work in conjunction with parents, not actively undermine them. The damage caused to the family relationship will have long term psychological impacts that will harm children. Also, users of restrooms / locker rooms should know they are protected from opposite genders. Again, transgender students need to be protected, but this goes far beyond just protection and promotes bad policy that will lead to harm of the child, both transgender and natural gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90117", "author": "Educator", "date": "2021-01-15T05:58:00", "title": "Why are the children always the pawn of radical agendas that want to destroy our youth?", "text": "I strongly OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90118", "author": "Cortney Smith", "date": "2021-01-15T06:13:00", "title": "Support", "text": "i support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90119", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T06:15:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose having gender confusion taught in schools. We were all born with a gender and God didn’t make a mistake."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90120", "author": "Rabbi David Spinrad", "date": "2021-01-15T06:21:00", "title": "Support for LGBTQ Student Rights and Inclusion", "text": "In the Jewish tradition, we are taught in the Book of Genesis that all humans are created in the Divine image. Each of us is a reflection of God. Unequivocally, I support the guidance. Respectfully, Rabbi David Spinrad Beth El Hebrew Congregation Alexandria, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90121", "author": "Elizabeth Shelton", "date": "2021-01-15T07:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this being taught in the public schools. This is an example of why parents choose to homeschool their children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90122", "author": "Douglas Mount", "date": "2021-01-15T07:46:00", "title": "I Oppose Gender Confusion", "text": "I strongly oppose the LGBTQ and gender confusion agenda. We must follow the biology and if you are born a boy then that is who you are. If you are born a girl then you are a girl. No need to confuse the children, they have enough issues growing up in this difficult world as it is. The parents and the community need to be be encouraging them to be the best they can be following the gender they were born as. It is clear suicide for children confused on their gender is much higher than children who are not confused. We want to set up the next generation of Americans for success where they excel in intelligence, compassion, ethics, and determination. This LGBTQ push is counterintuitive to those objectives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90123", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T08:14:00", "title": "A safe place for ALL students", "text": "I support the guidance. ALL STUDENTS deserve to be safe in school. If this were your child, would you want people writing \"STRONGLY OPPOSE\" to their human rights?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90124", "author": "Anonymous parent", "date": "2021-01-15T08:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "The intention to provide a safe and loving environment for all students is an important one, but this is not the way to do it. These are sensitive matters that are best handled by the children’s parents in accordance with the best interest of their individual children. Additionally, even as these guidelines attempt to protect freedom of expression for some students, enforcement of several of these provisions will necessarily violate 1st Amendment guarantees for other students, staff, and even community members using school premises for non-school related activity (freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and even freedom of expression for others)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90125", "author": "Protect the Children", "date": "2021-01-15T08:24:00", "title": "No to Transgenderism being forced on the children", "text": "We stand against this evil plan by Ralph Northam to force the children into this horrible action and pray for the people in Virginia under this demonic state legislature and failureship not leadership."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90126", "author": "Laura B", "date": "2021-01-15T08:27:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose our children being taught this in our schools. Math, English, History...those are the subjects that should be taught in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90127", "author": "Misty Boyd", "date": "2021-01-15T08:33:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90128", "author": "Dr Richmond H Dugger", "date": "2021-01-15T08:34:00", "title": "Have you lost your minds?", "text": "First of all, I am presuming from my subject line that you all know exactly where I stand on the subject of Northam and his \"transgender mandates\".  Northam made a basic error in logic: he thinks he can \"mandate\", when he can in realty do nothing.  Keep in mind that Northam and his cronnies will all be gone LONG before they fully destroy the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Like most communist liberals, Northam seeks to impose his vision of the world upon the rest of us.  Any student of history knows how that worked out for the Nazi's in WWII.  Secondly, any student is in school to \"study and to learn\".  At no point prior to graduation are they fully able to consolidate all that they have learned and then apply action (based upon their summation of knowledge, maturity and experience) that would change their future so dramatically as a decision made outside the family unit to pursue transgenderism.   Obviously, there are instances where biology has provided pathways for alternate selection of gender, but are those pathways to be based upon loving family unity and the teachings of our Creator, or upon the antics of transient governor who promotes murder of newborns.  Clearly, this ultimately is a fight between Good and Evil.  Be powered by the Light, not seduced by the Dark."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90129", "author": "Dawn Terrell", "date": "2021-01-15T08:38:00", "title": "transgender laws", "text": "I am all for not discriminating and the fair treatment of all people.  However, these laws DO NOT do that.  They are VERY discriminitory against parents and non-transgender students.  Trans students get all the rights and freedoms and their parents and straight peers get none.  Also, we all know that straight students who have a perverted agenda will take advantage of these laws and harm others.  There a wiser and safer ways that you can protect the trans students from being bullied and set apart while still protecting straight students.  These laws will allow things to happen that are dangerous as students misuse them. Also, this discriminates against the freedoms and personal convictions of a teacher.  I am a teacher in VA, and if I see something that I think could be potentially harmful, I am not able to say so because it will be seen as discrimination.  This makes teaching even more difficult for teachers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90130", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T08:40:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose this being taught in the public schools. This is an example of why parents choose to homeschool their children! It is not fair to introduce innocent children to the uncertainties of grown adults. This is not what true Democracy is...please let's do better"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90131", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T08:43:00", "title": "No, No, No", "text": "All children are better off staying at home to be trained by their individual parents. Positive most parents will disagree too"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90132", "author": "Concerned Parent - SCHOOL IS MEANT TO DO ONLY ONE THING AND ONE THING ONLY", "date": "2021-01-15T09:10:00", "title": "Create the safe place you desire for your children starting from the HOME and not schools, be real!", "text": "The notion that we create a safe environment for all, pardon me, is lame! Parents should take the FULL RESPONSIBILITY in making their children feel loved and accepted, it is not the public worker's responsibility, I beg to differ!!!! Ever heard of the adage \"Charity begins from the home\"? Yes it is important to show love ( I support that ANY DAY), but doesn't mean we have to condone certain behaviors that are not being addressed from a young age. Parents- wake up!!!!! It's our individual responsibilities! To be fair, I personally have a family member with the same situation, we are not going to blame others and force others to accept? No way! I can relate to questions like \"if this were your child, how would you feel?\", \"Would you like to be treated a certain type of way\"?...Yes, I can very much relate....however, let's not be afraid to face behaviors at home and be nonchalant about them, even when there's nothing you feel you can do, teach them self-worth! It is the same with anger issues, hatred for one another, strife, mischief, stealing, fighting and all social errors we see today. I'm sorry, but THE SCHOOL'S JOB IS FOR FORMAL EDUCATION...let's not encourage this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90133", "author": "P Butler", "date": "2021-01-15T09:19:00", "title": "Fully support!! Bigots be gone!", "text": "All children and people should be given the same respect as our CIS gender friends. Separation of church and state - those trying to impose “God” into schools needs to read the US constitution and leave their hate and bigotry out of our laws. 100% support this - don’t let the trolls posting discourage this from going through!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90134", "author": "Rachael Brown", "date": "2021-01-15T09:42:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY NOT!", "text": "Treatment of transgendered students in school: Obvious hatred towards any human being is wrong in any capacity.  Forcing people to abandon their morals is wrong as well.  If you are acknowledging \"right from wrong\" in any shape, form or fashion, then you must understand Christians are bound to the same conviction of an existence of \"right and wrong\". As a Christian, Jew, or Muslim this is an example of being forced to accept the opinion of a political progressive movement that has an existing policy to punish those whom have moral compass. Please check the suicide rate of Transgendered people before you try to \"secretly\" allow a public school to step into the role as \"hero\"."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90135", "author": "Jeffry Lawrence Moe, Ph.D., L.P.C.", "date": "2021-01-15T09:45:00", "title": "Support for Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Students", "text": "Hello, I hope you and your loved ones are well. My name is Dr. Jeff Moe and I am writing in support of the proposed inclusive policy related to transgender and gender non-binary students in Virginia. In my professional life I am a scholar on gender identity and sexual orientation identity issues in counseling and development, and I hope that you know the science deeply supports inclusive and affirming policies for transgender and gender non-binary students, adults, and families. School systems that are safer for transgender and gender non-binary children, adolescents, and youth are safer for all students regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Recent studies indicate that the average life expectancy for transgender women of color is approximately 35 years old; this is a result of the life long marginalization, discrimination, oppression, and violence that this multiply marginalized community faces starting in childhood. Transgender and gender non-binary youth are more likely to be the victims of violence in their families, schools, and communities. They are also more likely o experience homelessness as a result of being rejected by their primary caregivers; the risk profile for transgender and gender non-binary youth to experience at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) including bullying and violence in school is clear. Schools where the faculty, staff, and administration are affirming and inclusive towards transgender and gender non-binary youth not only experience overall reductions in bullying and truancy, but also experience enhanced academic success. There is no evidence that transgender inclusion has any negative impact on other students in a school; schools that can work through the potentially difficult conversation to create safe spaces for transgender and gender non-binary students are better academic institutions. The proposed policy is evidence-based, ethical, and in the spirit of our American values of diversity, inclusion, and affirmation of minority rights. Sincerely, Jeff Moe, Ph.D., L.P.C."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90136", "author": "Martha Dreon", "date": "2021-01-15T09:47:00", "title": "Oppose transgender regulations proposed by VA Department of Education", "text": "Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. England studied this and ruled it is “highly unlikely” that “a child of 13 or under was “competent to give consent” to puberty blockers, and it was “doubtful” that 14- and 15-year olds could “weigh the long-term risks and consequences”."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90137", "author": "Russ Alden", "date": "2021-01-15T10:01:00", "title": "Transgender proposals for public schools", "text": "These proposals are completely out of line! School personnel and students are being told to let students come up with their own sex, which they may indicate isn't even binary, in opposition to those students' parents and faith? Since when did the public school take over morally raising children from their parents? Insisting that children remain their own sex is not abusive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90138", "author": "Mike Bailey (Realtor)", "date": "2021-01-15T10:07:00", "title": "I strongly OPPOSE the proposed transgender guidelines", "text": "I oppose pitting our public school system against parents.  It is a parent's job to provide for, raise, and counsel their children.  Going behind a parent's back cannot be allowed and I won't stand for it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90139", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-15T10:08:00", "title": "Please oppose", "text": "Although all children should feel safe at school, you are protecting a small number of students at the expense of all.  Most parents do a good job of raising their kids, and love them no matter who they are.  Please let us do our job."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90140", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T10:10:00", "title": "Treatment of transgender in schools", "text": "This in no way is acceptable this is nothing but liberal democratic political agenda maybe they have a gender disfunction but The Who program is idiotic All schools are to educate from kindergarten thru college there is no room for idiotic political views from anyone I say no and will never support this Gov northam as most demo governors are pushing this If these type of policies continue I suggest all normal minded people homeschool. Government does not belong in the personal lives of American citizens and people"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90141", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T10:10:00", "title": "Treatment of transgender in schools", "text": "This in no way is acceptable this is nothing but liberal democratic political agenda maybe they have a gender disfunction but The Who program is idiotic All schools are to educate from kindergarten thru college there is no room for idiotic political views from anyone I say no and will never support this Gov northam as most demo governors are pushing this If these type of policies continue I suggest all normal minded people homeschool. Government does not belong in the personal lives of American citizens and people"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90142", "author": "Concerned Parent Who Wants to Protect Children", "date": "2021-01-15T10:24:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose. Seriously, have you all lost your minds? Where's the common sense?", "text": "Where has the protection of all students gone? Allowing these policies to go into effect will set a dangerous precedent. Gender dysphoria is a condition in the DSM, a disorder to be treated by mental health professionals; but instead, this guidance would allow for a whole myriad of disturbing things to include boys exposing themselves to girls, boys allowed to compete in girl sports (hello, haven't we seen this happen already and it's absolutely absurd), and to top it off, teachers couldn't even question a child for entering a specific locker room. Does any of this truly sound safe to you all? Have you not daughters and sons you want to PROTECT? In theory, transgender and non-binary should be a small percentage of the population but in reality, let's think ahead to what can and will actually happen."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90143", "author": "Lauren Husman", "date": "2021-01-15T10:25:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Schools should be safe spaces, free from harmful harassment and bullying.  Transphobia doesn't just harm, it ends lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90144", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T10:27:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Have you ALL lost your minds?  This is nothing short of child abuse. No wonder parents are fleeing to private/charter schools, or on a waiting list to get in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90145", "author": "Robert Jeffery", "date": "2021-01-15T10:35:00", "title": "Proposed “Transgender” policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this proposal which puts the government between the parent(s) and their child. I strongly oppose this proposal that forces speech compliance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90146", "author": "The Rev. Stuart E Schadt, Trinity Episcopal Church", "date": "2021-01-15T10:40:00", "title": "Support Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students in Va Schools", "text": "I was talking to a 7th-grade Virginia public school teacher recently who was grading the reading logs of her 100+ students. Remember how much less influence they have over each other because of virtual school and yet there was one clear novel that was most read. It was Wonder, the story of a boy with a facial abnormality that makes him stand out and be rejected by many. I think this story captures every youth's feeling of being different and fearing being an outcast. How much truer is this, how much of a reality is this for Gender Nonconforming students. We need to make our schools safe for Gender Nonconforming Students and for all students. These policies are a step forward."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90147", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T10:47:00", "title": "Transgender Regulations", "text": "Are children really able to give informed consent to such a decision at age 5 or 6? Won't children be pressured to make these decisions? The privacy of the child and the right of parents are being violated."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90148", "author": "Jennifer Mitchell", "date": "2021-01-15T10:54:00", "title": "I fully support this proposal", "text": "It is imperative that we continue to support the emotional and physical well-being of our students, so I full support this endeavor to place policies around how to handle these sensitive situations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90149", "author": "Charles Moseley", "date": "2021-01-15T11:02:00", "title": "Condemn", "text": "We cannot let political and social ideology trump basic biology. By taking this action we are inviting our children into a world of anxiety, depression and suicide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90150", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T11:09:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Please let the school stay out of our homes and return to Reading, Grammar (correct), Math, Science (real), History the truth with the good and bad but the truth. Lets not fall prey to ideology or trends, simply  teach basics not what to think. The citizenship will do better if we just educate our children. Let them learn they will have less stress they don't need this we the adults are the ones pushing this stuff on them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90151", "author": "Heather V", "date": "2021-01-15T11:12:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support this. We should all be supporting our kids, no matter who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90152", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T11:21:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this!!", "text": "This document is a complete undermining of parental rights, and represents a great danger to our children being abused."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90153", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T11:23:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose This!", "text": "Strongly Oppose This!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90154", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T11:24:00", "title": "Please stop", "text": "Please do not try to condition our children with this SJW crap. thanks!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90155", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T11:31:00", "title": "Guidance Document", "text": "Strongly oppose!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90156", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T11:32:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools)", "text": "Strongly oppose!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90157", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T11:34:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90158", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T11:35:00", "title": "Absolutely Oppose!!", "text": "I strongly disagree with this legislation. This is a violation of parental rights to teach my children according to my beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90159", "author": "Tony Almond", "date": "2021-01-15T11:39:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose this ridiculous requirement.", "text": "I strongly oppose this requirement.  I am sick of these Leftist trying to take all our rights away.  lets end this now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90160", "author": "Ben Read", "date": "2021-01-15T11:55:00", "title": "Support for the Guidance Document", "text": "This guidance document is vitally important to the ability of our young people to live as they are. This isn't about imposing anything on kids, it's about allowing them to be who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90161", "author": "Larry King", "date": "2021-01-15T12:05:00", "title": "Oppose regulation. Mental impairment needs addressing,  infringing privacy", "text": "In the aspect of gender identity, one should be obviously able to identify in one single observation regarding the specific identity of an individual's gender. This observation is made by a medical professional upon observation while in utero. Facts are based upon the observatory results based upon visual factual evidence in aspect of all things. Emotionally, if one certain gender cannot gather the evidence obviously endowed at birth and prior to birth. Then next should be questioned is the mental state of the the individual's obvious delusion and denial thereof. Furthermore,  is the realm of sexual exploitation to minors, we would have to regard this issue as a contribution toward the decline of morality and decline of mental and emotional stability as result of the pursuit of ones sexually perverse nature to be considered a race or ethnicity. The parents should be fully capable of teaching their own children how to properly understand subject matter regaurding sex, nature, and reproduction. According to their belief without interference from outside sources. The school system is to teach basic skills regarding academic achievement not interfere in the personal affairs of the individual unless abuse is discovered. In closing the view in which I and many Virginia Americans can agree. Is that the delusional mental state by definition and even scientific evidence (not bias by ones own persuasion). Only factual information, this movement, at its best is oblivious  lead  by mentally impaired people in sight of the most basic evidence of natural and biological evidence. The next step is to admit the facts of ones own gender and natral purpose without any denial by a perverse delusion causing a decline in morality and delusional state of mind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90162", "author": "Luciano Di Leonardo", "date": "2021-01-15T12:15:00", "title": "Insanity", "text": "Stop trying to outwit nature.  Boys will be boys and girls will be girls.  If they want to change this, there are surgical options but short of that what you have is simply cross dressers.  You may try to fool nature but that is a fool's errand.  Young people who put so much stock in their gender are spending way too much time thinking about their genitals instead on concentrating on school work and adjusting to the world, instead of the other way around.  In real nature, boys...no matter how they dress...are more aggressive than girls and letting them into girls' bathrooms and locker rooms can and will lead to the disaster known as rape.  99.X % of  human beings know who and what they are so those that are confused or refuse to accept nature's decision must adjust to the real world, ruled by nature, rather than the other way around.  Don't force ridiculous rules on normal human beings. Let those that need help be helped."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90163", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T12:25:00", "title": "OPUESTA A ESTA LOCURA", "text": "Parece ser que se les a botado la canica y no saben ni cual es lo correcto o moral.  Da mucho miedo saber que nuestros hijos estan a su cuidado."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90164", "author": "Jean R", "date": "2021-01-15T12:25:00", "title": "Vehemently Oppose Transgender Guuidelines for FCPS students", "text": "In my opinion, the public school system's responsibility is to teach the basic skills in academic subjects so that the student will achieve skills in that setting.  Interfering with the personal affairs of an individual is not the responsibility of the school system  and I absolutely and vehemently oppose this intervention into the rights of the students and their families. This is a plot to take away our freedoms under the Constitution and must be thrown out!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90165", "author": "Bill R", "date": "2021-01-15T12:27:00", "title": "Vehemently Oppose Transgender Guuidelines for FCPS students", "text": "Vehemently oppose this ridiculous bill to snatch away the rights of the individual and his/her families.  This bill is an attempt to squelch our freedoms and should never see the light of day."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90166", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T12:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "The school system should be teaching children reading, writing, math, science, factual non-revisionist history, etc.  Parents have a right to know what is being taught to their children and should have every right to refuse this anti-science agenda.  There will be a generation of permanently damaged bodies one day from children being encouraged to transition when they were never actually trans in the first place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90167", "author": "Jennifer Callahan", "date": "2021-01-15T12:36:00", "title": "These Transgender mandates make no sense and I oppose them", "text": "As mother of a freshman son at a high school in Fairfax County, I very much oppose the mandates that you are setting forth here. They are ridiculous! The population of people who call themselves transgendered is minute. Mandating that ALL students and staff members change their ways of speaking when referring to a tiny population of the entire student body makes no sense whatsoever. Additionally, I absolutely cannot support the notion of allowing a child who is biologically female, into the high school locker room or bathroom with boys like my son. Again, this is ludicrous and potentially dangerous for the young woman who would attempt to do such a thing. As the mother of a high-school aged daughter, as well, I am especially concerned about her safety in a scenario such as this - which is one reason why we moved her out of the public school system and into Catholic school. Since time immemorial, people have been born either male or female. When I was pregnant with my three children - the options before me, when asking my doctor about the sex of my babies - were either MALE or FEMALE. No woman is ever pregnant or delivers a \"transgendered\" child. Such medical conditions can be documented and are extremely rare! This notion of *feeling* like a boy one day or a girl the next is simply not feasible. The science simply doesn't support it. Ask any scientist or doctor and he or she will tell you by looking at ANY person's DNA on this planet: they are unequivocally male OR female -  whether they \"feel like it today\" or not. There simply is no other option! Feelings need to be kept OUT of this argument. Asking the rest of the public school population to change the way they address this population (or whether they share a locker room with this child) for the sake of a relative few students makes no sense. This is why I respectfully ask you to please refrain from implementing these ridiculous policies and concentrate on more important initiatives, like getting our kids back to in-person school! Respectfully, Jennifer Callahan Fairfax County, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90169", "author": "Harvey and Donna Bryant", "date": "2021-01-15T13:04:00", "title": "Transgender guidelines", "text": "we oppose the proposed guidelines for transgender students for many reasons. Among them are that imposing sanctions for not using ,and requiring made-up pronouns,or those pronouns that don't reflect the biological gender of a student puts teachers, administrators, and staff in a difficult position in an already difficult job. Also, parents should be notified before and when a school allows transgender bathroom and locker room use. Parents are informed of many other behaviors /unsettling events at schools, why should this one be an exception? Where's the vaunted \"transparency\" ?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90170", "author": "EJCostello", "date": "2021-01-15T13:07:00", "title": "Let the parents, not the state, deal with their child's sexual dysphoria", "text": "Let the parents, not the state, deal with their child's sexual dysphoria.  Parents know their child and love their child more so than does the the state.  Besides, one law cannot possibly cover all cases."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90171", "author": "Emily Orser", "date": "2021-01-15T13:08:00", "title": "Thank you for caring about these wonderful and vulnerable students!", "text": "I want to express support for these policies which support and uplift our transgender children--through these policies, they will be told they are valuable and deserve protection from bullying, accepted for who they are by using their chosen names, pronouns, and bathrooms that fit the gender they feel they truly are.  They will be able to focus on their education, building strong relationships with friends, teachers, and administrators, and do their very best as students.  Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90172", "author": "Libby Hewitt", "date": "2021-01-15T14:02:00", "title": "Absolute Travesty!", "text": "The word travesty means to disguise, cross clothe, distort, or misrepresent. In the attempt to elevate a small percent of children in school, we are jeopardizing all. If a restroom for instance is no longer gender specific, girls will be at risk and unsafe to SIMPLY go to the bathroom. We already have enough problems with sexual assault, why would we literally put boys and girls out there as prey? It also opens the door to confusion for both teachers and students. Schools are not social engineering institutes; they are environments for learning. This evil is clothed as “good”when gender has never been determined by a person, but as a gift- male and female from our creator."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90173", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T14:05:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "I am opposed to the very nature of this guidance and I am appalled that this transgender mandate has reached this point with no accommodation for those who will disagree if it were to become policy.   Do not approve this measure.  It is beyond overreach!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90174", "author": "Mark Carpenter", "date": "2021-01-15T14:09:00", "title": "100% OPPOSED", "text": "My wife and I are 100% OPPOSED to this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90175", "author": "Adele Coble", "date": "2021-01-15T14:14:00", "title": "Support transgender students as a religious parent", "text": "My children will attend Fairfax County Public Schools when they are old enough and I look forward to policies like Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools being in place when they get there. Whether or not my children identify as transgender, it is crucial that every person has safe and respectful treatment at school, mandated by VDOE, with clear education and guidance that may not come from the homes, faith groups or agencies that train teachers, staff and other students to lead or navigate a school setting full of people with diverse gender expressions. My faith nurtures all people as we are all made in the image of our loving creator, our whole lives-- any argument that people of faith don't support Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools is bunk. There are plenty more parents of faith like me. As our schools support our children as they grow into bright and capable adults, we must remember the plurality of our communities and that we have to ensure children in any minority who could be targets for cruelty or any treatment that derails education must receive extra protection and the staff and teachers around them must have the language and guidance to make sure all students receive high-quality education and growth experiences. Maybe next year we can take it a step further and offer similar protection to transgender staff and faculty..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90176", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T14:17:00", "title": "Tragic & Insane", "text": "This would be government overreach to the nth degree. It opposes biological science, common sense, and parental rights. Children can't take a tylenol in school without a parent's permission yet can be \"affirmed\" in their body dysmorphia? What about school employees who don't believe in this latest trend of encouraging mental illness? What if it goes against your religion? I can't believe this is even being proposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90177", "author": "Shelley Fleming", "date": "2021-01-15T14:20:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed to VDOE Transgender Policy Proposal", "text": "The state has no business getting between parents and their children.  These types of sexual and identity issues are complex and caused by a number of variables.  How can a school employee possibly know what is best for these young people? State employees won't be there for these children.  Parents will.  These policies are evil and give the state too much power of the personal lives of its citizens.  Please do not enact them!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90179", "author": "Deirdre B.", "date": "2021-01-15T14:26:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Transgender student policies-  All students deserve to be treated with respect, I hope that goes without saying. They deserve to have a safe environment free from harassment. The majority of these policies however, go far beyond offering students what should already be their basic and universal rights, and cross the line into infringing upon parental rights and responsibilities for their children. A parent has the right to know about such monumental and possibly life altering decisions that their children are making.  In a perfect world parents would already be talking to their children about such things, but even if they aren’t schools shouldn’t have the right to supersede that relationship with no notice to the parents. Additionally, if no “evidence” is to be provided, and no student is to be questioned, and students are able to decide or change gender identity at any moment, what’s to prevent any student at any time from deciding a change in gender and going into any bathroom/ locker room they choose? It may sound absurd, but as written these policies do not protect the majority of students in these situations. Additionally, requiring all kids to wear gender neutral clothing for a small percentage of the school population is simply over reaching. Any person that is uncomfortable in “gendered” clothing should be free to wear something gender neutral- but why make other students conform to that? Where would it end? No headbands/ barrettes, bows?  It may be splitting hairs but such a policy would cause more problems than it attempts to solve. Finally, what constitutes harassment, besides the obvious forms of bullying? And why would a parent not be informed if their student was accused of it? Basic respect should always be the standard, but what of the many religions that are opposed to changing genders? Is there any protection for those students in these situations or is respectfully voicing an opinion equal to harassment and bullying?  These issues are not clearly defined. I do not support these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90181", "author": "JRE", "date": "2021-01-15T14:37:00", "title": "VDOE Seeks to Compel Speech and Institutionalize Child Sexual Abuse", "text": "The Title of this comment specifies the greatest complaint, however, there is much more to be said which will be said all too briefly. The proposals first and foremost compel speech, which in Barnette vs The West Virginia School Board, the Supreme Court compared such compelling with the Nazi and Bolshevik reeducation camps. If the VDOE is and to enact such policies, it does so in direct hatred of the free speech and the rule of law. All citizens should stand up refuse these policies in court if they are ever to be enacted. Therefore, if VDOE chooses to adopt these policies, then VDOE stands in history with the likes of the Bolsheviks and the Nazis. Furthermore, the policies aim at forcing sodomite propaganda (and action which is in itself sexual abuse of the child) down the children's throats and creates a space by which the school institution groom the children for both future standard sexual abuse and medical genital mutilation. The proposals effectively criminalize the parenting of children by any who hold to the ideas about the family that are common to all world religions. The proposals further deny students due process and representation when in alleged conflict to these insane and abusive, including removing the protection of the parent. If VDOE adopts these policies, then VDOE for all intents and purposes acts as a sex offender and will doom a generation of kids to damage the equivalent of which is rape. All parents should stand up against these policies for the sake of their children by any means necessary. There is no excuse for any parent to allow a children to be so afflicted by the deranged lunatics at the VDOE. The disgusting nature of these proposals would cause any sane person to react in anger and it is a wonder that VDOE bureaucrats can act the part of pedophiles without legal retribution from the people who the apparently aim to abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90182", "author": "Brenda C. Martin", "date": "2021-01-15T14:39:00", "title": "Proposed transgender policy under consideration for Virginia schools", "text": "I strongly oppose this transgender policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90183", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T14:41:00", "title": "If it passes, the VDOE will endanger all students and parents", "text": "If the proposal passes, all parents should come together and suit the VDOE for supporting pedophilliac grooming policies and seeking to endanger students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90184", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T14:55:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "I am opposed to this policy. STOP THE MADNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90185", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T14:56:00", "title": "Bureaucrats behind these policies should be fired", "text": "The sadistic minds that would come up with these criminally insane policy proposals have no business working in education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90186", "author": "George Moltz", "date": "2021-01-15T14:58:00", "title": "Proposed Virginia Transgender Policy", "text": "God created male and female sexes.  No others have been created.  Where did all these others come from recently.  It cannot be explained."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90187", "author": "Werner A, Lind", "date": "2021-01-15T15:08:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "The proposed \"guidance document\" ignores biological reality in favor of an anti-science ideology which inflicts irreparable physical and emotional harm on children.  It is not \"scientific\" to pretend that genetically-coded sexuality does not exist and that gender is a purely artificial and arbitrary construct.  It is not \"enlightened\" or \"compassionate\" to exploit temporary feelings of gender confusion (which are common among adolescents) in order to subject teens and even pre-teens to manipulative \"counseling\" that pushes them toward gender dysphoria (and even to agreeing to irreversible genital and other physical mutilations, which many victims subsequently regret), while criminalizing attempts by any caring adults in their lives to help them be comfortable in their body.  Moreover, the document violates legally established parental rights, infringes on basic freedom of speech, subjects children of both genders to invasions of private spaces by members of the other, and requires biological females to compete in sports against biological males.  If they are adopted, they will be challenged in court and invalidated, but only after considerable tax money is wasted in trying to defend this ideologically motivated folly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90188", "author": "Kimberly", "date": "2021-01-15T15:08:00", "title": "Opposed at all costs!", "text": "First, the idea is utterly absurd that gender is fluid.  Please wake up out of this nonsense! Of course, there have been many creative expressions of gender that were normative for that particular society throughout history.  For example, in some royal courts of the past, men dressed more fancy than, or at least as much as, the women as a standard norm in that society.  But the men were still men and the women were still women. Nobody questioned that. It is true insanity to believe otherwise. Second, for any child that is struggling with identity in any way, the school should NOT be DISCOURAGING the student from dealing with those emotional, mental, and sometimes spiritual issues away from their family, but SHOULD ENCOURAGE the student to work this out with full parental involvement. For it is within the FAMILY STRUCTURE that children learn and grow into who they are, not the STATE STRUCTURE. The state should be in the business of encouraging and promoting strong FAMILIES, not intruding into and taking over for the family in a government school setting. Third, how dare you ignore those children and families who live by the basis laws of nature as male or female and thrust this nonsense on them in a way that causes confusion at the least and possibly a loss of innocence and bodily privacy by allowing anyone to use any bathroom or locker room. That is by basic definition, sexual assault!!! DO NOT DO THIS TO OUR SCHOOL KIDS! Please get back to focusing on reading, writing, and arithmetic and encourage STRONG FAMILIES to help their children grow up in other ways as best seen fit by THEIR PARENTS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90189", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T15:16:00", "title": "I DISAGREE! NOT GOOD, NO NO NO NO NO!", "text": "I Strongly Disapprove of this Radical Push to eliminate differences between females and males and the brainwashing of our children and grandchildren. God created us as we should be...not to change it. STOP CONFUSING CHILDREN. STOP PUSHING CRAP INTO THEIR BRAINS. Thank you for hearing my comments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90190", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T15:19:00", "title": "Only Bigots Support these Policies.", "text": "Policies requires that no family can safely transmit their ethnic, cultural, or religious values and beliefs to their children - state threatens to take children away for their ethnic values."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90191", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T15:20:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "As a teacher for 6th grade, I understand my particular age is vital for growth and development. My girls specifically need a safe place, apart from eyes of boys."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90192", "author": "Raegan A.", "date": "2021-01-15T15:24:00", "title": "This policy harms ALL children", "text": "I fully support policy that keeps children safe and makes sure they are treated equally. This policy DOES NOT do that. It instead encourages the possibility of school employees keeping VITAL information from parents regarding their child's gender and sexual identity--usurping parental authority and allowing a child to live two separate lives at school vs. at home. In what context would it ever be considered \"safe\" for a child to lie to their parents? This policy also leaves children vulnerable when using restrooms and locker rooms--subjecting them to use the bathroom and change in front of the opposite biological sex. Would you feel comfortable making a 13-year-old biological female completely undress in front of a 17 or 18-year-old biological male? This policy simply does not take into consideration the emotional or even physical safety of children when placing them in these potentially vulnerable situations. We know that sexual abuse is RAMPANT in schools and this policy is only further opening the door to this. These are only two of the many reasons why I oppose this policy. Listen to your concerned parents and citizens. I hope the DOE can step up and suggest thoughtful policy that ACTUALLY protects the well-being of all children instead of simply answering to the demands of a certain ideology or political policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90193", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T15:35:00", "title": "The devil is the author of confusion", "text": "I Corinthians 14:33. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (KJV). It is apparent that the devil has sunk his teeth deeply into governmental officials and policies. The morals, values and Biblical principles that this great country and state were founded upon are getting thrown to the side for the agenda of the truly spiritual confused elected officials. May God be with us if this passes, but I object to this notion"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90194", "author": "Kathleen Milks", "date": "2021-01-15T15:42:00", "title": "Vehemently Oppose Transgender Guuidelines for FCPS students", "text": "Vehemently Oppose Transgender Guuidelines for FCPS students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90195", "author": "Anoymous", "date": "2021-01-15T15:46:00", "title": "No !", "text": "I Strongly Disapprove of this Radical Push to eliminate differences between females and males and the brainwashing of our children and grandchildren. God created us as we should be...not to change it. STOP CONFUSING CHILDREN. STOP PUSHING CRAP INTO THEIR BRAINS. Thank you for hearing my comments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90196", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T15:52:00", "title": "Transgender school policies", "text": "God created male and female and nothing in-between or extra. All this transgender stuff in schools is wrong and harming our children!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90197", "author": "Adam", "date": "2021-01-15T15:57:00", "title": "This Virginia Father and Teacher Opposes", "text": "As a father and public school teacher, I am opposed to these model policies.  Before I detail the specifics of what I find most troubling, I’d like to say a word about where we agree.  It will not take long.  We agree that “all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment” (Model Policies, pg 8).  After that guiding principle, our methods diverge drastically. I disagree with the belief that “gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six” as cited in these Model Policies.  Although you cite studies that support this claim, these studies are as old as 2015 and as recent as 2020.  This evidence fails to demonstrate the longitudinal studies that are needed to document the long-term effects of choosing or affirming one’s gender at age five to six and how this decision affects one’s overall happiness and health throughout life if it differs from the gender at birth.  These policies are a hasty acceptance of an ideology that is in great need of more supporting evidence.  I am disturbed by their trust and willingness to embrace and promote ideas that could very well be harmful to children. Furthermore, I strongly disagree with the Policies’ intentions to support and affirm students in lieu of their parents’ support and perhaps in opposition to it.  The claim that “there are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity” as described on page 12 is troubling.  Where else is this philosophy supported in public education? As a teacher, I know that schools routinely notify parents about a student’s visits to the nurse and about their struggles and successes in classes.  How much more is it important to work with parents on an issue involving their child’s sexuality!  Moreover, the Policies’ intentions to “be prepared to support the safety and welfare of students when their families are not affirming” as described on page 13 is startling.  Schools should support parents as the primary educators, not strive to supplant them.  It is parents who partner with schools to educate their children, and this document suggests that it is the school system and the state that get the power to direct a child’s future over their parent’s wishes, as seen in the first paragraph on page 13.  This is a dangerous precedent, one that is not entitled to the school system or the state, and one that I oppose most strongly. Finally, I am disturbed to read that “school divisions should accept a student’s assertion of their gender identity without requiring any particular substantiating evidence, including diagnosing, treatment, or legal documents” and that they do not require a “minimum duration of expressed gender identity,” as stated on page 12. Again, where else is this philosophy promoted in public education?  Rightly so, students are required to obtain vaccines and undergo sports physicals to demonstrate their fitness and health, and to show medical evidence of this before coming to school or participating in sports.  Will the school also stop seeking evidence of these for similar concerns about privacy?  To best support the mental health of students, schools should seek to collaborate with doctors, parents, and other medical professionals as equal members of a team instead of assuming that they are the sole arbiter of any child’s gender identity. As stated above, I find these Model Policies very problematic and potentially harmful to the students they seek to support and to the community at large.  All students deserve a “safe and supportive school climate,” and all students also deserve a safe and supportive home climate.  These policies have the potential to drive a wedge between students, their parents, and their families in their own home.  The VDOE would do well to remember that it was this home that was a student’s first school, that it was the parents who were their first teachers, and that it is the parents who remain their primary educators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90198", "author": "Sharon Metro", "date": "2021-01-15T15:59:00", "title": "I Vehemently OPPOSE the bill in progress that will push the LGBTQ, etc. agenda in Virginia schools", "text": "Though I do not currently have any children or grandchildren in the Virginia public school system, I unequivocally OPPOSE the installation of a new initiative teaching Virginia's school kids favorable to the LGBTQ agenda.  This type of training should be done from the home, at the parent's behest and in as the parents see fit - NO ONE else!  Any legislative body that would promote this is far overstepping their boundaries, and when up for election, any in my district, will be voted OUT.  I do plan on telling my friends who feel the same on these issues about this, all of them Virginians, too.  This is NOT acceptable \"education\" for our kids, period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90199", "author": "Caitlin Vauaghan", "date": "2021-01-15T16:00:00", "title": "Please consider the safety of our girls", "text": "All people should be protected and treated with dignity, including those who are confused about their sex or gender, but that does not mean they should be allowed to force everyone else to participate in their confusion. I have two young girls in the public school system and am deeply concerned about the risk this puts them at. I would like to continue to have them participate in public education, but will be forced to look into other options if the outlines provided are enacted in my county."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90200", "author": "Theresia Mares", "date": "2021-01-15T16:02:00", "title": "Absolutely NOT", "text": "When the government encroaches on the education of sexual orientation it encroaches on freedom of religion.  Believing in the bible and what the bible teaches conflicts with the current secular ideology being promoted by this proposal.  It is not only wrong, it is totally opposed to the constitution and to the reason this country was founded in the first place.  People came here to escape persecution for their religious views.  Shame on you for even considering it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91610", "author": "Erica Werfel", "date": "2021-01-27T14:34:00", "title": "Support transgender needs", "text": "I am a therapist who has worked with transgender minors. Allowing them to use the proper bathroom, the one that fits their gender identity, is deeply important. It does not harm anyone; there are no negatives to allowing transgender youth to use the bathroom that fits their gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91611", "author": "Dan Smith", "date": "2021-01-27T14:39:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans students are children. Their identity is who they are. When we, as a society, let one marginalized group suffer under the heel of bigotry, we take ownership in the cause of that suffering. Whether or not your personal faith supports trans children, although it is their choice, please recognize that their suffering from bullies, both young & old, is your decision. We can choose to prevent cruelty to children, as a society, starting from our government."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91612", "author": "Carolyn Lukas", "date": "2021-01-27T14:46:00", "title": "Protect GIRLS Opportunities and SAFETY", "text": "As the mother of three daughters (and two sons) I know how important athletics are to development and self-confidence. I also know WHY there are teams for girls and boys in the first place:  Because there are real physical differences between males and females, which mean that, on average, if males and females compete against each other females simply will not win. Often, they will not even be in the running. We have seen how this works in Connecticut and Texas, as competitions meant for females end up being dominated by males. This doesn't mean that transgendered students shouldn't be treated with respect or allowed to participate in any athletic program.  Yet we must reserve female athletic competitions for those with female bodies.  If we do not, we risk having girls consistently losing to those who were born as boys (which is already happening throughout the country).  It will destroy the progress that girls have made in terms of athletic participation and in terms of continuing to play sports in college."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91613", "author": "Pat", "date": "2021-01-27T14:52:00", "title": "Safety for our girls and staff", "text": "This policy is extremely dangerous for our girls, opening them up to assaults by men posing as girls. Giving kids the leverage over faculty they don't like is extremely dangerous and will get out of hand. Unacceptable policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91614", "author": "Debbie Czarniecki", "date": "2021-01-27T14:53:00", "title": "Oppose teaching children about sexual transgender", "text": "Children are at school to learn reading, writing and math. Not to have a social issue be taught. Children can’t decide if they want to wear a blue shirt or a pink shirt. How do you think they can decide if they want to change their body to be something else? This is ridiculous!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91615", "author": "R Carter", "date": "2021-01-27T14:54:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am an educator in the public school system of Virginia. These policies will cause more harm and confusion within our schools. This whole transgender concept goes against logic, science, and God. We can treat all people with respect and dignity without being radical and political."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91617", "author": "Amanda Christman", "date": "2021-01-27T15:12:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance for schools to support trans and non-binary students. There are so many kids in our schools who dearly need this support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91618", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T15:12:00", "title": "Do not support", "text": "I do not support this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91619", "author": "Stephen Anderson", "date": "2021-01-27T15:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation. This will damage children’s perception about themselves and provide ample opportunities for abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91620", "author": "Cynthia V", "date": "2021-01-27T15:37:00", "title": "I Strongly Oppose Eradication of Gender Distinction", "text": "I oppose your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate distinctions between males and females. These guidelines, for those who believe people are born male or female, would create confusion, fear and emotional trauma not only for children who are developing their sense of identity, but also for their parents who are tasked with teaching them how to navigate the real world while in the more protective environment of the home. Additionally, it undermines a parent’s role and authority in raising their own children according to their conscience, the essence of human nature and families, who are the foundation of a healthy society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91621", "author": "Margie Lyons", "date": "2021-01-27T15:40:00", "title": "Very strongly oppose for the health of the child and family", "text": "To confuse a child concerning their gender when they are actually either male or female is a diabolical and heinous crime. Do not pass this education legislation which causes an identity crisis in the child, if you really love children, the family, and America."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91622", "author": "JOY V", "date": "2021-01-27T15:44:00", "title": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I oppose your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate distinctions between males and females. These guidelines, for those who believe people are born male or female, would create confusion, fear and emotional trauma not only for children who are developing their sense of identity, but also for their parents who are tasked with teaching them how to navigate the real world while in the more protective environment of the home.  Additionally, it undermines a parent’s role and authority in raising their own children according to their conscience, the essence of human nature and families, who are the foundation of a healthy society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91623", "author": "Toby", "date": "2021-01-27T15:46:00", "title": "Transgender in schools", "text": "This is a private decision, not forced on by the Gv't. or school board !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91624", "author": "Erica Kenney", "date": "2021-01-27T15:47:00", "title": "Transgender students", "text": "This is beyond protecting some children - it's indoctrinating all children .  Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91625", "author": "David Klein", "date": "2021-01-27T15:56:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly and enthusiastically support this guidance in support of our trans students. It is vitally important that trans students feel safe and welcomed in our schools, and this guidance makes that possible. Additionally, the science is clear and unequivocal that the idea of there only being \"two sexes\" or \"two genders\" is completely wrong. Whether you look at chromosomes, physical characteristics, or gender expression, they are never bifurcated into just two possibilities - there is a wide spectrum of each of these. So there is absolutely no basis to claim that science refutes this guidance, when the opposite is true: this guidance is is grounded in sound science and it should absolutely be enacted state-wide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91626", "author": "Erica Claybaugh", "date": "2021-01-27T15:59:00", "title": "STRONGLY Support!", "text": "An accepted and supported transgender child is a HAPPY and HEALTHY child! The science supports transgender identities. It does NOT support any claims that transgender children are a threat to themselves or others. Every child deserves a safe and supportive school environment!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91627", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T16:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Lord come in the rapture!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91628", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T16:07:00", "title": "Listen to science (Dr. Paul McHugh and Dr. Michelle Cretella) ignore Democrats", "text": "Approximately 75% to 95% of children who experience transgender feelings spontaneously lose those feelings over time , typically during or after puberty. Dr. Paul McHugh, Dr. Michelle Cretella, and the American Psychological Association's Handbook of Sexuality and Psychology should guide policy, not the socialists trying to grab power. The term \"liberal\" used to mean freedom from government control in our private lives.  The honorable Mr. Harvey Milk would be utterly ashamed and horrified at the modern Democrat party.  The Democrat party used to say that the government should get out of the bedrooms of homosexuals; now the Democrats in Virginia want to get inside the pants of children in schools.  It is disgusting. The B in LGBTQ nullifies about 3/4 of the \"Model Policy\" under review.  Simple logic. Clutching the banner of \"look at these victims we're trying to help,\" the Democrats charge forward with an illusory and delusional goal of standing up for the rights of transgender students. To transgender students:  The Democrats are lying to you.  They don't care about you.  They will use your victim-value and discard you like they have done with many others. If you are a transgender person or have children who are transgender, oppose the Democrat's pathway to new legislation.  This will bring nothing but new regulations, waste, and will divert schools away from what they should be:  A free, fair, open, and honest forum for the learning of facts. Not the disregard of science that is encapsulated in the proposed \"Model Policies.\" The current document under review purports not to apply to athletics; that is because they understand that if they started permitting those born as boys to compete with those born as girls, it will result in massive harm to the girls.  Bet the barn on it:  next year the Democrats will expand this policy to athletics. But this is the insidious methodology of the Democrats; it follows the classic Marxist destruction:  Demoralize, destabilize, create a crisis, and normalize. Rinse repeat. The Democrats say anyone who doesn't support their LGBTQ policies are evil (demoralize), they say you (anyone who will listen) should hate those anti-LGBTQ Nazis (destabilize), that LGBTQ children are being bullied and are at risk of suicide (fake crisis that ignores the data), and ultimately, propose policies such as what are before us today (normalize).  This is a cycle that has gone back decades and will not stop. When they use up the victim-value of a group through this cycle, they move on to another victim. Stop the cycle, stop misgendering children, don't let these policies be adopted in any form; reclaim our schools and permit school choice, vouchers, charter schools, and let the poor send their children to rich schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91629", "author": "Julie Gunlock", "date": "2021-01-27T16:13:00", "title": "Support Women and Girls!", "text": "As a mother of a Virginia public school student, I am deeply disturbed by this proposal, which will not only harm young girls and women, but allow public schools to deny parents information about their own child’s developmental issues and undermine a parent’s role their child’s life. The proposal states that schools, not parents, are the ones who should help a student make decisions about “gender identity.” In fact, the proposal states (emphasis mine), “Regardless of the circumstances, the school should support the student’s need for privacy and not disclose a student’s gender identity to other students or parents .” Further, the proposal seeks to punish parents who might question a child’s decisions to change their “gender identity,” by allowing public school staff to report parents for “abuse” if they are not supportive of their child’s decision to identify as a different gender than their sex at birth. The proposal also raises safety issues in that any student who simply self-identifies as another gender no matter their sex at birth and without any evidence that such identity has been asserted for any sort of duration, can use the same bathroom, changing facility, or overnight accusations, as those of a different biological sex. For young women and especially women who have survived physical abuse and sexual assault, sharing a bathroom with or having to remove clothing in front of an individual who was born and might even have gone through puberty as the opposite sex (which means they will likely still look like a member of the opposite sex in size and physical characteristics), can be very traumatic. Please consider the damage these policies will do not just to women and girls, but also to the parental bonds that are critical to a child’s healthy development."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91630", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T16:18:00", "title": "Strongly oppose these policy changes.", "text": "Science is real: people are born with chromosomes that identify them as male or female. Let us not pretend that reality does not exist, and with it the fact that genitalia also identify biological sex (and the abnormalities are the exceptions that prove the rule). What people want to do with their own bodies is their right. But stop the nonsense of pretending biology does not exist. Not only is it nonsense, but it makes a mockery of the progress of feminism for the last half century."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91631", "author": "Karen Anderson", "date": "2021-01-27T16:25:00", "title": "Strongly Object", "text": "Gender identity is completely subjective and known only to the person. Students can opt to \"change\" their gender identity based on whichever whim suits them for that day. The notion that biological males can decide to identify as a female and then use girls' facilities is a violation of girls' privacy and modesty. The fact this can happen without parents being informed their daughters' privacy is being violated in such a way is an egregious affront to sanctity of the family and the trust between the school and the parents. These guidelines are based on concepts that are anti-science and anti-biology. It is going to cause confusion and harm to children--I believe it is tantamount to child abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91632", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T16:41:00", "title": "Strongly object", "text": "Think of the young women and men who will be in unnecessarily exposed to intimate parts of the opposite sex, in the locker rooms. A male who \"identifies as female\" in an all women's locker room for a gym class is completely inappropriate. How will the young ladies in there have the room for modesty? Comfort? Privacy? Security? And the young ladies who \"identify as male\" in the male locker rooms?? Is that safe for HER?? They are CHILDREN, too young to give consent, sexually, some, too young to drive, too young to smoke, too young to VOTE (some), therefore, and too young to know better, mentally and emotionally to oppose to the sexual trauma that will occur in these locker rooms from the unwarranted exposure and uncomfort in changing in front of the opposite sex. This is perverse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91633", "author": "Florence Catlett", "date": "2021-01-27T16:43:00", "title": "The dying educational system", "text": "how can you find it acceptable as a society to brainwash our children into believing it is not acceptable to be who they were born to be?  Glad created us as men and women ONLY and there is no justification for allowing our children to be brainwashed and attacked for being who they are. I will NOT ALLOW my children to be in a school system that thinks starting children as early as five to be fought false ideology about genders and being told that there are more than 2 genders and they can change their gender.  You are preying on our children and their hormonal normal development and sterilizing a generation that is meant to be strong and fight for what is right. I do not and will not accept this type of education into the minds of my children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91634", "author": "M. M.  RN Ret.", "date": "2021-01-27T16:54:00", "title": "Opposed to this confusion", "text": "In God's divine created order there are only two genders.  In the first book in the Bible (Genesis ) it states..... So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them (mankind).  And God blessed them....  There is a blessing with staying within God's divine created order.  There are boundaries; there is order and it is good.  Anything else outside this is called \"gender confusion\".  Confusion is exactly what the name states  .. it means:  a lack of understanding  ... a breakdown of order ... a disorderly jumble ... unclear in ones mind about something.   These things result in the inability to focus attention;  impairment of awareness and spatial dis-orientation.  This leads to the loss of ability to think with clarity. Please let the children.. be children, not adults.  Some may need a gentle, loving Counselor to address some emotional/spiritual problems in their lives.  Some may feel forsaken; unwanted and unloved and want attention.  Please do not exploit them ... you will have to answer directly to God  if you do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91635", "author": "Robert Petris", "date": "2021-01-27T16:54:00", "title": "I strongly support these model policies for transgender students", "text": "Equal is equal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91636", "author": "Stephen Feild", "date": "2021-01-27T16:55:00", "title": "Stongly Object", "text": "Please reconsider this policy. Every child—including those struggling with sexual confusion—should feel safe and protected from harassment. However this proposed policy goes well beyond protection. It undermines the role of parents, and gives too much of their role to civil servants. It goes beyond the need for every child to be safe and accepted, and expects those with genuine faith-based disagreements to positively affirm something they cannot without violating conscience. Those with deep religious convictions should also feel safe and protected from harassment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91637", "author": "Karen Jones", "date": "2021-01-27T16:57:00", "title": "No way, Virgina!", "text": "There is no way the state of Virginia should trump parents' rights when it comes to making decisions for their children. Representatives from the health department, or any other organization for that matter, should not have the right to discuss private information with children without their parents knowledge or permission."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91638", "author": "Concern Parent", "date": "2021-01-27T16:57:00", "title": "Very Concerned", "text": "I am very concerned that as written, this legislation puts a wedge between parents and their children.  Prohibiting notification about preferred pronouns and changes made at school concerning preferred names creates an “us versus them” situation- it assumes that all parents are going to be hostile instead of including them in this important step of their child’s development. Parents, not the school administration, are ultimately responsible for their child’s well-being and this bill should reflect the essential role of parents to help their child make decisions and grow. I am very concerned about giving school administrators directives to hide information that pertains to their child from parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91639", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T16:57:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!! BOYS DO NOT BELONG IN GIRLS BATHROOMS/LOCKER ROOMS!!!", "text": "The parent makes the decisions not the teachers and the government!  No you can't have boys just walk in to a girls bathroom or locker room.  How on earth are you going to determine if a boy truly feels like a girl so they get access to innocent girls using the bathroom/locker rooms.  So much more to write but not enough room.  Boys and girls not having to wear proper clothing... WHAT!!!! All students can decide which locker room to go in!!!  What??? Do you want your daughter or grand-daughter in a bathroom with men.  This is an open invitation for someone to take advantage and harm a child.   I STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91640", "author": "Alex Penland", "date": "2021-01-27T17:00:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT as a former student", "text": "I am a former student of Loudoun and Fairfax counties, and inclusive policies like this one would have been life-changing for me. I'm nearly 30 now and still identify as gender non-conforming; the proposed changes here are evidence-based and could be life-saving. Please, please adopt these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91641", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T17:01:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Strongly object. Boys do not need to be in girls bathrooms!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91642", "author": "Donovan Hendrick", "date": "2021-01-27T17:01:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE your filthy perversions", "text": "We The People demand you withdraw this filthy, insane, demonic perversion on our children. If you want to be involved in filthy, insane demonic perversions, it is suggested that you go get a job at the Clinton Foundation (or become a priest)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91643", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T17:04:00", "title": "Terrible idea", "text": "The government has taken a mental issue and labeled it as normal. I agree that we need to help folks suffering from this mental disorder, but it should be in the way of cognitive therapy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91644", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T17:04:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools)", "text": "Strongly, strongly object to the inclusion of school policies that would enforce transgender promotion in taxpayer funded schools/programs and that violate the bodily privacy and safety of our children!   Sex education and gender discussions are in the role of the parent, not the school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91646", "author": "Thomas Miller", "date": "2021-01-27T17:05:00", "title": "Strongly support this legislation", "text": "Students need to be treated with dignity, fairness and compassion.  Their needs as transgender and non-binary individuals must be attended to as provided in the VDOE Model Policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91647", "author": "Anne", "date": "2021-01-27T17:07:00", "title": "Transgender recognition and bathrooms", "text": "Please do not contribute to the perversion of our country by making transgender recognition mandatory publicly. This is an outrage and very offensive to males and females across our state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91648", "author": "Kurt Hubach, MD", "date": "2021-01-27T17:08:00", "title": "Transgender recognition", "text": "As a medical doctor, I strongly OPPOSE transgender recognition; it only contributes to confusion, depression, anxiety and often suicide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91649", "author": "Trygve Gaalaas", "date": "2021-01-27T17:09:00", "title": "I Strongly Oppose...", "text": "...many aspects of the new Guidance Document regarding the teaching on transgender issues in Virginia's public schools. Specifically: 1) We should not mandate that Virginia's public school teachers teach on these issues, which are very personal, and are better handled by families and/or qualified mental health professionals. 2) Public school teachers who know that a particular student is struggling with gender identity issues should not be allowed to conceal that fact from parents. 3) Biologically male students should not be allowed to use female bathrooms or locker rooms (or vice versa).   It is critical to both the physical safety and the mental and emotional health of our children, that each gender should be taught to respect the privacy and the physical boundaries of the other gender. Trygve Gaalaas"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91650", "author": "Herb Shaffer", "date": "2021-01-27T17:09:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "It saddens me that we have come to the point where we have to teach a child that they can \"be\" any gender they want to be regardless of the fact they were born with a certain gender.  What is even worse is that we have to teach a child what sexual orientation they can \"be.\"  Just let children be children and when they are adults they can \"choose.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91651", "author": "Brenda Kline", "date": "2021-01-27T17:10:00", "title": "Education of Our Students Needs to Be On Core Subjects", "text": "The time that our students spend on school related studies is valuable.  Our teachers are hired to teach our children how to be good citizens, teach life skills and core curriculums.  Teaching about the transgender lifestyle or other lifestyles has no place in our schools. Teaching about alternative lifestyles does not help our child to thrive in a competitive world or be ready for the workforce.  The educational system needs to step back and refocus on scholastics. Sincerely, Brenda Kline"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91652", "author": "Ron Quasebarth", "date": "2021-01-27T17:11:00", "title": "Transgender Changes in Education", "text": "Do we really need this? Show us the study that proves it. This is yet another misguided culture war missile serving little or no purpose. No."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91653", "author": "Ron Quasebarth", "date": "2021-01-27T17:16:00", "title": "No on transgender changes, please focus on openning the schools", "text": "This is unnecessary and maybe harmful legislation that will solve nothing. Please focus on re-opening schools instead."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91654", "author": "Sarah and Leonard Cruz", "date": "2021-01-27T17:19:00", "title": "Revision to Proposed Transgender policy", "text": "In response to the new Transgender Policies for School Districts in Virginia: In the section regarding Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination the proposed policy states: “The [School Division] prohibits any and all discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, national original, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints. The [School Division’s 11 Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level”(page10). We emphatically agree with these protections for students’ safety and wellness. All children are wonderfully made for good works.  They are to be unconditionally loved and welcomed into schools and learning environments.  They must be afforded equal opportunities to prosper with a bright future of achievement and hope. There are sections that infringe on the sovereignty of families and religious freedoms and conflict with current Virginia code. In the section Student Privacy and Confidentiality, t he proposed policy states: “ All school personnel shall adhere to legal standards of confidentiality relating to information about a student’s transgender status, legal name, or gender assigned at birth. In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest” (page 12). This sentence must be revised to remove the words “and parents” in order for school personnel to partner with parents and families for student success. Parents must still have authority over their student and be informed of any gender expression different than sex assignment. School personnel must inform the parent or guardian if the student has expressed a different gender expression than the sex assignment for three reasons: 1. Healthy school culture is built upon parent/family and school partnerships  2. Current Virginia Code calls for parent notification for health concerns § 22.1-272.1. Responsibility to contact parent of student at imminent risk; and 3. parents have access to educational records per 20 U.S.C. § 1232g FERPA and Virginia code § 22.1-287.1. Parent and community relationships are a hallmark in high performing schools with a healthy culture. The National Parent Teacher Association states, “ Parents know that they play an important role in their child’s success. But traditional family engagement practices don’t always meet the needs of each and every family, nor treat them as equal partners in ensuring their child’s success. Family-School partnerships often focus primarily on academic success, but whole child development i s also an essential part of the conversation. Parents must be informed albeit delicately and with a trusted counselor present if a child has asked to be referred to as a different gender than registered. According to the research completed by the Institute of Education Services on family and school partnerships, “ Parent and community engagement depends on strong, trusting relationships…part of developing such relationships is building a bridge between home and school cultures”(Gorinski & Fraser, 2006). In addition, The Toolkit for Engaging Families and Communities as Partners in Education goes on to state that trust is defined as “an individual’s or group’s willingness to be vulnerable to another party based on the confidence that the latter party is benevolent, reliable, competent, honest, and open” (Hoy & Tschannen-Moran, 2003, p. 189). If families are to trust teachers and other educators, they must believe that school personnel are qualified, fair, and dependable, and have their child’s best interest at heart (Bryk & Schneider, 2002). To do anything else is divisive and subverts that parent’s authority in the child’s life. Interactions between the school staff and the families are based on trust and mutual care for the student. Knowing that LGBTQ students often have increased thoughts of suicide and depression, it would make sense that Virginia follow it’s current policy of reporting to parents if a student is at imminent risk for suicide per § 22.1-272.1. Parents have a legal right to inspect all educational records per FERPA 1974. If a student makes a request to affirm their gender identity this must be shared with the parent. Additionally, the concept that the name/pronoun a student asserts at school would not be disclosed to a family is counterintuitive to the most basic provision of FERPA “ Schools may disclose, without consent, \"directory\" information such as a student's name,”  FERPA calls for schools to disclose this directory information to parents,  “However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information.” The section Student Identification the proposed policy states: “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” This should be revised to state:  School staff shall, at the request of a student with the consent of the parent in writing, address the student using the asserted name and pronoun that correspond to their gender identity. As a name is a basic requirement for enrollment in all school districts in the state per every district website that is supplied with substantiating evidence, a paper or electronic form can be used to document the student’s preferred name and pronoun with parent consent. Forms are required for most declarations regarding sex per Virginia code §32.1-6. There can be nothing more damaging to the trusting relationship between the school system and a family than withholding mental and physical wellness information about a student.  All Virginia families will concur that the parent has moral authority over the student until 18, and has the responsibility to influence their student’s identity until the child reaches the age of majority per Virginia state code §1-13.42 . Consequently, children must defer to parents for guidance during this period of time. References Goddard, R., Tschannen-Moran, M., & Hoy, W. (2001). A multilevel examination of the distribution effects of teacher trust in students and parents in urban elementary schools. The Elementary School Journal, 102(1), 3–17. http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ637784 Goodwin, L., & King, S. (2002). Culturally responsive parental involvement: Concrete understanding & basic strategies. Washington, DC: American Association. www.NPTA.ORG"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91655", "author": "Mr James Helberg", "date": "2021-01-27T17:21:00", "title": "Stuck on Stupid", "text": "Males are males, females are females, regardless of their \"orientation\".  There is simply no other way, rational, scientific, religious, or otherwise, to see it.  Virginia is stuck on stupid."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91656", "author": "Austin abricker", "date": "2021-01-27T17:21:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "As a father of four, I strongly OPPOSE transgender recognition; it only contributes to confusion, depression, anxiety and often suicide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91657", "author": "Mary Beth", "date": "2021-01-27T17:23:00", "title": "Stick to the basics", "text": "With school curriculum being halted and disjointed due to the Covid Pandemic, my children and students’ needs are NOT being met.  Adding additional topics of opinion into the curriculum will only take time away from the children learning about reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies. The education of topics like endorsing special interest groups including transsexual topocs belongs at home and should be taught by the parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91658", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T17:23:00", "title": "LGTBQ Guidelines for Schools", "text": "Oppose !!! Once a male ALWAYS a male. Once a female ALWAYS a female. Quit abusing children and don't mutilate them !!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91659", "author": "Parent of 3 daughters in Virginia Public Schools", "date": "2021-01-27T17:25:00", "title": "Oppose- disregards privacy and safety of girls and erases achievement of female athletes", "text": "This policy sets in place the special interests of certain students as more protected than others. When girls who follow their biological gender are required to share their safe spaces (school bathrooms, changing rooms) with those who identify as female but are biologically male, their rights are disregarded and their personal safety is compromised. It also clearly discriminates against female student athletes who follow their biological gender and will now be competing against student athletes who identify as female gender but are biological males. This completely disregards the distinct physical differences between a biological male and a biological female in regards to physical capacity, strength, etc. Simply compare any elite biological male and biological female who compete in similar events (ie: 100 meter freestyle, 400 meter races)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91660", "author": "Denise Johnson", "date": "2021-01-27T17:25:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose! No protection for teachers, families and students with Biblical beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91661", "author": "Laura Corbett", "date": "2021-01-27T17:26:00", "title": "Transgender school policy", "text": "Here is another example of government over reach. This time deep into our families. It condradicts natural law, goes against what even small children understand about boys and girls, and even seems to have the goal of forcing teachers to comply by participating in something that goes against all that makes sense. Can't we love children who are having difficulties without destroying all else?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91662", "author": "Carolyn Lawson", "date": "2021-01-27T17:32:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91663", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T17:44:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender guidance in schools", "text": "I oppose school interference in transgender matters.  Psychologists say that children often change their minds about this major decision, which, if pursued medically, can be irreversible. To require identification labels makes sexual identity the prominent issue in school, instead of learning.  Also, regulations about sexual identity may violate a family’s sincerely held religious beliefs. Why has the education system pivoted from traditional subject matter to political issues, especially since the quality of American education doesn’t compete well with other countries?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91664", "author": "Rev. Rob Vaughn, Ph.D.", "date": "2021-01-27T17:47:00", "title": "Strongly Support Model School Policy", "text": "As a local church pastor and educator I strongly support the model school policy for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia's public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91665", "author": "Diana Price", "date": "2021-01-27T17:50:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support these model policies for the treatment of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91666", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T17:59:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I oppose school interference in transgender matters.  Psychologists say that children often change their minds about this major decision, which, if pursued medically, can be irreversible. I would not want to see my girl in the same change lock room with the transgender, nor to see them in the sport competitions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91667", "author": "L. Blum", "date": "2021-01-27T17:59:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "We are confusing our children and teaching them to be SCIENCE DENIERS.  Pretending isn't science!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91668", "author": "Karen Hammersley", "date": "2021-01-27T18:00:00", "title": "Transgender policy in public schools.", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this legislation. This policy is unfair to the other students at school and would expose them and put them at risk."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91669", "author": "Brian Kilpatrick, MD. Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine", "date": "2021-01-27T18:03:00", "title": "Transgender bills that are not rooted in classical genetics are flawed at the core.", "text": "I am a board certified Internal Medicine and Pediatrics physician.  I have been trained in biology and genetics.  There is no science that supports the transgender movement as opposed to a classical understanding of male (XY) and female (XX).  One’s “maleness” or “femaleness” is fixed by genetics.  You can argue against this and/or pretend it is not true, but any deviation from this fact is only based on one’s psychological state, which can change over time.  One merely needs to look at the data on how many younger people change their minds over time and ultimately abandon their transgender feelings.  The other major flaw in the transgender movement is that the scientific data on outcomes is horrible with so many patients worse off and committing suicide after all of the procedures that are done.  So to enshrine in legislation facts about transgenderism (that it is a good that needs to supported and encouraged) is so far off base as to be abusive, especially to minors. It is one thing to offer true informed consent to those over 18 but to restrict parental input in decision-making for minors is tantamount to the promotion of child abuse by the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91670", "author": "Andrew Podolak", "date": "2021-01-27T18:04:00", "title": "I oppose this strongly on both moral and religious grounds!!!!!", "text": "This is contrary to our belief as Christians and our moral belief as fellow citizens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91671", "author": "Susan Treague", "date": "2021-01-27T18:06:00", "title": "I strongly oppose ..schools teaching.", "text": "I strongly oppose this.  This is up to the parents to talk to their kids about this.  Why confuse the child more?  Crazy..the government needs to stay out of this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91672", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T18:08:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY STRONGLY OPPOSE Model Policy for the treatment of Transgender students", "text": "This is a deceptive policy dividing parents and children through deception.  This will not unify or foster cooperation in any realm between the schools and families.  Children do not need to be prodded by the school in any direction towards gender identity.  These policies are wrecking havoc is families already.  My grandson was assaulted by an older teenage boy who's been influenced that it is \"cool\" to be transgender and was \"experimenting.\"   This is absolutely wrong and will encourage more assault.   I absolutely abhor this policy. As well as having transgender boys, who are almost men, in high school girls locker rooms is a disaster waiting to happen.   This is total stupidity being presented."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91673", "author": "Scott K.", "date": "2021-01-27T18:10:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "This is an excellent way to ensure everyone is treated in a consistent manner,  regardless of the location"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91674", "author": "Sean Megeath", "date": "2021-01-27T18:11:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91675", "author": "Joseph Thomas", "date": "2021-01-27T18:12:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this bill!", "text": "Strongly oppose this bill.  The responsibility for children in this area is with the parents and we do not need government dictating policy - particularly in this area.  I fine it interesting that legislators would vote for such a bill and cause it to appear that this is the opinion of the majority of those that they represent - this is absolutely not the case.  This bill can have an adverse impact on many lives of children that do not have an identity problem but will very possibly have one that is created by this law.  The legislatures that are in favor of this bill should be ashamed of themselves and should be exposed and voted out of office when their seat is up for re-election."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91676", "author": "KWC", "date": "2021-01-27T18:12:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Education Programs in Schools", "text": "I strongly oppose any laws or policies that enable school staff to have authority for the health and moral instruction of minors,  Parents are best qualified to support their children and guide them according to their moral standards.  Granting the authority for a child's well being to someone other than the parent or legal guardian is a serious violation of parental ' rights and an unsafe practice. My opposition applies not only to transgenderism but to any issue regarding a child's sexuality, health, or morality.  Teachers and school administrators should focus on educating children in the basis, and leave sexuality, health, or morality to parents. Personally, I will remove my children from the public schools if this is enacted. Very truly yours, KWC"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91677", "author": "Amanda kelley", "date": "2021-01-27T18:13:00", "title": "Public education that presents false or immoral guidelines to children is subject to prosecution.", "text": "Public education must be worthy of public trust. The presentation via materials, leadership oversight, faculty, must be based on the moral standards on which the founders of America, and the first established educational institutions of higher education, and the charters and constitutions of the states is enshrined. Immorality is not enshrined in those doctrines. Anti-Christian doctrines of rainbow stripes have always existed, although at the whim of recent anti-American mobs, these perversions have been thrust forward as useful. These perversions are not useful, and our children must actually now be protected from the damage and intrusion of cruel and abusive actors in this arena now legally labeled \"child abuse and corruption.\" Therefore, as a strong moral society, we demand the removal of homosexual, lesbian, pedophile materials from our schools- and those who push for them- or legal action to do so will be forthcoming."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91678", "author": "Steven Owen", "date": "2021-01-27T18:15:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Educators need to focus on one thing: teach the meaningful subjects like reading, writing, arithmetic, geography and history that will enable children to function in a civil society, obtain a good job and provide for themselves.  The government and socially conscious educators need to stay out of the business of parenting other people's children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91679", "author": "Wendy Embrey", "date": "2021-01-27T18:21:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "We do not need a special mandate for this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91680", "author": "Robert Albracht", "date": "2021-01-27T18:23:00", "title": "These draft policies undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children", "text": "[ https://www.familyfoundation.org/blog-posts/problems-with-statewide-school-transgender-policy?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=f2df4ce7-fe5d-49ff-b013-c275cacde662 ] Question: What’s wrong with a policy for schools to avoid discrimination and harassment against transgender students? Answer: I agree with you that every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. (See statements about most kids outgrowing gender confusion in this Psychology Today article , as well as in this study and this one .) Question: But how exactly would this policy promote gender confusion in schools? Answer: It encourages schools to implement across-the-board promotion of the concept that gender is “viewed as a gender spectrum” and can be “something in between or outside the male/female binary.” It declares that sex is arbitrarily “assigned” to babies at birth, rather than an innate part of God’s design and gift to human beings. If you think about a little girl or boy who still thinks the opposite sex has cooties, that is a very confusing, potentially damaging message for young kids to process. Not to mention that the scientifically false statement that people are just arbitrarily “assigned” a gender when they’re born—sort of like affixing a branding label to them at the store—totally divorces gender instruction from any reality whatsoever in basic DNA science and biology. It’s also important to note that the draft policy makes clear the Virginia Department of Education wants this radical thinking reflected in every operational part of the school—even advocating for schools to incorporate “educational content that is transgender affirming into the general education curriculum, such as history, literature and science.” Question : I keep hearing people say this policy threatens parental rights—but isn’t it just trying to protect students from abusive parents? Answer: Let’s be clear: We all agree that parents should unconditionally love, nurture and protect their children regardless of the circumstances—and abuse is always wrong for any reason. The disturbing reality, though, is that this policy opens the door to defining Christian, Bible believing parents—or others of faith—who aren’t deemed to fully embrace or comply with transgender politics as “abusers.” For instance, it states that in situations “when their families are not affirming,” the school should “be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students” and then encourages schools to report abuse concerns to Child Protective Services immediately. This begs the question, exactly how will “affirming” be defined and who will define it? Plus, the policy encourages schools to outright deceive parents:  It says schools should “respect” students if they don’t want their parents to know about their new transgender identity. The suggested plan for implementing this “respect”— and the policy specifically spells this out—is that, in cases where parents are not embracing or facilitating their child adopting a new gender identity (like using a new name, pronoun, etc.), then teachers can use the child’s new identity at school, but in the presence of the parent use the original legal name and so forth. Encouraging kids to lead a double life and hiding vital information from parents that could make a life-saving difference in kids’ lives is clearly not wise or safe. (There are already disturbing controversies like this happening in Wisconsin and Utah .)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91681", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T18:30:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Strongly support. This is a life-saving measure and should be a no-brainer. Everyone deserves to be able to go to school safely and without fear."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91682", "author": "Connie DesMarais", "date": "2021-01-27T18:34:00", "title": "I am against the transgender policies.  It jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children.", "text": "Let's use some common sense.  Boys/men are different than girls/women in more ways than physical.  They have no need to use women's facilities.  And FOR SURE they should not be competing together.  Why in the world have women fought for their own sports & now have all that destroyed for a very very small percentage of individuals looking for an easy win.  Let's grow up and do the right thing for the women & girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91683", "author": "Danielle B", "date": "2021-01-27T18:36:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91684", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T18:47:00", "title": "Gender promotion/transgender", "text": "Government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children. I am against this effort. It is very dangerous ground you want to promote."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91685", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T18:50:00", "title": "Strong Opposed", "text": "Strongly opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91686", "author": "Lynn Dimeo", "date": "2021-01-27T18:50:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed changes to the transgender school policy.  Schools should not come between parents and their children by assuming they know what's best for the students and deceiving the parents in communications with them.  With all the national discussion about following the science re. Covid and climate change, it is being completely ignored in this discussion.  To say that gender is a social construct and is assigned at birth instead of being biologically determined is completely anti-science. I urge you to not adopt these proposed measures."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91687", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T18:57:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE VDOE DICTATES", "text": "As a parent of school-aged children I am outraged at the VDOE's attempt to usurp parental rights in an effort to dominate children into their way of thinking. They advocate thought control - forcing speech that goes against nature and science and reality: our gender is written in our chromosomes! I am outraged at the totalitarian re-education regime that is bullying innocent children into forced speech.  Black is white, up is down, and male is female.  This is insanity.  The emperor has no clothes, people. Wake up! Children who make a \"mistake\" and use the wrong pronoun will be disciplined for using pronouns as they have been used throughout the millenia of human history - pronouns that match each person's biology, down to the chromosomal level.  It is basic science.  Parents will not know when and how their children are disciplined. This legislation is an attempt to bully, coerce and rob loving parents of their rights to raise and educate their beloved children in the way they see fit for their earthly happiness and mental wellbeing, and more importantly for their immortal souls.  One has only to search for 'gender dysphoria' or 'detransitioning' to find numerous examples of formerly transgender adults, who regret their use of hormones and body-mutilating surgeries, that now do not allow them to be able to have children of their own. To deceive children in this way is mental child abuse. Almost as bad is that religious concerns are completely ignored.  As Americans - and we are Americans, right? - this nation was founded to escape religious persecution.  Here it is in a new form, again.  This legislation upends all precedent against religious persecution, ignoring and not even considering the deeply held religious beliefs of individuals who due to poverty or other circumstances are forced to attend public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91688", "author": "Luann Ensminger", "date": "2021-01-27T19:04:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE Transgender Policy", "text": "Focus your efforts on getting kids back to school and stop the transgender nonsense. Stop wasting taxpayer's money. Kids are confused enough without promoting gender dysphoria, and quite frankly this is not the business of the Department of Education or local school boards."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91689", "author": "Jamie Bell", "date": "2021-01-27T19:11:00", "title": "Educator in Support", "text": "As an educator, I strongly support these model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia’s public schools. I affirm the notion that the guiding principle of all policies should be that all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment. I look forward to all local school boards developing and adopting policies that ensure all students, including transgender students, have safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments. These model policies are well-researched and thoughtfully formulated. I appreciate the attention paid to the safety of transgender students in all manner of scenarios. The model policies help point the way to an education system that encourages all students to thrive, which is as it should be. Thank you for your work in this area."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91690", "author": "chad", "date": "2021-01-27T19:13:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "I am not in agreement with the transgender policy. Students should have the right to privacy. Science has proven from  biology, male or female. Mental health is another issue entirely. Please don't force this on all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91691", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T19:13:00", "title": "Strongly oppose Transgender policy", "text": "I do not approve of the VDOE’s proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. While there are plenty of reasons I oppose these guidance policies, here are TEN reasons: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression. Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91692", "author": "Nancy Burns", "date": "2021-01-27T19:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I do not approve of the VDOE’s proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. While there are plenty of reasons I oppose these guidance policies, here are TEN reasons: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression. Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91693", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T19:19:00", "title": "Strongly oppose Transgender policy in our schools", "text": "Strongly oppose Transgender policy as currently proposed in our schools.  The rights and privacy of ALL students must be protected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91694", "author": "Pierre Lepine", "date": "2021-01-27T19:19:00", "title": "Transgender school policy", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the proposed  \"transgender\" policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91695", "author": "Marie Foster", "date": "2021-01-27T19:19:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed changes to the transgender school policy.  Schools should not come between parents and their children by assuming they know what's best for the students and deceiving the parents in communications with them.  With all the national discussion about following the science re. Covid and climate change, it is being completely ignored in this discussion.  To say that gender is a social construct and is assigned at birth instead of being biologically determined is completely anti-science. I urge you to not adopt these proposed measures."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91696", "author": "Bridget Manley", "date": "2021-01-27T19:24:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this regulation.", "text": "This regulation is an attack on the family, an attack on science and is an assault on children.   It is legislating the words used and is an infringement of the first amendment.    It is regulating state sponsored propaganda and should be completely opposed by every elected official."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91697", "author": "Damion McCloud", "date": "2021-01-27T19:30:00", "title": "Strongly support: All kids should be made to feel welcome", "text": "While I think it is sad that the need for such policies exists, I support this initiative. All children should be made to feel welcomed in society. School is their largest community, where they learn behaviors and how to work with people who are different. The younger we expose children to the idea that different doesn't mean damaged or dangerous, the better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91698", "author": "Jessica Domínguez", "date": "2021-01-27T19:32:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE government mandated sexual policies", "text": "Please protect our children from government mandates that force sexuality on students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91699", "author": "Evelyn Zapata", "date": "2021-01-27T19:34:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Strongly oppose. Protect the innocence of young children who have been wonderfully and beautifully made by God. No hormones to young children and stumping puberty that can bring life-threatening consequences in the nearby future."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91700", "author": "Debora Lavin", "date": "2021-01-27T19:36:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this policy.  It puts our girls at great risk!", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy!  It puts our girls at great risk and takes away Women’s rights which we have worked so hard for a few boys/men who are confused about their male identity and need counseling!  It is biologically impossible for a male to be female!  We should not put our girls in a situation to have to share a bathroom or locker room with a boy, nor should boys be allowed to compete on sports against girls just because they are confused about the fact they are male."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91701", "author": "Richard B.", "date": "2021-01-27T19:39:00", "title": "PURE EVIL", "text": "How dare a school district disregard the reality before them! This is a monstrous ov erreach that will have vast implications. Laws, policies, and guidelines must be in response to truth. This nation is experiencing a looming social contagion like no other in history with entire friend groups suddenly claiming they are transgender. This is causing serious medical harm to this population. How many of you are over the age of 30? I suspect none of you went to school and had to worry about what to call someone or who you might need to undress in front of for gym class. Why? Because transgenderism was not shoved down the throats of Americans like the best thing since sliced bread. You should be glad your bodies are intact. How many of these poor children have been lied to by their medical communities and told they are terribly broken and must conform to this bizarre new ideology with no basis in reality? The suicide card is played over and over by activists and doctors hoping to line their pockets but in fact there is a 19x greater risk of suicide as evidence shown by the only long-term follow up of transgender patients. ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3043071/ ) How many of you are willing to address the suicides that are likely to be the ultimate outcome for these students? These children are paying with their lives and you are aiding and abetting their demise. Shame on you all! All comments claiming the suicide lie must be scrubbed. YOU need to understand what is happening and not listen to a bunch of lies. Will you be around to bury our children that die from a shortened lifespan (also evidenced in the above study) from the experimental drugs? Are you going to be around in 2,5,10 years form now when these children wake up and realize they were really a biological girl or boy all along? Will you be there to take care of the severe complications from these non-FDA approved drugs and experimental procedures? Detransitioners are fast becoming a significant population in the US and they need and deserve our respect. They are exposing how they were shuffled through a broken medical system for a delusion. Stop deluding our children! For all you men reading this, are you not glad you have a penis? For all you women, are not not thankful for your female organs and breasts, organs that perhaps nurtured a child or will some day? Do you realize transgender medicine sterilizes? You belong in the business of educating and not encouraging castration and sterilization of children. Please screw your heads on straight and get off the gender train. We parents want OUR children healthy and whole. Please familiarize yourselves with the Keira Bell case in the UK. The truth has been exposed now in the UK and it will eventually prevail here in the US as well. I am a father who has lost his oldest daughter to this lie while in college. It is a cult and she has been coerced down a dangerous path. I wish my family hell on no one. My younger children no longer attend public school in this country."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91702", "author": "Rhonda", "date": "2021-01-27T19:39:00", "title": "Absolutely  oppose. .", "text": "I at first had no words for this policy being pushed on our children. My mouth just hung open and I thought it was a joke. What has happened to the parent's rights and why does the government now know what's best for our children. Safety of children will be jeopardized. Confusion and mental health of children will occur. If children are questioning their gender then by all means get them some help but don't exclude the parents from the process. The suicide rate for this type of experimentation is high. Please reconsider to not implement this. If I still had children in school I would immediately take them out of public school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91703", "author": "Arlington parent of 3 school aged kids", "date": "2021-01-27T19:40:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91704", "author": "Larry Springer", "date": "2021-01-27T19:42:00", "title": "Read the science, we are born male or female and, male genitals don't belong in female bathrooms", "text": "Boys by birth do not belong in girl's bathrooms, locker rooms, shelters, etc. They have male genitals and the testosterone that goes with them. A dangerous mix in those surroundings. Target stores that have had this policy for several years now have had many dozens of complaints of people born male molesting girls, exposing their genitals to girls, taking photos of girls from the next bathroom stall, and even following girls in the store and photographing up their skirts. This policy brings out the worst in mankind. (I have a long list of these cases as evidence.) Even in homes, families don't approve of male and female family members using the bathroom to shower, change, use the toilet, etc. at the same time. How much more dangerous and inappropriate is it with strangers. This policy puts the proverbial fox in the chicken coop. How many thousands of incidents will we have when we enact this in our schools where boys in the middle through high school years are beginning to hit the peak of their sexual arousal. Think back men, we were all once that age and what was on our minds."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91705", "author": "Pat", "date": "2021-01-27T19:46:00", "title": "Dont jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children.", "text": "No government officials you do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91706", "author": "Joseph Osborne", "date": "2021-01-27T19:48:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose forced implementation of transgender policy in public schools", "text": "I strongly oppose implementing the proposed implementation of a so-called transgender school policy for all of our K-12, public schools.  This jeopardizes the bodily privacy and safety of our children, and undermines support for our public school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91707", "author": "Nancylou", "date": "2021-01-27T19:51:00", "title": "Transgender school policy", "text": "Concerned grandmother. What are you DOING to our innocent children?!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91708", "author": "Sue F", "date": "2021-01-27T19:53:00", "title": "Strongly oppose policy", "text": "I am opposed to this policy being implemented in our schools.  I believe that girls should only be in girls locker rooms and boys should only be in boys locker rooms"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91709", "author": "Hannah Sailsbury", "date": "2021-01-27T19:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose...."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91710", "author": "Davis", "date": "2021-01-27T19:56:00", "title": "Support", "text": "A child in an environment that does not harbor a safe place for them to explore themselves, in this case school--a place they are in 5 days a week--does more harm than good. Not having a good policy in place will cause a child more damage psychologically. If the adults around them are saying that their gender identity/expression is wrong or unacceptable, then it create feelings of shame, doubt in one's self, and a hatred for something they honestly have no control over. This then leads to self-medicating with either drugs, self-harm, or other dangerous methods to cope with these negative feelings. Having policy in place to help educators and support staff in knowing how to work with transgender and gender non-conforming students is the right step in creating an environment where they can express themselves freely."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91711", "author": "Political Asylee", "date": "2021-01-27T20:00:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose: Orwellian Policy Masquerading under the Guise of Inclusion.", "text": "This is an Orwellian policy. This is a sad day. Few people would have issues with a transgender person. But to elevate what a minority of advocates pushes for, this particular version of trans-gender rights, to a level of policy that threatens and undermines girls (especially) is sad and it obliterates decades of progress about women's rights. Ultimately, the designers reject the scientific fact that sex exists, that it is assigned at birth, and that human claims have limits. It is not up to us to just say something and wish it into reality. Humans can claim they are sheep, rocks, aliens, etc. That is no basis for policy. Additionally, this is extra Orwellian because it trumps parental and family rights. Society, or this is what this group of advocates thinks as society, has priority over parents. Parents and family matters, They are what keep our values alive. If we gut their rights, we are erasing all defenses against an amorphous society in which government and government-like entities  or private entities will exercise the power and obligations of families, Is this the world we're building for our kids?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92637", "author": "Bill", "date": "2021-02-01T09:39:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools", "text": "I totally oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools as they are harmful to children and undermine the rights of parents and families!  Science has demonstrated that gender is binary and determined at birth and not by how I feel today or what is socially popular at the moment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92638", "author": "Anna Milone Somers", "date": "2021-02-01T09:49:00", "title": "Gender in Schools Bill", "text": "Let me be clear that government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92639", "author": "Mark DeLong", "date": "2021-02-01T09:50:00", "title": "Oppose this Strongly", "text": "I believe this legislation to open the door to the usurpation of parent's responsibilities and damaging to children.  Please do not move down this path to divide families and put our children at risk for the sake of a few."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92640", "author": "Kimberly N", "date": "2021-02-01T09:54:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a parent, and as an ally of several children in our VA school system that these Bills directly affect, I strongly support the guidance to School Boards to draft model policies for transgender and non-binary youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92641", "author": "Carrie Myatt", "date": "2021-02-01T09:58:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this guidance because I know how important it is for transgender and nonbinary youth to have safe and supportive schools. I have many trans friends and they deserve the same privacy and care that every other student deserves. All youth, including trans and nonbinary youth, should have the same right to an education in our commonwealth. I am proud to support this guidance and I am excited to see Virginia take another positive step forward! Carrie Myatt clm9xx@virginia.edu Williamsburg, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92642", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T09:58:00", "title": "Strongly oppose...STOP TAKING AWAY PARENT’S RIGHTS", "text": "As a parent, and teacher, I strongly oppose this bill. Too many times we have argued that parents need to be more involved in their child’s education when it comes to completing homework, or making the grade, but now we don’t want them involved with a much more important issue as gender identity? What are we saying is more important? Is it more important for parents to ensure their child does homework, or knows what gender they are identifying as? Parents are children’s first teachers, or should be. Children have parents or guardians who are responsible for their well being. They should be the first people to know if there’s any issue/problem at school. We’re slowly taking away parent’s rights and responsibilities. As long as children are their dependents, they should be informed of any and all discussions that take place at school involving their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92643", "author": "Patrick Best", "date": "2021-02-01T09:59:00", "title": "Support Guidance", "text": "I support the guidance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92644", "author": "Virginia P", "date": "2021-02-01T10:07:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Dear Virginia Commonwealth Representatives and Lawmakers, I am a proud Aunt of nine children, all of whom are under the age of 11 and reside in Northern Virginia. My two sisters are raising these beloved little ones and I couldn't be more proud. As I watch them grow and seek to nurture them to their full potential, I look into the future and have high hopes for each one of them. There is one barrier to my hope, however and that is the laws you are seeking to pass that I know and believe will only cause children insurmountable grief, confusion and anxiety. It is clear from the beginning of time that each of us are created either Male or Female. There is no in between. I do not understand how/why you would seek to confuse our children and young people to think or believe otherwise. I strongly urge you NOT TO PASS this law and impose such grief to children and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92645", "author": "We Are Moving", "date": "2021-02-01T10:09:00", "title": "VDOE Child Transgender Policies - Awful, Ridiculous, No Support", "text": "You are trying to take parental involvement not only from the public education of our kids, but you are trying to take away parental involvement from their lives.  No one knows a child better than a parent and no one is more qualified to assist a child in any way more than a parent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92646", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T10:11:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Please create a policy that doesn't seek to incorporate a few while disrespecting the majority. And please recognize that parental authority, when it comes to their child and gender dysphoria, is what is best for each individual and unique child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92647", "author": "Rhonda", "date": "2021-02-01T10:34:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "As a parent of 2 biological girls in the VA public school system, I STRONGLY OPPOSE this bill for several reasons: 1. Parental rights. My rights as a parent DO NOT end when my children cross the school property line. Legal adult age is 18. Not elementary age or middle school age or even high school age unless a child turns 18 during his or her high school years. They cannot even legally sign a contract until they turn 18 and yet you're proposing allowing them to make MONUMENTAL LIFE CHANGING DECISIONS without parental knowledge, notification, or, most importantly consent. 2. Proven biological science. You cannot shout \"WE BELIEVE IN SCIENCE\" and then blatantly go against the very science you claim to believe and support. Biological science is proven -  chromosomes and DNA. Educational institutions denying scientific fact is mind-boggling. Feelings are not scientific evidence and have never been. That is until it somehow became politically motivated and expedient. Are you also proposing to stop any sort of classes where DNA, chromosomes, biological science, and reproduction are taught? Or are you going to add caveats and trigger warnings due to \"feelings\"? 3. Forced pronoun usage - Unconstitutional. Period. Read the 1st Amendment to the Constitution. As a governmental entity, you cannot force speech codes. Schools are not a country unto themselves. People do not lose their Constitutional rights when they enter school grounds. Also refer back to #'s 1 and 2. 4. Girls sports - By proposing to allow biological males to participate on sports teams of biological girls, you are effectively killing sports for biological girls and robbing those biological girls of possible sports scholarships. Biological women FOUGHT for Title IX to have and protect those teams and to have sports scholarships for biological girls and you are throwing it all away. It is scientifically, biologically proven that biological males have greater muscle mass, bone structure, and lung capacity than biological girls. This makes biological males stronger and faster and have greater endurance and stamina than biological girls. It does not matter if they take hormones. Those hormones DO NOT change their muscle mass or bone structure or lung capacity nor does it EVER change those things or their DNA. You are allowing biological males - with or without hormones - to completely take over and dismantle the world of sports for biological females. (I CANNOT BELIEVE I JUST HAD TO TYPE THAT IN THAT SPECIFIC WAY TO MAKE THAT BIOLOGICAL DISTINCTION!!) Refer back to #2. 5. Bathrooms and locker rooms - Biological females of all ages have a right to privacy. Period! Your proposal calls for no safeguards for biological females. None. Teachers and school administrators can't even question a biological male if he walks in one day and says he's now a girl and must be allowed to enter the biological girl's bathrooms and locker rooms. There are zero requirements that he has to meet. He doesn't have to have ever demonstrated that decision prior to that day, nor does he have to dress that way, nor does he have to produce any documentation that he's serious and is undergoing hormone therapy, nor does he ever have to demonstrate that choice after that day, nor is anyone allowed to contact parents to confirm what he says. This is a recipe for disaster! Biological girls are generally taught to be private with their bodies and to protect their bodies. \"My body my choice\" right?! And, yet, here you are telling biological girls that won't be the case anymore because, now, biological males will be allowed into their personal spaces - WHILE THEY UNDRESS - and they have no say in the matter. No accommodations made for the thousands upon thousands of biological girls in VA who have to dress out for PE with a biological male in the locker room with them unless they wait for him to leave and then risk being late for class and getting into trouble. No, the wishes of the biological male who has announced that he's now to be treated as a female comes first at the expense of the biological girls. What are you going to do if a biological girl is raped in the bathroom? Are you going to even address it? Are you going to notify parents? What are you going to do if the sexual assaults and teen pregnancy rate skyrockets in VA? Are you going to reevaluate this horrendous decision? Admit your mistake? Somehow, I doubt it. You are willfully blind if you don't think that hormonal driven biological male teenagers won't find a way to take advantage of all of this. You are literally making schools unsafe for the biological female half - 50% - of the population that attend public schools in VA. You are killing sports for biological females. You are trying to strip parental rights and Constitutional rights. The worst part is that you don't care and refuse to acknowledge actual biological science or even common sense, all to be politically correct for less than .03% - point zero three percent - three hundredths of a percent - .0003 as a decimal - of the population."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92648", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T10:36:00", "title": "Opposed to Policy as Detrimental to Educational Mission", "text": "I am absolutely in support of treating every person without exception with compassion, respect and kindness. However, the Model Policies document goes well beyond the school system's educational scope and actively promotes undermining parental involvement.  Children have the best educational outcomes when parents are actively engaged in their children's education and this document promotes the idea that certain parents should be marginalized.  This is not in the best interest of any child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92649", "author": "therese bermpohl", "date": "2021-02-01T10:52:00", "title": "OPPOSE!", "text": "We can all agree that bullying is unacceptable behavior from ANY child so let's teach our children about their inherent dignity as human beings instead of allowing fringe groups to hijack the truth with a dangerous agenda grounded in lies: *Children as young as 5 being told they can redefine their gender! *boys in girls locker rooms! *boys playing on girls sports team! *teachers and administrators being pressured to lie! *parental rights tossed to the wayside! *no more single sex events! Please oppose this insanity!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92650", "author": "Maria", "date": "2021-02-01T10:52:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "The job of the VDOE is provide guidance and set policies related to academics and instruction. Who gave the board authority to provide medical guidance? This policy weakens the mission of the Department of Education. So is the medical profession going to take over the gaps left in the areas of academics and instruction by the VDOE?   I don't think so, they know their lane. The VDOE needs to get back to their lane."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92651", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T10:56:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy.  I feel that this policy will only fuel confusion for many.  Those who are struggling with gender identity, and those who are not.  Many will feel violated and angered by allowing those of the opposite sex into areas that they have deemed safe, such as restrooms and locker rooms.  Not to mention  the invasiveness that it forces upon those who may disagree, and yet have to comply or be penalized.  It is definitely not a topic that should be forcefully fed to our youth, or laid upon the shoulders of our teachers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92652", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T11:00:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this transgender policy to enter into our Viginia Department of Education. At the very beginning of our education policy making here in this country, it began with the New England Primer which taught very clearly that the Bible is the standard from which all spheres of influence branch from...it is the very foundation and bedrock of our nation being one nation under God.  Once you leave this foundation, every other foundation will not flourish or succeed but will be sinking sand.  Let's not bring our children into deception and confusion of the very simple and true facts that we are all made in God's image, male and female, He made us..born to reflect Him through the design He gave each of us to walk out. We as those older than the children, K-12, whether parents, teachers or relatives, friends will be held in stricter accountability for how and what we teach them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92653", "author": "Lindsay Martin, Eastern Mennonite University", "date": "2021-02-01T11:01:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I’ve worked in higher education for almost 10 years and I’m proud to support this guidance. Personally I have not encountered a transgender student until very recently. It has been a learning process to know how to support them. These students are incredibly brave and courageous to embrace who they are, but I know it is incredibly tough for them, with so many faculty staff and peers not knowing how to treat them with the full respect they deserve. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92654", "author": "Lauren Shephard", "date": "2021-02-01T11:01:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "RE: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this proposal, and thank you for caring about our LGBTQ+ youth. I am writing to give my full support towards the proposal.  Let's love and support our children for who they are. Supporting policies around gender equality in our schools benefits everyone, regardless of their sexual identity. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92655", "author": "Catherine Mommsen Scott", "date": "2021-02-01T11:05:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I am a grandmother with children in the Virginia public school system.  I strongly support the guidance in this document.  The future of humanity rests with the children now in school.  Guidance and leadership must be all inclusive, not just passively, but aggressively inclusive. Every child counts, and every child should be honored for their inherent worth and dignity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92656", "author": "Lori", "date": "2021-02-01T11:10:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I believe these policies will confuse ALL of our children. I believe these policies will only ENABLE , (not help) those children with “gender confusion” and possible emotional disorders and/or mental illness. Science verifies there are two sexes; male and female. What if a child believes they identify with a bird and tries to jump off of unsafe, high elevations? We would not encourage or embrace that thinking, we would seek to help the child. This is no different. It is a danger to encourage this thinking in a child. We are advocates for our children and need to protect them, even from themselves, if necessary. The schools should given the resources snd training to help these children, individually,  through this confusing time and not promote it by forcing their peers and school administration to enable this thinking and comply to these policies. Thank you for pausing to really consider these words and the words of so many others. Think about what really matters and is BEST for these children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92657", "author": "Patricia J Paoletta", "date": "2021-02-01T11:11:00", "title": "Opposition to Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools", "text": "As a Virginia parent, I oppose the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools.  I urge the Virginian government to reject the proposal.  Any proposal based on the erroneous definition of gender as a set of \"social, psychological, and emotional traits\" as opposed to a biological fact is bound to be harmful for children of all sexual persuasions.  There are already ample laws on the books to prevent bullying of transgender children, from the Virginia Anti-Bullying Law and Virginia Values to the federal Civil Rights Act and Title IX.   The vast majority of Virginia public school kids will not be sexually active till the later years of high-school.  The \"Model Policies\" would force confusing discussions on children too young for sexual preference to be a material fact in their lives.  Childhood is difficult enough, especially with the Virginian government's failure to open schools during 2020 in a timely manner, without pushing a radical agenda on them, dressed up in the guise of promoting their welfare.  In addition, the \"Model Policies\" inappropriately erode parents' rights to be informed on major decisions taken about their children at school, and involved in those decisions, relative to their tax-payer funded public education of their children.  For these and other reasons, I oppose the \"Model Policies\", which are neither \"model\" nor necessary, given the many existing protections to transgender children already existing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92658", "author": "John and Laurie", "date": "2021-02-01T11:15:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "Regarding transgender policies in the public school: First Point:  As a retired math teacher, I remember working hard on the next days lesson.  I had to be sure I could do and explain all example problems, be sure I had any copying done for handouts and have a plan for the flow of the lesson, giving students time to ask questions.  What a hardship for a teacher to have to remember preferred pronouns too, as they may be subject to change. There are many ways to create a classroom environment that makes students feel cared for without pronouns. Second point:  If a student's gender identity is completely subjective and can constantly change what will prevent a male from self identify as a female just to go into a locker room to see girls in various stage of undress?  Nothing that I can see.  Where are the girls right to privacy? It seems that her rights have been coopted by another agenda that the public in general DOES NOT SUPPORT."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92659", "author": "K.S.", "date": "2021-02-01T11:16:00", "title": "Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I am in strong opposition of the proposed guidelines base on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children with Marxist ideology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92660", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T11:21:00", "title": "VDOE Transgender Policies", "text": "I strongly oppose the VDOE draft Transgender Policy. I am for compassionate respectful  treatment of all people. ( Including all male and female individuals too). Stop the globalist influence and corruption of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92661", "author": "Niti Patel", "date": "2021-02-01T11:24:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this legislation--we need gender affirming policies in our schools to protect all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92662", "author": "Taylor Marohl", "date": "2021-02-01T11:24:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "All students deserve a safe learning environment. This includes those who are LGBTQ+. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I can say with confidence that bullying, harassment, and institutional and individual discrimination are extremely damaging to children - to their learning, their mental health, their physical wellbeing, their safety, and their lives. Transgender children deserve to be respected for their own identities, just as cis-gender children are. This policy is way overdue. In response to community members who have claimed that LGBTQ-supportive policy will \"damage\" their own children, I encourage them to really consider what that damage would be. Having views that differ from those of their parents is not damage. Treating their peers with kindness and understanding is not damage. Accepting others whose identities and ideologies differ from their own is not damage. But discriminating against LGBTQ+ individuals is unquestionably damaging. I support this policy with full conviction and enthusiasm."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92663", "author": "BenB", "date": "2021-02-01T11:28:00", "title": "support", "text": "I support this legislation--it is very important"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92664", "author": "Rabbi Michael Knopf, Temple Beth-El", "date": "2021-02-01T11:31:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a rabbi, I'm honored to support this guidance. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth. My tradition teaches that every child is made equally in God's image, and every part of our society -- especially our schools -- should honor every child's equal and infinite value, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92665", "author": "multiple signatories", "date": "2021-02-01T11:32:00", "title": "Significant revisions/corrections needed", "text": "Comment on draft guidelines, \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools\" The undersigned Virginia residents urge the Department of Education (DOE) to make significant revisions to their draft guidelines establishing model policies for transgender students. We care deeply for all children in Virginia, and strongly support the draft guidelines’ guiding principle of providing a safe, supportive environment that promotes the success of all students. At the same time, the DOE model policies are deeply flawed, seeking to impose a single ideology of sex and gender identity that is inconsistent with biology and peer-reviewed evidence, and ignores other valid perspectives on this topic. We urge DOE to make significant revisions to its draft guidelines as described below. DOE should revise the draft guidelines to recognize that many parents and students have different, valid viewpoints on support for students who identify as transgender. The issue of transgenderism in young adults is one for which perspectives and evidence are evolving, particularly regarding early childhood development. The draft guidelines on p. 20 note “Students and staff each have their own unique religious and personal experiences, views, and opinions,” but they fail to protect those with differing views and opinions. Students, parents and school staff may hold different perspectives on this topic based on a number of factors such as available evidence, personal experience, and freedom of conscience. Individuals may express opinions that differ from those in the guidelines, but do not constitute bullying or harassment. For example, Virginia schools are increasingly likely to include students, teachers or parents who first identified as transgender at a younger age and who later experienced regret or detransitioned. In speaking to others at school, these individuals may wish to counsel caution and discuss potential negative health outcomes that can result from the gender transition process or interventions. Further, some Virginia students and parents hold the view that gender is not as malleable as assumed by the guidelines, and that attempts to override the biology of sex with the psychology of gender may do more harm than good for many young people. The guidelines fail to recognize and support these differing perspectives, instead enforcing a single viewpoint that conflicts with a significant body of medical and scientific literature. [i] [ii] Recommendation: We urge DoE to revise the guidelines to state affirmatively that: a)  many students, parents and school staff in Virginia hold viewpoints on how best to care for students who identify as transgender that differ from those in the guidelines, but are equally valid and grounded both in science and compassion for all students; and b) students and parents will not be penalized for expressing viewpoints that do not constitute bullying or harassment, but are different from those in the guidelines. The guidelines present an incomplete picture of available research, ignoring substantial evidence of potential negative effects of gender transitioning in young adults. The draft guidelines do not provide a comprehensive, balanced review of evidence, much of which would argue for proceeding with caution on gender transition in prepubescent children.  State law requires DOE to develop “evidence-based best practices” on this topic. The guidelines must be revised to include, at a minimum, the available research on: the increased risk of sexual offenses when mixed-sex changing rooms are employed [iii] [iv] the 11 or more published studies showing that the majority of children who identify as transgender before puberty eventually accept their biological sex after puberty. [v] the risk of harms of “gender affirming therapy” in children who identify as transgender, including from pharmacologic and surgical interventions. [vi] [vii] [viii] According to one recent report, long-term studies show that after transitioning to a different gender, individuals’ “quality of life deteriorates significantly and suicide rates rise,” and “the best quality studies show that transitioning leads to negative outcomes.” [ix] Recommendation: Given the substantial amount of evidence that DOE has failed to identify, the agency should, prior to finalizing the guidelines, hire an independent research consultant to conduct a more rigorous, systematic review of evidence. Further, the guidelines should make clear when they are referencing literature that is non-peer reviewed vs. peer reviewed, and include the strengths and limitations of referenced literature (e.g., degree of applicability to K-12 student age groups).   In addition, DOE should ensure the guidelines include an accurate presentation of available evidence as described above. The guidelines fail to protect students in school facilities who desire not to share facilities with individuals of the opposite biological sex. The guidelines acknowledge the need to protect all students but fail to address a range of significant issues that likely will emerge. Evidence indicates that use of mixed-sex changing rooms or locker rooms creates an increased risk of sexual harassment. [x] Many students who do not identify as transgender may desire accommodations to protect themselves from these risks and maintain their personal sense of security at school. The guidelines must include clear, specific practices to protect students in ways that minimize the risk of stigmatization. Recommendation: The guidelines should provide additional detail to ensure schools have clear policies on how non-transgender students who desire separate accommodations will know during the school year when such accommodations need to be requested. This should including best practices addressing the questions of: a) how schools can work to maximize the “full inclusion” of these students when policy will by definition subject them to some degree of exclusions, and b) how schools should balance competing student needs (e.g., protecting the privacy of a student while also respecting another student’s need for separate accommodations). The guidelines fail to protect students’ freedom to express differing viewpoints on how best to care for and support peers who experience gender dysphoria or identify as transgender. As noted above, many Virginia students, parents and school staff have views that differ from those described in the guidelines. A recent survey of students in Virginia showed students may disagree with the guidelines’ ideology based on available scientific research, their personal experiences, and/or as a matter of personal conscience or religious beliefs. [xi] Recommendation: The guidelines should make a clear distinction between speech or behavior that constitutes bullying or harassment, which are never acceptable, and speech or behavior that reflects views that are different from those in the guidelines but do not constitute bullying or harassment. Further, in discussing promotion of activities on p. 20, the guidelines should note that schools may support student clubs or other organizations with differing viewpoints, such as those focused on experiences of transgender youth who have detransitioned. The guidelines fall short in supporting all parents as partners who have primary responsibility for  their children’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. As drafted, the guidelines establish a separate class of parents deemed “unsupportive,” and would accord these parents a lesser status with reduced rights. Virginia schools have a responsibility to partner with all parents and guardians, not a subset who happen to share ideological alignment with public officials. Parents should not be penalized for seeking to care for their children in ways that are consistent with both their beliefs and a large body of rigorous evidence, but differ from the ideology imposed by the guidelines. We are deeply concerned that the policy would direct school officials to withhold important information about a child from parents deemed “unsupportive.” We see no scientific or legal basis for  granting schools the power to decide whether to share student information with a minor’s parents based on such a determination. For example, recognizing the evidence cited above, a parent may counsel their child to wait until puberty to decide if they are transgender, yet such a parent may be classified as “unsupportive” under the guidelines. We are also concerned that the guidelines set an exceptionally vague, subjective standard of “unsupportiveness,” yet describe no procedures or criteria by which a determination of “unsupportiveness” would be made, or how parents would be able to appeal such a determination (though we believe the language should be struck entirely). In addition, this proposed power likely conflicts with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which gives parents the right to view student records, [xii] and may conflict with standards for legally changing a minor’s name, which typically require parental consent. [xiii] Recommendation: Delete from the guidelines language purporting to give school officials power to establish a class of parents deemed “unsupportive” and reduce the civil rights of those parents by withholding from them information that is important to the education and well-being of their children, including information related to their name and gender identity or status as gender dysphoric. The guidelines do not provide an accurate description or comprehensive reference to key laws and public policies. We appreciate DOE’s inclusion of relevant laws and public policies informing the guidelines. However, descriptions of them are inaccurate or incomplete at several points. In addition, the guidelines should include relevant references to the Virginia Constitution and/or Statute of Religious Freedom. 1) Clarify the description of the First Amendment . The guidelines state that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of “speech” and “expression,” but overlooks other important freedoms that are relevant to this policy. We recommend revising this language to state: “The First Amendment protects the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, of the press and of assembly.” [xiv] We further recommend revising the second sentence -- “Schools may not prevent students from expressing their identity” – to more closely align with the requirements of the First Amendment in the public school context. We support the (presumed) intent of the statement, but it includes a term so broad it is unenforceable (“identity”) and overlooks other relevant speech that schools may not prevent. We recommend DoE revise this sentence to say “schools may not prevent students from freedom of expression, including speech or other forms of expression related to the student’s gender identity, religion, or conscience.” 2) As noted by the guidelines, the document holds important implications for freedom of religion. We recommend including reference to Virginia’s Constitution and/or Statute for Religious Freedom . Specifically, DoE should include in this section a paragraph stating: “Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom: The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom states that all Virginians ‘shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.’” [xv] Similarly, we ask DoE to include language from Article I, Sec. 16 of the Virginia Constitution protecting the free exercise of religion. 3) Expand the description of FERPA. The description of FERPA in the draft guidelines omits a key reference to parental rights. We recommend DOE revise this language to align with U.S. Department of Education’s description by adding the italicized sentence below: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): This is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. It gives parents and eligible students the right to review and request corrections to the student’s education records maintained by the school. It prohibits the improper disclosure of…”. [xvi] 4) Applicably of HIPAA to elementary and secondary schools : Our understanding is that for K-12 schools, particularly public schools, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy rules generally do not apply because records are considered “educational” and not “treatment” records. We recommend that DoE have this section reviewed by legal counsel and delete or correct it. [xvii] Conclusion We care for all students in Virginia, including students who identify as transgender. However, the guidelines over-reach in seeking to impose a single ideological perspective, failing to protect all students and to recognize and accommodate different, valid viewpoints held by many students, school staff and parents. As a result, DOE must modify the draft guidelines as recommended above. Signed: Kristen Allen Wendell Brown Burton Burkholder Randy and Jennifer Burkholder Ronnie and Sandy Downing Sherri Fosdick Mary Hazzard Anne Quinn Vell and Carmen Rives Todd and Beth Sedmak [i] “Responding to the Transgender Issue: Parent Resource Guide,” Minnesota Family Council, 2019; accessed Jan. 3, 2021 at https://genderresourceguide.com/ [ii] The Kelsey Coalition, petition to the U.S. Surgeon General, June 19, 2019, accessed Jan. 3, 2021 at https://www.kelseycoalition.org/pubs/Petition-to-the-US-Surgeon-General [iii] Paul Dirks, “Gender-Inclusion Policies and Sexual Violence: A Longitudinal Analysis of Media Reports at Target Stores,” January 29, 2018, accessed Jan. 3, 2021 at http://womanmeanssomething.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/A-Longitudinal-Analysis-of-Media-Reports-at-Target-Stores.pdf [iv] Andrew Gilligan, “Unisex changing rooms put women in danger,” The Times , London: September 2, 2018, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/unisex-changing-rooms-put-women-in-danger-8lwbp8kgk . [v] In the 11 published studies on this topic, every one finds that a majority (61-98%) of children “outgrow” their gender dysphoria and come to accept their biological sex after going through puberty. The full list of studies, all of which should be included in the DoE guidelines, can be found in Appendix 1 (page 48) of the report “Responding to the Transgender Issue: Parent Resource Guide,” https://genderresourceguide.com/ [vi] Maiko A Schneider, et al., “Brain Maturation, Cognition and Voice Pattern in a Gender Dysphoria Case under Pubertal Suppression” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, vol. 11, 528, (November 14, 2017), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5694455/ . [vii] J. Macoveanu, “Sex-Steroid Hormone Manipulation Reduces Brain Response to Reward,” Neuropsychopharmacology , 41, no.4, (2016):1057-65 [viii] Christina Jewett, “Women Fear Drug They Used To Halt Puberty Led To Health Problems,” Kaiser Health News , February 2, 2017, https://khn.org/newConsensus Statement on the Use of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogs in Childrens/women-fear-drug-they-used-to-halt-puberty-led-to-health-problems/. [ix] Paul Dirks, “Transition as Treatment: The Best Studies Show the Worst Outcomes,” January 11, 2019. Woman Means Something , accessed on Jan. 3, 2021 at http://womanmeanssomething.com/transition-as-treatment-the-best-studies-show-the-worst-outcomes/ . [x] Dirks, “Gender Inclusion Policies”  “New Study Shows Gender-Inclusion Policy at Target Stores Associated with Increased Sexual Violence,” Woman Means Something , accessed Jan. 3, 2021 at http://womanmeanssomething.com/target-study-press-release/ [xi] In a 2019 survey of over 90 students in Arlington County, for example, of the 87% of students who opposed the policy, the most commonly cited reason (27%) was “conscience or beliefs” [xii] FERPA gives parents the right to “inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school” and to request corrections. https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html#:~:text=The%20Family%20Educational%20Rights%20and,the%20U.S.%20Department%20of%20Education ., accessed Jan. 3, 2021. [xiii] Code of Virginia § 8.01-217 https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/8.01-217/ , accessed Jan. 3, 2021. [xiv] Transcription of the Constitution of the United States, https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript#toc-amendment-i , accessed Jan. 3, 2021 [xv] Commonwealth of Virginia, Bill 82, passed 1785 at General Assembly. Accessed January 3, 2021 at https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-02-02-0132-0004-0082 [xvi] U.S. Department of Education, https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html , Jan. 5, 2021 [xvii] U.S. Department of Education, “Joint Guidance on the Application of FERPA and HIPAA to Student Health Records,” December 2019, https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/sites/default/files/resource_document/file/2019%20HIPAA%20FERPA%20Joint%20Guidance%20508.pdf , accessed Jan. 3, 2021."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92666", "author": "LaCrissa", "date": "2021-02-01T11:39:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "will home school my children before I allow my children to be around this. I raise my children to not see any differences in anyone. But why should my child even question there self if they see another child like this. It is mentally unstable. I believe there is 2 sexes. I believe in Jesus and he made us the way we are. And I will not allow my child to question which sex they are. They are innocent children. This should be the last thing they should be worrying about. I understand everyone has different views, but why should people with different views have to suffer. And also. I have rights to my children so I don’t agree with being able to kick parents rights out of the school. If we do anything with the transgender children it should be to make them their own dressing rooms and own bathrooms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92667", "author": "LeighH", "date": "2021-02-01T11:41:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose, as a parent with girls. Schools should protect children from harm, including (especially!) sexual harassment and rape. A school that allows boys in girls locker rooms and bathrooms is putting ALL girls in danger in order to make a couple students feel better. There are alternative ways to handle this without a mixing of the sexes. This legislation is completely lacking in common sense. Stop pandering to special interests and start protecting our children - ALL our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92668", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T11:41:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I provide my strongest support for this policy. To community members who claim that this policy will allow for students to change their gender identity at will so that they can go into the girls bathroom/locker room and watch them undress or rape them - you are the same people who post about parental rights and your responsibility to teach your children. You can (and should) teach them that falsely changing their pronouns, taking advantage of a policy meant to help others, spying on women and raping women are WRONG. Why is it the responsibility of transgender individuals to remove this supposed \"temptation\" instead of the responsibility of these children who are actually committing inappropriate acts? This is a form of victim blaming. And to those who worry that teachers have enough on their plate without having to remember their students' pronouns: is it really that difficult? If a student's last name changes because their parent remarries, teachers can handle that change. If a student's favorite color changes, teachers can learn the new one. If their handwriting evolves or they begin an after-school activity that alters their schedule or they develop a passion for a new subject - their teachers can and do respond to these changes. Modifying pronoun use to respect a person's identity is a miniscule responsibility. Sure, it can be difficult to remember at first - any change is. But with repetition and care, I have full confidence that teachers can learn this change. LGBTQ+ individuals should not be punished so that those around them can avoid temporary (and self-proclaimed) \"inconvenience\" or \"discomfort\"."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92669", "author": "Emily Loranger", "date": "2021-02-01T11:41:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "Our children deserve policies that provide them the protection to be who they are in the place they spend the majority of their time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92670", "author": "Rebecca Messe", "date": "2021-02-01T11:46:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!  These are NOT YOUR CHILDREN", "text": "Good morning, I am the mother of three Hanover County Public School students.  As a parent, I am outraged at the blatant disregard of parental input and exclusion of parental rights under this extremely controversial policy.  The changes proposed by this policy go against biological science and societal norms for all of history. I am raising my children under Christian values and a faith belief system that have been good and true since the beginning of time.  Now this policy is telling parents like me that if I encourage my children to embrace their God-given sex, I would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school?  I am their mother!  I have provided for and mentored and disciplined and raised them, along with my husband, their father, every day of their lives.  How dare you remove us from such a conversation and aim to deceive? “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Yes, some young people have gender questions and go through uncertainties, but to rewrite common sense for the benefit of a very small few will undoubtedly bring forth untold emotional stress, grief, depression, and likely, abuse.  And at the hands of school administrators who have lost their way on RIGHT from WRONG! How can you really believe this is for the GOOD of young people?  You want to promote a student's choice to flip-flop from boy to girl to in-between as often as they feel like it?  They are young, easily influenced, lack life experience, their brains are not yet fully-developed, and we are going to serve these whims over our adult good sense?  What twilight zone are we living in?  This is NOT REALITY.  So much damage will be done. The language on page 18 pertains to restrooms and locker rooms: “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) I cannot fathom what it will feel like for biological boys and girls to be in their normal private space but then subjected to the opposite sex coming in because they feel like it at the moment.  If this policy passes, 99% ( Gender dysphoria in adolescence: current perspectives (nih.gov) of our children/teens will have no defense, no recourse to this treatment by Administrators, and their parents will have no idea it is going on.  JUST UNBELIEVABLE! I represent THOUSANDS of like-minded parents in Hanover County and around the state that utterly REJECT this policy.  I urge you not to pass it. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92671", "author": "Earle E Foltz", "date": "2021-02-01T11:57:00", "title": "Oppose this policy", "text": "Strongly oppose this policy. There is no consideration for the children that will be offended when the opposite sex comes in to the locker room to change. Plus do not take the parents to court for their beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92672", "author": "Ronnie", "date": "2021-02-01T12:03:00", "title": "Education Reform", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92673", "author": "Julie", "date": "2021-02-01T12:04:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy. I think it is important to be sensitive to children who struggle with gender dysphoria but this policy oversteps the rights of parental authority. It also sidesteps the science behind the diagnosis and may actually hinder a child who struggles with this and how the family is embracing it. This issue is not the be placed into the hands of the public school system. This is not about ideology, it is about a family and their privacy on a sensitive issue that should have freedom to be handled by the parents and their doctors. Don't go down this bad policy road Virginia, you'll be hit with lawsuits because your ideology is not balanced with common sense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92674", "author": "Ashley W", "date": "2021-02-01T12:04:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Children need a safe place to be accepted fully as they are and we need to work on create that safety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92675", "author": "Janet Holloway", "date": "2021-02-01T12:11:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92676", "author": "Carmen", "date": "2021-02-01T12:13:00", "title": "Education Reform Guidance Document", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE the proposed guidelines that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. It puts my children,(male and female), at a disadvantage"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92677", "author": "Sarah Humphreys", "date": "2021-02-01T12:14:00", "title": "very strongly support", "text": "I am an educator and have seen first hand the very difficult position transgender students are put in when they are not respected in their schools. Difficult is actually an understatement, they are put in situations that can cause extreme mental and emotional distress every single day. That is no way for a child to feel when they are in school. We cannot let ignorance and fear mongering lead this conversation and instead let evidence based interventions and basic human rights be the guiding principles of this issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92678", "author": "George G. Gounley", "date": "2021-02-01T12:16:00", "title": "Let's go with science and reality, not with your fantasy", "text": "We are often told by some scientists and politicians that the gold standard for the formulation of public policy should be science.  Then, more and more, those same people go ahead and make public policy based on whatever they want to impose on the rest of us.  The most obvious example of this is denial by those who promoted and now defend legal abortion of the undeniable scientific fact that immediately upon conception a baby's DNA is a combination of its mother's and father's DNAs, and thus the baby is a new and unique human being, a person. In the same manner, the proposed Guidance Document ignores the science that whether a child is male or female is manifested not just in the child's external sexual characteristics, as has been obvious since the species began, but, as science has now determined, in the different composition of every cell of a person's body, depending on whether that person is male or female.  So a person with a male body who thinks that he is a female, or with a female body who thinks that she is a male, has thinking that is not in conformance with scientific reality. Where scientific reality and thinking differ, to go with the thinking instead of the reality is to enter into a fantasy world.  The Guidance Document aims to lay down rules that would require all of us to participate in their fantasy, even though, for nearly all of us, our thinking conforms with the science, with reality.  They want to make their fantasy our new 'reality', an impossible task, because it is not science, and an effort that is doomed to end badly, most especially for those poor souls who have the reality/thinking problem in the first place. To those who developed or are pushing for approval of the Guidance Document, I can ask no better question than to quote from a movie comedy, The Dream Team, \"Why don't you accept reality as it is, rather than make it up as you go along?\" Enough!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92679", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T12:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "This goes against everything I believe! ! It is God who creates us...it is totally abhorrent to me to “ change the rules” by going against His plan."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92680", "author": "Becky Patton", "date": "2021-02-01T12:16:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Legislating transgender rights is beyond the duties of legislators.  It will only create confusion, chaos, fear and animosity.  The rights of a child should remain in the hands of parents.  Let them navigate with their transgender child the individual school in which they are residing.  Don't expose non-transgender children into this morass of morality issues that have no meaning to children.  They are too young and do not need to be exposed to this kind of behavior or lifestyle on a regular basis."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92681", "author": "Matt", "date": "2021-02-01T12:16:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As a new parent I strongly oppose this bill.  Does allowing members of the opposite sex to share locker rooms/bathrooms honestly sound like a good idea?  How will the school system handle it when this is abused?  How will the school system handle this if there's a sexual assault because teenagers of the opposite sex are sharing the same changing room?  3.9% of Virginia's adult population identifies as LGBT https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/profile_state/VA .  One has to assume that not all of that 3.9% would identify as transgender.  I couldn't find an actual number of Virginians that identify as transgender, but nationwide that number is .42% of the population according to the Williams Institute.  It makes absolutely no sense to pass bills that affect everyone based on .42% of the United States population.  If the concern is over these students being bullied, address that by cracking down on bullying.  Bullying in general is a much much bigger issue than transgender students being able to explore themselves with the help of the school system.  If you are so concerned with the extremely small percentage of school age students that identify as transgender, build them their own bathrooms and locker rooms.  Don't punish the rest of the students, the faculty, and parents because of .42% of the population, how is that equitable?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92682", "author": "Sarah", "date": "2021-02-01T12:26:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly disagree. Doesn't sound safe for any of the children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92683", "author": "kendra", "date": "2021-02-01T12:26:00", "title": "opposed transgender policy", "text": "I oppose the transgender policy. this does not make me feel safe for my child. I understand how the transgender community feels about equality but maybe we just let those select students who feel that way be called what they want or use which bathroom they want. we do not need to implement an entire policy for all students. if my child later decides she wants to be something else ok but I don't want her deciding it because you have shown her how. these decisions are personal and should be left with parents and family."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92684", "author": "Sara Blanco", "date": "2021-02-01T12:31:00", "title": "Full Support", "text": "I am extremely impressed with the depth of understanding, care, and evidence-based approaches outlined in this policy. This is so important for transgender students, but I was also struck by how so many of these policies create a more accepting, expressive, positive experience for cisgender students, as well. For example, when dress codes outline gender neutral basic standards of professional/appropriate attire, girls aren't made to feel overly sexualized. All in all, I am excited for Virginia to be pursuing inclusive, thoughtful policies like this. Very proud to be a lifelong Virginian and K-12 graduate of Arlington Public Schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92685", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T12:33:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Promoting the \"confusion\" that students with gender issues are experiencing will further damage them as the male or female they were at birth.  It will also promote confusion amongst fellow students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92686", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T12:33:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE Transgender indoctrination/policies in our schools. Use Faculty bathrooms!", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE Transgender indoctrination/policies in our schools. Use Faculty bathrooms!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92687", "author": "John Fleming", "date": "2021-02-01T12:33:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance for the VDOE to create models to better support trans and non-binary students. It is paramount that we find ways to be more inclusive towards those who have historically been excluded. I personally have many friends who are trans and/or non-binary, and, growing up as a student in a Virginia public school, I saw how there was an utter lack of help for students questioning their gender identity - especially those who did not have an accepting family at home. Schools can provide an important foundation of support for these students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92688", "author": "Susan Scoven", "date": "2021-02-01T12:34:00", "title": "Strongly Support Protections for trans students", "text": "All students should be protected and supported within an academic environment. Trans students are especially vulnerable and should be able to feel safe upholding their gender identities. Person opinions on belief in the trans experience are irrelevant. Science and best practices affirm the necessity of affirming gender identity. I strongly Support the suggested policies supporting trans students and protecting them from bulliy and discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92689", "author": "R. Sauder", "date": "2021-02-01T12:35:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is not Biblical, one day EVERY knee will bow and every tongue confess. Love does not condone sin, but rather comes along beside and helps people to understand God's will for us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92690", "author": "L. Sauder", "date": "2021-02-01T12:36:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am opposed to this in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92691", "author": "Jeannie", "date": "2021-02-01T12:41:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "I signed my granddaughter up for a music camp in the summer of 2019, pre-Covid.  She was 12 at the time.  The first day she attended, they asked her what gender she identified with?  She had no idea what they were even talking about......this is to say that kids become confused about things when you make this such a big deal to them.  Putting it in the classroom every days is just asking for kids who are not old enough to know what's what to make a life-altering decision.  VDOE needs to leave this up to the parents.  Hey, how about this....let's start saying the pledge of allegiance and have a morning prayer like I did when I was in school!  We did not have the issues we are seeing today.  Not one kid in all of my years up to college committed suicide!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92692", "author": "retired nurse", "date": "2021-02-01T12:44:00", "title": "transgender policies", "text": "Strongly OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92693", "author": "Kerstin Fisher", "date": "2021-02-01T12:44:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!!!!!!!!!!!", "text": "I am strongly opposing this change followed by science as scientifically there is only 2 genders and I don’t feel safe to have my kids getting this politically infused assumption indoctrinated by anybody!! Keep this out of our schools! Transgender politics do not belong in our class rooms!! A child is a child - there is a reason why you are not declared an adult until 18!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92694", "author": "Sharon", "date": "2021-02-01T12:47:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "So sad that are kids can't be kids anymore"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92695", "author": "Sarah", "date": "2021-02-01T12:50:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "Enough is enough of the brainwashing... NO to boys in the girls locker rooms, and playing on girls sports teams. Why would we ever allow 5 year olds to make decisions without their parents knowledge? Our identity is in Christ and sex is a God-given gift. Please oppose now!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92696", "author": "joanie", "date": "2021-02-01T12:56:00", "title": "VDOE", "text": "STRONGLY DISAGREE 1111"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92697", "author": "Carolyn", "date": "2021-02-01T12:57:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree", "text": "Strongly Disagree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92698", "author": "Stephani", "date": "2021-02-01T12:58:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!", "text": "DO NOT DO THIS TO OUR KIDS!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92699", "author": "Kathleen Nash", "date": "2021-02-01T12:59:00", "title": "Treatment of Transgender students in school polcy", "text": "I support the model policy of transgender rights in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92700", "author": "Mary Ursitti", "date": "2021-02-01T13:03:00", "title": "Strongly oppose !", "text": "I find it incredible that VDOE deems it proper to hide or subvert a minor student's mental health status from their parents / guardians ! Gender dysphoria is a recognized mental health disorder and minor students should be given all the help they need from the school in conjunction with their parents. My goodness, when a student has any type of special needs or accommodations, if an IEP is proposed the family must consent to services. And, that includes mental health counseling. And, who is training the trainor, here in terms of measurable goals and objectives in regard to gender dysphoria and a student's gender identity? I strongly oppose this measure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92701", "author": "Jamie Loving", "date": "2021-02-01T13:03:00", "title": "Gender is a social construct. Protect transgender students.", "text": "Gender is a social construct. Protect transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92702", "author": "Thaddeus W", "date": "2021-02-01T13:05:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support the VDOE model policies. The harm that transphobia does to the wellbeing and safety of trans children is obvious and well documented. These policies will help decrease this harm, making Virginia schools safer and healthier for our students. These simple policies seek to allow children to exist in public schools and be safe regardless of gender identity, a goal that we should all share. I hope that these policies will be adopted throughout Virginia to make our state a healthier and more supportive one for all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92703", "author": "Mary K.", "date": "2021-02-01T13:07:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!", "text": "This policy is reprehensible and forces both faculty and students to follow the whims of popular ideology rather than empirical evidence.  The thought that faculty are going to circumvent parental rights, and follow the ideology is extremely frightening!  This ideology is terribly confusing and harmful to so many, and children deserve so much more than this policy.  Allowing and encouraging confusion DOES NOT HELP!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92704", "author": "Francesca", "date": "2021-02-01T13:07:00", "title": "Teacher", "text": "Strongly oppose!! While I want all students to feel accepted, safe, and loved at school these policies have too many holes in them. Parents not being included is a huge risk to the school and staff. There aren’t enough guidelines for who this would apply to and how and how the rest of the student population is protected from a student taking advantage of this. Teachers aren't protected either. As a current teacher I would feel EXTREMELY uncomfortable implementing any of this for fear of something going wrong. Also as a teacher of young students, I know that young children aren’t developed enough to be in situations where they are making decisions about these things. It is one thing to discuss it at home or in a classroom. It is a whole different thing entirely for it to be practiced at a school and then not have to inform parents. It is a major safety risk!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92705", "author": "Hannah", "date": "2021-02-01T13:11:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Confusion about sexual identity takes away a foundation that has been secure since Creation.  \"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.\"  Gen. 1:27 Allowing the minority views to control the majority of people who do not agree with this policy is wrong and will lead to tension and more confusion and misunderstanding.  Every culture from the beginning of time had a moral code--The Norse, Babylon, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and more.  All believe that we are to care for the poor and not hurt others and treat others as we would want to be treated.  We want to be loving to those who are gender confused.  Loving them is giving them boundaries.  We do not love our children when we let them do whatever they want.  We all know that limits actually give freedom. In a classroom, we don't allow a child to change his name each day.  That would be chaos for a teacher in her record keeping on their papers, much less the classmates being able to address, and remember, their new name. The absurdity of this policy is great.  It must not be put into effect.  Wonderful, caring, confident teachers will leave the public schools, so will any families who can afford to.  The public sector will be left with all poor, needy, and very confused people.  How could we consider letting this happen? Let's encourage parents to help their children find their identity as parents have been doing all throughout history.  Let's remember to pray for teachers, families, and schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92706", "author": "Hannah Barben", "date": "2021-02-01T13:18:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "The government should not have the ability to take away the rights of parents regarding this topic, nor overrule a decision made by parents.  Under these current proposed policies, victims are going to be further victimized.  Under these policies, a boy could decide that he wants to be a girl (when he truly isn't suffering from these feelings) just to have access to the girls locker room.  Regarding overnight field trips, how can you allow boys and girls to share the same room? The amount of students who truly suffer from gender dysphoria are a very very small percentage.  Why not just treat each individual situation with respect?  After confirming with a physician that the student truly does suffer from gender dysphoria,  allow the student to wear the clothes they want, be called what they want and use a gender neutral bathroom. Encouraging students to question their gender is NOT the role of government."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92707", "author": "Margot Pleasants", "date": "2021-02-01T13:19:00", "title": "Strongly support the Protection of Trans and Gender Non Conforming youth", "text": "We need to do all we can to support and protect all of our kids and that starts with the most vulnerable. Trans and gender non conforming youth need to know that we support them and see who they truly are. Discrimination against the trans and gender expansive community leads to increased suicide rates and increased violence. It is important to have policies in place to support and protect them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92708", "author": "Jacob", "date": "2021-02-01T13:21:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT -- save teen lives", "text": "Keep trans kids safe and allow for as close to a normal high school experience as possible. I often say, mostly joking, that the worst part of being trans is the paperwork. Just reading this document was a relief. Trust me when I say that being a high school student in this situation is a nightmare. It's disheartening. This document is a step in the right direction. The loons who strongly oppose this document won't be affected in any way shape or form by it, and they have no clue about the people it will help."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92709", "author": "Tammy", "date": "2021-02-01T13:22:00", "title": "Strongly opposes!", "text": "I strongly oppose any legislation regarding transgender in public schools!  Anyone that supports this type of legislation will get a NO vote from me in upcoming elections!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92710", "author": "Gary R Shockley", "date": "2021-02-01T13:23:00", "title": "Policy for guidlines on transgendered students", "text": "I DO NOT approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92711", "author": "Reese", "date": "2021-02-01T13:26:00", "title": "STRONGLY Oppose this!", "text": "I strongly oppose this! What kind of society have we become where being born a biological male or a biological female makes you the outcast? Why are we catering to this ignoramus idea of letting young children decide which gender they want to be. Not to mention allowing this would put children in serious danger, of bullying, depression, and or suicide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92712", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T13:26:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "Using kids correct pronouns and chosen name are easy and simple steps you can take to actively reduce issues such as bullying, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Trans and gender non conforming kids are not a threat to anyone. All they want is to be seen as themselves. The same thing anyone wants. By supporting these kids we will see them grow and flourish instead of withdrawing into themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92713", "author": "John and Jeannine M", "date": "2021-02-01T13:26:00", "title": "Opposed to this proposal", "text": "This policy exhibits an obviously dismissive attitude to the rights of parents and interferes with their ultimate responsibility for their children and issues of sexuality with which their children might be dealing.  This is not the school's responsibility.  Also, for the school to hide from parents issues that involve their child is patently wrong. Transgender students should not disrespected but the rights of non-transgender students are being ignored as they are being forced into situations that can be uncomfortable and are wrong. This whole proposal will place a harmful burden on administators and teachers and our overall education system. It will be to the harm of ALL students and staff. We are adamantly opposed to this proposal and believe it needs to be rejected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92714", "author": "Concerned mother!", "date": "2021-02-01T13:27:00", "title": "All of the Virginia school reform on the table regarding transgender and gender identity", "text": "I am strongly opposed to an and ALL issues in the table regarding a push to talk to our public school students about gender, transgender,etc.! I am the parent! Do not tell my child that it is ok to say what gender SHE wants to be. Don’t push this disgusting and disturbing agency on our children who have no choice but to attend public school. A girl is a girl and a boy is a boy. DO NOT, please, DO NOT pass this legislation"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92715", "author": "Christina French", "date": "2021-02-01T13:29:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I absolutely support the protection of transgender and non-binary children in VA schools. I have a MS son who attends a very accepting school and it is good for him to meet different kids and learn to be inclusive of those who are not necessarily just like him.  Children should feel safe at school and supporting choices like these that have NO impact on others but are so important to the individual child serves to promote good mental health and a compassionate society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92716", "author": "Katie Richard, LPC", "date": "2021-02-01T13:32:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "This proposed document supports best policies for transgender and non-binary students. What we know is that such protections make a huge difference in the lives of trans and non-binary students and do not negatively impact the educational experience of their cisgender peers. Supporting this will put Virginia on the right side of history. The comments reflected opposing this document mirror the prejudiced arguments seen when schools were being desegregated. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92717", "author": "Lee Cockrell", "date": "2021-02-01T13:36:00", "title": "Strongly oppose, this should be a parental decision", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this proposal.  Sexuality and gender should be decided by the parents and family of the student."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92718", "author": "Parent of an 11 year old", "date": "2021-02-01T13:45:00", "title": "I OPPOSE the legislation", "text": "Although I support the right of ALL children to be treated equally, this legislation goes beyond that and offers SPECIAL treatment for children identifying as transgender.  It also REMOVES the parental role in decision making for their child.  The below provision is an example of the school interfering in the PARENTS right to determine how this is dealt with.  Usurping the parents control is unacceptable and the State has no right to do this.  Please reconsider this and provide an alternative narrative for discussion other than the one sided presentation of this issue provided. I n the situation when parents or guardians of a minor student (under 18 years of age) do not agree with the student’s request to adopt a new name and pronouns, school divisions will need to determine whether to respect the student’s request, abide by the parent’s wishes to continue using the student’s legal name and sex assigned at birth, or develop an alternative that respects both the student and the parents. This process will require consideration of short-term solutions to address the student’s emotional needs to be affirmed at school as well as the long-term goal of assisting the family in developing solutions in their child’s best interest. For example, a plan may include addressing the student at school with their asserted name and pronoun while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92719", "author": "Billy Davidson", "date": "2021-02-01T13:45:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. Not in schools", "text": "Not in the school system....this is between the kid and the parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92720", "author": "Blaise", "date": "2021-02-01T13:49:00", "title": "Strongly Support. Disappointed by the bigotry.", "text": "All I can do is echo some of the responses by others who have articulated this well: All students deserve a safe learning environment. This includes those who are LGBTQ+. As someone who has friends in the LGBTQ+ community, I can say with confidence that bullying, harassment, and institutional and individual discrimination are extremely damaging to children - to their learning, their mental health, their physical wellbeing, their safety, and their lives. Transgender children deserve to be respected for their own identities, just as cis-gender children are. This policy is way overdue. In response to community members who have claimed that LGBTQ-supportive policy will \"damage\" their own children, I encourage them to really consider what that damage would be. Having views that differ from those of their parents is not damage. Treating their peers with kindness and understanding is not damage. Accepting others whose identities and ideologies differ from their own is not damage. But discriminating against LGBTQ+ individuals is unquestionably damaging. I support this policy with full conviction and enthusiasm."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92721", "author": "Mr. & Mrs. M. Charles Queen, Jr.", "date": "2021-02-01T13:52:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to proposed policy", "text": "In reviewing the proposed policies regarding transgender students, we have several concerns: Nowhere in the document does it enumerate the percentage of supposed transgender students vs. the percentage of supposed cisgender students. It is stated in the proposed policy that neither a student of school employee may challenge the status of a student.  How would the Board propose to address the feelings or protect the safety of a female student should a transgender female wish to use the female locker room / bathroom? Nowhere in the document does the Board address the potential cost of addressing potential privacy concerns presented by these policy changes.  Will the state bear these expenses or will this be left up to the localities? Although it is stated that athletic competition is not addressed in these policies, surely the VHSL will be under extreme pressure to conform to these changes at a later date.  We feel that transgender females being allowed to compete with the girls would be an extreme injustice and potentially present a dangerous environment for the girls. In reviewing the personnel makeup of the committee, it appears that there is a great lack of parental involvement. In the event that these changes are adopted, what is the vehicle for reversing these changes should they prove detrimental to the student population as a whole? In summary, we believe that these changes are an invasion of the privacy of the vast majority of cisgender students and in the long run, would be detrimental to the education of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92722", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T13:54:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE-pure evil", "text": "This bill is pure evil. Has no place in our education system. Shame on you for even considering."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92723", "author": "Anne", "date": "2021-02-01T13:57:00", "title": "Strongly Support- Support Saves Lives", "text": "Parents, educators, and a society who love their kids need to listen and help kids become their best selves.  Kids who hear hate from their families are twice as likely to try or commit suicide.  Support saves kids lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92724", "author": "Esther Cerle", "date": "2021-02-01T13:59:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose ALL Transgender HB 145 and SB 161 Policies", "text": "I strongly oppose ALL Transgender Policies being imposed on children in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92725", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T14:02:00", "title": "I oppose this ungodly and idiotic legislation", "text": "I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92726", "author": "Melissa Bryan", "date": "2021-02-01T14:04:00", "title": "transgender in schools", "text": "gr-daughter w/Crohns disease/Oppose transgender bathroom use/God made M/F of all species"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92727", "author": "Chris", "date": "2021-02-01T14:11:00", "title": "Absolutely No!", "text": "Remember, we are talking about children... When does it end? Seriously, where is the line? No, absolutely no to this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92728", "author": "Colby Heisman", "date": "2021-02-01T14:12:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose!!  As a father of two girls that have expressed their concerns I feel it should be up to the parent/ parents. My kids should have protections also from having a male enter their locker room or bathroom!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92729", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-01T14:13:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "As a parent, I strongly oppose this legislation. While everyone should be treated with respect, promoting gender confusion to students and undermining parents is not ok."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92730", "author": "Stephen Gabriel", "date": "2021-02-01T14:13:00", "title": "I strongly oppose these guidelines for treating transgender children", "text": "These guidelines are anti-family and anti-child. Parents should be fully informed of any matters related to the well-being of their child. Educators should inform parents when their child demonstrates gender confusion in school. Parents have the right to help their children and obtain medical and psychological treatment for their children when they are experiencing gender dysphoria. Under no circumstances should children be allowed to use bathrooms or locker rooms that are dedicated to those of the opposite God-given sex. While children experiencing gender confusion should be treated with compassion, telling them that they can chose their sex is a lie and is harmful to the child in the long run. These guidelines are radical and dangerous and should not be adopted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92731", "author": "Stephanie", "date": "2021-02-01T14:13:00", "title": "Absolutely not!", "text": "A child will go through many changes in their life before they finally figure out what/who they want to be. Allowing them to identify as the opposite sex is their choice, by all mean, but that doesn't give the right for them to impose on others privacy or bodies. Allowing a male into a females bathroom is asking for trouble, and visa versa. My daughter will not be made to share the bathroom/locker room with a male because he \"thinks\" he is female. My son will not be made to share a bathroom/locker room with a female because she \"thinks\" she is a male. My children will not be made to think it's okay for the opposite sex to impose on their privacy. You are taking only a handful of children into your account, and not giving a crap about anyone else. You are asking for lawsuits, criminal charges, accusations, etc if this happens. I cannot even begin to list all the things that could and will happen, unfortunately."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92732", "author": "E.C.", "date": "2021-02-01T14:16:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose ALL Transgender Policies In School: House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161 Policies", "text": "I Strongly Oppose ALL Transgender Policies being Infiltered into our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92733", "author": "Mum of two", "date": "2021-02-01T14:18:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "lack of parental involvement lack of rights for cisgender safety and cisgender student feelings please make proposal safe for all students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92734", "author": "Mark", "date": "2021-02-01T14:20:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "Fully support and deeply dissapointed in those who don't."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92735", "author": "Carol Barlow", "date": "2021-02-01T14:21:00", "title": "I strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this measure. Not appropriate for this to be handled at school"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92736", "author": "Mark", "date": "2021-02-01T14:21:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Strongly support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92125", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T17:19:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT", "text": "I read the Model Policies with my son, who is transgender and attends public school in Virginia.  WE FULLY SUPPORT the “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.” Guidance on how to best serve and understand our transgender and gender non-conforming children is critical for their development and education. These policies help to create a safe and welcoming space for transgender youth and are necessary to ensure equity, equality, and respect for all students. Thank you to VDOE and the committee that worked to bring these guidelines forward. They are essential for the health and well-being of our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92126", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T17:23:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED!!!", "text": "This is unacceptable and should not be enforced EVER!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92127", "author": "CAPT James R Poplar III USN (ret)", "date": "2021-01-29T17:24:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Stop using our children as pawns to advance a progressive and misguided agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92128", "author": "Chris Puffer", "date": "2021-01-29T17:26:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE.  I think that in the not too distant future the people who oppose such compassionate and reasonable guidance will be viewed in the same manner as people who opposed integration in decades past.  We know several transgender kids - despite the fact that they live in a supportive area, the world is not a supportive place for such kids, as evidenced by too many of the comments here.  Frankly, many of the comments I've seen cement the fact that VDOE needs to take the lead here and enact the guidance to protect these vulnerable kids.  It's clear that bullying and fear of the \"other\" doesn't stop at childhood.  Please protect our children and not focus on the bullies. For those who fear the \"repercussions\" of such treatment of transgender kids, I'll share that our community has treated them with respect, compassion and support.  My kids have learned to \"be a buddy, not a bully,\" for all kids.  Having transgender kids treated the way that they have here has taught my kids so much - and they would never condone the bullying and awful comments seen here. I urge VDOE to do the right thing, lead the way, and protect our kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92129", "author": "Babette Cooper", "date": "2021-01-29T17:32:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!  School should be a safe place!", "text": "School should be a safe place for all!  I'm so tired of transgender kids being the latest population to be bullied."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92130", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T17:40:00", "title": "Strongly Advise against this!", "text": "So does this mean a dog can"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92131", "author": "Masrvin Weniger", "date": "2021-01-29T17:42:00", "title": "Strongly Oppoose", "text": "We are beginning to get involved way too early in issues which permanently affect a child's entire life.  It would be far better if we were to support and affirm the biological sex of a young person, rather than enhance or encourage actions which could seriously and negatively impact their future life and careers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92132", "author": "Eugenia V. Colon, Colon & Associates, LLC", "date": "2021-01-29T17:44:00", "title": "Support VDOE Model Policies", "text": "As a lifelong champion, personally and professionally, of civil and human rights, diversity, equity and inclusion, I am proud to support this guidance. This guidance will equip all schools with policies and procedures by which to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, including our LGBT youth. All children and youth should equally enjoy supportive, positive educational experiences and environments that are free of discrimination and harassment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92133", "author": "Blair Hubbard", "date": "2021-01-29T17:46:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "This seems to be a big step in the right directly of the protection of children - definitely in protecting their physical safety, but also taking into consideration their mental and emotional well being.  This is the right thing to do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92134", "author": "Teresa Padgett", "date": "2021-01-29T17:47:00", "title": "Strongly Support!!", "text": "ALL students should feel safe in school and be able to receive the support and services they need. The proposed policy is crucial in making schools safe spaces for trans students, and all students for that matter. Being able to show up, as you are and know that you will be supported and advocated for is huge and could be a life saving for some of our students. As a future school counselor, I know how important it is to advocate for all of our students and make schools safe places for learning and growing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92135", "author": "Diana Wilkins-Mitchell", "date": "2021-01-29T17:48:00", "title": "I believe that my daughter, who is 6, should not be forced to use a restroom with a biological boy.", "text": "I believe that every child’s rights should be protected, but not at the cost of negatively impacting another child to accomplish it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92136", "author": "Glen Johnson", "date": "2021-01-29T17:51:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "This policy needs to be rewritten to protect the minority of individuals without infringing on people's First Amendment Rights on two accounts, the Freedom of Speech, and the Freedom of Religion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92137", "author": "RACHEL HINZ", "date": "2021-01-29T17:52:00", "title": "Va Dept. of Education Transgender Policy", "text": "Strongly OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92138", "author": "Alecia Jones", "date": "2021-01-29T18:02:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "I am strongly opposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92139", "author": "Brian Downs, parent of 8 kids", "date": "2021-01-29T18:02:00", "title": "HB 145 and SB 161", "text": "As a parent of 8 successful children, I'm frankly aghast to even have to write concerning this despicable bill being put forth to control students & parents??!!  People certainly have the right to choose their sexuality & there are plenty of appropriate anti-discrimination laws on the books to defend that right, but to attempt to restrict a parents rights as it pertains to this topic, is blatantly wrong & communist in nature.  And to force people/teachers to use what you have coined \"gender identity\" pronouns, is just plain stupid.  Please use some common sense & reject this nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92140", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T18:13:00", "title": "Transgender policies and parental rights", "text": "As a grandparent I hate to see parents losing more and more of their rights. As for transgender recognition and the policies proposed in Virginia I strongly oppose based on: 1: Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of ALL students, not just transgender identifying. 2. NO child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with an opposite biological sex. 3. The proposed policies articulate views that are far different from those of many parents. Through endorsement of views  regarding gender identification, etc. the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribes. 4. Schools should NOT be involved with gender identification and promoting it. 5. The Department's proposed agenda and policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to sex and gender identity. 6. The proposed agenda and policies infringe on 1st Amendment rights of parents to raise their children as they see fit and to teach them as they see fit."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92141", "author": "Kristen M. McAteer", "date": "2021-01-29T18:14:00", "title": "Strongly support transgender rights", "text": "It may well be time to take a more civilized approach to bathrooms in general.  If the stall doors actually blocked the view of the toileting individual, and went from floor to ceiling, then all bathrooms could be unisex.  A simple screen around the urinals would suffice to protect the eyes of the girls.  There is no reason they cannot all share the sinks.  This is standard practice across Europe.  Maybe it's time we get out of the stone ages."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92142", "author": "R Luciani", "date": "2021-01-29T18:30:00", "title": "Extreme and dangerous; this is not right or just. Vehemently oppose.", "text": "These polices are not right or just. School systems are entrusted with the welfare of these children... under the guise of equality, we are doing a great dis-service to them, that can have a life long impact on how thy identity ourselves in this world. We can be kind and loving without being extreme. This goes against Christian belief that gender comes from God, and that he made us male and female, in his his image and likeness. This is a slap in the face of every Christian in the school system. I would pull my children out of public school if these policies were put into practice.  This is not equality. This is not advancement."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92144", "author": "Greg", "date": "2021-01-29T18:38:00", "title": "Protect Students but let parents be in charge", "text": "All students should be treated with respect to one another. Harassment, bullying, etc. should never be tolerated must be dealt with in any circumstance. However, schools are not the ones to be having the discussing with students in this topic. Parents should be allowed to instruct their children on matters such as this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92145", "author": "Scottie Heilman", "date": "2021-01-29T18:39:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "I can’t believe we are even discussing this. It’s basic human decency and clearly the right thing to do for these children. If you disagree, you have too much time on your hands and too much hate in your heart."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92146", "author": "Wade Gayle", "date": "2021-01-29T18:39:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this insanity.", "text": "If I choose to be a dog do I have a right not to pay taxes? Dogs don't pay taxes. Now this may sound crazy to you but that's how I view this insane policy of yours. It is not natural for a boy to be a girl and a girl to be a boy. It is not natural for me to be a dog. You are also taking over the role of the parents by hiding things from them if a child doesn't want their parents to know. Then there's the bathroom problem. Its going to create a lot of turmoil there. Girls will be paranoid about going to the bathroom. I would never send my children to a crazy school like that. Suppose a child wants to be a \"he\" one day, then a \"she\" another day, then an \"it\". If the teacher doesn't use the right pronoun then the student can claim discriminatory behavior by that teacher. A child who wants to be transgender needs some counseling and love. They are really messed up in their head. To promote foolish policies like this is going to create more problems than it solves. What a person feels is not what is right many times. Over time feelings change. What if the school reinforces a transgenders person perceived identity?  Years later that person finds their true biological identity and is angry that the school took advantage of them when they were young.  Young people that age go through identity confusion. Do they have the right to sue that school?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92147", "author": "Karen Coleman", "date": "2021-01-29T18:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose the proposed transgender policies.", "text": "The state is intervening where it does not belong. Parents should be informed, involved, and empowered in their children’s welfare and not excluded and challenged by the state. Current, popular, “woke” liberal agendas should not be forced on children or their parents. This liberal agenda does not belong in the schools in ANY manner beyond a discussion in sex ed classes and making sure transgender students have a private bathroom or locker room."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92148", "author": "Sydney", "date": "2021-01-29T18:47:00", "title": "I love this policy. Be prepared for the Catholics from St Raymond to rant.", "text": "I wholeheartedly approve, and those individuals that have come from church website to tear down this ruling. Should be ashamed of themselves because not the christian way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92149", "author": "Melanie Meren, Fairfax County School Board", "date": "2021-01-29T19:02:00", "title": "Supporting trans/non binary youth model policies", "text": "Hello. I strongly support the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to draft model policies on the equitable treatment of transgender and non-binary youth in schools. All youth deserve to be treated with respect and equity. Please make these strong model policies for all jurisdictions to look to for guidance. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92151", "author": "Jennifer C Bauer", "date": "2021-01-29T19:06:00", "title": "Strongly Support Transgender Students", "text": "Please support requiring policies of all VA school districts to support the human rights of transgender and other LGBTQ students without bias or questioning of their dignity, respect for their gender or sexual orientation. This is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY for these students mental health and wellness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92152", "author": "Donna Gardner", "date": "2021-01-29T19:07:00", "title": "VDOE TRANSGENDER SCHOOL POLICY", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE THE VDOE TRANSGENDER SCHOOL POLICY"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92153", "author": "Kay Gwaltney", "date": "2021-01-29T19:45:00", "title": "proposed transgender legislation", "text": "I strongly oppose the legislation to let boys compete in girls' sports and use girls' locker rooms just because they want to become a girl.  Children and teens should not be put under this kind of pressure to have to decide if they are a boy or girl.  Girls should not have to worry that there is a boy in their dressing room who is going to compete with them or against them in sports.  Boys and girls are different in their abilities athletically and should compete with their same gender.  This gives an unfair advantage to the boys who join girls' sports. This is why the sports have been separated by gender.  Girls compete with girls only and boys against boys only."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92154", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T19:54:00", "title": "STRONGLY AGAINST", "text": "The fact that this is even up for comment is appalling.   People are either male or female..jus reference their birth certificate for their sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92155", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T20:04:00", "title": "Are you all nuts?", "text": "How about just getting the teachers to teach and let the parents parent.   This is a bad step"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92156", "author": "Christopher R. Allan", "date": "2021-01-29T20:07:00", "title": "This is insidious and a moral assault on parental/religious rights", "text": "I strongly oppose this attempt by radical leftists to indoctrinate our children.  This is a direct attack on the fundamental beliefs and teachings of Christians, Jews, Muslims, and every other faith community.  We do need to promote the dignity of all children and lovingly help those struggling with confusion and mental disorders.  But for the state to indoctrinate children with novel and highly controversial theories is a direct assault on religious liberties and a parent's prerogative to instruct their kids in religious values. Regardless if what the State does, I will teach my children Biblical truth and ensure they know that gender is not fluid, but biological and determined by God's soverign work."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92157", "author": "Elizabeth Burrows", "date": "2021-01-29T20:17:00", "title": "Strongly support transgender protections", "text": "I strongly support guidance to protect the civil rights agenda privacy of of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92158", "author": "Debbie Miller", "date": "2021-01-29T20:25:00", "title": "Disagree", "text": "I strongly disagree with everything in this policy that you are trying to quickly pass through before too many parents, grandparents, teachers, students and administrators are able to think clearly on what these policies will actually mean. You will be definitely putting our daughters and granddaughters at serious risk. This entire policy goes against our rights and  the safety of all our children that we send to school expecting them to be in a safe environment and they are not. Who is watching out for our children and their rights when just because a few have the idea all of a sudden they want to change their gender ????"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92159", "author": "Frank", "date": "2021-01-29T20:29:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.  The emperor has no clothes. Just sayin’.", "text": "First amendment hasn’t been repealed (yet).  Foolish not to preserve religious exception.  At the very least the state will be wasting valuable taxpayer money defending an unconstitutional and harmful (to the gender dysphoric) policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92160", "author": "Dave Grembi", "date": "2021-01-29T20:31:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. These policies are harmful/dangerous to children, and remove parental control.", "text": "I am opposed to blocking parents in any way from remaining in charge of the mental, spiritual, physical and social development of their children. Those important developmental areas belong to the parent, NOT the schools or government. Also, there is no accommodation recommended for parents who opt out of this policy due to religious or other reasons. In addition, the transgender policies proposed are confusing and downright dangerous to children. These policies are WRONG, they promote deterioration of family relationships, faith based morals, and give schools/government control they do not legally have under our constitution."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92161", "author": "Carolyn Schuyler", "date": "2021-01-29T20:39:00", "title": "Strongly support transgender protections", "text": "Schools have an obligation to create a safe learning environment for all students. It is a basic human right."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92162", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T20:45:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "What right do you think you have to take this conversation and insert your own narrative?! It's the parents that should be choosing what to teach their children anout sexuality and NOT the schools so that they can lead the narrative with their own radical agendas!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92163", "author": "Teri Grembi", "date": "2021-01-29T20:52:00", "title": "Extremely OPPOSED!", "text": "I am opposed to educators taking on this issue.  Only trained professionals should be involved with the parents; secrecy and hidden agendas are never healthy for anyone. This issue is for a small percentage of our population and all this focus is unnecessary. There are so many issues that need attention, with transgender issues as one of many. Too much else to focus on to meet the needs of our next generation without intentionally trying to confuse and scare our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92164", "author": "Cat Clark", "date": "2021-01-29T20:53:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a faithful Catholic Christian and antiracist organizer committed to advancing and defending human rights, I believe that all residents of Virginia (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, financial means, documentation status, etc.) have a right to public education in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment (free of discrimination, harassment, violence, and harms physical or emotional), including equitable and full access to facilities, activities, and resources necessary to their health, growth, and human development (e.g. classes, guidance, health services, food, bathrooms & locker rooms, sports & extracurricular activities, etc.). This includes transgender, nonbinary, and intersex students no less than binary cisgender students; queer students no less than straight students. We Virginians need and deserve schools in which administrators, faculty, and other school staff are fully committed to the safety, wellbeing, and thriving of their students as well as their education, and especially students who are socially marginalized, such as transgender, nonbinary, and intersex youth. School employees should be committed, for example, to correctly identifying students according to the names & pronouns those students use for themselves, protecting students’ privacy and sensitive information, preventing and correcting bullying and harassment from any source (staff, students, parents), etc. I believe, as it is often said, that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and that none of us are free until all of us are free. Where marginalized students (such as transgender, nonbinary, and intersex students) are treated well and thrive, all students thrive. Where marginalized students endure harm and live in fear, all students suffer harm. The health and safety of all students depends on the health and safety of the most vulnerable among us. This is an issue very near to my heart, as many of my friends and family members are transgender, nonbinary, and/or queer. As a disabled queer woman, I have experienced marginalization on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Everyone, without exception, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. I support the guidance. Cat Clark Alexandria, Virginia"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92165", "author": "Susan. J Jennings", "date": "2021-01-29T20:54:00", "title": "Model policy for treatment of transgender students", "text": "I am opposed to this bill for transgender students. I am a parent of a child in public school it's is my right for my child not to learn or be exposed to this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92166", "author": "Micah LaVanchy", "date": "2021-01-29T20:57:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this! What are you smoking to even consider this change?", "text": "i strongly oppose this change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92167", "author": "Daniel Rice", "date": "2021-01-29T21:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose - undermining parents and children's safety", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92168", "author": "Tim Taylor", "date": "2021-01-29T21:10:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "I AM STRONGLY AGAINST"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92169", "author": "Ryan Bonney", "date": "2021-01-29T21:10:00", "title": "Stop This NOW!", "text": "As a parent of a young child about to enter Kindergarten, I am overwhelmingly OPPOSED to this hideously subjective policy regarding transgender/gay identity nonsense.  This proposed rules change will not encourage freedom or equality.  It carves-out special rights for a tiny minority group which deserves Equal, NOT EXTRA, consideration under the law!  These policies are poisonous to individuals and society as a whole.  They are an attempt to legislate thoughts and beliefs, as well as behavior, which are the exclusive province of individuals and families to choose, teach and adhere to according each's own conscience.  The state has no right, nor any authority to dictate what a child says, what they believe, nor how they think anymore than it has the authority to dictate such to an adult.  Our children are Citizens, too!  To interfere with the raising of another's child is a taboo offense in our society for a reason.  We are obligated to protect all of our children, not force them to conform to a radical \"universal\" standard that cripples their ability to think critically and make their own judgements about themselves and one another.  Children should not be cudgeled into behaving \"properly\" through fear, intimidation and threat and that is EXACTLY the system that this proposed policy would force on every child in our Commonwealth's schools.  I'm not even going to get started on the outright ugly unconstitutionality of this policy in regards to 1st Amendment Freedoms including Speech and Religion...those are patently obvious on this face of this abortion of a proposal.  So, NO, I do not support the brainwashing of our children through fear.  I don't believe anybody should be discriminated against.  I have suffered bullying and mistreatment in public schools as a youth myself for all 12 years that I attended them.  But there are already adequate rules regarding curbing and addressing the mistreatment of ALL public school students in Virginia with REAL equality...we don't need to invent a special \"protected class\" of schoolchildren.  I will teach my son to be Loyal, Honest and Kind.  That is MY responsibility and his Mother's.  The state can stay the Hell out of my child's head!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92170", "author": "Sue Daniels", "date": "2021-01-29T21:13:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose the proposed standards regarding transgender students", "text": "There is so much wrong with these proposed standards, I barely know where to begin.  But these two points rankle the most: All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. I remember high school restrooms.  There wasn't much privacy, but there was some.  The locker rooms were another story.  There you were, expected to change out of your Phys Ed clothes, take a shower, change back into your street clothes, all in front of the other girls. It was excruciatingly embarrassing for a developing, self-conscious teenager.  Imagine how it would feel if there were guys in the room as well.  Well, I would have to skip the shower altogether.  They may \"feel\" like they are female, but they are still guys.  I would feel violated in such a situation.  Are the feelings of a non-trans student worth nothing? Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. This part of the guidelines is stunning in its audacity.  Parents are supposed to encourage their children to become well-adjusted adults.  The state has no business interfering in the normal, natural development of children within a responsible household.  Lots of children dress up as the other sex.  It's called role-playing.  It's part of a healthy childhood.  The idea that a child can \"know\" he or she is the opposite sex, and that's their final answer, is preposterous. The idea that the state can arrest the parents for thinking it's preposterous is monstrous. This legislation is bad law, based on subjective feelings that cannot be proven or that may even be ephemeral.  Students who believe they are transgender should not be bullied in any way, and they can be treated with kindness and respect without any legislation at all.  By the same token, non-transgender students and their parents must not be bullied either.  For this reason I strongly oppose it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92171", "author": "Meredith Stewart", "date": "2021-01-29T21:14:00", "title": "I support trans rights and protections", "text": "As the mother of a trans/gender non-binary young adult, I solidly support these measures.     Please, we need them!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92172", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T21:25:00", "title": "VDOE Draft Guidance", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. Young people deserve a supportive, respectful learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92173", "author": "Ray", "date": "2021-01-29T21:32:00", "title": "No! No! No! NO!!!!", "text": "As a father to 3 young girls I am extremely adamant in opposition to this fiasco of an idea. For obvious reasons to most people with any common sense whatsoever,  this could cause major problems if things take a wrong turn. And if you think we will take that news sitting down you really are as confused and misguided as I fear you are. DO NOT put us in this situation. The fact this is even being considered is beyond maddening I do not even recognize my country anymore."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92174", "author": "William Wegert", "date": "2021-01-29T21:35:00", "title": "Model Policies for Transgender Students", "text": "Great idea!  Take the vast majority of right-thinking students comfortable with the gender \"assigned\" to them at birth and traumatize them by allowing members of the opposite birth-assigned gender to walk in to their locker rooms and bathrooms at will.  How do you spell \"state sponsored voyeurism,\" which, last time I checked, was a crime? § 18.2-130 I look forward to the state being sued for emotionally traumatizing our youth and violating their innocence."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92175", "author": "Mary Garth", "date": "2021-01-29T21:38:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "This is government trying  to take control over the children of this country to take them away from their parents and family and God.   This is socialism and should not be pass."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92176", "author": "Mr. Stephen Piscitelli", "date": "2021-01-29T21:39:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender Proposed Policy", "text": "I oppose the proposed policy to allow transgender persons to violate the privacy of either gender by deciding which gender they are today and using the common facility of that gender i.e. biological male using ladies room or shower, biological female using mens room or shower. If a person with gender euphoria wishes an accomodation, please allow that person to use a single use bathroom/shower only. I strongly oppose biological males being allowed to compete in girl's/women's athletics."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92177", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T21:45:00", "title": "Statewide transgender policy", "text": "This proposed policy almost defies reality. I vehemently disapprove of this heinous draft model and pray to God to help parents and children in this frightening time. Parents, not schools should be responsible for their children’s upbringing.  This policy must not be allowed to be implemented."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92178", "author": "Sam Puckett", "date": "2021-01-29T21:46:00", "title": "Just plain wrong", "text": "So what you are offering is that any student that desires to enter the opposite gender bathroom or sport has to do is say \"I am Transgender\" then be aloud to accompany them into bathrooms/locker rooms etc. without supervision.. THIS IS WRONG!!! IN SO MANY WAYS!! AND TO THINK YOU WERE ELECTED TO REPRESNT US/ME YOU DO NOT ON THIS!!! DO NOT PASS THIS IN ANY LIFETIME!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92179", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T21:48:00", "title": "Transgender education", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92180", "author": "Marilou", "date": "2021-01-29T21:50:00", "title": "Model policies violate privacy rights!", "text": "Let those confused about their gender identity or having decided against their assignment at  birth use private facilities. In this way, you will not be violating the rights to privacy of the great majority of those not confused or happy with the gender they were assigned at birth.  It's also a good idea to ask, \"Who did the assigning at birth?\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92181", "author": "Donna Hazen", "date": "2021-01-29T22:06:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I think that we already have done great damage to our children with all this confusion about identity.  This is what happens, when you try to put a square peg in a round whole more confusion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92182", "author": "N Briggs", "date": "2021-01-29T22:09:00", "title": "Opposed to proposed transgender School policy", "text": "This policy is discriminatory against anyone who opposes your unscientific notions of gender. It’s form of Child abuse. Spend your time and money improving education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92183", "author": "JoAnn McCracken", "date": "2021-01-29T22:18:00", "title": "Transgender Policy/Fairfax County Schools", "text": "This is not a workable policy for school-aged children and the school system as a whole. Children who are not \"transgender\" definitely are treated as the ones who need to adjust to having their sports teams and their restrooms drastically changed.  The entire school \"experience\" will be changed and not for the good."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92184", "author": "Sharon Doetsch-Kidder", "date": "2021-01-29T22:25:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT KEEPING STUDENTS SAFE", "text": "Schools must prioritize student safety and model respect. Schools should be a safe place for students to learn, where they are respected and appreciated for who they are, and where they are taught to treat others and themselves with respect and kindness. Trans kids (and adults!) need protection from violence and bigotry. Those parents who are uncomfortable can be engaged in dialogue to express their concerns and hear the concerns of this trans kids and those who love them. But their concerns should not be given precedence over that of vulnerable children. Public schools are for our entire diverse community, not special interests who want to repress children who don’t fit the dominant (white heterosexual cisgender) mold."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92185", "author": "Simon S Goldenberg", "date": "2021-01-29T22:32:00", "title": "Strongly support this fair, reasonable, and flexible policy", "text": "As a Virginia parent I strongly support the VDOE model transgender student policy. It is well-informed by experts, it is very reasonable, it is flexible in allowing local control and encouraging community participation in development of local plans. This model plan would greatly reduce bullying in schools. It supports the fundamental principle of an appropriate public education for all students, free from harassment and stigma. Please adopt this plan."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92186", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T22:41:00", "title": "Support! Love thine neighbor.", "text": "Thank you for caring for the marginalized. Like Jesus did. Gratefully, An athiest"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92187", "author": "Jennifer A Kessler", "date": "2021-01-29T22:42:00", "title": "I do not agree with this:", "text": "While I believe in treating all people fairly and kindly, this would be creating a violation of the rights of people of faith.  I recognize the desire for our society to be completely equal; however, we are not all created the same.  We are not all equal.  If we were all equal, there would be no developmental disabilities or learning disabilities, everyone would pass everything all the time, and we would all be superstar sports players.  That is not the case.  The passage of this would result in making a very small portion of the population feel good while a large portion of the population feel uncomfortable with an uncontrollable, human act that requires privacy.  Also, again, this would violate the rights and beliefs for those of religious faith!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92188", "author": "Rick Carr", "date": "2021-01-29T23:05:00", "title": "Equal Education for LGBTQ+ Youth", "text": "This is very simple to me.  All people should be treated with respect.  All have inherent worth and dignity.  All should be treated equally and equitably.  This holds regardless of their gender assigned, gender identification, non-gender identification, who they choose to love and so on.  Othering people is wrong and harms all of us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92189", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T23:06:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE Gender Guidance document", "text": "Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! So the school will be raising our children now? How dare they propose to keep parents out of the loop of such an important aspect of a child's life. And then if the parent tries to guide the child in the correct way,, they face action from social services?? And to top it off, these children make up an extremely small minority of youth. Bringing such attention and fuss to transgenderism will confuse and cause all the other children to question the way they have lived their entire life. We are slowly encouraging children to mutilate and be unhappy with their God-given body and lie to their parents. We are allowing adolescents with brains that are not fully developed to make decisions that should only be made by a fully mature adult with the tools to navigate such a huge decision and the repercussions of that decision. Teach children to love and be kind to all, but do not force them to use made up pronouns and act like they agree with the choices of these few children. School is for education. Please provide a multisex/multigender restroom/locker room so those that are confused can be confused together and do not subject girls to the possible abuse of these proposed rules by allowing any biologically male student to go into their locker rooms and restrooms without question, and vice versa. How about allllll the other students who may feel uncomfortable having someone of the opposite sex watch them change in the locker room? There are ample policies in place to avoid the bullying. Small changes are necessary, but not a \"no questions asked, no parents involved\" policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92190", "author": "Stephanie Reef", "date": "2021-01-29T23:06:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. I would like my elementary age children to grow up in an environment, including the Virginia public school system, where there is equality for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92191", "author": "Janet L. Smith", "date": "2021-01-29T23:09:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to transgender policies proposed for K-12", "text": "I believe that giving children under age 18 a \"choice\" about what their gender is would be a mistake.   In elementary school  they are still trying to learn how to fit into the world and  in adolescence they are experiencing stong emotions impacted by homones and feelings of self-doubt and insecurity.  Sharing physical education activities, locker rooms, rest rooms and showers in middle school and high school violates the privacy of both genders and should not be mandated by government policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92192", "author": "Tiffany Burks", "date": "2021-01-29T23:21:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to transgender guidelines", "text": "Strongly opposed to transgender guidelines presented. What happens to the rights of all the other students? Why subject them to being in the same locker room, bathroom, of the opposite sex? Maybe make a seperate locker room and bathroom for transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92193", "author": "D. Adwell", "date": "2021-01-29T23:24:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAGREE w gender articles", "text": "I’m disgusted that these would even be considered.  OUR job is to protect the children.  YOUR job is to protect the children.  YOUR JOB IS NOT TO  INDOCTRINATE OTHER PEOPLE’S CHILDREN WITH YOUR LEFT WING IDEALS.   There is FAR TOO MUCH ROOM FOR ABUSE in the propositions and you risk our children’s innocence and safety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92194", "author": "Elizabeth Fogarty", "date": "2021-01-29T23:58:00", "title": "support Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "As a mother, grandmother, and a person of faith, I strongly support these model policies for the treatment of transgender students in public schools. This guidance will equip school districts, schools, and staff with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive educational experience for all students.  As the saying goes, when we know better, we do better. These thoughtful policies will help schools across Virginia do better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92195", "author": "Patty Lister, Fairfax Co. Public Schools", "date": "2021-01-30T02:42:00", "title": "I strongly SUPPORT this measure", "text": "I have been teaching for more than 30 years In Virginia public schools. In that time I've taught several transgender students, and at the point at which they could openly be who they have felt they really are, I witnessed an amazing ease and happiness in them.  Without a doubt they have been the most gentle and kind of students, and the thought that they could be thought of as a danger to other students is ridiculous to anyone who knows them. Anyone who continues to oppose this is going to end up looking on the wrong side of history, just like the screaming White people in Alabama who tried to keep the little Black girls out of their school are rightly abhorred almost universally.  I assure you that students are much more open and accepting if transgender people than you probably realize, and more so than many of their parents. And even if there are schools with students who are opposed, they are the ones that have to learn to be more accepting. Transgender students are no threat to anyone except tragically sometimes to themselves when they are bullied and harassed, and not supported by the very people in the schools who are supposed to protect them. Do the right thing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92196", "author": "Christine Raymond", "date": "2021-01-30T04:02:00", "title": "Dept of Education is overstepping their purpose and boundaries and jeopardizing safety.", "text": "The purpose of the Dept of Education and educational facilities is to educate our children first and foremost. Their second consideration is for the safety of our children. This bill proposes that my child, who I gave birth to and then raised for 12, 14, 17 years, who I  know, love, and care for, can have a conversation with a school personnel whose sole responsibility is to educate my child for the 9 months or less they have them in class can have a conversation, knowing my child 9 months or less, and help then make a life altering decision without me knowing? Where is the logic?  Then send them home and I and their family will be the one who will walk along side their life changing journey and the school personnel will be long gone but I will still be there? Or you will have me arrested if I disagree in anyway? This is WAY overstepping the boundaries of government. All children are trying to find themselves in their developing years. You are saying someone who knows my child 9 months or less is better equipped to help them make these kinds of decisions? Educators study education and the subjects they teach please stick to what they have studied and are hired to do, it’s plenty. Secondly this bill jeopardizes the safety of my child. Not questioning a student before walking into the bathroom of their opposite biological sex puts our children’s safety at risk. In the workplace of adults if you look inappropriately at a co-worker, comment inappropriately, or make any innuendoes it is considered sexual harassment or worse. However you are suggesting it is ok for a biological male to walk into a girls bathroom or locker room during the scientifically prove “hormonal years” without question? You are jeopardizing the safety of our daughters and I will personally sue if something happens to my child as a result of this law. The department of education and educational facilities need to stick to the focus of education and safety and leave life altering decisions to the families who raised the children and truly know the children. You are stepping way over the boundaries of government. This is truly not your place and not what you were trained or established to do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92197", "author": "Peter", "date": "2021-01-30T04:56:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "I am opposed to these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92198", "author": "Anthony", "date": "2021-01-30T06:00:00", "title": "Lost your minds", "text": "You people need to go back to teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic and leave this social brainwashing alone. Your job is to educate, not indoctrinate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92199", "author": "William Wegert", "date": "2021-01-30T07:11:00", "title": "Great for Private Schools & Homeschooling", "text": "Go ahead!  Adopt these measures that are so politically correct but radically counter to the design of the created order.  Then watch as many more right-thinking parents who can afford alternatives to government education/indoctrination flee to private schools and home education.  The state will then be left to educate/indoctrinate a higher percentage of lower income and single-parents families who cannot afford alternatives but wish they could.  What?  They didn't teach you the law of unintended consequences in state-sponsored graduate schools?  What do you think this will do to your beloved test scores?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92200", "author": "Mitzy Bricker", "date": "2021-01-30T07:22:00", "title": "Government officials do not have a public mandate", "text": "Elected government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion on we the people in our tax funded public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92201", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T07:32:00", "title": "Rainbow", "text": "Lets all take back the rainbow. When I see a rainbow flag, rainbow crosswalk or anything the lbgtqqfag community sets as a rainbow ID I think about this Bible Verse: Genesis 9:13 \"13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92202", "author": "Mary Runyan", "date": "2021-01-30T07:48:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Dear Virginia Department of Education, I’m writing today to OPPOSE the “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools”. Every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia already has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Below are ten reasons why this should not be adopted: 1. Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) 2. Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing. “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) 3. The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) 4. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) 5. Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) 6. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) 7. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) 8. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression. Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) 9. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) 10. The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are not only unworkable, but will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. Please do NOT adopt the “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools”. Sincerely,"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92203", "author": "John Mosticone", "date": "2021-01-30T08:22:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this action"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92204", "author": "Linda Carroll", "date": "2021-01-30T08:36:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "You were not given a mandate to do anything about transgender children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92205", "author": "William Heatwole", "date": "2021-01-30T08:36:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this social experiment on our children", "text": "Schools should be focused on teaching basic education.  They should not be a laboratory for misguided social experiments.  Get back to the basics and stop this nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92206", "author": "Zeb Adkins", "date": "2021-01-30T08:47:00", "title": "Father of 6 in public schools", "text": "Opposed! I have 1 girl and 5 boys. They dont get to choose no matter what they are 1 girl and 5 boys. I teach my chilfren not to hate on anyone as should every parent but this is the wrong way to handle this situation. Back to the drawing board my friends."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92207", "author": "Sandy King", "date": "2021-01-30T08:49:00", "title": "Strongly Support the Guidance", "text": "Schools need to be safe, inclusive, and  engaged to be effective educational forums. This guidance provides methods, information, and resources for teachers and staff to educate themselves on transgender issues and gives them parameters for defining their responsibilities towards all students. I strongly support the guidance and its codification of equal treatment of students and acknowledgment that transgender students are simply students and should not harassed or denied equal access to education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92208", "author": "Jennifer Marshall", "date": "2021-01-30T08:51:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Please support requiring policies of all VA school districts to support the human rights of transgender and other LGBTQ students without bias or questioning of their dignity, respect for their gender or sexual orientation for these students to have equal access to education as well as their mental health and wellness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92209", "author": "Alison Dingwall", "date": "2021-01-30T08:59:00", "title": "I support the guidance.", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92210", "author": "Sara Miller", "date": "2021-01-30T09:02:00", "title": "Correct this one-sided ideological driven document", "text": "It is without question that every single child, including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion, should be protected from harm and harassment. Virginia has a good anti-bullying law that addresses this. This new, proposed policy goes well beyond that. Yes, it is nominally about respect and safety, but it is disrespectful, not recognizing the validity of differing viewpoints. It crosses the line into mandatory promotion of only one viewpoint or ideology. The policy needs to guarantee the rights of parents and school employees whose beliefs differ regarding transgenderism (based on natural law, religious beliefs), and therefore allow for exceptions from the mandates outlined in the policy. The policy needs to recognize the fundamental rights of parents over their children and their education; therefore any discussion on these matters must include the parents. The policy should explicitly guarantee parents have the right to opt their children out of any education about gender or sexual orientation or any sex education. The parents have the right to determine what is best for their children, not the schools. The schools must not deceive parents. Also, the policy must respect and protect the privacy of boys and girls who do not want to expose themselves in a restroom or change clothes in the presence of the opposite sex. Furthermore, scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty. It’s therefore irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting, and it can be damaging to kids who are still developing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92211", "author": "Tanisha B.", "date": "2021-01-30T09:20:00", "title": "In support- Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I am in support of the guidance document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92212", "author": "Bridget", "date": "2021-01-30T09:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "As a Fairfax County Public Schools parent, I strongly support this guidance which will protect transgender and non-binary students from bullying, harassment, and discrimination.  From the negative comments on this site, it's evident this guidance is sorely needed.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92213", "author": "Donald M", "date": "2021-01-30T09:23:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE these irrational policies", "text": "These policies cannot be enforced in any rational way. This document states, “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth.  This should involve more than a casual declaration of gender identity, but it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity, and expression of gender identity can present differently from student to student.”  What articulable threshold lies between “more than a casual declaration” and “[no] substantiating evidence?”  This document requires a transgender student to “consistently assert” their identity, but does not require that to be done for any “minimum duration” of time.  That attempt at logic flies in the face of the very definition of “consistent” (in this context, “acting or done in the same way over time,” from Oxford Languages).  What if a student genuinely changes their mind on several occasions about whether they are transgender?  How and how often will that be accommodated? This document states, “Students should be allowed to use the [restroom, locker room or changing] facility that corresponds to their consistently asserted gender identity.”  Does this mean that a fourteen-year-old girl might be put in a position in which she must undress or shower in the company of an eighteen-year-old “biological” male?  Since the document only requires single-user restrooms and private changing areas “when schools have [them] available” and “taking into account existing school facilities,” there is no guarantee that “cisgender” students’ privacy will be protected.  What if twenty or thirty students express a religious objection to undressing in front of one transgender student?  How will those objections be accommodated, given “existing school facilities?” This document states, “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.”  Especially since the document has already established that transgender assertion need not have been made for any period of time, nor be accompanied by any supporting evidence, any male student will be able to walk into any girl’s locker room or restroom (or vice versa) unchallenged. This document states, “For overnight field trips, the school should not force the [transgender] student into single-occupancy accommodations that are not required for other students; however, such alternative accommodations should be made available to any student requesting them.”  If a student requests they NOT be assigned a hotel room with a transgender student, will that request be honored?  Will that student be disciplined for “sex-stereotyping” or creating a “hostile environment?”  At the very least, such a request is likely to subject the requesting student to negative peer pressure from more “affirming” students. This document states, “Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parents due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.”  The document does not make clear whether “gender-based harassment” constitutes abuse or neglect, but will a school employee have the authority or requirement to report a parent to CPS if that parent does not accept and fully support the student’s transgender assertion?  At the very least, these policies require school staff to hide a student’s transgender assertion from his or her parents, if that student so requests. If we abandon objective reality, we will forfeit our ability to set clear standards for behavior and morality.  Rather than protecting our children’s privacy and providing them “a safe and supportive environment,” these policies will do exactly the opposite.  They will also violate the First Amendment rights of students and school staff.  I STRONGLY OPPOSE the implementation of these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92214", "author": "Joni H", "date": "2021-01-30T09:33:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support any guidelines that treat transgendered students fairly and with respect. Transgendered people are people and everyone deserves to be treated equitably."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92215", "author": "Toula Dreifuss", "date": "2021-01-30T09:35:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a Fairfax County Public Schools parent, I strongly support this guidance which will protect transgender and non-binary students from bullying, harassment, and discrimination and allow them to participate in an educational system that supports them in a safe environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92216", "author": "Laura Cameron", "date": "2021-01-30T09:38:00", "title": "Everyone deserves dignity", "text": "We strongly support the rights of transgender people.  Everyone deserves to feel valued and no one should be made to feel out of place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92217", "author": "Jennifer Yi", "date": "2021-01-30T09:42:00", "title": "Strongly Support Transgender Student Safety and Equality", "text": "As the parent of a two students who recently graduated from Fairfax City schools, I saw the emotional energy and resources that both cis- and transgender students spent supporting each other on transgender issues.  Policies that provide a safe space for trans students create a safe space for all students to learn and study and develop as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92218", "author": "Lori", "date": "2021-01-30T09:48:00", "title": "I support the guidance", "text": "I support these protections: House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161 , passed into law in 2020, codify protections for transgender and non-binary students in Virginia public schools. The bills instruct the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to draft model policies on the treatment of transgender (trans) and non-binary youth in schools by the end of 2020. School Boards then have until the start of the 2021-2022 school year to adopt policies consistent with, or even more comprehensive than, the VDOE model policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92219", "author": "Megan S Bartholomew", "date": "2021-01-30T09:50:00", "title": "Support trans students", "text": "Virginia schools must do everything they can to ensure students can be who they are at school.  Students cannot learn if they feel unsafe or anxious."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92220", "author": "Prarthana Gurung", "date": "2021-01-30T09:54:00", "title": "Long time coming - proud Fairfax Co alum", "text": "I live in NY now but I grew up in the Virginia school system, in Fairfax County (Mantua Elementary, Frost Middle and Woodson High). Provisions like the ones proposed for trans, gender neutral and/or non comforming were not even concepts at that time, but I knew friends who’s lives it would have completely changed then - their daily lives. School is meant to be a place where every child feels accepted, loved and safe- and what better way than to evolve to ensure they feel this way. The fears that some opposition have are not to be disregarded, but I find it most appropriate to understand the feelings and opinions of those directly impacted, the students themselves in this proposal, and I think you would find that there would be overwhelming support. This change is a long time coming, and while as students nearly 20 years ago, we did not have the option, I am grateful to see change in policy proposals now. I completely support this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92221", "author": "Jennifer F", "date": "2021-01-30T09:55:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Our schools have no business discussing sexuality and transgenderism with our children. Teaching the biological process is one thing, but leave your political agendas out of our schools.  You are harming our children with this garbage and causing unnecessary confusion"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92222", "author": "Anna clark", "date": "2021-01-30T09:56:00", "title": "Strongly support trans protections for students", "text": "Strongly support the guidance for protection for trans students in va schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92223", "author": "Rona Pavlo", "date": "2021-01-30T10:17:00", "title": "House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161", "text": "I strongly support House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161. Having taught for over 20 years, I know how important it is to provide students a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. ALL students benefit from engaging with a wide variety of people, and we all benefit when our students have positive experiences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92224", "author": "Rebecca Watkins Colantonio", "date": "2021-01-30T10:36:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "there is no reason we should not support all people no matter their gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92225", "author": "Stephanie C", "date": "2021-01-30T10:37:00", "title": "Strongly support the safe and equal treatment of transgender students", "text": "I strongly support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE for safe and equal treatment of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92226", "author": "Angela W.", "date": "2021-01-30T10:42:00", "title": "NO! Stop the indoctrination", "text": "Stop indoctrinating our young children in the new woke philosophy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93137", "author": "Kim Gayle", "date": "2021-02-02T06:27:00", "title": "OPPOSE!", "text": "This bill must be stopped.  It clearly would infringe upon the rights of children who embrace their original, at birth, God-given gender.  No girls should be forced to share a bathroom or shower with a boy, even if that boy wants to say he wants to be a girl. This bill could  bring great civil unrest, parents withdrawing children from schools, and further divide our state and country. As a grandparent I oppose such insanity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93138", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T06:40:00", "title": "Oppose the Transgender Policy", "text": "Stop this bill!  While it looks like it's trying to not to offend a small group of children, it's actually offending a much larger group of children.  No child should be forced to share a bathroom or shower with a child of the opposite born sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93139", "author": "Mimi", "date": "2021-02-02T06:45:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender in schools!!", "text": "No transgender in our school system!!  Our children are sexed by God.  Not by what they think they are each day!!!  Their minds are impressionable, stop conforming to this worlds standards and go back to what the Bible says!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93140", "author": "Lucy", "date": "2021-02-02T06:57:00", "title": "OPPOSE - Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I fully OPPOSE the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. It's wrong to impose these political views on our children.  And that's what this is. Our children deserve to live under their Constitutional rights - freedom of speech and freedom of religion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93141", "author": "Nancy P", "date": "2021-02-02T07:05:00", "title": "Protect transgender  students!", "text": "I was never against rights for transgender students, but am now firmly vocal regarding their rights since my son l came out” a year ago. WHO recognizes gender dysphasia as a medical problem,with the treatment being allowing the person to live the gender they identify with.  Insurance generally covers some counseling and hormone treatment. People who oppose simply are uninformed and willfully ignorant."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93142", "author": "Priscilla sisk", "date": "2021-02-02T07:09:00", "title": "Transgender kids", "text": "Absolutely not ...on the policy that you want to put n place. P.S."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93143", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T07:10:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policy", "text": "I oppose transgender policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93144", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T07:12:00", "title": "strongly oppose transgender policy", "text": "strongly oppose transgender policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93145", "author": "Murphy", "date": "2021-02-02T07:14:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93146", "author": "Mother of three girls", "date": "2021-02-02T07:15:00", "title": "I will never send my kids to public school if this agenda is adopted by Virginia.", "text": "If this dangerous and progressive agenda is adopted by Virginia public schools, I will never send my 3 girls to public schools. It is not safe, and I will not risk their safety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93147", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T07:19:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As a concerned citizen for the health and well-being of all children, I strongly oppose these guidelines.  There are so many things wrong with this suggested policy, but I will list only a few. To begin, the Recommended Standard listed on page 12, not requiring \"school staff to notify parents or guardians of a students request to affirm their identity\" not only goes against every principle and standard that we as parents are held to, but is also in opposition to the Virginia Parental Rights Code listed under Virginia code 1-240.1 Rights of Parents. Withholding information from parents pertaining to their own child is counterproductive in allowing the parent or guardian to effectively \"make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of their child,\" as stated in Virginia 1-240.1.  The school system should not be burdened with, nor be given that much power and control over children that are not their own. Secondly, allowing a student to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, makes it impossible for teacher to comply with these policies. Teachers and staff cannot effectively do their job of protecting all children given these standards. In fact, according to these standards, any student, whether transgender or not, could walk into the restroom or locker room of the opposite sex without question. You are giving too much control to the students to make decisions that they should not be given authority to make. We cannot assume that all children will make good decisions, which is why they have adult oversight. By enabling any child to make these type of decisions for themselves, you are endangering all children.  Children will be running the school system, not adults. There has to be a better way forward than these Model Policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93148", "author": "Dave Gosinski", "date": "2021-02-02T07:19:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "There are a lot of ways to prevent discrimination of transgendered people without violating the civil rights of others.  This policy appears to violate the US Constitution's Bill of Rights and the Constitution of Virginia.  Denying parents their rights, allowing biological males into the female locker room, or the reverse, removing children from a home because a school does not like a parents perspective, letting children explore their sexuality on school time is not what we pay teachers for.  This policy will be costly for the Commonwealth in ways you have not considered.  If you are really worried about transgender bullying don't discriminate against non-transgendered people instead consider rules that exist at many federal facilities e.g.,  use of private unisex bathrooms for the transgendered.  Stop this policy now and rethink it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93149", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T07:20:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "Protect our Precious children. Provide separate facilities for transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93150", "author": "Jenny", "date": "2021-02-02T07:33:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "I am disgusted with this proposal and the fact that government thinks they can take away the rights of parents !!!!!!   We must not allow this to happen to our children or our families ...This has very little  to do with supporting transgender youth and everything to do with the gov. Wanting to raise our children !~~~~"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93151", "author": "Julie Conroy", "date": "2021-02-02T07:36:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this proposed policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed policy. I am disturbed how about how the state wants to take away parents’ authority over their children and claim it for themselves. Calling failure to use a student’s preferred pronouns discrimination and harassment is ludicrous. It is arrogant of the state to claim they know better. It sets a dangerous precedent to turn parenting discretion into something akin to physical or verbal abuse. Also, forcing this policy is against the freedom of religion and against science. How do we solve gender identity issues by lying to our children that they aren’t the sex they were born with? It is as false as the former President’s claims of having won the election. Moreover, telling children they can choose whatever gender they want does not help children; it only causes confusion. We know by science that the brain is not fully formed until the age of 25, Then of course there is the grave physical danger of mixing up same sex restrooms. Many people with means will take their children out of the public schools because of this policy. But what of those who can’t afford it? I am saddened that it is mostly the poorer families who don’t have a choice of schools by this misguidance by the VDOE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93152", "author": "Stacey", "date": "2021-02-02T07:49:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "Absolutely not.  Whoever proposed this asinine idea clearly doesn’t have children of their own to raise.  One of our many responsibilities as parents is to protect the innocence of our children, this policy would cut our legs right out from under us.  I whole-heartedly disagree with this policy and ask our leaders to really consider the enormity of the situation to remove rights from parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93153", "author": "Kathy Evans", "date": "2021-02-02T07:49:00", "title": "In support", "text": "As an educational psychologist, it is indisputable that students learn best when their social/emotional needs are met, when they are free from bullying, and when their authentic selves are acknowledged and celebrated. All students deserve to be able to go to school in an environment where they feel safe and honored. Schools should be guided by policies that honor all children and not be guided by religious intolerance. I support this set of guidelines as a way to move Virginia toward being a state that more fully supports each of our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93154", "author": "KHM", "date": "2021-02-02T07:50:00", "title": "STRONLY OPPOSE", "text": "This is an abominable, abhorrent policy that could potentially tear families apart. Who do you think will be there for the child in the long run - the school or their parent? Who cares about the future well-being of the child - the school or their parent? Schools AND THE GOVERNMENT need to STAY OUT OF families. Educate children ---- teach them history, teach them to think critically, teach them to ask questions, teach them to write and to communicate effectively and efficiently, teach them to work hard; let families manage the rest."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93155", "author": "Katelyn", "date": "2021-02-02T07:52:00", "title": "Transgender policy--strongly oppose", "text": "As a parents of 2 elementary school kids, this has me very concerned for the well being of my own kids. No other student of the opposite sex should be sharing locker rooms. My children fully understand their God given parts for themselves and should not have to deal with this. Parents should have the right to know what the schools are teaching our children and information needs to be supplied and with permission slips. This is outrageous and very concerning for many parents. I pray for my childrens sake that this gets denyed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93156", "author": "Richard and Marilyn Seal", "date": "2021-02-02T07:53:00", "title": "Proposal for transgender", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. are limited to approximately 3000 words.Strongly opposed to this proposal.  What a shame to even be a consideration for students..this has absolutely nothing to do with educating children. Setting children up for nothing but trouble"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93157", "author": "William Walls", "date": "2021-02-02T07:57:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth.  People should be free to express themselves and society should support them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93158", "author": "Public School Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T07:58:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "My family strongly OPPOSES the proposed policy changes. The parameters for teacher and students who are not transgender is left wide open for abuse of the policy.  A transgender student can (and they do) change from what sexual orientation they are identifying as on a day to day basis.  If students and teachers are not aware of what this is each day, the transgender student is easily offended leaving the teacher subject to disciplinary action on their job and another student who is unaware also subject to expulsion.  This will drive more teachers away.  We feel like VDOE should focus on the education of our students and these measures and many before this are overstepping the boundaries of an education system.  I do feel like transgender students should be protected from any form of bullying just as ANY student should but I feel like that's where VDOE needs to draw the line.  It is not up to our school systems to educate our children on sexual identification.  Perhaps you could focus on giving them resources of trained individuals.  If you so choose to adopt this policy then I suggest you provide adequate facilities within each school to allow transgender students to have their own restrooms, locker rooms, etc.  VDOE, I plead to you to stop the nonsense and better educate our children as the majority of them are not being educated and prepared for life after graduation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93159", "author": "Deanna Durham", "date": "2021-02-02T07:59:00", "title": "Support for HB145/SB161", "text": "As a professor of Social Work I know the harm faced by transgender students.  I have supported and advocated for policies that ensure all students in our public schools have access to equal education.  This means supporting students in ways that prevent harm no matter their identity.  These policies will allow trans and non-binary youth to be safer from bulllying, harassment, and discrimination at the hands of their peers, teachers, and school staff and administrators. It will also guarantee that supports are in place to allow all youth, including trans and non-binary youth, to have access to an equal educational experience. Thank you, Deanna F. Durham, MSW"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93160", "author": "Dustin McElduff", "date": "2021-02-02T08:04:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I am opposed to any policy that promotes and encourages children to share restrooms and changing facilities in public schools.  As a parent,  it outages me that the school would hide and even deceive parents from knowing that their child may be confused about their gender. I will not vote or support lawmakers that advocate policies that take parental rights away from parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93161", "author": "Laura Turner", "date": "2021-02-02T08:05:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I am not for this at all, this is ridiculous and needs to be voted against. I will pull my children from public school and homeschool them if this gets passed. This is crazy to think it's even an thought for our school systems. It's a disgrace."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93162", "author": "Jessica Longshore", "date": "2021-02-02T08:12:00", "title": "Absolutely OPPOSE the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Schools", "text": "I absolutely and vehemently oppose this!! You are not only infringing on the GOD given rights of parents to raise their children as they are fit but you are proposing to groom our children without our consent or knowledge in  a way that is, to many, immoral. You are also opening a door to allow all sorts of child abuse in various capacities! Our children, all children, are young and impressionable and need to be molded not by the school of public education, whose standards are government imposed and less than moral in principal, but by their parents who love them and want what is best them and know who they are as individuals and see them as just a number in a system of numbers. Parents of their own children have the best ability, insight and knowledge of what their children truly need to be the best person they can be and for you, the public school system, to think you know better is not only extremely offensive but absolutely un-condonable! You want to know why our school system is failing, it’s because the schools are trying to be parents to our children and teach them things that are the parents job. Quit trying to interfere into our family lives and remove parental authority from parents, to whom it was rightful given! And for once quit trying to be “politically correct” in a society of people , that has been raised by the government public school system, and that has no idea which end is up! There are two GOD ordained genders and anyone who says differently is selling something. No matter how you twist it, look at it, manipulate it, and distort it there will only ever be two genders on this earth! And to teach in schools  that this is not the case is politicizing our school system even more than it already is and over stepping the bounds of the separation of the church and state.  I absolutely oppose this model of policies for the treatment of transgender students in VA public schools. And as a final not the f this is somehow implemented be ready to have lawsuit brought against you for failure to maintain the separation of church and state in our public schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93163", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T08:13:00", "title": "Disagree", "text": "As a retired teacher, I disagree with with policy.  Teachers can’t do or say or teach many things but teaching transgender children without parent’s knowledge is not acceptable.  I realize things may be different now, but girls go to girls bathrooms/locker rooms and boys go to boys bathrooms/ locker rooms. Topless sports are out of the question too for girls. I know transgender’s have issues to deal with but if this is allowed, there will be more problems"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93164", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T08:13:00", "title": "Disagree", "text": "As a retired teacher, I disagree with with policy.  Teachers can’t do or say or teach many things but teaching transgender children without parent’s knowledge is not acceptable.  I realize things may be different now, but girls go to girls bathrooms/locker rooms and boys go to boys bathrooms/ locker rooms. Topless sports are out of the question too for girls. I know transgender’s have issues to deal with but if this is allowed, there will be more problems"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93165", "author": "Nick M", "date": "2021-02-02T08:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "We need to step back from and ultimately abandon this radical ideology as a society before it is too late. Transgender theory contradicts science and reason. It is tragic that persons, including children, may question or even revile their gender- however, we should seek to heal these people, not drive them deeper into delusion. Just as we should not advocate for a girl suffering from anorexia who truly believes she is obese and requires liposuction to have this procedure, or convince a person suffering from schizophrenia and believes s/he hears voices to actually listen to those voices, we should help persons experiencing gender dysphoria deal with the underlying causes. The guidance document seeks to undermine much in our society, including (1) science (gender is more than what the guidance document suggests is just seemingly arbitrary physical or anatomical characteristics- every cell in a person's body says something about who they are, independent of whether that person attempts to cosmetically change appearance), (2) language (the terms \"male\" and \"female\" are poorly defined in the guidance document, which is ironic because they are the undefined standards upon which gender identity theory rests and to which persons compare themselves), and (3) privacy/safety (opening up bathrooms and locker rooms is a terrible idea, and I cannot believe I even have to advocate against it). I hope more logical, prudent heads will prevail and we will turn away from this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93166", "author": "Amanda Burton, parent and public educator", "date": "2021-02-02T08:15:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policy the VDOE has put forth. This proposal makes me question the moral compass of our leaders, and it makes me question my desire to be a public servant in VA. I have spent 19 years educating our youth. During my service I have only had one transgender student. I don't want to imagine the tax payer money that has been spent on this progressive topic!  I expect for our policy makers to do what is right and educate and protect our youth and teachers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93167", "author": "Stephanie B.", "date": "2021-02-02T08:16:00", "title": "Not happening with my child....", "text": "My child will not participate in this false world these ill people are trying to create for kids. Absolutely not, you are by nature, a boy or girl and will use restrooms as such. You allow either gender to be exposed to any wrong doing the opposite gender can impose. My child will not use the same bathroom as a boy and feel uncomfortable when doing so. This will allow predatory responses to happen easily to our kids. We don't give participation trophies and you are either a boy or girl. This is strange to even be a thought, religion aside for all of this. My child is a boy or a girl, and my child will not grow up confused knowing that. How soft of a country have we become.... disappointed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93168", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T08:18:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93169", "author": "Debbie P", "date": "2021-02-02T08:22:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "It saddens me that we have to pass a law so that all students are free from discrimination and harassment in schools. This should be an automatic right for everyone. Please support and pass."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93170", "author": "George Ainsworth", "date": "2021-02-02T08:22:00", "title": "New policy", "text": "These policy changes are unfair to students and will create unending problems for teachers and administrators. Whoever came up with this has a \"consequences be damned\" attitude. Please do not implement this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93171", "author": "Carolynn E Ainsworth", "date": "2021-02-02T08:24:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I absolutely strongly oppose this measure. It ruins Title 9 for girls . You are encouraging rape in bathrooms and will be legally responsible. You have a millstone"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93172", "author": "Cheryl Davis", "date": "2021-02-02T08:27:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I am concerned with the amount of transphobia I have read in these comments.  Transgender students deserve equal rights, they deserve not to experience fear and bigotry while in school. In addition, religion & school need to be kept separate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93173", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T08:27:00", "title": "Strongly Appose!", "text": "What are you thinking?  This will cause nothing but headace and discrimination for everyone!  This issue has become a fad for a lot of children who have no idea what they are truly getting into.  It's not even science.  There seems to be an agenda and it's not a good one.  Does anyone in government have common sense?  You have to vote no.  You are going to have to live with these \"rules\" as well as constituents you are inflicting this nonsence on!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93174", "author": "Appalled citizen", "date": "2021-02-02T08:28:00", "title": "Extremely opposed", "text": "Has anyone seriously thought this thru?!  Look at the burden that is being put on the students and faculty... and parents!  There is no set of rules for the kids that have been confused about who they are, I.e., they can change their minds from moment to moment how they want to be addressed, but the requirements for the rest of the world will cause fear and intimidation and an unhealthy and hostile learning environment.  This is the TYRANNY OF THE MINORITY in action.  A small percentage of the population demanding sweeping changes for the greater majority of the population.  This is WRONG!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93175", "author": "Ashley Phillips, parent & public educator", "date": "2021-02-02T08:29:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose these policies by VDOE. These policies strip parents and teachers of all rights and gives them to children, who can't even decide if they like PB&J one day versus the next, yet they are allowed to determine their gender moment by moment. This would require that teachers can't inform a parent that an opposite sex is using the same locker room as their child (possible abuse), BUT they would be required to report a parent for child abuse if they do not fully support the student's gender whims. Anyone who has taught kids, knows how easily they change their minds based on circumstances. Insane. As a parent of 4, I will NEVER enroll my kids in public school in this state with these policies. As a teacher, I can't imagine the critical funding wasted on this agenda and the endless lawsuits it will create. Good teachers will leave public education forever if this is enacted. Stop the insanity. Focus on supporting teachers. Allow parents to be parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93176", "author": "CD", "date": "2021-02-02T08:29:00", "title": "I oppose- Let's protect all children", "text": "I oppose this bill as it is protecting a very small portion of the population of children. I feel they need protection, but also the children that do not fall into this classification also need protected. By allowing transgender children to change/dress/use restroom with other children of the opposite sex is putting the non-transgender children into mental or physical danger. Let's protect all children, not just transgender children. I feel this should be rewritten somehow to protect all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93177", "author": "Dani P", "date": "2021-02-02T08:33:00", "title": "Totally disagree", "text": "This policy has no place in the public school arena or in any public arena for that matter. As a father of four kids I stand against any policy that supports and promotes a marxist ideology that had nothing to do with the safety and acceptance of all but quite the opposite, it is dangerous and totally unscientific."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93178", "author": "Stephanie", "date": "2021-02-02T08:35:00", "title": "Transgender legislation", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93179", "author": "April Guzy", "date": "2021-02-02T08:35:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly opposed these transgender policies that seek to take instruction and control from parents in a grave matter where they should be involved, not the school system. While I understand that we live in a culture where many children have falsely been persuaded that they are gender-confused, and I sympathize for them. Their need of structure, counseling and spiritual guidance should come from the home, not our schools. Teachers, parents and students should not have to sacrifice their spiritual ideologies to cater to the transgender community. And, last, it is unacceptable that boy and girls who identify otherwise would be able to dress as they want and use whatever restroom or locker room they choose! I have raised strong young men and a young lady who will not be exposed to the theatrics that this would entail if allowed to go on in the school system. It is unacceptable, and I strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93180", "author": "Susan Davis", "date": "2021-02-02T08:41:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "Fully Support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93181", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T08:41:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "As a parent of a 3rd grade girl... and a former teacher, this is beyond concerning. Division and standards set for both boys and girls is critical in keeping our children SAFE. From one another. From adults (topless swim team?? Come on). Our job as adults is to protect those in our population who can't protect themselves fully. We are dropping the responsibility by doing this, and are acting with negligence."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93182", "author": "christopher j dunne", "date": "2021-02-02T08:41:00", "title": "against transphobia - in support of the bill", "text": "This bill addresses discrimination against a portion of the student body.  I supported it even before reading all of the transphobic commentary here. All students' needs should receive best practice guidance from the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93183", "author": "Amanda Bertran", "date": "2021-02-02T08:44:00", "title": "You are worthy!", "text": "I would like to publicly remind trans youth and ANY trans person that you are enough, you are worthy and you are exactly as you should be! You are supported, and loved and I know the rudest people are usually the loudest out of insecurity but know that they are the minority and we will support and protect you at all costs! ??"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93184", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T08:45:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "For the protection of my children, I do not agree with this. I love everyone and their choices are their own but we should not impose such actions on everyone!  What about protecting all children not just the minority?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93185", "author": "Brenda B", "date": "2021-02-02T08:45:00", "title": "Transgender Legislation", "text": "I oppose this legislation in the strongest of terms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93186", "author": "Shari Lewis", "date": "2021-02-02T08:46:00", "title": "I support the bill.", "text": "We must support all students, and that includes Trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93187", "author": "Phil Edwards", "date": "2021-02-02T08:46:00", "title": "Stick To Education", "text": "You are the Department of Education, not the Health Department. This is a Mental Health Issue. You are neither qualified nor warranted to make Health decisions for the children of parents. Stay in your lane. Your job is to help children think for themselves. You have absolutely no place deciding how parents will raise their children, any more than a doctor has the job to tell a child and parent which type of math or science to focus on for a career in aeronautics or electrical engineering. STAY IN YOUR LANE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93188", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T08:47:00", "title": "Strongly apposed", "text": "This goes beyond Transgender students.  In my opinion, you will be opening the door for a lot of bad and terrible things to happen because people will abuse the 'identifies' as.  If my 14yr is in the bathroom and an 18yr old says he 'identifies' as a women so he can be in there and basically have free rein to do whatever he wants...because who is going to stop him right...you can't ask why he walking in there. This could happen the other way around also...a 18yr old girl who 'identifies' as a boy and could harm a younger boy.  Unfortunately, there are people boys/girls , men/women who are just evil and will harm others.  If you think that will not happen in schools, you are delusional. This is not keeping any of the children safe....I truly believe it will cause more harm.  If something were to happen to my child because you move forward with this policy, you can bet you will be held accountable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93189", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T08:48:00", "title": "Support of trans & non-binary students", "text": "Strongly Support. This is good for all children, regardless of their gender or sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93190", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T08:49:00", "title": "OPPOSE - THIS SHOULD NOT BE PART OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM", "text": "I strongly oppose this.  Transgender politics do not belong in the schools!!  First you take God out of the classroom and then you take the Pledge of Allegiance.  Then our children are indoctrinated with a political view of liberalism.  They are no longer taught history and now are being taught that we are a racist country.  And now, they are being allowed to declare themselves to be a transgender.  And if parents disagree, their rights are taken away.   A child is declared a child until the age of 18.  Until then, he or she should be treated as such.  There is a reason that we wait until they turn at least 18 to declare them as as adult.  Parents are there to provide guidance. Let the parent do their job and schools should stay out of parenting rights. I talked to my grandchildren who are teens in high school.  They are against having boys dressed as girls using the girls restrooms. They are against girls dressed as boys using the boys restrooms.  Have a \"Transgender Restroom\" available for use.  Don't force our children and grandchildren to be subjected to something that could result in abuse of the situation. Let the majority speak."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93191", "author": "Donna Eppard", "date": "2021-02-02T08:49:00", "title": "School policy", "text": "I strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93192", "author": "Amanda", "date": "2021-02-02T08:50:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "As a mother of 2 daughters and 2 step sons I strongly oppose this. This is appalling. These are children. Why should a boy be in the bathroom or Locker room with girls? And girls being able go topless in sports?!?! Really. You are going to sejd me to jail for teaching my children Gods way?! For child abuse?! Ridiculous. If this is proposed my children will be homeschooled."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93193", "author": "Kelly Dewey, Teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T08:54:00", "title": "Strongly support this guidance", "text": "As someone born and raised in Virginia Beach and as an LGBTQ+ educator in Hampton Roads, I strongly support this guidance. I've been heartened to see the progress that Virginia is making toward inclusivity and this guidance furthers that goal. It's vital that all students in our schools feel safe and supported, and implementing these policies will help work toward that, particularly in our support of LGBTQ+ students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93194", "author": "Jennie Compton", "date": "2021-02-02T09:05:00", "title": "Oppose change for transgender policies", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93195", "author": "Virginia Burke", "date": "2021-02-02T09:06:00", "title": "YES YES - how can we be anything but anti-discrimination?", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth. How can we be anything but anti-discrimination? Trans-children and trans-people are at higher risk for a myriad of health challenges, including experienced harassment, violence, and suicide, due to the intense discriminations they face. We have to do what we can to protect our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93196", "author": "Marie (Grammy of 10)", "date": "2021-02-02T09:08:00", "title": "Transgender Education", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93197", "author": "Steve", "date": "2021-02-02T09:09:00", "title": "Totally against this", "text": "Short answer: I am totally opposed to this proposed legislation.  Forget thousands of years of social norms.  Forget parental rights.  Forget the spiritual convictions of millions of people.  Forget struggling schools who have another “job” placed on teachers that has nothing to do with educating students.  Forget “following the science”.  Don’t forget that the government get’s its authority from the consent of the governed.  Lawmakers who forget this should be voted out."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93198", "author": "Joy W", "date": "2021-02-02T09:09:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this!!!", "text": "The fact that I tell my children to embrace how God made them is MY business! Not anyone else's!!! I don't look down or think any different of people for however and whomever they choose to be. I sure don't want it to happen to me and my children!!! God is very REAL to us and we are proud to say it!! Don't go threatening parents that believe a different way! That is absolutely disgusting to think that it would be considered abuse if a parent tells THEIR children to embrace how God made them. I have never in my life heard such dumbness!!! How about you all worry about the kids that are living a life of real abuse!!! Like being beat, drugged, etc. How pitiful that our world has came to this!! I have always taught my children that you don't have to answer how other people live, but you do have to answer for how you treat them! I'll be praying for y'all!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93199", "author": "James", "date": "2021-02-02T09:10:00", "title": "This would cause psychological pain for any other children", "text": "I strongly oppose this being brought up as an option.  For elementary school, children lack sense of discretion on this, and to have someone guide them in a direction, or counsel them to try something instead of teaching them right and wrong at an early age is absolutely nuts.  My girl has wanted to be a boy on several occasions, but normally it was because boys get to do this, or boys get to do that.  I believe probably every little kid has had these questions, I thought I wanted to be a girl when I was younger because girls had way cooler hiking boots.  I don't think these urges are wrong, I think they are natural, but I think that is for the parents to work with their children on.  NOT THE STATE SCHOOL. High school it will cause way more problems/concerns.  What if my daughter was using the restroom and a boy came in because he was trying something out?  I'm not ok with this.  Sports teams, locker rooms, and other areas would be of extreme concern as well. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose (Draft Policy, p.18) I can't imagine if the guys in my gym class growing up had a female in the locker room.  Would that really be better?  I think it would lead to all kinds of problems, both physically and emotionally."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93200", "author": "MARIE", "date": "2021-02-02T09:12:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!", "text": "OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93201", "author": "BDS", "date": "2021-02-02T09:13:00", "title": "Your choice violates my consequence", "text": "I strongly oppose these policies that are supposedly intended to protect the rights of transgender. This is not a role our education system should be taking on. If it is really about protecting rights, then let them work it out with the parents, that's THEIR right. Why is it that the higher percentage who are not transgender will be the ones to suffer the most infringement of their rights? Why is the state demanding and legislating our  acceptance of such a serious concern from children who should be children, not some poster child for an agenda? Choices have consequences and in no sense of justice should YOUR choices legislate MY consequences. But that is exactly what is being put in motion. If you cannot vote, buy alcohol or cigarettes, or join the military until you are an \"adult\", then lets take this off the school systems that need to be focused on education, not social reform.  Isn't it interesting to consider that the vast majority of legal cases out there are from the female athlete perspective, trying to preserve their sport from men? I couldn't even find one case where a male athlete was suing because of suffering a loss by a transgender female athlete. As for the issues with locker rooms, sports and males competing, it is simple. If you are biologically a boy, who identifies as a girl, you shower, dress out, race or compete with the boys, as the girl you feel you are. If you are uncomfortable, remember, choices and consequences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93202", "author": "Esther Forte", "date": "2021-02-02T09:14:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY OPPOSE THIS TRANSGENDER EDUCATION", "text": "I want to make a statement and have my voice be heard that I completely oppose Children being taught to go against their natural gender. I am appalled that we would even consider this. PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93203", "author": "S English", "date": "2021-02-02T09:18:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose There are ways to prevent discrimination of transgendered people without violating the civil rights of others or usurping parental authority.  Consider the use of private unisex bathrooms for the transgendered.  If they are being bullied then the school has a problem with it’s anti-bullying policies or implementation.  NO ONE should be bullied.  Making sure no one is harassed or bullied is where the school’s involvement should end.  The school should not be denying parents their rights and threatening action to remove children from a home because a school does not like a parents perspective.   Schools should stick to teaching the basic subjects (reading, writing, arithmetic, factual history, etc.) and leave the rest of a child’s development (including exploring their sexuality) to their parent. School vouchers and charter schools are the best way to help parents improve their child’s educational opportunities and environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93204", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T09:18:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "No child should feel uncomfortable being who they are.  I'm surprised this was not in place before.  Education should be an inclusive place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93205", "author": "SAH", "date": "2021-02-02T09:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This legislature is very disturbing to not only the kids but to the parents. We need to let teachers do the teaching and we need to let parents be the parents. The parents need to be involved in all aspects of what is going on with their child/children. To allow boys in girls restrooms will cause more harm than good in so many ways and so many levels. I am actually quite speechless that this is even thought of as something we should do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93206", "author": "M. Tipton", "date": "2021-02-02T09:20:00", "title": "Trans School Policy", "text": "I oppose this legislation in the strongest terms.  It will harm our kids emotionally and socially.  Government has no right to dictate these policies in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93207", "author": "Anonymous Teacher and Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T09:21:00", "title": "Oppose: infringing on many different faiths and hurtful to young children", "text": "As a teacher in the public school system this policy would go against what I know about children and my faith.  There are many faiths, not just Christianity, that this would effect. To say that you would report parents because their faith doesn’t believe in it, is against our rights as parents. I was taught to respect other religions even if they believe differently than I do and this would be going against that in so many different ways. I have read reports from psychologists that say this would be confusing to students in so many ways and be harmful. If this passes, you will have parents and possibly teachers leave the public school system in droves. I would leave and not let my girls go to a public school system. As a teacher, I believe in teaching all children regardless of their views on themselves and others. The majority of teachers would treat a transgender student with respect and try to accommodate their belief. But to make it mandatory and even include elementary schools in this, is a detriment to the mental health of all children. Again, as a teacher and a parent, I strongly oppose this policy. This would infringe on our rights as Americans."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93208", "author": "AJ", "date": "2021-02-02T09:23:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose for religious reasons and will not allow my child to share a restroom with someone who does not know what they should identify as. This will be liability issue for the school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93209", "author": "Elena Brooks-Perkins", "date": "2021-02-02T09:24:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93210", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T09:26:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93211", "author": "SM", "date": "2021-02-02T09:29:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. Please protect our children.", "text": "I strongly oppose the Statewide Transgender School Policy. Please protect our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93212", "author": "Jeannette Stevens", "date": "2021-02-02T09:33:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "This is getting out of hand. Do any of you proposing these changes actually care about the safety of our children?  These changes will put all children at risk"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93213", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T09:34:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Non-discrimination policies are currently in place to protect transgender students. The proposed model policies and guidelines infringe upon the rights of parents and have implications that could be detrimental to non-transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93214", "author": "Natalie", "date": "2021-02-02T09:34:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "This is completely crazy and uncalled for. The school should have no say in a childs gender, and to think they can do so without consulting with the parents is absurd. My child will not continue in public school if this goes through. There has to be some point when we say enough is enough. The goverment should not be controlling everything!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93215", "author": "Phillips Family", "date": "2021-02-02T09:34:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "God is leaving this nation because of decisions like this. We killed millions of unborn babies because they don’t have a choice in the matter of there lives. But yet we are more concerned about what gender we are when we are either Male or Female depending"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93216", "author": "Dad of 3", "date": "2021-02-02T09:34:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I am opposed to this. My daughters should feel safe when changing in a locker room or using a restroom. They should not need to fear a male being able to enter without being questioned. This decreases safety in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93217", "author": "Dr. Johonna Turner", "date": "2021-02-02T09:36:00", "title": "In support of discrimination-free schools", "text": "Dear Virginia Regulatory Town Hall, I briefly reviewed the guidance document, which requires the following: The Department of Education shall develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools that address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: 1.Compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; 2.Maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; 3.Prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; 4.Maintenance of student records; 5.Identification of students; 6.Protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information;7.Enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and 8.Student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.(Activities and events do not include athletics), and that Each school board shall adopt policies that are consistent with but may be more comprehensive than the model policies developed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) ... I was impressed by the diverse team of professionals who provided expertise to develop this model document including those from psychology, public policy and education. According to the document, the guiding principle of the policy to is to create schools  that are free from discrimination and harassment, schools where students are treated with dignity. As a scholar and educator committed to the promotion of equitable learning environments for all students, I support policies and standards that promote safe and supportive learning environments for everyone, including transgender students. Furthermore, as a Christian educator who teaches and works at a Christian university in southwestern Virginia, my faith, values, commitments, and public witness compel me to work for justice and equity for everyone, particularly those whom are most vulnerable to violence and injustice. Thank you for your support. Dr. Johonna Turner Eastern Mennonite University"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93218", "author": "Zack", "date": "2021-02-02T09:37:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I oppose this policy being considered. A parent’s ability to guide and lead their child does not end at the school doorstep. The thought that school admin can ignore and willfully violate a parent’s lawful wishes to call their child by the correct name and gender is not something that should be put into practice. Certain education is and should be segregated by gender as there are two genders and they need to learn different things on certain subjects. If this policy goes in, it would be even more evidence the public school systems are radical liberal institutions that can no longer be entrusted with educating our children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93219", "author": "A transgender student", "date": "2021-02-02T09:37:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am a high-school student who identifies as transgender. While this suggested policy isn't perfect, it would be a step in the right direction to protect a group of vulnerable youth who have, in my experience, been discriminated against and treated poorly in educational settings due simply to their identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93220", "author": "Ashley Bullock, VDH", "date": "2021-02-02T09:38:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the well-being of trans individuals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93221", "author": "Paul Becker", "date": "2021-02-02T09:38:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This policy, intended to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory school environment goes well beyond what is practical and necessary.  First of all, if schools can't provide a safe environment for all students, regardless of who they are, then they are failing to to their job.  Is verbal harassment and bullying allowed now?  Where it does occur, do you think these policies are going to discourage or encourage harassment?  Forcing teachers to address a student with a gender-neutral pronoun?  Prohibiting teachers from questioning students about their gender identity when entering a bathroom that differs from their biological sex?  I'm not sure how much of this policy is rooted in love and respect and how much is a product of fear.  I try my best to raise my children to respect everyone to the extent possible and always assume good in people.  Of course, we adults know that it is not always possible to respect everyone and everyone is certainly not good.  Therefore caution is required and the safety of our children is paramount.  If teachers are restrained and live in fear of reprisal if they question the sexual identity and motives of a student, how does that provide a safe place for the vast majority of the student population?  I am not suggesting that we ignore the population of transgender students in the HCPS system.  I believe they can certainly be accommodated through the use of private / single-person bathrooms and allowed to dress in appropriate clothing if it is not a distraction for the other students.  Use of pronouns should also be appropriate and not be a distraction for other students.  I'm sorry, but \"ze\", \"zir\", \"zem, and zeir\" are distracting.  Aside from being distracting, singling out individuals by use of these pronouns is bound to increase harassment by other students.  I don't know what the population of transgender students is in HCPS, but the percentage of population in Virginia appears to be less than 0.4%.  While laws and policies should be inclusive of all people, regardless of the size of their minority, they should not be at the expense of others.  These policies by HCPS and other school systems in our country have created a thoroughly confusing and intimidating environment for all children.  We can address the needs and concerns of, maybe 150 individuals, on a case by case basis without sweeping policies that infringe on our other students right for a safe, non-intimidating educational environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93222", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T09:38:00", "title": "Oppose new transgender guidelines", "text": "Mother of 4:  I oppose the new transgender guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93223", "author": "Lynn", "date": "2021-02-02T09:39:00", "title": "transgender", "text": "Strongly,strongly disagree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93224", "author": "SF, VA taxpayer and parent", "date": "2021-02-02T09:39:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose transgender policy", "text": "This policy infringes on the rights of many more people than it protects."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93225", "author": "Lynn", "date": "2021-02-02T09:41:00", "title": "transgender/strongly disagree", "text": "strongly disagree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93226", "author": "MFT", "date": "2021-02-02T09:42:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation!  It is not good for our kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93227", "author": "K.M", "date": "2021-02-02T09:42:00", "title": "transgender/strongly disagree", "text": "Absolutely not biblical"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93228", "author": "Amanda Walker", "date": "2021-02-02T09:42:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I strongly oppose this new policy. My oldest will enter Kindergarten this fall.  Policies like this will affect my decision on sending my children to a public school in Virginia. This new policy is unacceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93229", "author": "Steve Craun", "date": "2021-02-02T09:44:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "For a teacher to discuss sexuality with a minor without the consent or knowledge of the parent should be criminal, not celebrated."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93230", "author": "Cherie Boyles", "date": "2021-02-02T09:44:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I do NOT support the proposed changes to educational policy that disregard parental rights, students’ privacy rights, and the First Amendment rights of teachers and administrators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93231", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T09:44:00", "title": "Transgender school policy", "text": "I mean no harm to the LGBTQ community, but I personally oppose this policy. I do not agree with it.... however ; I could be on board with a 3rd facility made for those with the right to choose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93232", "author": "PF", "date": "2021-02-02T09:45:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this policy", "text": "Please, please reconsider forcing this policy on our schools.  Every student deserves to be respected and protected, not just those the state deems worthy.  This flies in the face of the anti-bullying policies, the religious freedom rights, and the parental rights.  It also harms the very ones it is slated to protect.  Reconsider these aggressive policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93233", "author": "SJC", "date": "2021-02-02T09:45:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Please protect our vulnerable trans students by enacting a K-12 policy. This is not the final step but it is a good start."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93234", "author": "Julie McElduff", "date": "2021-02-02T09:45:00", "title": "opposition to bill", "text": "I strongly oppose this for our school children.  This will have extremely negative consequences.  Do not vote for this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93235", "author": "Kristin Saybe", "date": "2021-02-02T09:45:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Strongly support this guidance.  We need to support all of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93236", "author": "Taylor A Clark", "date": "2021-02-02T09:47:00", "title": "Strongly Support this Policy", "text": "I whole-heartedly support this policy. We must support all of our children and adolescents. How are students expected to perform well in academics, or even in life, if we do not support them in the most BASIC ways? Transgender students should have access to every support that cisgender students are granted, if this includes safety nets, privacy, and gender-concordant bathrooms and locker rooms then SO BE IT! This is anti-discrimination at its most basic. If you are really afraid of YOUR child being exposed to a transgender person in the bathroom, maybe YOU should think about homeschooling YOUR child?? If you really think that YOUR child cannot accept someone as they are, maybe YOU should think about the morals that YOU have taught YOUR child? Please find it in your hearts to make one aspect of a transgender person's life easier, especially when everything else is typically hard enough."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93637", "author": "Brenda M Butler", "date": "2021-02-02T14:47:00", "title": "transgender children.", "text": "I am in support of protections for transgender children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93638", "author": "Rev. Dr. Debra W. Haffner", "date": "2021-02-02T14:49:00", "title": "Support Transgender students", "text": "Please support the rights and inclusion of transgender and nonbinary students.  Every student deserves to be treated fairly without regard to gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sex, race, ethnicity, ability status, and so on.  As a religious leaders, I support transgender people, including children and adolescents.  Please let me know if I can provide you with additional information."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93639", "author": "Edith", "date": "2021-02-02T14:49:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93640", "author": "Alvin McEwen", "date": "2021-02-02T14:50:00", "title": "Many people opposing this policy have come from a right-wing site telling them lies and distortions.", "text": "Please be aware that probably the vast majority of people who have come here voicing their disapproval of the policy have come from a right-wing site (Lifesite News) which makes the policy sound dangerous. It distorts and omits a LOT of details about the policy. Please be aware of this and support our transgender children. They aren't predators nor any other type of danger to other children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93641", "author": "Cortney Calixte", "date": "2021-02-02T14:51:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I am in full support of this guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93642", "author": "R Drisel", "date": "2021-02-02T14:53:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "The Virginia Department of Education has launched a missile to kill a mouse.  The regulatory guidance is overbroad to the point of quashing constitutional rights of those who are not part of the LGBTQ+ community. I can foresee years of litigation at significant cost to our schools, which is money that should be spent educating our youth.  I support accommodation as necessary to obviate any harassment, discrimination or bullying but these guidelines trample the rights of others in the name of political correctness. Can we PLEASE use common sense to address these issues and stop making them the focus of our identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93643", "author": "Mark S", "date": "2021-02-02T14:54:00", "title": "In strong support of support of transgender youth in Virginia public schools", "text": "Regardless of any origin or identity (ethnic, sexual, socioeconomic), no child should be discriminated against, and school administrators should construct environments where students feel safe. Reading through comments on this town hall, there are a few things I would like to address in addition to giving my full support of this legislation whose core aims to promote the safety of trans students in public schools: As a graduate student in the medical domain, I can confirm that there are, biologically, not only two biological sexes. Non XX/XY chromosome pairs are naturally found in about 1/100 births, meaning that about 1/500 children are born with a biological sex that may not genetically conform to what we may consider a \"boy\" or a \"girl\". For this irrefutable genetic proof to exist and then people to deny the evidence or even possibility of a gender spectrum (irrespective of sex determined at birth) is short-sighted and uninformed. I see the \"how can we trust boys who would be going into girls' bathrooms and vice versa?\" argument popping up a lot. If this is a concern, shouldn't we be equally concerned about gay, bisexual, and other queer students sharing the same bathrooms as other kids? How logistically would that work, a survey of middle schoolers responding to questions on their sexual orientation? This is evidently a fear that comes from things people do not understand, so I recommend anyone who doubts the reality of the LGBTQ+ or trans communities read up on current scientists' and psychologists' thoughts on the matter, not what was being said 30, 40, 50 years ago. The freedom of religion in the United States is one of many which allows us to express ourselves without Congress telling us what we can and cannot believe or say...within reason. A line is drawn when religiously-based actions cause harm to others. Contextualizing a bit, I'm sure there were many Virginian Christians who deeply believed that God did not want Black students in their white public schools less than a century ago, but that does not mean that injurious religious actions and motivations are legally allowed. Despite Christianity promoting support of vulnerable populations, I think prejudice often overtakes this fundamental Christian value, undermining some Christians' racist or LGBTQ+phobic thoughts and actions. To reiterate, LGBTQ+ lives matter, trans lives matter, and I hope young trans students begin to feel safer and more accepted in the public institutions which are designed to educate and protect them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93644", "author": "Joyce Diepold", "date": "2021-02-02T14:54:00", "title": "Comment", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  Parental rights are being ignored and abused.  Children need their parental input.  Religious beliefs and conscience of parents and children need to be honored."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93645", "author": "COLANDA CATO", "date": "2021-02-02T14:55:00", "title": "Equal Rights for all people including LGBTQ", "text": "I support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender students in Virginia’s public schools. Education is important to dispelling myths and misinformation and encouraging fair and equal treatment for all people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93646", "author": "Barbara Branham", "date": "2021-02-02T14:55:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender Policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy as it is being proposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93647", "author": "Jane fizer", "date": "2021-02-02T14:56:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93648", "author": "Mary P", "date": "2021-02-02T14:56:00", "title": "Reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools as they are harmful to children and undermine the rights of parents and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93649", "author": "Katherine G.", "date": "2021-02-02T14:57:00", "title": "vehemently OPPOSE", "text": "This is absolutely unacceptable. Parents need to be involved in their children's lives. We cannot give full and complete control to the schools! This will allow schools to hide information from parents and advocate for children's decisions without parental knowledge or consent. I am fully against this. It will destroy our children, schools, families, and society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93650", "author": "Transgender/Nonbinary Student", "date": "2021-02-02T14:57:00", "title": "A Step In The Right Direction", "text": "As a queer student, I believe that this proposal is a step forward towards equal, inclusive treatment of trans youth and youth of all gender identities. It is not harmful to cisgender youth to have them support their trans classmates. It is not going to \"turn them trans\" or anything like that. It is, however, harmful to trans youth to be discriminated against by teachers, classmates, administrators, and so on. We need legislation like this to make school safer for the next generation of trans youth and all youth. My trans and nb friends went through discrimination by teachers and students alike, and it hurt them. I stayed mostly in the closet to avoid similar treatment, and that hurt too. No kid should have face that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93651", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T14:58:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "This policy would interfere with a parent's ability to give necessary guidance to her child.  It also makes no allowance for religious considerations.  Please ensure that this policy is not issued."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93652", "author": "I am a woman", "date": "2021-02-02T14:58:00", "title": "NO!", "text": "Please stop this destructive nonsense. Parents need to be involved in their children's lives. We cannot allow schools to hide information from parents and advocate for children's decisions without parental knowledge or consent.It will destroy our children, schools, families, and society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93653", "author": "Anneke Makinson", "date": "2021-02-02T14:58:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am the mother of 5 children and would love for public school to continue to be an option for us. Allowing mixed genders in bathrooms and locker rooms, with no control over what happens in there, is traumatic for everyone involved. There has to be a better way than this option. I have a teenage daughter and cannot imagine what she will have to process through in being required to strip down in a locker room with a male, or her seeing a male strip down in front of her. I have 4 sons as well and the thought that they would be subjected to this from a female in their locker rooms is equally as disturbing. Whether people identify as the opposite sex or not, the body parts still matter and forcing opposite sex to be together and seen inappropriately in this way with no protection for either party, is simply a chaotic and traumatic encounter waiting to happen. I’m baffled that this even needs explanation because this should be common sense. Also this leaves room for those who are opposite sex, who do not identify as opposite sex, but have bad intentions, to enter into bathrooms and locker rooms, for the “fun” of it- and the hands of authority are bound and can do nothing to protect the very children we are supposed to care for. Please consider the grand scope of what is at stake here."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93654", "author": "Constitutionalist", "date": "2021-02-02T14:58:00", "title": "Strongly ***OPPOSE!***", "text": "Do not crumple up the Constitution. This will not stand when it is challenged in the SCOTUS, and those who support it will appear foolish. Therefore, let me be clear, I do NOT support the proposed changes to educational policy that disregard parental rights, students’ privacy rights, and the First Amendment rights of teachers and administrators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93655", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T14:59:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Parents job is removed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93656", "author": "M. Naegele", "date": "2021-02-02T14:59:00", "title": "Please REJECT Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Since parents are the primary educators of their children, and these proposed policies include circumventing parents not only re: educating, but also by providing validation and \"services.\"  Parents must be the ones who address their child's needs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93657", "author": "Michele Biller", "date": "2021-02-02T15:00:00", "title": "Transgender Guidelines", "text": "Transgender proposed guidelines....STRONGLY OPPOSE!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93658", "author": "Erin", "date": "2021-02-02T15:00:00", "title": "sad day", "text": "All children should feel safe in school and at home.  Sadly, this is not always the case.  Every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. I do not support this.  In fact, it's enough for me to want to take my daughters out of the public education sector."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93659", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T15:00:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "The role of the public schools is to support parents by providing an academic education. Parents are the guardians of their children and should not be removed from discussions regarding their children's mental health and identity questions. Children who are being bullied, harassed, or discriminated against should be protected under current policies. Those policies are in place to protect ALL children. If someone is being harassed for what they believe about themself or anything else, the person doing the harassing needs to be disciplined. New policies are not required for this. It should be happening already. There are people who will take advantage of this new policy and use it to gain easier access to their potential victims of unwanted sexual behavior. My comments are submitted as anonymous because I fear that I will be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against because my views aren't the same as others'. Please remember that the more the government legislates, the more danger its citizens are in of being shut down and discriminated against."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93660", "author": "Kelly D", "date": "2021-02-02T15:02:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAGREE!", "text": "STRONGLY DISAGREE!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93661", "author": "James Hogan", "date": "2021-02-02T15:02:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a transgender adult, I fully support this measure. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with trans teens and found them to be incredibly level headed and well prepared for the world. Studies show that transgender kids who are allowed to transition as kids don’t experience the same levels of depression or suicidal ideation that my generation faced. It’s hard to imagine how much time, pain, and struggle I could have escaped if I’d gone to school in a time that accepted gender non conforming students. This measure is just an over due adjustment of social values. I support any measure that moves us toward a world where gender is truly a non-issue in regards to a person’s value."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93662", "author": "Patricia Everton", "date": "2021-02-02T15:02:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "Strongly oppose this proposed legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93663", "author": "Alpha Omega Kappa Fraternity, Inc.", "date": "2021-02-02T15:02:00", "title": "Alpha Omega Kappa Fraternity supports the guidance.", "text": "Alpha Omega Kappa Fraternity Incorporated is a 501c3 social service non-collegiate greek lettered organization for men of transgender experience. Our mission is to provide knowledge of existing issues and dispel misconceptions of people of transitional stages and experience. We strive to motivate and inspire individuals especially trans masculine people to enhance their quality of life by uplifting and promoting unity within the community. The Brothers of Alpha Omega Kappa Fraternity Incorporated strive to have a positive, lasting impact on society as a whole and bring visibility to our trans masculine community. We support this guidance for trans youth in Virginia as an affirming environment can save lives and increase the quality of life for our trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93664", "author": "Lucy Britton", "date": "2021-02-02T15:05:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "You have taken prayer out of school and it is about time we put it back!!! I oppose to the schools making decisions regarding my grand childrens gender expressions without their parents knowledge.  In other words you want to change my grand childs mind as to what gender they are yourself.  This is unacceptable!  Letting boys in girls bathrooms is unacceptable.  Letting girls in boys bathrooms is unacceptable.  Letting boys or girls in the opposite sexes locker rooms to change is unacceptable.  I only hope my daughter and son pull their kids from the public school system along with many other parents.  None of this is right!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93665", "author": "Lucas Smith", "date": "2021-02-02T15:05:00", "title": "Completely Opposed!!!!!!!!!!!!!", "text": "Our country was founded on religious freedoms, more specifically our forefathers were God fearing Christians.  Our country has strayed from God's word and this is why we have the mess that we do today.  In NO world should the government or education system be afforded the right to have more influence on children than the children's own parents.  Raising children starts in the home NOT the school system!  Government is SEVERELY overstepping by trying to take the place of parents and by trying to dismantle the nuclear family.  This is the way that the liberal left wants to gain more control by further brainwashing younger generations and teaching them the evil and corrupt ways...  What happened to equality and inclusion?  Oh, that's right, its only equality and inclusive if it supports the agenda and narrative of the liberal left.  This is clear discrimination against those (mainly Christians) who speak truth and God's word."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93666", "author": "Anonymous Mom and Dad of 2", "date": "2021-02-02T15:06:00", "title": "Do you really think? - I support 100%", "text": "Do you really think that being born this way was my 3 year old choice? Do you really think that she thought about all of this when she told me she was not a boy? Do you really think this is what we had in mind, us parents when we had our first born? Do you really think our world as not been turned upside down since she has transitioned? Do you really think that now, at 9 years old my daughter goes to the bathroom to \"check other people's private parts\"? Do you really think that she would not be crushed if she could not wear a beautiful dress at her first Prom or be part of the Girls Field Hockey team? I was once on the other side like whoever would answer Yes to any of those above - where I could not imagine life any other way but then she came along and I thank God for that everyday. Please really think about this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93667", "author": "Nicholas Tamas", "date": "2021-02-02T15:06:00", "title": "Ineffably Reckless", "text": "Putting aside for the moment the essential beliefs and applications of said beliefs in this proposed change in policy, I must point out the recklessness of making such a move in the current socio-cultural climate. In going forward with this change, you are not simply making a decision many (if not the majority) disagree with, but are imposing a policy which many (again, if not most) understand as nothing short of evil. In a time of already great division and the growing belief that there will be a civil war, to make a move that just a decade ago would have been seen as absurd and nothing less than a conspiracy theory to accuse someone of wanting to impose is a level of recklessness I can only attribute to a desire for not simply creating a hardline of division - a line in the figurative sand - but of causing chaos and destruction. That is, you are either assuming that those who know this to be evil will do nothing to protect their children and their neighbor's children from it or you are assuming that they will oppose you. I firmly belief you are naive and foolhardy if you assume the former, and will find yourselves flabbergasted when this causes an escalation at the local level, even to the point of violence against state officials if they were to attempt removing a child from their parents' home. If you believe the latter, however, I can only assume you want to cause an escalation, that you have such destruction present within your hearts already - possessed, as many of you are, by an ideology of breaking down the old and re-congealing the new  - that you must manifest it into society. It is difficult to understand (hence, title of my comment) how adults can even consider such a decision unless one assumes the aforementioned former or latter. There is no situation where making this change either brings about what you desire or avoids conflict between many, if not most, counties of Virginia and Richmond. As for the essential belief of this policy: it is that people are not their bodies, but are 'minds,' 'souls,' or 'spirits' of some sort trapped within a flesh-y vehicle. This is wrong. People are their bodies. For society to permit people to act as though otherwise is itself an evil against those very people, a refusal to help them, as well as a lie told to society at large. I do not see you as a caring group, but a group of abusers who refuse to help those who are suffering on account of the beliefs in sex, humanity, and society which you yourselves have caused in the first place. You claim fear and paranoia and resulting hatred grips your opponents, but I say to you: it is a hatred of sex and society which grips you and compels you to destroy along with your own phobia: an irrational fear of submitting to reality. Needless to say at this point: I oppose this policy - it is fundamentally evil."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93668", "author": "Tristan Showalter", "date": "2021-02-02T15:06:00", "title": "This is absolutely an awful idea!", "text": "This is an awful idea! It takes away the rights of everyone because there are a few people who don’t like the rules! If you have a penis you belong in a boys bathroom and if you have a vagina you belong in a girls bathroom. The Bible stated it that way and our fore fathers kept it that way! Do not change it because a few people are uncomfortable because this will in turn make everyone uncomfortable! I have no problem with gay people or transgender people I believe everyone deserves to be loved but if you are a God given boy which means you have a penis then use the Men’s/Boys restroom. If you are a God given girl which means you have a vagina then use the Woman’s/Girls restroom. Plain and simple. Thank you for your time and reading this message. Have a blessed day!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93669", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-02-02T15:06:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93670", "author": "Eric Alanko", "date": "2021-02-02T15:07:00", "title": "Poor Policy making - oppose", "text": "After reading the proposal, my opposition can be summarized in the following ways. First, it is unfair for schools to mandate how people should think about transgender identities in Virginia, especially teachers. Its is ironic that the first “Related Law” list is the First amendment. The actual text is conveniently left out, but what remains is just a shadow of it and what the author only wants the reader to consider. Also protected is the right to disagree with transgender accommodating policies. The author also takes the time to explain how Title IX “May be understood”  - such that it promotes their point of few. Enacting these guidelines would mandate that teachers surrender their right to speech and faith in favor of a student’s need for affirmation. This is done by not only mandating the pronouns they use, but requiring the “LGBTQ- inclusive and affirming curricula” while a very effective teacher may not wish to affirm a LGBTQ lifestyle. Finally, under “Other Considerations” these guidelines begin to address opposing viewpoints. However, this is done only to the extent to defend these guidelines, not craft an education that aligns with the values of the community. This also assumes that teachers, students, administrators, and others connected to the school are not the ones in opposition. This is suppression, not engagement. Second, this legislation empowers students over parents. The idea that a parent’s wishes for something as simple as the name of their child would not be continued in the classroom is absurd. In the event a parent is dissatisfied with that, what are they to do? Take their child out of school? It takes away the rights of parents to raise their children over an issue that is still very much up for public debate. Third, these most of these provisions do not protect transgender students but are rather just left-wing catch phrases. As someone who is not long out of high school, I can promise that very little of this addresses the root problems of being a teenager. Kids are not bullied just because “societal prejudice and lack of awareness or understanding”. They are bullied because the vast majority of kids are self-conscious, victims of poor parenting, and never taught how to behave. Even “good kids” will be sarcastic to get a quick laugh. If you want to stop bullying, the answer is for kids to have someone in their life that cares about them. A coach being excited for a kid or a teacher asking about a child’s day does far more than any sensitivity training. This will help students learn not to bully as well as how to handle hardship in a productive way. Finally, there is no attempt at bipartisanship. I am a conservative with a heart for children and young adults. I respect the need for protecting privacy and making sure counseling is available for all children – including LGBTQ students. However, what in this should make me feel that my values or opinion is even respected by my legislators or my schools? This reads more like a left wing blog post than legislation that balances the needs of all citizens. (language in quotation marks draws directly from the guidance document)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93671", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T15:08:00", "title": "Strongly SUPPORT!", "text": "As the parent of a transgender child I strongly support the bill.  Our children deserve the right to feel safe, respected, and supported at school and beyond.  Those that disagree, need to do their research and see that a fully supportive environment leads to better mental health outcomes.  The suicide rate amongst transgender teens is staggering and heart breaking.  We fully support our child, as does his peers, community, and school.  This is undoubtedly why he is happy and thriving.  We need more communities and schools like ours so that other transgender children can have the same outcomes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93672", "author": "Concerned Christian", "date": "2021-02-02T15:12:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender school policy - Genesis 1:27", "text": "Genesis 1:27 , NKJV: So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93673", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T15:14:00", "title": "No", "text": "Not biblical. I do not support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93674", "author": "I support trans rights in school", "date": "2021-02-02T15:14:00", "title": "Support trans students!", "text": "As the parent of a non binary child, I strongly support the creation of standards that will equip Virginia's schools with the policies, procedures, training, and tools required to create a safe and inclusive educational experience for transgender and non-binary students. This strong action will not only help enrich the educational experience for non binary and transgender students, but also for children who identify as neurodiverse \"outside the box thinkers\", differently-abled students, and ultimately, for all students. If one door is opened to inclusivity, it will lead to many more opening. My dearest hope is that this will lead to inclusive sex education that is based on current evidence based research and to a non male-centric view of female anatomy as wrong or distracting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93675", "author": "Constitutionalist", "date": "2021-02-02T15:16:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This completely goes against women’s rights for safety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93676", "author": "Margaret Finn", "date": "2021-02-02T15:17:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93677", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T15:18:00", "title": "100% Opposed", "text": "I thought the Virginia public school system was out of touch with reality when I was a student. Kids showed up to school hungry, classrooms were understaffed, and the quality of education declined every year. All admin was worried about was if someone got called gay on the bus. I thought that was a low point. Wrong. My kids will obtain an education in a state that recognizes biology and doesn’t spit in the face of every organized religion in America. Whether that state will be Virginia will depend on if our Enlightened Educators put my tax dollars into education quality instead of programs intent on sexually confusing a generation of children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93678", "author": "Teresa Shifflett", "date": "2021-02-02T15:18:00", "title": "No morals in Virginia", "text": "God my us either a boy or a girl. I do not wants anyone “brainwashing” my grandchildren or any other child trying to convince them as to wether they are a  different sex than what they were born.  I also do not want the fear of a boy going into a locker room with my granddaughters.  This whole thing makes no sense.  If you want to accommodate transgenders then you have a whole different locker room for this group of kids.   We need to bring the Bible back in school and we wouldn’t even be discussing this matter.  If this goes through, there will be a lot of homeschool and private school children.  This is a sad dad for Virginia!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93679", "author": "Allison", "date": "2021-02-02T15:19:00", "title": "Strongly support.", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. It's that simple."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93680", "author": "Melissa Freze", "date": "2021-02-02T15:21:00", "title": "Gender", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93681", "author": "Aaron Ridings, GLSEN", "date": "2021-02-02T15:21:00", "title": "RE: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "February 2, 2021 Dr. Samantha Hollins Virginia Department of Education 101 N. 14th Street Richmond, VA  23219 RE: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools Dear Assistant Superintendent Hollins, I write to you on behalf of GLSEN, the leading national organization on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) issues in K-12 education, to express our strong support of the Virginia Department of Education’s Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. GLSEN believes that schools should be places of liberation where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. Two decades of GLSEN research documents the fact that LGBTQ+ students disproportionately experience school climates that are hostile to their overall well-being and educational attainment. This is especially true for LGBTQ+ students who are Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), transgender, nonbinary, and students with disabilities. All students deserve a K-12 education system that allows them to learn and grow free from harm. In order to achieve that goal, LGBTQ+ students must be afforded the equal opportunity to learn in a liberated and liberating school environment. A majority of transgender youth experience discrimination at school related to bathroom and locker room access. Transgender students experience the following types of discrimination (and %): Accessing bathrooms 58.1%; Accessing Locker Rooms 55.5%; Improper use of Names/Pronouns 44.5%; Inappropriate enforcement of wearing Gendered Clothing 20.5%. On this basis GLSEN supports the adoption of the proposed guidance, however we believe that a few revisions and clarifying edits in line with our recently updated State Education Agency Recommendations on Nondiscrimination Protections and Inclusion of LGBTQ+ Students in K-12 Learning Communities , would strengthen the impact of this laudable proposal: Throughout the proposed guidance we recommend replacing several repeated phrases with updated or best-practice phrasing: Replace “transgender status” with “gender identity” wherever it is possible. In some places the document makes use of the acronym “LGBT” and in other places the document uses “LGBTQ+.” We recommend using the more inclusive and affirming “LGBTQ+” as the standard throughout the guidance. In instances where the document refers to “gender-based” harassment, bullying, or discrimination, we recommend replacing this with “sex-based” because this language is most aligned with the Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga. In several places the document makes reference to a student’s “asserted name” or “asserted gender identity.” We recommend removing the word asserted in each of these instances. Qualifying name/gender identity with the word ‘asserted’ gives the connotation that these may not in fact be the student's true name or identity, which is dis-affirming and not accurate. There are several instances throughout the guidance where reference is made to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) policy from 2001, we suggest updating these sections to reflect the most current, relevant OCR policies that will be updated under Biden Administration’s Executive Order on implementation of the Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga. decision on nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people in multiple dimensions of life. [1] In the Section titled Background (p.6) we suggest including a brief explanatory paragraph about the rapid evolution of language around this topic to inform readers of the need for clear definitions but also flexibility as the terminology changes. We suggest including the following: “Transgender and nonbinary students may use different terms to describe their lives and experiences of gender. Terminology and language differ and evolve based on region, language, race or ethnicity, age, culture, and many other factors. Some examples of terms used by some youth include: trans, trans girl, trans boy, nonbinary, genderqueer, gender fluid, demi girl, demi boy, Two Spirit (amongst Native American, American Indian/Alaska Native, First Nation, or Indigenous communities only), and many more. Some trans youth prefer simply to be referred to as boys or girls except when their gender identity is specifically relevant. These terms often mean different things and refer to different gender identities. Staff and educators should reflect and use the terms that students use to describe themselves, and avoid terms that make students uncomfortable.” We suggest under the terminology section (p.6) updating the definitions of cisgender, gender identity, and gender nonconforming, as well as adding a definition for nonbinary to reflect the most affirming language currently in use. The updated and additional definitions that we suggest are: Cisgender: An adjective describing a person whose gender identity corresponds with the gender society typically associates with the sex they were assigned at birth. The majority of people are cisgender, while a minority are transgender. For example, a cisgender woman was assigned female at birth and identifies as female her gender as a woman. Gender Identity: A person’s deeply held knowledge of their own gender, which can include being a man, woman, another gender, or no gender. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity? One’s gender identity may or may not align with society’s expectations with the sex they were assigned at birth (male, female, or intersex). Gender Nonconforming: A term sometimes used to describe people whose gender expression differs from social expectations, such as “feminine boys,” “masculine girls,” and people who are perceived as androgynous in some way. Being gender nonconforming is distinct from being transgender, though some trans people may consider themselves to be gender nonconforming. For example, a cisgender woman who has short hair and likes sports might consider herself gender nonconforming, but may not identify as transgender. Nonbinary: A term used to refer to people whose gender identity is not exclusively male or female, including those who identify with a different gender, a combination or genders, or no gender. Nonbinary may be considered a subset of transgender or a distinct identity. Other similar or more specific terms may include genderqueer, gender fluid, agender, or Two-Spirit (for Native American students). In the section titled “Related Laws” (p. 7) we recommend the following additions : First Amendment : The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and expression. Schools may not prevent students from expressing their identity including through dressing in a manner that otherwise complies with school rules. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 : The US Supreme Court ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga. that under Title VII discrimination on the basis of sex in employment discrimination “inherently” includes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, transgender status, or gender identity. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 : Title IX is a federal law that prohibits schools that receive federal financial assistance from limiting or denying a student’s participation in any school program on the basis of sex. Under the reasoning of the Supreme Court in the Bostock ruling , this may be understood to prohibit discrimination, including sexual harassment, based on sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, and gender identity or transgender status. The Equal Access Act : This is a federal law that requires public secondary schools to treat all student-initiated groups equally, regardless of political, philosophical, or other subject matters discussed at their meetings. Its protections apply to groups, such as GSAs (Gay Straight Alliances or Gender and Sexuality Alliances) that address issues relating to LGBTQ+ students and matters involving sexual orientation and gender identity. Federal Disability Laws : Some transgender students may have additional rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, based on a diagnosis of gender dysphoria or related conditions such as anxiety or depressive disorders. These students may be entitled to Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that address their gender-related needs. Virginia Values Act : This state law expands the Virginia Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. This includes the prohibition of discrimination in K-12 learning communities. In the section titled “Guiding Principle to Support Transgender Students” (p.8) we suggest amending the first sentence of the second paragraph to read: All students determine their gender identity that may or may not correspond to their sex assigned at birth. Examples of gender identity include transgender, nonbinary, two spirit, and cisgender. Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six (Lamb & Lerner, 2015). In 2020, the American Psychological Association (APA) and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) declared in a resolution that “all persons, including children and adolescents who are diverse in their sexuality and gender identities, expression, and/or presentation, have the inherent human right to equal opportunity and a physically and psychologically safe environment within all institutions.” The American Academy of Pediatrics (2018) also acknowledged that, “variations in gender identity and expression are normal aspects of human diversity.” In the first paragraph on page 9 we suggest amending the last sentence as follows: Sex-based harassment may also include the disclosure of the student’s gender identity without their consent as this presents safety concerns for the student. On page 10 in the fourth paragraph we suggest replacing the phrase “specifically related to transgender issues” with “ specifically related to discrimination based on gender identity .” On page 11 re recommend rewording the second paragraph as follows: Regarding student privacy within the school community, a student’s gender identity may be public or private, and the degree to which others are aware of the student’s gender identity will influence plans to support the student. Given the potential for discrimination, sharing this information could expose a student to harassment and abuse from peers or adults within the school community. School staff should discuss with the student about how they prefer information about their gender identity to be shared. Students should make the decision about what information about their gender identity is shared publicly within K-12 learning communities . If the student is in a setting where they have been known by their assigned sex at birth, options for privacy may be limited. In some situations, the student’s move to a new school setting (e.g., starting middle school, transferring to a different school) affords the opportunity to confirm their gender identity with more privacy. Regardless of the circumstances, the school should support the student’s need for privacy and safety and not disclose a student’s gender identity to other students or parents. Additionally, school staff should treat a student’s gender identity as being particularly sensitive information that should not be shared even internally among school personnel except to those with a legitimate educational interest or need to know. When a student comes out as transgender, nonbinary, or otherwise gender-expansive , schools should work proactively to set clear boundaries about being gender inclusive and respond to negative reactions from the school community should they arise, keeping students safe and ensuring there are no barriers to their educational opportunity . Refer to additional discussions in the Other Considerations section regarding the process for school personnel when a student or parent informs the school about the student’s transition. Also on page 11, in the third paragraph, we recommend inserting the following after the sentence “Disclosure of that information may violate the school’s obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).”: Such violations may include disclosing whether a student is transgender or a student’s gender assigned at birth to other students, to parents, or media without the parent/guardian’s consent (or, if 18 or older, the student’s consent), or using a student’s legal name in school directories, yearbooks, or other publications where a parent or student has requested otherwise. On page 12 we recommend clarification of the meaning of the last sentence in the first paragraph under “Student identification.” The phrase “a casual declaration of gender identity” is not clearly defined, so this portion could be interpreted in a manner that runs contrary to the LGBTQ+ affirming purpose of the guidance. Also on page 12, in the last paragraph after the sentence, “In accepting employment with a school district, a school staff member agrees to abide by and uphold their school board’s policies and procedures, as well as federal and state laws,” we suggest inserting the following to ensure a clear understanding of school staff’s obligations, “ A public school employee is acting as an agent of the state in the course of their professional duties, including in addressing students, thus school staff shall not be permitted to discriminate on the basis of their personal religious or moral beliefs .” On page 13 in the third paragraph we suggest amending the language in the sentence, “Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately,” by replacing the word “should” with “ must ” and adding “ as mandated by law ” to the end. On page 14 in the second paragraph we recommend replacing the sentence “While the topic of transgender students usually focuses on transgender males or transgender females, there are students who identify as gender nonbinary, gender-expansive, or gendernonconforming,” with the sentence “ There are students who identify as nonbinary or gender-expansive. ” In this same paragraph we also suggest amending “Since the concept of gender is increasingly being viewed as a gender spectrum,” to say instead, “Since medical and other experts have demonstrated that gender is a spectrum .” This latter phrasing reflects the accurate, up to date scientific findings on gender. On page 15 in the second paragraph of the section titled “Dress Code” we suggest striking the phrase “sex-segregated” and replacing it with “ gender-specific .” On page 16 in the section titled “Student Participation in School Activities and Events” we recommend the following amendments to the first paragraph: In general, school divisions should make efforts to reduce or eliminate gender-based practices to the extent possible. Gender-based policies, rules, and practices can have the effect of marginalizing, stigmatizing, and excluding students, regardless of their gender identity or gender expression . Examples of practices that may be based on gender include grouping students for class activities, gender-based homecoming or prom courts, limitations on who can attend as “couples” at school dances, and gender-based events such as father-daughter dances. School divisions should review any gender-based policies, rules, and practices to determine whether they serve a legitimate educational goal or otherwise non-discriminatory purpose. School activities should be gender-neutral and avoid dividing students by gender in the absence of an important, evidence-based educational purpose . For example, the composition of choruses should be gender-inclusive and based only on vocal range or quality requirements. On page 17 in the section titled “Access to Facilities” we suggest striking the words “consistently asserted” from the first paragraph. Insisting that protections be conferred to students based on a ‘consistently asserted’ gender identity risks denying protections to students whose process of identifying or transitioning is not linear, but who nevertheless must have those protections to be able to thrive and achieve their full potential alongside their peers. On page 18 in the section titled “Professional Development and Training” we suggest striking the word “minimally” from the first paragraph and amending the second paragraph as follows: The goal of professional development for all staff is to ensure that they understand the rights of all students to a safe learning environment and the local school board’s expectations regarding the treatment of transgender students. Additionally, professional development should include high quality, culturally affirming, accessible LGBTQ+ competency training . It is recommended that training provided to school staff cover the following components: Finally in Appendix A: Resources, under Model and Existing Policies and Guidelines, the last entry on page 21 is a link to an outdated version of GLSEN’s Model School District Policy. GLSEN has recently published an updated Model Local Education Agency Policy on Transgender and Nonbinary Students . This updated GLSEN resource reflects the most current LGBTQ+ affirming language and incorporates the 2020 Supreme Court Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga . decision. GLSEN supports the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools, and we urge you to consider our suggested revisions in the course of adopting this important proposed guidance. Thank you for your dedication to adopting robust protections for transgender and nonbinary students in Virginia public schools. GLSEN commends the Virginia Department of Education’s comprehensive approach to ensuring that transgender and nonbinary students are not subject to discrimination, bullying, or harassment in Virginia’s K-12 learning communities. To discuss GLSEN’s suggested revisions please contact Tessa Juste, State and Local Policy Manager, by email at tessa.juste@glsen.org . Sincerely, Aaron Ridings Director of Public Policy [1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-preventing-and-combating-discrimination-on-basis-of-gender-identity-or-sexual-orientation/"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93682", "author": "Beth Ancell", "date": "2021-02-02T15:21:00", "title": "I Object the approval of the proposed transgender policies being considered by Virginia Schools", "text": "The policies that are purposed are in direct violation of my religious and personal beliefs are in an infringement of my and my family’s rights. Furthermore, the purposed polices will place our children in potential harmful situations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93683", "author": "MSherfey", "date": "2021-02-02T15:22:00", "title": "Transgender Education in Schools", "text": "STRONGLY DISAGREE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93684", "author": "Mary Barb", "date": "2021-02-02T15:22:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Beyond reasoning, try reading the Bible. I am totally against this!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93685", "author": "JB", "date": "2021-02-02T15:23:00", "title": "Transgender policies of the D.O.E.", "text": "God created/designed male and female, and no one can change that (we are neither God or gods). Please don't confuse these precious children about their God-given identity, or put them in vulnerable situations. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93686", "author": "Father of four sons", "date": "2021-02-02T15:23:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93687", "author": "Gloria", "date": "2021-02-02T15:23:00", "title": "I do not agree with this policy.", "text": "I do not agree with this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93688", "author": "Mother of 4 boys", "date": "2021-02-02T15:24:00", "title": "Strongly **OBJECT**", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93689", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-02-02T15:25:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans kids deserve to be respected in schools. Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93690", "author": "Nathaniel", "date": "2021-02-02T15:25:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Good afternoon. I am writing this comment because of my concern for the future of my children. I strongly oppose the allowance for biological males to act as females and biological females to act as males. It is my firm belief that there are only two genders - male and female. However, I do not wish for my comments to be taken as bigotry or hatred. I realize that some individuals struggle with this more than others and I truly sympathize with you. We all have our struggles, but I believe identifying as the opposite gender is a mental disorder. However, accepting transgenderism as normal is not the answer. I urge you strongly not to give into this perversion"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93691", "author": "Erin Thompson", "date": "2021-02-02T15:28:00", "title": "Gender confusion in schools", "text": "I strongly disagree with gender confusion in schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93692", "author": "James Thomas", "date": "2021-02-02T15:29:00", "title": "Open Restrooms!", "text": "I strongly(100+%) oppose any and all of this proposal!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93693", "author": "Dr. Jeff Fauver", "date": "2021-02-02T15:29:00", "title": "Strongly opposed !!", "text": "The confusion and harm caused by this policy is not acceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93694", "author": "C Cline", "date": "2021-02-02T15:29:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED!!!", "text": "I very strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. I feel this is a very very dangerous path to take. It will cause safety issues and serious confusion. It saddens me that this is even being considered."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93695", "author": "Celeste Thomas", "date": "2021-02-02T15:29:00", "title": "Support Transgender Students", "text": "I wholeheartedly support having human beings being treated like so first of all.  Additionally, we are talking about children who in the process of becoming the beautiful gifts that God   has chosen them to be.  God has created everyone, does not make mistakes and asks that we love one another and this is inclusive of everyone no matter what. Fear mongering is not a healthy way of dealing with persons who are different than ourselves. We should be examples of embracing each other instead of being afraid of who is not familiar.  By not being open and accepting, it only continues to breed more confusion and in some cases hate. Take a moment to love and live. Love that transgender child who deserves to be treated with dignity and grace every day of their lives just as the child who identifies as straight. Everyone is entitled to live their authentic lives without fear of retaliation, bullying and hate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93696", "author": "Michelle D Coon", "date": "2021-02-02T15:30:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "VA can show that we are not the backwards thinking conservative state afraid of any positive change with this - please take this action!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93697", "author": "Wendi", "date": "2021-02-02T15:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "i strongly oppose this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93698", "author": "Concerned citizen", "date": "2021-02-02T15:30:00", "title": "Oppose this policy", "text": "From a Christian perspective, this violates all that we believe. From a simple common-sense perspective, all-inclusive facilities is an open invitation for dangerous situations for girls of all ages.  Would you want your daughter to be at risk for any boy or man to be allowed, or encouraged, to enter the women's locker room or restroom?  I'm appalled.  DO NOT SUPPORT!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93699", "author": "Erich", "date": "2021-02-02T15:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This must be rejected!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93700", "author": "Abigail", "date": "2021-02-02T15:34:00", "title": "Strongly support trans rights in schools", "text": "I strongly support trans rights in school!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93701", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T15:34:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!", "text": "I strongly oppose. I don’t believe the school should discuss sexual or personal issues with students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93702", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-02-02T15:34:00", "title": "Support... anyone opposing this is close minded", "text": "Hate is taught. We need to teach our youth that everyone should be accepted no matter who they are or how they identify. It is the same people opposing this that are the very root of the problem. I, therefore, support creating inclusive and safe environments for our transgender youths."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93703", "author": "Caitlyn Hughes, FCPS teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T15:35:00", "title": "Strongly support!!!", "text": "I fully and wholeheartedly support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93704", "author": "Afton Brooks", "date": "2021-02-02T15:35:00", "title": "Trans Rights are supporting healthy growth", "text": "Transgender individuals have shown incredible growth when supported by those that are around them, and in the community. These people just want to survive and in no way are a mental condition, or any less than who they say they are. Science has backed that Transgender people are who they say they are. These kids deserve to live their life with just as many options as their fellow cisgender classmates. For those that say that transgender athletes will make it unfair, there is literally not one state that has a transgender athlete dominating any high school sports. We are a diverse group of people that encompass the Untied States and we need to allow each individual to grow with the same chances and the same opportunities for experiences. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93705", "author": "Brandy", "date": "2021-02-02T15:35:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I strongly am opposed to creating transgender policies.  We are opening the door to many potential dangerous situations for children.  People to take advantage of these transgender policies to enter into areas that they should not be in, to be around privately someone of the opposite sex.  Potentially setting children and/or young adults up for unwanted sexual situations.  To change, for the worse, sporting & recreational events and what is accepted as far as team sports / players on a team.  Parents have the right to teach their children their beliefs, religious and other.  School's have already interfered too much with religious beliefs.  Parents have a right to know about their children, have a right to send them to receive education where they are not being \"taught\" something from a school system that goes against their beliefs, religious or not.  It is not the school's responsibilities, nor right for the DOE to develop a policy to negatively effects more than it positively effects."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93706", "author": "Heather Smith", "date": "2021-02-02T15:36:00", "title": "Please Vote No", "text": "Although I believe in the protection of all individuals in the school, this policy is a vast overstep that undermines/threatens parental authority, hinders teachers ability to focus on academics, and puts non-transgendered students in emotionally-charged situations that \"handicaps\" their ability to do their best at school.   If the goal is to truly protect all students, then this policy needs to be written in a way that best meets the needs of all without harming others in the process."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93707", "author": "Christine Jones", "date": "2021-02-02T15:37:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly Support the proposed policies. To suppress who a person feels they are as a human can have damaging psychological consequences. The APA has recently revised their guidelines on transgender persons and the negative affects suppressing who they are as a child can have. Their born gender should be kept in kind to HIPPA guidelines and as for playing sports, we allow females to play male gendered sports. A transitioning male who is on hormone therapy through the support of their parents and physicians will not have an advantage over a female athlete as they will have testosterone blocked and estrogen levels boost. Leaving them perhaps at less of an advantage as they're adjusting to new and different hormone levels."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93708", "author": "Sarah Hawkins", "date": "2021-02-02T15:37:00", "title": "Completely WRONG!", "text": "As a mother, this completely violates all parental rights I have. This garbage removes all rights I have to what I share with my children, plus encourages my children to do things without parental knowledge or consent. This is just one step further to completely removing any and all parental rights when it comes to protecting and raising our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93709", "author": "Timothy D", "date": "2021-02-02T15:37:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose any policy/mandate promoting gender confusion to children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93710", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T15:38:00", "title": "VERY OPPOSED", "text": "This is just another way to confuse our children. They do not have the mental capacity at their ages to decide these kinds of things! It should be illegal to allow this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93711", "author": "Trisha", "date": "2021-02-02T15:39:00", "title": "Transgender rights in public schools", "text": "I’m strongly against transgender rights in schools. It is confusing to young kids, and not mentally or morally right to instill these sick, child abuse actions, in their brains. How about talk about Jesus and Gods word, and not off the wall immoral issues?!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93712", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T15:39:00", "title": "Very strongly oppose", "text": "While I believe that all students should be cherished and valued regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual preference, etc., I am extremely concerned about these particular new rules. Allowing students to decide their own locker room, change gender identities on any given day, and do all of this without any proof beyond their own words is folly. We do not let students choose things like their bedtime, whether or not they go to school, if they finish their homework, and countless other things, yet we are willing to let them determine not just their own identity, but how the entire school is run based on the day. This is dangerous and will have dire consequences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93713", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-02-02T15:40:00", "title": "Absolutely disgusting!", "text": "Disgusting does NOT even come close to what this really is. First off let me start by saying God created man and woman, he did NOT create a \"thing\" so it could decide what it wanted to be later on in life. Secondly I have a 13 yr old son and a 17 yr old daughter, they most definitely know right from wrong and if a GIRL would come up in the bathroom/locker room, my son would flip as well as my daughter if a BOY would come in the bathroom/locker room. Have yall even thought of the possibility that sexual assaults could talk place in that type of situation?? Maybe the trans kids should have there own bathroom/locker room! Just because they made that kind of choice does NOT mean that should be pushed on not just my kids but ALL kids..period!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93714", "author": "Michelle Staton", "date": "2021-02-02T15:40:00", "title": "Oppose, schools should prepare students for workforce, not sexualizing students", "text": "Virginia already has a bullying policy to protect children.  Matters dealing with child sexuality should be handled by the parent, not a school employee.  Schools should be focusing on preparing students to enter the work place.  Loudoun students are falling behind during this pandemic and you're so worried about pushing your agenda rather than helping these kids succeed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93715", "author": "James D", "date": "2021-02-02T15:41:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I am opposed to this over reach by indoctrinators. I agree that no one should be descriminated against due to POLITICAL, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, SKIN COLOR or RELIGIOUS REASONS. These policies can be abused and will be. Gender Identity dysphoria is a real condition and those in the trans community have spoken out on it. I also believe there are those are \"born in the wrong body\". Ive met and spoken with a few. The mothers body decides sex even if the chromosomes disagree. To mandate or force things is a bit ridiculous. I think other options are needed or better yet stay out of it. My daughters teacher refers to everyone as \"friend\". Im absolutely fine with that. Speak with the even keeled educators as to what they think and stop listening to the zealots. Ive had my fill with all the amped up folks on each side of the line as both sides make us all dumber. Ive traveled through Japan and South East Asia and Trans folk are generally accepted. Why cant we look to other cultures whom have already addressed the issues? My main thing is stay the hell out of how I raise my kids. My families religious beliefs are not for you to scrutinize. Our way of life is none of your concern or buisness. You may find yourselves in a class action lawsuit should you press the issue further. Your rights end where mine begin and vice versa. Im moving out of this show of a state either way and wish you all the best of luck with a fair and reasonable solution that accomadates all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93716", "author": "Jennifer Eckard", "date": "2021-02-02T15:42:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose this. It is a parents job to teach this to their children, not the schools. The confusion and harm by this policy is unacceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93717", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T15:43:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "Strongly disagree with supporting transgender!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93718", "author": "Concerned mother", "date": "2021-02-02T15:43:00", "title": "Absolutely not in support of this in our schools", "text": "I am absolutely not in support of this ridiculousness.  Teachers  work hard enough and are already under enough stress.  Now you want to add more pressure by calling discrimination if they can’t figure out what some confused kid wants to be identified as. This is absurd."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93719", "author": "Kelsey Fauver", "date": "2021-02-02T15:43:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93720", "author": "Kristen Gochenour", "date": "2021-02-02T15:44:00", "title": "VDOE transgender policies", "text": "I am wholeheartedly opposed to this! Our young children do not need to be subjected to anything related to transgender acclamation at such young ages. They do not understand anything that older people go through. I will not tolerate my daughter being around this and our public school systems are here to educate and not be indoctrinated with this matter. Put education above everything els ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93721", "author": "Andrea kidwell", "date": "2021-02-02T15:44:00", "title": "I strongly oppose", "text": "Not only is this change completely unethical, school age kids aren't legally psychologically sound enough to make these life changing decisions. You are putting the power in the kids hands and are taking the rights of the parents and teachers away. You are also putting them in danger sexually by not keeping the bathrooms, locker rooms and any other designated area separate to male or female. This is wrong. Instead of the kids being able to make these decisions and you keep this pertinent information from the parents, these kids need psychological help to understand why they are feeling this way in the first place. Most of the time they have been through traumatic sexual abuse and it is awful. This is not normal and it will not be taught in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93722", "author": "Achim Jeremiah Howard,  Transmen Rising (Founder", "date": "2021-02-02T15:45:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Can't Say Black Lives Matter without including black Transgender individuals in the equation"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93723", "author": "Rachel Uhrig, Educator", "date": "2021-02-02T15:46:00", "title": "Strongly Approve Life-saving Policies", "text": "All children deserve the opportunity to learn and thrive without fear. As an educator, it is my responsibility and my greatest joy to create a space where my students are safe and loved. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals deal with violence every day. If it isn’t apparent from the comments on this public forum, our transgender and gnc youth are facing horrible discrimination.  These measures are necessary and life-saving. We cannot expect our students to learn and succeed in an atmosphere where they face the same vitriol so easily spewed on these pages. Please give our students a fighting chance. If they are to be the next artists, scientists, athletes, or teachers we have to give them the space to grow. We have to give them the space to be resilient, extraordinary, unique. We have to give them hope."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93724", "author": "Rhonda Weaver", "date": "2021-02-02T15:48:00", "title": "Very strongly oppose!!! This is absolutely ridiculous!i", "text": "This is wrong! I want to know that my children are safe at school and not exposed to predators. I want my children going to school getting an education and learning values. I do not need the school system making them confused or going behind my back to force opinions and thoughts not of their own. If the public school system adopts this policy, I will be removing my children and either home schooling or placing them in a religious bound private school. Never in my life have I heard of such ridiculousness, it makes me sick to my stomach to see how society is going downhill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93725", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T15:48:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed!!!", "text": "This is totally unnecessary!! Liberal BS that’s being pushed on everyone no matter your beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93726", "author": "Annonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T15:48:00", "title": "Enabling confusion doesn't solve the problem.", "text": "It it obvious these children are confused. So supporting this confusion by pretending it is ok doesn't help these students. There are two genders. Science has determined this and if you believe in God, then science then supports God's position. Forty percent of transgenders regret their decisions to transgender. Transgenders have the highest percentage of suicide. The list goes on that these people are confused. Please think of these people and their dilemma and not make it political."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93727", "author": "Marsha Fadeley", "date": "2021-02-02T15:49:00", "title": "I extremely oppose this motion.", "text": "I strongly oppose this motion. Our vulnerable impressionable children shouldn’t be exposed to these types of issues. We are altering our values for a minority and while I do believe people struggle with these types of issues my child, our children should not have to struggle with them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93728", "author": "James Kidwell", "date": "2021-02-02T15:49:00", "title": "I oppose this policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93729", "author": "Sandi  layman", "date": "2021-02-02T15:50:00", "title": "I urge you to please vote NO!", "text": "Please don’t take away the parental rights and duty to raise our own children. A child is not capable of making a drastic mature decision like this until they are at least 18. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93730", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T15:50:00", "title": "Transgender Policy for Public Schools", "text": "I strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93731", "author": "Karen Beyeler", "date": "2021-02-02T15:50:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am standing up for kids' right to feel safe in their locker rooms and for young children to not be encouraged to pursue a new gender identity.  Parents have the right to know if the schools are using different pronouns for their children and also encouraging them to change genders."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93732", "author": "L. Phillips", "date": "2021-02-02T15:50:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "You should oppose this policy of gender mandates. It is the parent's duty to educate their children on such matters as these. The DOE needs to stop reaching beyond their boundaries."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93733", "author": "Elizabeth C Knapp", "date": "2021-02-02T15:51:00", "title": "Basic human decency - a tough concept for slime balls everywhere", "text": "Teacher of 10th & 12th grade students - I have at least 3 students currently who identify as transgender, and its EASY AS PIE to respect their existence. There is no excuse for a dissenting opinion on basic human rights such as these."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93734", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T15:51:00", "title": "Absolutely not. Strongly oppose.", "text": "My children have not yet entered the public school system, however I can assure you that if this is to happen they will not. This is absolutely outrageous and dangerous. This opens the doors for a great deal of dangerous things to happen, especially to our young women. What happened to developing STRONG AND INDEPENDENT WOMAN and WOMENS RIGHTS?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93735", "author": "A Dad", "date": "2021-02-02T15:52:00", "title": "STRONG OPPOSE!!! Do not bring this to our schools!", "text": "This is not something that should forced on our children, not even considered"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93736", "author": "Mary Jane Pessaud", "date": "2021-02-02T15:53:00", "title": "STRONLGY OPPOSE!", "text": "As a parent and teacher, I STRONGLY OPPOSE the Virginia Department of Education's draft proposing a new policy regarding transgender ideology in our schools. Parents have the right and freedom to teach or not teach (and when to teach) their kids about such sensitive topics. Teachers need to stick to teaching academics and parents are the ones that need to teach morals and religious values based on their own personal faith. Virginia is no longer the state that I have loved for over 50 years."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94637", "author": "Shannon", "date": "2021-02-02T23:39:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Do not pass this legislation. Using gender neutral pronouns will do nothing but undermine the developing minds of children, creating an environment of lowered self worth and increase in mental health cases. The proposed idea is evil as it strips away a child’s God given pronoun just so you feel they should be on a level with the sin you are trying to bring forth. Shame on anyone who votes for this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94638", "author": "Robin", "date": "2021-02-02T23:40:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!!", "text": "I strongly support the Model Policies for Transgender students and would like the Government to support this within our school systems.  These students need our support for their emotional and mental health."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94639", "author": "Christopher Deloye", "date": "2021-02-02T23:41:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "The State Legislature and Department of Education (DoE) should have worked to produce policy guidance that supports and protects children experiencing gender dysphoria within our public school system without throwing out scientific reality and common sense.  In myriad dimensions, it is an empirical fact that the physiological and psychological imprints of human binary sexual nature play a significant determinative role in our individual identities.  The physical realities of being male or female are not interchangeable.  Setting forth policies that encourage and insist that our children believe otherwise (or at least force them to outwardly acquiesce to such notions),as done in this document, does them no service, but will do great damage. Most directly, encouraging children experiencing gender dysphoria down a path of transitioning to their supposed gender identity exposes them to significant health risks, especially as drastic medical and surgical interventions are being more regularly employed for these individuals during early puberty in an attempt to conform biological appearance to supposed gender identity.   The long-term health side-effects of these interventions are not well known (to the point that the British Court system recently ruled these treatments were both experimental in nature and lacked evidence that they provide intended benefits) but appear include increased risks for developing cancer, irreversible changes to bone health, removal of healthy body parts, and loss of fertility.  In addition, the individual is set up to require a life time of medical intervention to maintain the fight against their own biology.  Given the weight of the implications related to a decision to transition---and given the fact that the vast majority of gender dysphoria cases tend to self-resolve by late adolescence/early adulthood---DoE school policies that truly serve gender dysphoric students would be oriented towards helping these students navigate childhood and adolescence towards integrating their biological and emotional realities to the greatest extent possible while protecting these individuals from true forms of bullying. The policies and language set forth in this document further do a disservice to the entire student population of our schools. Scientific and technical literacy are of central importance for our student's futures, and yet anti-scientific claims and language form the basis of this policy document.  For example, sex is a measurable, biological scientific fact.  It is not something that is \"assigned at birth\".  The above mentioned clinical fact that most gender dysphoria cases self-resolve raises significant objections to the implied claim that gender identity should be the determinant factor for all external understanding of and interactions with an individual because it (one's gender identity) is an \"innate part of a person's identity\".  We cannot expect that our children will take seriously our efforts to form their logical and technical faculties (or develop an accurate valuation of the scientific enterprise) if we insist on contradicting the scientific corpus and their own observations of reality in other portions of the curriculum or within administrative policies. This policies in this document do not serve the best interests of Virginia's public school students and should be tabled."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94640", "author": "Patrick", "date": "2021-02-02T23:41:00", "title": "Please SUPPORT - this is very important for mental and emotional health of our children", "text": "As fellow high schooler - I strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94641", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T23:41:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE!!!", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill. I feel the \"safe for all\" definition is not taking the safety, of biological male or females into consideration. According to this policy, schools will have to allow boys identifying as girls, to use the girls’ bathrooms or change in female locker rooms, and it can be done without parents being notified! Sadly, no one ever talks about the harm done to very young girls, for example, who feel powerless to expect physical privacy in the present of biological males—not to mention young men who don’t want to change in front of biological girls. Our kids have enough to worry about and enough changes to be adapting through as they are growing, we don't need to add this on to them. This is a huge mistake for the school system to take on this agenda. The kids aren't even back to in-person learning and you all are considering such foolishness as this bill. Parents are struggling to work, some from home and some can't now because of kids not being in school. The kids are struggling with their school work and just wanting to get back with their friends, meanwhile you all are choosing to focus on a topic like this. Please vote against this bill!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94642", "author": "Alina", "date": "2021-02-02T23:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose.  Please consider the science."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94643", "author": "Anon, VA resident of 7 years", "date": "2021-02-02T23:42:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I strongly support the Virginia public school system in the protection of Trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94644", "author": "Brendan", "date": "2021-02-02T23:43:00", "title": "Strongly Support!!!!", "text": "From Great commonwealth of Virginia"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94645", "author": "Kevin", "date": "2021-02-02T23:44:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT from Concerned Parent", "text": "I am parent of high schools and support any policies that prevent bullying and other discriminatory practices."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94646", "author": "Kait", "date": "2021-02-02T23:46:00", "title": "Strongly support! These children need support from everyone. No matter your beliefs or opinions.", "text": "The students need to know that they have the support of everyone around them. All children need to be treated equally. How you support them and act towards them now is going to greatly affect their future emotional and mental health. Don’t be the reason these children become depressed/anxious/suicidal at such a young age! They need your help and support not your judgment, beliefs, and opinions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94647", "author": "Markus Ellis", "date": "2021-02-02T23:47:00", "title": "555% in support!!!!!", "text": "Regardless of personal belief, people and their rights should be protected at all costs. I know that conservatives agree with that statement, only as long as it's applied in line with their beliefs. If that can be understood on one side, then it can and should be understood (and applied) on another. That being said, protections put in place for transgender students/staff can only bring positive change which will then create much safer and enjoyable learning/work environments, for ALL. No child left behind, right?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94648", "author": "Scott Steinruck", "date": "2021-02-02T23:47:00", "title": "I OPPOSE these and any policies that withhold information from parents about their own children.", "text": "All parents have the right to raise their children according to their own personal convictions and beliefs to the extent that they do not infringe on another's right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.  Public schools should focus on educating ALL students equally in the areas of academics, career skills, and positive conduct/behavior.  Public schools should NOT create policies that indoctrinate students with social, political or religious agendas.  No policy should violate a student's individual rights to privacy and safety.  Allowing boys to use a girl's bathroom or locker room violates a girl's right to privacy and may make them feel unsafe at school.  I would support individual/private bathrooms and changing rooms for all students.  Additionally, parents should always be informed of issues regarding their children as they are the legal guardians and primary caregivers.  No policy should allow for the withholding of information pertaining to the health, safety, or well being of a child from their parent/guardian."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94649", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T23:47:00", "title": "Strongly Support from Parent who worries about children that might face bigotry", "text": "I am concerned parent that would like to support my son and all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94650", "author": "Jonathan Russell", "date": "2021-02-02T23:49:00", "title": "Strongly Support!!! Accept all students with open arms!", "text": "Please do this! These individuals need to be held up and treated with love and acceptance!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94651", "author": "Bob", "date": "2021-02-02T23:50:00", "title": "Strongly SUPPORT on behalf of parents who care about children", "text": "Please support for mental and emotional well being of children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94652", "author": "Rockingham Co Father", "date": "2021-02-02T23:50:00", "title": "Disapprove of Transgender Forum", "text": "Firmly stand against evil - oppose of such ignorance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94653", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T23:51:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill. I feel the \"safe for all\" definition is not taking the safety, of biological male or females into consideration. According to this policy, schools will have to allow boys identifying as girls, to use the girls’ bathrooms or change in female locker rooms, and it can be done without parents being notified as other parents have stated. Young girls are at risk of being exploited or potentially harmed by young males.  Please think about the potential for sexual assault or teen pregnancy.  This can cause more harm than good. If a child wants to identify as transgender that is fine, I understand privacy or rights, but children needs safety and as a mother of a daughter I am concerned that if this passes you are putting my child and any parents child at risk for being harmed.  please vote against this bill!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94654", "author": "Strongly support", "date": "2021-02-02T23:51:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Do the right thing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94655", "author": "Cathy T", "date": "2021-02-02T23:51:00", "title": "Srong Support from Grandmother", "text": "Please support from proud Grandmother of Fairfax County students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94657", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:52:00", "title": "Strong support for trans kids!", "text": "VA Public Schools should support and include trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94656", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T23:52:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill. I feel the \"safe for all\" definition is not taking the safety, of biological male or females into consideration. According to this policy, schools will have to allow boys identifying as girls, to use the girls’ bathrooms or change in female locker rooms, and it can be done without parents being notified as other parents have stated. Young girls are at risk of being exploited or potentially harmed by young males.  Please think about the potential for sexual assault or teen pregnancy.  This can cause more harm than good. If a child wants to identify as transgender that is fine, I understand privacy or rights, but children needs safety and as a father of a daughter I am concerned that if this passes you are putting my child and any parents child at risk for being harmed.  please vote against this bill!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94658", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:53:00", "title": "Potential violation of the first amendment - STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "The proposed regulation violates freedom of speech. The government should not be in the position to dictate how people communicate. I support programs to raise awareness about the challenges facing transgendered people and help people understand, sympathize, and respect transgendered people. However, to force people to oblige to the whims of others on how they should be called, which can change from time to time, is absurd and unconstitutional."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94659", "author": "100% Support", "date": "2021-02-02T23:53:00", "title": "I Strongly Support for health and emotional well being of our students", "text": "Please vote and support this Model Policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94660", "author": "Deanna", "date": "2021-02-02T23:54:00", "title": "I do not agree with some of this.", "text": "I am opposed to schools usurping the rights of parents to know about what their children are planning in regards to gender and health related decisions. I am opposed to biological males, no matter if they choose to be called female, being in the restroom with biological female students unsupervised. I am opposed to allowing biological males to compete against biological females in sports where the biological male has an advantage due to physical ability linked to the fact that there is a male chromosome which gives them a different build and physical ability that biological females cannot overcome. I have no problem with anti bullying, calling the person whatever they or their parents choose or allowing them to dress however they wish. I do have a problem with punishing a teacher, staff member or another child for inadvertently not using the preferred gender or name. The school board should concentrate on academics for all children and let the parents deal with gender issues and any other health or sexual issues. Help should be provided for any child being bullied and also for any child who is perceived to be a bully. Again, usurping parental rights in order to promote an agenda many parents disagree with is not acceptable and has no place in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94661", "author": "Student/Future Educator", "date": "2021-02-02T23:56:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As educators it is a responsibility that all teachers create a space in their classrooms where all students are able to learn comfortably and successfully learn and grow.  Discrimination of any kind in schools is repugnant and all teachers should be working to eliminate any and all discriminatory actions.  One of the biggest things we teach students is that they should feel confident in being who they are and should be proud of their individuality.  If this goal of teachers does not include a student's right to express themselves and identify as they best see fit than the education system is choosing to act with intent of hypocrisy and are actively not putting the effort in to make every student's educational experience the best it can be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94662", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:56:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!", "text": "I am a concerned voter and parent of many young children. The school system is their to teach math, science, language arts, history, and physical education. It is NOT their to instill beliefs, which differ from our household beliefs, into their studies. And this is a belief, not fact."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94663", "author": "Sarah S.", "date": "2021-02-02T23:56:00", "title": "Please Support from Parents Concerned about Discrimination in our Schools", "text": "Please support on behalf of parents and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94664", "author": "Grandmother", "date": "2021-02-02T23:58:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94665", "author": "Celine Serrano", "date": "2021-02-02T23:58:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "These children need guidance/assurance of their safety and well-being <3 please protect these kids"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94666", "author": "Kelley", "date": "2021-02-02T23:58:00", "title": "STRONG Support from Teacher", "text": "We need to have emott"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94667", "author": "Stephanie", "date": "2021-02-02T23:59:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I fully support this! It is important for children's mental and emotional health for them to feel accepted"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94668", "author": "Heather Mandish", "date": "2021-02-03T00:00:00", "title": "Vehemently oppose new guidelines", "text": "I strongly oppose confusing and indoctrinating young children by codifying, enabling and promoting this false notion that gender is something that can change or be changed. But I find most insidious the clear intent to usurp parental rights by hiding what may be happening with a student at school from their parents. Parents are entitled to be the first to know about anything affecting their child's health and wellbeing. Any attempt by the school to play the role of guardian and come between a child and their parent is very troubling and only a sign of what will come."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94669", "author": "Alia", "date": "2021-02-03T00:01:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. A person's identity is solely theirs and deserves to be recognized and protected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94670", "author": "Kym", "date": "2021-02-03T00:02:00", "title": "Disagree/do not support", "text": "strongly oppose this bill. I feel the \"safe for all\" definition is not taking the safety, of biological male or females into consideration. According to this policy, schools will have to allow boys identifying as girls, to use the girls’ bathrooms or change in female locker rooms, and it can be done without parents being notified as other parents have stated. Young girls are at risk of being exploited or potentially harmed by young males.  Please think about the potential for sexual assault or teen pregnancy.  This can cause more harm than good. If a child wants to identify as transgender that is fine, I understand privacy or rights, but children needs safety. All need to be respected. Please reconsider this bill and revise to consider the privacy, respect and safety of all involved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94671", "author": "Annette", "date": "2021-02-03T00:03:00", "title": "Another Teacher that STRONGLY SUPPORTS THIS!!", "text": "This a great first step for transgender protections."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94672", "author": "Alex Sondi (Strongly Support)", "date": "2021-02-03T00:03:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "i as a former student I support the expansion of trans inclusive policies that make EVERYONE not just cis gendered people comfortable and safe In school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94673", "author": "Sam Teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T00:04:00", "title": "Fully support this", "text": "Fully support this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94674", "author": "MDR", "date": "2021-02-03T00:12:00", "title": "Support and Protect Trans Kids!", "text": "I think it's not only important, but necessary for public schools to support and protect Trans kids by offering them a safe environment to be who they are, and grow and change as they continue to figure out more about themselves every year as all kids do. These policies are a step in the right direction and I hope it's equitable enforced across the county from school to school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94675", "author": "Derek Schwartz", "date": "2021-02-03T00:12:00", "title": "Protect the kids", "text": "Please help the kids. Protect the kids. All the kids. Trans people are people. ????"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94676", "author": "Brad", "date": "2021-02-03T00:13:00", "title": "Life isn’t so simple.  This is reality.", "text": "Our transgender students deserve support and respect. Stop the bullying.  It’s not too much to expect. I’m not thrilled with the gender-neutral dress code recommendation.  Please find language to support long-standing traditions while also being accommodating to different realities. And I predict that we’ll need more single-person bathrooms…"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94677", "author": "Victoria Reynolds", "date": "2021-02-03T00:14:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "Strongly support anything benefiting to the trans community"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94678", "author": "Anna Neubauer", "date": "2021-02-03T00:14:00", "title": "SUPPORT 100%", "text": "I fully support this resolution. It is very important that trans students are safe in school and are protected like cis students already are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94679", "author": "Rachel C", "date": "2021-02-03T00:17:00", "title": "IN SUPPORT - end gender based dress codes", "text": "as an elementary school teacher I am FULLY in support. Gender based clubs and dress codes do nothing but impose stereotypes and normalize behaviors and expectations that are detrimental to children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94680", "author": "Paige Thimmesch", "date": "2021-02-03T00:19:00", "title": "Support Trans Rights!", "text": "Support transgender students’ rights in school!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94681", "author": "Mueez Adam", "date": "2021-02-03T00:23:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As a private math tutor I have had the pleasure to work with all sorts of bright children, one of which is transgender and fell behind in classes after they were bullied in school. Children need all the protection they can get!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94682", "author": "Marissa", "date": "2021-02-03T00:24:00", "title": "Recommend all those involved in the decision review this guidebook.", "text": "It is the responsibility of educators to create a safe, healthy, and productive environment for students, and that begins with acceptance.  Religion does not have a place in shaping or dictating educational policy. I strongly support this proposal and recommend that all those involved in the decision review the NCLR’s guidebook “Schools In Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12.”  It offers best practices for working with parents that are unsupportive and gives an overview of the legal landscape that administrators, educators, parents, and students should be aware of as they work to create safe and supportive school environments for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94683", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T00:25:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING", "text": "It is absolutely disgusting that this is even up for consideration. As a mom of 2 this is very very concerning and ridiculous. My children will never step foot into a public school if this is passed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94684", "author": "A transgender Virginian", "date": "2021-02-03T00:26:00", "title": "Strongly support - well-researched and necessary", "text": "As a transgender Virginian who works on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, I strongly support this well-researched, comprehensive guidance document. The policies proposed in this document follow widely established best practices and are in accordance with state and federal nondiscrimination law. This guidance is a necessary and encouraging step in ensuring Virginia is welcoming to all. As a previous commenter noted, the opposition expressed in this forum reflects the necessity of this document. The common oppositions here rely on misconceptions, fearmongering, and pseudoscience that have no basis in reality. Transgender children deserve an education free from fear of harassment or discrimination, just as all students do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94685", "author": "Carrie Comer", "date": "2021-02-03T00:34:00", "title": "Fully support our trans youth!", "text": "I fully support this bill. Trans youth are more likely to attempt and complete suicide, and have more occurrences of depression. They need protection and support from our schools not more criticism. Please do the right thing and show kids that they matter no matter what their orientation is."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94686", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T00:38:00", "title": "Stop being bigoted", "text": "it is RIDICULOUS that people hate trans people so much. its disgusting. everybody should be able to use a bathroom that they feel comfortable in. anti-trans policies ENCOURAGE SUICIDE AND EMOTIONAL ABUSE. if you want your trans students to be traumatized by ignorant adult bigots, go ahead and oppose this. but, you ARE responsible for the consequences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94687", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T00:42:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "I support this change. These are people who have rights, which deserve to be respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94688", "author": "Mary", "date": "2021-02-03T00:43:00", "title": "Very opposed", "text": "In consideration of parental rights and responsibilities as well as taking away the true focus of educators, please do not support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94689", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T00:43:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am certainly not a bigot, and I have zero issue with people being who they want to be... But, when you add the issues of locker rooms and bathrooms into this already complex issue, especially with kids and teenagers involved, there’s going to be problems. Also, biological males will use this as a loophole to dominate women’s sports and steal scholarships from biological women. It vastly undercuts the rights and protections women have fought hard for for more than a hundred years. Protect our girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94690", "author": "Person with a brain", "date": "2021-02-03T00:44:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights!", "text": "I am in full support of this document in order to protect the mental well being of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94691", "author": "Rola", "date": "2021-02-03T00:44:00", "title": "SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT", "text": "STOP BEING BIGOTED AND TRANSPHOBIC. SUPPORT AND PROTECT TRANS YOUTH"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94692", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T00:48:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Treating transgender people with the support they deserve is so incredibly important. Everyone deserves to be heard and respected. Everyone has pronouns and everyone deserves to go to the restroom where they feel they should go. By having teachers and students follow this, the bullying against trans people will hopefully diminish and we can all treat each other with love and truly be equal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94693", "author": "hugh", "date": "2021-02-03T00:55:00", "title": "trans rights are human rights", "text": "so, im a trans guy who was very lucky to go to a school that was a really supportive environment when i started transitioning. transgender kids deserve the same love and respect as every other kid! and thats that on that babes <3"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94694", "author": "Charisse Thomas", "date": "2021-02-03T00:58:00", "title": "I support the guidance!!", "text": "I support the guidance 100%  my daughter is a 17 year old trans girl who plays lacrosse. After a few hospitalizations for suicidal ideation she found lacrosse and found her support crew. Her team makes her feel loved, accepted and human. She deserves to be see and respected for who she is as a person. She deserves to feel safe and human at school and in sports. She should NOT have to hide who she is as a person to placate people who are reluctant to change and show acceptance. Thank you for your support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94695", "author": "Gary", "date": "2021-02-03T01:03:00", "title": "Protect Cis Girls", "text": "If this law is sustained, then at best any boy who is actually under the idea that he's a girl can enter the girls room, which is bad enough, causing them natural inhibitions about carrying on their personal needs. And at worst, any male student who claims to be a girl for less than chivalrous purposes, can enter the girls room. It'd be one thing if there were at least some tests to determine if the boy is one of the former, as he won't be as troubling in actuality. But if it's a No Questions Asked policy, then the sympathy of the school should lie with the children whose' sex and gender are, in every sense of the word, female."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94696", "author": "Michelle Stevens", "date": "2021-02-03T01:03:00", "title": "OPPOSE COMPLETELY! 100% insanity!", "text": "OPPOSE COMPLETELY! 100% insanity!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94697", "author": "Lillie Phillips", "date": "2021-02-03T01:05:00", "title": "The trans community deserves humanity.", "text": "As a person with many friends that identify under the trans umbrella and a brother who is female to male trans, I know to them and many other trans people this is a matter of feeling respected and affirmed in their humanity. Individuals of the trans community have heavy scrutiny around their identity and are constantly harmed through misgendering and blatant acts of transphobia. Transgender teenagers are especially vulnerable to attacks and microagrressions against them. Having an affirming environment can prevent so many trans students deaths and mental declines. So, please, support this already heavily discriminated community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94698", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T01:06:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Kids will take advantage of these policies whether it's right or wrong. Cis gen boys will attempt to use the cis gen girls facilities in hopes of seeing cis gen parts and vice versa, all the while claiming some random gender identity to get around getting in trouble, regardless of the consequences. This is creating a higher risk of sexual assaults and possible rapes. If that's not a psychologically damaging result for our larger majority of the student population, I don't know what is. These policies say protect this miniscule group, but what about the larger portion of the student body that these policies may create danger for that wasn't there before. Which administrator will take the responsibility of a sexual assault or rape on their watch directly associated to these policies. I oppose. Sure don't bully the kids that identify differently but boys and girls need a certain level of privacy of their own without being creeped out by the boy staring at the girls in the locker room or vice versa. I oppose these policies. They are not safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94699", "author": "John G", "date": "2021-02-03T01:07:00", "title": "Strongly Support - For the Basic Human Rights and Well-being of our Transgender Siblings", "text": "This guidance has my full support as a Virginian, as a friend and colleague of transgender individuals whom I love, and as a human being. There should be zero logical opposition to this guidance. Transgender students are human beings who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. It is not up to others to determine whether somebody does or does not exist in their eyes - transgender people exist. They are all around us and they are people we love. To treat them with disrespect or intolerance would accomplish absolutely nothing aside from injuring these fellow human beings who are only trying to live in peace. This guidance is an exemplary step in the right direction to building a safer, more inclusive future for everybody."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94700", "author": "Sydney", "date": "2021-02-03T01:10:00", "title": "I support this!", "text": "protect transgender kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94701", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T01:14:00", "title": "I support!!", "text": "I think it’s important to support transgender kids in schools because these are the times where they are most vulnerable and have a hard time accepting themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94702", "author": "A Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T01:18:00", "title": "Parents, not schools, should raise children", "text": "Transgender students/adults deserve to be respected.  They should not be bullied.  They should feel safe. But, when you write policies that work off the assumption that the teachers or counselors at the schools have the right to know MORE than the parents about kids, you are taking on a role that is neither legally yours nor safe for students. The most concerning statement in your guidance document:  \"If a student is not ready or able to safely share with their family about their transgender status, this should be respected. There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity, and school staff should work with students to help them share the information with their family when they are ready to do so.\" Are you serious?  You TRULY believe that a child's GENDER choice should be kept from the people who are responsible for raising them?  Parents are legally responsible for their children; or are you planning to take that on, as well?  So, parents can just dump their kids off with you whenever they have disagreements now, since the schools will be taking responsibility for raising all of the students, right?  Because the weak argument you are trying to make here is that you understand and care about  kids more than their own families. It takes arrogance, audacity and ignorance to step in between parents and their children.  You have taken an important topic - that transgender students deserve safety and respect - and have created a policy that completely oversteps your place in the world.  You are not raising these children.  You do NOT have a lifelong relationship with them that their parents do/will.  You are people who we, the tax-payers, PAY to do a job - - educate students.  The work you do is important, but in NO way does it now, nor will it ever, supersede the place of parents in those students lives.  You have zero right to keep life-changing information from parents.  This is not your place. Additionally, your policy is written with the assumption that all of the teachers and counselors involved with the students truly have their best interests in mind.  There have been enough predators in the school system that you are utterly delusional if you think there are not people who will take advantage of the secrecy afforded by this policy.  I have taught my kids that parents and teachers keep NO secrets from each other, and their teachers have taught the same; kids should NEVER be in a position where another adult has more information about them than their own families or is encouraging them to keep secrets from their parents. That is an open-door for predators. But, this policy advocates that adults who have maybe known students for 6 months or a year are allowed to withhold significant, life-altering information from the parents who have known them their whole lives.  Again, what incredible arrogance.  Having a teaching or counseling degree does not raise your position in the world over that of parents.  You do not hold this right. Please, PLEASE step back a moment and stop allowing a few advocates to bulldog their opinions into policy.  There will be some parents who do not agree with the school staff, or even the students.....so get them counseling, if that is what is necessary.  There are also parents who do not want their kids playing sports; would you put them on a sport team without permission?  No.  Why?  Because you would get sued, because you Do Not Have The Right. For some reason, this particular topic has been slipped into policy in the most invasive, underhanded way I have ever witnessed; the fact that the policy-makers have placed educators over parents for this issue alone is a clear indicator that there is another agenda at work here.   Please do not allow such an incredibly subjective view to be written into policy for the entire state.   Instead of protecting an agenda, please rewrite the document to protect the STUDENTS and FAMILIES. You are not entitled to guide children in such a personal, significant area, any more than you have the right to force your religion or political beliefs on them.  You have a temporary role in these students' lives; please don't presume to know what is best for them.  Politics do not trump Parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94703", "author": "Nathan Hammett", "date": "2021-02-03T01:19:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans youth, like all LGBT+ youth, deserve every single protection afforded to them while they are in school. Growing up as an LGBT+ kid is incredibly difficult and very isolating at times and you feel like you are so alone, but laws that improve their safety and conditions to feel more accepted will help bridge the gap and maybe make that difficult time of discovery a little less scary."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94704", "author": "Thomas Mallan", "date": "2021-02-03T01:21:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT", "text": "Please do all you can to keep Virginia and yourself on the right side of history by supporting Trans rights as Hunan rights.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94705", "author": "Kathy S, parent and long time resident", "date": "2021-02-03T01:22:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I implore you to reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools.  The reasons are many, I will address a few. To promote allowing a student with gender dysphoria to pursue secretive actions at school without the knowledge of and input from parents is a usurpation of parental rights in raising their children.  Parents should be informed and able to confer with a Mental Health professional of their choice for their child without the interference of school personnel and agenda-driven activist advocates who have been hounding public officials, schools, and educational boards for many years to implement their desires. Gender Construct Theory has no scientific data or evidence to back it up, and it has no place in our schools whether it be curriculum or policy or invited speakers.  Students are in school to be educated in what they need to be successful citizens, not to be socially engineered to question something as basic as their God-given gender, thus sowing wide confusion and angst for students and within families. For the historically small number of students that do present with gender dysphoria, the data shows that most (61-98%) resolve their confusion and embrace their biological sex during puberty.  If the school starts running interference to promote the dysphoria, negative consequences are likely to occur for the child and the family. I recommend the book Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier to shed light on the current fad among girls to question their gender.  Schools and other influencers have played a role here, and it is not pretty.  The Model Policies will cement that destructive role for Virginia Schools.  I am opposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94706", "author": "marley pratt", "date": "2021-02-03T01:27:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the health and wellbeing of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94707", "author": "A. Salazar", "date": "2021-02-03T01:30:00", "title": "Support", "text": "There are many who say that passing this law means that cis boys will use it to their sexual harassing advantage. A few things: one, this insinuates that cis boys cannot help themselves when existing in the same space as cis girls, which is sexist. Two, this insinuates that the fault is at the hands of cisgender people and not, in fact, transgender people. And three, if someone, cis or trans, sexually harasses someone, it has nothing to do with their gender identity; that person is just a creep. But these arguments are a waste of time and get us nowhere. This law is necessary because trans kids go through so much more mental strain and discrimination than their cis peers. They need protection and a sense that they will be treated just as respectfully as anyone else. Deprive them of a sense of security, and their mental health will surely suffer even more. Being a kid can already be hard enough, so why make it worse? I support the law. I support protecting our trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94708", "author": "Bradley cox", "date": "2021-02-03T01:35:00", "title": "Oppose: Violates 1st, 5th &14th Amendment; violates settled law regarding parental rights", "text": "I read through other posts to help find the best way to relay my feelings the best way i could and came across this. This persons post hits my feelings prefectly. This is dangerous, for everyone involved, the students, the teachers and the parents. I will be pulling my children from public schooling if this passes. Oppose: Violates 1st, 5th &14th Amendment; violates settled law regarding parental rights I would like to second the comments made by Paula Ryan of the the Family Foundation.  I've added my own clarifications using [brackets]: If passed in its current form, VDOE policies would allow any student, while at school, to act as a member of the opposite sex – including name change, pronouns, and the use of opposite sex bathrooms and locker rooms – without the knowledge of and permission of the student’s parents. Additionally, under these guidelines, schools will also be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate, and make decisions about his or her sexual identity while at school without the permission of the child’s parents.[This violates settled law regarding parental rights.] Additional policies proposed by the VDOE include: 1.      Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. 2.      The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent students from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. 3.      Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. 4.      Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. 5.      All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. 6.      Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, nor will parents have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” [This is a clear violation of due process clause of the 5th amendment.] **Please note: All of the above proposed policies are permitted without the permission of the children’s parents. Wait a minute, aren’t parents responsible for the upbringing of their children? Yes, when it comes to raising children, parents are ultimately responsible for their children’s care and well-being. Additionally, most Americans believe that parents should have the primary responsibility of raising and educating their children and that the government should not interfere with this right except in cases of abuse and neglect. Parents assume a variety of responsibilities including providing for the child’s basic needs, ensuring the child is educated, and protecting the child from harm. This isn’t just my opinion, either. The law in Virginia clearly affirms these principles in § 1-240.1 where it clearly states that, “A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.” Furthermore, in 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the rights of parents in Troxel v. Granville when it noted that “the liberty interest….of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by the Court.” The Supreme Court also affirmed the natural duty of parents in Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925) when it overturned an Oregon law that prohibited parents from sending their children to private schools. The Court asserted that that the Oregon laws violated the fundamental rights of parents to direct their children’s education noting that, “The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” There are also legal and financial responsibilities that go along with raising children. In particular, as with most states, parents in Virginia can be held legally and financially responsible for the actions of their children. For example, if a parent or guardian fails to take reasonable steps to supervise their minor children, and one of the minor children causes harm to another person or to someone’s real or personal property, then the child’s parent can be held legally and financially responsible for the actions of that child. These are called parental responsibility laws, and they have been part of our legal system for over a century. It is abundantly clear that the Commonwealth of Virginia is guilty of actively seeking to undermine parental authority by implementing rules that lie in direct contrast to the legal responsibilities of parents as recognized by the Virginia Code and the U.S. Supreme Court. What about the rights of the students who are not “transgender”? I think we can all agree on one thing – no child should be bullied for any reason. However, this doesn’t mean that kids claiming to be (or being told by adults that they are) “transgender” should be allowed to force other children to accept environments that make them feel uncomfortable, conflicted, or violated. For instance, the notion that all students must be permitted to use the bathroom of the opposite gender if they simply  “identify” as such because using the other bathroom would make them feel uncomfortable ignores the fact that this will likely cause many other students to feel equally, if not more, uneasy. [This is the correct way to interpret the 14th amendment.  The narrowly construed and twisted \"understanding\" used in the proposed VDOE policy includes holdover language from the Obama administration that was never proposed or debated in Congress and has not been subject to judicial review.] If the idea behind the new “transgender” policies in Virginia’s schools truly is to promote equality, then doesn’t every student deserve the same right of feeling safe and secure in school? If we can agree that the answer to this question is “YES,” then we must also acknowledge that the goal of the VDOE fails to recognize that every single student deserves fair and equal treatment especially given the fact that the number of students who accept their biological sex far exceeds those who do not.  [In fact, the VDOE has not provided this very important piece of information: How many children who identify as transgender (or their parents/legal guardians) have filed a formal complaint of harassment based on activities at or connected with school?] The proposed policies also provide no exceptions or accommodations for a student whose religious faith or conscience prevents him or her from adhering to the transgender ideology or policies. Indeed, these policies promote and accommodate the extraordinary faith claims of “transgenderism” over those who faith-based beliefs that God created mankind as either male or female and that gender is fixed from the moment of conception and cannot be changed regardless of an individual’s feelings or desires (and for which science empirically validates). At a minimum, religious exemptions and conscience protections should be afforded to those who are substantially burdened by the VDOE policy to ensure that the fundamental right of parents to raise their children in the manner of their choosing is respected and protected. But children should never be put in the position to have to raise those rights and objections to begin with. VDOE failure to address religious liberty in the proposed policy clearly violate the 1st amendment. The bottom line: [VDOE cannot make policy that blatantly violates the 1st, 5th, 14th amendments and settled law regarding parental rights.] We know parental rights are not without limits. The state has a legitimate right to step in when abuse or neglect as generally understood are reasonably suspected. Additionally, the Commonwealth of Virginia already has the authority to set reasonable educational requirements to ensure that ALL students are treated respectfully while at school [- additional rules like this one are not required.] Parental authority should never be superseded by the State without substantial cause, and public schools have a high duty to respect parents’ fundamental rights and authority over their children. These so-called “Model Transgender Guidelines” fail [to recognize existing laws/statutes which already cover the issue at hand.  Additionally the proposed policy fails to adequately scope the problem, provide cost/benefits, identify resources required, emphasize settled law regarding parental rights and constitutional authorities that protect all student not just a few"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94709", "author": "Annabel", "date": "2021-02-03T01:35:00", "title": "Strongly support! Cherish trans children!", "text": "Trans students are some of the most vulnerable members of our society. It is outrageous that a student could face extra discriminatory practices after transferring schools, or between middle and high school, just because their school has not yet \"dealt with\" a gender nonconforming student. It should not be the job of parents of trans students to individually approach school administrators in order to ensure their children are treated with basic respect. Please help Virginia schools become a safer place for all!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94710", "author": "Yvette Bivins-Sanchez", "date": "2021-02-03T01:43:00", "title": "SUPPORT TRANS RIGHTS!!", "text": "it is your duty as a civil servant to protect the rights of ALL of those you serve. Protect Trans Rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94711", "author": "AYALA Sherbow", "date": "2021-02-03T01:45:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I strongly support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth.  All our students deserve to feel safe and supportive in their schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94712", "author": "J Stone", "date": "2021-02-03T01:47:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans lives are not up for debate.  Trans lives are human lives.  I support this measure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94713", "author": "Cedar O’Dowd", "date": "2021-02-03T01:53:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I really hope that when this is passed, lawmakers keep the specific needs of non-binary students (who are sometimes neither male nor female, in between the two or a combination of both) in mind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94714", "author": "Madison", "date": "2021-02-03T02:03:00", "title": "Protect trans lives and futures", "text": "Hello! I am a nonbinary lifelong resident of Henrico. I've seen the impact of transphobia in the schooling system because one of my closest childhood friends came out in high school. Being forced to mask who you are is devastating. Schools should seek to avoid pressuring trans students into situations that make them feel unsafe and to support initiatives protecting them from transphobic bullying. Every single person who opposes this on the basis of \"truth\" does not want to embrace the personal truths of other people, and are therefore opposed to their existence. Transphobia measurably degrades the mental health of trans youth and drives more of us to suicide every year. Listen to scientists. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/voices/stop-using-phony-science-to-justify-transphobia/"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94715", "author": "Peggy", "date": "2021-02-03T02:19:00", "title": "Mom, Grandmom, Teacher", "text": "Strongly oppose transgender policy for schools.  Provisions are made for the transgender student and little to no focus on the needs of the average student and their family values.  Shared restroom, locker rooms, sports participation etc is an opportunity for misuse and harm to the average student and the programs.  Restricting parent involvement and placing all importance on student desires contributes to family breakdown.  This policy, as written neglects the freedoms and rights of all and focuses only on the transgender student."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94716", "author": "Kevin", "date": "2021-02-03T02:19:00", "title": "Opposed to VDOE gender identity proposal", "text": "While students and faculty must respect all of their colleagues, the proposed gender identity guidelines are an overreach and should be withdrawn. They imply that the school knows better than the parents in raising their own children. Virginia can do better. Many parents strongly believe that gender determination comes from God. The school should not indoctrinate people otherwise. At a time when parents and students are desperate for schools to reopen immediately, it's disappointing to see VDOE expend so much time and effort on this instead. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94717", "author": "Noah Pollack", "date": "2021-02-03T02:20:00", "title": "Truth is not relative", "text": "If these guidelines are accepted we’d be teaching our children to deny the very laws of nature. These new rules, if enacted, have the potential to be grossly abused and they will be. Every person on earth has done wrong and will do wrong. You will undeniably have students & probably even staff who will “identify” as the opposite sex to be able to use locker rooms & bathrooms to abuse other students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94718", "author": "Sarah", "date": "2021-02-03T02:33:00", "title": "Oppose endangering girls-", "text": "Dear Representatives, This email is to request you to oppose promoting the rights of a few children while endangering the many. If transgender students need protection, then create special bathroom and showers accommodations for them. Thank you, kindly,"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94719", "author": "Devon Randolph-Tensley", "date": "2021-02-03T02:34:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I admire the youth who have the courage to walk openly in their truth. I hope that they know that they are not alone, that there is nothing wrong with them, and each is enough!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94720", "author": "Richard J D'Agostino", "date": "2021-02-03T02:35:00", "title": "Treatment of Trans Gender Students", "text": "ZERO TOLERANCE FOR BULLYING!!!  Respect and PROTECT the rights, dignity and privacy of ALL the children in your school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94721", "author": "Steve", "date": "2021-02-03T02:42:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's schools. Creating a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students includes protecting Transgender and nonbinary students as well. Recent history -- including other people commenting here -- has shown us that some wish violence and even death on transgender children and their families. Transgender students deserve protection from those that clearly wish them harm. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94722", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T02:51:00", "title": "Respectfully oppose as written", "text": "With respect and great empathy, I am confident that VA DOE can mediate the voices on both sides of this situation and find a solution which serves all. I do not believe this current model policy is it. VA DOE needs ownership from all sides to be successful and from the comments they have alienated many families with this policy. The net effect of this policy is that it could be undone with the new state administration resulting from upcoming elections. Further, those that can will pull their students from public school, creating a large layoff of school personnel which further hurts the community, the education of our children and ultimately our society. These are already trying times. Let's work together to create a lasting model policy that serves all. This is the only true way forward."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94723", "author": "N.K", "date": "2021-02-03T03:13:00", "title": "Definitely not", "text": "Absolutely not!!! This is not a biological phenomenon to begin with; it’s the result of an unstable mental status and confused young individuals who have issues dealing with reality. They’re young people lacking guidance from their parents who have not made the time or wanted to deal with their children’s instabilities and problems. It’s about denouncing God’s creation by choosing to become what we were not created to be. It’s a rebellious sin against every word of the good “Book”. Don’t you dare calling me hateful or any other names, just for expressing my opinion and what I believe in. People are born equal and deserve to be treated that way, but we have to draw the line somewhere. Do you ever wonder why families are falling apart! What is happening to our society, what is happening to our world, a world with declining moral fiber. What happened to our social values! We're living in a corrupt fake environment full of lies and deceit. Our school system is part of this increasing pattern of abnormality, when politics, transgender and other non school related subjects are being tough and promoted to students, being referred to as the new \"civilized world\". I refuse for my children to be part of this bathroom sharing, yet I encourage our schools to solemnly designate special bathroom facilities for them, and I also encourage our children to offer them the same similar respect they offer anybody else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94724", "author": "Jessica Hayden", "date": "2021-02-03T03:15:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support any policy that seeks to protect our trans students. Study after study has shown that these are among our most vulnerable students and at are a higher risk of suicide or self harm than other students. They deserve our love and protection. Our kids recognize this. Our policies shrike as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94725", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T03:21:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Implement this and you are disregarding our kids health and mental wellness.  The science behind affirming trangender kids is based on activism and not science."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94726", "author": "J", "date": "2021-02-03T03:28:00", "title": "I was raped by faculty. These policies will expand the holes in communication that allowed it.", "text": "In elementary school, I was repeatedly raped (as in penetration) by someone in the faculty. My parents removed me the moment they found out something was up (but I don't think they knew how bad it was at the time.) However, policies like what are being discussed here were a major reason as to why it was allowed to go on for the years is it did. These policies basically remove parental oversight that would protect children from perverse teachers and faculty. I am male, btw, so all of you that are only concerned about your daughters, think also of all the boys who are harmed by the rampant problem of sexual abuse in the schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94727", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T03:41:00", "title": "\"Trans children\" do not exist. These are sexually abused children. Abused by those who support it.", "text": "\"Trans children\" do not exist. These are sexually abused children. Abused by those who support it. The insanity behind policies such as these is immense. The ideology is a complete departure from reality. Those who support it are entirely delusional."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94728", "author": "Beck", "date": "2021-02-03T03:43:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!", "text": "How are we even having this debate in 2021?  Trans kids should be able to use the bathroom of whatever gender they identify as.  This isn't a danger to other students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94729", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T03:53:00", "title": "There is no such thing as trans rights. It's a made up, delusional fiction for retards.", "text": "There is no such thing as trans rights. It's a made up, delusional fiction for retards. Here's to ya, beck."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94730", "author": "Eva", "date": "2021-02-03T04:00:00", "title": "Support", "text": "PROTECT AND SUPPORT TRANS RIGHTS!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94731", "author": "Noelle B", "date": "2021-02-03T04:14:00", "title": "Trans children are our children", "text": "Our trans children deserve to be educated in a safe environment without the possibility of harassment for being transgender or non binary. We need to keep our trans or nonbinary children safe by carefully listening to their concerns and addressing them in an appropriate manner. Trans* any nonbinary children are more likely to be ostracized by students and teachers, if we can't ensure they have a safe environment to learn in, we are valuing the lives of cisgender children over our trans* and nonbinary children during one of their most vulnerable times in their life. Instead, we should empower our trans* and nonbinary children so they are ready to take on the world outside of school. Trans* children and nonbinary children are our children, and we need to protect all of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94732", "author": "Parent of 3 children", "date": "2021-02-03T04:15:00", "title": "Strongly oppose insane bill", "text": "I strongly oppose this guidance which removes the rights of parents from raising their children as they see fit, usurps their authority, and gives it to special interests that have no business meddling with the lives of their children. Schools should not be indoctrination centers.  Freedom of speech to express one child's identity should not take away freedom of speech for another to reject the idea that sex and gender aren't biological constructs that have been normally followed since the beginning of mankind.  To drastically change those norms without sufficient evidence of harm to society as a whole is a radical idea and one that can negatively impact the mental health of children for generations to come.  Instead of making everyone else confirm to gender dysphoria, you should focus more on affirming to every child that they are loved in their own body and not to be ashamed of how GOD created them.   For children who are confused about their gender, you should get them psychological help that will help them cope with and overcome gender dysphoria, not affirm their mental illness.  Considering the suicide rate for transgenders is much higher than the normal population, you might want to think twice about further promoting such a lifestyle.  You cannot change a person's dna no matter how hard you try so these children will grow up constantly feeling inadequate.  If you stop promoting transgenderism, most of them will eventually revert back to their biological sex.  The rest of society doesn't have to go along for the ride while they figure themselves out.  And you certainly do not have the Constitutional authority to infringe on the rights of others to sit out the transgender bandwagon without being persecuted for their lack of conformity.  Transgenders should have equal rights, not special rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94733", "author": "Theo", "date": "2021-02-03T04:25:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94734", "author": "Eliza A.", "date": "2021-02-03T04:26:00", "title": "Stop Experimenting", "text": "Please do not permit the ongoing social experimentation with our children. Forcing opposite sexes into bathrooms, locker rooms, sports teams and more is not the role of education. You are contemplating actions which erase girls and women from society and devalue the roles of girls and boys in society. Meet the individual needs of any student based on their particular needs: trans, blind, special education, whatever. Do not, however, meet their needs at the expense of others. That is where things go off the rails; you cannot grant a right to one person by usurping the right of another. So much harm has come to students at the hands of people who claimed they knew better over the last year. Do not further poor decisions by experimenting on the whole of a student population. Find another way - and never forget the obligation to respect the primacy of the rights of parents, those who hold cultural and religious tenets, and minor students (both girls and boys), who have inherent differences which should be valued and protected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94735", "author": "Robin Murphy", "date": "2021-02-03T04:39:00", "title": "Treatment of transgender students in school", "text": "I neither support or approve of these proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94736", "author": "Katherine Walser", "date": "2021-02-03T04:52:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Over the course of the last fiver years I had the privilege to work with many students along the LGBTQ+ spectrum. These students were incredible in so many ways and a joy to work with. They were passionate, hardworking, creative, and spirited individuals. Their gender identity was not always easy and often a process of discovery. I am so thankful that my class and school overall (for the most part) could be a safe space for these young adults. Unfortunately not all schools in Virginia create safe spaces for trans-gender (gender-expansive, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming) individuals. This policy is a step towards providing a safe learning space for all students in Virginia's schools. While our state and nation's history is full of discriminatory policies and laws, Model Policies presents us with an opportunity to do better going forward. I want my state's laws and policies to reflect values of freedom and respect for the most vulnerable among us - our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90603", "author": "Ronald A Voigt", "date": "2021-01-18T12:04:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "This is one of the worst pieces of legislation I have ever seen. Do not pass it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90604", "author": "Debra Quesinberry", "date": "2021-01-18T12:18:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is a very dangerous policy that does not serve the students or their parents. Schools should not be involved in or party to brainwashing minor children to support a left wing political agenda. Children with gender confusion need qualified Mental Health Professionals, not school bureaucrats with an agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90605", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T12:27:00", "title": "Do not force this garbage down our kids' throats!", "text": "There are only 2 biological genders - male and female!  Stop being politically correct and \"woke\".  Boys claiming to be girls are entering female sporting events and dominating them.  This is in direct violation of Title IX.  Perverted men claiming to be women are entering female bathrooms to spy on and leer at women.  Men and women are equal and separate sexes, yet transgenderism is hurting women everywhere.  Transgenderism is a mental issue and needs to be treated as such -- it's not a \"separate valid gender\" to be celebrated.  There are thousands of kids who are being misguided into believing they are something they're not.  Some of them are being encouraged to take hormone pills and undergo dangerous surgery to alter their bodies.  This only makes things worse as the kids realize they did not improve themselves. Please dump this evil leftist liberal godless crap!  It is not worth destroying our kids over!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90606", "author": "Karen Hosack", "date": "2021-01-18T12:34:00", "title": "treatment of transgender guidance - I vote no.", "text": "Dear committee,  I feel it is my right as a parent to raise my children and love them through their early developmental years . My tax dollars pay for public schools to educate my children. I absolutely agree to tolerance and no-bulling polices . But NOT encourage and expound on gender identity crisis.  I vote NO to the \"treatment of transgender \" policy being proposed . t/y Karen Hosack , VB"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90607", "author": "Stephen Cook", "date": "2021-01-18T12:40:00", "title": "Strongly Condemn!", "text": "I strongly condemn Fairfax County School Districts plans to IN ANY WAY help to facilitate a child's gender transition activities without the full knowledge and consent of the parents. It is a parents right, duty, and legal obligation to provide for their children as they see fit. Any issues arising between the child and the parents should be worked out with the family and whomever the family wants involved. Also, regarding a child's desire to change their gender identity as they see fit. Are we as a society willing to give that choice to a child that is not mature enough to make decisions that will permanently affect the rest of their lives? That is like giving a CHILD a stick of dynamite and a lighted match and telling them its a candle! They are emotionally incapable of understanding the gravity or consequences of the situation and will never be able to undo the results. Get a grip folks ... act like responsible adults and not like bobble-heads to the left's agenda!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90608", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T12:46:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose...schools should return to teaching basic subjects and stop trying to indoctrinate social agendas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90609", "author": "Renee Staton", "date": "2021-01-18T13:25:00", "title": "Inclusive Schools are Vital. I support this effort.", "text": "Thank you for your efforts to support transgender students and for working to create guidelines that include evidence-based practices. Creating and maintaining safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments for all youth is fundamental and critically important."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90610", "author": "Christina White", "date": "2021-01-18T13:29:00", "title": "Support and protect all children", "text": "All these children want is to feel comfortable in school, to feel protected and to use a restroom they are most comfortable in. Don’t let the ignorance of others dictate how we protect all children. We know the detrimental effects bullying, shame and hate have on these kids. We see it, most alarmingly, in the extremely high rates of suicide. Let’s lead with love, compassion and empathy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90611", "author": "Ann McMillan", "date": "2021-01-18T13:37:00", "title": "Transgender rights", "text": "Around 1980 I transcribed psychiatric reports including a few on individuals (adolescent males) planning to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Their stories were heartbreaking. No one would choose this action out of anything but the deepest necessity. They deserve the rights accorded to those of us who haven’t had to make this choice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90612", "author": "Emily Hulette", "date": "2021-01-18T13:40:00", "title": "Greatly support", "text": "As a mom of a transgender son in elementary school he’s been held against his will, harassed and bullied in the boys bathroom. He has all female friends which have been more accepting of his preferences. If asked, I would bet each of his girl  friends wouldn’t think anything different bc they’ve known my son for years and are used to him preferring to wear girl clothes. I would rather him use the girls bathroom since the boys bathroom has been an issue over the years but not everyone is so accepting. I’d never want anyone to be uncomfortable with him being in the opposite bathroom but how’s he’s been made to feel unsafe in his own bathroom w the boys."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90613", "author": "Kristen", "date": "2021-01-18T13:44:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE!", "text": "This is not for our school system to decide. There’s a reason why we have age laws and it’s due to maturity. Children cannot handle this and furthermore should not be pushed on parents who don’t agree or support it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90614", "author": "Parent of Va children", "date": "2021-01-18T13:50:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Good afternoon; I am a mother to 3 children in Virginia public schools and I am not comfortable with anyone of the opposite sex entering into a dressing area or bathroom where my children are. If you feel the need to send transgender children into another bathroom then my suggestion would be to have a third private option where they can go and change or use the restroom in private. I am understanding that people have different values and beliefs. But I feel like allowing boys to go into girls restrooms and vice verse is extremely inappropriate and I do not feel safe with the decision to allow this. One of your jobs is to keep children safe. A majority of our children are not transgender and I feel like some children would be taking advantage of this situation. If you are worried about keeping transgender children safe then refer to my suggestion above about a completely separate area for them. I was a victim of sexual assault at a young age and I just feel like placing my daughters in a potentially dangerous situation is not acceptable. You all need to do better at leaders and for our children then exposing them to this. Let the sexually confused children’s drs and parents deal with their situation in private and you should stay out of it if you can’t keep the majority of kids safe. sincerely; Mrs. Heather B A concerned parent"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90615", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T13:57:00", "title": "Live and Let Live", "text": "Most children today don't care what sex people identify as, and neither do most parents or school officials. Most take a \"live and let live\" attitude. What is proposed here is bad policy and financially costly. The number of transgender students in FX County (the largest school system in the state and one of the most supportive of trans students) is estimated to be less than 50 people total and yet this policy places significant burden on millions of good teachers, administrators, parents, and other children. It is likely that there are school districts in Virginia with single digit transgender people. It is more practical, and more cost effective, to treat each transgender child uniquely at their school. I am also strongly opposed to the school system stepping in and assuming the role of parent. Parents must be at the center of their child's life, and brought into the conversation. Studies have shown that when children feel disconnected from their parents, their life outcome is severely degraded. This policy undermines parental involvement and is therefore detrimental to the long term success of children. Further, will this policy ultimately enable biological males who are transgender to be allowed to participate in girls/womens sports? Scientific evidence is clear that these athletes would have a significant advantage over biological females. The unintended result will be that many young girls are discouraged and end up feeling inferior in biological males. This is exactly the opposite of what our systems are set up for. There is a better way than this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90616", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T14:03:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "All children are made in God's image and should absolutely be protected from all forms of bullying.  At the same time, parents should never be kept in the dark when it comes to their children.  They should ALWAYS be informed.  A biological male should NEVER be allowed in a biological females restroom or changing room.  Both biological genders have the right to feel safe and protected.  This policy is NOT the answer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90617", "author": "Daris Swepston", "date": "2021-01-18T14:07:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is nothing more than a political issue.  Science does not support the view of transgender thought.  This is a psychological problem and should be dealt with as such. As responsible parents, teachers and members of society, we should fight to remove the stigma associated with mental illness and work toward getting them the help they are screaming for. In addition,  any psychologist knows well that children do not complete brain development until the mid 20s, which also is affected by biological sex.  Let's get these children the help they need to understand what they are going through. In addition, children who know they are either male or female should not be subjected to the issues this poor thinking subjects them to.  It infringes on their rights.  This is a can of worms that should never have been encouraged, much less considered. Let's get these children help and support that are confused."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90618", "author": "Dr. Karen Hiltz", "date": "2021-01-18T14:11:00", "title": "Gender Policy", "text": "I humbly submit to the VDOE that it is not your duty, obligation, or responsibility to dictate to children political agendas that are harmful to their physical and mental well being. PARENTS are the authority and MUST be included, informed, and communicated with. PARENTS must take back their authority over the education of their child. Though it has already begun, my concern is these woke, pc, and negative policies enacted in one state will inevitably transfer to other states. Having lived and served on a public school board in VA, I've seen how parents are systematically being ignored, removed, and negated when it comes to the education of their children. Parents are desperate to have alternative education environments for their children so they aren't subjected to political agendas and policies that are the opposite of their core belief system. It's shameful that VA continues to fight to limit school choice, which in many cases traps parents into making choices that aren't in the best interest of their child. This practice is nothing short of promoting and ensuring failure for a percentage of the K-12 population. I do not support and will ask you not to support any policy that removes parental authority out of the decision-making process. Thank you, Dr. Karen Hiltz"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90619", "author": "Monica", "date": "2021-01-18T14:33:00", "title": "Transgender policy- STRONGLY oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy. It sets a very dangerous precedent and opens the door for numerous sexual assault and harassment cases within schools. Terrible, horrible, awful, STUPID idea."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90620", "author": "Rachel McEwen", "date": "2021-01-18T14:35:00", "title": "STRONGLY APPOSE", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines to eradicate all distinctions between male and female and to indoctrinate our school children. I strongly disagree with the recommended standard (p. 12) which states, \"School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status...  There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student's request to affirm their gender identity...\".  I believe it is the parent's job and perrogative , NOT the school's, to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school. I also strongly appose the the idea that \"Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student's gender identity shall be available to all students.\"(Draft Policy, p.18) I believe that my teenage daughters have a right to change in all female locker rooms and bathrooms and should not be forced into a position where they would see male anatomy while changing for sports, PE, etc. I believe this violates their basic rights. I disagree with many other points in the proposed policy change as well.  I feel like my rights as a parent will be taken away. PLEASE DO NOT PASS THE PROPOSED POLICIES. Thank you, Rachel McEwen"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90621", "author": "Julie E.", "date": "2021-01-18T14:37:00", "title": "Model policies for transgender students", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90622", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T15:07:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "This is wrong! You will end up with people abusing this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90623", "author": "Dr. Rachel Levy", "date": "2021-01-18T15:25:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "As a Virginia public school teacher, a parent of students in Virginia public schools, and someone with a doctorate in educational leadership and policy, I know that Virginia public school educators, students, and other stakeholders and would all benefit greatly from their local school districts' creation of a trans student inclusion policy. It is very much needed. I fully support this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90624", "author": "Keck Baker", "date": "2021-01-18T15:25:00", "title": "I am FOR this anti discrimination policy.", "text": "I see so logical, moral, or ethical reason to oppose a measure or policy that will help ensure that ALL students are treated fairly and are acknowleged for who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90625", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T15:36:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE!!!", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender bathrooms! Leave them as they’ve always been!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90626", "author": "Kathy Marchetti", "date": "2021-01-18T15:38:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in VA Public Schools", "text": "Faith, science, and reason support male and female gender at birth.  I believe parents are the teachers of their children’s sexuality.  I do not agree with government agencies (schools) interfering with the sexual orientation of children.  I vehemently disagree with policies that withhold important information from parents concerning their child’s actions at school.  This is teaching deception.  It also undermines parent/teacher trust.  I do believe children should be protected from harassment, bullying, harm.  Each and every child is a gift to all of us. policies want to include withholding important information their child"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90627", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-18T15:39:00", "title": "OPPOSE! Opening the door for molestation/assault/rape", "text": "This is ridiculous. Education doesn’t take place in a bathroom. Pretty sure both genders are allowed in classrooms, which is where the teaching takes place. This bill will open doors for molestation, assault and/or rape and there’s no red flags of a male entering a woman’s bathroom will occur any longer. Are you ready for the victims of these crimes to increase?????"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90628", "author": "Rev. Kendra Grimes", "date": "2021-01-18T15:44:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I work with many young adults and teens who have endured significant trauma due to others dictating their identities.  Allowing everyone to be who they know themselves to be does no harm to their neighbor.  Public schools must be a place of safety and respect for transgender students and all students.  Please support this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90629", "author": "Richard Parke", "date": "2021-01-18T15:50:00", "title": "Opposition to proposed guidelines for transgender education in Virginia schools", "text": "As a follower of Jesus Christ and pastor for 50 years and as as a former resident and as a former legal and active voter in the Commonwealth of Virginia for 35 years, I want to voice my strong opposition to the currently proposed transgender guidelines that seek to promote and force transgender views upon children and youth ages 18 and younger, and proposed guidelines that disregard the rights of parents, are morally wrong and contrary to the Bible, and are contrary to historical education in public schools for more than 200 years. Richard Parke"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90630", "author": "Catharine Lawson", "date": "2021-01-18T15:50:00", "title": "Lgbtq students", "text": "Public school policies should reflect the reality of diverse demographics and support the needs of all students, especially LGBTQ students. Having inclusive school policies is an important step in supporting all students, regardless of gender, race, or orientation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90631", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T15:51:00", "title": "Shared restroom", "text": "This is ridiculous, I will be filing law suits if I find out boys are going into restrooms that my granddaughter may be in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90632", "author": "C.L. Staples", "date": "2021-01-18T15:54:00", "title": "Oppose! Your rights end when others' begin", "text": "Transgender Policy: Your rights end where others’ begin.  Thomas Jefferson said, “There can be no Right, or Limitation of Right, inconsistent with, or opposite to the greatest public Good.” These policies are big changes that would infringe on the rights of many other people.  I think they would be very unhealthy for a multitude of reasons.  They are offensive to many people and will not accomplish what you want, but create a more hostile environment. The policy treating it like other discrimination and harassment (Draft policy pg. 10)- complaints could be weaponized against other students and/or teachers. This could be exploited by any student by changing their minds and ‘gender’ at will, any number of times. Particularly offensive and illegal – a blatant violation of parental rights – is the idea of the school helping a student to explore, facilitate, and make decisions without the parent’s knowledge or consent!    (Recommended standard, Pg. 12)  This would be opening up schools to lawsuits, not to mention political suicide. In addition it is the RIGHT OF THE PARENTS to nurture their children as they see fit.  It would be blatant and illegal over-reaching to interfere in this area of parenting and report it as abuse, if they disagree with radical ideologies.  The ideas that you propose to set forth as policies are not proven to help children with gender confusion.  There is much evidence to the contrary.  (Recommended standard, pg. 13) I have cited multiple Supreme Court cases below upholding parents’ rights to nurture their children as they see fit. The policies would also put many girls at risk for harassment, abuse and violence.  What about the rights of all of the girls in these facilities – their right to feel secure in restrooms and locker rooms.  What parents want their 9 th grade daughter entering a bathroom, or locker room, with a 12 th grade biological male?  (I do not know of any!)  Again, you would be responsible for opening up the schools to lawsuits. The policy would essentially “tie the hands” of school staff: “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) You are forcing a worldview that is based in feelings, not based in facts .  Transgender is not biological reality.  Human sexuality in binary.  Females have X,X chromosomes, males have X,Y.  Someone who identifies as transgender, that is not in their body, that is in their thoughts. Thoughts and feelings, are not hard-wired; they are subjective. They can be factually wrong, or factually correct.  (Delusions are a real thing, and the definition is a fixed, false belief.)  You would be doing more harm than good and it seems these policies are intended to create more confusion about gender in students, than to actually solve any problems.  (https://sexchangeregret.com/how-to-debunk-transgender-madness-in-2-minutes/) One of the world’s leading authorities on gender confusion, Dr. Paul McHugh, former psychiatrist in chief at Johns Hopkins University Hospital warned, “…policymakers and the media are doing no favors either to the public or the transgendered by treating their confusions as a right in need of defending rather than as a mental disorder that deserves understanding, treatment and prevention.” ( https://fwipetitions.org/fwi/16-facts-on-gender-confusion/ ) For children who experience gender confusion, family therapy can help. Dr. Kenneth Zucker, head of the Child and Adolescent Gender Identity Clinic in Toronto, Canada and one of the leading authorities in the world on gender disorders, has treated over 500 children with gender confusion. He has documented that in the vast majority of cases , therapy focused on reducing the psychopathology within the family and child and has resulted in the child’s acceptance of their birth sex. (Zucker, K. and Bradley, S. Gender Identity Disorder and Psychosexual Problems in Children and Adolescents, The Guilford Press, New York, NY, 1995) ( https://fwipetitions.org/fwi/16-facts-on-gender-confusion/ ) Just a few SUPREME COURT CASES regarding parents rights involving their families: Meyer v. Nebraska (1923) - A case ruling that parents may decide for themselves if and when their children may learn a foreign language, based on a fundamental liberty interest individuals have in the family unit . (And this has much broader implications than a foreign language!) Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925) - A case deciding that parents may not be forced to send their children to public rather than private schools, based on the idea that, once again, parents have a fundamental liberty in deciding what happens to their children. Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) - Connecticut's laws against distribution of contraceptives and contraceptive information to married couples are struck down, with the Court relying on earlier precedent involving the rights of people to make decisions about their families . Jones V Barlow (UT Supreme Court, 2017)  The Court upheld the right of parents to raise their children.  It held that a lower court’s award of visitation rights to Barlow’s ex-partner wrongly interfered with Barlow’s “right to direct the upbringing of her child”."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90633", "author": "EMD", "date": "2021-01-18T15:55:00", "title": "Do not support!", "text": "This is complete government overreach and will take away the responsibility parents have  for their own children into the hands of the state. This isn’t going to help the trans community in the long run. They are just being used as a political pawn. Gender transitioning will not help them, it will only hurt them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90634", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T15:57:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am registering my strong opposition to the changes regarding language (preferred pronouns) and use of bathrooms. These changes will have detrimental effect on the physical and mental health all children. Your intent may be to sooth feelings of some children. Enacting these rules, however, will be creating an environment negatively effecting the overwhelming majority of students. These rules will only increase severe mental health issues related to depression and anxiety, not reduce these issues. We've already seen massive increases in depression and anxiety among children and adolescents, and increases in suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and, sadly, suicide. These result can be avoided by reversing and not implementing these directives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90635", "author": "Michael Langan", "date": "2021-01-18T15:57:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support the adoption of this model guidance. All children need to feel loved and supported for whoever they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90636", "author": "Mark A Sweeney", "date": "2021-01-18T15:59:00", "title": "Treatment of Transgender Students-Strongly Opposed", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students. It seems to  promote the \"transgender ideology\", there are no regulations to notify a parent or guardian of a student's request to affirm their gender identity, cannot use normally used gender pronouns, concern about the privacy, modesty and safety in the uses of bathrooms and locker rooms, etc. This policy contains no common sense and is opposed to natural law and our christian faith. Again, I am strongly opposed to the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90637", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T16:11:00", "title": "Transgender in schools - strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender in schools in Virginia. No way I want boys in the bathroom with my daughter or male teachers in the bathroom with my wife. There needs to be separate bathrooms for these folks not the majority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90638", "author": "Alison White, Hanover County Schools", "date": "2021-01-18T16:13:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Please continue to support our trans students. These students need to be treated with the same respect as their peers. We provide supports for students that come from poverty, students whose first language is not English, students who face learning disabilities. These students need our support as well. They already face more bullying than most. Rules sharing these students should be respected and supported are overdue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90639", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T16:22:00", "title": "OPPOSE 100 PERCENT", "text": "It's sick this is even up for discussion.  Perverts will always bend the law."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90640", "author": "Jennifer Young", "date": "2021-01-18T16:27:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I am a parent of a Virginia public school student and I fully support adopting the proposed guidelines to keep trans kids safe and supported in our schools. Every child needs to feel  valued and nurtured and accepted for who they are, and have a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90641", "author": "Matt Hamrick", "date": "2021-01-18T16:28:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90642", "author": "ALLISON EARLEY", "date": "2021-01-18T16:32:00", "title": "VA schools transgender plans", "text": "Strongly oppose! Keep the school system out of our families! Enough is enough! Leave the parenting to the parents and stay out of our way! If the schools refuse to educate our children then issue vouchers so we can take OUR money and send our children to schools that are willing to educate them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90643", "author": "Martha L Gravett, MS., Pedagogical Consultant", "date": "2021-01-18T16:41:00", "title": "Endorse Providing Guidance to Educators", "text": "Working in the field of early childhood education for 50 plus years, I have observed that children often become aware of their place on the gender identity continuum first as preschoolers and then carry their awareness forward into their teens and adulthood.  Given this is true, and given that young people who do not understand this process may have questions, may  bully or distain transgender individuals, or may become confused;  adult guidance is needed. The adults responsible for the education and care of all of these children deserve good information in order to support them all-- both transgender and non, and from preschoolers to 12th graders."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90644", "author": "VERY Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-18T16:50:00", "title": "STRONGLY Oppose!!", "text": "I STRONGLY oppose this Bill!  Forty percent of transgender people have attempted suicide.  The brain is not fully developed until the age of 25.  Therefore, how in the world can someone make such a life changing decision before then?  I was considered a \"tomboy\" until I was about in 9th grade.  I cannot imagine how my life would have turned out if my parents would have made such a horrific decision for me!  The parents that make this decision for their child should be considered child abusers.  Children are exposed to so many inappropriate things at too young of an age as it is right now.  We need to get back to putting our kids first and knowing what is appropriate for them instead of what gender we want them to be because they did not come out of the womb the gender that we were hoping for.  Kids have enough to go through as it is with social media.  We need to look at protecting them more by keeping them away from things that are not appropriate for them and perhaps we would not even be having this discussion.  Kids go through traumatic events.  Therefore, they should have professional counseling (and not just a school counselor) in order to be able to deal with what they have gone through instead of making them think that their life would be better if they were the other gender.  God DOES NOT make mistakes, and the parents that are doing this to their children will have to answer to it! The person(s) that proposed this horrific Bill should be removed.  Hopefully, they will be removed from office with the next election!  Let kids be kids!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90645", "author": "Pat Eggleston", "date": "2021-01-18T17:00:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the guidance document proposal for treatment of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90646", "author": "Jessica W", "date": "2021-01-18T17:04:00", "title": "Transgender Revisions for VA School System - Very Strongly Support", "text": "This is long overdue and I am quite happy to hear that these students will getting the legal protection and support (that they should have at a minimum) in school districts across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Most negative comments here are operating off of a great amount of ignorance and fear on this issue. I should know, I am a Trans woman myself and I very much appreciate this substantial progress as it will save the lives of many Trans / Non-Binary youth who attend school in Virginia. Gender variant individuals have existed across all cultures since the dawn of human history. It is high time they are supported and brought out of the shadows. Diversity is strength."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90647", "author": "Iris Collies", "date": "2021-01-18T17:10:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE transgender mandates for public schools", "text": "I oppose the Virginia Department of Education's currently proposed transgender guidelines for public schools. I guidelines establish unacceptable controls over children and deny parents their rights toward their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90648", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T17:20:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!!", "text": "There are so many issues that are more important than this in our public schools. Protect our students that don't want to share restrooms or locker rooms with someone of the opposite sex!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90649", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T17:24:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "This infringes on the rights of parents and doesn’t protect the privacy of all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90650", "author": "Connie Youngman", "date": "2021-01-18T17:29:00", "title": "Transgender ideology in Virginia schools.", "text": "I strongly oppose transgender ideology in our schools. It would be harmful to our children and undermine parental rights to raise their children as they see fit."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90651", "author": "Tasha Dockery", "date": "2021-01-18T17:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I am in support of policies that acknowledge and protect transgendered students.  The state cannot allow vulnerable students to be marginalized.  Transgendered students exist and attend Virginia schools.  To avoid putting policies in place that support transgendered students' education and personal safety is not only inhumane and short-sighted, it places Virginia on the wrong side of history and sets the state up for liability and lawsuits in the future."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90652", "author": "Nicole McGee", "date": "2021-01-18T17:37:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "My husband and I are strongly opposed to this idea of transgender students using the same restrooms and locker rooms with all students. I have a middle school age daughter and I’m not comfortable with a young man coming in the locker room and changing next to her or using the restroom next to her. I fear this could be used as an excuse to get into the locker room of the opposite sex. I also fear confusion for the rest of the children. Couldn’t there be a separate room or separate restroom for them that would be a way to respect everyone’s privacy and choice?  I think we have to protect every child and their choices and their believes but this is not the answer. Please do better at protecting every child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90653", "author": "RJ Braden", "date": "2021-01-18T17:43:00", "title": "when did it become acceptable to discriminate against one group to pander to another?", "text": "I believe we do a huge injustice by pandering to one group by discriminating against another.   Doing wrong by one group to try in right a wrong on a second group, whether it is real or perceived is immoral. If you allow someone to merely say today I am a woman  then have access to women only areas how do you plan on protecting young women that you may have just put in harm's way?   I am not saying or implying that people that identify as transgender will necessarily harm anyone. I am saying is that changes like this can very easily be exploited by people with bad intentions.  Therefore you are potentially putting people at risk for really no other benefit then to make yourself feel better.  These things need to be thought through and emotion needs to be left out of it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90654", "author": "Stacey F.", "date": "2021-01-18T17:44:00", "title": "Very strongly opposed!", "text": "very strongly opposed to this in it’s entirety!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90655", "author": "Todd M Godbout", "date": "2021-01-18T17:49:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!!", "text": "This proposal goes much further than just helping transgender students. The definition the policy proposes for gender identity is fluid, subjective, and unscientific. The policy removes parental rights and gives too much power to unaccountable school staff and bureaucrats. It also removes students' rights and privacy by allowing boys into female bathrooms and locker rooms and even allows boys to share rooms with females on overnight trips. And finally, it compels speech by forcing people to use the transgendered vocabulary and is a form of verbal bullying in itself."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90656", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T17:52:00", "title": "Strongly disagree with the Transgender rule changes as proposed", "text": "Boys room, girls room and others if need a third catagory. Subjecting others, especially girls to the other sex unexpectedly.....I see many bladder infections in the kids future's due to not going when needed. If this is the rule, then one to a bathroom. With a lock! Also, Taking parents rights to raise their kids as they see fit is wrong. Parental inclusion is a must."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90657", "author": "Jeff", "date": "2021-01-18T18:08:00", "title": "Transgender Education", "text": "Very strongly opposed to teaching immoral behavior to young minds!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90658", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T18:13:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Strongly oppose! You don't discriminate and endanger one group to pander to another!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90659", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T18:19:00", "title": "Transgender Opposition", "text": "I strongly oppose. My child should never be interrogated without a parent. Furthermore, you can’t impose a rule or law that goes against how a person was naturally born. Especially if a person means no harm and isn’t trying to be insulting. A persons choice on how they want to live should not suspend the freedom of others. This is going TOO far!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90660", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T18:20:00", "title": "Transgender changes in schools", "text": "I strongly oppose this new plan.  While I fully understand that transgender people have a long road to walk and will support their choice, our schools are not the place for this.  Can we teach tolerance and understanding?  Absolutely!  But should 2 children of a different sex share a bathroom???  Absolutely not.  This is a safety  concern for all parents. When kids are in middle and high school,  they are learning who they are sexually, pushing children together like this is only going to cause issues.  Our schools should be promoting peace and understanding for all sexes and orientations,  not deciding which bathroom they should use.  This is not about being politically correct,  this is about our kids, the most important part of our lives.  I choose to keep my kids safe and teach them tolerance and if this is passed, my children will be homeschooled."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90661", "author": "Kate O'toole", "date": "2021-01-18T18:23:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "It is not the business nor privilege of the State, or any school board, to decide what to teach our children in matters of Faith or Morals, which this proposal most certainly does. Parents are the primary educators of their own children, and it is up to the parents alone to guide them on issues such as these."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90662", "author": "Lindsay", "date": "2021-01-18T18:35:00", "title": "NO!", "text": "Do you realize IF this were to pass, you would be inviting a host of other issues? Males in a female restroom or locker room that are potentially sexual deviants or offenders? Or females in a male locker room which have the same ideas. You are inviting situations and opportunties for harassment, sexual misconduct, rape? This proposal is not the answer. There is a room for males, a room for females, maybe there needs to be a separate room for someone who identifies as the opposite gender as they were born- independent of whichever they identify as. I don’t claim to know the answers but this proposal of allowing males to use the ferooms and visa versa isn’t acceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90663", "author": "NO", "date": "2021-01-18T18:53:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!", "text": "This shouldn’t even be a question!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90664", "author": "Stephanie Kessinger", "date": "2021-01-18T18:56:00", "title": "Support - Allow children to determine who they are and want to be", "text": "As an educator of 15 years I strongly support this legislation. Students deserve to be who they are and not who society forces them to be. To not allow a child to determine their own identity is as if to state that their entire identity and idea of self is decided at birth. In addition, for many students school is the only safe space for them. To not allow them to be who they truly are - their authentic self - we take that safety away from them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90665", "author": "Nancy", "date": "2021-01-18T18:57:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!! It is not the business nor privilege of the State, or any school board, to decide what to teach our children in matters of Faith or Morals, which this proposal most certainly does. Parents are the primary educators of their own children, and it is up to the parents alone to guide them on issues such as these.  The schools responsibility is to teach reading writing and arithmetic.  Stop indoctrinating our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90666", "author": "Carrie Allen", "date": "2021-01-18T19:00:00", "title": "Strongly SUPPORT", "text": "We need to support all of our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90667", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T19:03:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I am in strong support of passing this legislation to protect and support the transgender community. It is important for all students to feel heard, supported and included in their education system as well as establish guidelines to protect this marginalized community. I also think this wording and guidance is helpful for teachers to protect and support students to the best of their ability."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90668", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T19:04:00", "title": "Transgender students", "text": "Strongly oppose! Keep the school system out of our families! Enough is enough! Leave the parenting to the parents and stay out of our way! If the schools refuse to educate our children then issue vouchers so we can take OUR money and send our children to schools that are willing to educate them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90669", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T19:10:00", "title": "Concerned parent", "text": "I read all documentation with trying to place myself in the shoes of the students and parents who have children who are gender non-conforming.  It seems very reasonable to me that for gender non-conforming students there should be access to facilities that help them maintain their privacy when changing for school related activities.  I can see there is true value in that consideration.   However, the guiding principle that a school staff member may not question a student who enters a gender specified bathroom and is only known to the staff as the opposite gender clearly poses problems for mischievous behavior at best, and concerns for safety to the other students at worst. I also have to wonder how would each school district be able to determine an accurate percentage of the student population they would need to provide these facility considerations for so school taxes are not being wasted on an ambiguous budgetary line item?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90670", "author": "Elizabeth", "date": "2021-01-18T19:19:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Schools need to teach subjects and not morality.  Truth needs to be taught based on science and reality. Behavior needs to follow what is true - not wishful thinking.  Schools should provide for the safety of all children, respect everyone's religious freedom and freedom of speech and not preference anyone!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90671", "author": "Aria Pahari", "date": "2021-01-18T19:25:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this legislation that works to allow trans youth to experience safety and acceptance at school, which can function as a site of stress if there is no structural support for students who are trans and gender nonconforming. It also should not be the burden and responsibility of trans and gender nonconforming youth to have to educate their teachers and peers on their identities and experiences. These model policies will strive to build education and acceptance within the school environment so trans and gnc students can be more present and not live in fear, and their peers can learn how to be supportive, respectful allies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90672", "author": "Sharon Weitzel", "date": "2021-01-18T19:25:00", "title": "OPPOSE!", "text": "It is no body's business, State, School Board or Educator, to decide what it teaches our children in matter's of Faith or Morals.  Parents are the primary educators of their own children, and it's up to the parents alone to decide and guide them on these issues."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90673", "author": "Barbara", "date": "2021-01-18T19:33:00", "title": "transgender students", "text": "Full inclusion and understanding of transgender students and related issues are much needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90674", "author": "Becky Rise", "date": "2021-01-18T19:36:00", "title": "The pronoun and bathroom legislation currently being discussed for schools.", "text": "I oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90675", "author": "Keta Fetters", "date": "2021-01-18T19:42:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "The school system has absolutely no place mandating or even involving themselves in this. There are many \"special needs\" that kids have, and gender dysphoria is one of those. However, the entire population of kids need not be turned on its head to cater to a tiny fraction of confused kids. This is something that should be dealt with at home, and kids need to use the facilities according to the genitalia they are born with. Please do not force children to live the fantasies of liberal adults living vicariously through them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90676", "author": "Mark Chen", "date": "2021-01-18T19:47:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose that students should be forced to use another student's new 'preferred pronouns'.  Instead should just call them by their name. Strongly oppose that all students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty.   This eliminates privacy and safety of students in states of undress."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90677", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T19:48:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "It would seem ‘follow the science’ means nothing anymore. We actually now ‘Ignore the science’ or ‘ignore biology’ in order to advance an agenda and encourage sexual behavior that all to often has serious emotional and physical consequences. Furthermore, putting this burden of forcing a teacher to deny their own conscience or to deny what they plainly see is heartbreaking. As if teachers weren’t already struggling right now!? Perhaps some teachers have no issue with this, but where is the conscious clause for those who will undoubtedly struggle? Where is the conscious clause for parents who don’t wish to complicate their child’s education with such unnecessary distractions? I am quite sure there isn’t one. We’ve gone mad. ??‍??"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90678", "author": "Maryellen Bashioum", "date": "2021-01-18T20:10:00", "title": "Transgender Issues", "text": "I believe that public education  should focus on the child's mind not their gender.  Parents are responsible for the welfare of their children.  Children are just that, children, and should not be confused by adults wanting them to change their gender.  This is CHILD ABUSE.  What is behind it.  If anything, public education can help families instead of trying to destroy them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90679", "author": "Public School Sucks", "date": "2021-01-18T20:43:00", "title": "No to this trans crap!", "text": "Why encourage being something they are not? We should be teaching these kids to be happy with who they are. Why would you make the majority uncomfortable when that still will leave the minority uncomfortable? It puts boys at risk for being accused of sexual harassment and our girl at risk of being harassed or assaulted. Are you going to have a teacher of the opposite sex watching kid change clothes and use the bathroom? Now that's going to put teacher in a bad position. I pray I never have to put my child in public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90680", "author": "diane Jenc", "date": "2021-01-18T20:45:00", "title": "transgender agenda", "text": "This policy proposal keeps the parents of the child behavior in secret.  Is this how a family is to function.  Secrets are deadly. Where is the protection for the children who see the child of the other gender come into the restroom?  Terrifing  for them. I am totally against the policy going forward in our county."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90681", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T21:04:00", "title": "For God’s sake... Support!", "text": "Trust science, trust doctors, trust teachers, trust trans students, trust their friends and family, and trust God’s plan. Kindness and love are the key. Who are we to question God’s plans and creations? Shall we only accept those we understand? Trans rights are human rights. People are people. Don’t spread hate and fear. Be kind, help others, take care of those in need. Support laws and guidance that support trans people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90682", "author": "Parent of a child in Hanover", "date": "2021-01-18T21:14:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Oppose this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90683", "author": "Parent of a Hanover student", "date": "2021-01-18T21:37:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose", "text": "Appalling policy, which seeks to force the state's public school students to positively affirm those suffering from the disorder of gender dysphoria. Equally as appalling, this draft guidance also seeks to undermine parents' authority to educate their children in the area of sexual mores. If imposed, this guidance will force students and parents who object to this offensive intrusion into this sensitive area, to either protest loudly and constantly, and, or pull their children out of Virginia's public schools. Accommodation may be able to be made for students suffering from the gender dysphoria disorder, but brainwashing all students and staff, and proposing to spy on and turn-in parent to CPS, is not only wrong-headed, it is an assault on the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy, and religion. This is a dangerous draft policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90684", "author": "Katherine Hall", "date": "2021-01-18T21:47:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy. It's dangerous for our students, it undermines parents/family units, and it normalizes a thing that should not be normalized for our impressionable students. No female student should worry about a male student coming into the bathroom at any time, or changing in front of them. I strongly oppose this proposed policy for so many reasons."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90685", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T21:48:00", "title": "Schools aren't parents", "text": "I and many other parents are very concerned about first the arrogance of the our State legislatures and now VDOE that schools know better than parents. This is way beyond self-righteous. The current model policies states on page 13 \"Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.\" Who is to determine what is defined as at risk of abuse or neglect? This is at the discretion of the individual teachers and school administrative staff and many of them have very extreme and biased views regarding transgender students. I have heard of specific instances in other states in which a student has been upset that their parents were concerned over the child's interest in changing their pronoun and that was sufficient in the eyes of the teacher to be abusive. This is crazy. I also have an issue with schools not being put in the position of \"outing\" a student to their parents. You are saying that schools know better and that values held by the VDOE supersede that of parents and families. This is an appalling premise. I have fundamental issues with transgender youth in general. Transgender adults is a whole different issue and I totally support the decision of adults to make this important decision, but please educate yourselves if you believe supporting transgender youth is actually OK.  However, believing you are superior to parents and that you should play the role of parents is morally wrong and reprehensible. You are encouraging children to potentially live dual lives and I assure you will increase the suicide rate among students. You are absolutely destroying the lives of these students and their families, which is unconscionable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90686", "author": "Kathy B", "date": "2021-01-18T21:50:00", "title": "Oppose this", "text": "Bathrooms should be limited to the biological gender not a made up idea of gender. Keep the bathrooms a safe place for our kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90687", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T21:54:00", "title": "I do not support Transgender rules.", "text": "I do not support the new transgender policy. Your biological genital should determine which bathroom to use.This rule is going to be exploited by perverts intentionally going into the wrong bathroom ,then claiming they are transgender. I think it is ridiculous to hold facility accountable for mistaking someones gender. society should not have to comform to someones sexual preference. Why should my daughter be forced to share a bathroom room with a male,what about her rights. Forcing citizens by law to use certain pronouns is a violation of free speech. I do believe we need more individual bathroom stalls and better access to mental health."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90688", "author": "A C", "date": "2021-01-18T21:56:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Public schools should teach kids how to read and write, not how to lie to their parents.  Schools should be places of learning.  Keep transgenderism out of our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90689", "author": "Katie Williams", "date": "2021-01-18T22:03:00", "title": "Oppose transgender guidelines proposed", "text": "The guidelines proposed would bind teachers to compliance with confusing guidelines that could be manipulated by students who wish to continually change preferred pronouns pertaining to gender.  The school environment is a safe place for learning and teachers must be respectful and respected as the authority in their classroom.  Students may choose/change their gender outside the classroom, but must be subject to the leadership of teachers while attending school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90690", "author": "Doribel Argueta", "date": "2021-01-18T22:04:00", "title": "I do not approve of this movement.", "text": "I do not approve because of my religion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90691", "author": "David", "date": "2021-01-18T22:04:00", "title": "I don't approve", "text": "Is against my Christian believes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90692", "author": "Santos", "date": "2021-01-18T22:07:00", "title": "I don't approve", "text": "there is only male and female the way God said it was. the government should not push these beliefs on out children. the parents are in charge of what they teach their children not the government"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90693", "author": "EVAN GOULD", "date": "2021-01-18T22:33:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90694", "author": "BettySue", "date": "2021-01-18T22:39:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is BAD idea. Nothing good will come of putting men and women in the same bathroom/changing rooms/showers. Privacy, modesty, respecting one’s own body and safety are still ideals we should be instilling in our children and society as a whole. This breakdown of fundamental principles like modesty ,privacy , and decency should not be shoved down People’s throats...especially our most impressionable and often vulnerable! Why would ANYONE  want to designate  a place and provide an opportunity for dangerous situations to occur. At a time when rape, child trafficking, pornography, sex trafficking, and other crimes against children and women are rising, would you suggest such a blatantly stupid idea. Clearly, accommodations  can be made for the VERY small minority( for example...unisex one stall bathrooms with showers)  this mental illness effects without inflicting this dangerous practice on the masses."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90695", "author": "Andrew Lowder", "date": "2021-01-18T22:41:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed to forcing LGBTIA+ ideology on school students, especially during the time in their lives where they are learning about their place in the world, accepting of themselves, and becoming young men and women.  With the transgender ideology especially, it has been shown that girls are especially hurt, whether it's losing a race, match, etc. to a biological male pretending to be a female, or a potential male predator seeking victims in the girls' locker room.   I strongly encourage the state of VA to oppose these policies and protect the students under their tutelage."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90696", "author": "Rebecca Reid", "date": "2021-01-18T22:43:00", "title": "Support for Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools", "text": "I am writing to express my strong support for the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools. I believe they will provide excellent education and guidance to localities in Virginia, which in turn ensures appropriate and supportive responses to students identifying as transgender. As a parent of a student entering public school within the next year, I believe these policies are essential to ensuring that all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment. These policies also uphold the values and behaviors that I would want modeled for my child by adults that are leaders and authority figures in their school community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90697", "author": "Brittany Renick", "date": "2021-01-18T22:44:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "Strongly Oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90698", "author": "Bryce Renick", "date": "2021-01-18T22:59:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I cannot find words strong enough to express how fiercely I oppose this idea... It saddens me that this is even a reality - to hide something so significant from a child’s family... to fully disregard the peace and comfort of so many for the sake of a few, instead of making finding a compromise that caters to both... Oh, how I wish I had words worthy of such a significant issue..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90699", "author": "Dianna Rogers", "date": "2021-01-18T23:13:00", "title": "Transgender bathroom", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90700", "author": "Dianna Rogers", "date": "2021-01-18T23:15:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90701", "author": "Rebecca Brodegard", "date": "2021-01-19T00:07:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose these model policies. While transgender children need to be treated with respect, you cannot ask all children to live by these policies. And there is NO consideration given to those who might take advantage of these policies (boys saying they're transgender just to get into the girls locker room) or for other students to complain (or be heard) in any manner. These policies also cut out parents to a crazy degree. Parents have every right to know what their children are learning and what is going on in the school. I strongly oppose these policies. If these policies are instituted, my children will no longer attend public school. I will not subject them to this stuff."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90702", "author": "Jessica Bagby", "date": "2021-01-19T00:23:00", "title": "I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS", "text": "This is not something that I will support. Since forever and the beginning of time all you have ever known or seen was male or female, boy or girl. There are only two options to choose from why do things need to change now. You have to wonder where this notion came from and the effects that it is having on people. God, yes GOD created man and woman, nothing else. Why must we allow our minds to be conformed to a world that have not respect for humanity. The children are seeds from God, allow them to grow up and defend who they want to be, a doctor a lawyer, their was never an option or thought of transgender, so why now. Children are sent to schools to learn and grow up to be the next leaders in the world. They are faced with a number of bullying and abuse from other children why add to it. Every want a voice, but has anyone thought about the consequences that lies ahead. Children are hit with peer pressure  daily to make good grades, compete in sports, do better than you did the last time, who has the latest this or that. Why burden them with this transgender non sense to create more drama and more bullying, more peer pressure. What happen to schools being a safe place, to go and learn. We have taken the focus off learning that our children are failing in social skills, academic skills and basic skills to succeed in life. Can we just stop the madness for one second and think of the confusion, frustration, depression and pressure this will cause. I DONT WANT TO SEE MORE OF OUR CHILDREN DYING AND KILLING THEMSELVES  BECAUSE OF FOOLISHNESS LIKE THIS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97143", "author": "Lacey Lewis", "date": "2021-02-03T23:51:00", "title": "Yes to student protections", "text": "I fully support this addition. Students need to be surrounded with empathetic and intelligent staff who will look out for their growth and well-being. This is a start. Thank you to everyone who has worked on this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97144", "author": "mom of 4", "date": "2021-02-03T23:51:00", "title": "oppose proposed VDOE transgender rules", "text": "It is unconscionable for the VDOE to propose rules that hide information relating to minors from parents and which will criminalize parents' religious beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97145", "author": "Roland Winston", "date": "2021-02-03T23:51:00", "title": "Trans Rights are Human Rights", "text": "The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender students should not be necessary.  Objections to treating trans kids as equals comes from people claiming to be religious or claiming a 'what about me' defense.  The VDOE and those individuals and organizations contributing to the development of this Guidance recommendation have done an excellent job at creating a reasonable document.  Thank you for your work.  I support the document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97146", "author": "Emily L", "date": "2021-02-03T23:51:00", "title": "Support trans youth!", "text": "Trans students have the right to be safe and respected at school, just like everyone else. It’s not indoctrination, it’s common decency."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97147", "author": "Geneviève P Fine", "date": "2021-02-03T23:51:00", "title": "Reviewed \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools\"", "text": "I perused the \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools\" and support it.  It's about time we protect our transgender children in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97148", "author": "Corey Claybrook", "date": "2021-02-03T23:51:00", "title": "Is this the public education system or the public indoctrination system?", "text": "Remember the good old days when students could go to learn and teachers could go to teach?  Sure you had many different personalities, race/ethnicity, various religious beliefs, taste in music, and their own passions in life; none of these impacted my personal beliefs, there was no expectation from others that I shall adopt their beliefs nor were they forced down my throat in a manner such as this  ridiculous proposed policy.  As a parent of three young children this policy is deeply concerning.  This will be another hurdle and distraction that will reduce the teaching capacity of teachers and the learning capacity of students.  I fear this will drive the good educators out because teaching false science and made up pronouns is not what they agreed to when they went into this career.  Quite frankly, I don’t want my kids subjected to this nonsense either.  I would love to see statistics on how many transgender students there are in elementary school and middle school in Virginia, because I can’t find anything under the age of 13.  If that’s the case why are we subjecting these young children to made up pronouns and forcing everyone to adhere to a policy full of lies.  I am firm believer that ALL people should be treated with dignity and respect no matter their beliefs, race, etc.  In closing, I fully support students suffering from this mental disease known as gender dysphoria and I’m in favor of those vast minority of students getting the help they need, but leave the majority of children out of this nonsense and let them focus on learning real science and truths."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97149", "author": "John Locke", "date": "2021-02-03T23:52:00", "title": "SUPPORT TRANS LIVES AND SUPPORT THIS MEASURE!", "text": "SUPPORT TRANS LIVES PRIORITIZE TRANS LIVES PROTECT TRANS LIVES  PROTECT TRANS CHILDREN I don’t know how to be anymore clear. Trans lives are not going away. Stop trying to say it’s anti-science, there is new science developing all the time SUPPORTING TRANS EXISTENCE. I fully support this measure implementation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97150", "author": "Marian E.", "date": "2021-02-03T23:52:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "There are a great many problems with this model policy on transgender students. 1. Biological sex is an objective reality. Requiring everyone to use opposite-sex pronouns or be judged guilty of harrassment (p. 10) is requiring everyone to lie.  2. This requires ALL facilities and activities that are sex-segregated to be based on gender identity rather than biological sex: restrooms, locker rooms, overnight accomodations on field trips (pp. 16, 17).  It is a gross violation of privacy, especially for biological girls, to require them to share intimate spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms with the opposite sex.  3.  Compounding the problem, the document advises teachers not to challenge any student entering what may appear to be the wrong restroom, etc., since being challenged may be emotionally harmful to a transgender student (p. 17).  This is an open invitation to non-trans teenage mischief-makers or predatory boys, who do actually exist.  4.  Moreover, although the document pays lip service to the idea of allowing any student who is uncomfortable to request alternate accomodations, it also specifies that transgender status is protected health information and may not be disclosed without the trans student's permission (p.11), so an objecting student may not know until after the fact.  5.  Based solely on the trans student's statement that he or she would feel unsafe, the school is not to tell his or her own parents about trangender status (p.12). Parents have the right to know what is going on with their own children.  Parents often know details about mental health, past trauma, physical problems, etc., that may be extremely relevant and the school may not know about. Teenagers do often exaggerate and sometimes are known to lie, and the majority of parents want what is best for their children. Lying to parents is a gross betrayal of trust on the part of school staff.  6.  Participation by biological boys on girls' athletic teams is unfair.  Male puberty confers a significant advantage.  As one example, in 3 years of competition two transgender athletes in Connecticut took 15 state titles that had been set over more than a decade by about 9 different actual girls. For all these reasons, and more, I oppose the model policy. There is one portion of the document that is quite reasonable, having to do with dress codes.  If it will relieve gender dysphoria, by all means allow students flexibility in what they wear.  I would also strongly support making sure there are single-user bathrooms/changing rooms available for transgender students who are not comfortable using the facilities available for their biological sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97151", "author": "A.Pounders", "date": "2021-02-03T23:52:00", "title": "Don't support gender politics in schools...it undermines a child's first teachers, the parents.", "text": "This idea is ludicrous...undermine the authority of parents and hurt families to better \"support\" other kinds of families?  Parents have the God given right to raise their children as they see fit.  The public school system is not working with parents, but against them....and sometimes even behind their backs.  We must stand up and fight to keep our rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97152", "author": "Edward Brown", "date": "2021-02-03T23:53:00", "title": "Virginia Department of Education Model Policies for Transgender Students", "text": "All too often when issues that are passionate and political enter into the domain of child/teen education, the individual(s) involved are often the first thing forgotten. It becomes more about the winning and losing and a political agenda then it is about the children or their families. I have worked professionally with children for over 35 years. I know one thing to be completely true and that is with children, generalities and agenda are not going to work. Children, ages 18 and below, need to be heard and helped by those that understand the specifics of the situation, that know the individual(s) involved, and are helped by those that know best. I have read in detail the legislation that is being put forward and a great deal of it is excellent. But there are parts of the legislation that harm both the individual that they are trying to help and parents and other individuals that are the closest to the situation. One of my best friends is a Child Psychologist in Germany. When I asked him for his insight he sighed and commented that the problem with Americans in this context is that anything to do with psychology/psychiatry, we immediately go to extremes without consideration for science, study, and the individuals involved. He said that political implementation and demonstrative emotion is going to make the situation much worse. You have to have time to study the situation, and especially Gender dysphoria, which is so often accompanied by other factors (Depression, home life, learning disabilities etc.). In Sweden, widely known as the standard bearer for Gender Dysphoria treatment, Gender Change assignment, and any therapy relating to this subject, they would look at the rules you are planning as being abusive and harmful. Giving an individual with a serious psychological burden and who is also dealing with the huge difficulties of adolescence and peer pressure, the power of decisions that they are not able to understand or handle will potentially cripple them and greatly impair decision making. Potentially separating them from the help, insight, and guidance of their parents only adds to the danger. In simple terms, giving teenagers who are in trying circumstances the power over their situation without consideration for their immediate well being and their long term well being is dangerous. Taking away Constitutional and ethical rights of the parents to help their children, makes it worse. Now let's make it an imposition upon the student body and the staff and then you are cementing a difficult situation into a potentially dangerous situation. In any other situation, the staff of the school would never consider taking away power and information from parents and giving it to a teenager (Or younger) in any other context. Apply the same context to academics, disciplinary behavior, finances, or any other aspect of life. If a 13 year old child comes forward and says that they identify as an adult and that they are free to take tests when they want, use whatever bathroom they want, behave as they want, respect and disrespect whom they want, then instruct the staff that they are to not be disciplined and not allowed to report this to the students parents because the student is now the adult. Please take a step back and look at the situation again without the glasses of politics and passion. Take more time to study with the goal being to guide and educate the individual, whether they are a young person dealing with a difficult issue, or a classmate of someone dealing with the issue, or a parent, or a teacher. Sincerely, Edward Brown"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97153", "author": "Amber Siron", "date": "2021-02-03T23:53:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose to this Document", "text": "This is awful and disgusting to introduce this to minds of vulnerable children. It’s not right to teach this to children against many parents wishes. It’s not something that should even be part of school. You go to school to learn science math history and English. Not to learn about choosing your gender. This is sick and must be stopped now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97154", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:53:00", "title": "Strongly SUPPORT", "text": "Strongly support! Trans rights are human rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97155", "author": "Martha Poe", "date": "2021-02-03T23:53:00", "title": "Supporting Trans Students Allows for Better Learning", "text": "It is imperative that we consider the core purpose of our schools- to increase the knowledge, skill set, and social intelligence of our students while preparing them for any challenge they meet later in life. This can be best accomplished by allowing each student to be as \"comfortable in their own skin\" as possible. When a student is able to reduce social stress (i.e. having a comfortable place to use the restroom, feeling that their name truly belongs to them, etc.) it opens the door for better focus and learning opportunities with fewer emotional and psychological distractors. The model policies put forth are a small task in exchange for even one student to be able to learn and engage more efficiently."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97156", "author": "Oli", "date": "2021-02-03T23:53:00", "title": "SUPPORT TRANS PEOPLE", "text": "SUPPORT TRANS LIVES !!!! All the time always"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97157", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:53:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "For some who claim that they are biologist, as someone who works in a biology related field, we know that the kids' brains are still developing and their brains also act like sponges and could be shape drastically depending on the events that they live (nurture). Moreover, there is also evidence that the reason why we live in this period of biological sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression is because of nurture not nature that is shaping the next generation of bright minds and this could have some long lasting consequences on those kids; by continuing swaying in this direction we are in danger of having lost generation. We are not advocating of the harassment of any children but for the schools to provide a safe environment for all students based on scientific evidence. Therefore, I recommend the VDOE to look at those evidence based scientific research and make a more inform decision about this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97158", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:53:00", "title": "Concerned teacher", "text": "As a public school teacher in VA, I am concerned about the transgender policy proposed here. I care deeply for my students. My role is to guide students to what is true and what is good. This policy is the antithesis of truth and goodness. Instead it serves to indulge an anti-scientific, sexist transgender ideology at the expense of our students. Our students are facing a mental health crisis because they feel they have no purpose. While it may seem these policies will help our youth, they instead reinforce a lie that cannot answer the questions that plague them. Students will be forced to use the restroom with others who do not match their sex. Female athletes will be forced to compete with physically stronger male athletes. Furthermore, students can easily exploit this policy putting teachers and administration at risk of harassment or discrimination. Does this sound like a functioning school environment? Finally, not only am I a teacher, I am also a Christian. To call a student by his or her preferred pronoun acknowledges a version of reality that goes against what I believe to be true. It is dehumanizing and a lie. When I become a teacher, I was not burdened by the standards put forth here. However, if you enact these policies, you will push Christian educators outside of the public sphere leading to an absence of diversity and “unity.”"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97159", "author": "Baani Kaur", "date": "2021-02-03T23:54:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans lives matter. We must protect trans kids in our education system. The Trevor Project's National Survey shows Transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by all or most people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected as well as more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth having seriously considered suicide. We can prevent this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97160", "author": "Jorge", "date": "2021-02-03T23:54:00", "title": "Groovy", "text": "I agree and think it should be added as long as it’s fair for everyone and no one abuses the system"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97162", "author": "Robert Barrow", "date": "2021-02-03T23:54:00", "title": "Suppor! All children deserve humane treatment", "text": "I support adopting this guidance for schools. Transgender children have always existed. We must treat children with dignity and respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97161", "author": "Cathy Coble", "date": "2021-02-03T23:54:00", "title": "Transgender policy & education of students", "text": "I strongly oppose any policy-making  or curriculum development re transgenderism. This is not a subject teachers should have to deal with."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97163", "author": "John D", "date": "2021-02-03T23:54:00", "title": "Transgender School Guidelines", "text": "A thoughtful and prudent and practical set of guidelines is what is needed; unfortunately, these guidelines appear to swallow whole the one-sided, controversial, extreme LBGTQEtc. agenda on the issue.  The result is likely to be  more emotional harm and fear to many more students, particularly \"straight\" female students, a significant degree of new chaos in the schools, and a decline in the quality and effectiveness of the educational process.  It will not provide \" a safe, nurturing environment for all.\" The guidelines proceed from the erroneous claim that \"gender\"is \"assigned\" at birth.  Gender is determined by the chromosomes a child has at conception or develops shortly thereafter, and is recognized at birth.  Gender is not a feeling one can change from week to week, as the guidelines seem to assume. The guidelines fail to recognize that transgenderism is a recognized pyschological disorder which research has shown that 75-90% of those experiencing it grow out of some time after puberty if they do not engage is heavy medication and/or surgery. Excessive accomodating and supporting transgenderism among young, vulnerable, confused, and emotionally sensitive  children amounts to child abuse. Failing to notify parents, or enable them to know, about these developments and actions concerning their potentially transgendering child may well violate FERPA (which I drafted). Not requiring any evidentiary substantiation of a student's transgender claim will lead to an abuse of the system and become a mockery. Requiring staff to accommodate to the potentially frequent(and perhaps bizarre)  name changes by students is unreasonalble.  Better to let them address students by their last names. There is no reasonable basis for requiring attire for all school related programs, etc. to be gender neutral.  It is not necessarily discriminatory, but practical or prudential, or even harmless \"traditional\" distinction. Straight students should also be protected agains harrassment or intimidaton by LGBTQEtc students. The guidelines should be rewritten by a more balanced set of draftors to b e more balanced and prudent and less ideological and doctrinaire."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97164", "author": "Lonigan Martin", "date": "2021-02-03T23:55:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "I believe that kids in elementary school are much to young to be able to make decisions like this. We don’t allow kids to drink or own weapons till they are at least 18 because their brains aren’t fully developed, so why should a kid who is not even half that age be able to decide what gender they want to be. Sex based dress code has been around a long time for a reason, and if you suddenly allow girls to start walking around without shirts, and to change in the men’s locker room, it would be terrible and lead to more rape, and I thought stopping rape was a big issue to the left, so why would you promote something that would just increase the number of rapes and assaults."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97165", "author": "Hurley", "date": "2021-02-03T23:55:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I support this measure. Trans people exist and sometimes those people are kids too!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97166", "author": "Amanda T.", "date": "2021-02-03T23:55:00", "title": "NO!!!!!!! No!!!! No!!!! No!!!!", "text": "Children need to be children. Science is never settled — to teach children something that they are not ready to grasp and which may be considered something entirely different in the future is reckless. Let’s not forget that transgenderism was consisted body dysmorphia not too long ago. Besides, it’s not the government’s job to teach children about someone’s penis or vagina not being what they want it to be. Children are innocent and if taught to be kind to everyone, they will. They don’t need to know about genitals to do that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97167", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:55:00", "title": "What’s next", "text": "I oppose WHATS NEXT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97168", "author": "Don M", "date": "2021-02-03T23:55:00", "title": "Respect All", "text": "After reading the proposed document the single line that should be kept is “All school employees shall treat all students with respect and dignity.”  Everything else in the proposal is confusing and often illogical. We can do better at protecting children than pushing ideological agendas upon them and dividing them from their families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97169", "author": "Binny", "date": "2021-02-03T23:55:00", "title": "support fully support trans youth", "text": "support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97170", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:55:00", "title": "Policies are short sighted: Don't incorporate parents or the thoughts/concerns of other students", "text": "I do not think this guidance and proposed policy will help out transgender youth. In fact, I believe in its current form, this guidance will do much more harm than good in regards to the wellbeing of both transgender and cisgender students. The goal of this policy is to create a safe and welcoming environment for transgender students to grow and learn in. However, the policy misses the mark on a number of critical issues. If there are students struggling with their gender identity, and the Virginia Department of Education truly cares about these students, why aren’t we investing time in having school counselors help these children figure out why they identify as transgender? Why doesn’t the VA Department of Education have school therapists counsel these young people as to how/why they feel they are not the gender that they were born as? Other questions might include: what are causing these thoughts? Are the students’ understanding about their gender being caused by influences other than their own observations and feelings? Childhood and puberty are confusing times, are we serving our children best if we don’t thoroughly investigate, question, and even challenge the reasons behind their gender identity struggles? Bullying and harassment are wrong, but there is a difference between setting up young people for success by helping them understand and make sense of their own challenges, issues, thoughts, and emotions as opposed to forcing the creation of an environment that makes them feel “safe”. Once a student graduates from high school, they may find themselves in completely different circumstances, somewhere much less supportive. If they are not comfortable with themselves and/or have not developed the skills necessary to be mindful of their emotional/mental duress then they will needlessly suffer when faced with trying times. And the environment that was created during their time in school, the one meant to help them avoid having to address these issues, will ultimately be the cause of their suffering. I believe the guidance outlined in these Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students should focus more on the counseling and development of life skills for these young transgender students than creating an environment that does not challenge them nor help them grow & come to peace with their gender identity. If there is a transgender student who wants to be called by a different name or referred to by different pronouns, then they should be comfortable explaining their wishes to their fellow students and teachers on an individual basis. A transgender student’s relationships with their peers and instructors should be determined at an individual level, and the type & quality of interactions should not be mandated by the VA Department of Education nor any other governing body. Again, this suggestion is not meant to condone bullying or harassment. However, if a student can be truly hurt by the use of a wrong name or pronouns, so much so that it causes them high levels of academic or emotional duress, wouldn’t they be best served by counseling and/or mentorship which would eventually help them feel comfortable discussing their thoughts, feelings, and personal preferences with those who challenge their views? Isn’t the purpose of our academic system to help students develop the skills they need in order to succeed in life once they graduate from high school and move on to university, trade, military, or career? How is creating an environment that lacks significant growth opportunities and forces others to agree with a student’s perceptions setting the aforementioned student up for success later in life? Another worrisome decision is the lack of inclusion of parents/guardians in the discovery of gender identity by transgender students. The underlying sentiment outlined in these Model Policies seem to be that in some cases the parents/guardians of transgender students may not support, or may openly condemn, transgenderism. This lack of support or condemnation can hurt the transgender student and cause negative consequences in their academic and personal life. This policy strikes me as short sighted. Parents and guardians are responsible for their child at the very least in a legal sense. If a transgender student is under 18 years old and something happens to them due to their being transgender, and the parents/guardians are not aware of their child’s gender identity, this would cause unnecessary complications. Another and more concerning item is that if parents/guardians have a lack of empathy or acceptance for their transgender child, isn’t that a real cause for alarm and perhaps an issue that may make the child’s gender identity struggles worse? A guardian’s lack of acceptance or creation of a negative atmosphere at home is something that should be dealt with, not ignored and avoided. Indeed a negative home life could gravely impact a transgender student who is struggling with their gender identity, so why does this policy propose to avoid parent/guardian involvement? These Model Policies should strive to educate and involve the parents/guardians of transgender students. If teachers, staff, and fellow students are to follow these Model Policies and in essence play an active role in supporting transgender students, then why aren’t the transgender student’s parents/guardians (people who have known them much longer and who are closely involved with their lives) not actively involved? That lack of inclusion makes no sense. It not only creates a great potential for legal issues, but also doesn’t truly help any struggling transgender youth. What could be more helpful to someone struggling with their gender identity than the support and love, or at least acceptance, of their parents/guardians? The other issue I find with these Model Policies is the seeming lack of empathy or thought for the rest of the student population. There are numerous studies cited within the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students, but they all appear to focus on the negative effects of bullying/harassment on transgender students or the positive effects they will receive from a supportive environment. Unfortunately, there don’t appear to be any studies or thought as to the effects these proposed policies will have on the rest of the student population. Has anything as thorough and sweeping as these policies been implemented in a school system before? If so, what are the effects on non-transgender students? Were there any overall negative or positive side-effects? The Model Policies do not delve into that subject area and that is worrisome to me. It concerns me that perhaps the VA Department of Education is so enthusiastic about implementing their policies that they failed to take into account the effects these policies could have on all other students. It’s almost as if the VA Department of Education has decided to focus solely on supporting transgender students at the cost of the overall well-being of the rest of the student population. Does one group’s discomfort negate the discomfort of another group? I don’t think so, but these Model Policies speak differently about the VA Department of Education’s views. I also foresee trouble with locker rooms and restrooms being used by transgender students based upon their consistently asserted gender identity. I do not believe different locker rooms and restrooms are utilized solely based upon gender, but more so based upon genitalia or \"sex\" as it is defined in the Model Policies. This is more a function of utility and utilizing toilets that correspond with persons who are of the same sex, versus a matter of what gender one belongs to or identifies with. I believe the rest of the student population, and their parents/guardians, should be asked as to their comfort level with transgender students utilizing a restroom/locker room that doesn’t correspond with the transgender student’s birth gender. If the officials on the VA Department of Education are comfortable sharing restrooms and locker rooms with transgender people, that is their own choice. It would be presumptuous of the VA Department of Education to assume that the entirety of the students/guardians they are supposed to be representing share those same views. Other items I find concerning: The definitions outlined at the beginning of the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students stating that cisgender versus transgender has to do with gender identity in relation to sex “assigned” at birth. That definition makes it sound as if sex is assigned to babies by some sort of entity or organization. Sex is not “assigned”. Babies are born a specific sex due to chromosomes from their mother and father. The definition used in the VA Department of Education’s policy implies some sort of unfairness in terms of sex “assignment” when really sex is determined by the gametes from one’s parents. The word “assignment” in regards to struggles with gender identity carries connotations of victimization. As if the sex of a person at birth victimizes them if later in life they do not wish to have been born that sex. Another issue I have is with the “Related Laws” section, specifically discussion of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States: “First Amendment: The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and expression. Schools may not prevent students from expressing their identity.” Students have the right to express their identity and this includes their gender identity. Conversely, other students are also free to express their thoughts and feelings in regards to the gender identity of others. These policies from the VA Department of Education seek to diminish that right, wherein even the “improper” use of pronouns or incorrect name can be considered bullying & harassment and thus met with some form of punishment. The VA Education system contains students form many backgrounds, cultures, and religions. They are entitled to have their own thoughts, beliefs, and opinions. They may not accept that another student is a different gender than that particular student’s birth gender and those dissenting students should not be coerced into giving up their differing viewpoints. The First Amendment grants all American citizens, including Virginian students, the freedom to express their beliefs, even those that go against the policy of governing bodies like the VA Department of Education. Granted in an academic environment the expression of this belief must be done in a tactful manner, but those students have the right to express their beliefs all the same. If the VA Department of Education, or another academic institution, seeks to overrule and undermine the expression of dissenting beliefs in regards to these Model Policies, then they are being unconstitutional. They would also be creating an academic environment in which students are not allowed to think for themselves. Acceptance and empathy come from mutual respect and understanding. They do not develop from coercion and especially not from rules forced upon others from any sort of governing body. If the VA Department of Education sincerely wants to create a safe and nurturing academic environment for transgender students, then the Department needs to allow dissenting opinions to be heard and addressed. It needs to trust students to be mature enough to work things out at an individual level and not have their interactions be overly controlled by policies from any sort of administrative department. Lastly, I am curious as to what will become of school sports, specifically female sports. The average male has 10% more muscle mass than the average female. In addition, males are typically taller and heavier than females. Greater strength, height, and weight all play a big factor in athletic success. If a transgender girl wants to play female sports, due to their XY (male) chromosomes, they would be stronger, taller, and heavier than most of their cisgender female competitors. This gives the transgender girl an unfair advantage."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97171", "author": "Supporter", "date": "2021-02-03T23:55:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "All individuals deserve the freedom to live as they choose and to express themselves as they wish."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97172", "author": "Nyx Hauth", "date": "2021-02-03T23:55:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth", "text": "As a resident of Virginia, a graduate from Virginia public schools, and a transgender non-binary individual I know how important it is to support trans youth. In our lives we face countless opposition, bigotry, prejudice, discrimination, and violence. When I was in school there was no inclusivity or even basic awareness. I didn’t encounter the word transgender until I was in high school. This erasure of our existence does irreparable harm. Having an inclusive curriculum and a learning environment safe from discrimination is a basic human right not a privilege."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97173", "author": "L. Smith", "date": "2021-02-03T23:55:00", "title": "100% SUPPORT this! There shouldn’t even be a debate about this. Trans children deserve protection!", "text": "This is ludicrous that this even requires discussion. Trans children, at the end of the day are still children no matter how they choose to present themselves, and they deserve protection just like any other child does. I guarantee the transphobic and homophobic people in opposition to this have never even met an actual Trans person. Because, if they had they would know that they’re not some sick or twisted individual. They are wonderful stand up people who contribute to our society just live everyone else. These people fear things that are different, and things they don’t understand. Do not let their fear put the lives of Trans children in danger!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97174", "author": "Jonathan Wilcoxon", "date": "2021-02-03T23:55:00", "title": "Disgusting. Please NO!", "text": "Absolutely NOT!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97175", "author": "Mom of 3 and teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T23:55:00", "title": "OPPOSE - this is creating social pressure to BECOME trans", "text": "Hi, I'm just trying to be real here, but young children are actually starting to feel PRESSURED to act trans at school. I don't know what is going on, but children feel like they aren't enough if they are just a normal kid who's happy the way they were born. It's not right to discriminate against kids who are not trans. Look at any psychological studies and there are severe psychological consequences for what the schools are trying to do with children. The private life of a child/adult is none of the school's business and for the sake of SANITY, they should treat children biologically. There are criminal characters who will prey on this situation, and I see NO satisfactory prosecution language in the bill to discourage predatory practices that will inevitably arise from these situations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97176", "author": "Martha Cassell", "date": "2021-02-03T23:56:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools", "text": "Everyone enjoys the Divine Right to be treated with civility, patience, kindness and respect for we are ALL children of God. In order to live in a just society, we must give to God what is due to God, the Father and Creator of us all; we must obey His commandments. Therefore, each of us must love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength; and our neighbor as ourselves. While I am in favor of justice, including the right of each human being to be treated with dignity and respect, I oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment Virginia's public school because they violate my right to speak the truth when referring to the God given gender of every human being as determined by every individual's particular DNA."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97177", "author": "E.B.", "date": "2021-02-03T23:56:00", "title": "Seek to support the whole child - concerns with current proposal", "text": "Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Virginia Department of Education Model Policies for Transgender Students . As a parent of two girls in the public school system, I am very concerned about these proposed model policies for two primary reasons: 1) they overlook the complexities of how children and adolescents might be experiencing life by supporting only one part of how that child expresses themselves and not seeking to support the whole child 2) they infringe on parental rights. The proposed policies put how a child under 18 might feel about themselves and their [gender] identity without acknowledging or wanting to affirm all of the other aspects that make the child unique and human. In a recent podcast, Brené Brown asked her guest for the best life advice they could give in a slogan – their response “Don’t believe everything you think or feel.”  Are these policies encouraging adults to jump to conclusions about questions children and adolescents may be having and feelings they are feeling by encouraging transgender expressions that might not be permanent? These proposed policies appear to disregard the stages of adolescent development in particular. The brain is still maturing and changing and how adolescents understand and think about gender identity is different than how adults do. (see: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Stages-of-Adolescence.aspx ) Children – adolescents especially – are often questioning their bodies, their looks, and their abilities. They are still learning who they are and how to navigate this world, but are bombarded with conflicting messages on TV and the media about gender stereotypes, sexual harassment and any other number of issues. All of these things should be discussed with children in the context of their feelings about gender or gender dysphoria. Could these policies push children into a box and move them along a continuum of hormone therapy or permanent physical changes when for some, they just might just be trying to express themselves outside cultural stereotypes or “follow the crowd”? I urge VA DOE to consider the unintended consequences the immediate and total affirmation of a child’s transgender expression may have on a child or adolescent who cannot yet fully comprehend these feelings like adults can , and who later might feel that they want to go back to expressing themselves as the gender they were previously. Could all of this affirmation (possibly without discussing with the child’s parents) be oversimplifying the bigger identity questions at hand? 2) The proposed policies would strip the rights of parents to care for their own children who are under the age of 18. As a parent, I expect the school to let me know when my child’s behavior is different, or they are sick or they are not performing as they used to, why would a school choose to hold this information from me as a parent, when any other information that concerns my child would be shared with me (health, behavior, grades, etc.). It is my responsibility as a parent to love my children and care for them in the ways I see best to support their development, education, health and welfare according to my family’s ideals. It is also my constitutional right. The proposed policies suggest that gender is subjective to each individual  person and can be therefore only be fully known by the individual and what they choose to communicate. There is nothing that suggests that we are a product of our nurturing as well as our nature – i.e. that the school should confer with a parent when a student expresses transgenderism to understand how things are going at the home. For minor children, schools should be working with parents to help children move through childhood and adolescence, rather than suggesting that teachers or administrators hide important information, such as this, from parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97178", "author": "Olimia", "date": "2021-02-03T23:56:00", "title": "support!!!!!! support", "text": "support trans kids making informed decisions that will benefit their wellbeing"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97179", "author": "Lydia X. Z. Brown", "date": "2021-02-03T23:56:00", "title": "Strongly support creating a better future for trans students", "text": "I am a nonbinary trans person, as well as an attorney and advocate, who lived for a time in Virginia and still works in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. I wish that policies like these had existed when I was a student, because it would have made it more possible for me to feel safe and supported. It also would have made it more possible for many of my friends - some of whom did not come out as trans until well into their twenties, thirties, or even forties - to feel safe and supported. I am particularly hopeful for trans students of color and trans students with disabilities, who face compounded marginalization, stigma, and discrimination. I am especially encouraged by the model policy's careful attention to the emotional and psychological needs of transgender students around privacy (including from families), respectful identification, nondiscriminatory policies, and protection from bullying. Because so many transgender youth do not have supportive or affirming families, it's even more important for schools to protect their privacy, respect their chosen names and pronouns (if different from those given at birth), and create a welcoming environment. This policy is not perfect, but it is an important and valuable start to creating a more equitable environment in schools. I grew up in a deeply conservative Christian church where many people and leadership believed that it is sinful to assert an LGBTQ identity, including a transgender one. I understand that there are many people who live in Virginia who share the beliefs of people in my parents' church, and who therefore feel uncomfortable (at best) with the proposed policy's adoption. While I wish this were different, respectfully, I submit that their feelings do not matter when the lives, health, and safety of vulnerable students are at stake. This policy does not force students or parents who adhere to such belief systems to adopt new belief systems; it only requires school officials to foster an environment where no matter what someone's gender is, they will be treated respectfully, and hopefully, kindly. One need not \"agree\" with my gender for it to be real, nor for me to deserve to be treated respectfully. I can only hope that this model policy comes into full force and effect, so that trans students in Virginia might experience even at least a slight improvement in their school climate. They deserve no less."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97181", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:56:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly  oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97180", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:56:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly  oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97182", "author": "Toni Gosinski", "date": "2021-02-03T23:56:00", "title": "unfortunately; this policy has many serious issues that violate the rights of and discriminate again", "text": "The VDOE Transgender Model Policy  is required by ill-advised law, unfortunately; this policy has many serious issues that violate the rights of and discriminate against all other students and parents, remove parents from faculty decisions, and other issues. The terminology on page 6 should not be taught at the K-9 level.  At the very least the definitions for “gender identity” and “gender non-conforming” should state “sex determined at birth” NOT assigned.  The determination of the sex of the person is at genetic (DNA) and at the cellular level, as well as anatomical level.  The sex of the person is not a choice, but SCIENCE. The terminology is not based on or reference any source or legal documents.  The terms are inappropriately contrived. The proposed policy duplicates the principals and policies of Virginia Code, Title 22.1-279.6., school board policies which must include standards to discipline students and protect all students, including to prohibit discrimination, bias and harassment, bullying , intimidation, and many other social behaviors that can negatively affect transgender students. No student should be harassed, bullied or shunned, including children who have gender-identity dysphoria, questions or issues.  We must be compassionate and understanding of all people. The proposed policy wrongfully forces parents and students who do not agree with promoting and encouraging transgender behaviors to comply with pronoun use, bathroom/locker room/overnight room choices of a student or faculty proclaimed.  While page 17 states that this should be based on the “consistently asserted gender identity”, the policy discusses in the terminology on page 6 that gender identity that may, on page 6: “Gender expression may change over time and from day-to-day and is not necessarily related to the person’s gender identity.”  Also, on page 6, gender-fluid.” These definitions and elsewhere leaves open the consideration that students may change their decisions about their identity from day to day and not be questioned about that decision. Students at this age require parental supervision, and the school has no place to allow any student to use any facility without question, as stated on page 17.  This policy opens the door for singling out and punishing or abusing the childhood innocents, values, and morals, violating their privacy, causing potential embarrassment, and disrespect, which is due to those non-transgender students. If a student, under the uncertainty of the seemingly endless and “fluid” variations of gender-identity, or is confused about fluid transgender demands, they may face punitive action, without faculty notifying parents (page 17).  This is unacceptable.  This section should be changed to insist on notifying the parents, while appropriately respecting the privacy of all students.  The DOE in their model has seemingly forgotten that all children and parents have needs, rights, and respect due of their beliefs, norms, morals, and civil and Constitutional rights. The DOE has fully neglected to have fair and equal representation among the drafters of this model policy, including conservative transgender and non-transgender faculty, parents, teachers, staff, institutions (e.g. Virginia Catholic Conference), and other faith community (array of religions). Has the DOE forgotten that there is a protection of religious freedom in the Constitution? The policy violates parents’ right raise their child under threat of school faculty pursuing the removal from the home and parents through Child Protective Services, a child who is exploring their sexuality and transgender behaviors, if the parents disagree with the behavior or try to otherwise influence or discuss their opinion with their child. This policy should at least not undermine the beliefs and rights of parents to determine how to raise their children.  It should be written in a balanced approach that respects the beliefs and rights of the majority as well as those who have gender dysphoria or transgender behavior. The policy wrongfully requires school faculty to hide a child's transgender and sexual exploration from parents they or the child deem will not be fully accepting.  The policy wrongfully prohibits parents from explaining to their child their views or their religious understanding of our human status, for example, that a person’s sex is determined, not “assigned” at the cellular and DNA level as male or female and beliefs about the unity of body and soul, or risk involvement by Child Protective Services and possibly removal of the child from the home. Nowhere does the policy address the viewpoint of transgender behavior being potentially an experimental, defiant behavior, and the possibility that it is not well formed but inappropriately influenced by other students, faculty, or contacts.  To reduce a parent’s role to simply accepting the decision of the faculty and a child, under threat of removal, is nothing short of a totalitarian, authoritarian control. The policy requires schools to punish for harassment students who fail to use preferred transgender pronouns (e.g. hirs, zem, they) that are not formally set or accepted in the English language. The policy should emphasize the use of proper names instead of pronouns.  Pronouns in a scholastic environment are male, female and neuter.  The complication of endless, unofficial, whimsically determined pronouns is improper, just as incorrect use of grammar is improper. Mandating unaccepted pronouns adds stress to students/children and undermines the innocents and moral upbringing of a vast majority of children. Prohibiting any gender-specific school events and attire is wrong and hypocritical, given the huge modifications and changes being directed by this policy document to accommodate the transgender community.  There are many employers, academia, and other institutions that allow and encourage ubiquitous transgender events and fora: clubs, workshops, bathroom facilities, conferences, workgroups, etc. One can expect the same would happen at schools. Why should there not be events and fora open to all students, while some open to girls, boys, or transgender students, for example, Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop, a girls’ choir, girls cheerleading team? This policy ultimately is not about discrimination. Rather, it imposes a transgender agenda on our students and school staff. The first page of the policy lists the pro-gay and LGBT organizations that contributed to these policy standards. However, input from religious institutions appears to be completely bypassed, undermining and denying the religious beliefs and rights of a vast number of parents and student children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97183", "author": "Mark 10:6", "date": "2021-02-03T23:57:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. Mark 10:6"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97184", "author": "Joshua", "date": "2021-02-03T23:57:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "SUPPORTTTTTT TRANS KIDS!!!!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97185", "author": "Sameeksha Chintakrindi", "date": "2021-02-03T23:57:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans lives matter. We have to protect trans kids in our education system. The Trevor Project's National Survey shows Transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by all or most people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected as well as more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth having seriously considered suicide. We can prevent this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97186", "author": "Susan O. Johnson", "date": "2021-02-03T23:57:00", "title": "Wholeheartedly approve!", "text": "I write from the perspective of a former educator with seventeen years of teaching in primary grade classrooms, as the mother of three grown children, and five grandchildren, one of whom is transgender. These guidelines outline policies that will provide a safe, supportive, and kind school environment for all children. This type of environment is needed by all children in order to learn and grow to their potential. Someone wise once said, \"I don't remember many words my teachers said, or books or things they showed me, but I do remember how they made me feel\". I finished high school nearly a half-century ago, but my most vivid memories are of times when I had intense feelings: winning an award, a teacher's private and sincere compliment on my writing, classmates teasing me about my skinny legs or laughing at my failed attempts to climb the rope in gym class. The good feelings make you float on air and want to work harder; the horrible feelings blot out everything and turn your day black. These guidelines will help children have those good feelings, and minimize the horrible ones."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97187", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:57:00", "title": "Support Trans Kids", "text": "I stand in support of trans kids in Virginia and strongly support this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97188", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:57:00", "title": "Think of all who will be effected", "text": "Think of all that would be effected sit down and think about this from all angles sit and think of all the bad the horrible things this can bring"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97189", "author": "Olivia", "date": "2021-02-03T23:57:00", "title": "SUPPORT TRANS YOUTH", "text": "SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97190", "author": "Rev. Yusei", "date": "2021-02-03T23:57:00", "title": "Support trans youth", "text": "The ignorant and intensely discriminatory comments are all evidence to why such policy is needed. The proposed policy is a good start. I attended public school in Virginia from kindergarten through university and wish it could've been in place when I was growing up."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97191", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:57:00", "title": "Support Freedom", "text": "Even though I identify as male from birth, there are countless other students who feel restricted by their identity. If others want to identify or change their genders they should be allowed to do so, especially the younger generation. Kids should be protected to avoid harassment for their gender or sexual identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97192", "author": "Michele Smith", "date": "2021-02-03T23:58:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose the Policy Guidance", "text": "This guidance is purported to be all about transgender students and their rights and protection.  It, in fact, is more about excluding parents from the responsibility, prerogative and authority to teach THEIR children values they believe to be in the child's best interest and proper development of a value system in agreement with their religious values.  Children are being taken under the control of the school system in a fashion that excludes and possibly punishes parents.  This a violation of the family's religious freedom to teach and instill moral values in accordance with their religious faith.  This is offensive AND unconstitutional.  I am OPPOSED to the State inflicted Policy Guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97193", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:58:00", "title": "Strongly support trans children", "text": "Strongly support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97194", "author": "BEN LINUS", "date": "2021-02-03T23:58:00", "title": "SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT", "text": "To all of the pearl clutchers, stop using children as leverage for hate-mongering because you don’t understand the complexities of modern day gender and sexual identities! Support these children who are our future. I’ve babysat trans kids. They’re some of the sweetest kids I’ve ever met and it hurts my heart and scares me to know so many people want them to have less human rights. I support this policy and VA lawmakers should too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97195", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:58:00", "title": "Reject the policy guidance document", "text": "This policy is outrageous. As a parent of an elementary-aged daughter, it is unthinkable to have a biological boy sharing a bathroom or locker room with her. Please revise the policy to provide appropriate protections for all children, including those who are not transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97196", "author": "Linda", "date": "2021-02-03T23:58:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "While I believe that each person should be considered valuable and shown kindness and respect, the basis for many of the guidelines in the proposed policies really have nothing to do with this at all. They will not really benefit the transgender students in any way, and are based on promoting deception of one kind or another. It is encouraging students of all ages, from the very young to the often tumultuous teenage years, to question the truth of the biological sex that they were born with and to possibly make life altering and harmful decisions based almost entirely on \"feelings\" alone long before they are mature enough to understand the consequences of such decisions.  The teaching and promoting of this ideology based on the definition of gender identity, (Definitions, P.6) will not help to reduce the confusion that some students have with their own feelings.  It will however, add confusion to the majority of students who accept that they are the biological sex/gender that they were born with and would never have even thought of questioning it. Studies show that a large percentage of children suffering from gender dysphoria have the feelings alleviated when they go through puberty.  Stop focusing on gender so much and start affirming the qualities of the individual as a human being. As well the proposed policies promote the idea of secrecy from their parents which is another form of deception which is also infringing on parents' rights.  It assumes that the school officials know what is better for the child than that child's own parents and encourages the child to trust them more than their own parents. This is harmful to the unity of the family. The parents have the right to know if their school age child is involved in a behavior that may be harmful to their child or goes against the religious or moral convictions that they are teaching them. There are many cases with children, that if their parents had known in time what they were really doing they could have addressed it and helped steer them away from far worse consequences than \"parental disapproval\". The premise that gender identity is based on the innate sense of the person, regardless of the biological truth (male and female chromosomes and reproductive organs), and that it does not require proof of any kind and can change after any duration of time (Recommended Standards, P 12), means that basically the entire school staff, student body and parents have to adjust the entire way that classrooms are run based on the personal feelings of a very small minority. Not to belittle their emotions, which are a very real source of concern to some of them, but no other people group has required the entire surrounding population to change the grammar of the language that they use (referring to pronouns) to avoid offending them. While the common use of good manners, kindness and respect toward others should be observed by all no matter what race, gender or religious belief or the lack thereof, expecting teachers and other students to begin to learn and memorize a  possibly endless and constantly changing list of new pronouns, which can apparently be made up at will and on a daily basis by the transgender students, and try to remember who gets called what each day is not only impractical, it is pretty much impossible. Teachers will be in danger of losing their jobs if they do not refer to a student by the chosen pronouns, causing some to have to go against their conscience and lie when they call what they know to be a \"he\", a \"she\" or else face serious consequences.  This is discrimination against their religious convictions and a form of harassing.  Students of both sexes are in danger of having no privacy from having the opposite sex in restrooms or locker rooms with them.  All of this is caused by the \"innate sense\", i.e. feelings, of a student, that cannot be proven and which are not required to have any substantiating evidence, and which they can then claim to change at any time, no questions asked.  And based on the definition of \"gender identity,\" how can anyone really know that a biological teenage boy, for example, is actually truly identifying as a girl and is not just claiming to be so that they can get a peek in the girls' locker room?  Having gone through public school P.E. class and having had to strip down, shower and dress just with other girls, I can say it was extremely difficult being that exposed even to people of the same sex, especially during the time of puberty, and I dreaded it every day.  I cannot imagine what the students under these policies would feel having to be in those conditions along with the opposite sex.  Is all of this really what public school is to be about? It seems to be creating a very self-centered society that is overly sensitive and offended by everything.  How about using the hard earned money of the taxpayers who support the school system to actually teach academics such as reading, writing and arithmetic, along with true history, science, (remember biology in which, for thousands of years, people were born male or female?) and the Bible, which used to be taught, and which contains a wealth of wisdom which is sadly lacking in the educational system, as well as good character traits like honesty, integrity, honoring parents, hard work and excellence? I say no to this proposed policy and very strongly oppose it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97197", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:58:00", "title": "strongly support-- support trans kids", "text": "Trans kids deserve to be protected in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97198", "author": "FCPS Teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T23:58:00", "title": "Opposed on Ethical Grounds - Encourage Dialogue instead of Silencing Concerns", "text": "As a dedicated FCPS teacher with a love and care for all students, I have significant ethical concerns about the guidelines proposed in this document. By instructing all school staff to take a student's gender identity at face value without any kind of supporting documentation, these guidelines minimize the possibility of exploring underlying psychological factors that may be contributing to a student's experience of gender dysphoria, and further, invite schools to keep this information from a student's parents. These guidelines also would compel speech from school staff who have good-faith concerns and reservations about a student's social and/or medical transition. This document pits teachers against students, and silences concerned voices, rather than encouraging a healthy and pluralistic school dialogue about what is best for students. I would ask our legislators to please think further about this topic, and as one example, examine this testimony from de-transitioner Keira Bell, whose witness led the United Kingdom to ban hormone treatments for minors: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7926675/Witness-court-battle-against-gender-clinic-reveals-happened-cry-help.html"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97199", "author": "K. Herming", "date": "2021-02-03T23:58:00", "title": "OPPOSE - No statewide mandate!!", "text": "Communities should get to decide how they handle these sorts of situations. This is absolutely wrong and I oppose the state taking such a blanket one-size-fits-all approach to this. Trans/gender issues are not the state's business. It has no right in this arena. These are PARENTAL issues."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97200", "author": "Jerry Gill", "date": "2021-02-03T23:58:00", "title": "The proposed Virginia Department of Education transgender policy is wrongheaded and evil.", "text": "This policy will give schools more say over a child’s complicated sex life than parents. It will enable or force children to make decisions about their personal sexual, and therefore, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual identity, without their parents help or knowledge, when many or most are not mature enough to understand the full implications of their decision. It will also trample the rights of others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97201", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:58:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "strongly support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97202", "author": "camille", "date": "2021-02-03T23:59:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97203", "author": "Morgan", "date": "2021-02-03T23:59:00", "title": "No! Strongly oppose.", "text": "Strongly oppose! How many of you that agree and support this are actually parents?!?!? How many kids will be violated in bathrooms and locker rooms because of this? How many children will get pregnant or get stds because of this? How many kids will end up in foster care because of this?   You’re not thinking this through!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97205", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:59:00", "title": "Please stop", "text": "Please don't do this. Students are children and this could have a serious negative and lasting impact. Let them choose as adults once they are developed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97204", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:59:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support this bill. Those crying infringement upon their religious rights do not understand their actual rights. Transgender students have the right to be free of YOUR religious IMPOSITION. There is infringement or imposition upon you by folks for being trans and existing in this world. Organized Religion is a cancer to this world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97206", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:59:00", "title": "Absolutely Not", "text": "This is wrong on so many levels, why are we even taking this into consideration?  A child has to be reminded to make his bed, brush his teeth and do his homework.  Why would we think they would have the mindset to make such a big decision and it is just to be accepted? What about the Child who is content with how God made them, do they have any rights left?  What about my child or grandchildren?  Does it matter that he would be uncomfortable going into a Men's Restroom with a \"Girl\" because she has decided to be a boy this year?  This is just so wrong!  We kick God out of the schools, yet we accept this as right?   This makes me so sad that we have to worry about something like this,  a place where a child is supposed to be learning to read and write.  I Strongly oppose this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97207", "author": "Lilly Wood- Lynchburg Students Rise", "date": "2021-02-03T23:59:00", "title": "strongly agree!!! this is so important for students in our schools", "text": "this is so important!! strongly agree."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97208", "author": "Student", "date": "2021-02-03T23:59:00", "title": "My Identity is NOT up for Debate! Trans student", "text": "My Identity is NOT up for Debate! Trans student"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97209", "author": "Concerned Parent and Teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T23:59:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "This bill has too many gray areas that can cause problems when used by overzealous individuals.  Virginia can do better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97210", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T23:59:00", "title": "Extremely Opposed", "text": "This is wrong on so many levels. This violates the rights and privacy of every student. This violates parental rights. By forcing specific terminology, this violates the first amendment right to freedom of speech. This will not create a safe or healthy learning environment for all students, as it discriminates against the majority. I see lawsuits in Virginia’s future"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97211", "author": "Din", "date": "2021-02-04T00:00:00", "title": "No we don’t need that.", "text": "No, we don’t need that in our school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97212", "author": "Jessie French", "date": "2021-02-04T00:00:00", "title": "I strongly OPPOSE", "text": "There are already laws in place to protect children at school. This law removes parental rights. This would take away the rights of the children who may not feel comfortable being subjected to sharing restrooms with others of the opposite gender. I completely disagree with this idea!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97213", "author": "Cat", "date": "2021-02-04T00:00:00", "title": "No for transgender", "text": "it is not loving to add the opposite sex to sports bathroom showets it is complicated issue and it will make the consequences worse. schools should be teaching academic studies and not social warrior issues. School is failing because you are getting away from the purpose of the school system. You are encouraging confusion"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97214", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-04T00:00:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I am extremely supportive of this!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97215", "author": "Concerned Mom", "date": "2021-02-04T00:00:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose. This strips parents of basic rights to do what they think is best for their children. It is an infringement on religious beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97216", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-04T00:00:00", "title": "OPPOSE - bad people will lie about being trans", "text": "I have experienced men lying about their sexual preference and have abused it to commit perverse and disturbing acts in women's restrooms, etc. High School boys (i have 2) are just as prone to perverse behavior and I see no way in this bill that a school could penalize appropriately if someone abused these well-intended policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97217", "author": "Caity Shields", "date": "2021-02-04T00:00:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support this guidance, as K-12 school has no value if it does not maintain a safe learning environment where all students, faculty, and staff are respected, heard, treated with dignity, and empowered to be their best, most authentic selves. As much as I want to write an entire novel in this space to express how this affects my life and my loved ones, I feel it is important to acknowledge that Trans rights and LGBTQIA+ rights should be respected by all, regardless of whether or not you take it personally. Protect every single person. Trans and non-binary students are vulnerable and can be supported."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97218", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-04T00:00:00", "title": "concerned", "text": "Generally support, but am concerned about the locker room /rest rooms question in schools without adequate facilities for privacy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97219", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-04T00:02:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I believe this should be something that is adressed at home, and not in the school setting. Additionally, in the interest of women's sports, I strongly support limiting the participation to biological women."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97220", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-04T00:03:00", "title": "As a taxpayer I oppose this.", "text": "As a taxpayer in Fairfax County, we believe that the focus of education is to teach our kids on normal subject matter, not material that should be handled by parents of \"transgender\" students, not the teachers and school officials. Our schools should not be assigning gender designations. One of those subjects is Biology which teaches that we have 23 pairs of chromosomes that are identical except for the 23rd which distinguishes between male from female.  The female has 2 X chromosomes and the male has an X and Y.  If there is some variance of this normal biology, then the parents need to consult a medical specialist in that area, i.e., chromosome irregularities. Too much time is spent in our schools on student social issues and not enough time on standard classroom education and discipline. Our schools should be teaching our children to advance their knowledge and abilities in things like math, science and technology because the US is ranked lower than other countries in the world and needs to improve. In addition, school budgets are always tight and the funding provided (in Fairfax County - $3B) to educate our children should be used for that, not on material that should be addressed by parents and family. Schools should provide parents with names and contact information for professionals who can address this issue with them. Schools should always provide a safe environment for all students no matter what gender, nationality, race, etc., they may be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97221", "author": "Christina", "date": "2021-02-04T00:07:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree", "text": "This violates rights in so many ways, this is dangerous and 100% wrong!!! A child cannot support themselves let alone make this kind of decision! This should NOT even be top priority or even a concern. Please do notove forward with this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97222", "author": "Appalled taxpayer", "date": "2021-02-04T00:38:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!!", "text": "This is psychologically and physically dangerous for girls to have biological boys and young men in their bathrooms and changing rooms.  This is an invasion of privacy.  And what about girls who have been sexually abused?  Even the thought of being invaded by boys in the bathroom would trigger flashbacks/ severe anxiety/ complete avoidance of the bathroom ALL DAY!  What about the rights of 99.9% of the population to feel safe and comfortable?!! Based on these guidelines, there’s no way to determine whether someone is genuinely experiencing gender dysphoria or just exploiting the situation “for fun” or to prey on young girls and young women..... or to get a teacher whom they don’t like fired (for not using their “preferred pronouns”).  There’s nothing measurable/ verifiable in the guidelines.  A biological male can simply say they feel like a girl.  That’s all they need to say to compel others’ speech.... and invade girls’ changing rooms.... and play girls’ basketball?!!! The whole idea that “gender identity” is different from biological sex (determined by chromosomes and anatomy) is a pseudoscientific bogus THEORY.  This is absolutely NOT PROVEN. The vast majority of children/ teens who struggle with gender confusion come to accept/ be comfortable with their bodies.  This is something that can be worked through with parents, children, counselors, spiritual advisors.  This is not something for the school to deal with with the student APART from the parent!  Encouraging gender confusion at school and keeping this secret from the parents is absolutely WRONG and just invites lawsuits! Enforcing these guidelines would result in CHAOS and CONFUSION.  Stick to teaching MATH, READING, SCIENCE!  Taxpayers do not give you permission to indoctrinate children with the latest fad ideologies and perform social experiments on their children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97225", "author": "b4all", "date": "2021-02-04T08:10:00", "title": "Opposed There should be zero tolerance for bullying", "text": "There should be zero tolerance for bullying. This proposal pushes a singular agenda for a particular issue and fails to pursue the wellbeing of all students-equally. It also undermines a parent's ability to pursue the best interests of their child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97227", "author": "Steven", "date": "2021-02-05T09:14:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "strongly opposed to this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97244", "author": "Jane McKenzie", "date": "2021-02-16T17:11:00", "title": "I have a grandchild who has been diagnosed as transgender.", "text": "My heart breaks for his future. Our children have been through so much counseling and medical consultants to help them guide him. Today he is a happy girl that his parents have encouraged him to be. This is hard in the family today. Can you please put you selves in their position of how my beloved grandchild will face the rest of her life. Let here  be for now as she identified with and help her sustain her successful life"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96141", "author": "Baylee", "date": "2021-02-03T18:51:00", "title": "PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CHILDREN!!", "text": "Please don’t let this flop. Support our children. All rights matter"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96142", "author": "Frederick Riemer", "date": "2021-02-03T18:51:00", "title": "Draft model policies for the treatment of transgender studentsD", "text": "I strongly urge that nothing be done to encourage declarations of transgenderism or to further the trend of denying parents information that they need to rear their children responsibly. This is a subject for parents, children, and their medical & spiritual advisors to deal with, NOT governmental entities including public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96143", "author": "Valerie Ward", "date": "2021-02-03T18:52:00", "title": "Oppose to the highest degree", "text": "These are children we are talking about, not adults.  Boys and girls should not be sharing the same bathroom or locker room!  Boys and girls should not have to marked with a pronoun.  Lastly, we send our children to school to get an education not be coddled by a teacher who doesn't see it in the best interest of a child to reach out to their parents and let them know what is going on in their child's life.  I honestly cannot even believe this is being proposed by the VDOE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96144", "author": "Doug", "date": "2021-02-03T18:52:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed!", "text": "These policies are against all religious teaching and basic human morality. Anyone that is for these types of policies in our schools is promoting pedophilia and supporting child abuse and should be arrested, confined and kept away from any child. Any law maker that publicly supports these policies should be immediately impeached and incarcerated for pedophilia in order to protect all of the states children. Should this be passed, all supporting State Legislators, Governor, State Officials, all School Board Officials, Teachers and all School Personnel will be held accountable should any single child be abused as a result of these policies. All area churches will see that this happens quickly and to the greatest extent of the law. The lawsuits will be endless."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96145", "author": "William J. Long Jr", "date": "2021-02-03T18:52:00", "title": "VERY STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I very STRONGLY oppose ALL aspects of this Statewide Transgender School Policy as proposed by the VDOE.  These proposed changes are extremely short-sighted and very harmful for children, and the authors of this bill have not thought through the implications.  In particular, the proposition of boys or young men being in the presence of undressed women will cause rape and other sexual violations.  How are faculty and students able to remember \"preferred pronouns for many different student, which may change from day to day?  These policies also violate the U.S. Constitution, in that there are no exceptions for students, parents or teachers whose religious faith prevents them from conforming to transgender ideology and policies. Thank you for considering these comments, William J. Long Jr."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96146", "author": "Cindy", "date": "2021-02-03T18:52:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed!", "text": "These policies are against all religious teaching and basic human morality. Anyone that is for these types of policies in our schools is promoting pedophilia and supporting child abuse and should be arrested, confined and kept away from any child. Any law maker that publicly supports these policies should be immediately impeached and incarcerated for pedophilia in order to protect all of the states children. Should this be passed, all supporting State Legislators, Governor, State Officials, all School Board Officials, Teachers and all School Personnel will be held accountable should any single child be abused as a result of these policies. All area churches will see that this happens quickly and to the greatest extent of the law. The lawsuits will be endless."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96147", "author": "Julia Downer", "date": "2021-02-03T18:57:00", "title": "Strongly Agree", "text": "Strongly agree - we need to protect and include our trans children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96148", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T18:58:00", "title": "VOTE NO!  OPPOSED!", "text": "I am here to ask you to NOT add the sexuality-related language, particularly \"gender identity,\" to the Equal Opportunity policy.  I ask that you not include transgender boys in my daughter's locker room. OR transgender girls in my son's locker room. I am against this because I feel like you are taking my children’s innocence away.  I cannot support biological males being in my daughter’s bathroom or locker room nor can I support girls in my son’s bathroom or locker room.   It will damage more children than it saves. It creates tremendous confusion and I blame liberals for this.  All of a sudden you have power and you are going way overboard! Aside from the kids that may have an issue, what about the kids that don’t?  Do they have to suffer with a different gender invading their privacy? Will it be a male teacher in my son’s locker room monitoring the transgender girl getting changed or the Female teacher monitoring a boy in the girl’s room? In this environment we live in today, how could you possibly think this is okay? I want you to think about your own kids and how you grew up.  Did you have the opposite gender in your bathrooms?  Why do this now? I think this is absolutely absurd and should not even be a discussion.  I am sure if you go into bathrooms anywhere, you are appalled when someone from the opposite gender walks in.  I do!  and several people that voted on this in the past have regretted their votes.  I can remember one encountering a man in the same bathroom with her 6 year old daughter!  She couldn't believe she voted in favor of this.  I guess unless it happens to you directly, you don't care??? Go ahead, destroy our kids even more with this garbage.  They have been out of school for almost a year and then you throw this crap at them.  It will only backfire in your face! My children won't be taking gym class then."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96149", "author": "B Greene", "date": "2021-02-03T18:59:00", "title": "Guidance for trnasgenders in the public schools", "text": "Totally NUTS!  Why the hell cannot the DoE get down to delivering quality education and forget about drool like this.  Our public school systems have failed many generations of students.  VA and the US is way behind even underdeveloped nations and we spend probably more per student than most countries.  A failure of leadership in the system AND in the state legislature but the libs just keep it up and things keep getting worse and worse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96150", "author": "E B", "date": "2021-02-03T19:00:00", "title": "FULL SUPPORT", "text": "I am in full support of the protection of nonbinary and trans kids. I wish this protection and this opportunity was available when I was in grade school. There is life-long impact from trauma around not being able to participate as your authentic self, especially at school, which is many kids escape from dysfunction at home. We must protect ALL children. They are our future."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96151", "author": "Nicole C.", "date": "2021-02-03T19:00:00", "title": "Strongly Agree", "text": "Trans rights are human rights!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96152", "author": "Richard", "date": "2021-02-03T19:00:00", "title": "Support our trans students and their families", "text": "I am very proud of Virginia just to get to this point of having this policy discussion.  I am fully supportive of creating policy around best practices that promotes an open and free education/school environment for trans children. This is needed to support them and their families, allowing those children to get an equal education with protections against bullying and discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96153", "author": "Tanya Ingram", "date": "2021-02-03T19:01:00", "title": "This disgusts me", "text": "I am so sadden by this. I am not discriminating against anybody that wants to change who they were born, but my daughter should not have to worry about seeing a penis when she is in the bathroom having to deal with her own issues. God gave us different body parts and this is how we need to identify which bathroom a child uses. Also if a child identifies as something else then that is up to the parent and the child to let the teacher know. Yes the child might not feel comfortable telling the parent but that gives no right for the state to take them away from the parent. I am sickened that the teacher would get into trouble with not using the correct term. But if a child identifies as one or the other then they need to understand that most individuals do not know these terms or how to use them or can remember to use them. I will be taking my daughter out of public school if this passes and cannot imagine what doors you are opening up if this passes. I see rape, i see children having sex more in the bathrooms I also see teachers getting blamed for something that they might not be comfortable in doing or saying"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96154", "author": "Kayde Guenthner", "date": "2021-02-03T19:01:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I am opposed to the proposed legislation. I believe in equal rights but I also worry about the environment this creates for my children who are being raised with traditional Christian values. School is a place for learning. I'm not sure I want my children learning about such things or being distracted by such an environment. It makes me strongly consider enrolling my children in private school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96155", "author": "Denise", "date": "2021-02-03T19:02:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender", "text": "Keep our girls safe.  I,as a grown woman, would not feel comfortable changing in the locker room with a man.  Don't make our young girls feel like they need to hide or change elsewhere.  If you are biological male, regardless of how you identify, you use the male locker room."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96156", "author": "Anonymous Feminist", "date": "2021-02-03T19:02:00", "title": "In support of equal rights for all, maintaining the equal rights of women and girls", "text": "The legislation directs policies for a \" safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for ALL students \".  Women and men have equal rights.  Women are physically different than biological men.  In order to maintain equitable opportunities in sports, they must be limited to a single biological sex. Biological females/males should have the right to change and use the bathroom in a single biological sex space as sharing a space with the opposite biological sex would promote a intimidating environment. Childhood and adolescence can be a confusing time. While some children experience gender dysphoria, even the World Professional Association for Transgender Health reports that this feeling does not inevitably continue into adulthood. Children should receive accurate information about human biology and reproduction. Educational policies can support all students without promoting and reinforcing this feeling of anxiety, uncertainty and discomfort with ones' own biological sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96157", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:02:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed - Dangerous for Both Cis and non-binary Children", "text": "I am strongly opposed. Not only is it not safe for cis-gender students, but for non-binary students as well. Cis-gender students may feel uncomfortable in the bathroom or locker room when a member of the opposite biological sex enters. Cis-gender students may not know without doubt that the other student identifies truly as non-binary. Students who identify as non-binary are at risk of being accused of falsifying their identities to gain entrance to bathrooms and locker rooms of the opposite biological sex. Students who identify as non-binary risk bodily harm when entering bathrooms and locker rooms of the opposite biological sex. I believe that non-binary individuals should be loved, supported, and accepted in our community, but not by adding risk to themselves as well as cis-gender individuals. There must be another way to practice inclusivity for the non-binary population without excluding cis-gender individuals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96158", "author": "Sandy", "date": "2021-02-03T19:03:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAGREE", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation. It’s a mechanical thing. If you have male parts you use men’s bathroom. If you have female parts you use women’s bathroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96159", "author": "concerned citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T19:03:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!!", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender guidelines.  It is wrong to spend my tax dollars to promote issues that I disagree with."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96160", "author": "Kevin", "date": "2021-02-03T19:04:00", "title": "Very strongly opposed", "text": "Keep your virtue signaling to yourselves. Don't push your morals on others. Stick to reading, writing, and arithmetic."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96161", "author": "Public School Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:04:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "This is a compassionate and thoughtful document. I support making our schools a safe and welcoming place for trans students.  I support this document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96162", "author": "Nicholas Hubbard", "date": "2021-02-03T19:06:00", "title": "Trans - students", "text": "I strongly oppose this demonic filth being taught to our children, it’s"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96163", "author": "Sharon Slingerland", "date": "2021-02-03T19:07:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Children, especially those in elementary school, have a hard enough time growing into their bodies and knowing the difference between boys and girls.  It is ok if they want to share bathrooms and bedrooms at home, but in a public area there should be strictly separate areas.  For those children in middle and high school, their bodies are developing and children are adjusting to those changes.  For some girls, changing in front of another girl is very embarrassing, but to have to change in front of a boy who thinks for the moment he is a girl could be very traumatic!  And does that boy really think he is a girl or is he just saying so so that he can go into the girls room/locker room to see girls in all stages of undressed.  Think!!!  Would you want your teen aged daughter to share a locker room with a boy!  I think not!  Use your heads to change this back to separate girl/boy/family rest rooms and locker rooms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96164", "author": "B hartman", "date": "2021-02-03T19:08:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I strongly oppose this. I dont believe it is the schools place to guide my child in deciding there gender god decided that for the moment they were conceived. Also I should not be criminalized because i encourage them by letting them know that was the way god made them. The government is quick to tell me i cant call my boys but they are not worried about real issues like real child abusers, or drug addicts that keep having babys that are addicted to drugs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96165", "author": "Marty McClevey", "date": "2021-02-03T19:08:00", "title": "I oppose this policy (provisions for counselling, safety, hypocrisy).", "text": "This policy will not alleviate nor resolve their fears, depression or confusion (p.9 P13) as brought on and manifest due to their chosen new identity.  This policy lacks any provision for counselling youth (nor their parents) who choose not to walk out a life of gender confusion.  It provides safety for transgender students at the expense of the safety, security, privacy and wellbeing of female students who are an equally vulnerable population (p.8 P14, p.17 Access to Facilities P1).  This policy negates and strips parents of their influence in the shaping and nurturing of their children while mandating that this shaping take place in a public, governmental controlled environment (p.13 P1 abuse, neglect).  It is already mandatory that abuse be reported by staff, but to be compelled to report parents because of their \"lack of support at home\" (p.13) is a very grey area and cause for alarm.  This policy violates the premise that textbook learning is based upon factual physical, biological and social science (p.6 Terminology-Sex Assignment- presumed to be male at birth).  To perpetuate what is known to be false information (p.12, p.6 Terminology) and to indoctrinate children into a preferred ideology (p.8 Guiding Principles-Cisgender binary) is hypocrisy at its best.  This policy is proposed as a means of providing a safe learning environment for transgender students, but its sole purpose is to mandate an ideology for those students deemed to be in need of a transformation of their thinking.  Transgender students need our support and love in the form of counselling and therapy to bring them to a better and more satisfying place not a policy which enables their confused behavior."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96166", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:08:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!!!!!!", "text": "This will open the door to even more bullying and problems in dressing rooms and bathrooms!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96167", "author": "Dan Waidelich, Clover Hill High School", "date": "2021-02-03T19:09:00", "title": "Resounding support from a teacher", "text": "I am proud to teach at Virginia high school, and I will be even more proud when these proposed guidelines empower educators to protect and nurture trans and gender expansive students in the Commonwealth. These kids aren’t an abstraction. They are in my classes, as funny and brilliant and bright as all their peers. But the sheer nerve and bravery it takes for them to get up each day and proclaim their identity floors me. They know the world hasn’t made room for them yet, but they are sure that it will. And how lucky are they to love in Virginia, now, when we’ve finally opened up more room in our hearts? These proposed guidelines will give trans students an incredible resource, which they should have had at school all along: dignity"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96168", "author": "a student", "date": "2021-02-03T19:09:00", "title": "department of education transgender policies in schools", "text": "Biological males need to be in sports, locker rooms and bathrooms with other biological males.  And likewise for females.  Stop taking away womens rights by allowing non-biological women in our sports.  Respect the rights of males and females and do not mix us in the school situation,  We are there to learn academic subjects and that is what schools/ colleges should focus on."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96169", "author": "John Murray", "date": "2021-02-03T19:09:00", "title": "Compassion, not harmful ideology", "text": "The compassionate approach to gender dysphoria is empathy and concern for the affected individual not confirmation of objectively and scientifically erroneous ideology which has caused extensive, well-documented physical and emotional harm to children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96170", "author": "Virginia Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:10:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I have a Master's degree in psychology.  A key principle in psychological practice is that to encourage, endorse, or deepen an individual's psychological disorder is deeply unethical.  Thus, the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students are unethical in that they encourage gender dysphoria rather than promoting support and healing for its victims. Moreover, the Model Policies defy basic biological science.  In psychology, the inability to acknowledge reality is defined as a \"psychosis,\" making the Model Policies fit the definition of \"psychotic\" (or the writer(s) is psychotic).  No one who denies science has any business doing anything related to the education of children.  The Model Policies should be rejected immediately and those involved in their development released from any education related employment. The elimination of gender based practices such as single sex sports teams and father daughter dances denies our basic human design.  Indoctrinating children into such unscientific madness could be considered child abuse given the deep harm it can cause. The Model policies should be wholly rejected save for the principle that students suffering from gender dysphoria should be treated with compassion and not bullied."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96171", "author": "Danielle M", "date": "2021-02-03T19:10:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Strongly Support, Protect trans kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96172", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:10:00", "title": "Full support!!!", "text": "We need to provide our trans kids a place that they feel welcome and safe. This is a good step towards giving them a seat at the table."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96173", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:11:00", "title": "Sexual Gestapo", "text": "I am strongly against what I see as a sexual gestapo that pits government school systems against parents and children.  Children are victimized into addressing sexual issues well before it becomes necessary or desirable.  They are not mature enough to understand the long term ramifications.  If  biological males was allowed into my locker room when I was attending school, the girls would have ganged up on them and thrown them out.  Hopefully that kind of street justice will prevail.  It is more of an assault on girls then boys.  This type of tyranny must not be allowed to prevail."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96174", "author": "Bubba", "date": "2021-02-03T19:11:00", "title": "mental illness", "text": "is this the mental illness forum??  or which one is this?? all the headings say 'strongly oppose' to mental illness..or, is this the blindness one. I want to expresxs my oppose to blindness. I don't think anyone should be blind, unless you were born blind and ther's no cure. I'm lost.. where is the swim pool regulatiopns forum? ' is there anyone hear?  i cant here nuttin"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96175", "author": "Bulldog", "date": "2021-02-03T19:11:00", "title": "Science is 2 genders XX and XY Chromosomes", "text": "I have 3 school aged children.  They will not be returning to a government school if this policy is implemented.  Further, I demand my tax dollars are returned to me to educate my children in an institution that understands science.  the Virginia government apparently does not.  Let me explain. Science indicates by study of DNA and in particular, the chromosomes that are made up by it.  There are two, XX and XY.  The clothes some wear nor genital mutilation constitute a change to the chromosomes.  Therefore, \"transgender\" individuals do not exist in the human population.  I understand that this situation may exist in some reptiles and/or amphibians.  However, I know of no mammals, including humans where this has been observed or verified. So in summary, my child will never attend a government institution where XX and XY individuals are allowed to comingle in compromising situations such as bathrooms or locker rooms. Moreover, if this legislation is enacted I will make it my mission in life to organize similarly concerned parents to demand an educational voucher program be implemented in Virginia.  Further, I will contribute to the any candidate that opposes an incumbent taht supports this FAKE SCIENCE. Best Regards, Bulldog"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96176", "author": "Bryce Smith", "date": "2021-02-03T19:12:00", "title": "Support 100%", "text": "I just wanna say that im down 100% with this one because i feel that it's important for everyone and that nobody should get excluded"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96177", "author": "Olivia", "date": "2021-02-03T19:12:00", "title": "Strongly support the protection of our transgendered students.", "text": "Transgendered children are extremely vulnerable to bullying and discrimination hindering their academic and social participation. Ethically we need to do our part to protect and advocate for this population."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96178", "author": "Concerned Grandmother", "date": "2021-02-03T19:13:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "No child should be discriminated against, harassed or bullied! Parents are responsible for raising, teaching values and respect to their children, not the state. That’s it! “Policies” like this only divide & separate children, categorized & confused!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96179", "author": "Parent in Virginia", "date": "2021-02-03T19:13:00", "title": "Draft transgender educational policies", "text": "Dear Elected Representatives, the proposed educational mandates go far beyond the civil rights concerns for transgendered people.  No school should ever make decisions about a child's health without the permission and knowledge of parents.  That has nothing at all to do with civil rights.  This is not the kind of policy that should be decided and passed without the general public being made aware of all the details and given the opportunity to vote."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96180", "author": "Susan Stanley", "date": "2021-02-03T19:14:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Biological sex is the only reasonable means of assigning bathrooms.  It is not safe to do anything else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96181", "author": "Nicholas Brinen, James Madison University", "date": "2021-02-03T19:14:00", "title": "SUPPORT!  Anyone who disagrees is dumb", "text": "We all belong to each other.  This action needs to be supported and begins with our young ones.  The hate and narrow mindedness of well intentioned parents should exit the conversation.  The future is up to the young ones and more inclusivity, equality, diversity, and community equals strength for all of us. Don't be dumb. Evolve. Support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96182", "author": "Michelle Schroeder", "date": "2021-02-03T19:14:00", "title": "Please support trans rights!", "text": "Trans people deserve to be heard and supported. I support this policy of beginning to give trans kids the respect and acknowledgement they deserve."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96183", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:14:00", "title": "STOP!!!", "text": "These policies threaten the safety of students!!! These policies promote keeping parents in the dark and even threatens RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES to parents. students, teachers who don't agree with the policies or the EXTREME LGBT agenda it pushes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96184", "author": "Rob and Stacey Warner", "date": "2021-02-03T19:14:00", "title": "Vehemently OPPOSE this legislative abomination!", "text": "Parents are an integral part of their children's education and formation.  This legislation takes that God given duty and responsibility away by restricting the rights of the parents and failing to keep them informed. Boys should not be using girls' restrooms and vice versa.  Abuse of this will occur; it's not if, but when. Education is about educating our children, not indoctrinating them or using them as guinea pigs in a novel experiment, all while labeling this with politically correct vocabulary such as equity or social justice. This is unconstitutional!  God created man and woman and when students cannot articulate that without fear of repercussions, than both the parent's and their rights of freedom of religion have been stripped! This cannot stand!  Please do not pass this legislative abomination!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96185", "author": "Educator", "date": "2021-02-03T19:15:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "As an educator, I strongly oppose this movement. At a time when children need stability and safety, this movement causes internal and purposeful conflict and harm. There is zero reason to cause children to dive into a world of confusion and self doubt."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96186", "author": "Ally & Friend", "date": "2021-02-03T19:15:00", "title": "Support of our Transgender Children & Their Futures", "text": "Identity is important. Sex and gender are complicated and not as straight forward as we tend to make them. Both are crucial to the development of one’s identity. We must support students who do not fit what has too long been consider the “traditional” identity mold. The world has changed and we must update policies to reflect those changes. Students spend majority of their days at school and we must create spaces in which they are safe, comfortable, and accepted. By continuing to force students to use their “sex assigned” bathrooms, locker rooms, sports, dress code, etc. we are inherently teaching them we do not value who they truly are as individuals and perpetuating outdated ways of discrimination through a series of falsehoods, misinformation, and stereotypes as excuses to not put forth these needed policies. This can only lead to continued harm to identity creation, social-emotional development, and unjust treatment I support the practices and updates outlined in the VDOE document and look forward to the progress we can make together for the future of our transgendered students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96187", "author": "J Wernke", "date": "2021-02-03T19:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "No school should surpass parental discretion and the right to raise their children as they see fit in morals and Faith. The school is acting like a parent. Many Christians do not agree with the agenda proposed. It is their right under the constitution to practice their faith and for their children in said Faith. furthermore, we as Americans have the right to disagree with the lgbt movement, which is not done out of hate but in love and Faith for neighbors, God, family and country.  This country was meant to be God fearing, it should remain so. Such actions are sadly out of line with Godly ideals and the reason this country was founded. Lgbt stuff is not for schools...it’s very controversial and should not be brought into schools. Again, what right does a school have to impose their morals on the children and families it serves, that sounds more like a dictatorship. I would never advocate being mean or ill treating any lgbt person, but can not support this action. I pray that it is not put into practice. Certainly it will not please God and He sees all..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96188", "author": "Abby Fitzsimmons", "date": "2021-02-03T19:16:00", "title": "Full Support for Protection", "text": "No one asks to be trans, the same way no one asks to be gay. This isn’t a choice someone makes, it’s an internal crisis they have for years before growing to accept themselves as who they are. Trans people are people, and these students are children. They deserve to feel safe and accepted, just like anyone else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96189", "author": "Grandmother", "date": "2021-02-03T19:16:00", "title": "No", "text": "No!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96190", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:17:00", "title": "Transgender bill for public schools", "text": "Vote NO!!!  This is wrong! Puts our children at risk of abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96191", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:17:00", "title": "Insanity", "text": "This is a recipe for disaster.  This policy will be abused to sneak peeks in the locker room/bathroom.  The only bathroom or locker room that should be allowed to be used is the one their sex chromosomes align with.  This is ludicrous and there will be plenty of harassment and sexual abuse complaints to follow if this goes through."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96192", "author": "Ingvild Thompson-Tate", "date": "2021-02-03T19:17:00", "title": "Strong approval from an educator", "text": "As a public school educator, I have seen firsthand the very real consequences these decisions make for some of our most vulnerable children who deserve all the love and support in the world, just as any child. I have seen far too many children over my lifetime deal with depression and suicidal ideation - and worse - when they are required to reject their true selves. This is an easy choice to make. Treat people with fairness and dignity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96193", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:18:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "While we must protect all students, including those who identify as transgender, this document establishes unhelpful and dangerous precedents. Parents are the primary protectors and educators of their children, not the school system, so they should not be misinformed or uninformed about what is happening with or around their children. The only exceptions to this are in cases of actual child abuse/neglect, which is a separate and urgent matter to attend to. What is protective to one is harmful to the other and vice versa. This document requires all children and their families to essentially be lumped into one category, again leading to both unhelpful and potentially dangerous results. Additionally, careful attention needs to be paid to conducting and adhering to actual research regarding transgender identifying youths. There are balanced ways we can support every child working through their own identity, etc without moving so forcefully in the direction of special interests groups that push an agenda that often is unaware of, undermines, or ignores the nuances of child development. Strongly oppose this document - we can do better for our children, their families, our schools, and community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96194", "author": "Ella B", "date": "2021-02-03T19:18:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "Trans students deserve a safe and accepting learning environment. It is the duty of the state of Virginia to provide this and continue moving towards the path of justice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96195", "author": "Jennifer", "date": "2021-02-03T19:19:00", "title": "Strongly opposing the public school system failing society", "text": "I am sickened by this proposal to allow children to keep secrets with the school system from their parents.  The school system does NOT have the authority to \"parent\" my children.  A school system is simply in place to help my children learn basics in life to allow them to provide living in the future.  Stop trying to gain more control over our children when you dont have the right to do so. On another note, if you think for one second I will allow my children to be exposed to the opposite gender in a locker room or bathroom then you are sadly mistaken.  I WILL 100% sell everything I have to put my child in a CHRISTIAN PRIVATE school rather than to keep them in a public school that is failing society. Transgender individuals need help for an issue they have with themselves.  The entire world does not and should not be asked to conform to something that is immoral.  Those who need help should get help.  I'm blown away at the idiocy of even thinking this is logical.  Dont you understand that making a few feel \"comfortable\" will make millions uncomfortable?  Do you want to see the rate of teen pregnancy increase?  Do you want to see the rate of mental illness increase? By passing this you will increase the rate of both.  You WILL lose MANY children to the public school system and you WILL have many who lose their jobs.  This is a snowball to the end of public schools.  I promise I will be the first to withdraw my children and watch it fall.  Good luck."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96196", "author": "Dmh", "date": "2021-02-03T19:19:00", "title": "Not for all", "text": "This is not fair to all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96197", "author": "Kate Arnold", "date": "2021-02-03T19:19:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights and trans kids deserve protection", "text": "Exactly what the title says. Whether or not people think it’s “right” doesn’t matter. Trans kids are real and they deserve to be protected by our school system just as much as any cisgender child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96198", "author": "Tonya Murphy", "date": "2021-02-03T19:20:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96199", "author": "PW", "date": "2021-02-03T19:20:00", "title": "Strong support of legislation that protects children and saves lives", "text": "I am disheartened by the number of comments who are opposed to providing Virginia students with the ability to know that there are professional adults who will protect them from harassment and violence focus on learning and healthy socialization throughout their formative years, rather than survival experience mentorship and guidance as their full selves spend almost 50% of their waking hours with adults and communities who know their names and use them correctly (It is wild that this is being contested!) These are not even best practices for schools—they are the bare minimum. By supporting this legislation, you are supporting protective factors that enhance learning, strengthen the ties between schools and families, and help prevent the rampant suicidality that affects transgender youth disproportionately."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96200", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!  To accommodate one you need to accommodate ALL...where is the “protection” of my child who is not confused?  How is it right to force these policies onto him and others??  I think are DEF goin and gave have gone WAY to far on this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96201", "author": "Julie, an ally", "date": "2021-02-03T19:20:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "This will provide necessary protection and validation for trans students in Virginia. I urge you to pass this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96202", "author": "Hilda Aviles", "date": "2021-02-03T19:20:00", "title": "support AND protect trans students.", "text": "support trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96203", "author": "Jennalee Conner", "date": "2021-02-03T19:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Speaking as one who has daughters, I am in constant fear that something could happen to their health or well being. When it’s scary enough for a girl to possibly be picked on or abused by another girl, it’s"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96204", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:21:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "I oppose your transgender proposal.  Parents need to be informed of their children’s welfare. Full transparency between the school, parent and child. Parents are responsible for their kids not the school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96205", "author": "Nick Meade", "date": "2021-02-03T19:21:00", "title": "Support transgender protections - trans rights are human rights", "text": "Transgender people are people and should have all the same rights, opportunities, and protections as all other people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96206", "author": "Virginia resident", "date": "2021-02-03T19:21:00", "title": "Finally!! Very much in support", "text": "When I was a student of Virginia public schools, I served on the student advisory group to the superintendent and represented my school at many events including a panel about dress code. This was back in the early 20teens. Then and now it was a topic of conversation and importance to address rules regarding dress code, preferred pronouns and preferred names. I'm glad it is finally happening. School is supposed to be a safe space. It is supposed to be a place to learn not only facts and critical thinking, but social skills and compassion. How are we teaching compassion if we can't work to eliminate descrimination in our rules and set an expectation that our educators model acceptance?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96207", "author": "Brittany C.", "date": "2021-02-03T19:21:00", "title": "I strongly support", "text": "It is imperative that there is protection for trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students in Virginia. All children deserve a safe and affirming environment to learn. Creating a truly inclusive school environment will help children become socially conscious & aware adults. I remember in high school we had a transgender young lady in my gym class. She was beautiful, she was funny, and she was such a good hearted person. I remember being so appalled when I found out she was not allowed to dress in the girl’s locker room with us. She had to get dressed in the boys bathroom down the hall because the boys would beat her up if she went into the boy’s locker room. I remember thinking back then, as a kid....”She’s clearly one of us, there is no reason she shouldn’t be in here with us. We’d accept her.” Our society has this all wrong and it needs to change. Our children need to be protected for the person they truly are. And this is the first step in how we can undo the obsolete prejudices that plagues our society. It’s time for change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96208", "author": "choo choo trans union", "date": "2021-02-03T19:22:00", "title": "CHOO CHOO TRANS", "text": "I think diesel trans pollute the air with filth. Wwood fired uses too much wood, wasting trees, and coal burns blacker than Governor Ralph Northam's racist blackface. So you tell me.. Put a big old windmill with some solar panels that were assembled by oil riggers instead of solarium flags and get some big fans to blow a big wind... and you'll be doin great"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96209", "author": "Kristy Campbell, RN", "date": "2021-02-03T19:22:00", "title": "Needs serious reconsideration and modifications", "text": "While I support one’s right to decide/identify  their own gender, I do not support the use of school bathrooms according to which gender a student identifies with. My concern is misuse with intent to harm. As a former high school nurse, I have seen and dealt with the problems that this causes by both “sides” of this very hot issue. There needs to be one or several separate gender neutral bathrooms for these students that identify as a different gender than what they are physically born as. It is not fair to those who identify as “straight” to be made uncomfortable by transgender students and vice versa.  Quite a few of my former transgender students expressed the desire to have a separate bathroom and locker room for their use. I suggest everyone involved in this process to tread lightly and to look at all pros and cons. And to keep in mind that there are still very many conservative areas/localities in the state of Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96210", "author": "Barbara", "date": "2021-02-03T19:23:00", "title": "XY and XX - it’s science y’all; GOD says so!", "text": "I’m tired of the overkill and overt measures to inject social agendas into our children's Educational curriculum. Transgender students already have enough protection from bullying and harassment via the Anti-Bullying structures and systems in the school. It is beyond the realm of ridiculousness to think that teaching the FALSE indoctrination of multiple genders outside of XY and XX makes any logical or good sense. It is rather promoting confusion and abusing the naïveté and pliability of impressionable school-age children. I understand that is exactly your intention...to exploit the naïveté of these children with a false notion of gender fluidity. It’s anti-science and it’s anti-humankind, not to  mention anti-God. Enough already. Let parents teach their kids as they will on social issues at home, at Girl Scout meetings, wherever...but keep your inane, insane and unnatural ideas out of the educational system. Male and female. That’s it. No more. No less. Protect all the students. Advocate for all students equally. You cannot give special treatment to one student to the detriment of all the others. Think about it. You cannot elevate one theory or social agenda to the ousting or canceling of another point of view.  Why should a biological male be undressing in a girls’ bathroom?  Why should boys give space to a biological male who identifies as female in their locker room? What about the rights of ALL the other students in the room?  Stop pushing this agenda. It’s dangerous and fringe thinking and is not appropriate in the public school system. Period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96211", "author": "Autre Metal", "date": "2021-02-03T19:23:00", "title": "Support Our Trans Youth", "text": "It's our human duty to protect and support our youth, regardless of gender identity or sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96212", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:23:00", "title": "Opposition to transgender", "text": "Regarding Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools: It is difficult to know where to begin.  This proposal is egregiously one sided. Fortunately in the United States we live under the freedom of expression-available to every citizen. This proposal is giving too much power an control to one social group.  By requiring enforcement of these ideals in our school system, it is completely alienating the rights of the non transgender  population. If every person is equal, then every person should be given equal say.  Is the general public able to vote on such proposals? How is opportunity being provided to balance different viewpoints? A school could easily provide special accommodation for students with transgender identification issues.  As a parent I have grave concerns about the opportunity for a young man to be able to enter a female locker room or bathroom, and vice versa. Some questions are not addressed.  For instance, if a school does not participate, does this limit them from receiving government support? We must be cautious that such proposals do not become based in agenda: they must be representative of the entire population. This could force teachers and educational staff members at all levels to make drastic decisions based on ethical and moral values that could end professions for which they have been trained."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96213", "author": "Concerned Father", "date": "2021-02-03T19:23:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This guidance prescribes forced and compelled speech and therefore undermines ones right to free speech. It also shows a disregard for the rights of parents and religious freedom. One stated reason for this guidance is to fight against bullying, but that is exactly what this document is advocating. If you do not talk a certain way, dress a certain way, and act a certain way, you will be punished and possibly taken from your parents. This is wholly unconstitutional and wrong. It should, and will, be challenged in the courts."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96214", "author": "Quillin M", "date": "2021-02-03T19:23:00", "title": "It is essential that children and youth be able to learn without suffering discrimination or harassment.", "text": "I support these model policies for LGBTQ students in Virginia. It is essential that children and youth be able to learn without suffering discrimination or harassment. A national survey by GLSEN has found that 75% of transgender youth feel unsafe at school, and those who are able to persevere had significantly lower GPAs, were more likely to miss school out of concern for their safety, and were less likely to plan on continuing their education. According to the Trevor Project LGBTQ youth are FIVE times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual cisgender peers. I spent many years working with the Virginia Anti-Violence Project and heard from diverse community members about their lived experiences as transgender youth in Virginia. I saw the need for Virginia schools to have model policies to protect LGBTQ youth as many of the youth experienced bullying/harassment/ and discrimination. These policies will promote the critical goal of keeping students safe to the best of our abilities. Schools have a moral and legal obligation to protect their students from this kind of harassment at school. These policies are necessary. The policies lay out how schools can prevent gender-based harassment or address it effectively to support and protect students if harassment occurs. These policies will help transgender students feel safe and respected at school, which is necessary for them to have equal access to education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96215", "author": "Very concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:23:00", "title": "#protectourkids", "text": "Regardless of what gender someone identifies with, if they have a penis they need to use the men’s locker room and bathroom and if they have a vagina they need to stay in the women’s locker/bathroom. Stop putting children at risk by trying to make all things equal. #protectourkids"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96216", "author": "Virginia Mom", "date": "2021-02-03T19:23:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose this wholeheartedly. Please do not indoctrinate our children with the notion that children can change genders. The school systems should not be involved in this issue. This is a private matter between families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96217", "author": "Jane T", "date": "2021-02-03T19:24:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "While I support any childs sexual orientation (not preference), I do not believe that there should be genetically endowed boys in the girls locker and bath rooms and visa versa.  Nor should genetic boys be allowed to play on girls athletic teams.  EVER.  Have separate teams, separate locker rooms and separate bathrooms for those who believe they are transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96218", "author": "Marie Armstrong", "date": "2021-02-03T19:24:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Please offer support for our transgender students in Virginia. As a high risk group for dying by suicide, support from the community is exactly what is needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96219", "author": "Stefan Ferenczy", "date": "2021-02-03T19:24:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I’ve been a teacher for 14 years, and I’m proud to support this guidance. My school is very inclusive but most of my colleagues do not have any experience with transgender youth. I know they would want to do everything right for them, but it is a learning process and teachers will need to know how to support them. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96220", "author": "Melissa Rasnick", "date": "2021-02-03T19:24:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "Strongly Support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96221", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-02-03T19:24:00", "title": "First Amendment Violation", "text": "First, this bill is drafted to virtue signal, to pander, and nothing else. While I am for letting people live the way they wish to, for people having difference of opinions, and for people of different beliefs and perspectives, this bill does the opposite. By the government mandating a penalty for expressing ones beliefs or demonstrating freedom of speech, it’s in essence is at odds with it’s purported intention of inclusiveness. Make no mistake, there is a strong case to be made that this clearly violates the First Amendment, and lawsuits will come. This bill pushes far beyond the envelope of the role of the school, totally blowing up the lines between parental rights and the role of educators. Perhaps, the Democratic lawmakers pushing this bill, alienating the majority of constituents will pay the price come re-election."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96222", "author": "Rebecca Cramer", "date": "2021-02-03T19:24:00", "title": "Strongly support transgender youth rights", "text": "I strongly support this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96223", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:25:00", "title": "trans discussion", "text": "In the 60's and 70's there were no kids confused about their sexuality. liberalism brought this on. Imagine some girl watching The Beatles on Ed Sullivan in 1964 going, I thi nk I wanna chang my sex to a boy/"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96225", "author": "Tim", "date": "2021-02-03T19:25:00", "title": "Transgender bill", "text": "Strongly opposed!  Puts our children at risk."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96224", "author": "Reverse Discrimination!", "date": "2021-02-03T19:25:00", "title": "You get what you vote for Virginia! now, your child will be disciplined for saying wrong pronoun", "text": "Most of us have a hard time remembering names... and now you want our children to remember what pronoun a child wants to be called ( that can change from day to day)? Or they will be reprimanded????  This is to be taught in schools???? and you worry about keeping your school accredidation? VA Schools will all be discredited for this foolishness! Will be interesting to see the stats of children and teachers who leave the VA public school system! and to see the decline of people moving to VA due to this reverse discrimination policy.  No one is going to move to a state with a school system that tries to over ride parental rights. What happens to Biological Male and Biological Female rights? They just get thrown under the school bus? and exchanged for the opposite biological human to be exposed, in front of biological called children,  in the locker room (and vice versa)! Of course, VDOE is just following what the irrational, ignorant politicians in our General Assembly told them to do.  No one is doing a reality check and thinking of consequences of the rights of BIOLOGICAL male and female rights and PARENT rights. They are just pushing a \"woke\" agenda, to please .4% of the population.  Pure insanity!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96226", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:25:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96227", "author": "emily agliano", "date": "2021-02-03T19:26:00", "title": "strongly agree!!", "text": "strongly agree."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96228", "author": "L.W.", "date": "2021-02-03T19:26:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This language and bill goes against everything we have fought for - respect, freedom from fear of sexual predators, privacy of our bodies.  If an individual opts to outwardly change their body, that is their choice. However, their choices should NEVER cross out the rights of the MAJORITY. Build a transgender bathroom if you wish but don’t take the rights of the rest of us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96229", "author": "rich riddell", "date": "2021-02-03T19:26:00", "title": "Oppose transgender", "text": "I oppose legislation, line item(s), or any form (written or oral) which promotes or explores the transgender lifestyle.  Furthermore, those who promote such issues should be removed from office and someone who boldly adheres to the traditional family unit should be installed.  A husband, wife and children lead by God and the bible will lay the foundation for a society which excels.  Rome's demise started with these types of issues set before you.  True the moral compass while you still can or your children and grandchildren will be lost to disease and mental anguish.  Are you not trying to eliminate Covid-19, but consider this disease instead?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96230", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:26:00", "title": "While I love all people, I strongly CANNOT support this Bill as it hurts the rights of many.", "text": "I love all people but I strongly do NOT support this bill. While it gives some rights to a few it does not support the rights of many. Please vote NO."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96232", "author": "Jeannette Andamasaris", "date": "2021-02-03T19:29:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT! You can not pick and chose which children to protect", "text": "I'm saddened that we are still having these kinds of debates. While I am all for people having their own opinions about their own beliefs or religion...it does NOT allow for the exclusion of others. There is NO HIERARCHY when it comes to human rights. And when it comes to our children, we need to be especially mindful and protective... as it's obvious from reading comments left by others on this forum that there are still too many people laboring under a societal construct of gender. How do people not realize that what these children need protection from is THEM?! There needs to be evolution."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96231", "author": "Sandra", "date": "2021-02-03T19:29:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender bill for public schools", "text": "Ties the hands of teachers to protect our children from those who abuse the system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96233", "author": "Jeannette Andamasaris", "date": "2021-02-03T19:29:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT! You can not pick and chose which children to protect", "text": "I'm saddened that we are still having these kinds of debates. While I am all for people having their own opinions about their own beliefs or religion...it does NOT allow for the exclusion of others. There is NO HIERARCHY when it comes to human rights. And when it comes to our children, we need to be especially mindful and protective... as it's obvious from reading comments left by others on this forum that there are still too many people laboring under a societal construct of gender. How do people not realize that what these children need protection from is THEM?! There needs to be evolution."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96236", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "We cannot continue to blend the genders. Biblically and biologically there are 2:  xx and xy - male and female.Sports, restrooms, policies should be directed to the scientific definition of gender. Period. Anything more than that in a public school setting, is asking for MORE bullying and issues - it’s not just kids - you will have to deal with the adults/parents/your constituents that voted you into office and can vote you out. Make you decisions wisely. We are watching."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96234", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "We cannot continue to blend the genders. Biblically and biologically there are 2:  xx and xy - male and female.Sports, restrooms, policies should be directed to the scientific definition of gender. Period. Anything more than that in a public school setting, is asking for MORE bullying and issues - it’s not just kids - you will have to deal with the adults/parents/your constituents that voted you into office and can vote you out. Make you decisions wisely. We are watching."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96237", "author": "Danielle DiBlasio", "date": "2021-02-03T19:30:00", "title": "We need legal protections for trans children", "text": "All children deserve to live happy and healthy lives. Trans children face increased bullying and scrutiny in their schools and communities and it is our obligation to protect them and make sure they feel safe and secure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96235", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:30:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to transgender policy", "text": "If the male & female teachers use the same bathroom ... we will have a 3rd bathroom for the trans kids.  But the bill in the house, the dept of education, defying the parents moral, religious, health rights to decide for their children is even MORE DISTURBING than this bill!!!  They want to vaccinate your child without your permission & without ever notifying you!!!  DEFUND PUBLIC EDUCATION! REMOVE YOUR KIDS NOW !!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96240", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "We cannot continue to blend the genders. Biblically and biologically there are 2:  xx and xy - male and female.Sports, restrooms, policies should be directed to the scientific definition of gender. Period. Anything more than that in a public school setting, is asking for MORE bullying and issues - it’s not just kids - you will have to deal with the adults/parents/your constituents that voted you into office and can vote you out. Make you decisions wisely. We are watching."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96239", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "We cannot continue to blend the genders. Biblically and biologically there are 2:  xx and xy - male and female.Sports, restrooms, policies should be directed to the scientific definition of gender. Period. Anything more than that in a public school setting, is asking for MORE bullying and issues - it’s not just kids - you will have to deal with the adults/parents/your constituents that voted you into office and can vote you out. Make you decisions wisely. We are watching."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96238", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:30:00", "title": "Support for Transgendet Students", "text": "The research supporting the idea that inclusive bathroom policies somehow endanger cisgender women simply does not exist... there is no evidence of an increase in inclusive policies is in any way tied to an increase in related harassment. According to the US Transgender Survey in 2015, 59% of transgender people who responded had avoided using public bathrooms in the past year for fear of confrontation. This country has a serious issue with regard to the safety of transgender people, and inclusive policies are the first step towards making educational spaces safe for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96642", "author": "marisa", "date": "2021-02-03T21:34:00", "title": "yes for trans protection", "text": "IN STRONG SUPPORT <333"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96643", "author": "Julie", "date": "2021-02-03T21:35:00", "title": "Support Transgender students!!", "text": "Transgender students deserve to be supported just as any student."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96644", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:35:00", "title": "Brainwashing overstep parents have rights", "text": "this a complete overstep and it is time that the board be step down and realize we are rural people with Christian beliefs. Wake up we are not liberal nor a big city. Take your re- education and shove it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96645", "author": "Sara F.", "date": "2021-02-03T21:35:00", "title": "Transgender ed in schools", "text": "Adamantly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96646", "author": "Lusia Valair", "date": "2021-02-03T21:35:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Of course I support this, it’s a restroom.... duh, let people pee in peace"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96647", "author": "Katie", "date": "2021-02-03T21:36:00", "title": "Oppose! Stop confusing children", "text": "Strongly oppose! Stop confusing our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96649", "author": "Dr. Simoné Jalon", "date": "2021-02-03T21:36:00", "title": "I strongly support this!", "text": "I strongly support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96648", "author": "Ana Katykhin", "date": "2021-02-03T21:36:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Strongly Oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96650", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:36:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed for multiple reasons. Parents are the primary educators of their children not public schools. Schools do not have the right to keep any information from parents regarding their children. Somewhere along the way public schools stopped promoting discipline, education, and the support of their teachers and began to promote a victim mentality, excuses, and caving to demands. The sheer amount of students moving to a homeschool/private school atmosphere should be an indicator to public schools that they are broken. If public schools continue bending to wayward progressive agendas, taking away the rights of parents, and subscribing blindly to the victim mentality, they are actively contributing to the decay of our society. Public schools are not helping younger generations, they are betraying the blind trust of young minds."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96651", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:37:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "STRONGLY SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96652", "author": "Sara F.", "date": "2021-02-03T21:37:00", "title": "Adamantly oppose!", "text": "Adamantly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96653", "author": "Mary B", "date": "2021-02-03T21:37:00", "title": "Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Schools", "text": "Strongly support LGBTQ community. Strongly against bigotry and discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96654", "author": "Mary Griffith", "date": "2021-02-03T21:37:00", "title": "I strongly support the model policy. We need to protect and care for trans youth so they can succeed", "text": "I support the model policy and think it’s great Virginia will be enacting policies specifically to protect trans youth in schools. Please do not listen to the transphobic  commenters. This model policy is necessary and important. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96655", "author": "Dr. Isabel Lowell", "date": "2021-02-03T21:37:00", "title": "Strongly support equal rights for transgender students", "text": "I work with transgender and nonbinary youth, many of whom have faced blatant discrimination in schools and have had to deal with bullying and unsafe environments without support from school leadership. It is time for that to change, and I applaud this step in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96656", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:38:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Strongly support for treatment of all kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96657", "author": "Terri Brandon", "date": "2021-02-03T21:38:00", "title": "Transgender - Opposed", "text": "I am a parent of two.  I strongly disagree with \"schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing!\" as well as many of the other points listed. It is disgusting that the school/teachers are becoming responsible for the duties of parents. The foundations of families are crumbling due to many failures but schools are handed another assignment--sexual identity. Society needs to focus on families, not \"who/what do you feel like today?\" In my opinion, school is for ACADEMICS. Sexual identity and transgender issues should be discussed and handled by parents, families, and medical personnel, not school personnel.  I do not want issues like this discussed with children. Let the parents handle this.  If a child/teen is \"confused\", the doors to the guidance should be open for assistance. I am offended and appalled that this topic is even being considered. Please, please do not let transgender or sexual identity issues be allowed into the school curriculum--at any age."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96658", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:38:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE transgender policy", "text": "THIS DISGUSTS ME!! It will only cause more problems and don't boohoo when innocent children start getting bullied more and even raped! God forbid! Being a parent myself, I would be beyond angry if I was not notified of anything happening to my children at school. This is nonsense!!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96659", "author": "Jennifer Owen", "date": "2021-02-03T21:38:00", "title": "OPPOSE! OPPOSE! OPPOSE!", "text": "If passed I am certain the VA standard of public education will CERTAINLY decrease. Teachers will lose jobs. Schools will close due to negative enrollment numbers. Private schools will be the course for Virginia parents. Opening \"Pandora's Box\" will ultimately create failure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96660", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:38:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose. Stop confusing children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96661", "author": "Carly Bullock", "date": "2021-02-03T21:39:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Schools started originally to educate children academically. When did it become ok for institutions to educate children on racism and sexuality. These things should be left to families to handle. how do you expect to keep children safe when they are forced to use the bathroom with someone of the opposite sex claiming to be transgender or having a overnight field trip and being forced to share a room with a student that claims to be transgender? All children have the right to safety and privacy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96662", "author": "Margaret Cocke", "date": "2021-02-03T21:39:00", "title": "New Transgender School Guidance Guidelines", "text": "Basic anti-bullying policies are already in place and acknowledged in school rules.  I am absolutely opposed to these new guidelines for transgender students.  At birth we are born either male or female and grow into bodies with distinct attributes and abilities.  Changing a name or identification does not change the biological makeup of the birth gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96663", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:39:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Strongly oppose! Non-transgender people have rights too"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96664", "author": "Sully", "date": "2021-02-03T21:39:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "Not good for children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96665", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:40:00", "title": "Very strongly support", "text": "As a transgender student, our rights are basic human rights. Our existence doesn't need to confuse you, and it certainly doesn't need to frighten you. Our rights also do not tread on your own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96666", "author": "John M Fraser", "date": "2021-02-03T21:40:00", "title": "Oppose proposed transgender policies", "text": "Our public schools have a critical responsibility first and foremost as educational institutions. As such, they need to respect natural law and natural science. Controversial social initiatives are guaranteed to serve as significant distracting elements within the educational framework. Our public schools are are inappropriate forum for conducting social experiments. The details of the purpose guidelines violate the responsibilities and rights of parents on many levels. Although it is important for public officials to protect children, it is absolutely a violation of public trust for public officials to have secret and privileged interactions with a minor which may be in direct contrast to the parents rights and responsibilities. The spectrum of abuse by public officials that such guidelines would open up is vast in reach and scope, and truly chilling. There is no legitimate moral or legal foundation for the privileges that the proposed guidelines grant to the public school officials vis-a-vis the students parents. The proposed guidelines contain insufficient safeguards against immature or malicious abuse of the proposed privileges to be granted to minors who wish to identify as transgendered or other-gendered. There is no objective science that supports these proposals, and the preponderance of human experience over the millenia contradict the recent support offered by subjective academic disciplines. This issue is one that needs to be worked out in the public sphere over time (generations) and is inappropriate for imposition with the force of law in our public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96667", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:40:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96668", "author": "Jimmy", "date": "2021-02-03T21:41:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "Not good for children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96669", "author": "Bernadette H", "date": "2021-02-03T21:41:00", "title": "Vehemently oppose", "text": "It is not harassment to use a gender-proper noun/pronoun in referring to a person, per the gender God gave them.  It is, however, harassment and discrimination to punish someone for using common sense, and the  eyes with which the Good Lord blessed them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96670", "author": "Dawn", "date": "2021-02-03T21:41:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96671", "author": "Eric", "date": "2021-02-03T21:41:00", "title": "NO NO NO", "text": "This bill puts teachers in a terrible position! They need to talk to parents. They can’t be threatened with punishment if they accidentally use incorrect pronouns. No!!! Protect teachers. Protect students. I’m all for anti-harassment, but this too extreme!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96672", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:41:00", "title": "Oppose this. Let parents be parents.", "text": "Education is the job of the schools. Parenting is the job of parents. This is way overstepping those boundaries.  This is ridiculous!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96673", "author": "Timothy", "date": "2021-02-03T21:41:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "Not good for children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96674", "author": "Debbie Eppard", "date": "2021-02-03T21:42:00", "title": "Strongly opposed!!!!", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96675", "author": "Gary", "date": "2021-02-03T21:42:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "Not good for children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96676", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T21:42:00", "title": "Transgender rights - or non transgender rights", "text": "Transgender rights end when they trample on the rights of others that are not transgender like using the bathrooms or locker rooms of the opposite sex from their own biological sex.  Also transgender students should not be allowed to play on sports teams who are of the opposite biological sex.  Very unfair because of the physical strength of the opposite sex. No teaching or reading or discussion of transgender materials should be allowed without the parent's permission."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96677", "author": "Rachel", "date": "2021-02-03T21:42:00", "title": "Strong Support from Pediatrician/Child Health Advocate", "text": "The mission of VDOE is to advance equitable and innovative learning. EQUITABLE. The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that \"Transgender and gender-diverse children face many challenges in life, but, like all children, they can grow into happy and healthy adults when supported and loved throughout their development.\"  Furthermore, making civil rights accommodations for transgender students is a life or death issue. \"While the data is limited, population-based surveys estimate that 0.7 percent of teens ages 13 to 17 identify as transgender, according to the report. In this rapidly evolving clinical field, physicians play a role by offering a safe and inclusive place for transgender and gender-diverse youth, who have high rates of depression, anxiety, eating disorders , substance use , self-harm and suicide .  Children who are supported by their parents and family are more likely to experience better physical and mental health, according to the AAP. In one study, 56 percent of youth who identified as transgender reported thinking about suicide at some point, and 31 percent reported a previous suicide attempt. That compares, respectively, to 20 percent and 11 percent of youth who identify as cisgender, a term to describe a person who identifies a gender consistent with the sex they were assigned at birth.\" It is essential for our schools to be a safe haven for transgender students, many of whom lack support at home. While some parents may speak out against this non-discrimination policy, it is critical for the Virginia Department of Education to stand firm with the facts, the science, and the ethical mandate. Education is not a democracy. Best practices are not a democracy. The vision of VDOE is to maximize the potential of all learners, this requires protecting ALL learners from discrimination.  Trans minors should be afforded every protection from the adults in their communities who may not otherwise understand or support them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96678", "author": "Margaret", "date": "2021-02-03T21:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "You are either born a female or male. This is biology and genetics. Transgender is a psychological disorder called gender dysphoria. Doctors can make you look male or female but that is just appearance and your biology doesn't change.  How a person feels doesn't alter reality.  No one should be bullied.  People fear speaking up because they fear the backlash.  This is educational indoctrination.  Schools should just stick to educating the students in subjects like math, science, English, history, and government etc."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96679", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:43:00", "title": "A Big NO!!!!!!", "text": "Why in the world I want to put my child in a position to be violated or raped!!!!!  It is the job of the parents to raise, nurture, teach our children morals and values, and support them in every way. Not the school. The school is to teach my child social studies, math, history, language arts, and that's it!  If a kid reaches out that's one thing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96681", "author": "Charlie Williams", "date": "2021-02-03T21:43:00", "title": "Strongly and Adamantly Support", "text": "Lots of comments about what this proposal purports to do. Separate the emotion from the purpose – this bill ONLY wants to make the school environment a safe, respectful and educational environment for EVERY child – no matter their gender identity. It may be about your child – if they are trans. Otherwise, it’s about how your child respects others around them. Those kids matter every bit as much as your own, and they deserve the same opportunities. Absolutely support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96680", "author": "Monica", "date": "2021-02-03T21:43:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "As a non-binary person myself, I fully support this proposal and its policies. Schools are meant to be places of education, but a student can't learn to the best of their ability if their school isn't giving them a supportive environment. These policies would be a large step forward to that environment, and allow trans students to grow and learn better than they have before."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96682", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:43:00", "title": "Protect trans students and staff!", "text": "Protect the trans community. They are human and deserve to be treated as such."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96684", "author": "Concerned Virginia Taxpyer", "date": "2021-02-03T21:43:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. This proposition is a violation of the religious freedom, a Constitutional right, of Virginians.  It does not allow staff or students of public schools any religious exemptions.  This policy ultimately is not about discrimination. It imposes a transgender agenda on our students and school staff. Do not make this proposal into policy. Sincerely, a taxpaying citizen of Warren County, VA."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96683", "author": "Bea", "date": "2021-02-03T21:43:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "Not good for children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96685", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:43:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96686", "author": "Brendan Dunlap", "date": "2021-02-03T21:44:00", "title": "Strongly support protecting trans kids", "text": "I strongly support protecting trans kids"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96687", "author": "Melissa Meade", "date": "2021-02-03T21:44:00", "title": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy and transgender education!", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy and transgender education"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96688", "author": "Ben", "date": "2021-02-03T21:44:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "Not good for children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96689", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:44:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96690", "author": "Sarah Moore", "date": "2021-02-03T21:44:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Transgender rights are human rights. All kids should feel safe and welcome at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96691", "author": "Mari", "date": "2021-02-03T21:45:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I don't understand the opposition. Everyone should feel accepted in the academic area. After all, this is an institution where they will spend at least 15 years of their lives in. Those who identify as trans should receive support from the government 100%"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96692", "author": "William M Bernhardt", "date": "2021-02-03T21:45:00", "title": "Opposed, if we belive in equality.", "text": "Preferential treatment for those students who believe themselves to be different is in no way the job of the school board to enforce, any more than it is the job of the school system to teach anything outside the purview of science. Rules are already in place for the conduct of students, in general, and there should be no appearance of favoring one group of people over any other. If our students are to grow up understanding the idea of equality, then they should be treated equally, no matter what race, creed, background, or gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96693", "author": "Laura Allender Ferguson", "date": "2021-02-03T21:45:00", "title": "Total support for this model for non-binary and trans students", "text": "All students deserve consideration and deference. Our children who are non-binary and trans need this now more than ever.  Simple accommodations, adding a data value here or there, can make the difference between a healthy child and one who is struggling with gender dysphoria.  Please support our non-binary and trans children be their authentic selves especially in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96694", "author": "Hasel", "date": "2021-02-03T21:45:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "Not good for children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96695", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:45:00", "title": "Strongly disagree!", "text": "How can you promise my daughter will be safe in a locker room or bathroom when teachers cannot and will not be monitoring them? Are you suggesting middle schoolers won’t take advantage of this? You’re saying teachers have no rights to intervene without fear of punishment? No! You’re making broad laws that simply will NOT work in a real life setting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96696", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:45:00", "title": "This should not affect all students!", "text": "As a person who has many educators in my family, I feel there are other ways around this drastic change that would still support everyone's rights. If there is a transgender population of students, specific accommodations can be made for them, without affecting all students. For example, arrangements could be made for them to use certain bathrooms that are comfortable for them to use. They should not be allowed to enter a restroom with people of the opposite gender due to the embarrassment and discomfort that it could cause all parties. There are times where sensitive material, such as Family Life Education, is taught to elementary aged children where they have to be separated by gender to help them feel more comfortable when learning about their bodies, as well as, the opposite gender's. We must think about ALL children and not just focus on the transgender population. This is going to cause many families, many I have already heard from, to pull their children out of our public schools which will take money away from our education system and that is unfair to all. I strongly oppose this. This will cause more problems in our schools and students than it will help. You must think about ALL students and not ONLY a certain group. That way of thinking is completely unfair!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96697", "author": "Stefan", "date": "2021-02-03T21:45:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. This is tyrannical.", "text": "The Constitution affirms our freedom of religion, speech, and equal protection under the law. You can not punish parents and students for refusing to participate in this political charade which we know to be scientifically false and inconsistent with our religious beliefs.  We will continue to address people according to how they appear to the observer, and will not be intimidated by your games.  We will continue to teach our children what is right, and not allow you to subvert their minds."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96698", "author": "Tom Dorss", "date": "2021-02-03T21:46:00", "title": "Opposed educator", "text": "A common thread among people that support students who suffer gender dysphoria is that anyone who dares disagree is an intolerant bigot; that those that support the comfort, mental health, rights, opinions, etc... of those who do not agree with or who are subject to the effects of modern transgender ideology pushed in schools, are bullies and abusive to transgender students.   I teach in VA public schools, and I never once saw a person get bullied because of these matters.  Can you not acknowledge that those of different opinions than yours can still treat students with respect? I would like to ask, if I were 50 years old, but I felt like I was in a 65 year old body, should I be entitled to social security benefits just because of \"how I feel?\" Can a 14 year old identify as a 21 year old and buy a bottle of bourbon? I'm sorry to offend some, but there is a reality outside the realm of feelings.  There is a truth that is not altered by the way one feels.  With the rare exception of people with an unusual number of sex chromosomes or faulty expression of genes, transgenderism for the vast majority is a psychological condition that needs to be treated.  Keeping the students condition private and not informing parents is neglect and should be unlawful.  Promoting minors to explore gender which often ultimately leads to the use of puberty blockers, cross-hormones and/or surgery is child abuse ...especially when the results of such therapy lead to permanent infertility and a myriad of known and unknown health effects.  Do you seriously think students are old enough to make decisions that permanently effect their body and mind, and scar oneself emotionally? These students (again, not those with chromosomal abnormalities) need help to accept reality, not encouragement to self-mutilate, and to make others uncomfortable in dressing rooms, and cheat genetic female athletes out of awards, etc... STOP THE ABUSE!  These are not matters to be addressed by a school guidance counselor behind a parent's back. Finally, as a teacher, I chose my career to profess the truth ( profess ion, profess or).  I don't teach 2+2=5 just because Johnny feels that it is so!  Now I am expected to encourage a student to be someone who he or she is not, and forced to call one a boy when he is a girl (and vice-versa) and address a student by his or her \"preferred pronoun\" under penalty of dismissal.    I intend to teach truth and reality, even if it is perceived as disrespectful.  I prefer to care for my students, not lead them into harm. If you are upset about these matters, get involved!  Take a risk and don't worry about people who promote child abuse calling you a bigot!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96700", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:46:00", "title": "Strongly against", "text": "Strongly against this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96699", "author": "Shannon Stoner", "date": "2021-02-03T21:46:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "The amount of ignorance and hate in these comments is vile. As the parent of a trans person, it is heartbreaking to watch your child deal with the extra weight and negativity they must wade through, on top of the normal confusion and hurt one can experience being a child/ teen. All because of misinformation and sheer unwillingness to better educate yourselves and your own children. Being trans/ LGBTQ+ isn’t something that should carry the negative assumptions many people place on that title. After all, it’s a title. These children/ teens are still just children and teens, who are going through the same you went through as a kid, and that your kids and grandkids are going through now, only magnified. Any resources to make school more accessible and safer for our students are appreciated, but action is needed to ensure that ALL students have a safe, constructive, and nurturing environment on the classroom. We have to do more to deconstruct the institutional barriers we have long propped up against the LGBTQIA+ community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96701", "author": "C. Scott", "date": "2021-02-03T21:46:00", "title": "Treatment of transgender students", "text": "Nowhere in this document do you address the medical issue of gender dysphoria. Instead, bureaucrats have seized yet another opportunity to advance a political agenda, using impressionable youth for political gain. “Follow the science,” as our elected officials like to say. If you do, you would focus on helping the youth who display gender dysphoria, rather than using them as political pawns. Shameful!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96702", "author": "James Heffinger", "date": "2021-02-03T21:46:00", "title": "Transgender school position", "text": "I strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96703", "author": "Concerned VA Educator", "date": "2021-02-03T21:47:00", "title": "Opposed - VDOE needs a reality check", "text": "The very first thing to note is the names of those on this proposal.  By looking at the job titles or positions, it is clear that the majority of the people who created this document are not in direct contact with students on a daily basis or even in the school environment.  I’m a counselor in VA public schools and I have the opportunity to see how many parts of a school are operated.  My opposition to this policy is simply a reality check on how this will cause more trouble in the schools than the writers of this document probably even acknowledged. My biggest concern is confidentiality.  The only time I break confidentiality is when a student wants to hurt themselves, hurt someone else, or they are being hurt.  What I could see happening is a student struggling with their gender identity and that being the reason that they are suicidal.  I’m required to inform the parents that their child is suicidal.  However, this policy would prevent me from informing the parents of any part of their child’s mental state if the child does not wish me to tell their parents of their gender identity struggle.  Am I not supposed to help this child?  Am I not supposed to get them the help that they so desperately need?  Any mental health professional knows how important it is to have all the information when trying to treat mental illness.  It’s the same in the medical profession, when you leave out crucial medical information, it can be detrimental to that person’s health.  Side note: schools are not equipped to handle counseling to this degree.  We do not have licensed Psychiatrists’ on our payrolls.  Also, this document notes that schools should work to follow up with the families and essentially perform counseling between student and parent.  We also don’t have licensed family therapists employed in our schools. Overnight trips.  The way that this reads to me, is that biological males and biological females could potentially be allowed to sleep in the same room.  Reality Check: Does this committee honestly believe that students wouldn’t take advantage of this to have alone time with their significant other? Bullying/Harassment Policy.  Our school has one in place.  Each year we teach all of the students about bullying and what it is, but also what it isn’t.  There’s a great deal of confusion sometimes between conflict and bullying.  I have never had a student report being bullied for their sexual orientation or gender identity, but I have had plenty of students in my office upset over another student sending or showing private photos.  I would bet instances of this would only increase by allowing the boys who falsely claim to identify as girls into the girl’s restroom and locker room. Maybe reflect on how you were in middle school/high school and if you had the opportunity to get into the girls’ locker room, would you have taken it? It’s stated that “All students…so that they can comfortably and fully engage in their school program and activities.”  I believe the key word is ALL and this includes the cisgender students as well but they seem to be completely forgotten in this document.  What about their comfort level? Reality Check:  I can name all of the boys in my school that would take advantage of this policy to be able to venture into the girl’s restroom or locker room to get a peek.  The policy set forth by the VDOE wouldn’t allow us to question them and what their true intent is.  What will happen when those boys start taking photos and then spreading them around?  Of course, we have rules of no cell phones in the locker rooms, but how many middle/high schoolers do you know who follow every single rule?  Have you even considered the can of worms that this will open?  The document notes how school personnel can’t even tell parents when a student of the opposite sex has been changing in the locker room, but what’s to stop the students?  How will the parents who feel that their children’s privacy has been violated, react?  Has this honestly even been considered?  The rumor mill is alive and well in middle and high schools.  If a student doesn’t want their parents to know, it is only a matter of time before they will find out. This policy would require staff to address students by their preferred pronoun, which could potentially change every day.  How are staff to know?  I have two issues with this.  First, students can barely remember to do their homework – do we really expect them to remember to tell their teachers their preferred pronouns each day?  Second, what is to stop a student from taking advantage of this and using it as retaliation against a teacher.  What I mean is, a student claiming that their teacher is not using their proper pronouns (the document identifies that as a form of harassment), in an attempt to get the teacher fired.  And you would be naïve to believe that students wouldn’t try to get a teacher fired if they didn’t like them. My last point is in regards to “menstrual supplies should be made available in all bathrooms to be gender-inclusive.”  I read the document and it notes that these products would be free so they would be easily accessed.  When I read this, all I could think about was the absolute waste of these products.  I could absolutely see the boys taking these products and playing with them and making a complete mess in the bathrooms and using them as a huge distraction in the classrooms.  What a waste of money, too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96704", "author": "Ernest J Kozlowski", "date": "2021-02-03T21:47:00", "title": "Stop the abuse of our young women", "text": "Stop the abuse of VA young women by not allowing those with male hormones to physically dominate and push them around in competition in the name of gender diversity.  It is nothing more than bullying."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96705", "author": "Marshall & Lisa", "date": "2021-02-03T21:47:00", "title": "ABSOLUTE NO! DO NOT SUPPORT", "text": "I absolutely agree no one should be bullied or harassed for their personal life choices. This does little if nothing to bring reform. Furthermore all other persons have their right to privacy in single sex facilities. Most children have not had enough life experience to comprehend a decision this large, and the ability to do so without a guardian's knowledge is absurd. These policies pose a real danger to our children, both physically and psychologically. Our leaders have truly lost their way as is evident in many of the bills, laws, and mandates we see in present time. I could expound so much here, but in the end I see such a lack of morals and it's truly disheartening."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96706", "author": "Marina yurchenko", "date": "2021-02-03T21:47:00", "title": "I vote against", "text": "I vote against that transgender kids can go to school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96707", "author": "Kazuo Dollanganger", "date": "2021-02-03T21:48:00", "title": "No Such Thing As Transvestite Children", "text": "If schools can ban the wearing of hats indoors they can also ban dressing as the opposite sex. As children we would all have loved for every school day to be Halloween. Thankfully we had responsible parents and educators that prepared us for the real world and how to dress properly in public. The simple fact that kids want to dress as crazy as possible isn't surprising. THEY'RE KIDS! What's surprising is that any serious educator would encourage this. No child is truly a transvestite. They don't need mental help. Their parents do for allowing their children to act this way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96708", "author": "M", "date": "2021-02-03T21:48:00", "title": "Opposed!!", "text": "This is just asking for a whole list of harassment for both sides. More people will be bullied, but could also open up for more sexual harassment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96709", "author": "Erin M.", "date": "2021-02-03T21:48:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96710", "author": "Concerned Mom", "date": "2021-02-03T21:48:00", "title": "This is not science", "text": "Please do not allow the “care” for transgender youth to endanger both them and the others around them as well. Children need their parents, not their friends and school counselors encouraging them to overlook their actual problems and change their “gender” to solve their problems. This is insanity. A transgender woman is not an actual woman. Never will be. A transgender man is not an actual man. Never will be. Because SCIENCE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96711", "author": "Jr", "date": "2021-02-03T21:48:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "Not good for children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96712", "author": "Alyssa Kelly", "date": "2021-02-03T21:49:00", "title": "Strong support: protect trans teens!", "text": "As a proud educator and member of the LGBTQ community, I strongly support this guidance. Protecting trans students and their mental health saves lives. 1 in 4 trans teens will attempt suicide, and having a supportive environment and adults is absolutely impertive to changing that statistic. I have had trans teens as students and campers. While they have felt safe with me, I know that isn't the case for all adults in their lives. This guidance would go a long way towards protecting some of our most vulnerable students. I cannot overemphasize how much I support these mesures."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96714", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:49:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96713", "author": "Bruce Irle", "date": "2021-02-03T21:49:00", "title": "Opposed to this policy", "text": "This policy goes beyond protection of transgender students rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96715", "author": "VA Parents", "date": "2021-02-03T21:50:00", "title": "Not moral, or scientific", "text": "Fact, not moral from a biblical standpoint. Fact, not scientific if looking at the evidence and facts. Suspect, it sets children up for failure in a world market. The financial waste of taxpayer money on a system that is already struggling. Suspect, you will find the brightest students with the wealthiest parents will remove their children from public schools, and possibly move to other locations. Strongly and Biblically against.  Not our of hate but love.  No loving person will support or encourage destructive behavior."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96716", "author": "Dimitri Demarcus Bartholomew James Jr. III", "date": "2021-02-03T21:50:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "Not good for children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96717", "author": "Virginia parent of 3", "date": "2021-02-03T21:50:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!! This is wrong on so many levels.", "text": "It is a disgrace that this is even a possibility. So much for the “land of the free”. I guess we should let our children vote and drink alcohol too if they can make such decisions without a parent’s knowledge or consent. And to think that I’m supposed to send my child to school everyday and trust they’re in a safe environment when meanwhile they’re being put in a locker room or bathroom with the opposite sex? Preposterous! And not to mention they’re being brainwashed to believe that they don’t have to be the gender they were born. There are too many despicable details of this plan to even begin commenting how disgusting and disheartening it is to think this is the world we're living in. Not only taking away our rights as parents, but also our freedom of speech and freedom of religion. This is completely demented."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96718", "author": "Becky", "date": "2021-02-03T21:51:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "strongly disagree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96719", "author": "Concerned father of two daughters", "date": "2021-02-03T21:51:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96720", "author": "Donna Hogarty", "date": "2021-02-03T21:51:00", "title": "Transgender protection", "text": "Way to go, Virginia!  You're leading the way for all of us. Please follow through on this action.  You could save lives!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96721", "author": "Semen Aksamentov", "date": "2021-02-03T21:51:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Do not do this it is tyranny"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96722", "author": "Katherine Brakman", "date": "2021-02-03T21:52:00", "title": "Support for the proposed guidance document", "text": "As a parent of children in Virginia schools I strongly support The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools Guidance Document. I greatly appreciate all of the hard work that has gone into carefully crafting the policy. All students should have a safe, inclusive environment in which to learn."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96723", "author": "Anon.", "date": "2021-02-03T21:52:00", "title": "Absolutely not! And all of you that agree are disgusting.", "text": "As a female student myself, this is bs! I don't feel comfortable with anyone being able to use whatever bathroom without any proof of it. I've been raped and sexually harassed in school. Nothing was done about the male sexually harassing me due to the fact he never admitted it. This is just going to allow more of this bs. To you sickos out there who think its okay, I hope one day you rethink."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96724", "author": "I am mother 3 children", "date": "2021-02-03T21:52:00", "title": "I vote no", "text": "i vote “ no”"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96725", "author": "Joseph", "date": "2021-02-03T21:52:00", "title": "NO. This is wrong. Focus on getting kids back into school!", "text": "The legislature should be focused on getting kids back into school and making up for all of the lost learning because of the governor's spitefulness and hatred for one man.   Focus on real instruction and forget about the private agendas of fringe groups."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96726", "author": "Jori B", "date": "2021-02-03T21:52:00", "title": "Support trans Rights!", "text": "Remember Luna Avril Fouad? Using the correct pronouns for trans kids is suicide prevention!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96727", "author": "Will Mitchell", "date": "2021-02-03T21:52:00", "title": "Absolutely opposed", "text": "It is absurd that we even have to discuss this.  The biological markers matter.  Stop trying to bend the world to suit your Marxist narrative."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96728", "author": "Megan Shockley", "date": "2021-02-03T21:53:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "“1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-23.3 as follows § 22.1-23.3. This is long overdue.  As the parent of a 13-year-old cis boy, I can tell you that he and his friends could care less how their fellow students identify, and accept other kids as they are,  Affirming a child’s gender identity is critical to their development, and school support is extremely important, especially if kids face hostility outside of the educational setting for simply embracing who they are.  Schools should be safe havens for all students, and this policy can go a long way in ending any bullying and encouraging empathy and inclusiveness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96729", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:53:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed!!!", "text": "Strongly opposed this! Against every moral and family value."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96730", "author": "Sally Aksamentov", "date": "2021-02-03T21:53:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Strongly oppose! Make a trans bathroom, sure. But this is ridiculous. I will homeschool if this passes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96731", "author": "Olivia", "date": "2021-02-03T21:53:00", "title": "Strongly Support: A Cisgender Opinion", "text": "As a cisgender member of the LGBTQ+ community, I believe it would be immoral not to support this change. Too often, I see transphobia even from within our community, let alone from the rest of the world. The comment section for this policy is a good example. Steps are needed to ensure protection, support, and respect for the transgender community, and for the education of their peers. I believe this policy to be a good start. As for those worried about bathrooms, I attended a college with gender-neutral bathrooms. Not once have I heard about any incidents. I fully support this step towards safety for all, whether they be part of a minority or the majority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96732", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:53:00", "title": "Support Transgender students and respect their parents- OPPOSE this Bill.", "text": "As a parent of 3 young boys, I strongly oppose this proposed regulation.  I support transgender students and their struggle.  I cannot in good conscience support deceiving their parents and encouraging these children to lead double lives at school and at home.  I also cannot support giving children the option to choose their gender, at school no less, and have that be reinforced by adults in authority.  Our children have a hard enough road to travel to adulthood already, please don't give them any more reason to be confused about who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96733", "author": "Stown", "date": "2021-02-03T21:54:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "Oppose oppose! If you have a daughter then you would strongly oppose this!!! Put yourself in someone else’s shoes! This is wrong to let boys who claim to be “girls” in with girls. You must not care about women/girls to even consider it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96734", "author": "Jeffrey Lowe", "date": "2021-02-03T21:54:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "Creating protections for transgender and non-binary students is essential to make sure all young people have the ability to feel safe and thrive in their school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96735", "author": "Janet", "date": "2021-02-03T21:54:00", "title": "As a child, around 8 years old, I struggled for approximately 5 years with strong desires to be a", "text": "As a child, around 8 years old, I struggled for approximately 5 years with strong desires to be a boy.  This policy that is being proposed for our schools is of great concern.  Growing up, I didn’t fall into the stereotype girl category.  This caused dissatisfaction with who my body indicated I was.  However, I also did not grow up in a culture that encouraged exploration into the possibility that I might be a boy trapped in a girl’s body or that I should possibly transition into a boy.  As I grew older, I was encouraged to accept the body I was given.  Eventually, I actually became thankful for my body and glad that I am a female. (I still prefer power tools to jewelry, and cutting the grass to cooking) I see the destructive nature of this policy in that it does not really help children learn how to accept the wonderful bodies they have been given— uniting their minds and bodies as one.  Instead, it encourages the exploration and questioning of their sex being different than their bodies. This can cause a child much confusion, frustration, depression and suicide. This policy did not address the long term effects of children pursuing transitioning.  A very helpful website with discussion and resources from people who have struggled with this is livingout.org. This policy is demanding that a certain type of speech be used by teachers, staff and students.  This is not free speech, it is censured speech.  If a certain speech is not used, according to this policy, a person can be accused of discrimination and harassment.  All students, teachers and staff should treat each other with respect because each person is of great value.  There must be protection of freedom of speech, freedom of not violating ones’ conscience or belief, and protection against discrimination and harassment for ALL and not just a certain group. This is where tolerance comes in for all students, teachers and staff.  This does not mean everyone has to agree on issues, but part of learning is listening to different views respectfully. Schools should provide individual bathrooms that are available to all students. Opening up the restrooms and locker rooms to anyone who claims to belong to that sex but is biologically different is a violation of privacy and safety of those of that sex. Since this policy does not provide protection for all students, teachers and staff, it should not be approved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96736", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:54:00", "title": "Strongly Against", "text": "Against"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96737", "author": "L Lewis", "date": "2021-02-03T21:54:00", "title": "OPPOSE!", "text": "Do we have no interest to keep our children's innocence? I will not allow my children to be subject to this disgusting idea that a child can decide to be a boy one day girl the next. Children's brains are not developed enough to make such decisions. Are we ignoring the science when it comes to our kids now? You're born a male or female. This shouldn't even be an argument. We adults need to show concern and love to those that are confused, but we don't need to have our non confused children involved in this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96738", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T21:54:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSED!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96739", "author": "be gone transphobes", "date": "2021-02-03T21:55:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "how disgusting is this community? how can you call yourselves good people? move over transphobes - get ready for a wave of equality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96740", "author": "Amy F", "date": "2021-02-03T21:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96741", "author": "Paul Christensen", "date": "2021-02-03T21:55:00", "title": "I disagree", "text": "I disagree with any sports program that allows transgendered Females (Males to Females) to compete against biological females. It is not fair to the Biological Females since a Biological Male has an advantage due to testosterone making him stronger, more muscular, and usually more aggressive, giving him an advantage. I have a 11 1/2 year old Granddaughter who wrestles here in Virginia. Up until she was 10, she wrestled opponents of both sexes. At puberty, Boys become bigger and stronger, giving them an unfair advantage. I believe males should compete against males and females against females, transgendered against transgenders in contact sports at puberty, when these changes begin. Paul Christensen Leesburg, VA."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95741", "author": "Sara", "date": "2021-02-03T15:52:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation!  This is not in the best interest of children and is outright unsafe for young girls who don't feel comfortable having boys in their dressing rooms and bathrooms.  There is no way to question any motives and even if a boy isn't transgender but had in mind to harm or assault girls in the restroom or locker room, he would not be questioned at all.  Why would we create these kinds of problems?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95742", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:52:00", "title": "Oppose.", "text": "How is this even a discussion when we have so many public schools that are failing our minority students?!    African American kids deserve a quality education in a safe environment.   THAT should be the #1 priority of Virginia Public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95743", "author": "Samuel B Goodrich", "date": "2021-02-03T15:52:00", "title": "More support means a better future", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. The more we educate ourselves and our children, and create safe spaces for young people figuring out their place in the world, the better off our world will be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95744", "author": "N/A", "date": "2021-02-03T15:52:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95745", "author": "Tommy B", "date": "2021-02-03T15:52:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95746", "author": "Tina L", "date": "2021-02-03T15:52:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This transgender model policy is in direct violation of parental rights along with trying to play God. The Virginia Department of Education's job and purpose is to provide children with an education. It is not the VDOE's job to be the parent. Instead you are developing policies that cave into the immature development and mindset of a child's gender choices and in turn labeling parents, teachers and peers as abusers for not giving the child what they want. These children need professional counseling and support from their families to help them understand why they feel they way they do. In addition, the VDOE is not God and should not attempt to redefine what God alone has created. Your model policy does not respect or value the belief of Christians or other faiths that firmly believe that God created people as distinctly male and female. You cannot force us to believe otherwise and deem us as abusive when our faith values are very clear that gender is not fluid. It is not the public school's job to affirm the psychological whim of a child. They are children. You are the adults. Please make adult decisions and implement policies that unify and help children and their families, not separate them by encouraging children to keep secrets from their parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95747", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T15:53:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAGREE. THIS IS NOT OK.", "text": "How does this even make sense? I totally disagree with everything this stands for. \"Parents who encourage their God-given sex will be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect\".....I am speechless and will certainly consider another alternative to school if this is passed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95748", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:53:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95749", "author": "Adam Assenza", "date": "2021-02-03T15:54:00", "title": "Strong Support - this could save children's lives", "text": "Protecting children should be an obvious thing when it comes to school administration. LGBTQ+ kids have been bullied at higher rates than cis-het children for decades. I appreciate the thorough research and careful consideration put into development of these guiding policies, and truly believe that by making schools a more supportive environment for these children, that there will be very real impacts to reduce anxiety, depression, and suicide among children.  A child should feel safe at home and at school, and policies like these are fundamental in creating that environment for LGBTQ+ youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95750", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:54:00", "title": "Support trans students", "text": "Trans people suffer enough harassment on a daily basis as it is. Support trans rights!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95751", "author": "Paprika B.", "date": "2021-02-03T15:54:00", "title": "strong support / will save lives.", "text": "trans students aren't the cause of \"transgenderism\", they're simply the language, community, and courage for trans youth to be \"out\". no child should face repercussive discriminatory action for exploring their personhood. these measures will save trans lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95752", "author": "Michelle Wilson", "date": "2021-02-03T15:55:00", "title": "OPPOSE! PROTECT OUR CHILDREN!", "text": "This is disgusting! We and born male and female! Stop destroying our children! If children want to be gay, FINE! But they cannot change how they were born!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95753", "author": "Mary K", "date": "2021-02-03T15:55:00", "title": "Strongly support ALL students in Virginia!", "text": "I strongly support ALL students in Virginia!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95754", "author": "Dane Skelton", "date": "2021-02-03T15:55:00", "title": "Statewide Transgender Policy", "text": "No child should be harmed or harassed for gender dysphoria. But this proposed policy pushes mandatory transgender political policy onto schools, teachers who disagree, children, and families. This is not about protecting kids from bullying. It is about bullying kids, teachers, and parents into promoting transgender policy against their wills and against their religiously informed consciences. This is bad policy for all Virginia's children. Children are highly moldable. This policy will convince many children to go with the crowd and have sometimes irreversible things done to their bodies before they are old enough to understand the lifelong repercussions. It also inserts the state in between the parent and the child. This is bad scientific policy. It contradicts basic DNA science and biology and encourages boys and girls to reject their own bodies. Boys and girls differ genetically in 6500 ways. Encouraging them to reject their genes is not good science or social policy. This policy is bad for Virginia's teachers. Thousands of them have conscience objections to this policy. This policy would force them to choose between serving as an educator or finding other work. We cannot afford to lose thousands of teachers at once. This is also a First Amendment issue. How much money does Virginia want to spend defending an indefensible policy when thousands of teachers sue? This policy is bad for families. Parents who love their children unconditionally yet disagree with this policy could be labeled as abusers. What happens then? Will the already overloaded state family services come in and remove the children from those homes? This policy creates an atmosphere of distrust between parents and schools. Schools are required to use the pronoun of the child's choice, despite the parent's wishes. How are parents supposed to trust teachers and administrators if they know they are required by law to lie to them? Hundreds of thousands of parents will pull their children from Virginia schools rather than subject their families to such conditions. This policy would put every biologically female student in Virginia schools in danger of sexual assault and subject adolescent girls to intolerable psychological harm as they begin to experience their periods. My three daughters graduated from Virginia schools. Boys will do ANYTHING to get sexually close to a girl, including identifying as trans. This policy will encourage sexual assault and rape. Further, no girl or woman wants a biological male--no matter how he identifies himself--in the bathroom with them when they are menstruating. And young women who try to use the boys restroom are putting themselves more at risk for bullying and rape, not less. On behalf of boys and girls, teachers and administrators, parents and families in all of Virginia, including the ones who believe they are protecting gender dysphoric children, please reject this proposed law. Respectfully, Dane Skelton Pastor, Faith Community Church South Boston, Virginia"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95755", "author": "JAC", "date": "2021-02-03T15:56:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill. We already have policies in place that cover discrimination, bullying and harassment of students, there is absolutely no reason to have a policy for one specific group of students. You are also proposing to take away a parents rights to know what is going on with their minor children and even threaten to remove that minor child if the parents are not supportive. We are quickly moving to a point where parents are not allowed to guide and teach their children without government intervention!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95756", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:56:00", "title": "Strongly Support Trans Rights", "text": "Transgenderism is something that many students are bullied over for no reason. Trans rights are human rights, and I oppose any sort of transphobia, no matter how much it goes against the will of God. Have love for all humans."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95757", "author": "Victoria Stack", "date": "2021-02-03T15:56:00", "title": "Schools are NOT parents", "text": "Parents are the ONE AND ONLY VOICE for THEIR CHILDREN.  Schools stay out."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95758", "author": "Austin", "date": "2021-02-03T15:56:00", "title": "Support! Support our LGBT youth!", "text": "We must end the culture of shame and fear that I had to endure as a gay child in the 90s and early 00s. Trans people are valid, Trans Kids are valid!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95759", "author": "Kimberly Moore", "date": "2021-02-03T15:57:00", "title": "STONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This policy goes far deeper than  a child's sexuality. This is about the state taking away parental rights and pretending to parent the children themselves. Parents are scolded, and rightly so, because their children do not know how to behave in school and the school's hands can be tied. They are told that teachers are not babysitters but the state now wants to take all rights away from the parents and allow children to manipulate teachers and other children? I would happy be the first parent to sue the school and/ or the VDOE if a horny little boy decided he wanted to see my daughter change clothes in a locker room and was allowed to so. Their are differences in the sexes for a reason. They are kept separately for a reason. Why would the state care so little about the children they are supposed to be protecting by helping possible predators and bullys loose on innocent children. So, the state only seems to care about a few and are forsaking the whole. We have come to a new low in our society and it is being financed by our own tax dollars. If the VDOE has so little experience with children that they choose not to see the ramifications of the manipulation that is sure to follow this policy, then they need to get out of the business. The VDOE is supposed to be educating facts not legislating their own views."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95760", "author": "Living In Virginia", "date": "2021-02-03T15:58:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Parents should have the ability to nurture and raise their child as they see fit as long as not harm is done, ie abuse or neglect.  The government should not be allowing other people to make or influence decisions so personally connected"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95762", "author": "Emily Swett", "date": "2021-02-03T15:58:00", "title": "Trans teens are one of the most high-risk groups for suicide. Protect them.", "text": "In addition to their individual mental and emotional struggles that can occur when accepting ones gender identity, trans teens suffer huge amounts of bullying and abuse in schools, clubs, religious and community groups, and often even in their homes. This is one of the many factors that contributes to the dramatically high rate of suicide amongst young trans people. Their existence does not infringe on the rights of any other students or parents, even those who do not consider their identity as valid. No student should not have to endure abuse at their educational institution, and simple things like having bathrooms that trans students can use without fear of harassment can do a lot to alleviate the stress of being openly trans as a young person."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95761", "author": "Luke Davis", "date": "2021-02-03T15:58:00", "title": "Virginia Transgender Policies", "text": "As a student in Rockingham County School I strongly disagree with this legislation. While it may seem inclusive for those who claim to have gender dysmorphia, it completely ignores the fact that there are others who believe there is no such thing. Parents should have a say in their child's life. Children cannot make some decisions on their own. As a Christian this goes against a lot of my beliefs. It seems as if the VA government doesnt care about people who have the same beliefs as me but rather only care about the other side. This is ridiculous. The fact that you would allow any one to \"choose their gender\" and go to whatever bathroom/locker room is just asking for trouble. This will cause all kinds of sexual assault issues. No doubt. This legislation is completely out of line and should NOT be adopted. I hope legislators come to their senses and see how ridiculous this is."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95763", "author": "Kimberly Thurston", "date": "2021-02-03T15:58:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "It is incredibly irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting. That should be conversation between parent, child, possibly a doctor - never the school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95764", "author": "Mom in Falls Church", "date": "2021-02-03T15:58:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender Policy", "text": "I am writing as I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policies the VA Department of Education is proposing. It goes too far in excluding parental rights (especially those of minors under the age of 18) and excluding religious freedoms. Please look to revise this. VDOE can certainly come up with something that ensures the rights of transgender individuals are protected without endangering those of others who have a personal or religious difference from them. Thank you. Geary Morris"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95765", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:58:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "The transgender guidelines will raise political correctness to a new level of absurdity, particularly as they relate to participation of male students in female athletic activities, and will likely hurt more students than it will help."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95766", "author": "Matt", "date": "2021-02-03T15:59:00", "title": "Support trans students", "text": "Support transgender students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95767", "author": "Jackie Small", "date": "2021-02-03T15:59:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Suicide rates for trans kids are absolutely horrifying. Trans kids face discrimination in schools not only from their classmates, but also from their teachers and administrators at alarming rates. These kids deserve to be safe from that kind of hatred, and legislation like this might create one more protective factor for some of our most vulnerable Virginians."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95768", "author": "Monica Torres", "date": "2021-02-03T15:59:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As a mental health professional and transgender person, I am speaking on the importance of providing safe and healthy school climates for transgender students. it is essential that these policies be in place to support the mental health and development of students. I can imagine my school experience being a much better one had these policies been in place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95769", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:59:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policy", "text": "Strongly oppose transgender policy-especially locker room/bathroom access and not honoring parents wishes for children under 18."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95770", "author": "Londyn", "date": "2021-02-03T16:00:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Please support trans kids & let them have a normal school experience, every kid deserves to feel safe and welcomed in school. Not sure how that’s controversial."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95771", "author": "JW", "date": "2021-02-03T16:00:00", "title": "Absolutely Not", "text": "Please consider other options."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95772", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:00:00", "title": "Against transgender bathroom plans for schools", "text": "I don’t feel this is a good option to do in our school systems."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95773", "author": "Ellie Reynolds", "date": "2021-02-03T16:01:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "i strongly support these measures and urge those opposed or hesitant to make space for trans students in their vision of the future of education. These measures will help trans students feel welcomed, and every student must feel welcomed before any student can learn and grow."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95774", "author": "Elle", "date": "2021-02-03T16:01:00", "title": "Strongly support human rights", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. Also for all of you bringing up Jesus... you do know he loved everyone? I am a huge believer in the separation of church and state but if we are going to get religious please don't use my boy Jesus as an excuse to hate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95775", "author": "Stu S.", "date": "2021-02-03T16:01:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This policy goes against parent's right and alienates non-trans gender children.  Parents must be notified if their own children have requested to referred to as something other than their natural gender.  That child needs help and the parent, not the school should choose how to help them. Additionally, our children should not be subject to changing clothes or using restroom facilities around those of the opposite gender.  This is opening a door to sexual assault that you cannot easily close. Please think of the 99.5% of children and not the tiny percentage of transgenders. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95776", "author": "Victoria", "date": "2021-02-03T16:01:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "If you are going to accuse me of child abuse for buying my DAUGHTER dresses.  Are the parties who wants this to be real going to explain to her why she can't and children born as boys can???  THIS IS RIDICULOUS.  Let the PARENTS be PARENTS!!!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95777", "author": "Randy", "date": "2021-02-03T16:02:00", "title": "Stop social engineering our public schools", "text": "This is a very sick bill.  Let kids be kids.  This will make matters worst.  My daughter already hates all the social garbage you are pushing on them.  These kids are smart and figure out how you legislatures are messing with them.  Leave them alone.  Don't you congress people have anything better to do that dream up how to make our society more sick."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95778", "author": "John", "date": "2021-02-03T16:02:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "No way i'm letting a boy in the locker room with my 14 year old daughter"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95779", "author": "Nope", "date": "2021-02-03T16:02:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95780", "author": "Dayana Bernardi", "date": "2021-02-03T16:02:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "This will open a lot of opportunities for trans people and will remove the barriers that transphobia has placed in education and beyond. I know close friends who haven’t felt comfortable pursuing education opportunities because of transphobia in the school and the lack of support, mentors, and resources available to them to Malén their educational experience bearable. Please support this guidance and improve the opportunities an de lives of everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95781", "author": "Rachel Goldsmith", "date": "2021-02-03T16:02:00", "title": "Support Trans and NB Students", "text": "Gender diverse students are at great risk of bullying and mental health difficulties. This measure would help tremendously. I strongly support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95782", "author": "Rachel Myers", "date": "2021-02-03T16:03:00", "title": "Support!! Trans kids deserve dignity!", "text": "I strongly support this guidance document, which will protect trans and queer students in Virginia and help ensure they are treated with the respect and dignity which they deserve! As a trans Virginian I'm proud to support my community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95783", "author": "Liz Mihelich", "date": "2021-02-03T16:03:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I support the guidance because all students deserve to feel safe, welcome, and supported!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95784", "author": "Bill", "date": "2021-02-03T16:03:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "The same bath rooms are you serious"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95785", "author": "Ted", "date": "2021-02-03T16:04:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "It is hard enough to get kids to talk to there parents and now we encourage them to lie?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95786", "author": "Zack", "date": "2021-02-03T16:05:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Please look at other options this sounds like far left agenda, these are kids"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95787", "author": "Alec Nobles", "date": "2021-02-03T16:05:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "I've got trans friends and family and this is necessary for youth to better live comfortably and safely."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95788", "author": "Clara Martin", "date": "2021-02-03T16:06:00", "title": "In Proud Support of Trans Students", "text": "I am in proud support of trans students and believe it is integral to their safety to be loved, seen, and supported throughout their education. Normalizing different perspectives and identities can only enhance our communities. Trans students deserve the respect and support that any other student would get in school. I hope this paves the way for my children to have a safe, welcoming, caring, and open place as they move through their education and figuring out who they are!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95789", "author": "Will", "date": "2021-02-03T16:06:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95790", "author": "KQT DC", "date": "2021-02-03T16:06:00", "title": "Spread Love and Kindness", "text": "I support the guidance because all students deserve to be in a safe and welcoming environment conducive to learning. They are all our children and our future regardless of how they identify themselves. They deserve love, respect and kindness in this world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95791", "author": "We The People", "date": "2021-02-03T16:06:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Poison like this is dangerous"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95792", "author": "Heather Sanchez", "date": "2021-02-03T16:06:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I agree with you that every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. We all agree that parents should unconditionally love, nurture and protect their children regardless of the circumstances—and abuse is always wrong for any reason. The disturbing reality, though, is that this policy opens the door to defining Christian, Bible believing parents—or others of faith—who aren’t deemed to fully embrace or comply with transgender politics as “abusers.” For instance, it states that in situations “when their families are not affirming,” the school should “be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students” and then encourages schools to report abuse concerns to Child Protective Services immediately. This begs the question, exactly how will “affirming” be defined and who will define it? Plus, the policy encourages schools to outright deceive parents:  It says schools should “respect” students if they don’t want their parents to know about their new transgender identity. The suggested plan for implementing this “respect”— and the policy specifically spells this out—is that, in cases where parents are not embracing or facilitating their child adopting a new gender identity (like using a new name, pronoun, etc.), then teachers can use the child’s new identity at school, but in the presence of the parent use the original legal name and so forth. Encouraging kids to lead a double life and hiding vital information from parents that could make a life-saving difference in kids’ lives is clearly not wise or safe. This policy is not safe for our children.  State education officials are not including kids’ bodily safety and privacy into their definition of “safe for all.” Because according to this policy, schools must allow boys identifying as girls, for instance, to use the girls’ bathrooms or change in female locker rooms—and this can all be done without ever notifying parents. Sadly, no one ever talks about the harm done to very young girls, for example, who feel powerless to expect physical privacy in the present of biological males—not to mention young men who don’t want to change in front of biological girls. Thank you for your consideration, Heather Sanchez"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95793", "author": "Barbara Anne Dixon", "date": "2021-02-03T16:06:00", "title": "Against", "text": "What about a law to protect children & parents from being subjected to this against their will"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95794", "author": "Robin", "date": "2021-02-03T16:06:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE!! Isaiah 5:20-21", "text": "There is a reason for the separation of Church and State. Family values are the right of the people. Schools should have no part in the breakdown of family MORALS and values. It is in my strongest belief that government is overstepping and infringing on unsafe standards for our children and all school employees should this be passed. Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweetness for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95795", "author": "RK", "date": "2021-02-03T16:06:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "There are three genders as defined by science. Male, female and intersex. Intersex births are one in one thousand five hundred and are individuals who are born with both genitalia. Recognizing transgenders as a sex is wrong, both scientifically as well as socially. This progressive idea needs to change. It doesn’t exits in other countries and it should not exist here either. Our children do not need to learn about cross dressers and transgender people who are either male or female. Transgender is not a sex and should not be recognized as such."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95796", "author": "B Kovacs", "date": "2021-02-03T16:07:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Ensuring child safety is important. Seeking to indoctrinate children with an ideology is putting their safety at risk. It is not the responsibility of government or a school system to promote agendas of any kind. Government is to enforce laws, Schools are to provide learning to provide children with tools to succeed as adults. DO NOT pass this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95797", "author": "Sara", "date": "2021-02-03T16:07:00", "title": "NO WAY", "text": "This doesn't seem right on any level"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95798", "author": "Christian Thompson", "date": "2021-02-03T16:07:00", "title": "Stand for the vulnerable of our state! Support! Support! Support!", "text": "Please, please stand for the character of our state by protecting trans people!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95799", "author": "Wei Lo", "date": "2021-02-03T16:08:00", "title": "Strongly Support as an education professional", "text": "I believe that every student deserves equal access to a safe and nurturing learning environment. We know many trans students are not afforded this experience. School needs to be the environment that protects every student (especially those who have experienced more marginalization) and for all students to learn how to be healthy citizens, to respect others who are different. This bill is the bare minimum for every school district to have in their policy. It is important even further, for specific more detailed strategies to be put into individual district policies for trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95800", "author": "W. Hill", "date": "2021-02-03T16:08:00", "title": "Absolutely NOT!!", "text": "BAD idea. Biological males, are male. Biological females, are females!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95801", "author": "Roy R. & Patricia Beatty", "date": "2021-02-03T16:08:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "My wife and I are strongly against any teachings on this subject to any of our grandkids. Their parents feel the same. I don't want anyone mistreated, however we all avoid that type of person. We teach our children to not downgrade or harass them either. They may mention them to us in talking, however they are not in their social circles. A good christian and private school raised child is pretty well isolated from these public school teachings. It seems that we are going to have them in the White House anyway. I don't have to defend or like them. Thank God"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95802", "author": "RC", "date": "2021-02-03T16:08:00", "title": "Absolutely Not", "text": "Every child deserves a right to learn but this is to pushy on the majority i think other options should be considered."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95803", "author": "Daniel", "date": "2021-02-03T16:09:00", "title": "Support Children deserve protection", "text": "all children deserve protection."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95804", "author": "Timothy Kelly", "date": "2021-02-03T16:09:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I believe all people need to have respect and dignity.  I am not seeing how this is a good idea for children to be left to figure who they are out and if they are struggling, for their parents not to be involved.  Who else knows and loves their children more than the childs parents?  We need to have more family less governmental/school control over our children.  Please do not pass this legislation, it is not in the best interest of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95805", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T16:09:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!!", "text": "Strongly oppose this lunacy! Let my daughter enjoy her HS years w/out allowing boys in her locker room or restroom!  This is nuts!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95806", "author": "William Potapchuk", "date": "2021-02-03T16:10:00", "title": "Protections and Support Needed for Transgender and non-binary students", "text": "I'm writing to support protections for transgender and non-binary students in all of Virginia's public schools. These students deserve a safe place to learn and succeed, and protections will help facilitate a positive learning environment for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95807", "author": "Courtney", "date": "2021-02-03T16:11:00", "title": "STONGLY DISAGREE", "text": "This is not something the BOE should even be involved in or promoting. This is not fair for parents who do not agree that an adolescent should be making these kinds of decisions. This is something that should be up to parents to educate their children on and not learning at school. Provide the transgender kids their own bathroom facilities. The last thing that needs to happen is a 15 year old boy who just decides they are a girl in a whim to go into the girls room and have the accessibility to rape a young girl. Just because a child says they feel like they are the opposite sex one day doesn’t mean they should access to that sex’s bathroom. Kids and teens question their sexuality all the time and change their minds. They need significant therapy before an accommodation like that is made for them!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95808", "author": "SW Carter", "date": "2021-02-03T16:11:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "I totally agree with one of the other comments. \"It is incredibly irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting.\" Key words are incredibly irresponsible folks. The school system should never be involved in this type of thing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95809", "author": "Leo Marshall", "date": "2021-02-03T16:11:00", "title": "Strongly Support! Support trans youth!", "text": "For the health and wellbeing of our trans children, I support this bill. There are too many children who, when denied their right to self expression, are driven to suicide at worst and at best lasting mental trauma. What are you afraid of by opposing this policy? A transgender girl will beat your daughter at basketball because she's taller? Ridiculous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95810", "author": "dj", "date": "2021-02-03T16:11:00", "title": "Do not pass!! Keep our kids safe", "text": "Passing this bill will put our children (especially our girls)  in danger. Please find another way to accommodate those who feel the need to be transgender. Do not allow them to use any private facility (locker rooms/rest rooms) that does not align with their biological gender. I can't even believe we have to discuss this. Just ridiculous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95811", "author": "Andrea", "date": "2021-02-03T16:12:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT this policy!", "text": "I fully support this policy, especially sections such as consistent school pronoun use [even across different learning management systems, forms, and processes], restroom/locker use that corresponds to their consistently asserted gender identity, and supporting the promotion of gender activities, and student clubs.  I also support providing LGBTQ2+ inclusive professional development for staff and curriculum considerations.  I fully believe that transgender and non-binary students (from elementary to high-school) will thrive if they feel safe and supported by their school staff and teachers.  Thank you for your support on this timely yet necessary model policy to protect trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95812", "author": "Jill", "date": "2021-02-03T16:14:00", "title": "Oppose. This is child abuse.", "text": "Strongly oppose. This is child abuse. But better yet. Homeschool your children. Any education is better than the indoctrination being done in public education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95813", "author": "Mother of 3 public school children", "date": "2021-02-03T16:14:00", "title": "Do what is best for all children", "text": "As a school counselor and mother of 3 kids ages 6, 10 and 12 I believe in the value of each and every child. Every child needs to feel loved, valued, heard and honored. However, this model to “help” transgender children does not help any child. It’s a sham that robs children of healthy growth, increases division among peers and hurts children who are confused by their growing bodies. Please love and counsel those who are confused!  They need guidance, support and to be heard, but not at the cost of other students’ natural born rights.  Let women flourish in sports celebrating their achievements while accessing safe locker rooms. Teach boys to be men who are loving fathers and community pillars. This false narrative is weakening our morals, institutions and nation. Enact this plan and suicides will flourish, not children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95814", "author": "Mo Sperry", "date": "2021-02-03T16:14:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "To the parents who say sexual preference/orientation do not belong in school—being trans is neither of these. It’s gender identity, and to those saying this pushes pedophilia—a seven year old trans girl is not going to do anything but go to the bathroom in the girls restroom. It is not some liberal ideology being pushed to your kids; it is not confusing and hurtful to them. It is not taking away rights of non-trans children. This fear-mongering parents try to instill due to their misunderstandings of what it means to be transgender is dangerous. To those who also say it goes against Christian morals and values—there is separation of church and state. It’s written in this country’s founding articles. Christian bibles also say nothing against transgender people—someone who has transitioned from male to female: they are female. End of question. Assuming that due to lack of saying this is okay, that this is then going against the word of god is also dangerous because it adheres to fearmongering once more and preaches a religion of ostracizing people for who they are and it’s also attempting to enforce supposed Christian beliefs in a place that is not supposed to be bound by religion. If you want a Catholic belief oriented school, then enroll your kid in Catholic private school. At the end of the day, children just gotta take a , man, let them take that . I can assure you that your ten year old isn’t thinking about the genitalia of everyone else in the restroom while they relieve themselves. And nor is the trans ten year old relieving themselves in the next stall over. Support trans rights for they are human rights and just let kids be human."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95815", "author": "Mern Horan", "date": "2021-02-03T16:15:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT PROPOSED TRANSGENDER GUIDELINES", "text": "I strongly support adoption of the proposed transgender guidelines for schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95816", "author": "Rachael Donahoe", "date": "2021-02-03T16:15:00", "title": "Oppose Strongly!!", "text": "If the existing ZERO bullying policy was working then this wouldn't even be necessary.  Furthermore I see no need for this at all.  School is about educating people not about anyone's identity nor sexuality.  Stop with sexualizing all that involves our children!  It's perverted and vile!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95817", "author": "Travis Witt. pastor", "date": "2021-02-03T16:15:00", "title": "How did we come to this?", "text": "It is quite fascinating how the trajectory of this issue has rapidly exploded in today's culture.  During the 1970's the Psychiatric Journal (DSM3) acknowledged gender dysphoria as a mental illness.  But today, that has now been reversed.  As a believer in Jesus Christ and one who also believes that the Bible is accurate in its assessment of the human condition, I am now the one with the mental issue.  Because I know there is a God who will ultimately have the final say, I pray for politicians and policy makers who diametrically oppose HIs directives.  I am also so sorry that His children are too often considered bigots for not agreeing with current perspective of the times. While I am not expecting anything to change with this comment, I do find it remarkable that far too many Christians today are unwilling to speak out about these issues.  Maybe far too many believe that political correctness trumps biblical correctness.  Rather than a backbone to stand in opposition, too many parents have wishbones, believing that acceptance of alternative lifestyles will not harm their children. I hope that parents and grandparents will come to realize and make correct decisions about the education of the children.  The Educational Department making directives for Virginia schools is catering to the few at the expense of far too many."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95818", "author": "Erin Balloue", "date": "2021-02-03T16:15:00", "title": "Absolutely opposed", "text": "This policy frightens me. It is not accounting for the welfare of our children and is looking only at one side of the political spectrum while using our children as victims.  We don't allow elementary school students to drive cars, choose whether to do their homework or even if they can eat their vegetables before or after dessert. Why would we allow them to decide what gender they will be in 50 years? Most children out grow any \"confusion\" they have. I believe this policy can damage a young child. It takes away privacy from developing middle schoolers in the locker rooms. When I was in middle school, the last thing I would want is a biological boy anywhere close to me while I was changing! No matter how that person felt. It is not allowing for a safe and inclusive environment for all students and instead discriminates against conservative and religious families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95819", "author": "Cathy M.", "date": "2021-02-03T16:15:00", "title": "Oppose \"Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools\"", "text": "According to the Mayo Clinic website, \"Gender dysphoria is a diagnosis listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a manual published by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose mental conditions.\"  Of course, no one should be bullied for any reason in our schools!  But attempts to \"normalize\" the idea that children can \"change\" their biological sex, should not be promoted in our schools.  Many \"transgendered\" young people now strongly regret their decision to undergo \"transition.\" https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7541679/Hundreds-youths-gender-surgery-wish-hadnt-says-head-advocacy-network.html .  I hate to think of the lawsuits that will ensue after minors in particular are given sex-change hormones behind the backs of their parents, just as they can legally obtain birth control, IUDs, \"morning after\" pills and abortions without parental consent.  How can any well-meaning adult think that an 8-year-old (let alone teens in their tumultuous years) has the mental capacity to \"change\" their sex?  There is an old saying that God always forgives, man sometimes forgives, nature never forgives.  It seems that we are forgetting the value of living in harmony with \"Mother Nature,\" even though so many give lip-service to that idea!  Many decry pollution of our air and water resources with chemical pollutants but ignore polluting our bodies with cancer-causing chemicals, hormones and dangerous surgeries which sometimes cause death.  Shockingly, the VDOE guidance document states, \"Regardless of the circumstances, the school should support the student's need for privacy and not disclose a student's gender identity to other students or parents.\"  Really?  And since young men and boys who \"identify\" as females will use women's showers, bathrooms and even hotel rooms during school travels, the right of privacy for the great majority of women and girls will be ignored while making sexual assaults much easier.  Women's sports will also effectively end.  Just as Anorexic students with a distorted body image should be helped to see reality, so too should students with Gender Dysphoria be guided and helped to \"follow the science,\" see reality and appreciate that biological sex is determined by DNA and chromosomes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95820", "author": "R Bauer", "date": "2021-02-03T16:16:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support the adoption of this Model Policy for Treatment of Transgender students in Virginia Schools. Transgender rights and civil rights and human rights, and fully supporting and protecting transgender students is the only moral choice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95821", "author": "E.S.", "date": "2021-02-03T16:17:00", "title": "Decency should prevail", "text": "Safe and inclusive learning spaces are critical to the new generations success. Policies that support all students can only serve to create a better informed and mentally stable leader of the next big Fortune 500 company or the swing vote in a government organization. Instead of implanting seeds of doubt in students mind, let’s lift every single one to make strides in academic achievement. Furthermore, this incredibly well-researched proposal further cements the idea that education systems are solely responsible and wholly entrusted with the burden to serve all students, whatever background they may come from. I strongly back this proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95822", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:17:00", "title": "The State is the enemy of decency and normalcy", "text": "Why is the state of Virginia forcing transgender ideology on schoolchildren?  The State punishes normalcy and champions degeneracy, and has found that brainwashing children is the easiest method.  What's next?  Inclusivity for students who engage in beastiality?  Safe spaces for pedophilia?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95823", "author": "Adrienne Varner", "date": "2021-02-03T16:18:00", "title": "Vehemently Disagree: You Are Not My Child’s Parent...I Am", "text": "I utterly reject the Department of Education’s proposed model regulations drafted in response to that legislation HB 145 and SN 161 purely because it violates the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. If the Department of Education wishes to insert itself “in loco parentis” for a student struggling with gender dysphoria while at school, then presumably they’ll be willing to assume ALL medical, legal, and financial responsibilities that arise from the administration’s exclusive counsel and “care” of that child. The DOE proposal undercuts open and honest conversation between parents and their children. It also obstructs parents from active involvement in the life of their child at school. Moreover, the proposed guidance document violates the presumption of parental autonomy in Virginia. Code Sec. 1-240.1 provides that a parent has the fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education and care of the parent’s child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95824", "author": "DaveM", "date": "2021-02-03T16:18:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As someone who has been on God's good earth for the better part of a century, I am saddened by people's ever increasing willingness to believe in a lie and subject the truth to their own desires, rather than cold, hard facts.  No one wants to see children bullied - not in schools, not at home, or anywhere.  However, encouraging children to adopt biologically wrong views of gender during a time of raging hormones or identity confusion that comes with youth is just exceedingly damaging to our children.  Doing so encourages them to make life-altering decisions from which there is no return.  If you pass this, you will not have to live with the life-altering consequences of this policy, but the children affected by it will.  You get to walk away from it.  They do not.  Shame on you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95825", "author": "vk", "date": "2021-02-03T16:18:00", "title": "YES!", "text": "I strongly support this guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95826", "author": "Concerned grandmother", "date": "2021-02-03T16:19:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "This plan weakens the family by blocking guidance from parents who have God given responsibilities toward their children. The family unit is an important building block of a stable society. Girls should be safe in a girls restroom, boys should be assured of privacy in theirs. Science text books and our language should not be changed for a chosen group."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95827", "author": "Holly", "date": "2021-02-03T16:19:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE! PLEASE, HAVE MORALS FOR GOD’S SAKE, IF NOT THE CHILDREN!", "text": "I urge all of you, on behalf of the CHILDREN OF Virginia. This is morally and ethically wrong on MANY accounts and you all know it is! One day, EVERY KNEE WILL BOW and give an ACCOUNT for EVERYTHING said and done! One of the comments on the board is that they “Support, but also increase mental and and health assessments.” Yes, of course. Support something SO WRONG but also give more funding for the mental health of our youth! Lord, I pray for mercy on those that love you! Our youth is already dealing with mental anguish due to schools being closed. What’s left? Go back to school (insert the date of when exactly is that) to compete against males and share your bathroom with them. I and SO MANY will leave these schools, this STATE!!! Get ready! God’s vengeance will leave you like California!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95828", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T16:19:00", "title": "STRONGLY oppose!", "text": "As a mother who will soon be sending my child to public school, this is sickening that I have to vote on such a matter. This new regulation not only puts children of all genders in dangerous situations at school (a place where children should feel safest) but it violates parental rights.. parents, the ones who pay for our children to attend school. I pray that the board hears my voice and concern and does not pass this rule. Please, for our children’s sake and future, please don’t do this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95829", "author": "Autumn P.", "date": "2021-02-03T16:19:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE. This is NOT protecting ALL children. There are ways to protect them all.", "text": "This is removing parents rights & those who know their children best. Those who have guardianship & who are responsible for their child's well-being. The government should never dictate how parents should handle gender related issues with their children. This is NOT a safety issue, therefore not an issue for the government to be involved in. Parents and staff should continue to work together to teach against bullying of any kind. I am STRONGLY opposed to any form of bullying. Keeping biological males and biological females separated into gender specific bathrooms and locker rooms is non-negotiable to maintain privacy and safety. A solution could be to offer single room bathrooms. Allowing biological males in biological female bathrooms and vice-versa IS an issue on multiple accounts. For one it's a liability for all. Sadly we do live in a day of false accusations and this puts young people in a situation to be falsely accused. Ultimately though forcing children to use certain pronouns & allowing the school to influence \"gender\" identity and then to threaten removal from home, has taken this to a different level."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95830", "author": "Wake up People!", "date": "2021-02-03T16:19:00", "title": "Oppose! And you should too.", "text": "While I believe in an individuals rights and the no bullying policy, to introduce sexuality and gender issues at the elementary school level is insane. To take away more rights from the parents and give it to the schools/govt is insane. Let these kids start to develop as they were born and let them decide later in life whether or not they want to change that. We should be promoting creativity and knowledge of young minds, not destroying them. Confusing the sexes is another form of divide and conquer. Parents, you know what is best for your kids. Don't give up your rights to a school system that doesn't support you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95831", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:19:00", "title": "Strongly support! Protect trans youth!!!", "text": "Strongly support this. Protect trans youth! Make school a safe place for all children by encouraging education about transness and trans-specific issues. Please educate! Please encourage trans youth to feel safe being themselves. Please encourage cis youth to be respectful and supportive. Please make the system supportive of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95832", "author": "Lyndsay Jakubek", "date": "2021-02-03T16:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "All of our kids deserve to grow up in a loving, accepting environment and that absolutely includes while at school. Bullying is an unfortunate occurrence at school for most kids so any extra precautions or policies in place to help protect marginalized groups is amazing. These policies have the real power to prevent suicides. Please enact them and help protect our kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95833", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T16:20:00", "title": "Strongly oppose, agenda hurts children more than it helps.  Plz read this post from a Pediatrician", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender changes that are being proposed, I ask for consideration for the board and all concerned to please read this post in its entirety.  Follows is an article written by Pediatrician Dr. Michelle Cretella on July 03, 2017, and it provides all that is needed for wise and intelligent people to understand how harmful this is for our children. “Just a few short years ago, not many could have imagined a high-profile showdown over transgender men and women’s access to single-sex bathrooms in North Carolina. But transgender ideology is not just infecting our laws. It is intruding into the lives of the most innocent among us—children—and with the apparent growing support of the professional medical community. As explained in my 2016 peer reviewed article, “ Gender Dysphoria in Children and Suppression of Debate ,” found at http://www.jpands.org/vol21no2/cretella.pdf , and professionals who dare to question the unscientific party line of supporting gender transition therapy will find themselves maligned and out of a job. I speak as someone intimately familiar with the pediatric and behavioral health communities and their practices. I am a mother of four who served 17 years as a board certified general pediatrician with a focus in child behavioral health prior to leaving clinical practice in 2012. For the last 12 years, I have been a board member and researcher for the American College of Pediatricians, and for the last three years I have served as its president. I also sat on the board of directors for the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity from 2010 to 2015. This organization of physicians and mental health professionals defends the right of patients to receive psychotherapy for sexual identity conflicts that is in line with their deeply held values based upon science and medical ethics. I have witnessed an upending of the medical consensus on the nature of gender identity. What doctors once treated as a mental illness, the medical community now largely affirms and even promotes as normal. Here’s a look at some of the changes. The New Normal Pediatric “gender clinics” are considered elite centers for affirming children who are distressed by their biological sex. This distressful condition, once dubbed gender identity disorder, was renamed “gender dysphoria” in 2013. In 2014, there were 24 of these gender clinics , clustered chiefly along the east coast and in California. One year later, there were 40 across the nation. With 215 pediatric residency programs now training future pediatricians in a transition-affirming protocol and treating gender-dysphoric children accordingly, gender clinics are bound to proliferate further. Last summer, the federal government stated that it would not require Medicare and Medicaid to cover transition-affirming procedures for children or adults because medical experts at the Department of Health and Human Services found the risks were often too high, and the benefits too unclear. Undeterred by these findings, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health has pressed ahead, claiming—without any evidence—that these procedures are “safe.” Two leading pediatric associations—the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Endocrine Society—have followed in lockstep, endorsing the transition affirmation approach even as the latter organization concedes within its own guidelines that the transition-affirming protocol is based on low evidence. They even admit that the only strong evidence regarding this approach is its potential health risks to children. The transition-affirming view holds that children who “consistently and persistently insist” that they are not the gender associated with their biological sex are innately transgender. (The fact that in normal life and in psychiatry, anyone who “consistently and persistently insists” on anything else contrary to physical reality is considered either confused or delusional is conveniently ignored.) The transition-affirming protocol tells parents to treat their children as the gender they desire, and to place them on puberty blockers around age 11 or 12 if they are gender dysphoric. If by age 16, the children still insist that they are trapped in the wrong body, they are placed on cross-sex hormones, and biological girls may obtain a double mastectomy. So-called “bottom surgeries,” or genital reassignment surgeries, are not recommended before age 18, though some surgeons have recently argued against this restriction. The transition-affirming approach has been embraced by public institutions in media, education, and our legal system, and is now recommended by most national medical organizations. There are exceptions to this movement, however, in addition to the American College of Pediatricians and the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice. These include the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, the Christian Medical & Dental Associations, the Catholic Medical Association, and the LGBT-affirming Youth Gender Professionals . The transgender movement has gained legs in the medical community and in our culture by offering a deeply flawed narrative. The scientific research and facts tell a different story. Here are some of those basic facts. 1. Twin studies prove no one is born “trapped in the body of the wrong sex.” Some brain studies have suggested that some are born with a transgendered brain. But these studies are seriously flawed and prove no such thing. Virtually everything about human beings is influenced by our DNA, but very few traits are hardwired from birth. All human behavior is a composite of varying degrees for nature and nurture. Researchers routinely conduct twin studies to discern which factors (biological or nonbiological) contribute more to the expression of a particular trait. The best designed twin studies are those with the greatest number of subjects. Identical twins contain 100 percent of the same DNA from conception and are exposed to the same prenatal hormones. So if genes and/or prenatal hormones contributed significantly to transgenderism, we should expect both twins to identify as transgender close to 100 percent of the time. Skin color, for example, is determined by genes alone. Therefore, identical twins have the same skin color 100 percent of the time. But in the largest study of twin transgender adults , published by Dr. Milton Diamond in 2013, only 28 percent of the identical twins both identified as transgender. Seventy-two percent of the time, they differed. (Diamond’s study reported 20 percent identifying as transgender, but his actual data demonstrate a 28 percent figure, as I note here in footnote 19.) That 28 percent of identical twins both identified as transgender suggests a minimal biological predisposition, which means transgenderism will not manifest itself without outside nonbiological factors also impacting the individual during his lifetime. The fact that the identical twins differed 72 percent of the time is highly significant because it means that at least 72 percent of what contributes to transgenderism in one twin consists of nonshared experiences after birth—that is, factors not rooted in biology. Studies like this one prove that the belief in “innate gender identity”—the idea that “feminized” or “masculinized” brains can be trapped in the wrong body from before birth—is a myth that has no basis in science. 2. Gender identity is malleable, especially in young children. Even the American Psychological Association’s Handbook of Sexuality and Psychology admits that prior to the widespread promotion of transition affirmation, 75 to 95 percent of pre-pubertal children who were distressed by their biological sex eventually outgrew that distress. The vast majority came to accept their biological sex by late adolescence after passing naturally through puberty. But with transition affirmation now increasing in Western society, the number of children claiming distress over their gender—and their persistence over time—has dramatically increased. For example, the Gender Identity Development Service in the United Kingdom alone has seen a 2,000 percent increase in referrals since 2009 . 3. Puberty blockers for gender dysphoria have not been proven safe. Puberty blockers have been studied and found safe for the treatment of a medical disorder in children called precocious puberty (caused by the abnormal and unhealthy early secretion of a child’s pubertal hormones). However, as a groundbreaking paper in The New Atlantis points out, we cannot infer from these studies whether or not these blockers are safe in physiologically normal children with gender dysphoria. The authors note that there is some evidence for decreased bone mineralization, meaning an increased risk of bone fractures as young adults, potential increased risk of obesity and testicular cancer in boys, and an unknown impact upon psychological and cognitive development. With regard to the latter, while we currently don’t have any extensive, long-term studies of children placed on blockers for gender dysphoria, studies conducted on adults from the past decade give cause for concern. For example, in 2006 and 2007 , the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology reported brain abnormalities in the area of memory and executive functioning among adult women who received blockers for gynecologic reasons. Similarly, many studies of men treated for prostate cancer with blockers also suggest the possibility of significant cognitive decline. 4. There are no cases in the scientific literature of gender-dysphoric children discontinuing blockers. Most, if not all, children on puberty blockers go on to take cross-sex hormones (estrogen for biological boys, testosterone for biological girls). The only study to date to have followed pre-pubertal children who were socially affirmed and placed on blockers at a young age found that 100 percent of them claimed a transgender identity and chose cross-sex hormones. This suggests that the medical protocol itself may lead children to identify as transgender. There is an obvious self-fulfilling effect in helping children impersonate the opposite sex both biologically and socially. This is far from benign, since taking puberty blockers at age 12 or younger, followed by cross-sex hormones, sterilizes a child. 5. Cross-sex hormones are associated with dangerous health risks. From studies of adults we know that the risks of cross-sex hormones include, but are not limited to, cardiac disease, high blood pressure, blood clots, strokes, diabetes, and cancers. 6. Neuroscience shows that adolescents lack the adult capacity needed for risk assessment. Scientific data show that people under the age of 21 have less capacity to assess risks. There is a serious ethical problem in allowing irreversible, life-changing procedures to be performed on minors who are too young themselves to give valid consent. 7. There is no proof that affirmation prevents suicide in children. Advocates of the transition-affirming protocol allege that suicide is the direct and inevitable consequence of withholding social affirmation and biological alterations from a gender-dysphoric child. In other words, those who do not endorse the transition-affirming protocol are essentially condemning gender-dysphoric children to suicide. Yet as noted earlier, prior to the widespread promotion of transition affirmation, 75 to 95 percent of gender-dysphoric youth ended up happy with their biological sex after simply passing through puberty. In addition, contrary to the claim of activists, there is no evidence that harassment and discrimination, let alone lack of affirmation, are the primary cause of suicide among any minority group. In fact, at least one study from 2008 found perceived discrimination by LGBT-identified individuals not to be causative. Over 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a diagnosed mental disorder, and there is no evidence that gender-dysphoric children who commit suicide are any different. Many gender dysphoric children simply need therapy to get to the root of their depression, which very well may be the same problem triggering the gender dysphoria. 8. Transition-affirming protocol has not solved the problem of transgender suicide. Adults who undergo sex reassignment—even in Sweden, which is among the most LGBT-affirming countries—have a suicide rate nearly 20 times greater than that of the general population. Clearly, sex reassignment is not the solution to gender dysphoria. Bottom Line: Transition-Affirming Protocol Is Child Abuse The crux of the matter is that while the transition-affirming movement purports to help children, it is inflicting a grave injustice on them and their nondysphoric peers. These professionals are using the myth that people are born transgender to justify engaging in massive, uncontrolled, and unconsented experimentation on children who have a psychological condition that would otherwise resolve after puberty in the vast majority of cases. Today’s institutions that promote transition affirmation are pushing children to impersonate the opposite sex, sending many of them down the path of puberty blockers, sterilization, the removal of healthy body parts, and untold psychological damage. These harms constitute nothing less than institutionalized child abuse. Sound ethics demand an immediate end to the use of pubertal suppression, cross-sex hormones, and sex reassignment surgeries in children and adolescents, as well as an end to promoting gender ideology via school curricula and legislative policies. It is time for our nation’s leaders and the silent majority of health professionals to learn exactly what is happening to our children, and unite to take action."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95834", "author": "Mark Schumann", "date": "2021-02-03T16:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Students who want to identify in a way other than their birth gender have had the option to use a nurses bathroom or unisex bathroom at school.  Many kids go to the office for various reasons throughout the day.  Some go for daily medication. This is normal and students don’t even question it. The rest of the students should not have to the stress of a biological opposite sex child in their bathrooms and locker rooms.  My daughter has stated that she will never feel comfortable with a boy in the restroom or locker room. Please do not do this! Also, allowing biological males on female school sports teams puts most biological females at a physical disadvantage.  Look at states that enacted this type of legislation and you will see that biological males now hold the top spots in girl sports.  This is unfair to biological females.  They are missing out on scholarships to college.  In Connecticut this has already been an issue where 2 Biological males took titles in female track.  It’s an issue of fairness. A couple of years ago, a biological man who identifies as a female won a women's world championship cycling event in California.  The list goes on.  Please don’t let it go on in Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95835", "author": "Lauren", "date": "2021-02-03T16:22:00", "title": "TRANS LIVES MATTER - TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "Stop trying to emotionally, psychologically and physically segregate people.  Trans rights are human rights- get over yourself, it’s not about you. Keep our children safe by TREATING THEM EQUALLY."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95836", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:22:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "Strongly oppose this plan on social engineering. Schools have lost site of true education. All children are valuable and deserve an education. Your making our children activists and forgetting the role of parents. The schools continue to undermine parents and family values. This is nonsense. More and more parents will continue to look for alternatives in education die to this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95837", "author": "Donita Ahearn", "date": "2021-02-03T16:23:00", "title": "Transgender policy for public schools", "text": "Strongly oppose.  Parents need to be included in this sensitive subject.  Transgender bathroom should be private to avoid bullying and abuse.   Use common sense in each case."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95838", "author": "IL", "date": "2021-02-03T16:23:00", "title": "SUPPORT!", "text": "I support the guidance 100%!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95839", "author": "Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T16:25:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Protect our girls! Biological females need safe spaces to use the restroom and change without biological males in the space."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95840", "author": "Nicholas Gothard", "date": "2021-02-03T16:27:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I've grown up as a LGBT member of the Virginia community and felt first-hand the effects that a system that doesn't include everyone has. I support the guidance to protect some of our most vulnerable populations. It is the morally just and compassionate thing to do. If we don't stand up for our students in their time of need, if we don't validate their decisions to live authentically, then we have failed them. I remember when I came out as gay to my high school. I wish there was guidance in place to help me. The least I can do is help my LGBT peers in advocating in support of this guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95240", "author": "Sam M", "date": "2021-02-03T11:43:00", "title": "Some of this is NOT okay", "text": "All students, not just LGBTQ students, should be afforded the same rights. This proposal loosely states that, but ultimately provides more protection/coverage for a trans student. That is not ok. You are providing protections for a tiny little population of students. Favoritism will prevail if this policy is approved as is currently written. Below are a few areas where I see fault and request that the policy be reviewed. Three ways that this policy needs to be reworked: 1. Parent/guardian MUST be told when their student decides to identify as something other than what their DNA has determined that they are. Keeping this from them must not an option. 2. Children must use the bathroom that is determined by their DNA. If they are uncomfortable doing that, then they can have an option of using a private bathroom that has a single toilet and sink. *I realize that some schools, specifically elementary schools, don't offer this option. Districts need to figure that out. 3. Students must NOT be allowed to use a staff office for privacy while changing. If a trans student is allowed to use a staff office to change clothes for PE class because they are uncomfortable around other students, then ANY student should be allowed to do the same. There are hetero students who are uncomfortable changing in front of others, but never has there been a proposal which would allow them an secondary option. Also, if you allow a student to enter a staff office for this purpose you are opening up a HUGE liability for that staff member."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95241", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:43:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support because I believe in protecting the rights of everyone & making public areas including schools a safe space for anyone regardless of sex, gender, religion, etc. Let people be people!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95242", "author": "Sebastienne", "date": "2021-02-03T11:45:00", "title": "Strong support! Trans rights are human rights!", "text": "Protect trans kids! There are too many bigoted parents on this thread and ppl afraid to show their faces along with their terrible opinions. You all should be ashamed of yourselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95243", "author": "Marissa", "date": "2021-02-03T11:45:00", "title": "Please support this policy", "text": "It is vital that each and every student feels safe, cared for and supported in their environment. The point of a school is to foster a learning space, where people can grow- and this kind of space cannot occur when people feel hurt, unhappy, unsafe and discriminated against. School should be a place that invites people to join important conversations and create bonds that will carry them though their lives - and so it is a place where everyone should feel supported, as only then can learning occur."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95244", "author": "Lee", "date": "2021-02-03T11:46:00", "title": "PROTECT TRANS KIDS", "text": "PROTECT TRANS KIDS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95245", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T11:46:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose this proposal. While bullying is certainly an issue that needs to be addressed, this is not the way. This legislation will only lead to potential abuse and further stress on both the children and parents of our community. Furthermore, punishing those who speak out in future is completely absurd. In your attempt to “include all” you are blatantly excluding those who morally oppose this. Shameful."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95246", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-02-03T11:47:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This defies not only science but common sense. Has there been any attempt to contact pediatric psychiatrists, from BOTH sides of the argument, to have them debate back and forth in an open forum why this is or isn't appropriate for our children? Why this is potentially harmful NOT helpful? Im assuming there has not been because if you guys did your due diligence and were after what was actually best for our kids instead of what pushed the agenda you were after - then you'd know that any psychiatrist worth their salt can provide you with abundant scientific evidence and experience in the field, much more than the supporting side can, that states that the vast, vast majority of children who have decided to present as transgender have endured previous sexual trauma as a child. Meaning that these children are exhibiting not an unconsequential free choice but instead symptoms of unresolved child abuse that caused severe mental chaos and trauma. Supporting this measure inadvertantly forces you into the circle of those who not only perpetrated the abuse but those who refused to help stop it. That cannot be your intention here and if it is, then we have way bigger problems. This is not a good thing to push on our babies, it IS harmful. I dont think I know anyone who believes we should be treating \"transgender\" children badly or harshly. I do not believe we should be humiliating them - I believe that the correct form of action is in line with a compassionate response that focuses on healing and treatment. Let's not forget that so called \"transgenderism\" is classified as a mental health disorder. It is not just a simple, non significant choice of one deciding what they want. Thats not even touching the fact that no child still under the authority of their parents, who cannot even be legally trusted to make a decision to vote, enter the military, or to be trusted to make good enough choices to be out past the state mandated 11 o'clock curfew - has the ability to make good choices for a decision that will have such a profound and permanent impact on their lives going forward. Would you trust your own children with such big decisions without your guidance? The guidance of those who love them more than anything in the world, who more than anyone else, want whats best for them? Come on! Give me a break. No good parent is comfortable with that, not even any of you, if your being honest with yourselves and yet this is what your considering? I cant understand it. This is particularly concerning because you are attempting to HARM children by validating a MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER, without the parents consent or input, at that. I will also say that your agenda, if implemented, places ALL of the civil liability on each of you and on the teachers/school officials involved if that child is harmed in the long run by these half baked, political policies and ill tell you why.  The courts have long established that unless a parent/parental unit have been proven unfit by a court of law, that their decisions and will for a child, whether agreed with or not, cannot be usurped by the state simply because the state thinks it knows better. Because of this precedent, a parents choices for their children must be deemed as \"in the child's best interest!\" Which again, since it seems no one has thought of the consequences, opens the school systems up to liability if the parents can prove harm done and a deliberate choice by the school officials to unilaterally decide, contrary to the parents decisions, what was best for that child, which they will be able to easily do, considering, as I stated earlier, this is a mental health disorder and the long held court precedent. For so many of you who scream at us that we MUST be guided by the science - you sure are going AGAINST the actual science. I believe that both sides of this argument must be weighed against each other equally and from an unbiased, unpolitical stand point before this is allowed to go forward. If it is weighed and argued fairly with both sides being able to present why this is or isn't appropriate - then i believe you all MUST come to the conclusion that all of us FULLY informed parents have already come to - that this is not okay to implement. It is NOT okay to usurp our authority as the rightful providers and decision makers for our children, which again were talking about rights that have been long established by the courts. This should NOT be implemented. I believe given everything I've already stated, that this cannot be implemented in good conscience by any of you. Enough of this cowardly, self preservation bull crap. These are our babies who you are offering up to be potentially destroyed by your unproven theories. Beyond that, a child should not be put in the position to have to deal with these kinds of issues. Let our children be children for Gods sake. They have their whole lives to deal with such heavy issues. Why the rush to destroy them, especially so early?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95247", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:48:00", "title": "Strongly support. Treat others how you want to be treated.", "text": "I knew a child at the age of three who took deep exception to being called by his name. We didn’t know or have the words at the time but that child was struggling to cement their trans identity in a world that couldn’t comprehend what they knew in their psyche. That child struggled to build relationships through school, developed a serious eating disorder leading to hospitalization and life long health issues, as well as cutting behaviors and attempting suicide. I am utterly horrified by some of the comments I’ve seen. I have my own children now ages 3-10 and I cannot imagine about speaking about someone’s child the way that some of these people have. Treating trans kids with the most basic levels of respect and tolerance saves lives. If you’re the type of person that life is sacred, starts act conception, and wants to #savethechildren, here are children that need saving, are asking for help, and have concrete ideas about how you can help."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95248", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:48:00", "title": "PROTECT TRANS KIDS ??????", "text": "Whether the older community members “understand” it or not, our kids MUST be treated with respect and dignity. They must be allowed the freedom to be themselves so that they don’t grow up to be as scared and hateful as the other people in the comments"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95249", "author": "Mikayla Schedlbauer", "date": "2021-02-03T11:48:00", "title": "In Support", "text": "I strongly support this as it sets a precedent for equality, tolerance, and acceptance. The only way to move forward as a society it so accept and love our neighbor."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95250", "author": "A concerned educator", "date": "2021-02-03T11:48:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "As adults we have a responsibility to protect those who are vulnerable. This bill would make it INCREDIBLY EASY for predators to get away with heinous things, and with absolutely NO CONSEQUENCES. It would also COMPLETELY bind the hands of anyone in a position to protect these children! If you open Pandora’s box here, there is no going back. We MUST be able to protect the children in our care."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95251", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:49:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "These guidelines are critical for the long-term physical, mental, and emotional health of all children. Implementing these measures will simply not require significant effort or discomfort of the teachers, administrators, and students in these schools — implementing these measures will only benefit teachers, administrators, and students. To oppose any of these measures is to bluntly tell transgender, gender non-conforming, and LGBTQ+ children that they are not allowed to be themselves. Comments opposing these measures are pro-discrimination and, in many ways, advocating AGAINST free speech among young people in NC. Do the right thing and implement these policies in NC schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95252", "author": "Dariel Clark", "date": "2021-02-03T11:49:00", "title": "I FULLY SUPPORT. PROTECT TRANS KIDS.", "text": "I fully support this guidance. Let these kids be - LISTEN TO THEM! Protect them and ensure their safety. Denying them of that is pure discrimination; allowing any harm done to them to go unpunished, or receive leniency, enables transphobia and transphobic hate crimes. They don't deserve that. No one deserves that. Make their spaces safer. PROTECT TRANS KIDS. ENSURE THEIR SAFETY. LISTEN TO THEM! PERIOD."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95253", "author": "Lucas Manweiler", "date": "2021-02-03T11:49:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Everyone deserves respect and the right to govern their own body. This helps make sure that happens for people; it is a no brainer. Thank you for putting forth this legislation and please make it happen!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95254", "author": "Patricia Phillips", "date": "2021-02-03T11:49:00", "title": "Concern for Model Policy on Treatment of Transgender Student", "text": "In general, I oppose this proposed Model Guidance.  I think it will create more problems than it solves.  Anti-bulling policies are more than adequate to protect all students, including transgender students.  I'm concerned that the policy only takes into account the transgender student without regard to other students legitimate (i.e. not hate filled or intolerant) discomfort with sharing bathrooms, lockers or school sponsored sleepovers with the biological opposite sex.  The negative impact on girls sports teams in particular, disadvantages all girls sports gains that have been made.  The policy comes from a perspective assumes the school district's concern for the student is superior to the parent's concern and is contrary to parental rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95255", "author": "Tierney", "date": "2021-02-03T11:51:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth!", "text": "I support this! Trans students need support and protection in their schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95256", "author": "Lauren Ramos", "date": "2021-02-03T11:51:00", "title": "Support trans kids", "text": "I support this policy and trans kids. Supporting their rights is critical."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95257", "author": "Jordan H", "date": "2021-02-03T11:52:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. I fully support!!", "text": "Trans people should not feel unsafe or unaccepted in schools; a place where they legally have to attend. Schools should feel safe and supportive. I fully agree that trans information and knowledge would be incredibly beneficial to the students and staff in schools. The more people are provided with information on trans people, the better. Right now it is a severely misunderstood topic, that due to so much misinformation, brings judgement and mistreatment onto these trans people. Schools already have rules and codes against bullying/harassment of their students, and trans students and staff also deserve this protection."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95258", "author": "Elara Strand", "date": "2021-02-03T11:52:00", "title": "Support the rights of Trans students", "text": "All students deserve to be supported, whatever their gender. Trans and non-binary students are a much higher risk for depression and suicide when they are bullied and discriminated against. This should be a non-issue. Support our students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95259", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:52:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose this wicked agenda!  Bad for everyone!!!", "text": "I absolutely oppose this agenda which will cause all kinds of evil to flourish.  This MUST not go on!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95260", "author": "Kelley Marlin", "date": "2021-02-03T11:53:00", "title": "Protect trans kids from abuse.", "text": "Please support this bill to guarantee that our trans students are shown that their lives matter. The suicide rate in the trans population is so high due to the way they are treated. If mental health is truly a priority in public education, passing this bill should be a no-brainer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95261", "author": "Anna Jackson", "date": "2021-02-03T11:53:00", "title": "Trans kids are human kids!!!", "text": "Fully support as an essential step. Support trans kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95262", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:53:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "These regulations are harmful to children and injurious to parent-child relationships. Children, who are in the process of formulating their own personal identities, need careful, compassionate guidance from trustworthy adults and not from ones who will cater to and capitalize on their vacillating adolescent struggles. These policies intentionally remove parents from the integral part they play in the nurturing of their own children. In most circumstances, parents are the ones who care more intimately for their children than anyone else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95263", "author": "Won-Suk Choi", "date": "2021-02-03T11:53:00", "title": "I strongly support this legislation.", "text": "I will always support any initiative that allows our children to accept inherent traits and immutable characteristics and accept and love those unchangeable feelings thoughts and emotions with every other part of themselves. Continuing to treat gender nonconforming students as pariahs is unacceptable and not supported by science. Our insistence on categorising socially constructed norms as infallible biological traits is not supported by what we see in the natural world. We are bringing societal biases into flawed srguments that biological sex is determinative. Our children are paying the price. I for one welcome the opportunity to learn from the experiences of our children as we try to make sure that everyone rightly gets the opportunity to feel safe and loved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95264", "author": "Absolutely not", "date": "2021-02-03T11:54:00", "title": "Vote absolutely not!", "text": "Please focus on EFUCATION. These kids are the future of this nation.!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95265", "author": "Peter", "date": "2021-02-03T11:54:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "This is silly. We are giving kids the ability to go against their parents at the whims of societal pressures. This is a blatant attack on the family. Kids are influential and this is pushing the agenda against the family."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95266", "author": "Noah", "date": "2021-02-03T11:54:00", "title": "Trans Kids Deserve Support", "text": "Grappling with trans identity as a young person is hard enough without an unsupportive learning environment. Our schools should be places where trans youth feel comfortable to express themselves, and teachers should be have guidelines for handling specific issues related to trans students. The key phrase in this guidance is \"evidence-based\" – and the evidence refutes scaremongering that trans students using the bathroom or locker room that aligns with their gender identity will lead to a tsunami of abuse and discomfort. Providing support and guidelines for teachers will also allow them to better mediate any issues that arise, a win-win for everyone. Don't be swayed by anti-trans rhetoric."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95267", "author": "hannah", "date": "2021-02-03T11:55:00", "title": "its not right", "text": "this is not right, i strongly disagree with this, God put us on the earth as we are, we are perfect in his eyes and shouldnt change, and it's certainly not right for elementary school kids bc theyre just little innocent children, and that goes for 6-12th to, this is NOT right"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95268", "author": "Amber", "date": "2021-02-03T11:56:00", "title": "I VOTE NO!", "text": "As a concerned parent I object to these Bills! If you go through with this and open Pandora’s box I will choose to home school my children! Do not do this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95269", "author": "Katherine", "date": "2021-02-03T11:56:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans youth need our support! People opposing this should be ashamed of themselves. Our youth are our future; let’s try and raise them in a community of love, tolerance and support..there is no reason to continue to perpetuate the immoral and HATEFUL ideas of the patriachy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95270", "author": "Mother of 4", "date": "2021-02-03T11:57:00", "title": "This is so wrong on so many levels. /Transgender Policy", "text": "I strongly disagree with this proposal. While our schools need to focus on inclusion and less bullying across all areas, this will not help that. I strongly disagree with any proposal that silences one group. And this does that. It cuts the parents out of what is happening with sexual identity of children. It silences families that believe in sons, daughters and mom and dads. It cuts out any supper of families who do not agree with any part of this proposal by saying not agreeing is bullying. That’s not true. You can disagree and still love and include someone. Focus on inclusion of ALL. Also this seems to be a medical and mental health diagnosis which schools have no ability to make or hold up. I know because CCPS tells us all the time they cannot diagnose or even use the words dyslexic for my child, who is dyslexic, because it is a medically diagnosis and they cannot diagnosis medically. Gender should also be something a parent and medical is discussing. Once a family and medical team has established this, they may approach the school to create needs for child. But the public school should be doing nothing but including that child as every other child. This proposal doesn’t do that. Also, as a parent I have a right to know what body parts my young child may be exposed to at school. As in shared bathrooms and changing rooms. Again this proposal is not ok. Focus on inclusion not silencing groups as this does."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95271", "author": "Lizzie Baker", "date": "2021-02-03T11:57:00", "title": "Support ALL students!!!", "text": "Not only should transgender students have access to a fair and equal education, they shouldn't have to fear going to school in order to receive it. Educators shouldn't let their own biases affect the quality of education given to students and this legislature appears to give more support and opportunities to a population that is so often ignored. It's time to start educating students on acceptance and kindness rather than exclusion and hate. Educating our youth, rather than shielding them from the differences among them can decrease stigmatization for generations to come. Let's NORMALIZE acceptance!! This is a step in the right direction. Teach love, not hate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95272", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T11:58:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "strongly oppose. Agree- focus on education"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95273", "author": "Austi", "date": "2021-02-03T11:58:00", "title": "Approve, Support, Protect", "text": "There is no reason, other than bigoted misunderstanding, to deny protection to children. It doesn't matter what kind of children. It doesn't matter how adults feel about it. Protect children every time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95274", "author": "Bob Kenney", "date": "2021-02-03T11:59:00", "title": "Strong support for VDOE Trans and Non-Binary Student Protection", "text": "In my practice, I have worked with several trans and non-binary young people.  The suicide rate is so high because of the negative judgement and harassment from the rest of society. Just like gay individuals, they are being true to themselves.  This is who they are.  They need these protections right now until society can move to a more safe and inclusive space for these amazing kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95275", "author": "Very Concerned", "date": "2021-02-03T11:59:00", "title": "Strongly oppose any transgender discussions in public schools", "text": "God made each one of us in his image and our gender was determined at birth.  We do not need public schools saying that you have a say so and that it's a social decision to be made by the child. That is beyond wrong on so many levels.  This is overstepping the boundaries of what public education should be. Let's focus on our children's education on core subjects and leave social items out of public schools.  Children should not be subjected to this craziness in a public school setting and these are topics to be discussed by families, not schools.  Please remove any transgender discussions from public schools and do not approve any legislation otherwise."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95276", "author": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "date": "2021-02-03T11:59:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95277", "author": "Berry", "date": "2021-02-03T11:59:00", "title": "Trans kids MATTER", "text": "Their lives MATTER. Their education shouldn’t be harmed just because of how they identify. bullying and how unsupportive parents and family treat their kids can bad enough. We have to be better and DO BETTER the Christians who oppose this do not know God. The genderless being the believe in actually preaches love to our neighbors and to protect the unfortunate above our own lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95278", "author": "concerned parent and educator", "date": "2021-02-03T11:59:00", "title": "Vote no! Extremely concerned about this proposed legislation.", "text": "I have fully read the proposed bill.  While I believe that we should demonstrate compassion and value to all students, I do not believe this is the way. Singling out one group of students is never helpful and often overlooks the welfare of all students. The plan for overnight school trips is a bad idea - one that would be detrimental to many of the students involved.  I also have concerns for teachers who will be required to respond in ways that may be against their rights and beliefs. My greatest concerns relate to parental rights. I have no problem with designating private bathrooms for all student use, with the intent of helping transgender students.  I do however strongly oppose this bill in it's entirety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95279", "author": "Erin", "date": "2021-02-03T12:00:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "it is absolutely disgusting and unnatural. That is not how God made us. He made male and female separate. He did not make them to be transformed into something their not. It’s wrong and we should not be normalizing it at all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95280", "author": "Hayden Catlett", "date": "2021-02-03T12:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I help facilitate a local trans support group and a group for trans youth and their families. I have heard countless stories about trans youth being discriminated against in their schools by teachers and administrators. I have also heard from parents that they have fought tooth and nail with schools to support their children. I strongly support this guidance because I want all youth to be able to have a welcoming and safe school environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95281", "author": "Strongly support", "date": "2021-02-03T12:01:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "when spaces become safe for Trans Kids, spaces become safer for ALL people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95282", "author": "Angela. Lam", "date": "2021-02-03T12:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE TRANSGENDER PROPOSED POLICIES. These policies have NO business in our schools!", "text": "The Transgender Policies Policies proposed for students in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools has NO business in our school systems ! These policies violate the safety of other students in the school system and violate the parental rights and authority of parents by the US Supreme Court and Virginia Law  1-240.1 that affirms that a parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the up bringing, education, and care of the parents child . Students who are not transgender have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and should not be forced to learn in an environment that makes them feel afraid, uncomfortable and violated . These policies do not provide accommodations for students religious faith or conscience that oppose transgender beliefs. These transgender children are loved by parents and teachers and deserve to know TRUTH in their lives . Government offices who try to implement these evil policies in our school systems ..... let it be known this day that you will answer and one day give an account to GOD himself."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95283", "author": "Taryn Kitchen", "date": "2021-02-03T12:01:00", "title": "Strongly support these evidence-based policies that make schools safer and more inclusive", "text": "I strongly support this admirable, well-researched, and evidence-based proposal. Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environments. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health. As public entities entrusted with student safety, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95284", "author": "Tammy Varga", "date": "2021-02-03T12:06:00", "title": "I Oppose school transgender policy", "text": "I oppose this transgender policy that will effect all state schools.  This policy will take too much power from parents/guardians, and give too much power to the state.  Supporting children does not equate to giving them every thing they desire.  Children and teens are not yet capable of the rational thought necessary to determine this, and the policy will cause more harm in the long run."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95285", "author": "Maddy Oliver", "date": "2021-02-03T12:07:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support any legislation that protects and legitimizes trans youth. Statistics have proven over and over again that trans people are extremely vulnerable to violence, lack of healthcare, and discrimination, and our state should be explicit in its guarantee of basic human rights to ALL."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95286", "author": "Jana V, Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T12:08:00", "title": "STRONGLY Oppose, gender is a FAMILY matter, no school or teacher has right to deal with this issue.", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE, since gender is a FAMILY matter. No school or teacher has a right to withhold information about someone's child from their parents, or to assume they know these students better than parents so get to deal with this issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95287", "author": "Sandra", "date": "2021-02-03T12:09:00", "title": "OPPOSE USURPATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS", "text": "The proposed policy in regard to privacy and confidentiality is a direct usurpation of parental rights.  School policies that promote failure to disclose any changes in a student's gender identity and/or non-comforing sexual behavior for fear of losing housing or financial support is misguided and will cause far greater damage to the family unit and create distrust and sow discord between parents and teachers. School Administrators should not be reminded that they are charged to educate our children and not harbor them from parents whom they fear do not support their transgender policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95288", "author": "Kim Mattos", "date": "2021-02-03T12:09:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "We believe in teaching and raising our child when it comes to moral values. We do not rely on them government to enforce their ideas on us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95289", "author": "SARA Catlett", "date": "2021-02-03T12:10:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I’ve been a teacher for 3 years, and I’m proud to support this guidance. My middle school is in a rural area, and most of my colleagues haven’t dealt with a transgender student. I  want to do everything right for the students to come. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95290", "author": "Sara", "date": "2021-02-03T12:11:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Strongly support guidance that helps the state move toward greater inclusion and support for ALL students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95291", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:12:00", "title": "Support- trans kids matter", "text": "Trans kids matter- protect their right to learn and thrive! I lived in Virginia for 8 years and I have faith in this state to foster a system that sets the bar for equality. Policies and systems shape the livelihood of oppressed people. By allowing trans kids to not only exist but thrive safely in schools, Virginia would be setting them up for educational, social, and economic success throughout their lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95292", "author": "Paul", "date": "2021-02-03T12:12:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Cherry picked studies and pop psych provide no justification to impose changes that in turn would adversely affect the rest of the children in the class. Social deconstruction and re-engineering of this nature is completely inappropriate. Certainly everyone is against bullying, but isn't this exactly what you are proposing?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95293", "author": "Karen Miran", "date": "2021-02-03T12:13:00", "title": "Strongly support!!", "text": "The goal is to support and protect all children that come through our schools. To help them in any way we can.  When a child is vulnerable in a way that makes them a target in our society, where they can actually be vilified and attacked, the support and protection need to be strong, reassuring, and reliable. This policy is vital to the success of our goal !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95294", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:13:00", "title": "Oppose new policies", "text": "I will absolutely pull my children out of public schools. You can not expect my granddaughter to be in a locker room with a male and undress. Absolutely not. And to punish others for not using certain words is ridiculous i wish someone would call child protective services on me. So those kids who have certain religions are just silenced as always. You cant control peoples minds..i have a feeling you will loose alot of students. Parents are going to allow this. For students who have strong religious beliefs to make them sit in a class being taught something they dony beleive is child abuse. having a girl undress in front of males is child abuse. And i will file a law suit everyday against the schools if mine are forced to do this  if you cant ask the transgender male to undress in front of boys because it would be  abuse hiw can it not be abuse to the others. Basically our children dont matter and that is why mine will be home schooled."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95295", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:14:00", "title": "in support of protections for transgender and non-binary students!", "text": "I support this guidance because I want all LBGT children to be in a school environment that is safe, welcoming and inclusive for them. Hate has no place in our school system, especially hidden behind the curtain of \"religion.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95296", "author": "RVA Native", "date": "2021-02-03T12:14:00", "title": "TRANSGENDER RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. People who think differently are selfish.", "text": "TRANSGENDER RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. People who think differently are selfish. Trans students do not cease to exist all because people are ignorant to their struggles and needs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95298", "author": "Rupashree Hicks", "date": "2021-02-03T12:14:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans kids deserve dignity and respect, just like all humans."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95297", "author": "C A Heatwole", "date": "2021-02-03T12:14:00", "title": "I strongly disagree with this bill and the flawed reasoning on which it is based. It’ll harm kids!!", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95299", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:15:00", "title": "Strongly in favor, trans kids deserve protection", "text": "Trans children are deserving of protection, and these guidelines could do so much to help them. Identity is personal and makes people vulnerable. Children deserve to be called by names and pronouns they feel comfortable with and gender should not be a discriminating factor in school policies. Support trans kids, save trans lives. Save children's lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95300", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:15:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools guidance because the health of our youth depends on it. Transgender people deserve to thrive in our communities and Virgina Public Schools have the opportunity to step up and lead by implementing these vital policy changes that ensure the protection of their rights. As someone who's loved ones were educated in Virgina's public schools, I know that they would have benefited greatly from these proposed changes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95301", "author": "Caroline Hughes", "date": "2021-02-03T12:16:00", "title": "100% SUPPORT OUR TRANS/NON BINARY KIDS", "text": "Childhood is a tumultuous time for any kid, especially for those who are fighting the uphill battle to simply exist as their happiest, most authentic self. Kids who feel supported and well rooted in their true selves perform high in education, are able to feel more included and engaged in the community, and it can reduce the shockingly high suicide rate for Trans/non binary youth. Basic respect and support shouldn’t need to be debated, but clearly we need to do better by our community. For those posting negative comments, I urge you to lean in and learn more about their journeys. Please, please add more inclusive protections to ensure ALL youth are well supported and better provided for. Our communities are stronger when we make space for ALL."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95302", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "We believe in raising and teaching our own children and moral values we do not rely on the government or school system"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95303", "author": "Carly moenich", "date": "2021-02-03T12:16:00", "title": "THIS MUST HAPPEN!!! Trans kids need to be protected and treated as equals!", "text": "Trans kids deserve the same protections other kids get! This is ludicrous that it’s even up for debate!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95304", "author": "Lydia Hodges", "date": "2021-02-03T12:17:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95305", "author": "Concerned Educator", "date": "2021-02-03T12:18:00", "title": "Teach the truth with compassion", "text": "Kids deserve to hear the truth about the transgender agenda.  People who want to teach the truth to kids are labeled hateful. Biological and anatomical facts are there.  Offer compassionate support to those who struggle with gender identity and help them embrace the truth about how their bodies were created."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95306", "author": "Em Relihan", "date": "2021-02-03T12:18:00", "title": "Please show students love and affirmation of who they are", "text": "I fully support the health and well-being of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95307", "author": "Gabriel Huff", "date": "2021-02-03T12:19:00", "title": "Strongly Support Transgender Discussions In School", "text": "The reality is that trans people exist and are valid, many studies have been done to prove this. It’s in the DSM-5. Schools are a place for sharing knowledge about the world and the LGBT+ community is much a part of the world as any other. Having these discussions can only benefit students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95308", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:20:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "I strongly oppose to this as gender conversations and decisions should be discussed at home with parents and children. This is not something that the school should be opening to help or guide in any way. Boys are boys and girls are girls. This will open major confusion and issues for children. To each their own for anyone who wants to be different than the gender they were born but I do not feel it will be beneficial to create such confusion for children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95310", "author": "Claire Hewer", "date": "2021-02-03T12:20:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT- all children need a safe environment!", "text": "As a former FCPS virginia student i am writing in FULL SUPPORT of this act. It is essential that we support our children and provide a safe place for them to learn and grow. This is especially so for our most vulnerable students, including trans and nonbinary individuals. Many transgender students may not receive the support and kindness they need at home, and it is vital that schools remain a safe and supportive place for them to take refuge. Transgender students are particular vulnerable to abuse and can struggle with mental health issues when facing discrimination and violence. The transgender suicide rate is staggering, in both children and adults. We cannot let more children fall victim to this. There have been several concerns in opposition to this plan regarding sexual assault. This is primarily based in falsehood and bigotry. It is a common attack used against the transgender community in reality does not exist. Several studies have shown that supporting trans people and allowing to use their bathroom/ locker rooms of choice has no evidence in increased sexual assault. There are literally no cases of sexual assault committed by trans individuals once granted access to the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity. Transgender students will remain in our schools whether the school administration wants to acknowledge them or not. It is vital we provide them the support and protection they need. Ignoring them would be detrimental to their mental health and safety. When people are brave enough to stand up and be who they are without shame, the world becomes a better, more interesting place. It is our job to support and protect these children. Thank you Claire Hewer"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95309", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T12:20:00", "title": "Oppose Model Transgender Policy see comments", "text": "Bullying should not be accepted in any form. On page 7 it states: “First Amendment: The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and expression. Schools may not prevent students from expressing their identity.”  But the First Amendment also protects non-LGBTQ+ to freely express that people are either male or female.  Or would that speech be prohibited? On page 7, under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, it states “This may be understood” in the second sentence.  I will note the use of the “may.”  In that law, I believe the term “sex” meant male and female, not the other categories. On page 7 it states: “Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment: This clause guarantees every citizen equal protection under the law. It protects LGBTQ+ youth in schools from unfair or discriminatory school actions.” But doesn’t it protect non-LGBTQ+ from unfair or discriminatory school actions too?  Like the freedom to be in a locker room and not be exposed to the opposite sex’s genital? On page 6 is provides a definition for “LGBTQ+”, I believe the “L” “G” “B” “T” and somewhat “Q” are defined, but could you provide a definition for “+”.  Generally, in regulations and laws—terms need to be defined in a specific way to ensure the policy encompasses what it is supposed to.  It seems like the “+” would leave open the door to some group to say they are included in this regulation when the intention was not to include them.  Does the “+” include students who what the age of consent lowered to age 17? What about students that want the age lowered to 16 or 15 or maybe 12?  Does it included females that believe they were not made to be married to only one husband? Regarding this proposed policy, “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” It is easy to see that a male could use this policy to gain access to a female locker room for voyeuristic proposes.  In addition, if transgender is going to be acknowledged, there needs to be some way to officially change from one the other and not just letting students do it at anytime.  If a male walks into a female restroom for voyeuristic proposes and all he has to say to get out of trouble is “I changed to transgender for that time”—that should not be allowed. If a girl over 18 decides only wears the male part of a bathing suit at a swim competition and children are there watching, she could be charged with indecent exposure.  The only exemption to the law is breastfeeding. The family is the foundation of society.  If a child is having issues in this realm, the schools should be required to tell the parents of this issues.  School are not there to supplant parents.  Yes, if abuse is suspected it should be reported to authorities. Males and females are biologically different.  Allowing a male to participate in female sports is cheating and should not be allowed.  It robs females of equal protection and will rob them of athletic scholarship opportunities.  Funding used to support males in female sport should be counted as male expenditures for title IX.  If a female is injured due to a male being allowed to participate in a female sport, could there be any legal ramifications?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95311", "author": "Vickie", "date": "2021-02-03T12:20:00", "title": "Proposed gender policy", "text": "I am opposed to the proposed gender policy primarily because it allows for deception of parents. Honest communication between educators and parents is very important. Also, there are problems with a policy that would stifle a student's ability to express their own beliefs for fear of negative consequences. I would rather not have children hurt because of gender OR religious beliefs. Nor would I want parents deceived."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95312", "author": "Deb", "date": "2021-02-03T12:20:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I can not believe that our world has come to this. We have to decide if we want to subject our children to russian roulette with a vaccine that is killing many, and now we have to decide if we can afford to quit our jobs to full time homeschool children if we do not believe in the right for boys to share a shower n locker room with our 12 yr old daughter. We have enough issues with teenage pregnancy, and this is going to cause even more cases. How is there not a religious exemption for this, or a way for there to be a room for each sex individually and then a separate area for those who wish and sign up to participate? No, forcing children into this is going to increase teacher/children rape cases, teenage pregnancy, unwanted advances... It is not about trangender. Need to look deeper folks. This is about turning children into little minions like they are trying to do to adults with the whole mask and vaccine stuff right now. Do not take away pur childrens innocence, and VA I am disappointed in you as well as governor Northan for even considering this as an option!!! Pray America!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95313", "author": "Mae Stevens", "date": "2021-02-03T12:23:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "Absolutely support!!!! Trans people deserve the same rights as everyone else. America is about equal rights for all!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95314", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:24:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "I strongly disagree with the bill and there is no science to back up transgenderism, especially with children. This is a topic for each individual and family to handle and not the school system"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95315", "author": "Elise", "date": "2021-02-03T12:24:00", "title": "Support--Trans Students Have a Right to feel Safe in School", "text": "I am currently earning my teaching license while working as a practicum teacher in a Richmond high school. I have met a number of students that identify as trans, non-binary, or gender questioning. These kids deserve to feel safe and comfortable while in school. If a student feels unsafe or unseen in the classroom, he/she/they have little hope of succeeding academically--a fact supported by many of the educational theorists I've studied in my licensure program. This policy would ensure that our trans students have the chance to excel without the threat of harassment or violence."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95316", "author": "Clare R", "date": "2021-02-03T12:24:00", "title": "Transgender is a mental health issue.  Offer compassionate support towards true freedom", "text": "Biological and anatomical facts exist.  Confusion in the mind and emotions keep a transgender person from living true freedom of their gender identity. Kids deserve to be taught the real truth and origins of transgender struggles, many of which have come from abusive homes, drug use, psychological shaming, etc."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95317", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:25:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support achieving equal rights for all people, including trans people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95318", "author": "Lori", "date": "2021-02-03T12:25:00", "title": "Guidance document", "text": "Vote no! Do not support bill"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95319", "author": "Nora", "date": "2021-02-03T12:25:00", "title": "Support LGBTQ+ kids", "text": "I support guidance for students and educators to accept and support trans youth in schools. Educational institutions should be a safe place where all children can learn and expand their horizons. We all benefit from a more open-minded and community oriented youth. May these children be able to live their truth safely in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95320", "author": "Julia R Garcia", "date": "2021-02-03T12:26:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I, we, support the guidance. It’s a basic human right to feel safe and specially so while getting an education. Regardless of how one identifies themselves. No kid should have to struggle with these issues. All kids deserve to have the same safe education as everyone else. I support this guidance because I want my kids and all of their friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95321", "author": "Christina DeRosa", "date": "2021-02-03T12:26:00", "title": "mandating gender legislation", "text": "I do not support it. Teaching respect for human beings is very different than having school legislation regarding it. Bullying, given many times as the reason for support, is a distraction. Bullying for any reason should be mitigated by intolerance to it, regardless of the origin."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95322", "author": "Sharon", "date": "2021-02-03T12:26:00", "title": "Safety for all students", "text": "I am in support of programs promoting safe learning environments for all student, regardless of sexual identity. This includes all students including those who are transgender, non-binary, and/or members of the LGBTQ community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95323", "author": "Patsy Arnold Martin", "date": "2021-02-03T12:27:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As a parent, a grandparent, and a retired educator in Bedford County for 29 years, I know this support for our students is greatly needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95324", "author": "Teens mom", "date": "2021-02-03T12:27:00", "title": "Vote NO!!!", "text": "strongly disagree!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95325", "author": "Kellie", "date": "2021-02-03T12:27:00", "title": "Human rights", "text": "We are all human.  There is no logical reason why someone should be discriminated against because of their gender, or non gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95326", "author": "Jay G", "date": "2021-02-03T12:28:00", "title": "Are you people crazy?", "text": "Who in their right minds thinks it's cool to allow confused boys into the girls locker rooms/bathrooms. Evidently, the answer is DEMOCRATS. Here's a suggestion. If a kid is confused about their gender (of which there are only TWO), get them some help. Don't make everyone else have to pretend that that kid is normal and entertain their mental illness. Gheesh"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95327", "author": "John Rinaldi", "date": "2021-02-03T12:28:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "This guidance is absolutely necessary.  All children in every community, including the LBGT Community, deserve to feel safe in their schools.  Discrimination, in any form, should not be tolerated in public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95328", "author": "Mary Snider", "date": "2021-02-03T12:29:00", "title": "I do Not Agree to any of this, outrageous", "text": "Every parent has the right to know what there children are doing. Everybody has the right to religious beliefs that will NOT be infringed upon. This is nonsense and needs to be stopped immediately"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95329", "author": "Verna W.", "date": "2021-02-03T12:29:00", "title": "Oppose threatening children to be removed from home if they don’t comply with transgender pronouns.", "text": "I strongly oppose the language of threats used to make sure children and parents comply with transgender pronouns. The threat of removing a child from its safe and secure home will inflict more damage on that child because other children have an identity crisis. What sane person actually thinks you can control someone’s tongue?  It is not humanly possible for this to be done.  We rear our children according to the standards of our American way of life; we were taught right from wrong and good from evil, and that will never change. Doctors have been announcing the arrival of Boys and Girls for centuries. Scalia is going way beyond his esteemed position to impose such ridiculous thoughts upon young families, Whoever wrote this document should rethink their own humanity and see if they have any sensibilities left."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95330", "author": "Tuesday Enriquez", "date": "2021-02-03T12:29:00", "title": "Strongly support. Trans kids need support and protection.", "text": "Don't really have anything to add. Just that trans kids need all the love, support, and protection they can get, and they deserve all the love, support, and protection in the world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95331", "author": "Ellen S", "date": "2021-02-03T12:29:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "It is not the schools responsibility to teach children about transgender people, It is incredibly unacceptable that they should use bathrooms of the opposite gender and unacceptable that they play sports on their preferred gender team. No matter what they believe in their mind that their gender is their genetics say otherwise and should be kept separated in sport and bathrooms. If a boy wants to look like a girl that’s his choice but he should do so in the boys bathroom and on a men’s/boys sports team since that is his genetic disposition and vice versa for girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95332", "author": "Educator", "date": "2021-02-03T12:30:00", "title": "If You Care For Your Students, VOTE YES!", "text": "I strongly support this well-researched and evidence-based proposal. Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve ALL of our students and provide responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environments. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health. As public entities entrusted with student safety, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95333", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:30:00", "title": "strongly apposed to this policy. follow the science on covid but ignore it on biology? wake up!", "text": "parents should be the ones to guide their children on these matters."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95334", "author": "Lauren Hapeman", "date": "2021-02-03T12:30:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "Teaching kids to recognize one another’s differences as strengths and tools for building healthy communities should not be optional - it should be necessary. Protection of those identifying as transgender is imperative to stop the cycle of violence toward marginalized communities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95335", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:31:00", "title": "Care for Children and School Faculty", "text": "I have seen research indicating the dangers of affirming this transgender ideology and how children regardless of affirmation have a high chance of suicide. Most of the time, it is a phase children go through so to encourage it as truth is dangerous to them. Also, it creates unsafe environments for biological females as well as denies them the freedom in sports to compete against equal female peers. When a child is not allowed to give consent to counseling or other services until a certain age (typically 18), then why do we assume they can figure this information out? If we direct them to this framework of thinking, then we are sending children to harm, potential sexual abuse from peers, and potentially suicide. Also, for those whose conscience or religious beliefs do not follow this line of thinking can impose stress and difficulty on them to serve these children properly. We need an atmosphere of care, guidance, and respect for each other which demanding these things does not create. Thank you for giving people a chance to communicate concerns."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95336", "author": "Joel waters", "date": "2021-02-03T12:32:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I support trans youth be protected in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95337", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:32:00", "title": "Do Not support", "text": "\"While the school must support and even encourage such sexual inquiry, the policy instructs staff to pursue potential removal of children from a home using Child Protective Services, should the parents become aware and disagree.\" If this is true this is a pretty big overreach by the government. I don't really know anyone who supports bullying or wants anyone to feel uncomfortable, but it feels like the government is going out of its way to push kids in the direction of questioning themselves rather than letting them be kids like we have for as long as I've been on this earth. If there should be separate bathrooms and locker rooms for this small minority, then schools should figure that out, but going out of your way to exclude parents in having any say seems a bit authoritarian. Perhaps there can be a compromise somewhere, but as written, this policy seems designed to create more problems than it solves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95338", "author": "Josie Cole", "date": "2021-02-03T12:32:00", "title": "Strongly support. Protect and nurture children as they grow.", "text": "As a Nonbinary identifying adult, it is incredibly important to protect children who are experiencing gender questioning or dysphoria. No good ever comes from repression and shame. Let children feel safe to explore their gender expression. Protect them. Please."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95339", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:33:00", "title": "I love this", "text": "It's nice to know that students , possibly my own kids one day , will be supported no matter who they turn out being. It's hard enough to just be a kid in these times. I like the idea of making it easier for all kids to just be kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91207", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T13:46:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSED", "text": "Strongly opposed the transgender policy in school"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91208", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T13:47:00", "title": "Claiming to be wise they became fools", "text": "First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me. Where does this end? Where is your conscience and protection of the young? May God help you whether from ignorance or evil. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Rom 1"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91209", "author": "Anonymous Nurse BSN Mother", "date": "2021-01-23T13:48:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This policy is NOT backed by science.   Accepting a child that is confused, or wanting to be gay is one thing.   Accepting this nonsense of changing pronouns daily is creating an environment that is not conducive to learning.  It produces chaos and is not fair to those students who are there to learn.   Yes, implement kindness and non bullying policies.  DO NOT mess with Biological science.   You do not care about Kids and their education if you're spending your time creating these destructive policies.   Vehemently Opposed!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91210", "author": "Heather D Giaccio", "date": "2021-01-23T13:53:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSED"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91211", "author": "Angela Whitehead", "date": "2021-01-23T14:21:00", "title": "Opposed to Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.", "text": "If VDOE approves the draft policies, they would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students. 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 policies” represent an attempt by the state not only to aggressively intervene in the privacy of Virginia families but pit children against their legal guardians. Children live under the guardianship of adults (such as parents or grandparents) precisely because they lack the maturity, prudence, and experience to make safe, responsible decisions for themselves. If the \"model policies\" is approved the education of our children will no longer be the subject to the decisions of parents, but the whims of the state. I strongly oppose the “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91212", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T14:32:00", "title": "Stongly opposed", "text": "Please DO NOT allow the school to discuss topics as transgender to our previous young children!! They are in school to learn not to be confused about being a boy or girl."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91213", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T14:45:00", "title": "NO to transgender policies", "text": "No.  It is illogical to say students can decide to use whatever restroom they want in any given day of the week.  Not because actual transgender students will abuse it but because others will.  Also, I CANNOT can a boy a girl and vice versus.  It violates my religious beliefs.  I love all students but should not have to sacrifice my convictions.  I just won’t use pronouns when addressing them at all.  Why aren’t my rights being protected?  The first amendment allows me to believe What I want in terms of religion.  But these very policies will prevent me from practicing my beliefs and will actually force me to go against them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91214", "author": "Gregory Donovan", "date": "2021-01-23T14:51:00", "title": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Parents have to be involved in any situation, whether is is the questioning child or the one being subject to abiding to these overreaching rules. Stop all bullying and harassment yes, but do not make schools a grand experiment for all children and youth. Counsel the questioning and help guide them to a gender decision with professional assistance, but do not force kids aged 6-18 to give up personal protections and beliefs of their own, which these regulations do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91215", "author": "Sally James", "date": "2021-01-23T15:33:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to new transgender policy", "text": "To Whom It May Concern, Please register my concern about the upcoming vote on transgender policy in schools.  Our schools are NOT the place to be teaching what is right or wrong about sexual orientation, and every policy that our schools are empowered to make about this and similar issues further takes away from our families to raise our children as we believe best.  The schools' purpose is to educate academics, not raise morally.  It is not right for school policy to divorce the rights and responsibilities of the family/parents from their children, especially with policy that includes non-notification of matters pertaining to the child. Schools can support children by encouraging mutual respect, integrity, kindness and other such values as they pertain to the school community.  But never should our government or schools be allowed to step into the rights of a family in matters of how to raise children in matters of religious and personal preferences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91216", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-01-23T16:07:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR LGBTQ STUDENTS", "text": "We should be working on creating a supportive and affirming for a students, including lgbtq students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91217", "author": "Teresa", "date": "2021-01-23T16:09:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Increased chaos in schools...fewer talented, caring teachers choosing to go into or stay in the public school system...schools violating parental rights...schools violating student safety and security...and the list of undesirable and destructive consequences to this model proposed by the VDOE could just go on and on.  This model flies in the face of what parents send their children to school for--a solid education that will prepare them for responsible adulthood.  This model might be appropriately called, \"Really Good Plan to Rid Schools of Students, Teachers, and Parental Support\".   Do NOT adopt this detrimental plan."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91218", "author": "Josephine Kamel", "date": "2021-01-23T16:10:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Thank you for creating much needed guidelines to support LGBTQ youth. Having set policies for all schools will remove a great burden from students, parents, teachers, and administrators trying to navigate challenges in school, year after year. Studies have shown how important it is to support  youth to benefit their mental health. Life can be hard enough for kids, let’s not add to that burden, but instead empower and encourage them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91219", "author": "Rebecca Gregson", "date": "2021-01-23T16:43:00", "title": "Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Schools", "text": "I strongly support this document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91220", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T17:11:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed to implementing transgender policies in Virginia public schools. Please respect my parental rights in this matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91221", "author": "Joe Shaver", "date": "2021-01-23T17:21:00", "title": "LGBTQ", "text": "My wife and I strongly support the equal treatment of all of our young people without discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91222", "author": "Michael Mc Cann", "date": "2021-01-23T17:32:00", "title": "LGBT education", "text": "I strongly oppose this anti God indoctrination of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91223", "author": "Joel Williams", "date": "2021-01-23T17:34:00", "title": "Lying is harmful to families", "text": "In addition to my disagreement with mandating LGBTQ+ policies as part of public education, I am horrified to hear that these policies also encourage lying to parents if they are not supportive of their children's gender identity. Dividing children from their parents, by intentionally hiding information from the parents and teaching children to do likewise, cannot hope to create stability or support for the child or the parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91224", "author": "James Helberg", "date": "2021-01-23T17:37:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Your words (my questions in bold):  \"These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices (what evidence??) and include information (from whom?) , guidance (from whom?) , procedures (whose?) , and standards (whose 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.\" This parallels the U.S. House of Representatives efforts to “. . . honor all gender identities by changing pronouns and familial relationships in the House rules to be gender neutral.”  Gender neutral is oxymoronic (more accurately, moronic).  Their ( and your) proposed rules are not honoring anybody or protecting anybody, including those poor souls who want to think they are what they are not.  It is dishonoring/disrespecting us and them by playing let's pretend to pander to a bunch of self-anointed elitists who aim to control the rest of us as deplorables.  These rules suggest that if I think I am a dog/elf/god/whatever, I am - provided of course that I use the approved pronouns.  Being forced to say I am what I am not is stupid and Orwellian.  All my children and grandchildren know better - and so does my dog.  Is this political pandering, or stupidity, something else, or all of the above?  Yes to all.  This whole effort is more amoral value-free baloney being pressed on all of us to break down the culture and put us under the control of \"the anointed\" (actually self-anointed)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91225", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T17:37:00", "title": "Everyone has rights", "text": "Let's respective the sensitivities of all. Designate all restrooms as male, female and others. Those who do not want persons of the other sex at birth in their restroom have rights too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91226", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T17:37:00", "title": "Everyone has rights", "text": "Let's respective the sensitivities of all. Designate all restrooms as male, female and others. Those who do not want persons of the other sex at birth in their restroom have rights too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91227", "author": "Glyn Roberts", "date": "2021-01-23T17:42:00", "title": "Oppose the policy", "text": "Every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. If a boy thinks he's a fish, or would rather be a fish, he has a problem. The least hrmful solution is not surgery to make him more like a fish, but psychology, to persuade him otherwise. He'll change his mind when drowning, if not earlier. The proposed policy is child abuse, manipulating children to support a political ideology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91228", "author": "Dana Saatkamp", "date": "2021-01-23T17:47:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Special Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "All students and teachers should be free from harassment, bullying, and abuse.  Let all teachers and students have a positive environment in which to teach and learn.  Implementing policies for a few students that harass, bully and abuse everyone else is unworkable.  The correct use of the English language should be a priority in public schools. Making an issue of gender identity in public schools is just another way of breaking down the discipline and respect of all human beings within the school system. Making policies that trample the rights of anyone, and harass teachers and students is only going to make the school environment full of fear , bullying, and abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91229", "author": "Brad Williams", "date": "2021-01-23T18:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose all the ignorant, uninformed, small minded comments I see here.", "text": "I support the policy. It’s designed to support at risk kids and provide them a healthy safe environment for learning. Because they likely spend their home time around a bunch of ignorant Virginia red necks."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91230", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T18:45:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Strongly oppose to transgender policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91231", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T18:49:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose this recommended proposal.  Might as well say kids can emancipate themselves as soon as they can speak.  This makes about as much sense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91232", "author": "Karen Hasselman", "date": "2021-01-23T18:52:00", "title": "Stop The Transgender Indoctrination In Schools", "text": "The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91233", "author": "Madison James", "date": "2021-01-23T18:58:00", "title": "Oppose all policies", "text": "As a parent to three school-age children I strongly oppose all proposed policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91234", "author": "Francesco", "date": "2021-01-23T19:48:00", "title": "I strongly and lovingly don’t recommend this policy.", "text": "It’s not a good thing to do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91235", "author": "I identify as a Unicorn", "date": "2021-01-23T20:04:00", "title": "UNICORNS ARE REAL CORNS", "text": "You're a hateful bigot if you don't acknowledge unicorns as being REALLY corny...."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91236", "author": "I Identify as a Seahorse", "date": "2021-01-23T20:05:00", "title": "SEAHORSES ARE REAL HORSES!", "text": "You're a hateful bigot if you don't recognize seahorses as REAL horses..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91237", "author": "Kenneth Baggs", "date": "2021-01-23T20:05:00", "title": "School policies", "text": "School is meant to teach children the skills needed to survive in life with basic levels of understanding of math, science, government, and history. Schools should not participate in subverting children with issues not based on facts. Instead of focusing on him, her, z, they , it or whatever the popular term is of the day, schools should focus on teaching students on how to work together and cooperate to develop skills necessary to make the country truly better as Americans not defined by groups."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91238", "author": "I identify as a Hotdog", "date": "2021-01-23T20:06:00", "title": "Hot Dogs are REAL dogs.", "text": "You're a hateful bigot if you don't walk your hotdog and take it for checkups at the veterinarian."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91239", "author": "Kate", "date": "2021-01-23T20:12:00", "title": "This policy is not safe for all", "text": "I fully support the idea that all students should be treated with kindness and have a safe environment at school.  This proposal itself states on page 10 that \"schools should provide a safe educational experience for all students.\" However, allowing biological males into girls' bathrooms and locker rooms (literally) opens the door to abusive and predatory behavior and is absolutely not a safe environment for our girls.  An adequate number of single occupant bathrooms available to all students is a far better solution. Additionally, gender identity is a topic that must be handled with parental input and guidance.  Schools are not allowed to give a student a Tylenol without written consent from a parent or guardian; how could this policy presume to exclude parents from the far more significant discussion of gender identity? And finally, the idea that a parent could be reported to CPS for abuse is overreaching political nonsense.  Attempting to help a child who is experiencing gender confusion to think carefully and thoroughly about the issue is an expression of kindness and concern, and bowing to this political (not medical) policy could truly contribute to the harm of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91240", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T20:41:00", "title": "strongly oppose this policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy and do not feel that it will be healthy for our children or the teachers. Leaving parents out of the loop sets a dangerous precedent and should NOT happen!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91241", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T20:42:00", "title": "strongly oppose this policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy and do not feel that it will be healthy for our children or the teachers. Leaving parents out of the loop sets a dangerous precedent and should NOT happen!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91242", "author": "Jenny", "date": "2021-01-23T20:56:00", "title": "This is absolutely unacceptable!", "text": "This is absolutely unacceptable!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91243", "author": "Tricia Boyer", "date": "2021-01-23T21:07:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this purposed policy.  Schools shouldn’t be involved in this period.", "text": "Discussions of sexuality or anything pertaining to this should be left to the parents and their child.  Get back to basics....reading, writing and math."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91244", "author": "David", "date": "2021-01-23T21:20:00", "title": "Dangerous policy, keep boys out of the girls room", "text": "If you let some boy come into the girls locker room and he starts ogling and harassing my daughter I will sue the school district so fast you won't believe it. This is a dangerous opportunity for sexual harassment to occur."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91245", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T21:21:00", "title": "I support transgender students, but oppose this policy", "text": "I agree that we should support all students, including transgender students and should discourage and prevent bullying or abuse.  However, I believe this policy goes too far because it will cause more harm than good. It will remove parents from helping their children, whether the child is exploring their identity, is accused of discriminating against a transgender child or is subjected to unwanted and uncomfortable bathroom use by people of the opposite biological sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91246", "author": "Eddie brown", "date": "2021-01-23T21:23:00", "title": "You got to be kidding me", "text": "You got to be ing kidding me. If your kid has a penis he is a boy, if your kid has a vagina she is a girl no if ands or buts. That’s the way god made you so deal with it. If I see a boy going into the restroom with my daughter it’ll be his last. The parents shouldn’t condone such behavior"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91247", "author": "John stowe", "date": "2021-01-23T21:25:00", "title": "NO NO AND NO", "text": "This is absolutely unacceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91248", "author": "A mom that now wants to homeschool", "date": "2021-01-23T21:26:00", "title": "I am so disappointed", "text": "We have 4 kids in public schools and we are so grateful for the amazing teachers (and administrators) they have interacted with at their schools. I am very upset about these proposals.  There is no way that it can be safe for boys to have the freedom to walk in on a young lady changing or using the restroom.  None of my kids want to come back to school now because this new policy is making them feel unsafe (1st through 8th grade). My husband's only response was that he will sue the school if any boy walks in on his daughters.  But sadly, at that point the damage will be done.  We are very strongly considering homeschool from here on out if this is the direction schools are going."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91249", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T21:27:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "Absolutely not"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91250", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T21:31:00", "title": "My Gender Identity is literally Hitler. Teachers should call me by my pronoun: \"Mien Furher\"", "text": "My Gender Identity is Adolf Hitler. My sexual orientation is the holocaust. My pronoun is \"Mien Furher.\" I should be respected with dignity and the government should pay for my transition. It's not wrong, it's natural. If you don't think this is as valid as the other tranny stuff, then you are a hateful bigot. If you don't like it, you are hateful bigot. ^This all of course is equally as reasonable as the policies proposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91251", "author": "Jared E", "date": "2021-01-23T21:55:00", "title": "Policies need to be more moderate. Clearly two extremes voicing opinion here. Find the middle.", "text": "I think these policies are politically too far to the left. Clearly a large portion of population is vehemently against the policies for very valid reasons that should be considered (including believing the policies constitute child sex abuse.) Supporting these children is good, but you've got to find a reasonable middle-ground way to do so that actually respects the rights and duties of parents and their culture (as it stands, these policies are potentially xenophobic  and monocultural.) If you go through with these policies, it's very likely that many families will alienated from the public school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91252", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-23T22:57:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "These guidelines are too arbitrary and open to manipulation. Their implementation would cause confusion and worse -- would end up harming children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91253", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T03:42:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "I pulled my children out of public schools when virtual school began.  The fact that this insanity is even being considered means they will never go back to public school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91254", "author": "Barb Lange", "date": "2021-01-24T07:36:00", "title": "new transgender policies- STRONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "Strongly opposed to this agenda.  This only gives freedom of choice and action to a small minority of students and any who opposes this policy is left with the aftermath of issues.  This will destroy the innocence of children and is abusive to force this agenda on the most vulnerable population we have."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91255", "author": "Barbara Firich", "date": "2021-01-24T07:39:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This will confuse children who knew exactly who they were."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91256", "author": "JUDY LYNN JENKINS", "date": "2021-01-24T07:47:00", "title": "OPPOSE Transgender Indoctrination- Nature and Biology assign our gender. It's SCIENCE.", "text": "God, nature and biology assign our gender. It's God's gift to us. It's science. Teach our children the truth about who they are and love and encourage them instead of promoting and adding to their confusion. You can provide a safe caring environment for all children without promoting one segment of the population above others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91257", "author": "Al", "date": "2021-01-24T07:59:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose LBGTQ Legislation & Indoctrination", "text": "The entire LBGTQ movement is utter nonsense and a non-issue; it should not be given one minute of legislative time nor one cent of taxpayer money.  You are born one gender or the other--period.  You may think, feel, perceive...whatever, yourself something else, but you're not.  Nor are you a minority or some kind of entitled, protected class.  What you are is need serious professional help.  Like everything else going on in our country now, the LBGTQ agenda is complete lunacy and madness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91258", "author": "Bec Holloway", "date": "2021-01-24T08:27:00", "title": "Transgender policy in schools", "text": "strongly oppose the promotion of transgender indoctrination to children in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91259", "author": "Harlow", "date": "2021-01-24T08:59:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "strongly oppose as harmful and pernicious."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91260", "author": "Karen", "date": "2021-01-24T09:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose transgender indoctrination in all schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91261", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-24T09:27:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As a parent or small children, I cannot imagine the amount of confusion or damage that will be done to their developing minds if they are taught this. This does not mean I do not sympathize with those who truly have gender confusion, I think these children need a lot of support. But to implement policies that require the teachings of schools to bring forth the idea of multiple genders, the ability to change genders as you see fit, and to punish those who may innocently say the incorrect pronoun of their peer, student or teacher whom they see as the pronoun they said? This is very, very disturbing. How is everything deemed offensive and punishable now? This ideology not only goes against our Christian beliefs, but it allows for complete confusion to our children by pressing the idea of gender being a choice rather than being biological. In addition, by allowing all genders to share restrooms and locker rooms will be a serious mistake and one where no parent or child will feel safe. Instead of only thinking of how not to offend those who are gender confused, please consider the majority who are uncomfortable sharing a bathroom with someone not biologically the same gender. There will always be those who abuse the system by pretending to be something they are not in order to take advantage of others and I think this would be a gateway for that to happen. My children won’t become victims of a system where a grown man is allowed to be in the restroom with them if he says he identifies as a female. Again I do sympathize with those who truly are afflicted with this confusion, but there will be more problems than benefits to all by implementing these new rules. My children will not attend public school if this is being taught. Please protect ALL of our children and do not force gender confusion into their precious minds."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91262", "author": "Theodore Barthel Conrath II", "date": "2021-01-24T09:31:00", "title": "I am absolutely opposed to this", "text": "Stop pushing transsexualism and sexual deviancy down our children's throats.  Children should be able to obtain an education without being force-fed anti-scientific delusions.  Schools should not be promoting sexual confusion and mental illness.  Any politician who votes for this should be permanently voted out of office at the earliest opportunity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91263", "author": "Elisabeth", "date": "2021-01-24T09:36:00", "title": "Oppose new policies regarding transgender students", "text": "I am writing to express opposition for the proposed policies that will affect school faculty, students, teachers, families, and the cultural development in Virginia regarding transgender children. The proposed policies completely disregard scientific facts regarding biological sex, and force faculty to impose this disregard for facts across the student body. It also undermines the family's role in raising children by alienating parental rights to know what their children are doing while at public school. I recognize that this policy aims to protect students assumed to be \"at risk;\" however, the collateral damage is far greater suffering across a student body forced to adopt language and cultural attitudes inconsistent with biological facts, the marginalization of parental roles and rights, and the inevitable conflicts that will arise when school staff is bound by these policies to enforce them. The proposed policy would once again put schools in a position to accept responsibility for cultural issues that have nothing to do with teaching / education. Children are not allowed to get tattoos and piercings under age 18 without parental consent; I argue that it is child abuse to permit children to engage in life long changes through school without parental consent or knowledge. These policies will create a mental health crisis that overshadows the mental health crises currently facing students. While gender dysphoria is a medically recognized condition, it usually resolves without necessitating permanent physical or hormonal changes prior to adulthood. Encouraging student to pursue changes while their brains and bodies are still developing is more than irresponsible, it is child abuse and will cause more lasting damage than the damage to children that this proposed legislation seeks to mitigate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91264", "author": "Daniel", "date": "2021-01-24T09:54:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "While their should be anti-bullying policies the state state should not be involved in this issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91265", "author": "Whitney Casstevens", "date": "2021-01-24T10:17:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "We can support transgender kids without being this extreme.  My daughter should NOT have to compete with a biological boy in the pool or on the track. Of course I believe women are strong and amazing, but we are physically different.  It's a fact. We as women have fought to hard and for to long to have our own sports."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91266", "author": "Angela M Norman", "date": "2021-01-24T10:26:00", "title": "Oppose - Redundant Legislation", "text": "I do not feel the guidelines to this policy have been thoroughly assessed.  While the intent to curb bullying of vulnerable individuals is an important lesson for children to receive; it does not have to be done in manner which highlights one specific group.  Additionally, these protected individuals are already covered under all of the laws that are cited in the beginning of the document and subsequently additional state level legal parameters are redundant.  Please stick to providing private restrooms/changing facilities and mental health support without imposing additional regulations unnecessarily on the rest of the student body."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91267", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T10:28:00", "title": "You've lost your minds", "text": "This is anti-science.  This is post-modernist BS. You've lost your minds. In most cases, these kids need psychological help, not affirmation and confirmation. You are making it worse.  Stop doing harm. This is part of the reason why suicide rates among teens have skyrocketed in the last 30 years."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91268", "author": "Deb", "date": "2021-01-24T11:11:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "I am opposed to these guidelines because they usurp the responsibilites of parents. The state is seeking to replace the role of  parents concerning the sexual identity of their children and is promoting deception by children.  Guidelines also will not provide a safe environment for all children because students will be allowed to use whatever bathroom or dressing room they choose. This is a violation of privacy and will have negative consequences particularly on young women."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91269", "author": "Morissa Ladinsky", "date": "2021-01-24T11:22:00", "title": "Read the impressive document!  It educates, not mandates.", "text": "The document elevates the voices of this young and poorly understood population.  It offers education and guidance to school boards for use when making policy.  VA is lucky to have leaders who value medical input around health equity for all.  -an Alabama pediatrician."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91270", "author": "John Surr", "date": "2021-01-24T11:24:00", "title": "Support DOE Transgender Student Protections", "text": "Support DOE Transgender Student Protections for all those in educational institutions in Virginia.  Experience elsewhere shows abundantly that these basic civil rights protections are needed and must be fully implemented."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91271", "author": "A student", "date": "2021-01-24T11:25:00", "title": "I feel bullied into accepting this", "text": "I’m feeling bullied into accepting this. I don’t want to be scared and bullied into allowing something like this to happen in the name of inclusion. I have younger brother and sisters that I feel like they were safe in school but if this happens I’m scared they won’t be. Schools are supposed to be safe spaces where we can learn and grow. Just because I treat others with respect as a human doesn’t mean I need to be bullied to be like them or adopt their way. Let me just be safe in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91272", "author": "Simon Joyce", "date": "2021-01-24T11:29:00", "title": "Enthusiastically support", "text": "As an educator and the parent of a transgender girl in the Virginia public school system, I enthusiastically support the VDOE's new guidelines. My daughter transitioned in 2nd grade and has been in the public schools for eight years now in her affirmed gender, with none of the problems and issues that are sometimes imagined by opponents of these guidelines. On the whole, we have had creative and supportive principals, teachers, counselors and nurses but have also repeatedly had to \"reinvent the wheel\" for each new school, administration, set of teachers and so on. Having these guidelines in place will give parents like us clarity that the policies and practices we have negotiated with one set of teachers and administrators will still be in place as those people change -- and also that solutions we have found will be made available to all students in the state who need them. I urge public support for these guidelines so that parents can worry less about their child's safety at school and so kids like my daughter can get on with the important tasks of learning and succeeding in school (especially now) without having to think about issues such as bathroom use or being called by the right name and pronouns that others take for granted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91273", "author": "Lisa Cosgrove-Davies", "date": "2021-01-24T11:32:00", "title": "Support whole-heartedly!", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91274", "author": "Jeanne Murck", "date": "2021-01-24T11:36:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "As the mother of a transgender teen, I fully support the DOE guidance on transgender student protections.  Our family has dealt with so much in navigating these issues with our school system.  Having guidance will help make the process of assisting children with these issues easier for the schools. This guidance is consistent with recent court rulings in the region and makes sense. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91275", "author": "Barb", "date": "2021-01-24T11:36:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "Transgender policy   ......This is a difficult thing for an adult to figure out, let alone a young person. We don't let kids make a decision to vote or drink until older. Their brains are still developing. I know there may be a few that are able to make a decision that they are \"transgender\" but most are not. Special considerations could be made for those in that situation but it should not be a blanket policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91276", "author": "VA Parents For Freedom", "date": "2021-01-24T12:00:00", "title": "Department of Education Transgender Policy", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91277", "author": "P. Michele", "date": "2021-01-24T12:07:00", "title": "School Nurse perspective-Opposed", "text": "As a school nurse I have sat on the bathroom floor with a child who was crying, wrists cut and bleeding, telling me she had ruined her parent's marriage and was so unhappy she did know what to do.  Why?  Because she thought that becoming transgender was the answer to her problems.  And as she stated proudly to me that she was transgenger, inside she was breaking.  The Transgender Policy will not help this girl or her parents, and it will not help the teachers, counselors, principles or school nurses.  Under the guise of trying to help confused children, we are making things worse.  All chidren need to know that from the moment of conception their sex was determined by their DNA.  It was just genes.  Children have much to contend with these days in their personal lives, their family lives and in society.  Children need a firm foundation to stand on.  The school needs to stick to reading, writing, and arithmetic.  The family and it's traditions are responsible for teaching children the rest.  The School should focus on its job to prepare our children to be productive members of society.  And when the School does need to become involved, the parents, the child, and the counselors need to be in the same room deciding on a plan that is acceptable to all involved.  Schools as an extension of the government need only to provide a safe atmosphere for all children.  That is best done by keeping children busy in school doing schoolwork, teachers teaching the fundamentals of basic subjects, and principles and counselors maintaining dscipline by keeping children quiet and focused on school related subjects, or restricted from interating with their fellow students if they need punishment. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91278", "author": "J", "date": "2021-01-24T12:10:00", "title": "Transgender policy and abortion change", "text": "We oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91279", "author": "Anthony Russell", "date": "2021-01-24T12:48:00", "title": "In Support of the Policies", "text": "Clearly, these comments reflect the fact that for many the idea of gender fluidity and trans identity is problematic, and in today’s already polarized climate we should make it a priority to address and discuss these issues through civil conversation.  Many of the comments I see here do nothing but deepen the divide between different perspectives.  My own opinion is that schools should not be burdened with the task of resolving debates over gender identity.  Public institutions should respect the most fundamental priority of our democracy, having to do with respecting the  equality of all human beings as such, regardless of their race, gender, or beliefs.  I believe it is always better to err on the side of safeguarding these ideals rather than of undermining them.  Otherwise, we risk re-creating institutionalized forms of discrimination that we saw under segregation not so many years ago.  African-Americans then were barred from using the same restrooms as whites, and now we view this as an outrage.  Gay and lesbian couples not long ago were prevented from marrying, and now—whatever our personal beliefs—most of the country believes these individuals should receive the same legal protections and have the same rights as heterosexuals.  Do we want to risk the same kind of short-sightedness now?  Though some may  believe these policies for the  treatment of  transgender students are based on false or dangerous assumptions about gender, I would urge that we recognize that these policies are motivated by a desire to do good, or at least to avoid harm to vulnerable individuals.  Questions about transgender identity will continue to be debated, but they are more likely to be addressed constructively—within families, in therapy, among friends and in communities— where there is a will to love and understand our neighbor.  Many of the students in these schools are already far more at ease with the  idea of gender fluidity  than their parents are.  I wonder, therefore, if objections to these policies  really have to do with what these young people themselves actually want  as a community looking to their own future.  Preserving and affirming the dignity and safety of human beings who are not harming us in any way, whoever they are and however one might disagree with them, I believe, is a good that our democracy is built on and that we must continue to sustain."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91280", "author": "Jerry M.", "date": "2021-01-24T13:22:00", "title": "Model policy for treatment of transgender students", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this model policy. As a proud father of five children and grandparent of nine, I am so thankful that at least the five children have all gone through the Virginia public educational system. I am concerned about the grandchildren, all of primary school age. Due to COVID 19, three (2 in second grade and 1 in fourth grade) have been enrolled in private schools and their instruction and development in comparison to what they were receiving in public school is astonishing.  I can’t imagine what positive affect the model policy could have on public school education. I certainly sympathize with those who are struggling with gender identity and bullying. Prior to my Senior year I was the smallest child in my class and had not even gone through puberty. I was bullied constantly and was struggling with emotional problems. Had this model policy been in effect, I would have certainly wondered about my gender “assignment”.  A “supportive” school environment would be there and, if my parents even questioned a gender change, I could be protected from an “abusive” home environment.  My hormones finally kicked in and I grew to normal size. Thank God for me that this model policy was not in effect. This model policy may be helpful to some but I think that it will create more harm than good.  It will create yet another layer of bureaucracy and goldmine for litigation but do little to improve Virginia public education.  It will certainly increase the state’s encroachment on family structure and traditional family values.  We don’t need a Nanny state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91281", "author": "Richard Gaffin", "date": "2021-01-24T13:33:00", "title": "Rethink", "text": "“Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” So says this proposal.  But the statement is dangerous nonsense. A person's internal sense does not change his/her physical biology, and it is physical biology that determines our interactions with each other.  Athletes compete with their bodies, not their \"internal sense of identity,\" and woman are raped and molested not by \"male identities\" but by (generally stronger) male bodies.  We disadvantage women and girls when we pretend bodies don't matter. People who suffer from gender dysphoria need help accepting their bodies, not the rest of the world pretending with them that bodies are irrelevant.  These guidelines, which are an massive exercise in make believe, should be rejected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91282", "author": "Ed", "date": "2021-01-24T13:56:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Since when were schools supposed to take over the role of parents in the upbringing of their children?  It is my responsibility as a father to instill a sense of right and wrong, to demonstrate to my children how to act in a civil society, to demonstrate how to respect those in authority, and demonstrate how to treat others, especially those that we disagree with, as they want to be treated. These guidelines overstep the responsibility of the schools.  It is MY job to teach my children about sex, to teach my children about how they were designed, to teach my children how they were fearfully and wonderfully made.  That is NOT the role of the school system.  I refuse to allow schools to take away the innocence of my children by having children of the opposite sex changing in their presence.  It can be awkward enough changing in front of people of the same sex.  I could not imagine the unnecessary fears I would be placing on my children if these policies were to be enacted. If these policies are passed and implemented within Virginia public schools, then I will be exercising my right to educate my child at home or work a second job to send them to private school.  I refuse to have public schools actively undermining the upbringing of my children.  My children are my responsibility, they do NOT belong to the government."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91283", "author": "Maria H", "date": "2021-01-24T14:59:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender Mandates", "text": "Oppose these transgender mandates. These are horrific rules that will cause severe and long lasting psychological problems for our children and their families. Parents have the right to educate their children and discuss these important ideas with them without school interference. Disallowing religious exemptions is unconstitutional and we will sue if you enforce these. I am a woman and proud of it. My children have the natural right be proud of their inherent gender. They also have the right to be protected from sexual assault, either verbal, emotional or physical, by other children or teachers who declare transgender and enter bathrooms, locker rooms etc of the opposite sex. These are ludicrous and evil mandates. Protect our children from false ideologies. Give parents the right to educate their children and to intervene when they see fit."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91284", "author": "Joanna", "date": "2021-01-24T15:13:00", "title": "Parent Opposed", "text": "I oppose this policy because it effectually indoctrinates young children to accept  transgender policies as the right and required way.  The transgender agenda goes against my deeply held religious belief that God made males and females.  According to the guidance document, if students and staff do not accept the transgender mindset and practices they are likely to be disciplined for being a bully. I do not want my children to bully anyone, and I encourage them to be kind to all people, including people who are different from themselves.  However, Virginia schools should not push affirmation of the transgender student’s identity on others.  The guidance document requires students and staff to encourage the transgender person’s identity, likely against the deeply and sincerely held beliefs of many students and staff."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91285", "author": "Elizabeth B", "date": "2021-01-24T15:14:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose all of this.", "text": "These policies are a violation of parental rights and it is absurd you would consider allowing impressionable children to “explore” this without communicating with the parents. I absolutely oppose every single one of these recommendations. Preserving religious freedom as well is essential to our liberty on this country. Strongly, absolutely oppose these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91286", "author": "Mary McGiffin", "date": "2021-01-24T15:31:00", "title": "Undermining families does nothing for the health of society", "text": "I write in confident and urgent opposition to the proposals for Virginia schools. Obviously we want respect and love for our fellow humans to be the basis of any civics program; but as for this deep dive into a very specific and scientifically unsupported ideology of transgenderism and all it implies about materialist / dualist philosophy -- that is just not the same thing as an elementary school civics lesson. When a school system offers no exemptions to controversial programs, its aim can only be to supplant the family. If this is not what you intend, I encourage you to make ample exemptions available, on any basis, not just religious. Because when you undermine families, you necessarily undermine the mental health of society for decades to come, and ironically, you cut the fissures of the culture war even deeper. Schools ought to be in the business of educating, and supporting families in the education of their children -- especially in these times of remote learning when parents are more involved in their child's education than ever before. To insist upon replacing a family's values with that of the government's preferred culture is, on its face, cultural imperialism. So, in review, these policies seem to insist upon: highly debatable materialist philosophizing with our young students, counterproductive school-against-family culture wars, and cultural imperialism. Again, I trust this is not what the policymakers intend. But I find the lack of vision and lack of concern for the implications of broad policies like this to be very, very concerning."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91287", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T15:33:00", "title": "As a teacher and father, I strongly oppose this", "text": "It is heartbreaking that something as contrary to reason and anti-God as these proposals to make accommodations to students who identify as transgender is being considered by the VDOE and elected officials. In a sane society, you would be removed from your positions for attempting to do something so evil. It is anything but charitable or caring to pretend that students who suffer from gender dysphoria can change their biological sex by pretending that they are something that they are not. Furthermore, to subject other children to this and have them go along with the charade is harmful to everyone's development and innocence. We already live in a culture that is far too sexualized, and going ahead with these measures will continue this downward trend to new levels of depravity. It is with my full voice, that I oppose these measures, and instead encourage you to have measures to help these children accept who God created them to be. May God have mercy on you for wanting to push these harmful ideas on children, and it is my prayer that you may see the severe error of your ways and use your positions for good. I must admit that the only reason why I am hesitant to speak out against these measures is reprisal for speaking up. There is a great sense of fear among people to speak up with recent revelations coming to light about conservative speech being silenced on social media platforms or us being consistently measured as conspiracy theorists. As a teacher, I fear my message may put my job at risk. This is something that I cannot remain silent about, even though I imagine many will remain silent. If I am punished, then so be it. The actions of this state government have led me to realize that I may need to move my family out of the state if we can find anyplace that has maintained its sanity. I believe measures like this have the potential to create a mass exodus from the state of Virginia and will result in the loss of many teachers who will not go along with these diabolical proposals. Furthermore, I will do everything in my power to ensure that my students either are homeschooled or attend private schools to ensure that they are not subject to these lies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91288", "author": "John McNichols", "date": "2021-01-24T15:43:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This comment pertains to \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools.\"  Although motivated by a desire to be gentle and kind to young people who are confused and suffering, this policy would erode parental control of moral teachings about sex and undermine the entire basis for separate facilities for boys and girls.  Given that the policy requires no evidence of transgender identity before a student may use the gendered facilities of his or her choice, this policy would allow adolescent boys to enter the girls' locker room at will with no repercussions whatsoever.  Indeed, the policy discourages school staff from even asking about gender before a student enters private areas.  Concerns for the modesty and psychological well-being of the vast majority of adolescent girls --- whose well-documented anxiety about body image would only be exacerbated by appearing unclothed in front of boys --- appear not to have factored into the creation of this policy at all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91289", "author": "MJK", "date": "2021-01-24T15:47:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose, children should not be able to make life altering decisions without their parent’s guidance before adulthood."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91290", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T15:47:00", "title": "Penises in my daughter's bathroom? No thanks.", "text": "Per the draft policies, access to restrooms that correspond to a student's gender identity MUST be made available to all students, school administrators shall NOT confront students about their gender identity upon entry to the restroom, and what counts as a student's gender identity is ENTIRELY up to the personal discretion of the student and administrators CANNOT seek any substantiating evidence from the student. Does anyone with a working brain not see how this is a ludicrous policy proposal? What happens when my daughter tells me that she saw someone with a penis in her bathroom looking at her undressing? What happens to me when I tell her that was a biological male who is probably afflicted with gender dysphoria and who, for reasons her father cannot fathom, was allowed to pull his pants down in front of his daughter? The proposed definition of gender identity is completely incoherent. If the words \"boy\" and \"girl\" are objective enough that people can identify as, and actually be , boys and girls, how can gender identity also be a spectrum? What does it even mean to have an internal sense of gender? What does gender feel like? Apart from having a male body, what does it \"feel like\" to be a man? More importantly, why should feeling like a man, MAKE someone a man? Why do our feelings determine reality on the question of gender, but on little else? Our feelings don't determine our age or our height. What about able-bodied people who identify as disabled? I could go on, but suffice to say, it's so incredibly disappointing to see public servants in the education field trying to make policy on such brittle and incoherent principles. Our schools should be places that support the rights of parents to be primary educators of their children, not counteract parents who don't subscribe to the transgender activism spilling into our kid's lives. This proposal needs to go to the waste bin and never see the light of day again. Oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91291", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T16:04:00", "title": "Enough is enough!!", "text": "Enough is enough!  Stop forcing our children to be a part of this radical idolatry that we must allow someone of the opposite sex be in their bathroom.  There are different ways to accommodate children who are confused but don’t make the rest of the cch listen suffer and be afraid to enter a restroom in case a biologically opposite sex is in there.  Don’t force a parent out a child’s life, bring that parent into their life to work though their identity crisis.  Girls are girls and boys are boys.  If someone is confused help them but don’t force it upon the rest of us!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91292", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T16:05:00", "title": "This policy will harm kids", "text": "What will stop a pubescent boy from getting with his friends and deciding to sneak a peak at the girl cheerleaders in a state of undress by simply walking into their bathroom with the argument they happen to \"feel like\" women that day, but might feel more like men another day, and something in between another day? Per this draft policy, not a school administrator that's for sure. They would be expressly prohibited from questioning anyone's self-professed \"gender identity\" at the bathroom door. This is a nonsense policy, based on nonsense arguments. I thought we left the crazy back in 2020..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91293", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T16:11:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender mandates for public schools!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91294", "author": "Cindy", "date": "2021-01-24T16:20:00", "title": "Vehemently oppose", "text": "The potential trauma that this policy of transgender students will do is insurmountable.  I strongly oppose it"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91295", "author": "Emily Spellman", "date": "2021-01-24T16:48:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I wholeheartedly support. Every person deserves to be accepted and supported at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91296", "author": "Fr. Paul Scalia", "date": "2021-01-24T16:58:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I'm strongly opposed to these measures as an injustice to children and parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91297", "author": "Caroline Richards", "date": "2021-01-24T17:48:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I support the proposed guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91298", "author": "Very concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-24T18:02:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!!!", "text": "Where the heck are we that this an even something that needs to be brought up? The last time I checked there are only two genders, male and female. To even threaten to intercede with parents' wishes is absurd and for teachers to have to be told they must address students with whatever pronoun they make up that day or there will be repercussions is also absurd. This is a small minority and we should not be pushing this nonsense on the majority. Be kind, yes, be forced to accept something that goes against everything I believe and nature, no!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91299", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T18:10:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender mandates, which confuse the matter of biological gender. Children who are struggling with their identity need to be affirmed in the TRUTH of who they are, how they were born, and that biology matters. A girl may not want to dress in pink and ruffles; this does not mean that she should identify as a boy. Likewise, a boy may not want to be a top athlete and play with trucks; this does not mean that he ought instead to identify as a girl. When boys and girls are struggling with who they are, they should be encouraged to explore this, but in the context of truth. Truth does not harm. Those who seek to affirm gender dysphoria perpetuate lies, harm children during crucial years, and also lead others to moral dilemmas. To demand that children and teachers call a transgender student by the incorrect (though preferred pronoun) is to open doors to all kinds of lies being accepted. When will it end? It won't. And so you will find that if schools mandate this kind of policy, what was meant to be inclusive leads many to comply or lose their jobs. Comply with a lie or be called a hateful person. Comply with a lie, while silencing one's conscience, or be labeled a bigot. Complicity with lies eliminates all truth. Education is to pursue truth, not muddy it, twist it, and pervert it. Do children who struggle with the sexual identity need help? Yes. Absolutely. They ought to be treated with dignity and respect as all people. This should not lead to the disrespect and confusion of other students. Imagine the way a young girl feels if a boy comes into the school bathroom, but claims to be a girl? For this and so many reasons, we MUST uphold the truth of gender and biological sex while being sensitive to the needs of students who must be gently guided to their truth of their own sexual identity--not further confused by a misguided transgender agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91300", "author": "Jez Beasley, Teacher and advocate for all students", "date": "2021-01-24T18:31:00", "title": "Ignorance can only be overcome with education and advocacy", "text": "As an educator, I strongly support and guidance and school-based requirements that support our transgender students. I am saddened by the number of negative comments based on ignorance and hate. These regulations will support students, who, in the past have lacked any acceptance or support.  I believe that education of staff, students, and parents should be an integral part of any regulation put forth to schools. We cannot stop ignorance and hate without education and acceptance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91301", "author": "A. Greene", "date": "2021-01-24T18:34:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender Bill", "text": "As an educator I overwhelming oppose this transgender bill. What are you trying to do to young children and their families? Scientific research even supports that this bill is totally wrong. And whose definition of \"abuse\" are you going to use? Or is the definition revolving which is extremely dangerous? Shame on you for even introducing a bill such as this. You are endangering families, children, and educators who want to teach our children to be life long learners and good citizens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91302", "author": "Suzanne Barrera", "date": "2021-01-24T18:35:00", "title": "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you", "text": "“but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91303", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T18:41:00", "title": "VEA proposal on transgender policies for public schools", "text": "Strongly oppose!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91304", "author": "Laura M", "date": "2021-01-24T18:59:00", "title": "I absolutely dissagree with all of this.", "text": "It is a monstrous falsehood that children can be born in the wrong body."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91305", "author": "Pamela", "date": "2021-01-24T19:21:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I absolutely support this guidance, because I want my children to learn in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91306", "author": "Linda K", "date": "2021-01-24T19:29:00", "title": "I support all guidance that supports transgender youth in all aspects.", "text": "It’s a scary topic...children that are transgender. Especially if you’ve had no occasion to have it personally impact your life. We grow up loving our children for who *we* think they are...the gender we, as their parents assign them based on their genitalia at birth. So, as they grow and age...and realize their brain gender doesn’t match the sex they were assigned at birth, does this mean I’m to stop loving my child? Does the funny, caring, creative, artistic person get thrown away? Of course not. As parents, we all want what’s best for our children...for them to be healthy, safe and find love. People who are posting negatively simply haven’t had their whole lives turned upside down by a child “coming out”. They have no vested interest in the outcome here. They are simply afraid of what they do not know. Please listen to the people who have walked this walk, who are living this life every day. Please make this world a kinder, gentler place for our children. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94237", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:10:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Please support legislation to protect students that identify as trans, non-binary, gender queer or gender identity. They deserve to be protected. Every day they make valuable contributions to our society. They deserve the same rights and protections as every other student."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94238", "author": "Laura Conley", "date": "2021-02-02T20:10:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Please do not support this legislation, this is an agenda driven measure to push more extreme ideas that will not help anyone. The very idea that a boy who claims to identify as a girl can use the same bathroom/locker room is appalling. The very idea that a girl who claims to identify as a boy could go topless in certain activities is ridiculous. This is government over reach at it's worst!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94239", "author": "Virginia Taxpayer", "date": "2021-02-02T20:10:00", "title": "Oppose as Written", "text": "It would take more than 3000 words to write out all the reasons I am opposed. It is likely true that trans students are bullied or feel unaccepted, and an objective stated in these proposals is to prevent suicide and give assistance. These proposed changes do not do that. They reduce parental rights, increase the voice the school has in the lives of everyone who has children, nullify sports for girls, and pretend that no one will attempt to exploit these rules for their gain. The few who will exploit them, and there ARE some, will be the same problem students you already know & you are giving them more options for wrongdoing. Without a LOT more conversation and understanding of the issues schools are facing with data to back them up, I can only see the negative aspects I listed here. If I were a teenage biological female and this were enacted, I would want my own locker room and bathroom and I wouldn't want a biological male running in my girls track events no matter what the current President endorses. It seems to me the tail is wagging the dog."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94240", "author": "Daneya Laing", "date": "2021-02-02T20:11:00", "title": "Absolutely not!", "text": "This is destructive to both men and women who identify with their biological sexes and is also hatred to all of humanity. This will harm women’s rights and also reduce quality of medical treatments. We are made man and women by divine design and to go against this design is rebellion and deception that will lead to much sickness of mind and body.  So sad that anyone would support such ridiculous nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94241", "author": "Savara Gunn", "date": "2021-02-02T20:11:00", "title": "Transgender Youth Deserve Rights", "text": "I support the passing of this document regarding transgender students in schools. Transgender youth have the same rights to privacy, freedom of expression, and especially life, as any other student. A student’s identity should not dictate how they are treated nor how they are disciplined. Many  of those who oppose this document are in fear of the possible negative consequences that could occur if such rights are clearly stated. An example may be the assault of a cisgender student by a transgender student. These consequences, statistically, are minimal. Furthermore, if those negative consequences did occur, the victims have the right to be protected and the aggressor should be punished- the same way any cisgendered student would be punished for the same situation. Once again, statistically, a transgendered individual is more likely to be assaulted by a cisgendered individual. Another opposition to this document may be the immorality of being transgender. This immorality is linked solely to religion which is meant to be separate from legislation. The idea of gender is not universally defined as man and woman. Simply being and identifying as transgender does not inherently infringe on any other person’s rights. This is about equality and equity. Transgendered youth exist, and because they do exist and they do not inherently infringe on another individual’s rights, they must have access to the same rights as any other student. They must be supported and protected because they are more often than not the victims of violence and abuse. I hope that this document passes and garners more support than opposition. The fear of what “could” happen is not as important as what will happen if transgendered youth are not supported by their environment. Transgender rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94242", "author": "Norma", "date": "2021-02-02T20:11:00", "title": "VDOE Transgender Policy for Schools", "text": "Strongly oppose the proposed transgender policies.  Can’t believe you can even consider such harmful ideas!  Removes parental guidance, confuses students, and goes against God’s laws as well as common sense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94243", "author": "Ann", "date": "2021-02-02T20:11:00", "title": "Transgender School Policy", "text": "I have just finished reading the \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender STudents in Virginia's Public Schools\" manual.  I have seldom read such an appalling attack on children, parents, our culture and our future than this document.  You expect students (and parents) to respect you AND, as educators, to believe you are telling the truth.  You are fond of the mantra \"follow the science;\" however, you yourselves follow a cultural agenda, not science at all.  It doesn't take a PhD., or a Masters, a B.S. or even a high school diploma to know that you are proposing a set of guidelines that are counter to science.  You cannot expect for any student, even a kindergartener to believe anything you have to say when you start the Terminology page with such drivel as \"Cisgender: A person whose gender identity aligns with the  SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH.\"  In the Stanford University Medical School report The Stanford Tech Interactive, July 23, 2004 ( https://genetics.thetech.org/ask/ask35 ),  Geneticist Dr. Barry Starr states, \"No amount of surgery, hormone injections or anything else will change someone's DNA from a man's to a woman's (or vice versa.)\"  Read the article.  Of course, you don't need to read the article to know that we are genetically male or female.  That's all there is. There are no other genders and they are not assigned.  It is CHILD ABUSE to let children believe otherwise is a deception of the most egregious kind.  And to quote a psychologist who believes that children \"declare\" their gender identity by the time they are five or six is obviously a man educated beyond his own intelligence.  My five year old thought he was a dinosaur.  I thought I was Mary Poppins and could fly with my umbrella when I was five.  If children are equipped to make this type of decision at ANY time through majority, why no let them make other life-altering decisions?  Why not let them drive a vehicle? Make financial transactions? Sign contracts?  Why not let them drink alcohol? Smoke cigarettes?  Have sex with adults?  Why not let them lead armies? Operate machinery?  Why stop at letting them decide their sex?  Maybe my son really WAS a dinosaur and I cheated him out of his God-given right to live like one.  It is not loving, kind or compassionate to allow people to live in deception.  Ultimately, you are parroting and promoting the very first lie pronounced to human kind, \"you shall be like God.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94244", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:12:00", "title": "I strongly support these protections. Trans kids are kids!", "text": "Protect trans youth. Growing up is challenging, being your true self should not be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94245", "author": "Fed up Citizen and disgusted with the school system", "date": "2021-02-02T20:12:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "If we have transgender students in school, that is fine. The moment the DOE began imposing mandatory transgender education you are violating the rights of \"other students\". This is the reason why we need Parent Choice. I am very disgusted with the DOE & public schools and their bogus programs, not to mention school boards being sponsored by the muslim brotherhood and so forth. Non transgender students are having their RIGHTS VIOLATED. Start spending money on teaching AMERICAN HISTORY, MATH, READING."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94246", "author": "Amy Miller", "date": "2021-02-02T20:12:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94247", "author": "Maura", "date": "2021-02-02T20:12:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "I am a student in Fairfax. I support this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94248", "author": "Marci Frederick", "date": "2021-02-02T20:13:00", "title": "Support trans students", "text": "As a Christian who attempts to follow Jesus' care for those who are vulnerable, as an educator who knows how important a sense of belonging is for education to proceed, I support evidence-based policies to protect transgender students. They deserve to have learning situations free from harassment and that support their innermost sense of who they are. Promoting rigid gender norms will not change that sense of personal gender identity. The fears of some around washroom usage do not reflect the reality that students are unlikely (because of their own sense of gender identity and their own knowledge of the potential for bullying) to pretend to be something they are not. Rather, forcing transgender students to use the washroom that does not correspond to their gender identity subjects them to potential harassment and violence. As the parent of a high school student, a voter and a taxpayer, I commend those who have worked with such care on these guidance documents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94249", "author": "Annie", "date": "2021-02-02T20:13:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Out of concern and compassion for all Virginia children I strongly oppose this. Out of practical consideration for the purposes of education and the goals of the DOE, I also strongly oppose it. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94250", "author": "Sage, Fairfax resident", "date": "2021-02-02T20:13:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support this legislation. Implementing policies that create a more inclusive environment for transgender students will also create a healthier and more effective learning environment for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94251", "author": "Mary", "date": "2021-02-02T20:14:00", "title": "Transgender education", "text": "I oppose this action by schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94252", "author": "Rebecca Shrader", "date": "2021-02-02T20:15:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I am 100% opposed to this policy. This is wrong in every sense of the word. I do not believe anyone should be bullied or discriminated against but forcing teachers and students and parents to teach about transgender is just wrong. Threatening to take children from their family because they don’t support transgender is wrong. God created us as male and female and nothing we do or say can change that. Our schools should NOT be promoting this or forcing children to be exposed to this. Guys should not play girl sports and should not be in the girls restroom. Not should girls be allowed in the boys restroom. Please vote against this ridiculous policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94253", "author": "Maya Hossain", "date": "2021-02-02T20:17:00", "title": "Full rights for trans students!", "text": "This country is only as great as how it treats its most vulnerable residents. Trans students are here and aren’t going anywhere. By limiting their rights, they don’t disappear. They simply suffer. They must be respected, uplifted, and protected. Trans rights are human rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94254", "author": "Afarmer", "date": "2021-02-02T20:17:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose this sickening agenda"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94256", "author": "Deborah Brown", "date": "2021-02-02T20:18:00", "title": "transgender agenda proposal", "text": "I strongly oppose this agenda from the LGBTQ. This is not in the best interests of any child. The gender confusion issues need to be dealt with privately. Rules and regulations concerning these matters within the public school system are not going to be what helps these children. Catering to the freedoms of this type of agenda will only bring on more problems, not solve them. If one has eyes to see and ears to hear, one can see how complying with the gay rights movement has brought on more confusion and reckless behavior over the years within this country. This is a hindrance to the wellbeing of our children, not a help. We need to wake up and view the evidence, and where we have come to by buying into this agenda, and teaching our children that it is all good. Help can be given to these kids, but this isn’t the way in which to offer it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94255", "author": "Ian H.", "date": "2021-02-02T20:18:00", "title": "Support This Bill, Support Trans Youth", "text": "Children who are gender or sex conforming in any way come to immense harm at the hands of their peers, and this is only made worse when institutional powers inflict specifically required gendering onto them. I am a trans adult, but I was not a \"trans youth\": if a teen, let alone a younger child, is already requesting a gendering other than assigned, they are in intense need of a place of safety, and in intense danger from the very people who are supposed to take care of them. Don't make school one more place of fear and hiding - if nothing else, it's terrible for their academic records. Also, for the record, I was extensively sexually harassed as a \"female\" child in restrooms by other cis girl children - excluding children based on their genitals can't stop something that already happens all the time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94257", "author": "Elizabeth Scott", "date": "2021-02-02T20:19:00", "title": "I strongly object the draft on transgender in our public schools", "text": "I strongly object the Virginia Department of education draft proposing a new policy regarding transgender in our public schools. Parents have every right to be involved in issues of gender identity. Children need guidance as they walk through this. Parents must be included in this process. There should be policies for bullying & it should not be tolerated but forcing children to call someone a pronoun that they clearly are not & allowing them into whatever bathroom they want will cause just as many issues for children who aren’t struggling with their identity. Please do not pass this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94258", "author": "Jon Requeno", "date": "2021-02-02T20:19:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "We are now 2 decades into the twenty-first century, modern problems require modern solutions. We must acknowledge the social issues plaguing our society today! and we must ACT and EDUCATE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94259", "author": "Scot", "date": "2021-02-02T20:20:00", "title": "I support making Jesus Christ Lord of ALL", "text": "2 Peter 2:2,3 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94260", "author": "Brenda Miller", "date": "2021-02-02T20:20:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender policy in schools", "text": "Strongly oppose transgender policy in public schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94261", "author": "Audrey", "date": "2021-02-02T20:20:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans people are murdered simply for existing every day. Children should not have to face this fear for their lives because they chose to live freely as they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94262", "author": "Jeremy Bradshaw", "date": "2021-02-02T20:21:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "Trans kids deserve to be heard. If any number is kids feel unsafe or threatened jn their school because of their identity and who they are, then it is safe for no one. I fully support any and all efforts to make our schools a friendly and open place for trans students to grown and learn without the added stress of not being recognized."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94263", "author": "Brooke Runion", "date": "2021-02-02T20:21:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "strongly opposed to this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94264", "author": "Alyssa", "date": "2021-02-02T20:22:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Transgender students should feel completely safe in our schools and we should support them in any way we can."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94265", "author": "Jack", "date": "2021-02-02T20:23:00", "title": "I very strongly support this policy", "text": "Adopting this policy is progress for civil rights. I strongly urge the legislators to support this bill which would improve the lives of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94266", "author": "BGood", "date": "2021-02-02T20:24:00", "title": "Strongly oppose isn’t up to the school system or the Commonwealth to make these decisions for us", "text": "I oppose this as written.   This iS not a matter for the Commonwealth or the school system I have no issues with transgender but I do not believe my daughter or granddaughters should be forced to go along with this because the school says it is right. I do not want boys/men in restrooms and locker rooms with my girls. Have a separate locker room/restrooms for transgender. Religious beliefs aren’t allowed in schools so don’t force other beliefs on anyone. It is not a school matter"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94267", "author": "College student", "date": "2021-02-02T20:24:00", "title": "Support Trans Rights", "text": "This bill is important because, despite what people may say, Trans students are heavily in danger in the current schooling environment, whether that be forcing themselves from transitioning to protect themselves and thus leading to body dysmorphia and mental illness or outright bullying from students. Despite the people not supporting them, that’s not gonna change how these students feel about themselves and it won’t stop them from being who they want to be. It’s better to have an environment that supports them and can keep them safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94268", "author": "Bruce", "date": "2021-02-02T20:25:00", "title": "Gender", "text": "I strongly oppose the direction we are going in as a nation on gender. God has created male and female. Gender is determined at birth and nothing can change that. Bringing gender confusion into the school will make things very concerning. We should be helping those  that are confused as to their gender, counseling with love not making it morally acceptable and doing irreparable harm to our society. Please, do not bring this policy forth into our education system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94269", "author": "Bridget", "date": "2021-02-02T20:25:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "STRONGLY OPOSED"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94270", "author": "Sarah J.", "date": "2021-02-02T20:26:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As someone who spent 15 years attending Virginia public schools, I fully support the protection of trans youth in the Virginia public school system. School should be a safe space for trans youth. Intolerant religious views should not be used as valid opposition to these protective policies, because this a public school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94271", "author": "Michele", "date": "2021-02-02T20:26:00", "title": "Strongly appose", "text": "Strongly appose discussion of transgender in schools. This is not biblical and God makes no mistake when creating us. This type of behavior is taught and kids would never know what it is unless told and pushed tontjink otherwise."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94273", "author": "Concerned FATHER OF 5", "date": "2021-02-02T20:27:00", "title": "I 100% DISAGREE WITH THIS!!", "text": "This is total b.s. Yes i understand there is children that are confused about their sex. But, to propose that they are able to use the same restroom as the opposite sex as them because they \"identify\" as that sex is complete nonsense. It only allows for someone and i quote \"more than likley a female\" to be molested, assulted, or even raped. NOW onto the next subject. To say that a male can wear skirts to school is a little crazy to say the least, but to also state that a female could go topless in group activities that males can.  Now your really stepping on my toes NORTHAM. That is a quick way to invite every child molesting pervert in the state/country to occupy the seats. Democrat, Republican, Liberal, undecided i don't care. If you support this, you're whats wrong with this country. MY CHILDREN WE'RE BORN MALES AND FEMALES AND THERE ISN'T A DAMN THING THAT'S GONNA CHANGE THAT. You say that i can't teach my children about/or call them by their GOD GIVEN SEX as in my little girl or my little boy. HORSE . And, before you even start on me about being homophobic, you're wrong. My god tells me love everyone! But, he didn't tell me i had to support them using the same restroom as my boys and girls. Wake the hell up Virginia. If this passes i know atleast 5 kids that won't be in public school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94272", "author": "College Student", "date": "2021-02-02T20:27:00", "title": "Protect the rights of transgender students!", "text": "There have been many cases of transgender students fighting for basic needs, like using the restroom for the gender they identify with. No student should have to go to court to be able to use a bathroom. No one should have to struggle for necessities. This bill will help so many and promote change within school systems. Their rights should not have to be voted on"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94274", "author": "Paul", "date": "2021-02-02T20:27:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "1000% Opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94275", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:27:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this, it isn't the schools job to teach my children who or what they are.  My rights and privileges as a parent are being jeopardized."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94276", "author": "Kat Adams", "date": "2021-02-02T20:28:00", "title": "Strongly agree", "text": "We must protect, support, and affirm trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94277", "author": "Jeanine Hayden", "date": "2021-02-02T20:28:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly the model policy protecting transgender students and hope to see it put into place in Virginia as soon as possible.  Transgender students have suffered enough.  They deserve equal treatment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94278", "author": "Mike Miller", "date": "2021-02-02T20:29:00", "title": "NO", "text": "NO!!!!!! This does not belong in public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94279", "author": "Michael Kucher", "date": "2021-02-02T20:29:00", "title": "Stop this insanity...??", "text": "Wrote a whole paragraph, hit submit it disappeared saying I had an invalid email... lets just say. THIS ENDS RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. CALL YOURSELF WHATEVER THE HELL YOU FEEL LIKE....THERE ARE 2 GENDERS...MALE AND FEMALE, MOM AND DAD, BROTHER AND SISTER. THIS RADICAL PLOY IS AN ATTACK ON OUR Judeo-Christian Values and stops Right here and RIGHT NOW. LEAVE THE CHILDREN OUT OF YOUR \"CHOICE\" NOW CHANGE MY MIND!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94280", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-02-02T20:30:00", "title": "FULL rights & protections for all trans students! Strongly support!", "text": "Virginia's most vulnerable children must be fully protected in our school system. We must put a system in place to allow these children to safely attend classes and promote communities that are NOT threatening."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94281", "author": "Concerned FATHER OF 6", "date": "2021-02-02T20:30:00", "title": "I 1000% SUPPORT TRANS RIGHTS", "text": "weird how we have to support the rights of other people when they're supposed to be unalienable. hope virginia can get our act together on this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94282", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:30:00", "title": "Strongly Object", "text": "Strongly Object"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94283", "author": "Wilbur Hall Waymack", "date": "2021-02-02T20:30:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I strongly,  strongly  oppose  this.  Parents  grandparents,  or legal guardians, should  always have  the  authority of their  child  or kid, or  kids on what  they choose  best  for  them.  It has  always  been  what  was right  and what  was wrong.   Now  it is trying  to be  the opposite.   What  is happening  to this  great  country  that  was fought  for  hundreds  of years  called , ( and  still  hopefully  by many  today)  AMERICA.   Thank you,  for sending  this  out."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94284", "author": "Warren Franklin", "date": "2021-02-02T20:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "I strongly oppose these changes.  Allowing students of the opposite biological sex into a locker room is never acceptable.  Keeping this information from student's parents is even worse.  Ignoring the rights of the majority to accommodate a few is not the proper route.  If this passes I will financially support any legal challenges."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94285", "author": "Catherine Romatowski", "date": "2021-02-02T20:31:00", "title": "Support to protect the rights of transgender students", "text": "Transgender students, like all students, have a right to a free and equal public education. I am a Virginia voter and I support these guidelines to ensure transgender students can access that education safely. The hateful remarks in some of the comments here only confirms the painful necessity of instituting protections."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94286", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:31:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I oppose this nonsense!! God made two genders...male and female...stop trying to confuse little children!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94288", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:32:00", "title": "Protect Trans Kids", "text": "Trans kids are particularly vulnerable and need to be given the opportunity to safe, especially in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94287", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:32:00", "title": "Protect Trans Kids", "text": "Trans kids are particularly vulnerable and need to be given the opportunity to safe, especially in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94289", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:32:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I oppose this nonsense!! God made two genders...male and female...stop trying to confuse little children!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94290", "author": "Racheal", "date": "2021-02-02T20:34:00", "title": "Support", "text": "PROTECT TRANS STUDENTS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94291", "author": "Justine", "date": "2021-02-02T20:35:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "The thought that our country has come to this is so heartbreaking. As a child I can still remember going to bible school at school, saying the pledge, standing to cross my heart and learning values I would need throughout life. To allow this to be a concern on the list of needs in our school system is a disgrace. This is not a concern for public school. If there is an issue concerning someone's child and them determining who they are that should be handled by a counselor, parents, and medical doctors. A child does not know that they wish to be a different sex. To allow this in our school system that my tax dollars pay for is beyond unacceptable and disgraceful to our state and this nation. God help us and have mercy on our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94292", "author": "Darren H.", "date": "2021-02-02T20:36:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose any policy in regards to transsexual students in schools. From what I've seen, the proposed policies will punish those who speak out against encouraging these ideologies in our schools, including students and parents themselves. School should be a place where parents don't have to worry about boys identifying as girls in locker rooms with their daughters, or exploiting their biological advantage in sports. Instead of overlooking and encouraging moral depravity, more emphasis should be placed towards mental health services for these people. Schools should be institutions for learning, not for fulfilling fantasies inconsistent with basic psychology and biology. ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94293", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:36:00", "title": "Fully support this!", "text": "I fully support this and am glad schools will be more accepting for all students in the years to come."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94294", "author": "Brynna Lokrantz", "date": "2021-02-02T20:36:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this document. As a school counselor in the state of Virginia, it is my job to advocate for each and every one of my students. Transgender students deserve an equitable public school experience just like the rest of their peers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94295", "author": "Catriona Rogers", "date": "2021-02-02T20:36:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I’m grateful to a member of my church for making me aware of the opportunity to comment on this guidance. Of course I support a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students! Children deserve love and support and the freedom to be themselves. All too often kids are harassed or harmed for being their non-binary or transgender selves. This is a step in the right direction to protect and nurture all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94296", "author": "Bonnie", "date": "2021-02-02T20:37:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE NEW TRANSGENDER POLICY. !!!", "text": "It is unbelievable that this policy has been proposed. It would so damaging in many ways and is not needed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94297", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:37:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights!", "text": "Trans people deserve basic human rights! They are people and deserve to be treated with decency and respect"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94298", "author": "Michael V. Hayden", "date": "2021-02-02T20:37:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this Guidance Document.  I have to wonder if many of those expressing opposition have even read it. Transgender students deserve to be treated like all other students.  They deserve to feel safe in their school environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94299", "author": "Cj Watson", "date": "2021-02-02T20:38:00", "title": "Full support. Protect Trans children", "text": "Fully support. Protect trans kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94301", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:39:00", "title": "Support VDE’s guidance on inclusive learning environs for all includ. transgender & non-binary youth", "text": "We support VDE’s guidance for creating inclusive learning environments for all, including transgender and non-binary youths. typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 words."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94300", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:39:00", "title": "Support VDE’s guidance on inclusive learning environs for all includ. transgender & non-binary youth", "text": "We support VDE’s guidance for creating inclusive learning environments for all, including transgender and non-binary youths. typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 words."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94302", "author": "Mary Ann Mills", "date": "2021-02-02T20:39:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Arlington Public Schools pride themselves in their academic standing in the U.S.  My three children attended public elementary, middle, and high schools here.  A vital part of their education was learning and experiencing tolerance, understanding, and respect for the entire student body.  Arlington needs to live up to its high standards of excellence including the inclusive and just treatment of transgender members of its community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94303", "author": "PWCJ", "date": "2021-02-02T20:39:00", "title": "Do not support. You should seek Jesus for your answer.", "text": "My opinion is you should seek Jesus and your bible for your answer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94304", "author": "JW", "date": "2021-02-02T20:40:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support legislation to protect the health and well-being of trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94305", "author": "Julius", "date": "2021-02-02T20:42:00", "title": "Oppose: those that encourage this mental illness (gender dysmorphia) deserve ridicule", "text": "I'm sure the same people that encourage gender dysmorphia in students would tell an anorexic that his/her perception is right, they do look a little fat (body dysmorphia). Perhaps they would tell a guy that works out three hours every day that he still looks a bit skinny (body dysmorphia, again). Those that have gender dysmorphia (or even, G-d forbid, simple confusion), deserve patience and guidance as they contend with their illness. People that encourage and exacerbate this illness (who should be reliable and mature adults), deserve every bit of ridicule they receive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94306", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:42:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Strongly Opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94307", "author": "RaeDawn", "date": "2021-02-02T20:42:00", "title": "We Must Ensure A Safe Learning Environment for All", "text": "We must ensure a safe environment for all children and that absolutely includes trans children. It is vital that children are not going to school in fear. Fear keeps children from learning and growing. Fear will hinder a generation. Anything we can do structurally to support children as they learn and grow and navigate through their early years."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94308", "author": "Michael W.", "date": "2021-02-02T20:42:00", "title": "Full Support for Transgender Rights", "text": "Transgender students have rights just like any other student in our school system.  As a parent of a transgender child, my taxes support all children in Virginia schools.  Inclusion and equality for all students should exist in our public schools.  Any policy that supports equal rights for all, I fully support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94309", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:43:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth", "text": "We are already aware that trans students face discrimination in our schooling system that these reforms and statements will not fix; still, this is an important step in the right direction for Virginia schools and will hopefully improve the mental health of trans students by providing them resources for protection (if schools enact these policies in good faith). I would also hope that future changes would work towards abolishing sex-segregated policies like dress codes, which not only are incompatible with transgender students, but are often used as tools to police the bodies of young women. Virginia can be better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94310", "author": "Concerned Mom", "date": "2021-02-02T20:43:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "As a mother of three boys in the county I strongly oppose this. I think in this day and age it's hard enough just to be a child. Can we not just let them be children and grow up naturally without wearing it they're saying or doing something wrong to offend someone? Come on! I wholeheartedly agree that science dictates a sex not what you just choose for any given day. Why punish those that believe that? I'm a nurse with a Christian faith and I'm not ashamed of that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94311", "author": "Troy M", "date": "2021-02-02T20:43:00", "title": "Strongly oppose the transgender policy", "text": "I request that every effort is made to oppose this policy action. This policy would take away authority of the educators and staff while causing additional social conflict along the students. Currently educators are burdened with the number of students per class and this would be an additional consideration.  Students could leverage this policy to put the educator on the defensive with potential legal ramifications while trying to manage the classroom.  The draft policy mentions dignity and respect of the children.  However, the same policy would erode the same respect that should be given for the educators.  Secondary effects would disrupt dress codes and extracurricular activities. The student population would be adversely affected as well.  A comment from a supporter of the draft policy mentions” don’t let anyone invalid who you are”.  If sexual identification is allowed, which contradicts physical traits, nothing would prohibit other absolutes to be challenged; someone could identify as having the correct solution to a math problem when the teacher knows the answer as absolute, someone could identify as the valedictorian without the academic success, someone could identify as a basketball player without being on the team, a student with a 2.0 grade point average could identify as ‘advanced/gifted”, a student could identify as a teacher and disrupt the educational period.  Anyone could identify as “mentally handicapped/special needs”. This would inhibit the assistance and help that those students need to get a basic Kindergarten through High school education.   All absolutes, both physical and intellectual standards would be destroyed.  Educational institutions would be isolated from being able to apply metrics and guidelines for a successful school.  The school system would crumble at the expense of misguided energy. You must stop this misleading policy.  Your action to disapprove the policy will support the teacher/student relationship and empower the parents with their child’s education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94312", "author": "Claire Aran", "date": "2021-02-02T20:43:00", "title": "This document is incredible! Yes!", "text": "I can't imagine how much better my life would be if such inclusive and supportive policies as these had been the standard when I was young. Adopting these guidelines would not only mean a better life for current students, but a brighter future for them as well. I am thrilled to see this kind of considerate language, showing respect and promising dignity to these kids. Truly amazing, thank you for this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94313", "author": "Evelynn", "date": "2021-02-02T20:44:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This would be detrimental for any child no matter what orientation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94314", "author": "Stephen Xeller", "date": "2021-02-02T20:44:00", "title": "Vehemently opposed", "text": "I am vehemently opposed to this draft mandate. While I believe all children should be able to go to school in a harassment free environment, I fail to see how this policy would help. I believe the mandate is unconstitutional and drastically infringes on the rights of the majority of students in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94315", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:44:00", "title": "Protect Trans Youth", "text": "Fully support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94316", "author": "Phares", "date": "2021-02-02T20:45:00", "title": "Strongly Object", "text": "As a concerned parent and resident of Virginia, I have reviewed the VDOE draft policy on transgender students in our public school. I have several concerns about this potential policy. However, for the sake of space, I will only mention a few here. First of all it is the parent's responsibility for the upbringing of their children. Under the guidelines of this proposed policy, the parent's will not be notified when their child is interrogated for allegedly violating the new policy, nor will they be given the opportunity to intervene on their child's behalf. In fact it appears that all of the proposed policy is being permitted without the parent's permission. This is usurping the parent's authority. Secondly, allowing males and females to share restroom, locker room, and shower facilities could potentially put our students at a greater advantage of sexual harassment, misconduct, and potentially rape. I request that should this policy go forward, that an adequate number of single person bath, shower, and locker areas be available for all students regardless of gender identification. Finally I would hope that this proposal would be rescinded as the majority of students in our public schools would not benefit from this immoral action."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94317", "author": "Allen Saum", "date": "2021-02-02T20:45:00", "title": "Opposition to the Virginia Department of Education Proposed Transgender Policy", "text": "I currently have 6 grandchildren in Virginia Public Schools. I strongly oppose the proposed Transgender Policy that is currently before the Virginia Department of Education. This policy not only usurps parental rights and responsibilities with regard to their children, it also allows for immature children to make irrational life style decisions based on popularity and possible unsolicited teacher and peer influence. It is not the Board of Education's, nor the State of Virginia's job to decide gender determination of the children under their charge to educate. These policies go beyond the scope and mission of the Department of Education. Should this policy be approved as written, I intend to sue the Virginia Department of Education and anyone involved with the passing and implementation of such a policy, up to and including the Governor of the State."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94318", "author": "College Student", "date": "2021-02-02T20:45:00", "title": "Strongly Support. How are y'all against anti-discrimination policy?", "text": "Our schools can no longer stand by and let the pretend/perceived fears of hate mongering homophobes and transphobes perpetuate the real dangers and discriminations faced by LGBT+ students in Virginia. Schools should be places of equitable education for every student. You do not accomplish that by granting ignorant students, teachers, and parents the right to discriminate against others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94319", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:46:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support using the Virginia Department of Education's guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94320", "author": "Bernadette", "date": "2021-02-02T20:46:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Do not pass this. If gender is based on an individual's word alone, rather than objective, observable fact, then gender is meaningless. This is folly of the highest order."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94321", "author": "sierra danielle", "date": "2021-02-02T20:46:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support the rights of trans youth. All children should be accepted throughout their development, regardless of sex or gender identity. it is the duty of schools and communities to foster safe and nourishing environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94322", "author": "Willa, Student", "date": "2021-02-02T20:47:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT. PROTECT TRANS KIDS", "text": "All children deserve love, safety and acceptance, trans kids are absolutely no different. School is a place to learn and grow as yourself and everyone has a right to their space and identity and expression."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94323", "author": "Burner l", "date": "2021-02-02T20:47:00", "title": "Guidance document", "text": "Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94324", "author": "Sam F", "date": "2021-02-02T20:47:00", "title": "Strong Support!!", "text": "Strong support policies that provide a safe environment for kids to learn and develop without fear of persecution for their gender identity or sexual orientation. You shouldn’t be an educator if you aren’t first and foremost focused on providing the safest space for a kid to develop."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94325", "author": "Chris Berg", "date": "2021-02-02T20:47:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans students should be able to go to school and be supported, just like every student.  Not every county provides the same level of treatment to LGBTQ students.  Hopefully setting a new standard would not only set a higher standard than there is available currently, but will provide a standard in counties where none is set currently."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94326", "author": "Marietta Julienne", "date": "2021-02-02T20:49:00", "title": "Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I wish to go on record as opposing the proposed policies for the treatment of transgender students.  I have several reasons for this, three of which I will set forth here. Girls’ locker rooms and restrooms: When I was a middle school student, I hated to change clothes even in front of other girls. I cannot conceive of how I would have felt if I had had to undress in front of a boy!  Non-transgender boys could simply pretend to be transgender in order to enter girls’ restrooms and locker rooms for nefarious purposes.  This compromises the girls’ safety.  The potential for rape and abuse is a distinct possibility here. Overnight field trips: Again, non-transgender boys could pretend to be transgender in order to share a room with a girl, even against her will.  What parent of a girl would want this? Girls’ sports: Non-transgender boys could pretend to be transgender in order to compete against girls and thereby win competitions because of their faster speed or stronger bodies.  Girls could no longer be assured of fair competition in sports. In all these cases, it is the girls who would suffer.  Normally, non-transgender girls do not desire to enter boys’ restrooms or locker rooms—perish the thought! Where is the feminist ideal of fair treatment for girls, for protection from rape and abuse at the hands of predatory males? As a mother, grandmother, retired school employee, and feminist, AND LIFELONG DEMOCRAT, I wish to register my opposition to these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94327", "author": "Sylvia Weaver", "date": "2021-02-02T20:49:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "For the sake of all children and parents I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94328", "author": "Kristina P", "date": "2021-02-02T20:49:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "This policy could be the difference between a child wanting to live and not wanting to live. Let children focus on being their authentic selves. I strongly support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94329", "author": "Concerned", "date": "2021-02-02T20:49:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Opposed on the basis of not contributing to gender confusion in our children, and wanting to preserve parental responsibility (not DOE) when it comes to sex education (including gender associations)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94330", "author": "Kristi VanAudenhove, Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance", "date": "2021-02-02T20:49:00", "title": "Support for guidance that promotes the health and well-being of transgender youth.", "text": "The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance is dedicated to a future in which all of us thrive, where everyone is safe and respected and whole. This guidance , developed with the input of diverse leaders across Virginia, moves us forward toward that future. Ensuring that schools are prepared not only to offer an equal education to transgender youth, but also prepared to promote healthy attitudes about people of all genders, is vital to making our schools safe and respectful places for all people. The Action Alliance fully supports this guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94331", "author": "anony", "date": "2021-02-02T20:50:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "XX XY keep separate. Create other safe places for the LGBTQxyz crowd"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94332", "author": "Deborah", "date": "2021-02-02T20:50:00", "title": "I strongly oppose", "text": "You are so quick to point out that we must support this but by supporting this you take away from the rights of children that believe in their biological sexes...You put them at risk by allowing boys in girls rooms or vice versus...whenever they want.   this is a destructive policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94333", "author": "Keith O", "date": "2021-02-02T20:50:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "This is an egregious intrusion into the family by a government that has no right to be there. Parental authority cannot be usurped at the whim of an oppressive government which believes (falsely) that it knows what is best for everyone. Everything about this policy is divisive from creating enmity between parent and child to fostering an antagonistic relationship between school officials and parents. This is by design I'm sure, as creating chaos out of order is the objective of \"progressive\" politicians and their policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94334", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:51:00", "title": "YES!", "text": "This is much needed. Trans kids need more protection and this is good progress."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94335", "author": "Saige", "date": "2021-02-02T20:51:00", "title": "Strongly support.", "text": "I strongly support this policy. It is important to not only protect trans youth, but also promote tolerance and understanding."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94336", "author": "Concerned Mom", "date": "2021-02-02T20:51:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Please stand together and oppose this bill. There is no room so this in our schools. Boys should play boy sports and girls should play girl sports. Boys do not belong in girl locker rooms. How are you going to protect the students? This is just a mess!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89698", "author": "Kim Herring", "date": "2021-01-12T13:30:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "As a mother of a non-binary child in the Arlington Public School District, I fully support this model policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89699", "author": "Amanda Tolson", "date": "2021-01-12T13:32:00", "title": "Support for Transgender/non-binary students", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. I am a high school teacher and value each and every one of my students. I believe that ALL students should be protected and supported, no matter their identity. Our schools should be safe and welcoming to all students. Data shows that our LGBTQ+ students are a vulnerable population and we should be doing everything we can to help them feel heard and valued. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Amanda Tolson"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89700", "author": "Tatyana Thompson", "date": "2021-01-12T13:32:00", "title": "Fully support, Trans rights are human rights", "text": "Fully support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89701", "author": "Antonio Admana", "date": "2021-01-12T13:35:00", "title": "I do not support", "text": "This is against the Bible teachings. Genesis 1:27"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89702", "author": "Pwc resident", "date": "2021-01-12T13:43:00", "title": "No!", "text": "this is seriously a joke. You can’t even provide electronics for all the children but suddenly we have the funding to build all these new bathrooms and locker rooms? Pwc is really just a horrible disgusting county to reside in now. I am so ready to leave and am counting down the days to move to a county that is more focused on education and not appeasing every new fad. They are kids they have no clue who they are let alone what gender they want to associate with because the YouTube and tictoks they watch. Again, this is a JOKE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89703", "author": "Kiersten Dwyer", "date": "2021-01-12T13:47:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "Transgender (and LQBTQ+) youth are three times more likely to commit suicide and have suicidal thoughts than a heterosexual teenager. This is due in part by societal pressure and the conformity they have to impose on themselves to avoid being discriminated against. There needs to be protection in place for transgender youth so that they can express themselves as who they truly are. If being transgender was a choice, many would rather life their life as their assigned sex at birth (uncomfortable in their skin, longing to be who they want to be) over dealing with the hate and discrimination they would face being transgender. And that is sad. It is not a choice, so treat them just as how anyone would treat a cisgender individual. This is not about your religion, this is not about a made notion you have that transgender people are predators, this is about them... and making the world a better place for people to live one step at a time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89704", "author": "Jordan W.", "date": "2021-01-12T14:03:00", "title": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE (mother of 2 teens)", "text": "I strongly oppose these changes. Teenagers (and I have 2 currently) are far too young to be able to fully understand the consequences they will experience by making these changes to their lives and their bodies. These guidelines put teachers and administrators in very precarious positions which are determined by the whims of hormonal teenagers. It seems unfair and unwise for all involved.  It is not the school's place to help teenagers through this kind of confusion -- it is the family's responsibility. Please do not do this. There are so many other ways to counsel teens through this, rather than elevating it to this kind of place of importance over other things. Our sexuality is not the sum total of our identity -- it is only a part of who we are. And with all the confusion that adolescents ALREADY have about what role sex plays in life, shouldn't we help them understand this, rather than throw gas on the fire of misunderstandings and the glorified place sexuality has in our culture? Please do not do this. These need to be removed: “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression. Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89705", "author": "Ligia Dwyer", "date": "2021-01-12T14:05:00", "title": "Support. Look up \"intersex\". It's Biology.", "text": "Before we understood them better,  our society called them hermaphrodites. With further advancement in the science of Biology, our society has more evidence that those with XXY chromosomes exist.  There are limitless variations of this type of deviation from the \"norm\" (for lack of a better word). That is why we say \"assigned at birth\" for those that want to transition.  Because in a less tolerant and more ignorant world,  the parents could choose what sex the child was assigned. And a lot of those times very inhumane and barbaric surgeries were done on infants who could not speak for themselves.  So in summation,  if you're just a bigot: accept it, understand it, and embrace it. But don't cite anything scientific bc you sound dumb."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89706", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T14:11:00", "title": "Oppose- Protect family rights", "text": "Parents are the primary people in a child's life. They are their primary influencers, providers, teachers, and the people who love them. A parent must be provided the freedom to make the right decision for their child and to protect their child. A school is NOT the institution to teach transgender. School is for academics. Homes are for values and more. Please do not remove the rights of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89707", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T14:13:00", "title": "This guidance does NOT have to do with love or freedom", "text": "Many people are commenting that we need to support and love transgender people. We absolutely need to love all and we need to provide resources for all but removing the rights of parents, removing the protection of a home and a parent's voice in this manner is a REMOVAL OF FREEDOM. I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89708", "author": "Glenn Morsey", "date": "2021-01-12T14:19:00", "title": "Guidance Document", "text": "Boys are boys and Girls are girls, period.  Quit trying to change what God has created.  I refuse to let my tax dollars go to pacify your idiotic liberal agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89709", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T14:21:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89710", "author": "E. Butler", "date": "2021-01-12T14:30:00", "title": "draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I oppose these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89711", "author": "Ray Owen Embree", "date": "2021-01-12T14:34:00", "title": "Vigorously disagree with this draft", "text": "Draft policy accommodating transgender students imposed on state school divisions violates Constitution First Amendment rights, is poorly written, violates parental responsibilities, endangers student health and welfare and adds unfunded requirements on struggling schools. Virginia's parents and students will have fundamentally different transgender views depending on ethnicity, religion, culture, and education and are free to express their opinion.  Failure to use a student's \"preferred pronoun\", which can change from day today, can be considered discriminatory under this draft policy.  Poorly written draft language raises First Amendment issues and encourages unfounded discrimination charges. (Draft Policy p. 10, Recommended Standard p. 10, 12, Definitions p.6) Draft VDOE policy violates parenting legal responsibilities preventing a parent's full transparency into their students activities, school environment, friends, and safety.  Parents have a right to know what their children are doing in school.  (Draft Policy p. 12, Recommended Standard p. 12, p 13) Students are not mature.  Bullying, teasing, up-skirting, inappropriate use of Smartphones, silly and disruptive behavior, etc. are difficult to supervise in gender-neutral facilities without invasive CCTV systems, staff supervision or an open communal soace that removes comfort and privacy.  Failure to recognize gender neutral privacy and safety issues for children is irresponsible. (Draft Policy p. 18) United Kingdom experiments promoting gender neutral bathrooms resulted in girl's privacy being invaded, with many girls avoiding using school facilities resulting in increased urinary tract infections.  At what point does Virginia ignore a girl's need for privacy and the historical role that sexual harassment and sexual assault have influenced women's rights and history?  (Draft Policy p. 18) Draft policy encourages students to make gender change and sexual identity decisions without informing their parents.  Draft encourages students to make critical psychological and health decisions when students do not have the knowledge, maturity, or understanding of their decision's long-term effects.  This, when students cannot consent to sexual activity, cannot legally consume alcohol, are not considered mature enough to vote, may not be old enough to legally drive and must be supervised while taking parent approved doctor prescribed medications in school. (Recommended Standard p. 13) Draft policy demolishes effective communications between parents and teacher.  Subjective language in this poorly written draft is open for abuse and misinterpretation.  Teachers are prevented from having a free and open discussion with parents.  Parents cannot engage with teachers without the real fear of being reported to Child Protective Services. (Recommended Standard p. 10, p. 12, p. 13) Poorly written draft policy permits abuse and creates \"gender neutral\" sports attire issues  such as female topless swimming. (Draft Policy p. 16) Issue of biological males competing in female sports was not adequately addressed.  Issue must be included and be unambiguous to ensure fairness to female athletes. VDOE intends to impose liberal transgender policies that affect some fraction less than 2% of Virginia's student population at a time when VDOE priorities, focus and resources should be to ensure all state students are educated when schools are locked down due to Covid 19 pandemic concerns, ensue that students with disabilities are provided the best possible education, and school safety and security is improved state-wide.  VDOE must better implement effective state-led strategies improving academically under performing schools. VDOE can and should do better. It must recognize the needs of all students, recognize the need for local solutions to individual student issues while ensuring privacy and safety for an established and objective majority - females, especially the little ones."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89712", "author": "jane kinder", "date": "2021-01-12T14:37:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "Please do not enact this policy!  God created us male and female and to suggest otherwise to young children will only serve to confuse them and they are facing too much right now.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89713", "author": "Eden", "date": "2021-01-12T14:50:00", "title": "Support Trans Kids", "text": "We MUST support our transgender students!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89714", "author": "Christy Cormons", "date": "2021-01-12T15:10:00", "title": "Schools Teach - Families Parent", "text": "I strongly believe the school systems sole responsibility is to teach fundamental concepts.  Religion, Politics, etc. should all be left OUT of the school system for parents to teach at home. Specific Concerns: Freedom of Speech - it is violating my child's freedom of speech to require them to use certain words & pronouns.  This is separate from \"not\" allowing my child to use certain language at school (foul language, etc) Parental Knowledge - Parents of minors under 18 have a right to ANY and ALL information regarding their child AND the right to dictate what guidance their child receives.  Parents have the right to know how and by whom dressing rooms are being used.  If the schools can't adhere to this then create all single use locker rooms and single use bathrooms. Sports - When a biological male out swims or out runs my biological daughter is it fair that she is now at a disadvantage for winning, rankings, scholarships, etc. It is SCIENCE that males are born and biologically stronger and faster. Religious Exemption - Again, separation of church & state.  My family & child should be permitted to be religiously exempt from ANYTHING we or our religion chooses."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89715", "author": "Mariano Buitrago", "date": "2021-01-12T15:15:00", "title": "Disagree with proposed policy in the strongest possible terms", "text": "I would like to go on record with my strongest possible opposition to the proposed policy.  Overall, this is an overreach by the government to impose ideologies that are harmful to children and families, and contrary to natural law. The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. From the beginning of time, parents have been entrusted with bringing children into the world, and making decisions for their children until they are legal adults.  The proposal is an infringement of parental First Amendment rights to raise and care for their children. We feel compassion for children and adults experiencing mental health conditions such as gender dysphoria.  The solution is to get them the mental health help and counseling they need, and not to promote irreversible bodily mutilation. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89716", "author": "Nancy , mother and grandmother", "date": "2021-01-12T15:28:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this radical agenda.  I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89717", "author": "Emily Childress", "date": "2021-01-12T15:42:00", "title": "s", "text": "I support!! Don’t be s"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89718", "author": "Linda F Greenberg", "date": "2021-01-12T15:43:00", "title": "Oppose policies to accommodate and affirm transgender identities", "text": "I oppose public school policies that would affirm or accommodate transgender identities for students.  Such identities are part of a family decision-making process and should not be usurped by a public education system.   A public education system  does not know what is right for each student and should not act as if it does.  A public education system should use the majority as its norm, not a minority. Linda Greenberg"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89719", "author": "Garcia", "date": "2021-01-12T15:52:00", "title": "Trans youth", "text": "I SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89720", "author": "Joanne", "date": "2021-01-12T15:54:00", "title": "VA School Transgender Policies", "text": "A friend showed me the draft guidance documents and I have to say I found them rather distressing and extreme, like way over the line.  It seems like in the effort to make things more receptive for students struggling with their identity, gay, transgender or whatever, you are seriously running the risk of depriving other children of a safe environment to be who they are -- not struggling with identity.  My real concern is that a child who is shy, who is scared, who truly believes differently, that their freedom will be lost.  May I suggest that rather than forcing modest children to share bathrooms with someone who is transgender, that you have a neutral bathroom?  Male, Female, and Neutral? Not all kids or teens understand fluidity and they may not be ready to figure it out.  They deserve to be safe at school as they figure out their own issues that may or may not have anything to do with their gender. I understand that a child/teen who is dealing with gender issues needs a safe space to confront that and process it, and I hope you do provide counseling and guidance and a safe space for them to talk.  But it should not be imposed on other children.  And if someone doesn't understand fluid pronouns, I do not think they should be punished for harassment. I really do think it's possible to provide a safe space for kids who are trying to figure things out while at the same time keeping the space safe for kids who either don't understand or perhaps don't agree.  For me, my hope is that all children, all teens, all people know that they are special and unique in the eyes of God.  I just don't believe you have to force one person's truth or struggle on all other people.  I think we all have a lot to learn about embracing and accepting people of all shapes and sizes and creeds and genders, whoever they are and wherever they are in life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89721", "author": "Renee Staton", "date": "2021-01-12T16:00:00", "title": "Thank you for your support of students who are LGBT", "text": "Dear colleagues, Thank you for your work in support of Virginia public schools. I also sincerely appreciate your efforts to make sure that Virginia's schools are places where all students are able to thrive and reach their full potential, free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Sincerely, A. Renee Staton, Ph.D., LPC"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89722", "author": "David Reppard (Father & Grandfather)", "date": "2021-01-12T16:04:00", "title": "Totally Disagree With This Draft", "text": "For fear of being called a plagiarist, I 100% echo the comments of Ray Owen Embree (whom I don't personally know).  His remarks perfectly reflect how I feel, too. Of note, I find it interesting that many of the commenters in favor of this draft don't explain their opinions with truths or morale standards, but rather revert to calling opponents names to  justify their position.  Shameful lack of civility!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89723", "author": "Lucy Dartley", "date": "2021-01-12T16:08:00", "title": "Transgender Policies for Loudoun County Schools", "text": "In a nutshell, all of the policies proposed for transgender introduction I oppose in the strongest possible terms. For obvious reasons, every proposal is harmful for children at every age, in the elementary, middle and high school. They also takes away parental rights which are the most egregious proposals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89724", "author": "Tanya Wampler", "date": "2021-01-12T16:52:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAPROVE", "text": "Please do not adopt the model policies regarding transgender students or force them upon our school systems!  For the protection of ALL students, sex appropriate bathrooms and locker rooms should be adhered to.  Teenage years are a very emotional time for our students, but to encourage this behavior is very dangerous.  Each sex should be taught to celebrate the uniqueness in which they were BORN rather than trying to change to something that is unnatural. Encouraging this behavior will only produce a generation of adults that are confused and hopeless.  Nothing good will come from these polices.  I do not want my children or grandchildren indoctrinated with such unnatural teachings.  The school is not the place to address this issue. Please vote NO to squelch these policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89725", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T17:11:00", "title": "STRONGLY APPROVE", "text": "It is important to protect the lives of Trans students. It isn’t made up. It isn’t fake. They are humans— real people. Children of God. They deserve protection and support. School is suppose to be a safe and tolerant place. Not a place that denies the child and suppresses who they are. Not to mention suicide rates in trans teens will drop immensely with Nationwide protection such as this. Shame on the Shenandoah valley if this does not pass."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89726", "author": "Elizabeth Lener, Burgundy Farm Country Day School", "date": "2021-01-12T17:12:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As an assistant head of a pre k - 8 school I want to strongly support this guidance document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89727", "author": "Tracey Minnix", "date": "2021-01-12T17:18:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the state having any right to parent our children, help them decide the gender in which they identify, or put other children in compromising situations such as using the restroom.  I do not understand why the safety of all children would be compromised because one, two, or a few may choose to identify as someone else.  This is incomprehensible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89728", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T17:19:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "IT IS NOT THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL.  THOSE ARE FAMILY CHOICES.  OUR SCHOOLS SHOULD TEACH STUDENTS NOT PARENT."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89729", "author": "Elle Cleveland", "date": "2021-01-12T17:23:00", "title": "Has my support completely", "text": "as someone just recently out of the school system I think this is a huge step in the right direction. These students are in real danger and need help tailored specifically to their struggle."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89730", "author": "Ann", "date": "2021-01-12T17:25:00", "title": "Strongly oppose proposed transgender policies in schools", "text": "Strongly oppose proposed policy for schools on transgender - especially finding #4 offensive and #8 ludicrous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89731", "author": "Student", "date": "2021-01-12T17:28:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Transgender students should feel safe and comfortable in school I don’t know how anyone would be against that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89732", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T17:36:00", "title": "Protect trans youth", "text": "i see a lot of scared parents in the comments, and I can understand being worried, middle school is always a scary time, but I am begging you to not potentially make it worse for your child. If they are scared to tell you their trans, ask yourself if there is a reason, if you have given them a reason to think you may not support them. if you are arguing of science, I beg you to do research (I beg all of you that this term scares to do some real scientific research) as it is more than just people who experience ‘being trans’. It happens in other species too, but for them they are not burdened with high brain function and a community that may mock and hurt. Trans people are not new either, being open about it is, and that is wonderful, as it means trans people may get help and be proud of who they are. For those arguing with bible versus, I’d like to one, mention separation of church and state, and two remind you that the golden rule has always been love thy neighbor. How can you say you adhere to that when you can’t even love your child for who they are? God said he created us in his imagine, and that means every aspect, including the changes we make to feel more at peace within ourselves. I have trans friends, some who’s parents are the reason they are happy and feel supportive and have always been confident in themselves, and I have trans friends who do not speak to their families for what they did and said to them when they came out."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89733", "author": "mia maclean", "date": "2021-01-12T17:47:00", "title": "support!", "text": "Let people feel safe with who they want to be! Do not deny or invalidate their beings."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89734", "author": "Ashley C", "date": "2021-01-12T17:53:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this fully!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89735", "author": "Roy Nelson", "date": "2021-01-12T17:56:00", "title": "Support trans kids", "text": "It’s imperative to support trans kids. The high suicide rate is a strong metric that trans kids need to be supported to help them develop into healthy, productive members of our society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89736", "author": "C. Glick", "date": "2021-01-12T17:59:00", "title": "Treat them how they want to be treated, as humans.", "text": "Support transgender kids, let them explore themselves and find inner peace. No one undertakes transitioning lightly. Know that if they are asking to be someone else, they've thought about it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89737", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T18:09:00", "title": "Transgender Policies in Schools", "text": "Strongly Oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89738", "author": "Sofia Llano, PWCS student", "date": "2021-01-12T18:10:00", "title": "Strongly support LGBTQ+ kids’ rights!", "text": "Trans people are people. It is extremely important for kids to be able to express themselves and feel comfortable in school, where they spend most of their time. Without support from schools, they will become depressed. Statistics from the American Academy of Pediatrics show that more than half of transgender males have attempted suicide in their lives, and 29.9% of trans females have done the same. 41.8% of non-binary people had also attempted suicide. Youth and adolescence is already a difficult time, and facing gender dysphoria only adds onto the stress. Please help these students going through a troubling and a confusing time in their lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89739", "author": "erica sanchez", "date": "2021-01-12T18:19:00", "title": "trans rights are human rights", "text": "LGBTQ+ rights are important especially for young people to feel accepted and supported in their own communities"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89740", "author": "Parents", "date": "2021-01-12T18:24:00", "title": "We strongly oppose these policies. They should NOT be a part of our children's schools.", "text": "We strongly disagree with these policies.  These ideals should NOT be a part of our children's schools. We can teach love and acceptance without pushing an agenda with such radical ideas on our children. Parents need to be able to be parents,  teachers need to be able to be teachers and children need to learn that we love them but that the world does not revolve around them. They need to learn respect for themselves and others not to be allowed to see how far or crazy they can act. They are the children, we are the adults, we need to act like it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89741", "author": "Allison Garcia", "date": "2021-01-12T18:30:00", "title": "This is suicide prevention", "text": "Hello, as a Licensed Professional Counselor, I know that misgendering someone and bullying and lack of support lead to the disturbingly high suicide rate among transgender and nonbinary and other nongenderconforming individuals. Taking steps towards understanding those who are not cisgender will go a long way towards enhancing their human rights, keeping them safe, making a supportive environment they might not get in other spaces, and teaching us cisgender people about gender in a way we cannot \"get\" on our own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89742", "author": "Peyton Geiszler", "date": "2021-01-12T18:35:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I completely support this and I think it will be helpful for transgender students to feel welcomed and safe at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89743", "author": "David Henshaw", "date": "2021-01-12T18:37:00", "title": "Terrible Policy!  All kinds of issues...", "text": "The bottom line is there are only two sexes; male and female. I have no issue if an adult decides to change their sex or identify differently--but a school policy that affirms children who are still developing is dangerous to their health and well-being. How can you justify not informing a parent about THEIR child making life-changing decisions---ridiculous, and dangerous.  And then if a parent encourages their child to embrace their biological sex, then they're at risk of being reported for child abuse?  Seriously?  Also, if a family decides to raise their children as transgender, that's their personal decision---but don't punish other students/faculty for not conforming to their \"preferred pronouns.\"  And on top of that, the school doesn't have to notify me if my child allegedly violates these policies?!!! How will you prevent students from changing their \"gender identity\" to exploit a situation (example teen-age boy saying he's a girl so he can shower with the girl's swim team)? The definition is completely subjective.  How are faculty and students supposed to know on any given day which 'gender' a student identifies with?  And why are you not going to tell me that a biological male is in the locker room with my high school daughter?  This sounds like a law suit waiting to happen. Dress code---so you're telling me a female who identifies as a male can go topless at a swim meet?  Do you think that might be distracting?  Or males wearing skirts?  Seriously? I'm really disappointed with this policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89744", "author": "Sarah Nicklas", "date": "2021-01-12T18:44:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support this as a parent and teacher. It is needed to keep our children safe and to protect their mental health."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89745", "author": "Neil N", "date": "2021-01-12T18:54:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT", "text": "STRONG SUPPORT- It is crucial to trans people, especially trans youth who are just now discovering their identities, to have the support from these guidelines in a space that doesn’t limit or make them feel ashamed for exploring their gender identity. as a transgender person who came out while still in the public school system, I wish I had better support from the school/faculty when it came to my preferences and identification, and how harassment from other students was handled"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89746", "author": "Noya", "date": "2021-01-12T19:29:00", "title": "I agree with this.", "text": "All the parents here voicing their opinions on what a kid wants to be referred as or whatnot have no place to. It’s not their body/feelings and have no idea what a trans person goes through- and yes- IT CAN HAPPEN AT A YOUNG AGE. None of it is a parent forcing their child into being trans. Not at all. I say yes to this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89747", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T19:39:00", "title": "This is not tolerance, but the removal of everyone's rights...including parents of trans kids", "text": "Oppose this! Parents have the right to know when the school and WHAT the school is discussing with their children regardless of their identification. Teachers and all Americans have the right to disagree and not be disciplined for their disagreements. This is America and speech and opinions are protected by the Constitution. That is something the author's of this bill do not understand. If you want to be transgendered then that is your business. Do not force people to discriminate and treat them differently than everyone else because that is exactly what you are doing. My kids will never attend public education if this bill is passed and my tax dollars will go somewhere else. Period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89748", "author": "August Branch", "date": "2021-01-12T19:43:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "This decision is not a matter of political opinion, or of religious persecution. By supporting we are protecting everyone’s right to basic human decency is this nation. Wether you agree or not, by providing these resources you will help those more at risk for suicide, homelessness, and mental illness (youth of the LGBTQIA* community). This is how we are doing our part to protect our youth. We need exposure for our youth now, not only for members of the community but for allies, and those on the fence. To show that we are nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to fear, nothing out of the ordinary. But most importantly: to show our youth that CHANGE IS POSSIBLE. We are here for them. They are heard and valid and loved. If not at home, then at school. We can make their time away from home a little easier. We are creating an atmosphere for diversity and acceptance, and that trumps personal comfort levels of individuals any day of the week. Our children have to go to school- let’s make it a time that they can enjoy, feel welcomed in, and remember for being a nurturing environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89749", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T19:58:00", "title": "Oppose oppose oppose", "text": "i strongly disapprove of this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89750", "author": "Emma Maclean", "date": "2021-01-12T20:06:00", "title": "support", "text": "support support support!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89751", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T20:08:00", "title": "Vote of  No Confidence", "text": "I believe this document to be influenced by bad science and intended to promote radical social engineering that will have serious and gravely detrimental effects on the very fabric of our society!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89752", "author": "Richard W. Firth", "date": "2021-01-12T20:15:00", "title": "No to Transgenderism", "text": "Transgenderism is wrong in the sight of God because He created everyone either as a male or female..  God will not tolerate such changes and punish those who do"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89753", "author": "Deborah", "date": "2021-01-12T20:16:00", "title": "NO, I do not support anyone discussing transgenderism with my child.", "text": "Horrible policy. Discussions should be done at home by parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89754", "author": "Heather S.", "date": "2021-01-12T20:17:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE, OPPOSE, OPPOSE!", "text": "We all want our students to have a safe learning environment, but these policies go too far in usurping parental rights and imposing harmful ideologies on our children. The proposed VDE regulations are  an illegal intrusion on a child's privacy and self identity. It is one thing to protect students from bullying, but it is another to redesign the school system and the english language to accommodate transgender youth which are less than 1% of the population. Praying for our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89755", "author": "Stephanie", "date": "2021-01-12T20:23:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Parents love and care for their children from the moment they are born, so why on earth would it be okay to not allow parents to know that their child is going through something on such a large emotional scale. This is just another way to take away parent rights and is deeply disrespectful to families who are working hard to teach Christian values to their children. There is also always going to be a safety risk when a biological male (who identifies as a female) is \"allowed\" to be in a girls restroom or locker room and vice versa. Who is looking out for the kids who stay true to their God-given biological sex and simply want to use the restroom or locker room without fear or discomfort?? Let's not create more problems under the guise of not offending someone....let's be smart and put families first ALWAYS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89756", "author": "Beverly McCullough", "date": "2021-01-12T20:24:00", "title": "About the proposed transgender policy for Virginia schools, I am 1,000% against it.", "text": "There is this proposal to totally change and accept transgender students as normal. These children are still in formation and too young to decide about such an important issue. Wait until they are 18 years old before deciding something of such importance. If it is all that important to them, let them pay for all treatments, surgeries, etc. to make the change.  I am the mother of three, grandmother of four. I would never have let my children make such a momentous decision at a young age. When they are old enough to vote is a beginning. And do not make everyone else accept them as normal for making such a change. In America these days it seems the greatest sin is the sin of \"intolerance\" and if I don't accept whatever you decide, something is wrong with me. Why can't you accept my ideas and ideals as being as valid as yours? This whole transgender phenomenon is a recent development. Let's not rush to embrace it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89757", "author": "Nina Donohoe", "date": "2021-01-12T20:26:00", "title": "NO, I do not support anyone discussing transgenderism with students. Only parents!", "text": "NO, I do not support anyone discussing transgenderism with students. Only parents!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89758", "author": "Ryan", "date": "2021-01-12T20:29:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Parents love and care for their children from the moment they are born, so why on earth would it be okay to not allow parents to know that their child is going through something on such a large emotional scale. This is just another way to take away parent rights and is deeply disrespectful to families who are working hard to teach Christian values to their children. There is also always going to be a safety risk when a biological male (who identifies as a female) is \"allowed\" to be in a girls restroom or locker room and vice versa. Who is looking out for the kids who stay true to their God-given biological sex and simply want to use the restroom or locker room without fear or discomfort?? Let's not create more problems under the guise of not offending someone....let's be smart and put families first ALWAYS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89759", "author": "Tess Bradlee", "date": "2021-01-12T20:42:00", "title": "I Oppose Transgender Policies by DOE", "text": "Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89760", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T20:43:00", "title": "Vehemently oppose. No one can possibly teach, learn or guide under such circumstances.", "text": "This will only serve to promote confusion on a massive scsle. No one can possibly teach well, learn well, or guide well under such circumstances."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89761", "author": "Marie Clayton-Cox", "date": "2021-01-12T20:44:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "This is not healthy to confuse or traumatize children.   Parents should always be part of all decisions.  This will totally hurt children and teens, mainly girls.   Bathrooms and sports....really sad that we're now planning to go backwards.   Nullifying Title IX."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89762", "author": "Denise Lee", "date": "2021-01-12T20:53:00", "title": "Support and Educate", "text": "Having a gay child in high school who was bullied, I completely support this initiative. Every child deserves respect, dignity, and the right to an education in a safe space; not just certain children. If children could be educated about ways we are different and how those differences make us great, we could gain some tolerance. Thinking of Jane Elliot's \"Blue eye/Brown Eyes\" anti-racism exercise from the 60's; something simple like that can help children understand at an early age that it doesn't feel good to be discriminated against for any reason and we should all learn to be a little more empathetic."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89763", "author": "Karen Jones", "date": "2021-01-12T21:00:00", "title": "How dare you, Virginia!", "text": "I am appalled at the policy being considered by the Virginia department of education regarding gender identity of students. A student's gender is God-given and, if there is any confusion regarding that, it is up to his/her parents to work that out. How dare the state try to insert itself into such matters! It is the state's job to protect its school children, yet this policy serves only to put them in harm's way. I beg you to reverse this policy immediately."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89764", "author": "Virginian", "date": "2021-01-12T21:03:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I am very concerned about the proposed government mandated promotion of gender confusion. Our children don’t need anymore instruction on human sexuality that leads to more and more confusion and chaos. This is a most cruel form of child abuse!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89765", "author": "NancyG", "date": "2021-01-12T21:03:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I am against this policy. Taking the rights of privacy from girls and boys to dress and use restroom facilities where  safety and modesty are important is vagrant  disregaurd for their welfare. Keeping information from parents is inexecusable such as not letting parents know when a boy who wants to be a girl is in the same restroom as their daughter and this daughter is traumatized. Help these students who are gender confused but do not put the saftey and mental health of 99.999 percent of children on the back burner. And think of the additional stress for the teachers, parents and administrators. Schools are in pandemic mode and stress is already high enough without adding to it these irresponsible policies. This is a big no from me."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89766", "author": "Bee Johns", "date": "2021-01-12T21:04:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose This Idiocy & Assault on Parental Rights", "text": "None of these proposed policies consider the safety needs of girls who do not want to be in stages of undress in the presence of biological males (and vice versa).  They show a total lack of common sense as to how boys (especially teens) will use this just to see girls in stages of undress.  They are insanely idiotic.  An innocent child could be harassed by school personnel for using the \"wrong\" pronoun if a bully chooses to claim a different gender identity than he appears.  It is outrageous to claim the right to discipline such a child, or any child for any reason, without notifying the parents.  And it is absolutely immoral for a school to usurp the role of parents in guiding their own children concerning ANY issue involving the child.  What a communist thing to do!!!   Report parents for being concerned about their child's mental health!  Evil!!!  What a sad situation we are in to have people with no common sense, and no sense of the welfare of ALL students, proposing policies for our schools.  These policies would be cause for a mass exodus from public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89767", "author": "MM", "date": "2021-01-12T21:14:00", "title": "Trans policy", "text": "As a retired teacher, I support this policy...all students should be respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89768", "author": "Sarah P.", "date": "2021-01-12T21:28:00", "title": "Transgender Policy in the Schools", "text": "All discussions pertaining to sexuality start and finish in the home. Allowing biological boys in the same restroom and/or locker room is inappropriate. Most biological girls already feel awkward changing in front of their peers. Adding biological boys into the mix will further damage the situation. Further, one cannot guarantee that a perverted or horny high school boy is not falsley claiming a transgender title to inappropriately interact with a biological female. Please start using common sense to protect our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89769", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T21:28:00", "title": "No to transgender policy", "text": "I do not agree with the transgender policy being proposed  as a parent of school aged children, this policy puts my children at risk for the reasons below: 1. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. 2. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. I believe that this policy will remove my parental rights and will not allow me to protect my child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89770", "author": "Chip", "date": "2021-01-12T21:29:00", "title": "VDOE Trans Policy doesn't protect anyone", "text": "This draft policy is in no way shape or form about PROTECTING trans kids. Rather, it is all about ramming down the public's throat an ideology that is devoid of anything remotely approaching scientific truth.  For example, it refers to one's gender that is assigned at birth.  Wonder what that is based on?  Visual observation of 100% clear evidence of their gender.  Is that not scientific enough? Did critically thinking adults draft this policy?  You're going to let a 17 yo male walk into a girl's locker room?  How about a 17 yo girl running shirtless through town for cross country practice along with all the guys who are shirtless?  Any chance that these scenarios could increase the risk of sexual assault? “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” Will you tell the parents that suicide prevention education is also provided? After all, the suicide rate among trans kids is above that of heterosexual kids. This is a disaster in the making and children will suffer horribly - you just don't care."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89771", "author": "JeanG", "date": "2021-01-12T21:30:00", "title": "NO! Throw OutI am sure this is like shouting into the wind. privacy and safety,  modesty This Bill", "text": "No. Ridiculous that you would decieve patents, lie to children and disregard the feelings and mental health, as well as safety of 99.999 percent of students. So according to the policies when in their restrooms children will see the privates of the opposite sex getting ready for gym or whatever and just deal with it. And then you don't tell the parents? And then the child who saw this can be punished if they say anything that would hurt the gender conflicted person? Am I not stating truth? According to your policies I am. Help those very, very few children who are conflicted, but do not make everyone elses world revolve around them. And do not teach children that they are gender conflicted. You are robbing them of their greatness and who they are intended to be, and treading where you have no right. Corona has turned everything upside down, do not add this mess of a policy. No!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89772", "author": "Diane Reynolds", "date": "2021-01-12T21:37:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Proposed Transgender Picy", "text": "I strongly disapprove of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. The best interest of each student is of utmost importance and cannot be achieved in isolation of parents. The school system should have no legal right to put themself in the tile of a parent. The government has no right to supersede the rights and responsibilities of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89773", "author": "L.Mersch", "date": "2021-01-12T21:47:00", "title": "Completely oppose these transgender bills", "text": "Completely oppose these bills"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89774", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-12T21:51:00", "title": "I Oppose the Transgender Policies", "text": "I oppose these proposed transgender pol. It is absurd to allow this kind of action and decision making by minors. Parent involvement should not be restricted or hindered if a child is making such statements or using certain facilities. This can be easily abused and become harmful to other children. Parents should be notified of any changes or instances. Also, those with religious convictions should have the right to not go along with such said policies if their religion does not agree. They should not lose their job if they fail to comply with these outlandish recommendations proposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89775", "author": "Maria Sigmon", "date": "2021-01-12T21:52:00", "title": "Strongly support. Protect trans rights!", "text": "To whom it may concern, My name is Maria Sigmon, and I am the president of the Anti-Defamation League chapter of Unity Reed High School. I fully support the adoption of House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161 because I believe that they are an effective means of protecting trans rights and serve to fully support transgender students. This bill will literally save lives as trans people are shown to take their own lives at vastly higher rates, so creating a system where they can be called by their pronouns, use public facilities that align best with their gender identity, and learn in an anti-bullying environment will be very beneficial. Not passing the bills would legitimize a culture of bias and discrimination. Trans rights are human rights, and they must be upheld as such. I understand that parents have concerns with the adoption of these bills. While I firmly believe that these concerns come from a place of genuine love and care for their children, I do not believe that the merits of the claims I have seen regarding the bills are valid. First, these bills are not an infringement on parents' or religious rights. Teaching students about transgenderism is giving them public and scientific information, so completely blocking the bills over individuals' religious views is a violation of church-state separation. Second, calling students by their pronouns is not discrimination against those who refuse to act decently and use the correct pronouns. Third, there is absolutely NO EVIDENCE to support the notion that allowing trans women to use the same facilities as cisgender women poses any danger to anyone. The passing of these bills is crucial to extending human rights to the transgender people in our school communities. I would advise listening to us students on this issue, as we overwhelmingly want to learn and thrive in an environment of inclusivity and acceptance. Our transgender classmates will greatly benefit from the adoption of House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161. Sincerely, Maria Sigmon"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89776", "author": "Dwayne Simpkins", "date": "2021-01-12T21:54:00", "title": "Transgender police", "text": "As a parent I totally disagree with every policy that have been submitted here for review. There is nothing about this policy that makes any sense you’re opening up our children to several different types of sexual and physical abuse with these policies. And you will be held responsible!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89777", "author": "MariaMaria", "date": "2021-01-12T22:02:00", "title": "Opposed to Transgender Policies", "text": "No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89778", "author": "Ann Hodge", "date": "2021-01-12T22:07:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "These policies will create all kinds of very bad situations. It will create confusion at the younger levels and older students will use it to their advantage to do unspeakable things in bathrooms and locker rooms. This is putting everyone at risk of much worse things than someone not getting called their preferred pronoun."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89779", "author": "Sarah", "date": "2021-01-12T22:07:00", "title": "Oppose VDOE Transgender Policies", "text": "The new policies on Transgender do not protect our children, but will only harm them.  Students will be allowed to use whatever bathroom or changing room they want without parents knowing.  The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will also cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. These policies also take away our rights as parents to encourage our children to embrace God given sex. The policies are also hypocritical, and provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Basically these policies are saying, you must accept everyone, but if you don't accept the way I think, you are wrong and I ban you. Ridiculousness!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89780", "author": "Brian Walch", "date": "2021-01-12T22:12:00", "title": "Strongly Support this transgender students guidance document", "text": "I wholeheartedly support this guidance, with a goal of protecting the civil rights of transgender students. In my professional career, I worked on civil rights issues for close to 4 years, and this is a civil rights issue dear to my heart. We must support and empower transgender students. A note: I am a parent of three students who graduated from FCPS within the last 6 years. All of them deeply care about the rights of transgender students, and two of them worked actively with advocacy groups. I admire them for their commitment. Thank you. Brian Walch, Fairfax, VA."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89781", "author": "David Spangler", "date": "2021-01-12T22:16:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose \"Gender identity\" Guidelines", "text": "I am strongly opposed to all \"Gender identity\" Guidelines that are being proposed by the VDOE.  This is nothing other than agenda-driven and, most significantly, seriously damaging to the psyches and bodies of vulnerable children and adolescents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89782", "author": "Barbara Corwin", "date": "2021-01-12T22:24:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "As I read through all of these laws and policies that have been passed over the years to supposedly protect our children and in this policy they have been listed for the purpose of legitimizing the overreach of this latest policy, I am greatly saddened.  It appears to me  the main objective over the years has been to slowly remove the God given authority away from the parents and give it to the schools.  Instead of opening conversation and trying to encourage better relations in families you are embittering them.  Relationships are key in all of life.  This policy is filled with deception and needs to be rejected along with many of the other policies that block parents from engaging in their child’s life. Schools need to offer suggestions and provide information, but leave the final decision to the parents.  After-all brain formation is not complete until 25.  Why does everyone want to define a child’s life so early on.   Stop treating them like adults and forcing them to make adult decisions so early in life. Let them be children!!!! And stop trying to control people!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89783", "author": "Mary V Burke", "date": "2021-01-12T22:28:00", "title": "trans gender policy changes", "text": "I am strongly opposed to all \"Gender identity\" Guidelines that are being proposed by the VDOE. As a teacher, I stopped  the bullying by giving the child extra attention and showing the class that here was a valuable person--the bullied student.  Teenage years  are difficult  and the kids need their parents totally involved in their maturing process.  The school should not keep secrets from parents.  Children should not be encouraged to believe that their biological sex is a \"mistake.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89784", "author": "Jacob Davis", "date": "2021-01-12T22:40:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Jacob Davis"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89785", "author": "Spencer Warren", "date": "2021-01-12T22:42:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "yr proposal is insane. This transgender business,,gender dysphoria, is listed as a mental disorder by the American Society of Pediatricians. It is perverse, imposing a radical ideology against the entire history of humanity. Further children obviously are bereft of the maturity to make gender decisions they’ll have to live with the rest of their lives. And you have no right whatsoever to undermine parental authority, an act of tyrannical we see in Red China, the most monstrous tyranny in history with Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia and other communist states. You are trying to impose a totalitarian social revolution in Virginia. Who the hell do you bureaucrats think you are?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89786", "author": "riley", "date": "2021-01-12T22:56:00", "title": "AGREE!!!", "text": "i’d rather not have kids killing themselves just because you didn’t call them by their preferred pronouns. just get over yourself and let trans people live."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89787", "author": "Catherine A", "date": "2021-01-12T23:11:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "I am in total opposition  and do NOT approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. This is NOT good science."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89788", "author": "Glyn Roberts", "date": "2021-01-12T23:14:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "! do not approve of their proposed guidelines. They are based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. I strongly oppose the policy of secrecy from parents and legal guardians. Inevitably, implementation will be in the hands of radical staff members; the huge majority of sensible teachers who really care for the children, will naturally want no part in it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89789", "author": "Victoria Landrum", "date": "2021-01-12T23:39:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender Policy Is Predatory, Abusive, and Anti-Scientific", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policy under consideration for Virginia schools. This policy is anti-scientific, promoting the harmful myth that gender is fluid when each human is scientifically born male or female, in the image of our Creator, unchangeable down to the core of our very chromosomes no matter what hormonal or surgical procedures some choose to undergo. To allow a male identifying as a female to have access to female restrooms and locker rooms, or vice versa, is a state-sponsored abusive and predatory environment. No tax-paying parent should have to subject their innocent child to this unsafe environment and indoctrination in exchange for public education. No hard-working teacher should be forced to propagate this anti-scientific construct in their classroom and school at the risk of losing their career. The disregard for religious freedom in this policy is unconstitutional. You must vote against this policy. Matthew 18:6."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89790", "author": "A Landrum", "date": "2021-01-12T23:48:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "From the beginning of time, gender has been categorized as two biological sexes; male and female. We are born with genitals for one or the other, and to consider changing, dismembering, or ignoring those physical attributes is entirely misguided. Additionally, for the state to insert itself on matters it does not and cannot control, namely science, is appalling and atrocious. What natural law gave the government the right to teach its citizens anything but the truth of our God-given bodies? If children have questions concerning the bodies they live in, it is up to parents & guardians to explain the interworkings of their ward, NOT the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89791", "author": "Kittie Cooper", "date": "2021-01-13T00:02:00", "title": "These policies will save lives.", "text": "These policies will save lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89792", "author": "Curtis M", "date": "2021-01-13T00:14:00", "title": "Strong Support for Trans Guidance in Schools", "text": "As a trans man who was educated in the virginia public school system, I must express my full hearted support of the trans inclusive policies set forth by this guidance. My adolescence was threatened by the intolerance for gender expressions perpetuated by the school system. The lack of trans visibility and general education for all students meant that bullying of gender varent students like myself often went unchecked. By the time I reached middle school I was depressed and suicidal. Thanks to a few open friends and faculty I made it through and am now thriving many years later. But sadly that is not the case for everyone. Many Trans and gender non-conforming individuals do not have that lifeline or support system. Schools are ment to nurture and foster the development of all it's students. Specific guidelines for how to best support a marginalized group can only help those in need. It poses no threat to those outside the marginalized group, but only asks them to learn about something they may not yet understand. I hope you see the moral necessity for clear inclusive policies for transgender youth, and the positive impact this will have on a threatened group of kids in the Virginia school system. Thank you sincerely, Curtis M."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89793", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T04:31:00", "title": "Enforce Policies to Keep Trans Students Safe and Comfortable at School", "text": "I approve of legislation to keep trans students safe and comfortable at learning facilities"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89794", "author": "Arnold D. Carico", "date": "2021-01-13T07:17:00", "title": "Opposition to Trans School Policies", "text": "There is no more fundamental right inherent to the family and our culture than the right of parents to instruct their children, particularly in areas as sensitive as sex, gender, and interpersonal relationships.  For school administrations to try to exclude parents from discussions and decisions in this area is a serious usurpation of parental rights and must cease."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89795", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-13T07:37:00", "title": "I oppose the vdoe transgender policies", "text": "I oppose the policies about transgrnger that are suggested in these pages. Children should be taught to love and respect themselves,  their parents, their teachers and others. They need to be loved for who they are. Once they become adults they can choose what lifestyle they want to live. Children shouldn't be able to choose \"what\" they are on any given day. Growing up is hard why add nonsense choices at such a young age."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89796", "author": "Tammy Powers", "date": "2021-01-13T07:49:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender School Policy", "text": "I oppose transgender policy education being taught to children at school.  Period. Children should be nurtured, not confused.  They should be able to grow as they were created and meant to be. The government has no authority to override the authority of parents in this type of \"concept.\" Period. Who do proponents of this they think they are to override God?  He created each person and made him or her male or female. Period.  God help our state and our nation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89797", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T07:57:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Parents send their children to school for an education.  Not to have their sexuality explored.  That is not the state's job.  Stay away from the private life of my children. In medical terms, the sex of a child is determined at birth.  Any confusing sexual parts are taken care of by parents and their chosen doctor.  Period.  So the motivation of this proposal is _not_ medically based.  The motivation of this proposal must be something else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90201", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T16:03:00", "title": "No to Transgender policy", "text": "It is a terrible policy that takes away a parent right over their child.  It also fails to take into consideration the multitudes of biological females who do not want to have to be in the same bathroom or locker room as a transgender female with Male genitalia.  It seems the few have more rights than the many.  Additionally it puts biological females at a disadvantage in sports and is unfair."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90202", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T16:03:00", "title": "No boys in my daughter's bathroom!", "text": "The wording makes it sounds as though no proof is required to be presented by a student that they are transgender. Even if they provided \"proof\" of gender dysphoria from a psychologist, that still shall not be reason to allow students to enter bathrooms designated for the opposite biological sex. In theory, a senior high school boy walking down the hallway could suddenly decide that he just swapped sexes since he's gender fluid and walk right into the girl's bathroom. Absolutely insane! This is why there are conspiracy theories about leftists diddling little kids, they're always pushing creepy boundaries with children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90203", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T16:04:00", "title": "Please stop pushing the LGBT agenda on our school children!", "text": "The period for public consultation on the Virginia Dept. of Education's new guidance on gender confused students ends on February 3rd. As your constituent, I'm asking you to protest against this policy, which seeks to force the state's public school students to positively affirm those suffering from the disorder of gender dysphoria. Equally as appalling, this draft guidance also seeks to undermine parents' authority to educate their children in the area of sexual mores. If imposed, this guidance will force students and parents who object to this offensive intrusion into this sensitive area, to either protest loudly and constantly, and, or pull their children out of Virginia's public schools. Accommodation may be able to be made for students suffering from the gender dysphoria disorder, but brainwashing all students and staff, and proposing to spy on and turn-in parent to CPS, is not only wrong-headed, it is an assault on the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy, and religion. This is a dangerous draft policy. Thank you for taking action to do everything in your power to protest against this appalling draft guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90204", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T16:05:00", "title": "Schools teaching lgbtqa garbage", "text": "I strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90205", "author": "Brian Earley", "date": "2021-01-15T16:07:00", "title": "God Help Us", "text": "Why don't you politicians stop trying to cram this ridiculous agenda down our throats, and do something constructive for our state. How about working on something that would help our way of life, and not distorting it with this fad called transgenderism. You cannot change a person's sex, no matter how badly you want to. Stop wasting your time in office over abnormal desires, and work on making Virginia great again."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90206", "author": "Janelle Brown", "date": "2021-01-15T16:07:00", "title": "LBGTQ Agenda in Va. Schools", "text": "My whole family opposes the LGBTQ agenda for Virginia schools! This totally goes against our Pro-Life values, our one man and one women marriages,  and our religion altogether."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90207", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T16:09:00", "title": "Transgender Agenda", "text": "Categorically oppose the violation of children’s innocence, of parental rights, of freedom of religion and philosophy, and the indoctrination of our children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90208", "author": "Lori", "date": "2021-01-15T16:09:00", "title": "Stop Making Abnormal Normal", "text": "I don't know why you feel that promoting such a small piece of society is more important than the rest of society.  Stop singling out transgender, and other alphabetic orders, and making such a small portion of society more important than promoting the joy of being a regular/normal/non-alphabetic kid."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90209", "author": "Ted and Naomi", "date": "2021-01-15T16:09:00", "title": "We strongly oppose this", "text": "We believe this undermines the role of parents in the raising of their children and attacks the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy and religion, and are extremely opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90210", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T16:10:00", "title": "NO \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools!\"", "text": "I oppose the draft guidance ' Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools ' because of its appalling promotion of a sexualized agenda and its attempt to undermine the right of parents to educate their children in matters of sexual mores . This seeks to force the state's public school students to positively affirm those suffering from the disorder of gender dysphoria. Equally as appalling, this draft guidance also seeks to undermine parents' authority to educate their children in the area of sexual mores. If imposed, this guidance will force students and parents who object to this offensive intrusion into this sensitive area, to either protest loudly and constantly, and, or pull their children out of Virginia's public schools. Accommodation may be able to be made for students suffering from the gender dysphoria disorder, but brainwashing all students and staff , and proposing to spy on and turn-in parent to CPS , is not only wrong-headed, it is an assault on the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy, and religion. This is a dangerous draft policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90211", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T16:10:00", "title": "No! Not good for the health of individuals, families or the country!", "text": "This is not something that should be forced upon our children.  Teach what has been known for thousands of years.  There are male and female members of the human race.  The sexual part of the human makeup was created for reproduction of the species, not for the sexual pleasure, although the pleasure is an enticement to lead married individuals to reproduce.  Sexual attraction is part of the human reproductive system. The LGBT movement is part of the movement of Relativism and does not change the fact that just because someone might be attracted to  their own sex or an animal or a plant, etc, makes it right to engage and applaud that choice, any more than choosing to kill someone. There are absolute rights and wrongs.  We must love all people regardless of their orientations, but we need to teach the right  vs wrong actions that the LGBT community pushes on society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90212", "author": "Gisela Thomlinson", "date": "2021-01-15T16:11:00", "title": "Schools now harm children", "text": "If you wonder why more and more people are withdrawing their children from public schools, it is because of the rise in propaganda and the eschewing of proper values. Proper values are personal responsibility, diligence, respect for all others and for life, honesty, and respect for opposing views."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90213", "author": "Pamela Schmidt", "date": "2021-01-15T16:11:00", "title": "I oppose this Vehemently !!!", "text": "I oppose the draft guidance ' Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools ' because of its appalling promotion of a sexualized agenda and its attempt to undermine the right of parents to educate their children in matters of sexual moral values . Do everything you can to prevent the introduction of this agenda into Virginia's public schools. Yours faithfully, Pamela Schmidt Scott Schittl and the whole Team at LifeSite"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90214", "author": "Linda C", "date": "2021-01-15T16:11:00", "title": "Policy regarding transgender idiologies for VA Beach schools", "text": "This is Totally UNACCEPTABLE and REPULSIVE to me.  Please let these sweet children keep their Innocence.  Why don't you teach cursive handwriting, manners, real history and Patriotism for our Country.  Our Founding Fathers would not recognize the USA today!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90215", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T16:13:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose I am strongly opposed to the proposed Transgender guidelines, which gives the school administrators and educators authority to further indoctrinate children.  Using a school restroom or locker room should not be a feared experience for girls or boys.  Forcing children to have to use shared spaces for  bathroom toilet and locker room changing with the opposite sex is unnecessary, problematic and abusive. Common sense has been lost on the Virginia school system leadership.  God has determined our sex and if there is a question, it should be attended to by the child's parents and family, not the school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90216", "author": "James Bond", "date": "2021-01-15T16:13:00", "title": "I oppose", "text": "Completely Godless!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90217", "author": "Grandparent", "date": "2021-01-15T16:14:00", "title": "LBGQ information distribution in Va public schools.", "text": "I vehemently oppose the inclusion of LBGQ instruction in Virginia public schools on the grounds that this is not the mission nor right of public school to distribute this indoctrination which is disguised as public information. Judith W. Felty, former teacher and administrator."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90218", "author": "Shelley Lange", "date": "2021-01-15T16:14:00", "title": "New education agenda", "text": "I 100% can NOT support this focus. Not having parents involved in their children’s schooling and having an agenda that focuses on LGBQT being the norm is not okay with me. I will not have those ideologies taught to my children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90219", "author": "Timothy Parker", "date": "2021-01-15T16:14:00", "title": "Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) draft LBGT proposal", "text": "I strenuously object to the VDOE draft LBGT proposal.   This proposal clearly violates our 1st amendment rights by prioritizing LBGT rights and ignoring those who hold differing religious or personal beliefs.  This policy is a harbinger for sexual assault and should be eliminated."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90220", "author": "Extremely concerned", "date": "2021-01-15T16:14:00", "title": "Controlled sexual orientation", "text": "It seems that many people are being forced to submit without choice. Opposed to forced views of the few on the many.   Damage may occur by forced confusion of young children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90221", "author": "Cary Nunnally", "date": "2021-01-15T16:15:00", "title": "Why must government take the right to parent?", "text": "And our right to raise our children as we see fit. And the right of a family not to have their children taught what to think instead of how to think. We pay so much for things we don’t need. We don’t need Communism 101 in elementary school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90222", "author": "James", "date": "2021-01-15T16:17:00", "title": "Absolutely not!", "text": "This is yet another draconian tactic to establish a totalitarian rule which forces one set of views, terms, and beliefs on the populace against the will of the people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90223", "author": "Susan Carden", "date": "2021-01-15T16:20:00", "title": "Please Return to Science for Transgender Issue", "text": "I strongly oppose the guidelines that would require teachers to use a student's preferred pronoun. It deeply disturbs me that VDOE seems to be abandoning science and ignoring alarming trends regarding teen suicide when formulating these policies. Educators have long stood as a valuable resource to students; do not abandon that tradition and pursue policies that will actually place children at greater risk."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90224", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T16:24:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Please note that I am strongly opposed to the Transgender Mandates for public schools. These matters are best left to the children and their parents to explore and decide on a proper course of action."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90225", "author": "Liz Garrison", "date": "2021-01-15T16:24:00", "title": "radical transgender ideology", "text": "Get back to teaching the 3 R's Leave the moral guidance to the parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90226", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T16:25:00", "title": "I oppose", "text": "Please stop confusing our children, and do not promote sexualized agenda. Let parents educate their children with the truth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90227", "author": "Juliana Davenport", "date": "2021-01-15T16:26:00", "title": "New Virginia school policy pushing LGBT agenda on students", "text": "As a parent, grandparent, and former public and private school teacher, I oppose this policy  with every cell of my being!  Parents are given by God the right and responsibility to \"train up their children in the way they should go.\"  Sending one's children to school for instruction in math, language, etc. should not mean that one is giving over the right to instruct in very personal lifestyle choices.  Nor should it mean that a child using a restroom is vulnerable to being exposed to or accosted by another child of the opposite gender.  Even to propose such an atrocity tells me that our government leaders have given leave of their senses!  Rest assured that God will hold them accountable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90228", "author": "James P McCusker", "date": "2021-01-15T16:28:00", "title": "Opposed Transgender education.  It's the Parents task", "text": "I oppose this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90229", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T16:29:00", "title": "I oppose of this nonsense!", "text": "I oppose of this nonsense of pushing LGQBT ideologies on our children. I do not know a single person who would approve of something so disgraceful and distasteful. I will homeschool my children before I enter them into a school district that encourages this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90230", "author": "Jason Spangler", "date": "2021-01-15T16:29:00", "title": "Some concerns", "text": "While we understand the need to implement policies that prevent abuse and discrimination against transgender students, we do have two major concerns with the model policies recommended in the document. One, parents are the primary caretakers of their children and are the ones most responsible for safeguarding and protecting them. Therefore, a child’s “privacy” does not supersede the parents’ right to know what is happening with their child. Only in cases of documented neglect or abuse should another authority (e.g., a school or school district) step in, with an official governmental (e.g., Child Protective Services) and/or law enforcement (e.g., police) agency, and supersede the parents’ rights and responsibilities.  Leaving parents of the transgender child out of the equation leads to lies, hurt and damage for the entire family. In our elementary school, a child came out as transgender, and the school only involved the counselors and the students. You can imagine the questions that all of these children brought home. As a parent, it would have been nice to know and be prepared to walk my child through this important and confusing issue. Two, as parents of two teenage daughters, we must protect them from any potential embarrassment, harassment, or abuse from those of the opposite biological sex, regardless of gender identity. To allow anyone into a female locker room, particularly without the ability to question their gender, opens the potential for abuse (physical, mental, emotional) from those who would take advantage of this policy as an opportunity to damage others including transgender individuals. Therefore, changes should be made to this policy or anything similar to prevent this from happening. Thank you for your time and consideration of these comments and your work on these important issues."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90231", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T16:32:00", "title": "Policy on Transgender Ideology", "text": "Immediately cease and desist the attempts to indoctrinate our youth on this malignant, misguided corruption of science and nature.  Absolutely not acceptable.  We do not support your radical agenda.  The only response necessary is an immediate cessation of this activity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90232", "author": "Linda B Shugrue", "date": "2021-01-15T16:33:00", "title": "radical transgender teaching", "text": "I oppose such invasive and morally wrong ideology. Parents should be raising their children and not the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90233", "author": "Sarah Fortunato", "date": "2021-01-15T16:33:00", "title": "Please oppose this dangerous proposal!", "text": "Please oppose the draft guidance ' Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.' This proposed policy to promote radical transgender ideology undermines the role of parents and is an attack on the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy and religion, and it needs to be opposed. It is dangerous because of its appalling promotion of a sexualized agenda and its attempt to undermine the right and role of parents to educate their children in matters of sexual mores. Please do everything you can to prevent the introduction of this agenda into Virginia's public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90234", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-15T16:43:00", "title": "Abandon NOW VADOE‘s model policies for transgender students", "text": "The VADOE‘s model policies for the treatment of transgender students is an egregious overstep, so much so that it is difficult to even see it as well intentioned. Parents are the ultimate authority in raising their children to be functional and productive adults. Schools are trusted with students’ education, not indoctrination. This policy is a stunning betrayal of both parents’ and students’ rights and will diminish the public school system of Virginia both immediately and increasingly so for the foreseeable future."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90235", "author": "Tessa Foust", "date": "2021-01-15T16:44:00", "title": "Oppose this proposal", "text": "This proposal is not inline with majority of Virginia or US families.  LESS than 0.3% of people identify as transgender. Read that again! Less than 0.3%. Why would this be given a platform in Virginia classrooms?? There are so many aspects of education that fill the hours of the school day, especially with the catch up that’s going to happen because of school closures. THIS does not fall under the umbrella of family not school and that is where it needs to stay. Please oppose this getting a seat in the classroom when less than 0.3% of children will be questioning their gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90236", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-15T16:52:00", "title": "Will the rights of self-identifying Muslims and Christians also be protected to the same extent?", "text": "I understand the desire to foster a inclusive environment for students. That's a laudable goal but I wonder if students who self identify as Muslim or Christian will be afford the same rights.  In other words, they believe in the tenants of their self identified faith. And, that God created man and women in his image (referring to a Christian self identifier) and that there are only men and women as created by God. We'll they be forced to deny the tenants of their religious identity?  Will they be forced to violate the essence of their being? Are teachers allowed to provide religious ministry or education to students if they self identify as Christians? If not, why are we making exceptions for others?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90237", "author": "Suzanne Davis", "date": "2021-01-15T16:55:00", "title": "New Policy", "text": "Totally opposed! Ungodly!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90238", "author": "Verna C Love", "date": "2021-01-15T16:56:00", "title": "VA Dept of Education", "text": "I cannot believe that the Dept of Education would choose to enact regulations that are opposed to parental beliefs. Schools gave a duty to protect students privacy.  These harmful points of view can cause irreparable damage to our children.  Our children who are suffering already from the education or lack of education since March 2020. Our children deserve privacy, which they will not have if these policies are enacted. Our children deserve better education, not this regulated non education agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90239", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-15T16:58:00", "title": "Oppose: Deception of Parents is against every Child Safety Rule", "text": "This guidebook is not only misguided but dangerous to our youth.  It is inappropriate for teachers and school staff to become involved in a child’s personal life and sexuality.  We have long been taught as parents that no other adult should be asking about our kids intimate development and that any suspicion of secretiveness or deception should be a red flag.  Are we abandoning this protection for our children?  Are we giving school staff free reign to advise our kids on matters of utmost importance without the consent or involvement with the parent?  Who is a teacher that has spent a few months with our children(hopefully too busy educating to discuss personal issues?)  to involve themselves in life altering decisions above the parent? One final thought.  We know that early treatment for “gender dysphoria” includes hormone therapy, which when administered in childhood prohibits natural reproductive development, therefore effectively sterilizing a child for a lifetime.  Do we not think that something so critical and life altering should be left to parents and medical professionals without the influence of teachers who have no lifelong investment in our child? Shame on anyone who would pass this or encourage this kind of corruption in our school system.  We are asking you to educate, not parent our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90240", "author": "Mary", "date": "2021-01-15T17:01:00", "title": "Transgender Mandates", "text": "Strongly oppose! This should be a parents decision and involvement.   Someone is guiding a child with no knowledge of the entire mental state the child is in and what is driving the situation.  This will break families apart with the secrecy of not involving the parents with decisions made for their child.  This is going on before a child's brain is totally formed.  I can't even believe this is proposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90241", "author": "Indira Cope", "date": "2021-01-15T17:02:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I am in favor of your efforts to make sure that Virginia's schools are places where all students are able to thrive and reach their full potential, free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination. This means that there needs to be a supportive environment for all students, including transgender students, so that they can grow and thrive alongside their peers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90242", "author": "Former Student", "date": "2021-01-15T17:09:00", "title": "Against", "text": "This is why public education has become a household joke.  I forsee homeschooling, charter schools, and private schools becoming more popular with this ludicrous idea."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90243", "author": "Elizabeth", "date": "2021-01-15T17:11:00", "title": "POOR TEACHERS.  Opposed!!", "text": "FFT: A child (and we are speaking of CHILDREN here, not grown adults whose brains can make an informed decision) can change his or her identity at will and it will be HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION if a teacher can’t keep up with which child is him or her or it or “ze” on any given day? Strongly Oppose.  Teachers have it hard enough. Additionally, You really think it’s a fantastic idea to let ANY kids, male or female, into locker rooms of the opposite sex? And teachers are not even allowed to stop and question a student? You don’t think middle school boys aren’t going to waltz into girls locker rooms? You don’t think your girls are going to feel violated when that happens?  You’re going to let girls go topless in the pool because they’re a boy that day and you, as a parent, are not even allowed to know that someone is indecently exposing themselves to your child? Give this a modicum of foresight at the mental and emotional pain something like THIS will cause. How many teenage girls will get raped because a teacher is not even allowed to question a high school boy (or boyS) about entering a girls locker room. Not even touching on the brainwashing of confusion into the next generation.  In DC, 11 year olds may now get an irreversible sex change operation without their parents KNOWLEDGE, let alone consent. What 11yo is capable of making such a decision?  How many college freshman even know what they want to major in? And they think it’s healthy for a MIDDLE SCHOOLER to make decisions about their own health?  My 11 year olds would stay up late every night, skip school and eat candy until their teeth fell out were they given free reign.  BECAUSE THEY CANT SEE THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THEIR ACTIONS. So we parents must train and protect them until their brains are developed.  It’s science. Who is behind insanity such as this?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90244", "author": "Melinda . S", "date": "2021-01-15T17:13:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Strongly opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90245", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T17:13:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students!", "text": "It appears that once legislators and VA Dept. of Education bureaucrats get into office or into their tenured state educator employee positions, that all common sense learned from decades of living in the real world go out the window.  Are you people seriously insane?  What is wrong with you? This policy is dangerous and has no business in publicly funded education or in civil society, period! Multiple issues with these proposed \"model policies\" exist.  They are seriously problematic.  For instance, schools are not the place for youth that are \"confused\" about their God-given, biological gender to be allowed to violate the rights of other students.  As a father to two young girls, I would never want any boy, adolescent male, or male adult to be anywhere near my girls, especially in a sacred, private place like a dressing room or locker room!  WHY DO ANY OF YOU THINK THAT IS A GOOD IDEA IN OUR SCHOOLS???!! WOULD YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN EXPOSED TO THIS DEVIANT BEHAVIOR???? Numerous examples abound of men \"identifying\" as women attempting to change in women's locker rooms in places such as YMCA, and the women and girls were terrified for their privacy, and rightly so! a recent example is of a Seattle man \"identifying\" as a woman and changing at a woman's YMCA locker room gym in the past 4-5 years exist.  Just Google it.  These kind of stories you can't make up. It's so convenient that the radical progressives in this country like yourselves pushing these dangerous and nonsensical policies all vehemently complain and scream about their \"right to choose,\" \"my body, my rights,\" and other \"Constitutional rights\" related to privacy and abortion whenever those are even questioned or in jeopardy of being challenged or changed, but when it comes to parents demanding that those same rights to personal privacy be protected for their children in school bathrooms and locker rooms, conveniently you are silent, and a parent's rights to know about what is going on in their children's schools are ignored.  Hmm, I wonder why that is? It is the penultimate example in hypocrisy. Gender dysphoria is a DSM-5 listed mental disorder that has no business being administered to or promoted in schools.  Would a school not tell a parent that a child at school is exhibiting schizophrenic or dual personality characteristics?  Of course they would  tell them - they would tell them immediately!!  But under this insane policy, if a student at school professes to be something they are clearly not (boy thinks he's a girl, girl thinks he's a boy), as parents and citizens we are supposed to just accept that we have no rights or say in the matter, and have no right to be informed?  This policy is madness!! There are universal truths in life, and one of the truths we know as humans is that men and boys cannot be women and girls, and vice versa. Gender is not a social construct.  I am not a man today and a woman tomorrow, no matter what any nonsensical education policy says or what any misguided woke educator may believe.  I am not a Russian princess simply because now I wear a dress, wear makeup, and call myself \"Ivana\" when my real name is Ivan and I am a man. The real issue is not the will or rights of individual students with gender dysphoria or others who are disaffected, but the issue lies with the will of those behind it to assert power over entities resisting fundamental transformation.  Dr. Paul McHugh, the former psychiatrist in chief of Johns Hopkins Hospital and a Distinguished Service Professor, has stated transgenderism is a mental disorder that merits treatment.  People who promote transgenderism and claiming schools should be \"safe spaces\" for these individuals are promoting a mental disorder and are actually doing these students a grave disservice by refusing to let their parents know their children are expressing this behavior.  Studies from Vanderbilt University and London's Portman Clinic of children have shown that for children who had expressed transgender feelings, over 75 to 80% of those children over time spontaneously lost those feelings.  No one in a position of authority in education should seriously be advocating for these nonsensical and ill-advised policies as the Department of Education is.  As taxpayers in Virginia funding our public schools, no taxpayer should be forced to pay for policies that violate parent's rights and continue to engender a fantasy world where boys can be girls and girls can be boys.  Like the rock band The Kinks said in the song Lola, \"Girls will be boys and boys will be girls, It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world.\"  We must NOT accept the DOE's attempt to redefine the context of our world through this misguided and dangerous policy by creating a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90246", "author": "Mary", "date": "2021-01-15T17:13:00", "title": "Transgender Mandates", "text": "Strongly oppose! This should be a parents decision and involvement. Someone is guiding a child with no knowledge of the entire mental state the child is in and what is driving the situation.  This will break families apart with the secrecy of not involving the parents with decisions made for their child.  This is going on before a child's brain is totally formed.  I can not believe this is proposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90247", "author": "A parent", "date": "2021-01-15T17:15:00", "title": "Social contagion is not science", "text": "Let us empathize, care for, and treat young people who experience gender dysphoria but not deny biological reality or encourage socially contagious fallacies which have the potential to wreak permanent psychological and physical damage to the vulnerable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90248", "author": "Jon Bolena, Woodberry Forest School", "date": "2021-01-15T17:24:00", "title": "Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students.", "text": "To whom it may concern, I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. I am personally connected to the issue of equal and just treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. I, myself identify as a cisgender, bisexual male. Before I came out, both to my parents and the public I was as “normal” as can be. I was treated equally. I am now in ninth grade at Woodberry Forest School, a all-boys boarding school in Virginia. After I cam out, I started to feel more alone, more separated from everyone. It disheartens me to see the studies and polls from transgender individuals that they are treated the same way. No one should have to be secluded from their peers, especially not for their gender or lack thereof. We have a student here who identifies as transgender. She is a wonderful person and I am so lucky to have her in my life. Unfortunately, even in our small school she receives hate. She even had to switch roommates because her former one was uncomfortable living with her. This unfair treatment and mindset of distaste is exactly what needs to be remedied especially in public schools. Students should be taught specifically about transgender people and why they should be treated equally and not treated with disrespect. They are our equals, their equals and they should have no different treatment from their cisgender peers. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Jon M. Bolena"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90249", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T17:30:00", "title": "These Policies Will Traumatize Children.", "text": "Children will be scared by other children of the opposite sex who identify as a gender other than their appearance entering bathrooms and locker rooms. Children will be permanently harmed by unnecessary reporting to the Children's Protective Service because parents want to  be able to give helpful guidance and support to their children on transgender issues. If these policies go into effect a large majority of children and parents will be uncomfortable with public schools and not want to be in the public school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90250", "author": "Rebecca T", "date": "2021-01-15T17:31:00", "title": "Experimental, pseudo science must not be inflicted on developing minds.", "text": "I strongly oppose the measure proposed to indoctrinate children with the scientifically unsound, cosmopolitan dogma du jour that is transgender ideology. Should Virginia schools adopt this measure it would have catastrophic effects on countless developing minds, the consequences of which would be felt for generations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90251", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-01-15T17:38:00", "title": "Appalled", "text": "this is absolutely disgusting. As a mother I am terrified to send my children anywhere that ppl think this is ok. There will be a rise in sexual assault and harassment going on. I can’t believe we are even discussing this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90252", "author": "Alexandra", "date": "2021-01-15T17:47:00", "title": "STOP ABBUSE of INNOCENT CHILDREN ~ OPPOSE THIS!!!", "text": "I oppose this appalling promotion of a sexualized agenda and its attempt to undermine the right of parents to educate their children in matters of sexual truth . There are only 2 genders, MALE and FEMALE.   In the scientific world that is all there is as well!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90253", "author": "Karen", "date": "2021-01-15T17:50:00", "title": "Child Abuse", "text": "This proposed policy is child mental abuse.  To not tell them the truth about biology, is an assault on their real identity.  You CAN NOT change DNA.  For those of you who think you support women's rights, I will quote Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, \"It's the height of hypocrisy for people who claim to champion the rights of women to deny the biological existence of women\" and \"it defies common sense. There is a biological distinction between men and women, boys and girls.  It defies basic science.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90255", "author": "Dennis Smith", "date": "2021-01-15T17:54:00", "title": "Parental Rights Should Not Be Easily Dismissed", "text": "Please do not force you ideology on parents and children. That is what was said to the Christians over a decade ago. Was this so that the state could dictate their morality on the masses? To so easily dismiss the parental rights on those who have done nothing legally or morally wrong, is to open the door to completely remove the parental rights of everyone. Parents should have the right to know what is going on, and have a say as to what is going on in their children’s lives. Regardless of their religious views, political views, their personal decision to raise their children as boys, girls, transgender or anything else. It is up to each individual family, not the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90254", "author": "Dennis Smith", "date": "2021-01-15T17:54:00", "title": "Parental Rights Should Not Be Easily Dismissed", "text": "Please do not force you ideology on parents and children. That is what was said to the Christians over a decade ago. Was this so that the state could dictate their morality on the masses? To so easily dismiss the parental rights on those who have done nothing legally or morally wrong, is to open the door to completely remove the parental rights of everyone. Parents should have the right to know what is going on, and have a say as to what is going on in their children’s lives. Regardless of their religious views, political views, their personal decision to raise their children as boys, girls, transgender or anything else. It is up to each individual family, not the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90256", "author": "Concerned Public School Teacher", "date": "2021-01-15T18:02:00", "title": "Please Protect Me!", "text": "Please protect Virginia’s teachers from this subjective, arbitrary, and indefensible assault on teachers.  While we always place the needs of each individual student at the forefront of our decisions, we also need to be able to work by following guidelines consistently applicable to all students.  Demanding that teachers follow the whimsical nature of a child, without parental guidance, input, and confirmation places us at risk of both legal and civil action.  Children are wards of their parents first and the state second, only when which the parent has neglected to meet the minimum state standards of care."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90257", "author": "Disheartened patriot", "date": "2021-01-15T18:05:00", "title": "These are not your children", "text": "Americans still have the right to their own beliefs.  Americans have freedom of choice, freedom of religion.  It is not the Virginia Government's place to take those rights away from the parents of our most vulnerable citizens, our children. Most data shows that 94% of children with gender dysphoria grow out of it by the time they reach puberty.  So rather than teaching young children to start advocating to change the trajectory or their life before they are developed enough for mature reasoning, and use this as yet another attempt to minimize the role of a parent in developing their own child's morale compass, family values, and parental care in knowing what to teach their own child when, and how to teach it...simply teach tolerance and the ability to have civil discourse with one another.  Not sex ed designed for adolescents to be forced on elementary kids.  Let our kids be kids and our parents parent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90258", "author": "TheresaC", "date": "2021-01-15T18:15:00", "title": "Mind your own business", "text": "Board Members, This is NOT your responsibility, duty, or fantasy to teach children ANY of this behavior!!!!! This is a parent's job to teach what they feel is appropriate for their child. These fantasies you want to brainwash the children with are wrong!!! Why don't you people focus on getting these kids back in the classroom. You all are Satan's minions and we see what you libtards are doing...you are destroying society. TC"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90259", "author": "Janet Wiley", "date": "2021-01-15T18:16:00", "title": "LGBTQ EDUCATION", "text": "I am a parent of grown children. My voice and vote still counts! It should be up to the parents to educate their children when it comes to any sexually orientated issue. You tried to take God out of the school system so we took our children out and into home-schooling! You tried to get your teachers to lectureour children on their political views, so we took our children out! Now that you were going to teach something that many of us do not agree with we are going to vote you out and this time our vote will count!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90260", "author": "Deborah L. Byrd", "date": "2021-01-15T18:18:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose implementing the proposed policy agenda, Model Policies for the Implementation of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools.  This subject has no business being implemented as part of any school agenda and will clearly degrade the quality of education in our public school system.  If our public schools are left to disintegrate further, residents of Virginia will opt to consider viable options such as Charter Schools and Home School curricula for the proper education of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90261", "author": "Vicky Bowyer", "date": "2021-01-15T18:39:00", "title": "LGBT education", "text": "No, leave our children alone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90262", "author": "TS", "date": "2021-01-15T18:39:00", "title": "My tax dollars should not be used for THIS!", "text": "Teaching transgenderism is NOT the responsibility of the schools and goes against mine and many others religious and personal beliefs. Stop encouraging our children to sterilize and mutilate themselves at their most vulnerable stage of life!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90263", "author": "Jason R.", "date": "2021-01-15T18:41:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I am in favor of our schools being kind places that are accepting of all students.  However, I oppose the specific parts of the recommendations that put the school between the parents and the child.  In addition, I am worried about reaching potentially permanent conclusions about the very essence of a child based on their preferences that they articulate at a young age."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90264", "author": "Clarence Willis", "date": "2021-01-15T18:43:00", "title": "OPPOSE the proposed transgender guidelines!", "text": "No person should be forced to swear or affirm the monstrous falsehood that children can be born in the wrong body. No Christian should be forced to deny God's purposeful design of male and female -- that's a denial of God Himself! This is a radical violation of religious freedom, freedom of conscience, and freedom of speech.  Let Children be children and make decisions of this magnitude as mature adults without liberal progressive guidance.  Taxpayer's money should not be supporting this sort of manipulation. Fairfax County Virginia Clarence Willis"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90265", "author": "Layla T.", "date": "2021-01-15T18:44:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "This is the wrong age and place to do a social engineering experiment.  While we should all be kind and accepting of one another, we should not put the schools and every other student in the middle of a radical experiment.  Nor should we ever remove the parents from the conversation.  Neither the schools nor the state should ever take the place of the family."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90266", "author": "Jason Sleichter", "date": "2021-01-15T18:46:00", "title": "Stop this Madness", "text": "I strongly oppose Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools as I believe any decent, rational person should.  The fact that human beings are born either male or female is basic biological scientific truth.  Each person is made in the image of God and we do not get decide for ourselves what gender we would like to be.  Nor should children be taught to blur the lines and embrace gender dysphoria.  By supporting policies like this, you are supporting mental disorder being taught to our children.  Please do not support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90267", "author": "Pat W.", "date": "2021-01-15T18:46:00", "title": "opposed", "text": "We should treat everyone with kindness.  But we should not enforce this radical and militant perspective that seeks to impose a certain view of reality on students and parents.  The schools are not the place to do a social experiment.  Please reconsider the recommendations contained herein."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90268", "author": "Beth W.", "date": "2021-01-15T18:49:00", "title": "HIGHLY OPPOSED", "text": "I am HIGHLY OPPOSED to the idea of public school teachers brainwashing students against their parents' desires.  I feel that the parents should be the authority on teaching their children morals, values, and what should be acceptable.  We have seen what happens when the government takes the responsibility of rearing children.  As a result, their government collapsed or experienced a mass exodus by its citizens.  Let parents be parents and allow the teachers to teach the subject areas for which they were hired!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90269", "author": "Julia", "date": "2021-01-15T18:51:00", "title": "The state is not the parent,", "text": "Students sometimes dabble and experiment like trying a new bicycle. Most parents prefer to guide their children. You will encourage operations that can't be reversed only to have students grow out of a stage and want back their birth agenda. You may cause suicides. Dangerous precedent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90270", "author": "Rebecca", "date": "2021-01-15T18:55:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "Children naturally question who they are--it's part of child development.  Read the Absorbent Mind  and Citizen of the World by Dr. Maria Montessori.   Gender used to mean a pronoun. Sex is biology and not assigned at birth--either you are female (XX chromosomes) or male (XY chromosomes).  The problem in today's society is that many people seem to be confused about what it means to be a woman or a man.   Just because a boy is more sensitive, doesn't mean he is in the wrong body. Conversely, just because a girl is athletic and strong, doesn't mean she should \"transition\" to a boy.  All children should be treated with respect and dignity and realize they are unique and unrepeatable and have unique gifts to help our humanity, not hinder by this distraction. Let parents form children, not the school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90271", "author": "Becky Hensley", "date": "2021-01-15T19:01:00", "title": "Repressive and Hypocritical", "text": "Yes, all students should always be treated with respect, yet, to Christians, sex assignment is determined by GOD. To change one's original sex infers that GOD made a mistake; therefore, this is a sin. Sinning is wrong because it hurts not only GOD but those who love and obey biblical beliefs. To dictate that Christian students and teachers must use \"appropriate\" sex pronouns, share bathrooms, etc., and the most egregious of all, be threatened for teaching their children biblical sexuality is totalitarianism. Making recommendations is within your rights, but coercing compliance through multiple threats of punishment is repressive and hypocritical. The wrong you are trying to prevent, you, yourself, are doing. What happens when a Christian student is being bullied for his values? Given this scenario, why is the VDOE treating, not only Christians but also Jews and Muslims, differently? Public education prides itself on teaching a diversity of thought, so why are religious views being suppressed? Institutes of education should instead be teaching interpersonal skills, which creates an ongoing diversity of benefits more than punishing those who disagree with you. A top workplace skill is learning how to get along with people who think differently than you. So, why are you struggling to get along with those whose second commandment is to \"love thy neighbor?\" Perhaps someone, who gets along better with others, should be writing the VDOE Transgender policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90272", "author": "Maria Owen", "date": "2021-01-15T19:04:00", "title": "LBGT insanity", "text": "Virtually every cell in your body codes for sex.  There are billions of them and billions of clear scientific statements as to a person's sex.  This is a pure flight from reality and sheer insanity, in addition to being child abuse.  But the perverse powers behind this are all about child abuse, any way they can get it, and death upon death, whether through abortion, euthanasia, infanticide, sterilization, vacccinations, instigated wars and now the uptick, by the millions, of deaths by starvation in the Third World through coercive Covid policies.  As usual with these folks the cure is much worse than the disease.   The innocence of children and the sanity of society is absolutely worth dying for and that will completely reveal these power-hungry and heartless beings for the evil creatures they are.  Not that a lot of people haven't figured it out already."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90273", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T19:10:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "How can any sane person think this is a good idea???"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90274", "author": "Mary Schooler", "date": "2021-01-15T19:13:00", "title": "Please vote against the Department of Education Draft .", "text": "Please vote against the DOE draft to further undermine parental values. The parent not the Board of Education have the authority to determine how and what their children should be taught about family values. In pushing this agenda the public school system will lose more students to private and homeschools. The children are under your supervision but they do not belong to the state nor the education system, they belong to the parent. This draft over steps those bounds."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90275", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T19:28:00", "title": "Leave parenting to parents", "text": "This bill is ludicrous saying that teachers can talk to students with out telling the parents anything letting the school have anything to do with how a child that was not born from them is raised that is none of there business  that is between the parent an child also for this bill to say that anyone entering a bathroom will not be questioned or letting boys use girls rooms or girls using boys rooms is absolutely wrong an over stepping the governor an schools place these are children no one wants a 6 ' hairy knuckle adams apple having bethany going in to the bathroom behind there daughter  no one wants that or having to put the children them self's through  the embarrassment and or harrassment they will get from other students an it will happen almost garunted this is the most ridiculously made bill I have ever read my closing statement is this LEAVE PARENTING TO THE PARENTS  governments governors have no place in family affairs"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90276", "author": "Robert Bishop", "date": "2021-01-15T19:29:00", "title": "Transgender subject", "text": "I strongly oppose allowing that to be pushed on our kids thats is up to the parents for that not your job."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90277", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T19:29:00", "title": "Curriculum proposal re transgender subject", "text": "This is wrong on every level and we will answer to a holy God for the harm we cause to our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90278", "author": "Del Parker", "date": "2021-01-15T19:30:00", "title": "I oppose new VDOE guidance's assault on children and parents", "text": "This is not appropriate education for children. It is the parent's job to educate their children about sexual matters and life choices about sexual matters. Do not impose this on our kids and parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90279", "author": "Michael Nash", "date": "2021-01-15T19:34:00", "title": "No LGBT allowed special treatment.", "text": "It is with sincere standing against all special allowances for LGBT indoctrination of our children. It is against Nature and all our Christian moral values and the basic standards of family according to the Bible which is this country’s morals code. Our Republic must have a moral code to exist or it will fail. mourn moral code is to love all People BUT?? Not except or condone immoral pursuits. I am fed up with this march toward removing our Republic form of government."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90280", "author": "Outraged Parent", "date": "2021-01-15T19:40:00", "title": "This is NOT Transgender Protection this a promotion of confusion and Violation of Parental Rights", "text": "Gender is not a spectrum. It is Biology. We were each created either male or female. The promotion of  teaching an ideology that contradicts what they would learn in science is very dangerous and confusing for our children. It is difficult enough for those children working through the question of Transgender. Why would your push this question onto children it is not a struggle for? It is not okay to divorce your biology. The idea of gender assignment at birth is unfounded. This is one of the main topic that will be put into the curriculum  You were not assigned a gender you were created to either be male or female. To instill the idea into children that they were assigned a gender not made either male or female will cause unnecessary damage and confusion. This Bill is also in direct violation of the Parental Rights that Virginia Parents have. This policy in the name of respect outlines that the child's desire to to be transgender will be affirmed regardless of where the parent(s) stand on the issue or if they are even aware. This is a direct violation of Parental Rights. It usurps the parents right to parent and educate the child. When did the school system become the parent? The school does not have the right to affirm a gender that the parents of the child may or may not know about. The school system does not have this right nor should they. I am extremely concerned about the safety of our young people. How can it be safe for ALL? When through this Bill men can go into women's bathrooms and so on. There is a major issue here. This issue of safety and privacy really becomes serious in middle and high school. I can remember needing the safety and privacy of the restroom that was only for women. In my senior year of high school I had an angry teach who happened to be male chase me out of his class room and only stopped when I got into the bathroom. If that was a student or teacher that Identified as a women it would have been perfectly fine for him to enter the ladies bathroom. That unfortunate situation I personally lived through would have ended very differently if the bathroom situation was per the directive of the new bill. There is also a major religious freedom issue here. With this type of Bill there will be many teachers who will be forced to teach in such a way that directly violates their religious beliefs. There will be many children who will be forced to learn an ideology that is not founded in science that they will be graded on that directly violates their religious beliefs. Potentially Private school and Christian and Jewish and even Muslim schools may be forced to teach something that violates their beliefs. To conclude this bill is nothing short of a disaster and a lawsuit. It must not be passed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90281", "author": "Martin Laidley", "date": "2021-01-15T19:57:00", "title": "No- This is demonic and anyone who supports it supports evil. That’s what true charity sounds lke", "text": "No -this is demonic and anyone who supports this is supporting evil. It’s child abuse - worse demonic child abuse. This should be a huge red flag to all involved - hell is real and it’s forever- FOREVER Imagine your job was to empty all the oceans in the world with a teaspoon. How long would that take you? However long that is once you finished, forever would’ve just started 10 minutes ago. Thats what supporting things like these can get you along with many others that seem to be way too normal these days. Stop offending God - I’m talking about the one true God"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90282", "author": "A concerned parent and teacher", "date": "2021-01-15T20:08:00", "title": "It is not the school’s place", "text": "The school has no right teaching something that a parent must choose to teach their child and besides it not being the schools place teachers have more to teach than we have time to teach already."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90283", "author": "Mary Kay Stine", "date": "2021-01-15T20:12:00", "title": "oppose pathetic, ruinous \"woke\" ideologies in our schools", "text": "What cruelty to vulnerable children to tell them in class that maybe they are not really a boy or a girl!  It's vital that we can trust our public schools.  So many teachers like those in my family work so hard to respect children's natural modesty, sensitivities, and religious beliefs and you seem to wish to undermine them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90284", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T20:16:00", "title": "It's not the Government Responsibility", "text": "It isn't the States responsibility to force that which is unnatural upon their citizenry. The State cannot make people believe a lie."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90285", "author": "Stephanie Snider", "date": "2021-01-15T20:24:00", "title": "Yes protect transgender students", "text": "please protect transgender, LGBTQ students, including them in curriculum. Educate students, staff, and parents"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90286", "author": "a grandmother", "date": "2021-01-15T20:25:00", "title": "this proposal is hideous!", "text": "There is absolutely no rational sense to this proposal, which defies sound logic. Allow parents to be parents! Many children do not understand the effect of their changing hormones causing \"gender dysphoria\" and the way to get through it is NOT to promote this garbage! NO I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS AT ALL!!! VOTE NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90287", "author": "Karla Quintanilla", "date": "2021-01-15T20:31:00", "title": "Opposition to VDOE draft for school policy pushing LGBT agenda on children", "text": "Re: Opposition to VDOE draft for school policy pushing LGBT agenda on children I need to emphasize the role of parents in the education of children. It is not the school’s responsibility to educate them in their sexual orientation. I oppose this and any attack on the integrity of my family’s values. Again it is not the school who determines how to educate my children in their sexual orientation it is absolutely no one else’s but mine. This is overstepping boundaries. I urge the VA legislators to stop this immediately due to public opposition. You serve our communities. Now it is time for you to stand up for us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90288", "author": "Ed S, Catholics Concerned for American Catholic Morals", "date": "2021-01-15T20:35:00", "title": "'Transgender' (Ideology)?", "text": "The idea that people in positions being paid to teach fundamental academics to our young people should not be expanded to allow them to force their own radical and un-Godly ideas on those of us who completely disagree with this. It violates Natural Law on so many levels, is anti-Biblical, and is only guaranteeing further chaos in our society. Confusion and chaos run contrary to the basics principles of a people who choose to live in a Country whose fundamentals are built on the Rule of Law and Order"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90289", "author": "Jacob Thomas Fucci", "date": "2021-01-15T20:37:00", "title": "This Proposal is hideous", "text": "This proposal is hideous. It should be up to the state to teach children about transgender ideologies. This is a violate of religious freedom and human rights of every child out there. It also violates natural and civil law. Most important of all it violates God's law. If anything it should be up to the parents to teach their children about gender ideologies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90290", "author": "Megan", "date": "2021-01-15T20:38:00", "title": "??No!", "text": "We do NOT Agree With THIS!!!  This is MY Subtle WARNING!!!!!  OUR WHOLE FAMILY, All of US!  BOTH PARENTS, Both sets of Grandparents....DO NOT AGREE!!!!    Push THIS and I / We Will No Longer be subtle!!!  I have taken every Name!!! With Seriousness, for my Daughter ?? Megan Mincz"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90291", "author": "M J O’Neill", "date": "2021-01-15T20:42:00", "title": "Absolutely Opposed", "text": "This is the kind of garbage that creeps into the public schools when the moral foundations of what made our country unique and great are allowed to erode away. Instead of cow-towing to this perversion, perhaps our public schools should get back into the business of teaching, especially history, that has shown repeatedly what happens when the state takes over the duties and responsibilities of parents. I hope and pray that the time will come again soon when our great state of Virginia and her legislators return to the principles we were founded upon."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90292", "author": "LM", "date": "2021-01-15T20:44:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "These proposed policies regarding transgender students violates the rights of everyone involved. The rights of teachers, students, and parents in their beliefs and stances on transgender issues as well as their basic rights to use changing areas and restrooms without fear of an opposite sex person being present. These policies will result in so many more conflicts than actually resolve bullying and related issues with transgender students. These policies will cause teachers to be sued, loose their jobs, and generally live in fear of breaking a policy based on the whims of a child. We are already hurting to keep teachers, why would we add to their increasingly difficult job?! I especially take issue with any policy that gives the school administration and teachers the right to not inform a parent of their child in any capacity; emotional, physical or mental. In every other situation the parent or guardian HAS to be involved; to say that a parent can be left out of their child's struggle of identity has MAJOR repercussions. This would only further hurt a child; who may I remind you, despite the current social trends, does not have the mental or emotional capacity to truly make such a life altering decision. Although my children are not yet school age, these types of policies would force our family to find other options for their future schooling. My tax dollars may be forced to still support these policies, but the state and local school system would have no other support from my pockets or time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90293", "author": "concerned Virginian", "date": "2021-01-15T20:46:00", "title": "Model Policy changes for transgender students in Virginia public schools", "text": "These changes will traumatize the students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90294", "author": "Teresa Stanley", "date": "2021-01-15T20:59:00", "title": "Please support!", "text": "Please support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90295", "author": "Jennifer", "date": "2021-01-15T21:06:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Allowing children to make big decisions about their life, before their brains are fully developed, is child abuse.  Not disclosing these things to parents is decisive and tears families apart. We should take the time to understand why a child feels so uncomfortable in their own skin.  You wouldn’t put an anorexic child on a diet, would you?  Please do not let this pass."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90296", "author": "Robert Lee", "date": "2021-01-15T21:13:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "We cannot experiment with our children on gender. What children are being encouraged to do to their bodies is a form of child abuse. Let's help those who have gender-related challenges rather than encouraging them to disfigure themselves. Biologically, men and women have different fundamental chromosomes, and no amount of educational policies, artificial hormones, or surgery will change that scientific fact. Let's have true compassion by providing such children a true understanding of who they are rather than encouraging thinking that can lead to a lifetime of struggles."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90297", "author": "M Jones", "date": "2021-01-15T21:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose. If implemented, these reckless policies will cause harm to children, parents, and teachers. They have nothing to do with helping vulnerable children and constitute a flagrant attempt by the state to usurp the role of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90298", "author": "M. E", "date": "2021-01-15T21:16:00", "title": "Transgender guidli es are anti-science", "text": "These Transgender guidelines are completely opposed to science. Human beings are created  as male and female. That is a biological fact with sociological, philosophical, theological, chemical, and anthropological implications. Stop forcing your anti-science destructive agenda on vulnerable youths!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90299", "author": "M Carrozza", "date": "2021-01-15T21:16:00", "title": "Please vote AGAINST Transgender treatment in schools", "text": "Please oppose the proposed guidelines to direct schools on treatment of transgender students and reducing the role of the parent.  Your constituents and fellow citizens, who are parents, are the first line educators of the future generations.  The state's role is not to tell parents what to do or not to do as it pertains to teaching children. Again, vote against the proposed guidelines. Thank you! M Carrozza"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90300", "author": "T. G.", "date": "2021-01-15T21:20:00", "title": "Terrible ideas", "text": "The transgender guidelines are a terrible idea. How about schools deal in matters of objective truth. We cannot make up new human sexualities, it is written in our DNA. To pretend that transgenderism is normal, natural or in anyway healthy is a lie. Stop lying to our children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91712", "author": "Gary Lines", "date": "2021-01-27T20:03:00", "title": "I strongly oppose the Transgender policy for Virginia's public schools", "text": "I strongly oppose the Transgender policy for Virginia's public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91713", "author": "Cynthia Dahlin", "date": "2021-01-27T20:03:00", "title": "I strongly support this guidance.", "text": "I strongly support the rapid promulgation of this guidance and these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91714", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T20:05:00", "title": "Forcing Transgender Policy in schools", "text": "Strongly oppose the forced transgender policy in public schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91715", "author": "G. Hoilman", "date": "2021-01-27T20:06:00", "title": "Model policies for the treatment of transgender students in the VA public schools", "text": "I strongly oppose the model policies for the treatment of transgender students in VA public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91716", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T20:07:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed to Proposed Policy on Transgendered Students in Public Schools", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed Virginia policy on Transgendered Students in Public Schools as being contrary to good science, medicine, and common sense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91717", "author": "Cheryl Smith", "date": "2021-01-27T20:07:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share intimate settings such as showers and locker rooms with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children will be placed in harms way when members of the opposite sex, especially adults, will have unfettered access to gendered facilities. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91718", "author": "annette", "date": "2021-01-27T20:09:00", "title": "Pitiful situation.  Sorry for transgender body.  Please don't force policy on majority of children.", "text": "The transgender child is a child of GOD and is loved by HIM. Yet sin is not loved by GOD and tampering with HIS creation is ungodly"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91719", "author": "Concerned grandmother", "date": "2021-01-27T20:14:00", "title": "New transgender school policy", "text": "Strongly opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91720", "author": "Maddaline Liotta", "date": "2021-01-27T20:14:00", "title": "STRONGLY support - All children deserve to feel safe and accepted at school", "text": "All children should have a right to feel safe in schools. Treating people with respect and supporting our youth is not putting anyone in danger. In fact to do the opposite puts lives in danger every day. I fully support these policies and believe that it is imperative for us to continue striving to make ALL children feel safe and supported in schools so that one day those opposing this can realize they were on the wrong side of history."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91721", "author": "Karen", "date": "2021-01-27T20:16:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender policies", "text": "I agree that all children should not be harassed or bullied in schools because they are different. But, there is already a strong law to help stop bullying.  As a doctor, I realize that genetically there are two genders: male and female. The rest is a psychological designation. When you add surgery and hormonal supplements, it has been shown by studies in Europe that when youth are given the opposite hormones of their genetic make-up, most end up with severe psychological problems. So, encouraging the LGBTQAI+ agenda is very confusing for children - who for the most part pass this gender confusion period once they reach puberty. Also, who determines parental abuse? This can be a slippery slope condemning many people of different faiths, thereby infringing on the first amendment. And, for many other reasons, I oppose the suggested transgender policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91722", "author": "Timothy Johnson", "date": "2021-01-27T20:19:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91723", "author": "American Parent and Military Veteran", "date": "2021-01-27T20:21:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose - Enforce Anti-Bullying", "text": "Schools officials already have the power to make the school environment safe and welcoming for all students: Enforce the existing anti-bullying policy. The proposal to give government the power to usurp parental rights, to teach as truth what's been disproved by DNA and biological science, to jeopardize the privacy and safety of our children , to encourage snitching on and penalizing of those who don't conform is un-American and dangerous.  America is not (yet) Nazi Germany, a totalitarian government controlling all aspects of individual life through coercion and repression. Enforce the common-sense authority already given you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91724", "author": "Eastern Virginia Medical School Student", "date": "2021-01-27T20:23:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT - pediatrician-backed", "text": "Strongly support these policies, which can be life-saving for our vulnerable & impressionable youth who too often commit suicide and experience violence at significantly higher rates than the average youth populace. The American Academy of Pediatrics is in agreement. As a medical student at EVMS, we have learned and seen the importance of providing gender-inclusive care."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91725", "author": "Jeff", "date": "2021-01-27T20:23:00", "title": "Seriously?", "text": "Erasing girls from athletic scholarship opportunities and forcing girls to get undressed in front of biological males? WTH is wrong with you?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91726", "author": "Jason", "date": "2021-01-27T20:25:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is ridiculous.  God created man and woman there are no other choices.  You will not teach my children these depraved lies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91727", "author": "Leeanna Hauert", "date": "2021-01-27T20:26:00", "title": "Taking my rights as a parent.", "text": "Highly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91728", "author": "Anne Brown", "date": "2021-01-27T20:27:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I Strongly Oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91729", "author": "Matt", "date": "2021-01-27T20:31:00", "title": "All Children Matter", "text": "My heart goes out to these children who are facing such a terrible dilemma, God knows adolescence is hard enough. BUT i believe that the burden of this policy will fall directly on the shoulders of the other children in the school system--who have their own issues--and in my opinion will do them more of a disservice then it will to meet the needs of those this bill is seeking to serve. It's this reason why I strongly disapprove of this resolution and ask that you vote NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91730", "author": "Joan", "date": "2021-01-27T20:35:00", "title": "Strongly opposed  to proposed policy on transgendered students in public schools", "text": "Opposed to proposed policy on transgendered students in public school!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91731", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-01-27T20:36:00", "title": "Trans students' rights are important", "text": "As a former student of Virginia's public schools, I think it is highly important to support the rights of trans students. Trans students deserve to feel safe in school and be able to participate fully in activities, including sports. Research has shown conclusively that gender-affirming legislation does not increase risk to cis students but massively increases the safety and well-being of trans students. Safe and affirming educational environments for all students, both trans and cis, should be a major goal of Virginia's school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91732", "author": "Nena Ryder", "date": "2021-01-27T20:39:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91733", "author": "Brian Brown", "date": "2021-01-27T20:40:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this anti-scientific policy!", "text": "I strongly oppose this anti-scientific policy!  Not only is this policy trying to enforce ideas that are completely contrary to basic human anatomy and physiology, it is attempting to wrest control away from parents in actually raising their own children.  Force feeding this false narrative in all aspects of our public school and even telling teachers to deceive parents if the parents don't agree with said policy.  Additionally this policy opens the door to accusing parents who disagree with it of being \"abusive\", potentially causing further harm to families throughout Virginia for merely disagreeing with this harmful policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91734", "author": "Rosslyn, VA resident", "date": "2021-01-27T20:45:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED TO PUTTING IDEOLOGY BEFORE SCIENCE", "text": "This \"transgender\" policy not only ignores elemental biology -- it turns science inside out and upside down, to promote a social agenda that harms ALL children, especially those whose minds and bodies are out of sync with each other.   These children need help to align their understanding of themselves with biological reality, so they can thrive as fully integrated persons.  To deny them such basic, compassionate care and nurturing is itself child abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91735", "author": "RENA A COREY", "date": "2021-01-27T20:45:00", "title": "Support, thank you", "text": "This policy seems to be well thought-out and nuanced, trying hard to balance the needs of both student and family while complying with the outcomes of precedent-setting court cases in the area of transgender law. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91736", "author": "Tara Taylor", "date": "2021-01-27T20:46:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I believe this undermines parental rights and is damaging to children. It also communicates a double standard to treat children one way at school and threat then another way in front of their parents. This is damaging to families, promotes distrust within families and in essence says that the government knows better than children's parents how they should be directed, which is an erroneous assumption. I urge you to vote NO and dismiss this proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91737", "author": "Madeline", "date": "2021-01-27T20:47:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT TRANS YOUTH", "text": "I strongly support these guidelines and am horrified anyone would consider doing otherwise. These are some of our most vulnerable children. So many trans people are lost to suicide or murder. It takes nothing away from others to treat them with basic respect and dignity. It takes nothing away from others to help children feel safe and supported at school. I am horrified and ashamed as a Virginian that so many others don’t think that children should be afforded a safe and respecting environment at school. Please do not listen to antiquated and unscientific beliefs about transgender children and continue to support them with these guidelines based on science, evidence, and empathy. Maybe consider some community efforts to educate people more about trans lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91738", "author": "Chuck Weddle", "date": "2021-01-27T20:50:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose any guidance and policy modifying school approach to dealing with confused children identifying as transgender. The overwhelming majority of children will be harmed by the unnecessary overreach providing special access to very private and personal spaces simply because a confused boy or girl doesn’t feel comfortable with their natural biological sex. These policies will create an unsafe environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91739", "author": "Laurel MacLaren", "date": "2021-01-27T20:52:00", "title": "Love & support trans youth!!", "text": "I have so many transgender young people in my life, and I love them all. It breaks my heart to see how much they struggle when family friends schools and the community do not accept them for who they truly are. Please pass any in all policies that make it possible for everyone to express their gender identity, regardless of their biological sex at birth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91740", "author": "AQuinn", "date": "2021-01-27T20:57:00", "title": "Strongly oppose-protect ALL children, parental rights, 1st Amendment Rights", "text": "I have grave concerns about the proposed transgender policy guidelines.  I believe that as drafted, the guidelines will enforce an IDEOLOGY of gender and sex that is harmful to children, by promoting the idea that their malleable, psychological sense of self should over-ride their BIOLOGICAL sex, including to the point of undergoing radical medical interventions with IRREVERSIBLE  outcomes.  It has been well established that puberty blockers can lead to infertility and cause irreversible damage to the body's ability to normally progress thru puberty.  If an impressionable child is convinced that he/she wants to override their biological sex with medicine and surgeries, and later changes their minds, much of what has been done, can not be undone.  Why is the Department of Education encouraging this type of behavior amongst our very impressionable children?  As a society, we recognize that it is not wise for children to consume alcohol preferably before the age of 21, because they are not fully capable of properly understanding the risks.  Likewise, we do not let children under the age of 18 vote-because they do not function as an independent adult and do not fully understand the consequences of their vote, and therefore can be  easily swayed by adults who seek to take advantage of their vulnerability.   The same can be said for young impressionable children, who are told that the only solution to their CURRENT dislike of the biological sex that they were born with, is to embark on a journey of life-time dependency on puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and even surgeries to permanently remove healthy sex & reproductive organs--much to the delight of the gender clinics and drug companies that are already garnering HUGE profits from these brand-new customers for life.  Many Virginians believe this to be  truly unconscionable--not because they \"hate\" transgender kids--but because they truly care about the over-all well-being of all children.  However, those who question the \"affirmation only\" guidelines as proposed, are not represented in these guidelines. In fact, these parents, teachers, staff and students who do not agree with the \"affirmation only\" ideology are marginalized.  These guidelines actually institutionalize the bullying, by school administrators, of anyone, including students, who do not agree with these guidelines.  It is extremely troubling that students can be disciplined without their parent's knowledge or input, for allegedly discriminating against someone who identifies as transgender.  I find it equally disturbing that girls will have lost ALL rights to privacy, under these guidelines, not to mention the fact that all-girls sports have been swept away, by allowing boys, who claim to be girls, to participate on any girl's sports team, without ANY regard for the safety of the girls.  I find it very disturbing that these guidelines do not provide any exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of basic human biology and sociology, prevents them from being able to go along with the transgender ideology and policies.  Because there are no such exceptions in these guidelines, it seems almost certain that the DoE is enforcing one preferred ideology over another, and rather than creating room for differing opinions. DoE is actually creating a sub-group of students, parents, teachers and staff who stand to be DISCRIMINATED against, in the \"name of ending discrimination\".  How is this just or fair?  How does this foster good will amongst all parties involved?  Our students deserve better.  Virginia's parents deserve better.  Our teachers and staff members deserve better.  The Virginia Department of Education can and must do better than what is currently being proposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91741", "author": "Dennis", "date": "2021-01-27T21:01:00", "title": "Strongly support trans youth", "text": "It hurts nobody to help support the fair treatment of trans youth. They deserve to be treated with respect and consideration like any other human being."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91742", "author": "Anon", "date": "2021-01-27T21:04:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "It hurts nobody to help support the fair treatment of trans youth. They deserve to be treated with respect and consideration like any other human being. ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91743", "author": "Emily -Student", "date": "2021-01-27T21:07:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support this guidance and these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91744", "author": "School employee", "date": "2021-01-27T21:08:00", "title": "You Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Strongly oppose this shameful agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91745", "author": "A concerned grandmother and Va taxpayer", "date": "2021-01-27T21:10:00", "title": "Proposed transgender policy", "text": "Common sense dictates the need to continue the current designation of school bathrooms. The proposed change of pronouns for our school boys and girls would be very disruptive and impractical. As you know, God made us male and female and if a child becomes confused with their sexual identity, they should be protected from bullying without receiving preferential treatment and disrupting the whole school system. Please always keep parents informed and give them the opportunity to make necessary decisions - to do the parenting. A teacher’s job is difficult but appreciated by the majority of people. Let them continue teaching the 3 R’s, history, character values, money management etc but please do not teach critical theory and the 1619 Project which lead to the destruction of our USA values."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91746", "author": "Shelley Shadron", "date": "2021-01-27T21:11:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "School is not the place to teach children gender identity, this is the role of the family and not the education system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91747", "author": "School employee", "date": "2021-01-27T21:13:00", "title": "Transgender Student Treatment", "text": "I strongly oppose this shameful policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91748", "author": "Michelle A Tanis", "date": "2021-01-27T21:24:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE TRANSGENDER POLICY", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy that you are trying to push through.  As a female and a rape survivor, my daughter does NOT feel safe with a male in the same bathroom or locker room regardless of what gender they desire to be.  I also do not feel safe allowing my daughter to attend public school so long as this policy is in place as she loses her sense of physical privacy by being forced to undress in the presence of a biological male. Maybe consider making a bathroom nongender they can go in on their own.  To have my daughter undress in front of a male, regardless of their stated interest to the contrary, is not something I want her to have to deal with."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91749", "author": "Concerned mom of two kids", "date": "2021-01-27T21:33:00", "title": "Oppose the new trans law. This is extremely harmful.", "text": "Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! This is extremely alarming!!! The schools do not raise our children - the parents do. You have absolutely no right to \"help our kids explore, facilitate and make decisions about her sexual identity\"! And you would sneak around and do this secretly, without notifying the parents? That's predator behavior. The fact that you would undermine our authority makes me physically sick to my stomach. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. This policy allows for further bullying, assault, oggling and rape and leaves the teachers powerless to remove a student they know isn't trans. Do you realize how many children feel uncomfortable being  exposed while changing in front of the same sex, much less the opposite sex. Changing is a very private moment. This policy encourages predatory boys to just walk into girls' bathrooms and locker rooms and take a nice long look. Is that what you want happening to YOUR children?! Every part of this bill takes away my children's innocence and protection. It undermines parental authority. I will have no part in it. If this passes, my children will not go back to public, but I am terrified for Virginia's kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91750", "author": "Michael Bankston", "date": "2021-01-27T21:37:00", "title": "UTTERLY DESPICABLE!", "text": "Many people feel uncomfortable being in the bathroom or locker room  with someone of the opposite gender, even if that person is transgender.  Allowing people to use facilities of their gender identity is dangerous because anyone can claim to be trans as an excuse to enter a bathroom or locker room of the opposite gender to commit rape or sexual assault.  For the safety and privacy of our young people, this policy must be nullified."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91751", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T21:39:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "Thank you Virginia DOE for these policies! They are inclusive and nature and supportive of all public school students. I am in full support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91752", "author": "Timothy Johnson", "date": "2021-01-27T21:39:00", "title": "Strongly support the rights of all children, oppose this policy that infringes on those rights", "text": "The rights of every individual are of great importance and ones percieved rights should never infringe upon the rights of another. Putting the biological truth aside, my young teenage biologically female daughter being forced to change in the same locker room as a biological male, regardless of their identification, can cause real psychological damage; yet such an effect bears little to no consideration when attempting to accommodate the desires of any one individual. Furthermore, the basic, unchangeable differences between females and males that would have to just be thrown out the window to accommodate a biological male who identifies as female, and wants to compete against female athletes, can be physically dangerous, and psychologically harmful. This blatant indifference towards the rights of female athletes, and the disregard for the hard work and effort to achieve, is unconscionable. This is only a small example in pool of negative side effects of this, and I dearly hope the rights of all individuals are seriously considered before implementing such a policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91753", "author": "Jackie Lee", "date": "2021-01-27T21:43:00", "title": "OPPOSE!", "text": "Government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91754", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T21:45:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91755", "author": "BJS", "date": "2021-01-27T21:48:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I do not support this being implemented in the schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91756", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T22:08:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE!!!", "text": "God determines the sex of a child, it’s in his plan, nothing else should ever change that period!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91757", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-01-27T22:15:00", "title": "FINALLY! Making sure kids aren't abused and everyone is educated appropriately.", "text": "I think it's fantastic that they are taking the abuse of transgendered children seriously by educating everyone appropriately and making sure that there are things in place for transgendered kids to be equal and have a safe and secure atmosphere in which to learn"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91758", "author": "O.S.B.", "date": "2021-01-27T22:18:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Children need privacy in vulnerable situations like bathrooms and locker rooms. School age children should not be joined with other children of the opposite sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91759", "author": "PATTY LANG", "date": "2021-01-27T22:22:00", "title": "******100% OPPOSE**********", "text": "I do not agree with this new idea of trying to help children. Parents role are to educate and guide their children. School role is only to teach not to decide for them. I do not agree with this idea. It is crazy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91760", "author": "Virginia mom", "date": "2021-01-27T22:25:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose these policies. They will hurt children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91761", "author": "Nichole L Kidder", "date": "2021-01-27T22:28:00", "title": "What happened to the lefts agenda to defendan the rights  f all females regardless of age?", "text": "The left has carried on about doing everything in their power to defend and protect the rights of all women. How is his doing just that. How is this fair in any circumstances? We are now putting the rights of the LGBT+ community and especially the Trans community in front of the same rights they have vowed to protect. Shameful!!!!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91762", "author": "Lina H.", "date": "2021-01-27T22:31:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSED", "text": "This policy is short sighted and downright harmful to our youth and families. If passed, It will not help but only do further harm.  Parents are the best advocates for their children and their rights must not be taken away and given to the government. Schools are not the place for political agendas. These far left policies are dangerous, unprecedented, and should be stopped."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91763", "author": "Theresa K Hart", "date": "2021-01-27T22:32:00", "title": "Support our LGBTQ+ kids!", "text": "I strongly support these bills and any legislation that supports basic decency and respect and will help our schools in Virginia be a safe place for LGBTQ+ and trans kids. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91764", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T22:40:00", "title": "Oppose Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "The proposed policy document should not be approved nor implemented because it is politically biased, unscientific, and may actually cause harm to minor citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. While I fully support educational policies which advance the health and safety of students, the proposed policies reflect a political reaction based upon the popularity of transgenderism and is driven by ideologies rather than science.  The science regarding gender dysphoria/transgenderism is not fully developed, but this policy presumes that transitioning is a panacea. In reality, both medical and social scientific studies establish that gender dysphoria is a complex psychological condition. The proposed policy unscientifically labels \"sex assigned at birth\" as a bureaucratic preference rather than a biological reality. Sex and gender are not the same.  Sex is an immutable biological fact, whereas gender is a recognized social construct.  There are masculine women, and there are feminine males; the chromosomal norm is XX for female and XY for male, despite chromosomal variances found in intersexuality and other syndromes. The policy wrongfully gives full credence to the opinions of juveniles well below the age of legal competence.  The policy states: \"School divisions should accept a student’s assertion of their gender identity without requiring any particular substantiating evidence, including diagnosis, treatment, or legal documents.\" This policy is based upon the popular notion that affirming a child's preferred gender is always good.  Reality does not reflect this: Take the case of the British woman Keira Bell, a person who was treated by the Tavistock Centre in London, which runs Britain’s Gender Identity Development Service , which resulted in Ms. Bell deciding to irreparably alter and mutilate her body.  What is tragic about this case is that when Ms. Bell was 15, she actually received a psychiatric evaluation regarding her gender dysphoria. In court documents, Ms. Bell remembered: “the psychiatrist attempted to talk of the gender spectrum as a way of persuading me to not pursue medical transition. I took this as a challenge to how serious I was about my feelings and what I wanted to do and it made me want to transition more. Now I wish I had listened to her [the psychiatrist].”   In retrospect, Ms. Bell, who is now potentially sterile from the results of puberty blockers, regrets that she did not heed the counsel of a psychiatrist.  What is so wrong about Virginia DOE's proposed policy, is that it relies on Virginia Statute, Section 54.1-2409.5, Conversion therapy prohibited--the very purpose of which is to preclude the very kind of psychological therapy that Ms. Bell now wistfully wishes that she more fully considered. As a result, the British High Court has ruled that children under the age of 16 may not be given puberty blocking hormones without judicial review . A child may ardently believe many things at early ages--and psychological research has demonstrated that many youths who identify as the opposite sex do not persist in the same conviction beyond adolescence. See Factors Associated with Desistence and Persistence of Childhood Gender Dysphoria: A Quantitative Follow-Up Study . The proposed policy states: \"Whenever schools provide sex-segregated activities such as physical education classes, students should be allowed to participate in a manner consistent with their gender identity.\" In this pronouncement, does the policy differentiate between gender and identity and gender expression?  Is it only the child with a gender identity that is allowed to enter the restrooms/locker rooms with which the child identifies?  The policy recognizes that there is a difference between Gender identity and Gender expression: \"Gender expression may change over time and from day-to-day and is not necessarily related to the person’s gender identity.\"  This raises the possibility that a biological male who identifies as a male but who chooses to express as a female (e.g. a day-to-day cross dresser) and is dressed as a female may be granted access to a girls room. The policy does not consider the potentially negative impact on other students.  For example, a policy authorizing a biological male self-identifying as female the full access to a girls' bathroom and shower facilities intrudes upon the privacy and very may well cause psychological harm to many other biological females. Are the concerns of the biological female secondary to the concerns of the transgendered student? Compound this in a school that may have grades k-8 all in the same building, so that a pre-pubescent girl may find herself in the physical presence of a pubescent male who self-identifies as female.  Self-identification by a minor child should not be the criteria on which school policies make such drastic changes for a majority of students and the parents of those students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91765", "author": "Concerned parent and educator", "date": "2021-01-27T22:43:00", "title": "Protect the Children", "text": "Protect our children - ALL our children! Government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children. Use my tax money to provide and protect, not promote transgender school policies that put many many children and teachers in harms way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91766", "author": "Brenda", "date": "2021-01-27T22:47:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I have a granddaughter in elementary school who would be so disturbed, upset and confused if she were ever to see such unnatural behavior!  I am appalled that this proposal is even being considered, that parents cannot even be informed of their child’s unusual behavior!  What is to stop a boy from abusing this and possibly invade a girls space or even accost her?!  This is an opening of Pandora’s box!  Why are the rights of a transgender above that of a heterosexual?!  This is just wrong in more ways than I can think!  Praying you will reconsider these rules!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91767", "author": "A Virginia Father", "date": "2021-01-27T23:02:00", "title": "Utterly Oppose; Stop the Insanity", "text": "Girls should be playing sports only with biological girls. Girls have the right to know they are using rest rooms and locker rooms only with other biological girls. Stop radical, fringe political activists from making a mockery of our society’s time-honored gender and sex roles (based on physiological reality for 99.98% of the human and all other mammalian species), and keep sports fair for girls, and keep girls physically and psychologically safe in the facilities that always have been designated just for them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91768", "author": "I Identify as Being Smarter than Claire Jane Sawyer", "date": "2021-01-27T23:21:00", "title": "DEMONIC GENDERY TYRANNY", "text": "https://www.the11thhourblog.com/ https://www.the11thhourblog.com/post/gender-tyranny-and-the-silence-of-those-we-love I know how six million people were carted off to death camps in world war II while their neighbors remained silent. I know this because I am living through the era of Gender Tyranny where a lobby group of elite and powerful men have captured organizations, institutions, whole governments and bought the silence of the populace, along with public support for the most outrageous lies. They have done so while children are being castrated and maimed and their maiming and castration is being used as fodder for national entertainment . Each new day, I ask what it will take to break through. What do others who aren’t fighting need to see, to know, to have happen to them, to have happen to others, before they see this is corporate totalitarianism, consider where it is going and act accordingly? So many of us fighting have loved ones and friends going along with this. It is blowing our minds, tearing us up, how do we continue our relationships with people who refuse to see the harms in front of their faces? Many professionals have now been openly fired for making critical reference to the gender identity industry publicly, or for comments made, on social media. Comedians, professors, authors, cartoonists, teachers, journalists, artists, political commentators, actors, activists and others have been overtly censored , shut down for questioning what is happening. Lawsuits are looming that are being reported on in the general public, of parents losing their children - LOSING THEIR CHILDREN -for refusing to believe in gender ideology, losing campaigns against their children’s school when the schools are hiding their children’s new identity from them. Before parents are even aware of what “gender identity” is, or that their children will be clamoring for wrong sex hormones, before they have even recovered from the shock that their child is identifying as the opposite sex, they are blindsided by the capitulation of the children’s schools , indoctrinated by political lobby groups . There are now 69 “youth gender clinics” - 69!!! - which have emerged on the American landscape over the past decade where there were zero previously. One in the UK was sued by a detransitioning woman and a parent, and openly reported on , by a leading psychiatrist who ultimately left his position after facing disciplinary action for his whistle blowing. Medical professionals are developing more abusive procedures to adhere to this new gender doctrine. Young adults are getting wrong sex hormones for their bodies after a couple of visits to Planned Parenthood and on their school campuses . There are 37,000 young women campaigning for money on GoFundMe to have their healthy breasts amputated so they can “identify as men\". What will it take? Children are being overtly sexualized in public areas and at their schools under a guise of “diversity and inclusion,” a trans lobby mantra that frames this strange new discourse and the force used to implement it, without irony, as anti-bullying programs that parents can’t opt out of. I want people to ask, what kind of human rights movement acts like this? I want them to ask it out loud, in conversations, at their jobs and everywhere they go. I especially want them to have the courage to address the people claiming to love them. Is it a human right to physically dissociate? Where will we be in ten years if we don’t stop lying? The boundaries of all women and children’s safe spaces are being breached , remade to include men and boys. The sex boundary between male and female is being violated. Crime statistics are being skewed , medical information ignored , women with their healthy breasts amputated are being openly used in advertising , on runways and fashion spreads. Young adults seeking to change their sex characteristics in pursuit of a medical nightmare are used in all sorts of advertising. This is going on in the public sphere. None of this is hidden. Men claiming womanhood, to sate their sexual fetish , are being thrust into the limelight at corporations, banks , Hollywood and the government . One of them was just elected to be the nation’s health secretary . Women’s professional sports are being ruined by men claiming womanhood, stealing their titles and their scholarship opportunities and have just been supported in doing s o by our new president. Men are assaulting women in women’s prisons . The silent majority is silent still. This has been going on for eight solid years. By comparison, McCarthyism reached its peak and began its decline during the “McCarthy hearings”: 36 days of televised investigative hearings led by McCarthy in 1954. McCarthyism was segregated to America. It was not a global phenomenon. Gender Tyranny has been on a global rampage across America, Europe, Australia, Canada and is being driven into the global south under a banner of liberation. We have had eight years of bold face lies about the most intrinsic thing to being human - our sex. Everyone knows changing sex is a lie. Even if they aren’t facing it, like the alcoholic in denial, they know it. We cannot bear more, nor can we tolerate the lies any longer, even from those we love. We must demand more. Their silence is nutrition feeding gender tyranny perpetuation across the globe. These “friends,” those who “love us,” those who “care about” others, nodding their heads at overt propaganda, normalizing these harms as the bodies pile up, must be addressed, their silence no longer excused, their “love” called to task. For what is love without action? What does it mean to love, while these harms are mounting all around us with the heads of those we love nodding up and down like bobble head dolls? We must demand more from those claiming to love us, that their love be put into action.The time for educating, for patience, for averted conversations for the sake of comfort, or with regard to false family unity, must come to an end if we are to grab our humanity back from Gender Tyranny. Because this is how it happened, how tyranny reigned in Nazi Germany.It wasn’t the Nazi’s themselves that cemented their success.It was the silence and inaction of those on the side, their unwillingness to tell the truth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91769", "author": "Reason over Emotion", "date": "2021-01-27T23:26:00", "title": "Transgenderism Attacks Our Fundamental Humanity", "text": "https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/not-just-a-tattoo-transgenderism-attacks-our-fundamental-humanity/ Not Just a Tattoo: Transgenderism Attacks Our Fundamental Humanity We are a sexually dimorphic species, whether we like it or not. Credit: Andrii Zastrozhnov/Shutterstock October 9, 2020 | 12:01 am Jennifer Bilek It should seem obvious that dyeing one’s hair is nothing like getting surgery or taking sex hormones to pose as the opposite sex. Yet over the past several years of organizing against and resisting the gender identity industry, I have come upon this conflation a number of times by transgender activists. Variations on this have come in the form of “it’s just like getting a nose job, or breast enhancement surgery, or tattoos,” which isn’t true. None of these things are like attempting to alter your sex, and it isn’t just a matter of degrees in medical alterations. Intense body modifications, including breast enlargement or reduction, though they can fall into dangerous territory if they are medically unnecessary, are not in the category of attempting to change what we are at our core. We are not our noses. We are not our un-inked skin or our hair color or the size of our breasts. What we are is a sexually dimorphic species. Our sex is what keeps us whole. I often hear that adults who change their sex markers should be able to do as they please, to express themselves, even as the line is drawn at changing sex markers for, or giving hormones and drugs to, children. Adults should be able to make up their own minds, or so the argument goes, all in the name of freedom and individual choice. But why? Why should adults be granted legal documents and risky and harmful surgeries, and allowed to become life-long medical patients as a means of expressing themselves? Why should they do it when the changes wrought by these allowances come at great cost to society? This is an especially pertinent question given recent retractions by a prominent psychiatric journal , which now states, as the ranks of detransitioners grow, that surgeries to change sex markers don’t fix people’s mental health. In Western cultures, adults are being granted new birth certificates and driver’s licenses that reflect the opposite sex, or third sex , not gender, as the term “transgender” would denote. Gender refers to sex stereotypes. Opposite gender (sex-stereotype) performances can be played out without drugs, wrong sex hormones, surgeries, and a lifetime of dependence on the medical-industrial complex. These gender stereotypes can be played out without changing official documents denoting our sex. Musicians and other artists do it frequently. What society is now allowing is for governments to create a social falsehood out of sex , with technology and pharmacology embedding this lie into law and language. Those of us who want to live in a world that is at least somewhat ordered to the natural need to ask what happens when others are allowed this lie and what makes their free expression more important than what we desire. Even if their issue is intense body dysphoria, which I imagine is painful, why does the emotional pain of a few trump what it means to be human? Right now, women are losing their rights to sexual privacy. Rape crisis centers , domestic violence shelters, women’s homeless shelters, change rooms, and bathrooms are being adapted to sex-neutral spaces that allow biological males. This is a safety issue, yet it’s being completely ignored to accommodate a few men. More importantly, it’s an attempt to violate and deconstruct the boundaries that makes us a sexually dimorphic species. Women bleed. They menstruate. They have to remove clothing to urinate and change menstrual products. They breastfeed. They carry babies. They have bodily needs that men do not have, and their bodies should not be privy to men without permission. Danger is a secondary, though not inconsequential, issue. Boundaries are important for structure over chaos, for privacy, for safety, and for wholeness. Why is respect for the boundary of sex being eroded and coded into law? Women’s sports are no longer women’s sports if men claiming a different gender expression are granted access. So far, we are not reordering society for those who are blind or deaf, though there are a lot more of them than those referring to themselves as “transgendered.” Yet women’s organizations, birthing centers , and health facilities are rearranging language that deconstructs female biology into parts, purportedly so women who choose to alter their sex markers feel comfortable. Lesbians are encountering more males claiming to be women than they are women on their own dating sites. Men are being offered not just the sexually objectified women of their dreams on their sports magazine covers, but the drugged and surgically adapted male to look like the sexually objectified female of their dreams. This is all being normalized at a rapid pace. In medicine , law , language , and crime statistics , there is chaos. This is the point of the gender identity industry. Society is being sold a bill of goods by the corporate state, which is following technological advancement over a cliff. The media outlet Market Watch has stated clearly that the rise of medical procedures to change sex markers is due to the technological ability to do so . The technology creates the demand, not the other way around. This corporate bill of goods wants to make a human right out of a crime against humanity, out of a eugenicist pursuit of changing human biology, until what we are is beyond human, or inhuman. Martine Rothblatt, founding father of the transgender empire, self-identified “transgender woman,” and renowned transhumanist, in 2016 spoke at the Trans History Forward Movement conference in British Columbia. The conference was organized by the Transgender Chair at the University of Victoria (a position—first of its kind—purchased by another rich, powerful man claiming to be a woman ). Rothblatt suggested that techno-transhumanists attempt to use the same procedures as techno-transgenders to make legal changes allowing for alterations to human biology . The implication is clear: Rothblatt and some of the richest and most powerful men in the world—like Bill Gates , Ray Kurzweil, Peter Diamandis , Elon Musk and others—are willing to sacrifice our reality as a sexually dimorphic species to their technological and megalomaniacal eugenicism. As they do so, it behooves us to consider the conflation of superficial changes to our bodies with changing who and what we are. Jennifer Bilek is an investigative journalist, artist, and concerned citizen. She has been following the money behind the transgender agenda for six years. She blogs at the 11th Hour."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91770", "author": "Michele Matthewd", "date": "2021-01-27T23:35:00", "title": "We must protect our transgender youth - thank you", "text": "Thank you for taking the very important steps to protect our transgender youth!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91771", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-27T23:58:00", "title": "Support parents and Oppose this legislation", "text": "I encourage opposition to this legislation that would substitute school officials for parents in raising and protecting their children.  The nefarious nature of the legislation is disclosed by the provisions for concealing information from parents.  Parents need to be informed of the attempts of people who seek to intrude on the privacy of restroom facilities of members of the other sex.  Furthermore, parents must be advised of “any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying,” not just those that are not resolved at the school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91772", "author": "Moorad mooradian", "date": "2021-01-28T00:00:00", "title": "Opposed 100% leave these kids alone let them grow up than if they want to change so be it.", "text": "Leave these kids alone being a kid is hard enough without all of this confusing nonsense. Let them grow up and become an adult than later in life when they are fully grown if they feel they want to change themselves they can. These kids don't know what they really want it are as children that's part of growing up and it's our jobs to get them through but not by pushing these would leftist ideologies on them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91773", "author": "MELISSA DAVIS", "date": "2021-01-28T00:15:00", "title": "LGBTQ+ in Public Schools", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91774", "author": "D.M.Gilliam", "date": "2021-01-28T00:23:00", "title": "Totally OPPOSED to the transgender policy.  Harmful and utterly inappropriate in our schools..", "text": "I am totally OPPOSED to the proposed transgender policy.  This is a harmful and utterly inappropriate direction for the Virginia Board of Education.  I have had grandchildren in the Albemarle Co. schools for the last 2 years, and I believe that such a policy would promote gender confusion and anxiety in children, the last thing we ought to create in them.  The fallout from that confusion and anxiety could be enormous, very damaging to them. No doctor or nurse has any doubt about the sex of a newborn.   The DNA is fixed and the genetalia clearly denote a male or female child.  You statement that children are arbitrarily \"assigned\" a sex at birth is patently false according to medical science. This policy also encourages the schools to keep any transgender student's \"new identity\" from their parents.  This constitutes gross deception and could be considered malfeasance on the part ot the teacher or principal.  it also encourages children to lead duplicitous lives with their own parents and to learn that to hide truth (or lie) is acceptable. Creating a climate of \"safety\" and \"respect\" cannot include boys identifying as girls being allowed to use the girls' bathrooms of gym facilities.  Every sense of modesty and security in the school setting would be violated by such an arrangement.  Schools would not be serving well the clear majority of their families.  Please DO NOT allow this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91775", "author": "Momma Bear", "date": "2021-01-28T00:45:00", "title": "Protect ALL children", "text": "This new effort to force a liberal transgender ideology into all parts of our children's education is an egregious mistake that ultimately divides a community by putting greater value on one student's safety and comfort over another, elevates one political and ideological viewpoint over another ultimately infringing on an individual's religious freedoms, and ultimately puts the wellbeing of our children into the hands of the state. One must ask when they review the proposed policy, why is it that one student who's going through a difficult stage of development and questioning their sex can put an WHOLE class of fellow students in a potentially compromising and awkward situation in our bathrooms and locker-rooms?  I thought we were supposed to consider ALL student equal. One must also ask why the needs of a minority of students, who need very specific and thoughtful help through a difficult time, give license to a school to completely ignore a majority of other's deeply held religious beliefs & needs?  The policy does NOT propose a targeted approach to help a hurting student but a broad remessaging of sexual education in all areas of curriculum that are in direct conflict with MANY student's faith - Muslims, Jews, & Christians- and put students of faith in a position to fear being penalized academically if they don't compromise on their values.  Don't all students need an open place to grow their views and learn to respectfully express their beliefs?  Why is one student's gender struggles being elevated over another student's right to worship freely and feel safe at school? What happened to respecting the parent's authority to raise their children up as they see fit to go into the world?  When did the state come to know better than the parent?  That is a very dangerous precedence to establish no matter who you are.  This is America, not Russia, Romania, China, or any other country that has a total disregard for individual rights.  These children are not state property.  They are beautiful human beings that need to be loved by their parents.  By giving school administration the authority to outright deceive the parent and make any unfounded accusation that the parent is abusive is an horrific disservice to an already hurting child who needs an informed parent to help them grow up strong.  With suicide increasing in middle and high school at an alarming rate, we need parents more engaged and empowered to help their children - NOT shut out! Stop trying to be the parent and focus on teaching students how to learn and grow their minds so they can go far in life!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91776", "author": "Stop the Trans", "date": "2021-01-28T00:51:00", "title": "This is not a teachable school project. Teaching is not mind control. Teaching is math, science, etc", "text": "This is not a teachable school \"project\" by the school board to create on their own. We are talking about a miniscule population that does not need addressing in the schools. Schools are supposed to teach math, English, Science, History, etc. Sexual orientation is not their domain. Period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91777", "author": "K.Brown", "date": "2021-01-28T01:03:00", "title": "Oppose proposed transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this heavy handed policy. Teaching math, science, reading, language arts is the school's primary mission, and not promoting gender confusion or excluding parental knowledge and rights (hiding things from parents).. We have an anti bullying policy already. The school systems should not be promoting gender dsyforia.  Accept all students yes, but this is idealogy over science.  The huge majority of students embrace their biological sex by the end of puberty and that's natural as students test and learn about life. It should not be taught in every school grade. Not your mission."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91778", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-01-28T01:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose training teachers and teaching Virginia students a more aggressive curriculum about gender identity. Children should be allowed to grow and mature, not be pressured to pick a bender based on politicized jargon taught to them. Gender is assigned by nature, but chosen. Parents are the ultimate stewards of children. The school should NEVER be allowed to hide information from parents. Breaking down families will break down society. Transgender athletes should be required to complete against athletes of the same birth gender. Transgender students should be given the ability to use single-stall restrooms and private locker rooms so that children of opposite biological genders are not together. Please oppose this new curriculum for all our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91779", "author": "Richard Alan ONeill", "date": "2021-01-28T01:24:00", "title": "Object to Transgenderism", "text": "Here is the way I found the issue stated by The Family Foundation: \"The Virginia Department of Education is requiring every single K-12 public school to adopt a policy that essentially mandates promotion of gender confusion to school kids.\" Assuming this is an accurate summary, I say, \"Halt!\" People who are mentally ill need to face the fact that they are mentally ill. We should not be asserting that people have a right to be mentally ill. Still less should the state be actively encouraging students to become mentally ill. Educated men must not only keep the moral law in their personal lives; they must see to it that their society keeps the moral law. What we have here is not merely teachers who are failing to teach the moral law, but school systems that are warring against the moral law, and requiring teachers to be accomplices in a campaign to overthrow the moral law. And, people are not only warring against the moral law; people are warring against the elementary facts of biology! Halt!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91780", "author": "Mary Welsch", "date": "2021-01-28T01:43:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "So harmful to children and encourages lying to parents"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91781", "author": "Melissa Logan,  New Beginnings Baptist Church,  Precious Paws Dog & Cat Gro", "date": "2021-01-28T01:52:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender", "text": "I oppose transgender in public schools.  This is not right and we should be teaching to recieve an education.  If we stop taking history out of school and focus on passing SOLs, and helping our children out we wouldnt have a lot of problems like we do. We also need to stop worrying about who's feeling we hurt and stop focusing on personal matters that should be taught at home. If you are going to worry about hurting others feelings and choices, I want bibles back in schools, the pledge of allegiance and the list goes on and on."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91782", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T02:59:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!", "text": "It is unconstitutional to enforce this mandate! We strongly oppose this!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91783", "author": "Rebekah B.", "date": "2021-01-28T05:27:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender Ed and bathroom/locker sharing between sexes", "text": "I strongly oppose public schools promoting transgender education, bathroom sharing between sexes, and transgenders being able to play sports on opposite sex teams. It’s is damaging and unfair! Allowing boys into girls locker rooms and bathrooms without questioning them is risky and just a bad idea. It puts girls in a vulnerable position for being taken advantage of and possibly raped. It’s insanity!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91784", "author": "Mark", "date": "2021-01-28T05:31:00", "title": "Oppose transgender Ed and shared restroom/lockers", "text": "I strongly oppose public schools providing transgender education, sharing restrooms and locker between sexes, and transgenders being able to play sports on opposite sex teams. Allowing boys into girls locker rooms and bathrooms without questioning them is a very bad idea. It puts girls in a vulnerable position for being taken advantage of and possibly raped. I will never send my daughters to public schools as long as this practice is condoned!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91785", "author": "Cheryl Loden, former teacher", "date": "2021-01-28T05:48:00", "title": "Gender Identity Policies in VA public Schools", "text": "As a former teacher, I strongly OPPOSE this legislation. It is anti-God, anti-family, and anti-American!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91786", "author": "A Very Concerned Taxpayer", "date": "2021-01-28T06:05:00", "title": "Totally Oppose Transgender Education", "text": "I TOTALLY oppose teaching transgender education in our schools.  Schools should be teaching math, science, English, etc., not sex education. This transgender education would go against many families’ beliefs and oppose the training they receive at home.  I am also VERY concerned about the safety of our children when boys who identify as girls would be allowed in the girls’ bathrooms. Please DO NOT allow this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91787", "author": "Janet Stasulli", "date": "2021-01-28T06:13:00", "title": "OPPOSE - it is a based on a lie", "text": "Everyone is born either a male or a female. You can cut off body parts or reconstruct body parts, but you cannot change the DNA of a person - it is in every cell of your body. This policy runs counter to God's Word. It is a lie - you are condemning these children to a failed life based on lies. The underlying psychological problems need to be addressed in a constructive way. This policy would \"protect\" transgender children (the minority), but harm the other children (majority). You can't base policy on a very small minority of dysfunctional children. God created every single one of our children in His image - He knitted them together in their mothers' wombs and has a plan for each one. He created us male and female with very specific characteristics. Going against God's design is not a wise thing to do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91788", "author": "R Bush", "date": "2021-01-28T06:13:00", "title": "The impact on special needs children", "text": "We have two special needs children, one with an intellectual disorder.  I don't believe there has been thought about how this legislation will affect children like mine who have special needs and do not understand nuances.  It is very difficult for my children to understand concepts that are not black and white. This topic is particularly confusing for them. They do not understand the concept of a child who appears to be a boy using a girls bathroom or locker room, or vice versa.  The confusion and distress that this policy will cause certain children with special needs - even if you attempt to educate them about the intent of the legislation - needs to be considered.  I have heard people say that children who have special needs and cannot understand the concept of a child of a different biological sex sharing a private space like a bathroom or locker room, should simply have an IEP that allows them to use a separate bathroom by themselves.  But why should special needs kids be segregated to make them feel more comfortable?  Segregation is in fact discrimination for special needs kids.  This presents a dilemma that needs to be addressed. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91789", "author": "Nate Perkins", "date": "2021-01-28T06:26:00", "title": "Oppose Gender equality in public schools", "text": "Please understand: 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 public school facilities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91790", "author": "Ken Parrish", "date": "2021-01-28T06:29:00", "title": "Strongly opposed - teach the basics - stop the indoctrination", "text": "Our kids should be taught basic reading, writing and arithmetic. Taught skills not someone else’s philosophy,"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91791", "author": "Very Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-01-28T06:41:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly OPPOSE this legislation. It is anti-God, anti-family, and anti-American! Virginia legislators it’s time that you start listening to your constituents, the people you are supposed to be serving, not political agendas or organizations!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91792", "author": "Valerie Lowry", "date": "2021-01-28T06:58:00", "title": "Transgender K-12", "text": "No, no no! This is not education- it is indoctrination. Teach real HISTORY and MATH and ENGLISH."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91793", "author": "Matthews", "date": "2021-01-28T06:59:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "that government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91794", "author": "Matt, EVMS Medical Student", "date": "2021-01-28T07:03:00", "title": "Strong support for this policy!", "text": "For children, the Virginia public school system provides an education as well as a support system. In their adolescent years, children are still in the process of learning who they are, and it is of the utmost importance that they feel safe to express themselves without judgement or criticism from educators, counselors, or peers. This policy will change absolutely nothing for the majority of students, but it has the capacity to change the world for those that identify as transgender. Research has clearly demonstrated that providing children with such an environment decreases prevalence of depression and anxiety in children. In fact, the guidelines of this report are directly in line with recommendations made by the American Academy of Pediatrics. I commend the Department of Education on taking this step towards ensuring that Virginia public schools are welcoming, safe, and supportive for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91795", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T07:08:00", "title": "Strongly Appose", "text": "As a parent and taxpayer, I am writing to inform you that I strongly appose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91796", "author": "Jennifer", "date": "2021-01-28T07:28:00", "title": "Oppose K-12 transgender changes", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed FCPS K-12 transgender changes. These are family decisions not governments. There are policies in place for anti bullying but the teaching/promoting and keeping parents out of decisions that may alter a child’s life forever is abhorrent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91797", "author": "Fredericksburg Virginia Patriots (nonpartisan organization)", "date": "2021-01-28T07:34:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I oppose government officials having a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools, and jeopardize the privacy and safety of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91798", "author": "Marie Hoerst", "date": "2021-01-28T07:35:00", "title": "OPPOSE The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I am very strongly OPPOSED to The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document, 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. This policy is very harmful to the parent-child relationship. It undermines fundamental, basic trust of the child-parent relationship, by encouraging the child keep secrets from parents. It causes harm to young children that deserve basic respect and opportunity to change, dress and attend to bathroom requirements without the opposite sex present (boys watching girls, girls in presence of boys). This policy is such overreach, on the part of the public school education system, it's hard to state the full extent of harmful, negative ramifications of this policy.  I cannot stress enough the extent of my opposition to this policy guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91799", "author": "Doug Clark", "date": "2021-01-28T07:41:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools, and jeapardize the privacy and safety of our children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91800", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T07:41:00", "title": "Totally oppose", "text": "God's word is truth!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91801", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T07:43:00", "title": "Strongly SUPPORT equity for trans youth", "text": "I have 2 cisgender children enrolled in Virginia public schools and I strongly support protecting trans youth. Virginia must provide them with equitable and just treatment, including let them play sports and use the bathroom that coincides with their authentic gender identity. There are already so many forms of discrimination trans youth face. Creating policies that target their humanity and make them feel less than do not need to come from the schools. We need to protect and uplift them to show all children the value in diversity in all its forms. Sincerely, Lena S."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91802", "author": "Kelly F.", "date": "2021-01-28T07:46:00", "title": "Transgender and bathrooms", "text": "Why are we making an issue of bathrooms for a super minority of kids? Why do my grandchildren have to be bombarded with this confusion. The fact is biologically girls are girls and boys are boys. I am thoroughly distraught. My grandchildren are in 3rd and 6th grade and they do not understand any of this as well they shouldn’t. Shame on whomever has brought this to the floor."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91803", "author": "Roxana", "date": "2021-01-28T07:55:00", "title": "Strongly opposed.", "text": "I believed government and schools  should implement a choice for transgender kids to build a bathroom for them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91804", "author": "Stephanie Richmond", "date": "2021-01-28T07:55:00", "title": "Strongly Support trans students", "text": "I strongly support requirements that schools support trans students and protect them from bullying from peers and adults in the school system. This policy is a good start."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91805", "author": "Concerned Mother", "date": "2021-01-28T07:56:00", "title": "Strongly oppose teaching that contradicts biology", "text": "I strongly oppose public schools promoting transgender education.  Biology and science matters and it contradicts the notion that boys can be girls and vice versa. I also oppose public schools promoting, celebrating, and allowing the sharing of bathrooms, locker rooms, beds on field trips between sexes, and gender confused children being able to play sports on opposite sex teams. It’s damaging and HARMFUL to all children.  We need to compassionately care for gender confused children without harming other children.  Allowing boys into girls locker rooms, bathrooms, and hotel rooms without questioning them is risky and will hurt girls. It puts all girls in a vulnerable position for being taken advantage of and possibly raped. CommentID: 91783"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91806", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T07:57:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support allowing transgender students to use the restaurant in line with their gender. also support henderles bathrooms with stalls so that it won’t matter and to remove stigma"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91807", "author": "Purvi G Irwin", "date": "2021-01-28T07:59:00", "title": "Strongly support!!", "text": "Equality in our schools is key to providing a safe learning environment. Everyone is different and unique and it is those differences that together make us such a great community. We need to support all students and make all feel welcome, which this policy will do. I implore you to support it. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91808", "author": "Christine", "date": "2021-01-28T08:05:00", "title": "Very strongly opposed", "text": "This is absolutely wrong on so many levels!  Opposed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91809", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T08:08:00", "title": "School Policies", "text": "Govt. officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools. There has to be a balance and make sure that body privacy and safety are done for all kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91810", "author": "Liz H", "date": "2021-01-28T08:09:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. Gender Dysphoria should be treated as such.  It is irresponsible as well as reprehensible to accommodate, promote, celebrate or force such confusion on taxpayers and most certainly not on our children. This is not a matter of equality.  It is a matter of simple biology and healthy psychology.  This does not mean to ignore those who suffer or encourage maltreatment of those affected.  It means address the dysfunction as such and give help. These proposed policies do not help; they hinder and deceive... all at the expense of the children.   Our society can not survive if we are duped into promoting deception of nature.  Lord, have mercy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91811", "author": "Terrence K.", "date": "2021-01-28T08:15:00", "title": "Support Model Policies. Protect Children From Being Harassed/Discriminated Against By Adults", "text": "Re: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools, GDoc_DOE_4683_20201208.pdf A number of comments here seem deeply misinformed. They insist that schools should stick to teaching \"math and science\" and avoid teaching \"[someone else's] philosophy\" - the thing is, there's nothing in the policy about having any kind of class, for students, about transgender students. The only classes mentioned are for school staff. With that aside - I think all of these comments demonstrate why there is such a strong need for these model policies. So many commenters are opposing guidance intended to protect actual children from bullying and harassment, including harassment by adults they should be able to trust! And in many cases they are doing it based not on having actually read the policies, but purely out of an instant disgust. I don't need to provide the stats of the effect this attitude has on transgender children - they're already in the policy document. I would just like to re-emphasize how much of a difference it makes to a trans student to have a supportive environment at school, when they may very well not have one at home or elsewhere. Even if they do have a supportive environment elsewhere - it can only be for the better to try to prevent harassment at schools and let children focus on learning!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92737", "author": "Annette Sprinkel", "date": "2021-02-01T14:24:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "This new transgender policy is evil. It also does not give non transgender students the right to private bathroom facilities without worrying about someone bullying them or embarrassing them. Taking away rights from parents talking to their child about the gender that they were born with is absurd!  I will worry constantly that my 3 granddaughters will not be safe when they need to go to the restroom at school. Please let common sense and decency prevail."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92738", "author": "Frank Sprinkel", "date": "2021-02-01T14:30:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "The proposed transgender policy is an assault on the freedom of non-transgender students.  By allowing transgender students the ability to use either male or female bathrooms, depending on their choice, takes away the freedom of privacy that students have had for generations of school participation.  Please do not support the proposed policy which infringes on the rights of students who want to continue the tradition of having bathroom privacy from the opposite sex.  The simple solution is to build a transgender bathroom instead of extending transgender students bathroom privileges to male and female facilities"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92739", "author": "Mom of 2", "date": "2021-02-01T14:30:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Firmly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92740", "author": "Darrell Dahmer", "date": "2021-02-01T14:33:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this in school systems what so ever", "text": "I strongly oppose this in the school system what so ever."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92741", "author": "Cheryl Demos", "date": "2021-02-01T14:34:00", "title": "I strongly oppose the transgender model policies", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the transgender model policies Virginia public school system. There is absolutely no concern for any of the students which by the way are the majority who are not transgender. There is nothing in these policies regarding their concerns or well-being. Since when in this country do a few determine how the majority live? This is strictly political and has no common sense behind it at all. You represent all the children not just a few who are transgender. And the concept that you know best for the children and not their parents is absolute insanity. You have absolutely no right to be on a school board when you seek to control other peoples children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92742", "author": "Concerned teachers", "date": "2021-02-01T14:35:00", "title": "Concerned teacher", "text": "As a mom and teacher, I am appalled by these changes. Children should be guided into truth not being allowed to make up these thoughts for themselves and change daily"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92743", "author": "Mama of 1", "date": "2021-02-01T14:36:00", "title": "Pure Child Abuse", "text": "In regard to \"Julian Wants to Be a Mermaid\" and Abby's experience: It is pure child abuse by promoting propaganda in a classroom that is contrary to science. To indoctrinate the most innocent among us in sexual ambiguous philosophy and confuse them against the natural way is concerning at the very least. Teaching children about their sexuality is a parents' responsibility, not the public school systems'. Absolute abuse of power."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92744", "author": "Pam Knight", "date": "2021-02-01T14:38:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender Restrooms", "text": "I am opposed to shared restrooms.  I do not wish for the school system to impose a belief they deem as socially acceptable on my child/grandchildren.  My child is a minor in the eyes of the law.  I should be able to have a voice in my child's well being in the school system as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92745", "author": "Highly educated concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-01T14:40:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "These new propositions are highly discouraged to be implemented policy. Not only are these confusing for children and students, but it puts our children at risk. There is no way that this is safe for our students and those who are already subject to sexual abuse at home are now at risk for the same type of abuse at school. The doors this policy opens are not doors of inclusivity, but doors of terror. The 1% of people in the world who identity at transgender or fluid gender do not reserve the right to subject the other 99%+ to their behavior."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92746", "author": "Concerned Bedford resident", "date": "2021-02-01T14:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Completely inappropriate. Perpetuating more confusion in the minds of those who are unable/too immature to make sound decisions on their own behalf."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92747", "author": "Terrified individual", "date": "2021-02-01T14:44:00", "title": "This is child abuse", "text": "Prepare for lawsuits subjecting children to abuse. The doors this will open cannot be closed. Be prepared"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92748", "author": "CL", "date": "2021-02-01T14:45:00", "title": "Overstepping", "text": "\"...in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.\" So girls will be pushed to losing scholarships and accolades in their sports (the new progressive misogyny) and forced to see male anatomy (and showing theirs to biological males) in bathrooms and locker rooms, and students & staff will be subjected to disciplinary action if accidentally saying a pronoun that is \"offensive\" either if by mistake or out of their comfort zone because it goes against all their human senses. I think everyone has the same rights. Even non-trans. The percentage does not warrant legislation and is highly intrusive. Kids are more aware and kind now. This is overstepping and NOT okay."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92749", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-01T14:46:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Prepare for parents to remove their kids and lay off all of your educators!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92750", "author": "MA Winegard", "date": "2021-02-01T14:46:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "I am extremely disappointed that these policies have even been written let alone considered. I am not opposed to people who have decided to change who they are, I do however have a problem pushing this in the school system. What has our world come to? I don't even feel safe with my friends kids going to school if this passes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92751", "author": "ML", "date": "2021-02-01T14:47:00", "title": "Strongly oppose VDOE proposed transgender policies", "text": "This proposal removes parents' rights to guide their children and encourages children to keep secrets from their parents. Children with gender confusion need loving and caring support, not interventions designed by distant bureaucrats who do not know the child. Please reject this proposal!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92752", "author": "Sara", "date": "2021-02-01T14:47:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed to Proposed Transgender Guidelines", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the new transgender legislation.  I support teaching children to be respectful of everyone.  My opposition is not to intended to be disrespectful of others who have chosen a different path in life.   However, the rights and opinions of parents and all children need to be considered and protected here.  Any education my child receives regarding alternative lifestyles needs to come from me as the parent, not educators.  My religious beliefs include compassion, respect and understanding, but I do not support this proposed legislation.  My children deserve privacy, as well.  They should not have to share a bathroom or shower facilities with someone of the opposite sex.  They also should not feel they need to isolate themselves in a private facility in order to avoid that situation.  Transgenders individuals should not be allowed to compete in sports with their peers.  A biological male who is transgender should not be allowed to compete with other females.  Understanding basic biology tells us that this would create an unfair disadvantage for the female students.  I do understand there are anomaly's in nature and I am a proponent of teaching everyone to be respectful of others, but the basic norm is that people are born to be either male or female.  If you menstruate you are a female.  If you have a penis you are male.  If you commit a crime and leave DNA behind, that DNA will show that you are either male or female.   I feel that many mental health issues in young people are due to confusion because of things they hear on social media, TV, music or well intentioned people who propose legislation such as this.  There is no data that even supports the anti-bullying campaign that has been present for years.  I am curious to see real data that supports this type of legislation.  Is there data that support the mental health issues transgender people have due to issues within the education system or perhaps their own struggles.  Where is the data?  These types of studies take years.  Are you prepared for the lawsuits that come when you violate other students rights or do their rights not matter anymore?  I believe I read that CPS could be called on parents who do not support their child's choice.  What about the parent's beliefs and opinions?  Do they no longer have the right to parent their child or is that up to the state now?  CPS cannot even respond to the unbelievable number of problems many children experience everyday with neglect or abuse.  I clearly do not support any parent abusing any child for any reason, but it sounds like CPS could be called if they do not support their choice.  You are opening a can of worms here.  This type of legislation does not represent the rights of all children and violates the rights of many.  You need more studies/more data before you can conclude the effects of this type of education on all students, not just LGBTQ+.  Does providing education of the history, culture, etc... cause unnecessary confusion for other students.  It is difficult enough for children to navigate through life without adding to their confusion.  Ask yourself how this may impact the mental health of all students before approving any type of legislation as this.  Where is the data!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92753", "author": "Oppose", "date": "2021-02-01T14:47:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Sexual abuse. No no no"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92754", "author": "Concerned", "date": "2021-02-01T14:48:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Say no and protect our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92755", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T14:48:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I do not support this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92756", "author": "Worried", "date": "2021-02-01T14:49:00", "title": "Strong opposition", "text": "Where will it end? More teen pregnancies! More abuse. Exposing kids to sexuality at a young age. WRONG."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92757", "author": "Dawn Frederick", "date": "2021-02-01T14:50:00", "title": "VERY STRONGLY OPPOSED TO THE TRANSGENDER POLICY", "text": "This cannot be forced upon our children. Transgenderism is NOT normal and we should not be forced to accept it. God created male and female... those are the facts!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92758", "author": "Kimberly Pickard", "date": "2021-02-01T14:50:00", "title": "Concerns regarding proposed transgender policies in education", "text": "The proposed policies regarding transgender protection and  rights do not seem to also equally consider the rights of others in regards to free speech, protection of conscience and religious rights and the authority of parents . Parents should be the authority, not the state, when it comes to the raising of children . A parent should know if their child is requesting to be treated as a different gender . Also a student or a  teacher  that does not agree with pronoun changes should not be forced to use them or be discriminated against for refusing to use them.  While teasing or malicious bullying should never  be excused or supported , the right to have ones own opinion should be allowed. Teaching others that folks often don’t agree but have a right to be heard without prejudicial discrimination should go both ways."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92759", "author": "Robin", "date": "2021-02-01T14:55:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policy", "text": "By implementing this policy, children would be exposed to circumstances that many parents do not want their children exposed to at a young age. Yes we need to teach children the difference between our bodies, but by not separating male and female you are potentially opening a door for sexual assault or rape. We are created differently, our bodies clearly identify as male or female. We need to adhere to the separation in order to protect our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92760", "author": "Kathleen B", "date": "2021-02-01T14:56:00", "title": "Strongly Support-Model Policies for Transgender Students in Schools", "text": "I support these model policies. As the parent of an transgender young adult, and an ally and advocate to the LGBTQ community in general, equality is top of mind for me. Virginia has long lagged many other states in being equal for all of its residents. It’s time to correct this, especially for our trans youth who are especially vulnerable. After making the mistake of reading some of the opposing comments, it seems that many of  those opponents haven’t even read the document. Seems sad that adults aren’t willing to stand up for kids. Thanks for your time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92761", "author": "TAMMY PICKUREL", "date": "2021-02-01T14:57:00", "title": "NO, Opposed", "text": "If you were born a boy, you go to the boys room.  If you were born a girl you go to the girls room.  Showering the same, born girls to girls and born boys to boys.  Records and treatment should be with respect.  Bulling of course should not be tolerated period. they say this is to keep the kids who are confused from being unconfortable, what about the kids who are not confused and prefer to go to the bath room with real girls not confused boys. Only way to really solve the preceived problem is to do single people bath rooms, closed individual stalls with real door's.  You want to pay for that, renivations of all bath rooms in Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92762", "author": "Eleanor Greenway", "date": "2021-02-01T14:58:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As a teacher and parent I am strongly opposed to this legislation. Students that are minors do not have the ability to consent or make informed decisions about these issues. This is the same reason teens who wish to enter the military early must have parents sign consent forms. The rights of minors must always go hand in hand with the rights of parents. I also believe that until a student undergoes sex reassignment surgery, they do not belong in a bathroom for which they aren't gendered. The other students and staff have rights too. My research into similar laws in CA has determined for me these laws would be terrible for VA. I highly recommend anyone interested in this issue to read... Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92763", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T14:59:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose-", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill. Young children, in particular, do not need to be exposed to this material. It is certainly inappropriate for children. Overall, this is not something that the state should be attempting to integrate into the public school curriculum."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92764", "author": "Lori", "date": "2021-02-01T14:59:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "I am a teacher and have children who attend public school in Virginia. I am fervently opposed to the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools policies. The public school’s role is not to teach a belief system and especially not to attempt to eradicate the belief system that children have been taught by their parents. These policies mention, “maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students“. By  this, am I to believe that children who do not buy in to this belief system that your gender is arbitrarily assigned to you at birth and you can choose whether you want to be a boy or a girl, the children who disagree with this, will not be harassed or discriminated against? Or will they no longer have their rights? Certainly not a right to freedom of speech or freedom of thought? And what about parental rights? These policies will demand secrecy from the parents about gender confusion if the student wishes. These policies are political, they are evil, and they are an attempt to indoctrinate our children. I am 100 percent for teaching children to respect and treat with kindness all people regardless of our differences. We should continue to teach anti bullying. I expect the schools to hold their students accountable and to have a zero tolerance for bullying. If these gender identity policies are passed through, who is going to protect the children and families who disagree with them from being bullied?  Also, how many wonderful teachers will you lose because of these policies? I will not stay. No, I cannot teach my beliefs, but I will not teach ideologies that completely contradict my faith either. Please oppose these polices. Protect our children and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92765", "author": "James Hullett", "date": "2021-02-01T15:00:00", "title": "strongly disapprove", "text": "Strongly disapprove of the wording of this bill. You are confusing children even more.  As educators you should  be helping them. This is absolutely crazy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92766", "author": "Dinora Argueta", "date": "2021-02-01T15:04:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Strongly opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92767", "author": "Mother of 4", "date": "2021-02-01T15:04:00", "title": "Some of it is fine, some is not", "text": "I do agree in some aspects of this Bill. Partially with the proper use of pronouns to child’s liking, even using same rest rooms. Locker rooms where children are required to change in front of each other is not okay. Honestly requiring them to change at all the Even in front of the same sex is not okay. A great compromise to these situations would be individual changing rooms and gender neutral single person unisex rest rooms. I do not approve of my children being counseled on being transgender without my knowledge nor consent. This is overstepping your boundaries in a personal matter that is for family’s to navigate. I will definitely pull my children from public school should this Bill pass and occur. There are better ways."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92768", "author": "Denny Blevins", "date": "2021-02-01T15:04:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "No male needs to be in a female bathroom or locker room, we need to teach kids right from wrong. Allowing them to be a sexual pervert is not a good thing. Male parts=male. Female parts=female. There are not any gray areas in this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92769", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T15:05:00", "title": "Gender identity", "text": "nature don’t not support this what so ever. It’s only two genders male and a female end of story!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92770", "author": "Mother of 3", "date": "2021-02-01T15:09:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed Transgender policy.  This population accounts for less than 1% of the entire country!  Please do not impose these policies for the benefit of this tiny group.  Are you aware that people who experience gender dysphoria have a 43% suicide rate and those who transition have a 42% suicide rate?  They need deep dive therapy or their issues follow them through their transition.  Choosing pronouns is a bandaid.  Keeping this information from their parents is criminal.  Parents are the caretakers of their children until they are legal adults.  How dare you usurp that in a school setting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92771", "author": "Larry Field", "date": "2021-02-01T15:10:00", "title": "On this Guidance Document (Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s", "text": "Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92772", "author": "Daniel Estes", "date": "2021-02-01T15:11:00", "title": "I very strongly oppose", "text": "I believe that GOD Almighty made males and females. We will STAND ACCOUNTABLE one day. I stand on what GOD says about this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92773", "author": "Diane A", "date": "2021-02-01T15:14:00", "title": "I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in VA's PS", "text": "I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. Gender Dysphoria should be treated as such.  It is irresponsible as well as reprehensible to accommodate, promote, celebrate or force such confusion on taxpayers and most certainly not on our children. This is not a matter of equality.  It is a matter of simple biology and healthy psychology. This does not mean to ignore those who suffer or encourage maltreatment of those affected.  It means address the dysfunction as such and give help. These proposed policies do not help; they hinder and deceive... all at the expense of the children.   Our society can not survive if we are duped into promoting deception of nature."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92774", "author": "Sara Geyer, parent", "date": "2021-02-01T15:22:00", "title": "Opposed to proposed trans-related policies", "text": "I am a parent with children attending Fairfax County public schools. I am also a Registered Nurse with 12 years of pediatric experience, including in the specialty of pediatric endocrinology, where cases of gender confusion are addressed from a medical perspective. I oppose the proposed policies related to gender identity for the following reasons: 1. In these proposed policies, the gender exploration process is to be hidden from parents. “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Parents are full partners with the school system, to whom they are entrusting their child for a time and purpose, that being for academic education, and should not be legislated out as primary caretaker and decision maker in a minor child’s life. The natural exploration and examination that naturally comes during adolescence (Erikson’s stages of development label the teen years as “identity vs. role confusion”) should be done in concert with the family and not hidden. The state is not better informed, equipped, or designed to be a loving parental figure. In general school systems do not have better knowledge of a child’s history, interests, or contexts whereby they are able to guide a child through the maturing process as they develop into autonomous decision makers. 2. The capacity for a minor to choose for themself a different sex than biologically assigned at birth and then dress, use bathroom and changing room facilities, and participate in sports as a different gender generates confusion and tension where there need not be. I believe that the emotionally vulnerable and labile time of adolescence is not where life-altering decisions about choosing one's gender should be made. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression. Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) Instead, I want parents to be always fully involved in decisions relating to their child. While it may appear easier to allow operate under the mindset that \"whatever the student says, goes\", in the long run for the child, family, and community's best health there needs to be open communication and dialogue. And ultimately, decision making on such an important topic resides with the parents. Sincerely, Sara Geyer"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92775", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T15:23:00", "title": "Transgender STRONGLY  OPPOSE!!", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS TRANSGENDER"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92776", "author": "sa jaeger", "date": "2021-02-01T15:24:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "This is desperately needed policy for the health and safety of transgender students.  It is thorough, flexible and respectful of both the student's rights and the needs of parents. If schools do not have policy guidance in place for transgender students, they are complicit in furthering the stereotyping, bullying and tragic outcomes of unsupported students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92777", "author": "Allen", "date": "2021-02-01T15:24:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY DO NOT AGREE With this CRAP..", "text": "I am tired of the left wing liberal mental illnesses being shoved down the throats of everybody else. There are 2 genders male and female thats it. GOD DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES.."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92778", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T15:26:00", "title": "(Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92779", "author": "Rev. Kenny Callaghan, Pastor Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond", "date": "2021-02-01T15:27:00", "title": "Support of Transgender Youth", "text": "As a pastor, parent, uncle, former teacher and school administrator I'm honored to support this guidance. I am fortunate to have friends who are transgender and many friends who are parents of transgender children. It is heartbreaking to hearing stories of the ways transgender youth are treated and the confusion parents face in knowing how to support their transgender child. I also hear stories of the difficulties transgender youth encounter with unsupportive parents combined by the trauma of being bullied at school. If it weren't for their safe places for transgender youth to share their stories with unconditional love and the support of friends, many would turn to alternative ways of coping which often lead to the unthinkable. We can't change their home life, but we can make sure they are safe and welcomed at their school. I want every child to celebrate being made in God's image to have the same chance at a happy and successful life, and that starts with their education!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92780", "author": "Kathryn", "date": "2021-02-01T15:28:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I am opposed to the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. The document provides no support for students, faculty, or staff whose religious or personal beliefs are inconsistent with transgender ideas. The document discusses how transgender children may be uncomfortable when questioned about the use of restrooms and locker rooms, but makes no mention of how girls may be uncomfortable sharing a restroom or locker room with a biological male who identifies as a girl. The document should not support one group of students while discriminating against the beliefs of others. Every human deserves dignity. The Department of Education should respect the inherent dignity of each and every student, faculty, and staff member while focusing on actual education instead of advancing a particular set of politically charged ideas. If the Department of Education approves the Model Policies for the 2021-2022 school year, the Department will be engaging in religious discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92781", "author": "Kristin Gorak", "date": "2021-02-01T15:29:00", "title": "Strongly oppose the transgender policies", "text": "I strongly support letting children be children and keeping public schools out of sex education and sexual manipulation of children!  I oppose the model policies for the treatment of transgender individuals.  All individuals should be treated with respect but no one should be forced to have someone’s sexual preferences pushed on to others.  There are only two kinds of DNA and you can’t ever change that in a person!  How about you stick to the science and not meddle in alternative psycho-babble nonsense!  These are peoples lives you are messing around with!  This is abuse to screw with the mind of children!  If someone wants to be another pronoun then they can do that when they are an adult. Keep your dirty, stinking hands off of these kids who are having serious emotional problems!  Teach kids math, reading and science (oh wait, you don’t want kids in school because you are all so lazy and using covid as an excuse) and leave your sexual re-engineering out of the schools! Get kids back in school and stop thinking you are all the enlightened ones!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92782", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T15:30:00", "title": "Transgender policies are trash", "text": "The state and public schools has absolutely NO business being involved in any child’s sexuality and any part of figuring out what their sexuality is. It is not the schools job to teach them, or explore sexuality with our children, nor do they have the right to push a minority narrative that is HIGHLY controversial on any child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92783", "author": "Becky Page", "date": "2021-02-01T15:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. Gender Dysphoria should be treated not encouraged. Schools should not promote, celebrate, or force such confusion on our children. Children are learning and growing. Affirming that which is not true is tantamount to child abuse. This is not a matter of equality.  It is a matter of simple biology and healthy psychology. Science is based in facts not a passing feeling. We should offer support to the children and families who are suffering. Schools would work with families to address gender dysphoria not contribute to it. These proposed policies do not help. Schools and families should work to together for the well-being of children. Schools should not violate parents rights and harm children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92784", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T15:32:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students. When a baby is born, the doctor tells the mother if it's a boy or a girl. That's it! Nothing else. Whether or not a person is confused about their gender, they should not be allowed in the locker room with the opposite genders. This is not okay! This will make other students very uncomfortable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92785", "author": "Lindy", "date": "2021-02-01T15:34:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "Trans people deserve love and safety and validation of their identity. Trans people are made in the image of God. Don't let your fear of an experience you don't understand stop you from loving people that God loves"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92786", "author": "Forest Park Church", "date": "2021-02-01T15:35:00", "title": "Christ came for all, no exclusions.", "text": "As the body of Christ we are instructed to seek justice. (Isaiah 1:17) There is no limit on who we are to seek justice for. It is our mandate to do  justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8) God is not constricted to gender identity and we are all created in the image of God. (Psalms 139: 13-16) Nothing is more sacred than human life and God created us to live peacefully under God’s protection. (Hebrews 12:14) Jesus did not come for the select few, but for all creation that we all may be joined to God in spirit and being. Because Jesus calls us to offer hospitality to all who are created in the image of God (Matthew 5: 46-57), Because Jesus Proclaimed that He was sent to proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free (Luke 4: 18), Because Jesus taught that others will know we are His disciples by the love we have for one another (John 13: 35), Because the Apostle Paul taught that there is no longer male nor female in the realm of God, but all are one in Christ (Galatians 3: 28), Because people of all gender identity were welcome in the Christian family (Acts 8: 26- 40). We support the guidance because Jesus came to welcome all those that are treated as outcast or less than others. Because under God,and the gift of Jesus, all are meant to be treated equally.  We at Forest Park recognize many have been turned away from Christ because of the church. It is our mission to uphold our Christian values and stand up for the right of our transgender brothers and sisters, because that’s what being the church means, and that is exactly what Christ does."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92787", "author": "Delane Karalow", "date": "2021-02-01T15:39:00", "title": "OPPOSED to HB 145 and SB161", "text": "I am stridently opposed to HB 145 and SB161. These bills deal with matters that should be left entirely up to parents. Furthermore, it will put pressure on private schools that will unfairly place them at a disadvantage. These bills are clearly unconstitutional."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92788", "author": "Kristin", "date": "2021-02-01T15:40:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose new gender guidelines and policies. Parents should be supported and not undermined. Parental rights matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92789", "author": "Jeanie Dunham", "date": "2021-02-01T15:40:00", "title": "I am strongly opposed to new transgender and bathroom policies. Girls should not be afraid to use a", "text": "I am strongly apposed  to the new transgender  and bathroom laws being considered. To subject  girls to be fearful  to use a bathroom  that she could be attacked or spied on is criminal. You cannot take away a parents right to talk to their child about their sexuality or anything  else. This is a God given right of any parent to guide and educate their child in there  own beliefs. What you are suggesting is morally wrong and not in the best interest of our children or their parents. Grandmother of 3 girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92790", "author": "AJ Bryant", "date": "2021-02-01T15:43:00", "title": "Transgender policies/ gay and lesbian normalism being taught in schools", "text": "I strongly oppose these issues being taught as normal in our schools. Our children's minds are vulnerable and this type of stuff is detrimental for them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92791", "author": "Will Hazel", "date": "2021-02-01T15:43:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Protections against bullying, harassment, etc. are already in place for all students. What the model guidelines do is take parents out of any role of raising a child. Moreover, allowing children to use whatever bathrooms based on so called “identity” and the repercussions of not using “preferred “ pronouns are, in a word, ridiculous. At what point does this left wing, PC, woke madness stop?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92792", "author": "Rev. Dennis Boatwright", "date": "2021-02-01T15:44:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Romans 1:18-32 (NASB) \"Unbelief and Its Consequences\" 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and crawling creatures. 24 Therefore God gave them up to vile impurity in the lusts of their hearts, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged natural relations for that which is contrary to nature, 27 and likewise the men, too, abandoned natural relations with women and burned in their desire toward one another, males with males committing shameful acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper, 29 people having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice; they are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unfeeling, and unmerciful; 32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92793", "author": "Bonnie Hayes", "date": "2021-02-01T15:49:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Students should not be allowed to choose their bathroom. Teachers should not have to call children by the pronouns of the children’s choosing. School officials should have to report to parents if a child is help because the child is questioning which gender they are. Parents should not be punished in any way if they choose to encourage their child that the child is their biological sex and should identify as such."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92794", "author": "Kevin Rogers", "date": "2021-02-01T15:53:00", "title": "I oppose out of love for Virginia schoolchildren", "text": "These policies from the Virginia Department of Education are ostensibly intended to protect transgender students (and I don’t doubt that many in favor of these policies support them because they believe they’ll protect a minority group from harm), but Virginia already has an anti-bullying law that prevents any student from being harmed or harassed at school. No, the “discrimination” that these policies aim to undo is simply the conviction of the reality that biological sex does indeed determine gender and that the world is divided into boys and girls, as every young child can see. Thus, these policies aren’t just about the very small minority of students identifying as transgender, they require the indoctrination of all Virginia schoolchildren down to kindergarteners with this historically novel and radical alternative. I oppose this new orthodoxy wholeheartedly because it will cause (and in fact is already causing) confusion, grief, and harm to our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92795", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T15:57:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "In the name of my kids, I fully support the proposed regulations for gender expansive students.  My transgender kid and is currently attending of the Virginia educational system. My son, socially transitioned this school year,  in elementary school. Support can only come from regulations that include educating faculty, staff, and students about gender identity and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92796", "author": "Rebecca Felts, LCSW and concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-01T15:59:00", "title": "Emphatically OPPOSE", "text": "I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the Virginia school system for several years and worked with children and youth who as individuals,  and their families, will suffer tragically should this policy pass. This policy would allow for a host of physical, mental, and emotional abuses for children of any and all sexual orientations. Furthermore, as a parent, this policy opens the door to directly violate my parental rights to lovingly guide my children through their sexual development by allowing schools to usurp that role."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92797", "author": "Dr. Ronald M. Etters", "date": "2021-02-01T16:02:00", "title": "REJECT THE PROPOSED HARMFUL TRANSGENGER POLICYThese standards inject the government into a sensitive", "text": "These policies harmfully insert the government into a sensitive area properly reserved for parents. The parents know their children best. Don't sundermine the paren7u tal role any further."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92798", "author": "Fred", "date": "2021-02-01T16:03:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this", "text": "I strongly oppose this!  As a father I don't want a boy to be able to use the same bathroom or locker room as my daughter.  The parents should have the final say in this, not the school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92799", "author": "Chris", "date": "2021-02-01T16:05:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Not a core subject Are you going to start teaching religion too?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92800", "author": "Christian Action Network et al. (as I.D.'d in the comment)", "date": "2021-02-01T16:12:00", "title": "Violates Va Statutes and Va and US Constitutions -Part 3", "text": "Supplementing our comments submitted in parts 1 and 2 posted January 28, 2021, the VDOE model policies unconstitutionally and unlawfully create a religious test for public employment prohibited by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 16 of the Virginia Constitution. Torcaso v. Watkins , 367 U.S. 488 (1961).  As we noted previously, Genesis 1:27 states the biblical – and biological – truth that God created man and woman. The Guidance model policies demand that school employees pretend there is an undefined number of sexes or genders:  man, woman, nonbinary, LGBT+, and whatever else some disturbed person might dream up. We recognize that there are individuals who believe themselves to be psychologically different from their biological sex. We agree that these disturbed individuals should not be discriminated against, harassed, or bullied because of their disability. The drafters of these policies may disagree whether transgenderism is a disability as opposed to a normal condition, but it is not necessary to force that determination (either way) to prohibit discrimination, harassment and bullying. Merely to prohibit and prevent discrimination, harassment and bullying, VDOE lacks the legal and moral authority to establish whether the transgender condition is normal or a disability and violates §22.1-23.3 by attempting to do so. To prevent discrimination, harassment and bullying, VDOE may not lawfully establish what is effectively a religious test for employees. Many employees will have religious objections to using unnatural, made up pronouns on demand. To prevent discrimination, harassment and bullying, It is not necessary for school divisions to demand that school employees disavow the religious teaching of every major religion on earth as well as the scientific biological reality that human beings are conceived as either male or female in the DNA. Humane and sympathetic treatment of these individuals will prevent discrimination, harassment or bullying by school employees. Using normal, typical English pronouns does not constitute harassment. We have been unable to locate any reported court case in the United States that says otherwise. For school employees with a Christian background, it is a core Christian teaching that they should love all persons, including those with a disability (or is nontypical in their sexuality) as part of loving one's neighbor as oneself as commanded by God, Lev. 19:18. To force the use of unnatural, awkward English pronouns on pain of discipline action constitutes a religious test for employment in violation of United States and Virginia Constitution. These proposed model policies are not about equality, they are about conformity. Toe the radical line, or else. Commenters: Christian Action Network by David W. T. Carroll, Chairman; Benjamin and Shannon Green individually and as next friends of their children Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2 and John Doe 1. And Gregory and Amber Mosher individual and as next friends of their children, Jane Doe 3 and John Doe2.  (All children's names withheld for privacy)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92801", "author": "JOHN MAGGIO", "date": "2021-02-01T16:22:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is a terrible overreach of states rights. My family is my business, teach my children how to read and write, not sexuality. This is disturbing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92802", "author": "Denise W.", "date": "2021-02-01T16:23:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As a former teacher and mother of 4 students, I strongly oppose this guidance document.  It assumes a level of truth and belief (starting with the definition and acceptance of terms) that opposes science and undermines the role of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92803", "author": "Andrea Bayer", "date": "2021-02-01T16:24:00", "title": "These policies are only a model for psychological & emotional abuse of children", "text": "There is a pervasive and perverted plan by the LEFT and the well-funded LGBTQ lobby to manipulate and change our society (values, language, vocabulary, behavior, families, parental rights, religion, and science) via our tax-payer funded public education system. What is being implemented in these proposals is the product of: 1) the mentally-disturbed \"sexologist\" Alfred Kinsey - who believed infants and children are hyper-sexualized beings, and 2) Queer Theory - an ideology concocted in universities by academics such as Judith Butler and Gayle Rubin - that demands people believe that biological sex is fluid and even meaningless.  However, this is scientifically wrong and medically dangerous. The key concept of \"Queer Theory\" is the idea that heterosexuality is privileged and reinforced in society through institutional arrangements and accepted social norms.  Those perpetuating Queer Theory wish to eradicate these norms. Now the goal is to indoctrinate every student in America with highly potent, ideological, and hyper-sexualized rhetoric that emotionally and psychologically confuses children and completely alienates students and families, and especially those who rightfully object to homosexual lifestyles and transgenderism, and know that there are only 2 genders. All one needs to do is to look at the myriad demands and changes recently made to our pre-K through grade 12 curricula to understand that race-baiting, anti-Americanism, anti-Capitalism, pro-Socialism/Communism, re-writing history, sex, homosexuality, and gender fluidity are the topics du jour in our tax-payer-funded schools.  Instead of relaying and teaching factual concepts and actual academics, our children are now intentionally confused, indoctrinated with false rhetoric, and trained to be activists. Let's not forget:  we live in the United States and we are American citizens - period!  And the law of our land is the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Amendments.  Any law, regulation, or policy implemented by a federal, state, or local governing body that requires citizens (children and adults) to violate their freedom of conscience, religious beliefs, understanding of biology, the human sex binary, and/or freedom of speech must be vigorously opposed. It is also highly inappropriate and even dangerous for government employees to be given the right, much less the mandate, to violate parental rights by perpetuating (explicitly or deceitfully), celebrating, and/or concealing gender confusion and transgenderism in schoolchildren. Truth and First Amendment rights are paramount, not ideological fads and unconstitutional mandates enacted by a rouge President, state General Assembly, or Board of Education. Let's be clear:  homosexual and trans activists are not centrally concerned about ensuring \"equity\" and eradicating bullying.  Rather they are hell-bent on deconstructing society and pushing their agenda.  To achieve their goals, they must infect our schools, manipulate our children, and strip away true equity to glorify those embracing their ideals, and punish those who don't play along.  And they achieve this via big money and BULLYING tactics. Ultimately, it is the job of the schools to partner with parents and to protect the innocence of our children, not to manipulate, obstruct, or corrupt.  We tax-payers fund and own these schools. We pay the salaries of the school administrators, teachers, staff, school boards, VA Dept. of Education, and VA General Assembly.  So the BIG QUESTION is:  Why are these citizen-owned entities only marching to the edicts and bullying tactics of the loud, well-funded and well-oiled LGBTQ activists? Do the job you were hired and are paid to do, and let the parents do their job of parenting. For your perusal: 1) https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2020/01/the-billionaires-behind-the-lgbt-movement 2) https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/how-lgbt-nonprofits-and-their-billionaire-patrons-are-reshaping-the-world/ 3) https://activistmommy.com/lgbt-activists-reveals-goal-to-completely-smash-heteronormativity-through-education/ 4) https://c-fam.org/friday_fax/un-lgbt-czar-takes-aim-against-religions/ 5) https://c-fam.org/friday_fax/un-agency-tries-to-impose-abortion-and-lgbt-rights-in-sex-education-everywhere/#:~:text=UN%20Agency%20Tries%20to%20Impose%20Abortion%20and%20LGBT%20Rights%20in%20Sex%20Education%20Everywhere,-By%20Stefano%20Gennarini&text=NEW%20YORK%2C%20August%2030%20(C,promotes%20abortion%20and%20LGBT%20rights. 6) https://mailchi.mp/c8304bb6f443/va-education-policy-for-transgender-students?e=860a7b0282 7) massresistance.org/docs/gen3/19b/Renton-WA-Teen-Pride/index.html 8) https://guides.library.illinois.edu/queertheory/background"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92804", "author": "J. Schuff", "date": "2021-02-01T16:28:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE Proposed VDOE Transgender Policies", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE the VDOE's proposed transgender policies!  Do not take away parents' ability to parent.  This should not be the schools' business.  The schools should be teaching Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, and maybe some Civics lessons would do our children some good!  These policies will take us down a dangerous road!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92805", "author": "Concerned mother of 4, citizen of virginia", "date": "2021-02-01T16:31:00", "title": "Oppose transgender ideologies", "text": "These policies which are proposed purportedly to make students safer will actually endanger students-all students. The girls and boys who do not reject their sex will be forced to share bathrooms with the opposite sex, and to speak lies about their classmates. The boys and girls who refuse to accept their biological sex will be further confirmed in their dangerous dysphoria, increasing their mental and emotional disquiet and contributing to further self-harm and possible eventual suicide. They will also be encouraged to hide their unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from those who are best able to help them: their parents. Protect our children: reject these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92806", "author": "Lisa W Kanney", "date": "2021-02-01T16:38:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Policies", "text": "I strongly and vehemently oppose this new policy. This is a disgrace and so confusing for our youth. Stop this new policy at once - this is awful!! Our schools are not the place for children to figure out their sexuality. That belongs in the home. Our children who are very confident in how they feel about themselves will only be further confused and scarred by this. I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92807", "author": "Rev. Amanda Hendler-Voss, United Church of Christ", "date": "2021-02-01T16:39:00", "title": "Support Equitable Education for Trans Students", "text": "As a Christian pastor and mother I write in strong support of educational equity for trans and non-binary students. I am proud to know many trans and non-binary students, one of whom is my nephew who has courageously insisted on being nothing less than his full self in school, matching his gender expression with his gender identity. And yet he, like many others, has faced great challenges inherent in an educational system not set up for trans and non-binary students. I strongly support these proposed regulations because they can be a matter of life and death for students. My faith compels me to stand beside those who have been cast to the margins, targeted for hatred and violence. Their lives are sacred, and we must protect their educational opportunities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92808", "author": "VDOE transgender policy", "date": "2021-02-01T16:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose VDOE transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy because it takes away parental rights and student rights.  Parents should be the primary educators of their children.  Children do not have the intellectual or emotional maturity to make certain decisions and in fact are easily persuaded by their peers and their own emotions.  Students who are not transgender will be deprived the privacy they deserve. This is a cause of disunity and disruption in our schools and lays the ground for resentment, hostility and anger."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92809", "author": "Vanessa beasley", "date": "2021-02-01T16:43:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "This is horrible! My daughter won’t be in the same bathroom or locker room with a boy! This is overstepping"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92810", "author": "Very concerned parents of 9th grader", "date": "2021-02-01T16:43:00", "title": "OPPOSITION to proposed model policies for transgender students", "text": "We OPPOSE - in the STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS - the proposed model policies of transgender student s!! This is an enormous safety issue as well as a parental rights issue. The role of the school is not to counsel or advocate, particularly without parental consent , these issues for our children. They need to be handled privately by parents! The majority of the student body (non-transgender) that these policies would adversely effect deserves to be PROTECTED !!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92811", "author": "Brandon Brinkley", "date": "2021-02-01T16:43:00", "title": "Strongly Support. This is good for all children, regardless of their gender or sexuality.", "text": "Strongly Support. This is good for all children, regardless of their gender or sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92812", "author": "tiffany young", "date": "2021-02-01T16:44:00", "title": "Oppose in the strongest of terms", "text": "I thought I lived in a place where evil was seen as evil and good as good. What on earth is happening? If you think you can allow \"boys\" into the locker room with my daughter, there will be outrage. I've told my daughter to immediately report to me if a boy is seen entering or changing in her locker room.  Do you honestly think a 14 year old girl will be comfortable with this?  So, one day a \"boy\" wakes up and decides he wants to go shower with the girls, and I as a parent have no recourse?  Be prepared for lawsuits, sexual assault to rise and for parents to start pulling their kids from school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92813", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T16:44:00", "title": "strongly oppose this", "text": "strongly oppose this - parents need to be involved in their children's lives"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92814", "author": "Tim Cox", "date": "2021-02-01T16:46:00", "title": "Opposed to Transgender Ideology - In Favor of Science and Safety for Boys and Girls", "text": "Opposed to Transgender Ideology - In Favor of Science and Safety for Girls and Boys"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92815", "author": "Pam Rogers", "date": "2021-02-01T16:46:00", "title": "Transgender use in school", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the use of transgender language in the public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92816", "author": "Samuel Morris", "date": "2021-02-01T16:47:00", "title": "Absurdity in our government", "text": "This is absurd!! This is nothing more than the government trying to propose an evil upon our children and to remove the ability of the parents to protect their children from it. We as Mothers and Fathers have to oppose this.. We cannot sit quietly by and let our young boys and girls be subjected to the evil that waits ahead if this passes. The government has failed the people!!! under the guise of \"progress\" it is trying to make the people lose their voice by leaps and bounds. Our children are our future and if we do not act now then our future will be gone.  Ronald Reagan said \"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We did not pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free\" Will we be the generation that lets it go extinct???"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92817", "author": "Rob Barker, father of 3", "date": "2021-02-01T16:47:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "Studies have shown that when gender diverse youth are supported, they have better mental & physical health outcomes. These guidance policies would allow transgender and gender nonconforming youth a safe environment free from discrimination, which students of all identities should be afforded. I fully support the model policies guidance document, and am happy to see Virginia's schools creating policies of inclusion and affirmation of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92818", "author": "Ann Rogers", "date": "2021-02-01T16:49:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "I am vehemently opposed to these transgender discussions and policies that undermine the religious beliefs of a great deal of Virginia residents. Please vote against any such legislation against our children, destroying their innocence and potentially their lives. To say these ideas are insane is a grave understatement."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92819", "author": "Mary Kate Stoller", "date": "2021-02-01T16:52:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "These are basic human rights and needed to protect an often vulnerable population."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92820", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T16:56:00", "title": "Please leave children alone.", "text": "Children should not be sexualized in any way, shape, or form.  They should not be manipulated by any outside entity on sexualization to taint their understanding.  Thank you for letting children be children.  Please leave them alone.  The government does not have a right to program or re-program our children to be sexualized for political purposes of manipulation or government control of our children.  T-Y!  Leave it alone or you may have fewer and fewer children attending public schools.  I don't think that is really what you want, is it?  I went to public schools from K1-12 with no teacher trying to sexualize us at an early age.  My parents answered my questions.  Let children be children and let parents be parents.  Thanks!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92821", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T16:58:00", "title": "Proposed Virginia department of education transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy which infringes on students rights and also infringes on parental rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92822", "author": "DA Byrd", "date": "2021-02-01T16:58:00", "title": "OPPOSE VDOE Proposed Transgender Policies", "text": "I have children in the Virginia public school system, and strongly oppose the proposed VDOE policies for transgender students. I believe ALL students should be treated with respect, but I do NOT agree with special treatment or favor given for any \"group\" or \"class\" of students to the detriment of other students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92823", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T17:02:00", "title": "Oppose this policy and protect our children", "text": "Strongly oppose this policy. Protect our innocent children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92824", "author": "Kathy", "date": "2021-02-01T17:02:00", "title": "Irreversably damaging policy for our children and country", "text": "This policy is absolutely damaging to our children. The schools have no right to deny parents to raise their own children. I know of many gender confused people who were not given the correct information they needed in their formative years and began transitioning only to have terrible, terrible damaging consequences. This is a horrendous policy and must be stopped."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92825", "author": "Jeff", "date": "2021-02-01T17:02:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I oppose the state taking on the role of parent.  Each parent child relationship is different and special.  How does the state think they can make a rule that will be best for all kids. Especially one this egregious. “Do what we say or we will take your kids!” I am sure that won’t have any negative impact on a child who’s brain is still developing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92826", "author": "Edward Middleton", "date": "2021-02-01T17:04:00", "title": "Constraints of reality", "text": "\"Male\" and \"female\" are biological constraints imposed on individuals in the same way as one's identity as a human being. Legislating that we teach children otherwise won't change this, but it will cause problems when reality does not match what has been taught, and it will cause worse problems for those who, holding to the truth of those biological constraints, have the force of law and social disapproval brought to bear against them. The right and worthy effort to diminish the necessity, if there ever was such a necessity, for males to fill socially acceptable male roles, and females to fill female roles does not change this. The man who cares for the children; the woman who is the primary wage earner: these alternatives for self-determination should be available. But this in no way justifies the adoption of transexual social philosophy as biological orthodoxy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92827", "author": "Charles G", "date": "2021-02-01T17:07:00", "title": "Unacceptable and Oppose Transgender \"Police\"", "text": "I do not know when our government (especially the government of Virginian's) discovered the notion that it had the right to be the though police of its own free citizens. . This is unacceptable and if permitted, must result in the prohibition of offending anyone in anything and every element of life or else be subjected to harassment lawsuits. . Where does this intrusion stop?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92828", "author": "Jerry Dingus", "date": "2021-02-01T17:07:00", "title": "VA Department of Education (VDOE) in support of protections for transgender and non-binary students", "text": "Please, strongly support. This is good for all children, regardless of their gender or sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92829", "author": "Cheryl Metcalfe", "date": "2021-02-01T17:07:00", "title": "Transgender Issues in School", "text": "I strongly oppose the school system in any way addressing this issue of transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92830", "author": "Joan Schwartz", "date": "2021-02-01T17:09:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Our trans students deserve the same respect and safe school environment as all other students. Virginia has been making great progress in dismantling discriminatory policies in all sectors so all Virginia's are treated fairly. Our trans students are among the most vulnerable, it's time we step up as a society to support them so they can live freely and fully as their authentic selves, with the full support of everyone around them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92831", "author": "Ben Sage", "date": "2021-02-01T17:09:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Every student should definitely be protected from harm and harassment, and VA schools already send a clear anti-bullying message.  This policy, however, goes way beyond prevention of bullying and crosses the line to forced promotion of a politicized gender ideology.  I am strongly opposed to this policy. Ben Sage, Ashburn VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92832", "author": "Florence", "date": "2021-02-01T17:10:00", "title": "Strongly oppose  VDOE Policy for Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "This is an attack on the role of parents who are the primary educators of their children. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility that their daughter is using. It would allow a student to use any bathroom or locker room they choose. That becomes a safety issue when a biological male can use a girls restroom. Gender neutral dress code could become problematic. Let the teachers concentrate on the subjects they are supposed to be teaching. These policies would conflict with faith, conscience, and biology for many teachers and students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92833", "author": "Elizabeth Small", "date": "2021-02-01T17:14:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I believe these proposed transgender policies are confusing and harmful to children, and are not the business of schools.  I would advocate to all who are able -- remove your children from public schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92834", "author": "Jason S.", "date": "2021-02-01T17:14:00", "title": "Confuse and Hurt everyone -  Irreversably damaging policy for our children and country", "text": "This is a sad challenge in our society. And up until 5 minutes ago... transgenderism (dysphoria) was known and correctly diagnosed as a mental issue to be dealt with with love and care and counseling. Not something to encourage. ESPECIALLY in children which predominantly auto-correct anyhow after/around puberty. Pushing the agenda is confusing and hurting 99.9% of children who aren't identifying as a transgender. And it's not even helping that .1%. They need real help, not acceptance. There is no scientific evidence that says supporting one's gender identity helps them in any significant way at all down the line. And doing anything permanent (surgery, hormones) to little ones is child-abuse. Let them make these massive decisions, if they still wish to do so, when they are older. Let's show all children that we love them.... and parent them. Not letting them eat candy all day."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92835", "author": "Barry & Susan Wood", "date": "2021-02-01T17:15:00", "title": "Follow the science for Heaven's sake (and the sake of our children)", "text": "Is there anything more scientific than the science that people are born as male and female? Science is clear XX or XY.  Why is that so hard to comprehend?  Quit messing with the well-being of our children, and quit trying to change established science!  Why should the well being of normal boys and girls be upended and assaulted, due to the confusion of a few?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92836", "author": "David Ramirez", "date": "2021-02-01T17:15:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose this transgender policy. Boys and girls should be in their respected biological sex identified locker rooms and restrooms. No need to change that. Let’s protect our children... not elevate the sexual assault risk factor in our public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92227", "author": "Christi Pharr", "date": "2021-01-30T10:51:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!!", "text": "Government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92228", "author": "Concerned grandparent", "date": "2021-01-30T10:59:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS VERY HARMFUL POLICY"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92229", "author": "Gloria A. thomas", "date": "2021-01-30T11:02:00", "title": "DoE Transgender Policy", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92230", "author": "Lynn O.", "date": "2021-01-30T11:03:00", "title": "I strongly support", "text": "As an educator, I strongly support the proposal to ensure our LGBTQ community and that ALL transgender students are ensured a safe and respectful school environment.  While it is our responsibility as educators to ensure that every student is valued, accepted, and treated with respect, we must stand up for those who have been marginalized and have not been afforded the same treatment and rights as every other student. Please continue to support ALL our students. Thank you, Lynn Orange"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92231", "author": "Laurie Cunningham", "date": "2021-01-30T11:33:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "My children are blessed to have friends from all walks of life, and our family supports treating all people in a way that shows we value them, and who they are.  We support the transgender student guidance because we feel it is needed to promote safety, education, acceptance, and equality for all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92232", "author": "Mary L. Short", "date": "2021-01-30T11:34:00", "title": "strongly oppose Statewide Transgender Policy draft", "text": "Having been a public school teacher for over 30 years in 2 states and a foreign country, and having grandchildren, I object to some of the recommended standards concerning transgender students.  Page 12:  nothing should be done to or with a child without the parents' input.  These are THEIR CHILDREN.  And reporting parents for abuse or neglect (13) is not a frivolous thing and reserved for actual neglect or abuse causing imminent danger to the child.  I cannot imagine good outcomes from the dress code or allowing the use of any restroom the student chooses (16 and 18).  My husband was an athletic director for over 30 years and he can tell you this would not work.  I am an ordinary educated  person and member of a mainline Christian church--not some right wing extremist.  I appreciate the opportunity to express my opinions.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92233", "author": "S. F.", "date": "2021-01-30T11:34:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE the model.  I feel it extends outside the scope and purpose of public education and has no place in the public school system lead by adults with minor subjects in a setting unsupervised by parents.  I do not believe my opinion will be considered or that offering a comment period is genuine.  I do not believe any opinion other than support of the agenda will be considered or acknowledged.  I question and am concerned  about the ability of the institution of the public school system to adequately, properly or truthfully educate children any more in light of such proposed agendas.  I feel the system has shifted from a focus on real education to one of raising, “parenting”, and indoctrinating children and adolescents with disregard for parents or views differing from their agenda.  I feel the public education system as an institution and government entity uses the exact tactics it purportedly opposes - forceful bullying and discriminating those who disagree by enacting policies subject to punishment as well as promoting secrecy and deception (the opposite of transparency).  Nevertheless I feel convicted and compelled to voice my STRONG OPPOSITION to the proposed model that in a supposed effort to protect one segment of society from discrimination and is affects, would inherently subject the remaining segments of society to such discrimination and its affects with punishing enforcement. In attempting to promote and protect the rights of some, the result will be to limit the rights of others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92234", "author": "Pauline Monger", "date": "2021-01-30T11:41:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose these policy’s , talk about teen pregnancies I think this would be a recipe for that if both sexes were allowed to go topless, and I oppose parents not being able to tell their children what is right or wrong! And there should be separate bathrooms ! I thought this was supposed to be a civilized country not heathen nation!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92235", "author": "Karen H Dawes", "date": "2021-01-30T11:48:00", "title": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. Thank you!", "text": "This is comprehensive support for educators and individuals about gender equality. I support this draft guidance. I support Virginia's being inclusive to all people and protecting the rights of all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92236", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T11:49:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I love my community, do you .. As a child, I learned from family to love and respect myself and others. The basic concept is to treat others as you want to be treated. Just because someone is different does not mean they are unworthy of love and respect; it just means they are not you. Did you ever stop to think how different you are to others and how you feel when singled out for harshness. Respect is easy, natural; hate takes effort and lessens your life in so many ways. Think before you act adversely toward anyone, their reaction back to you might just surprise you. I fully support LGBTQ+ kids because they are part of the community that I love."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92237", "author": "Steph Gist", "date": "2021-01-30T12:00:00", "title": "ALL MUST STRONGLY SUPPORT!!", "text": "My name is Steph Gist.  I have been a teacher for almost 10 years a parent for 17.  If we claim to care about students and stability in society, we MUST support kids in their gender identity.  Embracing an identity different from that assigned at birth is NOT something kids do for attention, or a trend that will spread to others.  Being a trans individual is very challenging. Trans people are simply asking for basic rights as humans, which we are all entitled to in our country.  \"All are created equal,\" not just some, or those in power.  Forbidding trans support leads to violence against trans people.  Our country is too fragile, the recent attack on our Capitol shows \"regular\" citizens are looking for reasons to be aggressive, and attack those who are different.  We need to take the stand that we will not allow hatred or agression against any humans. People don't choose things to make their lives harder, they are trans because that is what they truly are as a person.  Other people have absolutely no right to forbid proper pronoun use, bathroom use, for another person.  Injustice to some means no real justice for anyone.  Trans people are not asking to carry guns or do things that can infringe on the rights of others.  It is no one else's business someone's pronouns or identity.  We have to stand up for fairness and equality for all not based on race or identity, but on the fact that all humans matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92238", "author": "Maria C Pierce", "date": "2021-01-30T12:02:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "There is no way I would even send my children, grandchildren or any other child into this states public school system. This is not a policy that should be forced on my children etc. There is no way that I would be comfortable with another gender entering a bathroom, shower or locker room. You are attempting to open a door that could lead to consequences that could hurt a lot of innocent children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92239", "author": "Sharon Webb", "date": "2021-01-30T12:04:00", "title": "100% Support", "text": "It is simple; all students deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and to feel safe and fully included in the school community.  As an educator, I fully support this guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92240", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T12:08:00", "title": "I am absolutely opposed to the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Stude", "text": "I am appalled that you would even consider the Model Policies for the treatment of transgender students.  What are you thinking?  And for students who haven't even reached puberty?  How would they kn ow what there sexual preference it.  Further, it opens the door for bullying and discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92241", "author": "Tiffany Hughes", "date": "2021-01-30T12:11:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "Full support to help our transgender students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92242", "author": "Mike Rose", "date": "2021-01-30T12:15:00", "title": "I emphatically oppose.", "text": "I emphatically oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92243", "author": "Michael Behrens", "date": "2021-01-30T12:16:00", "title": "Never, it's against the law", "text": "There are so many things wrong with this, it's hard to list them all. Please carefully consider these points which need to be investigated and understood much deep than what can be quickly provided here. So in a sense, all of us really need to stop experimenting with our children's lives.  We should not be pushing them towards unnatural states and labeling them, boxing them in for life.   We are born as male and female and that is the Law of Nature - referred to as natural law..  During adolescence, one grows mature and might get confused, which time heals.  Each person develops at different rates. Forcing children into experiments that have dangerous consequences which are not fully understood by many (depression, anxiety, suicide, anger, violence) is the wrong way to go. The answer is simple. The parents are responsible for this area of their children.  The education system should FOCUS on Math, Reading, Writing, etc.   Go back to the basics and leave the radical abnormal aspects out of the classroom. Doing so will drive more parents toward private education and the end of public education as we knew it when it was good and decent.  You are causing premature distress in our children's lives and negatively impacting our society.  Please go back to the basics and focus on what really matters.  Leave politics and social experiments out of our schools or do not take any tax money."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92244", "author": "Melissa Jackson", "date": "2021-01-30T12:21:00", "title": "We MUST protect vulnerable youth and SUPPORT", "text": "We envision our schools to be places where young people can learn, develop, and thrive with their peers and mentors. Unfortunately, school environments for LGBT youth are often the opposite if children experience bullying or if staff do not have the training or tools they need to best support these young people and protect them. We also need policies to hold others accountable in the event staff or teachers are contributing negatively to the student experience. The McKinney-Vento Act addresses homeless youth and identifies public schools as institutions to help identify youth experiencing housing problems. We know that trans youth in particular are more likely to be experience homelessness or housing insecurity, but if the school environment is contributing to the problem vs offering sanctuary, then we as a society are further failing our young people. This is a moral imperative. For too long, out society has either ignored the mistreatment of LGBT youth and people in general, or actively participated in their disenfranchisement. Supporting young people in exploration of identity and making it clear that we do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, mistreatment, or harassment over gender expression or sexual orientation is a moral imperative. This is also an opportunity for Virginia to set an example for other states which have not yet taken up this issue. Please do the right thing and enact policies to provide protection to some of our most vulnerable young people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92245", "author": "Daniel Boggs", "date": "2021-01-30T12:29:00", "title": "I Do Not Support This. It Is Child Abuse.", "text": "Virginia students have the same First Amendment rights to free exercise of religion as anyone else. Many still believe, as they have for thousands of years, that God created people male and female, and that He set up clear boundaries for sexual behavior. They have the right not to be forced into any type of speech or behavior which contradict their sincerely held (and correct) beliefs. Furthermore, encouraging children to believe and behave in ways contrary to natural law is extremely detrimental to their well-being, and is therefore tantamount to child abuse. What you are proposing is evil."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92246", "author": "Shannon Williams", "date": "2021-01-30T12:38:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I am a mom of a 14-year-old boy who is in a Fairfax County middle school and will start high school next fall. My son has several friends who are transgender and nonbinary. He has known them for years and seen what they have gone through as they navigated their schools and communities while coming out. I am so glad that my child has been among the circle of support around his friends because what they face is so unfair, so frustrating, so dehumanizing -- and so unnecessary. When a kid's experience is supported and validated, they thrive. They are free to be funny or athletic or musical or great at video games or a fabulous caretaker of horses... whatever their interests lead them to explore. That's what kids and teens should be doing -- learning and being curious. Making connections, figuring out how they want to make their contribution in the world. They should NOT have to be dealing with draconian, backwards policies that invite bullying and exclusion. LGBTQ+ kids face obstacles every day that only impede their ability to learn and grow, and lead far too often to mental health issues and suicide. It breaks my heart to know how much distress these creative, bright kids endure. And how very avoidable it is if we simply put in place some commonsense structures to ensure their safety and inclusion. I want my son to move through the ups and downs of his teen years with the loving encouragement of his teachers and school administrators. That is absolutely what I want for all kids in the Commonwealth. LGBTQ+ kids deserve no less."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92247", "author": "Jessie", "date": "2021-01-30T12:40:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I appreciate the opportunity to weigh in on this topic.  I strongly oppose this proposition. The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92248", "author": "David Lewis, LCSW", "date": "2021-01-30T12:41:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I am in full support of this policy.  Trans rights are needed to protect this vulnerable group of people, and to have equality in our Commonwealth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92249", "author": "Julie Dinkel", "date": "2021-01-30T12:43:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Please allow the parents to parent.  Teachers and counselors should be educating and assisting students in core subjects that train them for the job market.  You will see a mass exit from public schools if these policies are passed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92250", "author": "Lallon Pond", "date": "2021-01-30T12:50:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "Thank you for allowing kids who are struggling with gender identity to have a safe space. While to many this seems like something new, it's always been here; it's just been closeted. These kids are far more likely to commit suicide when families don't accept their identities. This does NOT take the place of family in a child's life. It DOES give these kids a place where they can explore their identity. Yes, IDENTITY, not sexuality. This is another misnomer those who think it's just a \"whim\" have. Please give children this safe space and respect and honor for their identities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92251", "author": "Elizabeth Makrokanis", "date": "2021-01-30T12:54:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE-NOT THE ROLE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION", "text": "I am echoing another's comments: I STRONGLY OPPOSE the model.  I feel it extends outside the scope and purpose of public education and has no place in the public school system lead by adults with minor subjects in a setting unsupervised by parents.  I do not believe my opinion will be considered or that offering a comment period is genuine.  I do not believe any opinion other than support of the agenda will be considered or acknowledged.  I question and am concerned  about the ability of the institution of the public school system to adequately, properly or truthfully educate children any more in light of such proposed agendas.  I feel the system has shifted from a focus on real education to one of raising, “parenting”, and indoctrinating children and adolescents with disregard for parents or views differing from their agenda.  I feel the public education system as an institution and government entity uses the exact tactics it purportedly opposes - forceful bullying and discriminating those who disagree by enacting policies subject to punishment as well as promoting secrecy and deception (the opposite of transparency).  Nevertheless I feel convicted and compelled to voice my STRONG OPPOSITION to the proposed model that in a supposed effort to protect one segment of society from discrimination and is affects, would inherently subject the remaining segments of society to such discrimination and its affects with punishing enforcement. In attempting to promote and protect the rights of some, the result will be to limit the rights of others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92252", "author": "Justin Roche", "date": "2021-01-30T12:55:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I 100% support all efforts to ensure that ALL students in Virginia have equal access to a safe and supportive learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92253", "author": "Damien Dames,PsyD", "date": "2021-01-30T13:06:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "These are our children. There are no caveats as to who we keep safe. It is our duty to protect them and to afford them the same rights as all children in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92254", "author": "Dana Campbell", "date": "2021-01-30T13:10:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed to these suggested policies regarding transgender students.  It is absolutely not the place for any school personnel to have influence on this topic without parental knowledge and consent.  Additionally,  traditional students should not be forced into accepting transgender students in locker rooms, overnight accommodations on school trips, or bathrooms.  We should not be causing uncomfortable situations for the many just to appease the few."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92255", "author": "Shannon Tierney, MD, MS, FACS", "date": "2021-01-30T13:14:00", "title": "Physicians Fully Support", "text": "Transgendered students are vulnerable to bullying, violence, and mental health stresses, which are only exacerbated when they are forced to use a restroom that does not reflect their gender orientation. Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, \"Taking steps to create safe learning environments and provide access to culturally competent physical and mental health care might be important first steps to improving the health of transgender youths.\" Please ensure the safety of our children by supporting this measure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92256", "author": "RACHEL FEATHERSTONE", "date": "2021-01-30T13:14:00", "title": "Please support this, for the mental health of our youth.", "text": "As a Virginia consitutuent, nurse, and nonbinary individual, I beg you to enact this legislation to support and protect trans youth.  The suicide rate of adolescents is high--but triple that in the LGBTQ+.  Please enact this legislation, to make our community a more equitable and safe one."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92257", "author": "Robert Jack", "date": "2021-01-30T13:18:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to Commonwealth of Virginia Dept of Education proposed Transgender Policy", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the proposed transgendered policies in education based on my Catholic faith."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92258", "author": "John Merrit", "date": "2021-01-30T13:22:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a person of faith I have to embrace and support the transgender community.  We are all God's creatures and deserve support and love.  None of us are beyond His love and we all deserve to be treated with respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92259", "author": "Laurie Sandow", "date": "2021-01-30T13:24:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I am writing in strong support of protecting our transgendered children & teens at school, as well as protecting those who love & support them (their friends, siblings, other family members). As evidenced by this comment thread, there are a lot of people who are very poorly informed on what transgender means, and many who are simply transphobic whether they realize it or not. We need to protect their children, even if they don't want us to."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92260", "author": "Jordan Coiner LPC", "date": "2021-01-30T13:25:00", "title": "Support the Mental Health of our Trans Youth", "text": "I am a licensed mental health professional in Virginia. I work with teenagers and families. Transgender youth and their families face a wide array of challenges in navigating efforts to live in congruence with their identified gender. Transgender youth are more predisposed to experience anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, often due to lack of support from family or community, dysphoria, or internalized feelings of shame (as so apparent from some of the other uninformed comments on this thread). Please stand up for Virginia’s youth by supporting their safety and mental health in the public school system. I would encourage the GA to reference the Standards of Care established by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health in learning more about ways to support our transgender youth. https://www.wpath.org/publications/soc"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92261", "author": "Loretta Rowe, LPC", "date": "2021-01-30T13:33:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a mental health therapist who has worked with transgender individuals and witnessed these individuals struggle with the impact from challenges faced from bullying and discrimination, I support this guidance.  These policies help to create a safe and welcoming space for transgender youth and are necessary to ensure equity, equality, and respect for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92262", "author": "Pam Yang", "date": "2021-01-30T13:35:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this, and feel it would be harmful to more children then it would be helpful.  Let parents parent and seek help where needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92263", "author": "Heather Comer", "date": "2021-01-30T13:43:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I am writing in strong support of this proposal, of protecting our transgender children & teens at school. Many people on this thread are transphobic, ignorant, and backward thinking. It is crucial that we not entertain their ignorance. Trans people deserve respect and protection in spite of, and because of, the fact that there are people who want to use their ignorance and their religion to fuel their hate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92264", "author": "Susan Draper", "date": "2021-01-30T13:47:00", "title": "Do not support Virginia School Transgender Policies", "text": "Boys/men allowed in girls bathroom will create fear and unnecessary and bizarre sexual problems.  Are the teachers lounges coed also?  Can male teachers go into the female dressing rooms?  Can we rent port a potties?  Can my child use the nurse's bathroom?  How will we deal with the fear and distrust?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92265", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T13:48:00", "title": "oppose girls going topless", "text": "not in favor of girls going topless"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92266", "author": "Lisa Kline", "date": "2021-01-30T13:50:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I fully support the implementation of this policy. As someone with personal experience with this issue, I know it is critical for transgender/non-binary children/teens (and adults for that matter) to feel accepted and affirmed. I have read literature and spoken with experts on this subject and they all agree that when children's gender identity is affirmed and respected, it has enormously positive impacts on mental health and greatly reduces the risk of suicide. This policy is critical to protecting our trans youth and creating equality in the schools for all children to have a safe space to learn and grow. Enacting these policies is a crucial step in providing all schools with the knowledge and information they need to provide a safe and inclusive educational environment for our trans youth population. The more knowledge that people have, the more they understand and the less they fear! I fully and whole-heartedly support these policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92267", "author": "no name", "date": "2021-01-30T13:51:00", "title": "let's support the family -- I oppose the transgender policies", "text": "it is the parents' job to speak to the heart of the children they love, not the law and an overworked, untrained teacher."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92268", "author": "love my children", "date": "2021-01-30T13:52:00", "title": "on a dare enter, boys enter girls' bathroom", "text": "so sad and scary"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92269", "author": "Dee Keller", "date": "2021-01-30T13:54:00", "title": "Support!!", "text": "I support this in providing a more safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all children. As the research shows, children in the LGBTQ+ community are vulnerable to much higher risks for suicide, depression and being kicked out of their homes/running away. Most of these outcomes are because of the lack of support, love and safety all children need to grow, learn and become healthy adults. Outside of a child's home, school is next biggest impact of a child's experience - it *can* be a place that a child goes not only to learn but to feel safe. Right now, without these policies children, more specifically LGBTQ community, school can be a triggering and unsafe place. It impacts so many areas of their wellbeings-for example when kids feel unsafe, their brain is activated by threat, it is neurologically more difficult to learn in a threat-activated state. As you can imagine years in this kind of brain state means they are countless barriers in achieving their potential. I want this for our school systems."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92270", "author": "Ellen Gilfor", "date": "2021-01-30T13:56:00", "title": "Strongly support this Transgender policy", "text": "This policy must be supported in order to protect our transgender youth who have an exceptionally high suicide rate. It is the compassionate way to treat others as you would be treated. It is Not a choice to be transgendered, it just is!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92271", "author": "Ashley Csady", "date": "2021-01-30T13:58:00", "title": "Strongly support equality and inclusion for all students!", "text": "I am in strong support of these measures. I stand with and for children of all genders. Everyone, but especially children, deserve to be supported as they come into their own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92272", "author": "Jennifer Freeman", "date": "2021-01-30T13:59:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Anything and everything needs to be done to protect trans children. I support these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92273", "author": "Brittny", "date": "2021-01-30T14:00:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92274", "author": "why are you destroying The Family?", "date": "2021-01-30T14:00:00", "title": "all this sounds like a science fiction movie -- I oppose", "text": "The state cannot possible love and train or children to be responsible adults without the input from the family.  Hiding the child's transgender issue is just a bi product of other issues that are damaging the child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92275", "author": "concerned lover of my grandchildren", "date": "2021-01-30T14:06:00", "title": "Concern for teachers who must go against conscience --- oppose", "text": "We are going to lose our compassionate and loving teachers and administrators who are forced to go against conscience or lose jobs.    Assuming many will leave the teaching arena and we will be stuck with militant adults more concerned with the gender - law than the spirit of discrimination and the love and understanding this mixed up kids need.  The gender issue is not the problem.  The problem is deeper and the disruption of the family and the hidden communication with parents who love the children will make it worse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92276", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T14:07:00", "title": "Strongly support inclusion and equity", "text": "Support inclusion and equity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92277", "author": "Citizen of the United States", "date": "2021-01-30T14:09:00", "title": "Oppose this school policy", "text": "Does my fragile middle school need to be exposed to curious middle school boys.  Some may even come into locker room on a dare or as initiation.  My girls is being discriminated against in this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92278", "author": "At home schooling is the best", "date": "2021-01-30T14:10:00", "title": "Can we rent port a potties for the front lawn of school", "text": "Yes, rent port a potties."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92279", "author": "Karen", "date": "2021-01-30T14:13:00", "title": "Oppose in the strongest terms", "text": "These policies further undermine the nuclear family and promote division within the family and community at large.  It is a complete abandonment of science and biology. It is awful in the extreme.  Children will suffer in unspeakable ways. I oppose it in its entirety!! it in its entirety"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92280", "author": "Kelly Inge Eichfeld, Community Table Talk", "date": "2021-01-30T14:15:00", "title": "PROTECT TRANS STUDENTS", "text": "Support and protect Transgender students. Human rights are for EVERYONE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92281", "author": "SM", "date": "2021-01-30T14:16:00", "title": "Proceed cautiously", "text": "Supporting all children is important but these are significant issues which require extensive training to understand and teach.  My fear is schools will rush forward to meet guidelines without the time to adequately research, develop a plan, train teachers, educate parents and implement.  Without all these steps we may do more harm than good."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92282", "author": "Bruce D. Rieder", "date": "2021-01-30T14:20:00", "title": "STONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support the VDOE guidelines on the equitable, humane, and respectful treatment of Virginia students who identify or express gender differently than their biological or assigned gender. It is well past time for our culture to accept the reality of gender, gender expression, and gender identity. As a 65 year old gay man, I can only imagine how much richer and more productive my life may have been had guidelines like this been in place when I was growing up. I have walked in these shoes and I know the Commonwealth would benefit from people who feel fully valued and accepted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92283", "author": "Chaiya Mohanty Ortiz", "date": "2021-01-30T14:27:00", "title": "In the name of my son, I fully support the proposed regulations for gender expansive students", "text": "My transgender son is a product of the Virginia educational system.  When he graduated in 2016, his district has just added sexual orientation and gender identity to its non-discrimination policy.  Secondary school was HELL for him!  He was harassed, threatened with injury, threatened with rape, threatened with death, and called an \"it\" more times than I was made aware of.  This animosity came from adults as well as classmates.  Now I understand the frequent \"stomach aches\" that prevented him from attending school.  I also understand why he hated his senior year math class and why he wanted to change his freshman Spanish class.  Studies show that absenteeism goes down considerably when a gender expansive student has support from their school.  Support can only come from regulations that include educating faculty, staff, and students about gender identity and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students. Once my son had gender affirming medical treatments (the summer before his senior year) and his school changed his gender marker in their system, he was finally able to use the men's bathroom.  Prior to that, he was told he could either use a faculty bathroom (which was very inconvenient logistically) or use the women's bathroom (which was awkward since he looked so male).  He ended up not using any restroom at school and would \"hold it\" all day long.  He also stopped eating and drinking in school so that he wouldn't be faced with the choice of using restrooms that didn't work for him.  That practice would cause him to have frequent urinary track infections.  My son never posed a threat to anyone just because he was transgender.  In fact, he was the one who lived with daily threats simply because of the way he was born. In this day and age, we wouldn't treat a student of color in the way a gender expansive student is treated.  No child has the ability to choose their race or ethnicity.  Likewise, no child chooses their gender identity.  It is simply an innate part of who they are.  Nobody would willing choose to live a life that currently puts them in extreme peril and makes them the victim of prejudice and harassment.  I would ask those who are opposed to these regulations to take a moment and put your child in my son's shoes.  How would you feel if your child was treated as a danger and a threat and was subsequently marginalized by the very institution that is supposed to ensure your child's safety and ability to be educated? As a former educator of 22 years, I see the potential and value in all students.  We all know that a good education is the foundation for success for all individuals.  ALL students (regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, socio economic status, sexual orientation, and gender identity) must have the ability to learn in a safe environment!  By enacting the proposed regulations, the Commonwealth of Virginia is ensuring equitable educational opportunities for our gender expansive students.  What they will bring to our Commonwealth as a whole is too valuable for us to lose! As a side note, my son, upon his high school graduation, returned to his natal state of California, in great part because of the negative attitudes towards gender expansive people in this state.  Does the Commonwealth want to see an exodus of so many people full of talent and potential?  I am hoping that one day my son will feel comfortable enough to return to this state.  Because I will not leave here until I am sure that I have done everything in my power to make Virginia a welcoming place for ALL, including the LGBTQ+ community!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92284", "author": "Families of America", "date": "2021-01-30T14:33:00", "title": "Include tradition and Love", "text": "This gender focused inclusion is wrong as it ignores the obvious: That we should focus beyond inclusion and more on LOVING one another. * Love each other as yourself.  Love God with all your heart, soul, and strength.  Doing this will answer all these issues by teaching respect for life - all life. * Love is the answer not political and social labeling which serves only to divide. * Do not taint the classroom with unnatural ideology.  Protect children by not interfering with the parents right to raise them . * Inclusive: You talk about inclusiveness.... you should lovingly include a prayerful celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, and other religious holidays with honor and tradition they deserve.  You should include a respect for history of our country and founding principals. You should include the respectful reciting the pledge of allegiance at the start of each day at school and you should include a time of prayer.  You should include the parents in all things that go beyond Math, Reading, etc. Invite parents into the classroom - include them on a daily basis.  Include speakers from the local Church and Law enforcement. Include Love of Life. * We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.  Why divide us with labels when we should be one in spirit?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92285", "author": "susan hadley", "date": "2021-01-30T14:38:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support this measure"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92286", "author": "Scott Stevens", "date": "2021-01-30T14:38:00", "title": "Support the document, with one exception", "text": "Almost all of the provisions all seem sensible and well thought out, but I oppose compelling the school staff to use the requested pronoun.  I would not oppose encouraging such use, however.  The proposed nonbinary pronouns may expand to include a plethora of variants."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92287", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T14:50:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "Strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92288", "author": "Carrie Monger", "date": "2021-01-30T15:06:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I support protecting all children who want the opportunity to learn in as stress free an environment as they can."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92289", "author": "Bethany Bushey", "date": "2021-01-30T15:15:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "Strongly support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92290", "author": "David", "date": "2021-01-30T15:20:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "While I agree that children should be protected from abuse, this is not the answer.  Children do not have the mental development to make this choice any more than they have the mental development to decide to have an abortion, drink alcohol, or vote.  It could make the schools liable for safety risks and create irreparable emotional damage to girls in schools by allowing teenage boys into locker rooms, bathrooms, and sports.   The children are too susceptible to peer pressure and make poor decisions due to lack of maturity.  So, these decisions are best left to the child and their parents.  The school should not infringe on that right and responsibility. Recommend approaching this scientifically, not politically and making choices based on genetic chromosome makeup - male and female.   There is no scientific method to define gender identity.  It is totally subjective and compromises rights of freedom of religion. Gender neutral pronouns will damage girls and inhibit their development.  All gains in women's rights would be undone.   This does not result in equal rights for women, it will result is a male takeover of women's issues as  transgender boys overtake women physically in compromised environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92291", "author": "Sophie Yarbrough", "date": "2021-01-30T15:34:00", "title": "I strongly support", "text": "I am a student with a friend that is transgender and I am apart of the lgbtq community. I think that if you are transgender you should be able to go in your bathroom of your gender because you are a boy or you are a girl. School is hard enough for them so why would you want to make it harder. I believe that everyone should be treated equally and if you have a problem with that then leave. Recently I have been bullied but I have also been bullied over my sexuality before so if anyone is reading this and you have kids remember to tell them that it is not ok to bully people over who they like their sexuality or their gender more or less bully people. Because if you do those things can cause tremendous things for people. It will lead to suicide or self harm. Again I extremely support trans lives matter and there is nothing you can do in this world that will make my opinion change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92292", "author": "Patrica Stimers", "date": "2021-01-30T15:47:00", "title": "transgender regulations being considered in public school", "text": "I am strongly opposed to laws requiring teachers to use language referring to gender other than the biologically accurate language.  I am opposed to school policies which deceive parents regarding a student's gender confusion.  PLEASE  do not facilitate the extreme political agenda that punishes a standard of biological reality in the developing stages of a child's life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92293", "author": "Kelsea Jeter", "date": "2021-01-30T15:54:00", "title": "Support trans youth", "text": "It is so important to provide supportive and equitable services for all of our youth, especially those who are most vulnerable. Trans kids deserve the same level of education, respect, and access to opportunity as other people. The dept. of education should do everything in their power to assure all children are treated with respect regardless of gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92294", "author": "Rebekah Kusterbeck", "date": "2021-01-30T16:04:00", "title": "Public School Equality", "text": "I strongly support the proposed updates. Public School is for all kids, regardless of sexual orientation. Trans students deserve to be safe, heard, and understood. Taking this up is well within the parameters of this committee and public schools in general."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92295", "author": "Concerned Father.", "date": "2021-01-30T16:11:00", "title": "Rights to disagree should be protected no", "text": "People have the right to agree with this but should also have the right to disagree. It's called freedom of religion. But by making it law you are taking people's freedom of religious beliefs and making them go against their moral conscience."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92296", "author": "Diane", "date": "2021-01-30T16:16:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I appreciate that Virginia already has a strong anti-bullying law, and believe that respect of all individuals is important to teach and reinforce in our school system.  This policy, however, teaches an ideological position at odds with the values of a great number of parents and families in this great commonwealth that the Department of Education serves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92297", "author": "Old Vet", "date": "2021-01-30T16:17:00", "title": "The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "Strongly Oppose.   Too much of this is attention seeking behavior by students.  Leave this whole discussion to parents who are responsible for raising their children.  Schools need to but out."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92298", "author": "K Burton", "date": "2021-01-30T16:19:00", "title": "Strongly support Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schoo", "text": "Thank you for these well thought out policies.  All children deserve to be respected and accepted for who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92299", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T16:19:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I support treating children with care and support.Scientifically, the frontal cortex is not fully formed until age 25-So transgender decisions should never be made before that child is fully capable. Glamorizing an alternative gender lifestyle is irresponsible! Kids need love and guidance, NOT incentives to be noticed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92300", "author": "Lisa Layne", "date": "2021-01-30T16:20:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this in providing a more safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all children. As the research shows, children in the LGBTQ+ community are vulnerable to much higher risks for suicide, depression and being kicked out of their homes/running away. Most of these outcomes are because of the lack of support, love and safety all children need to grow, learn and become healthy adults. Outside of a child's home, school is next biggest impact of a child's experience - it *can* be a place that a child goes not only to learn but to feel safe. Right now, without these policies children, more specifically LGBTQ community, school can be a triggering and unsafe place. It impacts so many areas of their wellbeings-for example when kids feel unsafe, their brain is activated by threat, it is neurologically more difficult to learn in a threat-activated state. As you can imagine years in this kind of brain state means they are countless barriers in achieving their potential. I want this for our school systems."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92301", "author": "D Hilgrove", "date": "2021-01-30T16:22:00", "title": "Strongly oppose Transgender model", "text": "I support treating children with care and support.Scientifically, the frontal cortex is not fully formed until age 25-So transgender decisions should never be made before that child is fully capable. Glamorizing an alternative gender lifestyle is irresponsible! Kids need love and guidance, NOT incentives to be noticed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92302", "author": "Adrian", "date": "2021-01-30T16:23:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I fully support polices that are inclusive and recognize the lives and struggles of our LGBTQ+ residents. For the sake of every child and adult that struggles with their ability to be who they are in a place and society that is struggling with recognizing the gender spectrum. Please expand considerations for Transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92303", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T16:42:00", "title": "Opposed to VDOE model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I want to register my moral opposition to the Virginia Department of Education draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students in the public school system. I am referencing the proposed amendment to add a section numbered 22.1-23.3 to The Code of Virginia. I strongly oppose this proposed addition to the code. It is wrong and gives undue opportunity for sexual abuse and harassment when male, female, and transgender students are allowed and even encouraged to share restroom and locker room facilities. Transgender students should not be bullied and should be afforded basic respect and dignity. My reading of the proposed policies leads me to believe these policies are designed to further weaken the moral fabric of our society, elevate transgender identity, and cause additional, unnecessary, and discriminatory stress and confusion for those who support and live by the basic tenets of the Christian faith that supports the traditional family values of Christian marriage between one man and one woman. Do not move forward or approve these ill-conceived draft model policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92304", "author": "Mary Walters", "date": "2021-01-30T16:45:00", "title": "policies for the treatment of transgender students  strongly oppose", "text": "School system has no right to impose their beliefs on my family"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92305", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T16:46:00", "title": "Unconstitutional", "text": "No! You can not control the beliefs of children and their parents. It is against the constitution to make a parent to teach their children something going that is against their religion, it is unconstitutional. What this is trying to is force kids into believing a certain religious belief that I do not agree with. If I wanted my Childeren to belive they were something they were not then I would teach them that. If they want to be something different I will support that. But to expose this kind of religious belief to my kids IN Schools no less! No. I will home school my kids before I let them be in a school where they are foceing this kind of thing on them. If a child thinks that they are not what they are them so be it, but science says different. There are cromizones that tell people different. If a person dose not want to be that certain cromizome them so be it, I won't argue. But don't force this on kids!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92306", "author": "Malinda Wetsel", "date": "2021-01-30T16:50:00", "title": "I strongly agree", "text": "Virginia can set the standard and be an example for other states to follow - Please do the right thing and enact policies to offer and provide protection to our most vulnerable young people. Remove the negative barriers to education. Every child deserves the right to feel safe and be treated fairly in any and all school environments. This is a moral obligation and we must follow through."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92307", "author": "Cynthia Ray", "date": "2021-01-30T16:59:00", "title": "I support Transgender Youth and these Model Policies!", "text": "I support Transgender Youth and these Model Policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92308", "author": "Emily Powell, Eastern Mennonite University", "date": "2021-01-30T17:01:00", "title": "Good Golly I Support", "text": "Hi there, neighbors. Here are some thoughts on this bill and the state of this bit of culture in our lovely wintery state. Trans individuals, including and especially little ones, are beautiful and wonderful. No one can make trans people less trans. Trans people deserve the same rights, protections, and care as cisgender students. Maybe more considering all of the vitriol they have to live with daily. This bill protects children and that should be a no brainer. Loving these kids means letting them define themselves, and respecting them in their decisions. Being queer means always questioning things. That's healthy. Not scary. I am a genderqueer graduate student and have felt the deep pain that comes from not feeling there is space for you, or that people care how degrading their suggestions about exclusion and exception and fuss are. My existence isn't a danger to anyone. The trans girl in a second grade class feeling #fine in her princess dress isn't a danger to anyone. Letting the trans guy try out for the varsity men's soccer team isn't a danger to anyone. Opposing these bills is a fear-based stance. I choose a stance of love, and that means uplifting and protecting trans students as the vibrant, wise humans they are. Let's come together in supporting our children and supporting these bills."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92309", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T17:05:00", "title": "Dont jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children.", "text": "DO NOT promote even MORE gender confusion in public schools through your proposed transgender policies—at the risk of students' privacy and safety!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92310", "author": "Katelyn Plaugher", "date": "2021-01-30T17:10:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!!!!", "text": "I support transgender youth and these model policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92311", "author": "Stephen Harvey", "date": "2021-01-30T17:11:00", "title": "Words Matter", "text": "I support transgender youth and these model policies; those that think that these policies are damaging to their young minds may have lost touch with what a young mind needs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92312", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T17:15:00", "title": "Strongly Agree/ All human beings deserve to be treated with dignity", "text": "As the parent of a trans child I strongly agree with passing any rules that make treating any human being with dignity and respect a part of our public schools.  Public schools cannot discriminate against a child because they don’t conform.  My child’s gender expression shouldn’t give anyone the right to discriminate against them.  Thank you for working hard to make our schools a safe place for all of our kids to learn and grow."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92313", "author": "MH", "date": "2021-01-30T17:19:00", "title": "Support!!!!!", "text": "These policies are crucial for the safety and acceptance of transgender students. We need to foster inclusive policies in our school systems to make students feel accepted regardless of their gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92314", "author": "Sarah Russell", "date": "2021-01-30T17:20:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly agree and support this. All children deserve to feel safe and accepted in school. Allowing all students to feel safe and fully included is necessary for their education and mental health. I feel this is needed to promote safety, equality, acceptance, inclusion, education, and equality for all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92315", "author": "Terry Fowler", "date": "2021-01-30T17:28:00", "title": "Strongly oppose new transgender rules / Overstepping your role", "text": "These are hormone fueled adolescents who still deserve to have the benefit of their parents ability to help determine what direction they will ultimately choose for their lives. The law assigns the parents that responsibility and it is not the role of the VDOE to usurp that role. These regulations will do harm to more youth than Additionally, why would the right of a transgender student transcend the rights of every other child in that school? The straight kids have a right to expect to be kept safe from harm and harassment and not be placed in locker room or bathroom situations with people of a different biological gender. There must be accommodations for the youth who are not comfortable being in those types of situations. To giver them no options will be to invite harm at many different levels. Just as you are trying to accommodate the ones who may be confused over their gender identity, you owe it equally so to protect all the other students as well. Allowing a youth to dictate what pronoun “must” be used on any given day under penalty of the livelihood of a teacher is beyond absurd. The ability for the kids to weaponize this against a teacher or student they may not like is too great. The instances where they have used such tactics is all to common. Use your authority to do well for all the students not just a select few and do not damage the fabric of families and the God and legal rights of parents. You should not try to replace them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92316", "author": "Ella King", "date": "2021-01-30T17:29:00", "title": "As a student in VA schools I SUPPORT THIS WITH ALL MY HEART", "text": "I know many students who go by different pronouns than they were assigned at birth. Even in my accepting area, they are mistreated daily. It is not fair for these children to be bullied and mocked to the point that they are scared to go to school. WE MUST TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY. I physically cannot understand why so many people are pressed about this, they are literally just students who want to be recognized for who they are. This won't indoctrinate kids with the \"liberal ideology,\" but it might help people grow up to be decent human beings - even then I do not believe anything will change in our lessons because the curriculum never changes (that's an issue for another day). It will just help students feel more accepted and valid. WE NEED THIS DRAFT."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92317", "author": "Franklin and Mary Anna Cline", "date": "2021-01-30T17:29:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Model Policies", "text": "We strongly oppose this policy on moral and religious grounds. God created us male and female and He does not make mistakes !  We humans have made mistakes that have gotten us to this situation.  We think we are God and we know everything about everything and if we do not like the truth we should be able to change it regardless of how absurd or untrue \"our\" truth is.  You can call red green as long as you want to but that will not change the color.  Red will still be red and green will still be green.  Boys are boys and girls are girls; and, no policies, or surgeries will change that. We have lost our moral compass and our God given common sense. We agreed all children should be loved and properly cared for but their fantasies should not be encouraged.  This policy says if our grandson says he is a girl we should encourage him to explore that possibility.  What if he says he is a horse?  Children pretend all the time.  Adults with an agenda should not lead children along to get them to agree with the adult's mindset.  Parents are not abusive because they think their sons are boys and their girls are girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92318", "author": "John Redmond", "date": "2021-01-30T17:30:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I believe these new guidelines fully support transgender students. I believe"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92319", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T17:31:00", "title": "Please support this life-saving legislation", "text": "Trans and nonbinary students are at increased risk for suicide and self-harm due to social isolation, bullying, and discrimination. These youth do not pose a risk to anyone's safety or privacy; they are kids who deserve to be safe and need legal protection that affirms their identity and protects them from discrimination in schools. Simply stated, this legislation will save young people's lives and prevent the devastation to those left behind when a child or friend commits suicide. Please support trans and nonbinary children and their families, including mine. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92320", "author": "Father of many daughters", "date": "2021-01-30T17:31:00", "title": "Here is an idea", "text": "How about making a third bathroom...locker room...sport for those who are sexually confused instead of causing more bullying and caos in our school like there's not enough confusion already...i strongly disagree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92321", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T17:33:00", "title": "Oppose and if passed my children will never go to public school again", "text": "No way under the god of heaven this should ever happen"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92322", "author": "Hannah Leaman", "date": "2021-01-30T17:39:00", "title": "Support for this fueled by love", "text": "Every student deserved the right to feel safe and protected at school. Our trans youth are not individuals to be feared in any way, shape, or form. A huge part of transitioning and being part of the LGBTQ+ community is questioning. And that is okay. We question and doubt so many things of our lives. Protect our children and show our children we support them. I am in full support of this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92323", "author": "Stephanie", "date": "2021-01-30T17:40:00", "title": "No protection for people who have strong religious faith", "text": "The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92324", "author": "Stephanie", "date": "2021-01-30T17:42:00", "title": "Parent's rights", "text": "Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92325", "author": "Jill", "date": "2021-01-30T17:42:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support transgender youth and these model policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92326", "author": "Stephanie", "date": "2021-01-30T17:44:00", "title": "Students privacy", "text": "Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls.  All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93237", "author": "Lauren Kelly", "date": "2021-02-02T09:48:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "All children should feel safe and welcome at school. It’s ridiculous that this is even up for debate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93238", "author": "Evelyn", "date": "2021-02-02T09:49:00", "title": "Strongly Agree", "text": "This policy would be very helpful in protecting trans kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93239", "author": "Letitia Martin", "date": "2021-02-02T09:50:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93240", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T09:52:00", "title": "Strongly against this", "text": "We should not expose children to this kind of idiocy.I don't know how making weirdos normal helps anyone. Oh,and communist ralph northam too"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93241", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T09:52:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "While I support anti-discrimination actions, these policies, as I understand them, seem to go too far."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93242", "author": "Sara Horst", "date": "2021-02-02T09:53:00", "title": "Strongly opposed.", "text": "These proposals replace the family and parent rights with what the government has determined is best. This is a dangerous route to go and limits the religious freedoms of teachers and families, which is unconstitutional. Parents and guardians should always be informed of what’s happening with their minor children. Nothing, including gender preferences, should be cloaked in secret from parents. In addition, to penalize teachers for not following the guidelines is outrageous. This places an unnecessary hardship on teachers and an undue burden on schools to ensure these mandates are carried out. That a child can change their gender arbitrarily from day to day signals being “woke,” not an actual preference. These mandates and laws do not safeguard the majority population from abuses. For instance, what will protect our daughters from changing in a locker room or using a restroom with a biological male who is abusing the new laws in a perverted way, rather than for legitimate reasons? Absolutely, do not do this. The government has no business creating laws of this nature. These should be local decisions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93243", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-02-02T09:53:00", "title": "Full Support", "text": "This is only going to improve the lives of transgender/GNC students it wont change the lives of cis students. I went to a public high school in Virginia where accommodations were made for transgender/GNC students and they were protected from severed bigoted bullying and it affected no one else what so ever. The idea that we should ostracize these students for being their authentic selves is barbaric and by allowing such behavior students will be hurt at the expense of your twisted and old fashioned beliefs. If you are so afraid of your child being exposed to non-threatening real word people maybe you should homeschool them. Your child is in no danger but the school not allowing for a Trans/GNC student to be harassed for wearing certain clothes or by having access to a separate bathroom. Your childs quality of education will not change, your childs opportunities will not change. people are opposed to this on fear alone and that fear only harms people. I fully support this and I hope that even if bigoted people keep it form passing schools will see this as an opportunity to make individual accommodations that will benefit these students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93244", "author": "Lauren", "date": "2021-02-02T09:53:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I do NOT support the proposed changes to educational policy that disregard parental rights, students’ privacy rights, and the First Amendment rights of teachers and administrators. It is an overreach of educational policy to involve itself in matters of sexuality and/or identification.  Certain topics have been deemed unfit for classroom discussion out of respect for the views of others--religion being one of the primary topics.  Gender is another.  It has no place being addressed in the classroom and should be presumed to be part of the normal parent/child dialogue, just as it is with religion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93245", "author": "Concerned mom", "date": "2021-02-02T09:54:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT", "text": "I do NOT support the proposed changes to educational policy that disregard parental rights, students’ privacy rights, and the First Amendment rights of teachers and administrators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93246", "author": "Marcia Trick", "date": "2021-02-02T09:54:00", "title": "Sopport", "text": "I strongly support the development of this policy guidance to ensure an educational environment in which transgender and non-binary students can thrive and be protected from harassment and discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93247", "author": "Dianna L Howard", "date": "2021-02-02T09:54:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Children who feel uncomfortable with their bodies especially when going through puberty should not be told they are trapped in the wrong body. Our limited educational revenue should not be utilized to hold children hostage to ideology against their parents knowledge or consent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93248", "author": "Dad and grandpa", "date": "2021-02-02T09:55:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "Strongly Oppose! These students need counseling to affirm the gender they were born with!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93249", "author": "Valerie Ward", "date": "2021-02-02T09:55:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "In strong support of providing safety to all students. All students deserve respect and safety. Period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93250", "author": "Jason Bakker", "date": "2021-02-02T09:56:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. Apparently, state education officials are not including kids’ bodily safety and privacy into their definition of “safe for all.” Because according to this policy, schools must allow boys identifying as girls, for instance, to use the girls’ bathrooms or change in female locker rooms—and this can all be done without ever notifying parents. Sadly, no one ever talks about the harm done to very young girls, for example, who feel powerless to expect physical privacy in the present of biological males—not to mention young men who don’t want to change in front of biological girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93251", "author": "Rev. Mary Nichols", "date": "2021-02-02T09:56:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As the parent of a transgender man who experienced bullying in the school system by his peers, I cannot overstate how important it was to see the adults in school administration wholly throw their authority in supporting my child. It meant that teachers who had other ideas and beliefs couldn't misgender him to intentionally fuel the bullying. It meant that appropriate accommodations got put into place for trans students who followed. It meant that my child survived high school and wasn't a suicide statistic. I offer my full support to these proposed policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93252", "author": "David Riedel", "date": "2021-02-02T09:57:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This proposal codifies Perversion - it should not even be entertained!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93253", "author": "Rick Slater", "date": "2021-02-02T09:57:00", "title": "Disturbing Proposal", "text": "The legislation proposed is alarming. None of us wants any student to be bullied. Any mistreatment of anyone in our schools must be addressed. Yet middle ground must be found. The guidelines proposed are acceptable to only a few students and parents and, if adopted, would lead to even more dramatic policies in the near future. For example, our daughter was a state champion in public school track & field, yet her daughter will not have such an opportunity if forced to compete against biological boys! We have 3 grandchildren under the age of 4 whose parents will, no doubt, feel forced to send their kids to private schools AND leave their teaching jobs if this nonsense goes forward. And the same is true for the parents of hundreds of thousands of other students in Virginia. Is this what we want?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93254", "author": "Valarie", "date": "2021-02-02T09:58:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans youth are some of the most vulnerable kids and need the full support of their school system in order to thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93255", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:00:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I do NOT support the proposed changes to educational policy that disregard parental rights, students’ privacy rights, and the First Amendment rights of teachers and administrators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93256", "author": "Abby", "date": "2021-02-02T10:00:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93257", "author": "Melissa Vaughn", "date": "2021-02-02T10:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "ALL children deserve to receive an excellent education in a safe and supportive environment. Trans youth are more likely to be bullied and shamed by their peers as well as adults, which leads to depression, anxiety, and sometimes suicide. No matter what you believe about transgender people, you must believe that every child has the right to live and learn in peace.  Let's protect out most vulnerable kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93258", "author": "Tom Jakob", "date": "2021-02-02T10:01:00", "title": "I support this.", "text": "I ask you all voting in opposition: what is so wrong about letting children determine their identity for themselves? Is your child nothing more to you than a ball of Play-Doh? Does their sense of self take a back seat to photos of the soccer team you share on Facebook? Are you so insecure in your ability to love your own child without conviction that the kind of genitalia they have between their legs is a breaking point? Not long ago, I watched my dearly beloved cousin struggle with depression and substance abuse. It resulted in him being stuck in the revolving door of halfway houses and rehab programs for over six years. And, it wasn’t born of laziness, sinfullness or any other excusatory factor; it was because he attended a Catholic school which scorned him for being gay. It wasn’t until he finally transitioned from being a woman to a man that he found happiness and stability in life. But, without support and understanding from his peers and loved ones to make the brave decision to transition, my cousin would probably be dead of overdose or a DUI. We must learn to support transgender people as early as we can in their lives. Years of disapproval and scorn solve nothing in this context; all that does is ignore the problem and let it continue to spiral out of control. Good luck “getting rid” of transgender people; you are out numbered. To those conservative minds refusing this proposal outright, I asl you: have you no decency? What’s the worst thing that could happen?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93259", "author": "Shelby", "date": "2021-02-02T10:01:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93260", "author": "Morgan Walls", "date": "2021-02-02T10:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "As a public school teacher, I think these policies are long overdue and much needed. Schools should be welcoming and affirming places for ALL students. I strongly support this legislation and protecting our LGBTQ students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93261", "author": "Fonda Gardner", "date": "2021-02-02T10:02:00", "title": "Opposed/Transgender Policies", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the proposed Transgender policies. This policy is outrageous and will put students at risk for sexual molestation. Parents are responsible for their children and not the state. Your job is to educate. You have no business messing with biology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93262", "author": "Kyle Ruempler", "date": "2021-02-02T10:02:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "This shouldn’t even be up for debate. If you want all children to grow up feeling freedom of expression, enjoying the same educational opportunities as their cisgender peers, you’ll support transgender students. What is truly damaging to students is not feeling loved, not feeling a sense of community or safety. Affirming students with compassion will lead not only to happier students, but more successful ones down the road."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93263", "author": "Katie", "date": "2021-02-02T10:02:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this policy. Trans youth are a high risk group and they deserve to have policies that support them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93264", "author": "Ellyn C Dasher", "date": "2021-02-02T10:03:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this bill. It is both necessary and important."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93265", "author": "Jeisson D Apolo Armas", "date": "2021-02-02T10:05:00", "title": "I strongly support this", "text": "I fully support this guidance to help trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93266", "author": "Lisa", "date": "2021-02-02T10:05:00", "title": "Strongly disagree/Transgender in school", "text": "Seriously people your even considering this?  Girls going top less?  Boys in the girls locker room just so they can get a peek?  No, absolutely no.  Parents need to raise their children, not the schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93267", "author": "Jeremy Hoffman", "date": "2021-02-02T10:05:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93268", "author": "Concerned mother", "date": "2021-02-02T10:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose, this is extreme", "text": "While I can respect the va dept of education trying to look out for those that at times cannot look out for themselves, this is extreme. This is forgetting completely about those students who are satisfied with their identity. This is creating a stressful environment which is detrimental to students mental health, their education, and quality of life. The stress of being punished for using the wrong pronoun? The stress of not knowing who will walk in a bathroom or locker room? What if there is a younger child and an older one of the opposite sex walks in? Male or female. This is just asking for trouble. At a time where sexual abuse and protecting yourself has become so known and expressed to stand up for yourself and speak up, we do this to our children??? Not to mention handling our children without parents consent. Did you carry them for 9 months within your body? Did you get up with them when they were screaming at night? Did you feed/bath/care/teach/love them? You have no right to come between a parent and their child. This is stepping on so many basic human rights its unreal. I’m all for helping those students who are confused, who need guidance, who need help with their feelings. But this is NOT the way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93269", "author": "Kaitlin", "date": "2021-02-02T10:07:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth. They should have legislation that protects them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93270", "author": "Aaron Saylor", "date": "2021-02-02T10:08:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I have read many of the opposed comments on this board and I ask, why does promoting a young child's well-being threaten you or others in the school? Who do these protections hurt? Why are you against anti-discrimination policy? I have lived through high school as an openly transgender student. I did not cause any harm or stress to my peers because my transition did not affect anyone besides myself. These children deserve the same respect and dignity that you give every other child in that school. These children need protection from those of the same mindset that oppose this legislation. This population of youth is much more likely to commit suicide because they already feel like they are an outsider in their school. They need and deserve all of the support that can be provided."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93271", "author": "Lissa Dean-McKinney", "date": "2021-02-02T10:09:00", "title": "Support health policy based on science", "text": "It is the responsibility of legislators to enact public health policies based on science and public health research. Not feelings.  Not faith.  Not politics. I am a nurse and a public health professional and I support trans youth and their rights to a healthy, full life.  Without exception."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93272", "author": "Jessica Ugarte", "date": "2021-02-02T10:09:00", "title": "Strong support", "text": "I strongly support legislation to ensure the safety and health of trans youth in Virginia (and everywhere)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93273", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:10:00", "title": "Yes to anti-discrimination", "text": "Many of the people who are expressing their opposition to this legislation say that this topic is not appropriate for public schools. Anti-discrimination is not only appropriate but critical topic to be addressed through the public school system.  Virginia's schools should support and protect all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93274", "author": "JW", "date": "2021-02-02T10:11:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Reading through several oppositional comments I can feel that fear is driving them. Concern for your child, grandchild, or community's children is healthy but the line is crossed when that fear prevents trans and nonbinary children (and I repeat: CHILDREN) from absolute protection. I went to school in Virginia in the 90s-00s and remember these same conversations, scorn, and hate being directed towards LGB youth. Something as simple as attraction was criticized and now parents want to criticize gender identity. I agree with them that school years are formative, but they're formative for everyone. No child should have to stifle and hide who they truly are in these critical years of youth- when they should be given time, counseling, and a safe space to become who they are. Opposing this bill is opposing human nature. We often strip children over authority of their bodies, but that is an antiquated way to treat them. They too will have jobs, hold offices, make public comments like these one day. Our sole responsibility over them adults, authorities, and lawmakers, is to keep them safe by nurturing them into who they are meant to be. It's not our decision who that is or how it looks. Delaying a child from authority over their own body arrests their development and creates an unhealthy society. Passing this bill allows us to step into the future, to make a step towards positive mental health for our children, and to protect the life, liberty, and happiness of future trans and nonbinary adults through a strong and supportive educational foundation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93275", "author": "Alexandria Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T10:11:00", "title": "Concerns About Proposed Transgender Rules", "text": "All students, including those who identify as transgender, should have a positive and safe learning environment, free of bullying and harassment. However, I have concerns about these guidelines that must be adopted by all VA School Boards by the 2021-22 school year. 1) The proposed rules treat parents like inherent problems instead of as partners. They go into detail about how to keep information from parents regarding the issues with which a child is dealing, even recommending keeping separate records so that communication with parents does not disclose the child’s preferred name and gender identity he or she uses at school. Instead, the default should be to inform parents about what is going on with their child and then, if parents threaten neglect or abuse, the authorities should be contacted and further information be potentially withheld from parents. Deliberately keeping parents uninformed about their child’s choices risks children being urged down a path of life-altering decisions without those closest to them involved in those decisions. 2) The proposed rules eliminate sex-segregated spaces where privacy is desired (locker rooms and other changing areas, bathrooms, sleeping arrangements, etc.). There are legitimate reasons why schools and other public facilities engage in sex-segregation when it comes to these areas. Female-only facilities are a key legacy of women’s rights movements and protect women against harassment, abuse, and assault. Girls (such as my daughters who attend VA public schools) or boys who desire privacy from the opposite sex when using the bathroom, changing clothes, or sleeping should not have the onus placed on them to request or find alternative arrangements or be stigmatized for wanting to have their legitimate desires respected. 3) The use of the phrase “sex assigned at birth” is problematic when referring to the anatomical differences between male and female has ideological origins rather than scientific ones. The use of this phrase implies that sex is not an objective criterion, but instead something that doctors and/or parents “assign” to a person. Gender dysphoria is a real phenomenon, but sex is real too. The existence of the former does not obliviate the need to be scientifically accurate regarding the latter. 4) Educators, administrators, and other school personnel should have access to the full spectrum of research, data, and personal experiences when it comes to children who experience gender dysphoria. The thread running through the proposed rules is that anything but full-throated affirmation of a child’s expressed desire is harmful to the student. Yet, the feelings of gender dysphoria that children experience often subside over time as they go through puberty. Some children, particularly during the difficult teen years, feel uncomfortable in their bodies. This is normal and usually dissipates over time. According to The Economist, “At least half a dozen medical studies show that between 61% and 98% of children presenting with gender-related distress were reconciled to their natal sex before adulthood” (see source at end). Many children experiencing gender dysphoria and who want to change their gender identity suffer from depression or are on the autism spectrum. Increasingly, children are being told a way to escape feelings of discomfort is to declare themselves “non-binary” or “gender-queer” and use different names, pronouns, and engage in gender-nonconforming behavior. They are being referred for treatment that can lead to irreversible damage to their healthy bodies. Some young people regret having gone down this road but cannot reverse the things done to their bodies. The stories of “detransitioners” are heart-wrenching (there are many online, please read about them)! The guidelines contain no words of caution. There are no heterodox viewpoints represented in the resource materials. These rules do not engage with the growing body of evidence that many teens, mostly girls, are starting down a life-altering road of puberty-blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgery on healthy bodies and are doing so because the culture, which includes our public schools, is worried that thinking critically about this difficult issue will be seen as non-affirming. In conclusion, I think the proposed rules should be amended to: 1) provide notice to parents unless there is evidence or threats of neglect or abuse; 2) protect sex-segregated spaces, particularly the hard-fought legal gains of females to have privacy from males; 3) use the word “sex” in place of “sex assigned at birth;” and 4) provide resources to schools that document the experiences of detransitioners, the phenomenon of rapid-onset gender dysphoria, and the number of young people who experience gender dysphoria but whose feelings do not persist. Source: The Economist (December 2020): “In 2018 Andrea Davidson’s 12-year-old daughter, Meghan, announced she was ‘definitely a boy’.…the family doctor congratulated her and asked what pronouns she had chosen, before writing a referral to the British Columbia Children’s Hospital. ‘We thought we were going to see a psychologist, but it was a nurse and a social worker,’ says Ms. Davidson (both her and her daughter’s names have been changed). ‘Within ten minutes they had offered our child Lupron’—a puberty-blocking drug. ‘They brought up the drug directly with our child, in front of us, without discussing it with us privately first.’ There was no mention of other mental-health issues, which are known to increase the likelihood of gender dysphoria, the feeling that you are in the wrong body. ‘There was no therapy on offer and we were just brushed aside when we raised it.’… You can read the rest here: https://segm.org/Keira_Bell_ruling_global_repercussions"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93276", "author": "Laura Sirgany (parent Charlottesville City Schools/ Dev. Psych M. Ed. UVA)", "date": "2021-02-02T10:11:00", "title": "Strongly support respecting the human rights of our Trans students", "text": "As a parent of a trans student and a researcher with a masters degree in developmental psychology specializing in identity development, I am urging the state to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of all its students by respecting the gender identity of students.  When students assert what they need, it is our job as parents and educators to support their needs. Evidence-based practices that affirm students' identities are shown to foster healthy development, academic achievement, and social-emotional skills.  If we want a more just and compassionate society, then we must lead by example and model respect  for one another through acknowledging and honoring the needs of our trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93277", "author": "Tammy", "date": "2021-02-02T10:11:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "This is a terrible idea!  I do not want my daughter in the same bathroom/locker room with the opposite sex.  This policy is asking for dangerous and troubling times.  What if my daughter is in the bathroom alone and a group of boys come in and sexually harass her?  Then what?  Where would the proof come from?  This policy is inciting sexual violence especially at the age of teenagers who are exploring.  I am praying the good Lord will stop this policy from becoming real."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93278", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:12:00", "title": "Disagree", "text": "I strongly disagree. The majoriy of students in a school are not transgender. It is as much our right to not have children changing in front of the opposite sex. I personally don't think it belongs in schools but IF you must make accomidations then make a seperate changing/bathroom for transgender students. I feel you also open yourselves up to a lot of students being misleading. This opens up a lot of pitential lawsuits."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93279", "author": "Sarah Kathleen Sams", "date": "2021-02-02T10:13:00", "title": "Strongly Support, for my sister", "text": "My sister did not feel safe enough to come out as transgender while enrolled in k-12, which has led to an increase in her level of dysphoria, hence anxiety/depression. If she had felt safer, she might have been able to come out and start hormonal therapy earlier and the impact testosterone had on her body might have been lessened. She graduated in 2014, and I hate to imagine another child like my sister having to go through puberty twice just because they're afraid they'll be attacked (legally or physically) for using the bathroom. Please protect trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93280", "author": "Parent - Grandparent", "date": "2021-02-02T10:13:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree with Transgender Policy Legislation", "text": "I strongly oppose transgender policies being enforced in public schools K-12 for the following reasons:  1. the language “affirming” gender identity is unclear and ambiguous, 2. parents rights to information about their child must be protected not violated in schools, 3. Virginia has a good anti-bullying law already in place.  Legislation should protect the rights of all children, even ones who hold conservative viewpoints.  Protect our children’s innocence."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93281", "author": "Cami Creason", "date": "2021-02-02T10:14:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "ALL students deserve to feel safe and supported while at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93282", "author": "Concerned Parent and Teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T10:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Please do not pass this proposal. It inflicts irreparable damage to children and to humanity as a whole. ALL people need to be treated with dignity and respect. Period. Let parents be parents, let teachers be teachers, let children be children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93283", "author": "Angela Ratay", "date": "2021-02-02T10:15:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "School should be a place where all children are recognized, accepted and valued. There's no downside to teaching children that all people are worthy of kindness, acceptance and friendship. We should all support inclusive policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93284", "author": "Maura Boyle", "date": "2021-02-02T10:15:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support Virginia DOE's guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth.  We should all work together to make sure children are supported and safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93285", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose policy that embodies radical ideals which deny the basic biological differences between the male and female sexes. Especially when it comes to athletics. Women stand to lose everything we’ve fought for with Title IX, including opportunities for advancement, college scholarships and will encounter risk of injury by biological men competing in their sport."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93286", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T10:16:00", "title": "I am strongly opposed to this.", "text": "God made male and female. As a mom and grandmother I do not want boys going into the girls bathrooms or vice versa. I do not feel this is safe for our kids or right. Alot of pervert boys could easily say they want to be a girl just to get in the bathrooms to see them or sexually assault them. I think there will be more problems than you could ever imagine.  And as far as taking away parents rights to what goes on at school is completely wrong,too. Please do not pass this. Our children's lives are at stake. My child or grandchildren will not attend public schools again if this happens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93287", "author": "JB", "date": "2021-02-02T10:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this bill. As the parent of two female athletes, I’d like to know when we are going to care about the feelings of the girls? Our daughters should not have to be uncomfortable in school locker rooms and bathrooms. The percentage of transgender students is very low; yet this state is willing to make an entire population of students feel uncomfortable to acquiesce to a few. This bill is also a violation of parental rights. Parents have the right to know what their minor child is doing at school, as well as how they might identify at school. This is an issue that families, as a whole, need to be informed about. Keeping information from parents is never a good idea and should not be standard practice. Stop trying to normalize behavior that ignores biology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93288", "author": "James", "date": "2021-02-02T10:17:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "Please do not put my child in harms way.  Keep her safe from sexual predators which can happen in the teenage years.  This is not okay in the Bible and it is a sin!  Please stop this now!  This is a good way to push more people to drop out of public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93289", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:17:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT. Violent christian values hold no place in our society", "text": "There should be no issue for Trans people gaining access to education and job opportunity. Bad peoples feelings and continued cultural violence towards LGBTQ+ people should not get in the way of this. The christian agenda has harmed America for too long."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93290", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:17:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93291", "author": "Citizen of Virginia", "date": "2021-02-02T10:18:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "It is the right of every student to feel welcome and supported within the school system. This policy would ensure that students who identify as transgender would be supported and feel empowered to access the resources they need."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93292", "author": "Monya Ringler", "date": "2021-02-02T10:18:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Every student deserves a safe learning space."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93293", "author": "Bonnie", "date": "2021-02-02T10:18:00", "title": "I strongly support", "text": "I support the policy. All children need to be protected from bullying and abusive behavior and discrimination. This policy is not about teaching sex education or forcing believes onto students. It is giving transgender kids a safe environment where they can learn and be their true self without fear. All students should be respected and protected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93294", "author": "Ligaya Ericksen", "date": "2021-02-02T10:19:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "I do NOT support the proposed changes to educational policy that disregard parental rights, students’ privacy rights, and the First Amendment rights of teachers and administrators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93295", "author": "Tracey Knight", "date": "2021-02-02T10:19:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED IN SCHOOLS", "text": "PLEASE DON'T ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN IN OUR SCHOOLS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93296", "author": "Emily Thomas", "date": "2021-02-02T10:20:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I strongly oppose policy that embodies radical ideals which deny the basic biological differences between the male and female sexes - Especially when it comes to athletics. Women stand to lose everything we’ve fought for with Title IX, including opportunities for advancement, college scholarships and will encounter risk of injury by biological men competing in their sport."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93297", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-02-02T10:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Strongly in support of transgender students and their safety and equality in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93298", "author": "Melina Patterson", "date": "2021-02-02T10:20:00", "title": "I support this guidance", "text": "I do not have a transgender child, but I do have two children in public school. I support policies that support children and these proposals do that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93299", "author": "Connor Dolan", "date": "2021-02-02T10:21:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a long-time resident of Virginia and former Fairfax County Public Schools student, I strongly support these measures to ensure that transgender students have a positive and safe learning environment. I am particularly in favor of the principles of privacy, ensuring that students have the ability to determine their name and gender pronouns, the gender-neutral dress code, restroom access, and training espoused in these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93300", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:21:00", "title": "Not in Favor - Especially for Younger Students", "text": "As someone who is educated and has a masters degree which includes human growth and development, and over 30 years working with children ages 2-12, I am  NOT in favor of this  action.   It would be confusing and overtly lean towards even the youngest children opting towards these \"new\" gender explorations and choices.  It would also lead to overt prejudice and discipline for those, students and adults, who do not support these new terms and treatment of others, which is not inclusive at all.   I do support tolerance and treating all others with kindness and respect, but this is far more than that in one direction that would infringe on many individuals' rights to disagree.   Even more so, children below the concrete operational stage in their development are not at the right stage yet to be understanding, much less making these life choices.   Minors are also  their parent's dependents and their parents deserve to be part of this and have a choice in what is taught to their young children (and even older children who are still minors under the law.)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93301", "author": "A. Jones", "date": "2021-02-02T10:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "Strongly oppose this legislation"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93302", "author": "Kyle Van Fleet", "date": "2021-02-02T10:23:00", "title": "Support Trans Students", "text": "I fully support legislation that supports trans youth/students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93303", "author": "Francis Jones", "date": "2021-02-02T10:24:00", "title": "Strongly support I support this guidance.", "text": "I support this guidance. There is a far greater threat To our LGBTQ students than FROM them in today's envircomment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93304", "author": "Austin Ruhf", "date": "2021-02-02T10:24:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans students have the same rights to an education free from administrative discrimination as anyone else. No cis students will face any negative consequences from schools adopting anti-discriminatory policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93305", "author": "Rachel", "date": "2021-02-02T10:24:00", "title": "School", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93306", "author": "Sarah Miller", "date": "2021-02-02T10:24:00", "title": "Strongly in support of the guidance", "text": "Virginia must be a place for all youth to thrive, and this guidance supports that. I have a dear friend who is trans, and when we were in high school (not in VA), she didn't have nearly the support or understanding she needed to be happy, healthy, and able to show up fully, and struggled with self-harm and depression as a result. We can do better for trans students in the future!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93307", "author": "Mary Goeke", "date": "2021-02-02T10:25:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "All children deserve to be treated with dignity, to have their identities respected, and to be welcomed in their communities. Transgender students should feel safe at school, and we have a responsibility to ensure that safety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93308", "author": "C Lyon", "date": "2021-02-02T10:25:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this abuse of children", "text": "You are doing nothing more than attempting to brainwash vulnerable children, which is tantamount to child abuse. Parents, NOT THE LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS, are responsible for teaching topics other than reading, writing, and arithmetic to their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93310", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:26:00", "title": "Support this policy", "text": "As a Virginian, I support this policy, which will enable a safe learning environment for transgender students to bring their full selves to school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93309", "author": "Judy Comer", "date": "2021-02-02T10:26:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "You are NOT God. And you have no right to remove a parent's ability to raise their children. This proposal will mess with their emotional and spiritual well being. IF a child has transgender thoughts FOR THEMSELVES, giving them support is one thing. But to subject ALL children to your mind games is pure evil. Leave our children alone! Such a shame when we can't even trust our education system. Homeschooling is the best option for those who can afford it. Unfortunately, too many can't."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93311", "author": "Rachel", "date": "2021-02-02T10:27:00", "title": "STONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Do not implement this!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93312", "author": "Rose", "date": "2021-02-02T10:28:00", "title": "Strongly do NOT support", "text": "Bullying is bullying and transgender should be covered under bullying.  We treat people kindly and how we would want to be treated. We are to spread kindness not hate but this does not mean we need to conform to something that threatens the privacy of our own children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93313", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:28:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "This is a no brainer. Everyone should be treated equally. Done."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93314", "author": "Virginia church leaders and staff", "date": "2021-02-02T10:29:00", "title": "Revisions needed to project religious freedom", "text": "Letter to Virginia Department of Education (DOE)-- draft guidelines on “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools” The undersigned pastors, church leaders and staff from Virginia are writing to urge you to make significant changes to draft guidelines released Jan. 4 on model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia’s public schools. We seek changes to promote the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of residents of our state and to protect religious liberty and freedom of conscience for Virginia residents. We are concerned that, under the DOE’s guidelines, many Virginia students, parents, and school staff would no longer be able to love and care for those who identify as transgender in ways that follow their conscience or faith. While we write out of concern for freedom of religion, we believe that biology and medical research affirm what our conscience demands – that there are two genders, male and female, and they are made to align with the biological sex with which we are born. We recognize that some people experience a sense of disconnect between their gender and biological sex, and that gender dysphoria can be very painful and difficult. We believe that true love and compassion for children experiencing gender dysphoria or who identify as transgender can only occur in the context of our creator’s design for us as male and female, and that science and clinical research, while fallible, will ultimately support this truth. We are concerned that the Department’s draft guidelines would enforce an ideology of gender and sex that is harmful to children (by promoting the idea that their malleable, psychological sense of self should over-ride their biological sex, including to the point of undergoing medical interventions with irreversible outcomes) and discriminates against students, school staff and parents who may hold different beliefs due to their interpretation of science and/or religious convictions. Virginia has a long history of leadership in freedom of conscience and religion and we urge you to support and continue in this leadership. As you know, Virginia’s Constitution states: “That religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and, therefore, all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience...” and “all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of religion, and the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.” We are troubled that the Department of Education would put forth policy that would have the effect of diminishing the civil capacities of those who disagree with it because of their religious beliefs. Consistent with Virginia’s constitution, and in support of continued freedom of conscience and religion, we ask you to make significant changes to the draft guidelines, which as written would suppress and impede the free exercise of religion and disadvantage parents whose teaching of their children is guided by religious beliefs that diverge from the guidelines. Specifically, we urge you to include a statement that “students, staff and parents remain free to speak and act consistent with their religious beliefs regarding sex and gender. Individuals will not be subject to discipline or otherwise be disadvantaged for expressing views based on these beliefs, including views on sex and gender identity. All students must be protected from bullying and harassment, whether from gender identity or religious belief, and all students must comply with policy against bullying, harassment and discrimination.” We urge you to make this change to the draft guidelines on transgender students in order to protect the freedom of conscience and religion which are foundational to the well-being of Virginia residents. Signed: Joseph R. Burkholder, Arlington, VA Rev. Thomas H. Oostdyk, Falls Church, VA Rev. Matthew C. Gibert, Arlington, VA Rev. Edwin M. Grudier, Falls Church, VA Wayne Hsu, Great Falls, VA Rev. Steve King, Arlington, VA Dr. Kendall R. and Cynthia A. Lord, Arlington, VA Pastor Greg M. O’Dell, Annandale, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93315", "author": "Dr. Johonna Turner", "date": "2021-02-02T10:30:00", "title": "Addendum: In support & gender-specific programming is still needed", "text": "I previously submitted a public comment articulating my general support of the policy document for Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. I continue to be in general support. We need to create equitable learning environments where all students are treated with fairness, respect, and are safe from harm. In addition, after I spent some more time with the document, I found that one policy would lead to the drastic reduction and/or complete elimination of gender-specific activities in schools. I am concerned that this particular approach does not adequately take into account an intersectional framework that addresses the realities and impacts of patriarchy, sexism, misogyny, and the ways these systems interact with other systems such as racism. Because of the impacts of patriarchy, sexism and misogny on students of all genders, I believe that there continues to be a need for gender-specific extracurricular activities in schools. I also believe that trans, genderqueer and nonbinary students should be allowed to choose the groups that they would like to join, and that they should have access to activities that are not gender-specific and that occur at the same time as those that are targeted to students of specific genders. I therefore would request an amendment to the existing policy that would address these needs. While I am now a college professor, an earlier part of my career involved working as an programs coordinator and a high school teacher at a Washington, D.C. public high school. During that time, I facilitated and oversaw a number of gender-specific programs for my students such as: a group for boys that met over lunch with staff from the organization Men Can Stop Rape - they worked with boys to help them develop a healthy sense of masculinity; approaches based on healthy power, and not violence and misogyny and an afterschool exercise program for girls where they could build confidence, talk about healthy self-esteem, and girls of all body shapes could exercise in a more judgement free-environment than they would have in a P.E. class with all genders. I also personally benefited from these kinds of programs --for example, I would not be the Black feminist leader I am today without the formation and leadership development I received from participating in a club that was started and led by and for Black girls in my high school. I still remember the pain many of us felt when it was forced to disband when a \"non-discrimination policy\" was used against us. While these programs were focusing on the unique needs of students that arose because of the intersections of social identity and systems of power and privilege, any students could opt in to participate. I believe that we still need such programs. For example, if there are eight afterschool activities offered at a school (art club, a drama program, a gaming club, and so on - most of which are not targeted to any gender), I would hope that a Boys Can Stop Rape and a Black Girls Matter club, for example would also be allowed among them - with all of these options inclusive of cis and trans boys and girls, as well as those who are genderqueer, trans and nonbinary."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93316", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T10:30:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose! While I have many oppositions, below are just two under the bullying/harassment/discrimination section: “...perceived race, color, national original, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristic...” Perceived? How quickly perception can change, especially as a child is growing, learning and developing. Not functional. Not sustainable. Not conducive for a learning environment. “The [Schools Division Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” How often will parents have no idea that there was conflict/reprehension/hard situation involving their child? So dangerous! Purposeful deception is not acceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93317", "author": "Michele Baynes", "date": "2021-02-02T10:30:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support children feeling comfortable with themselves and being able to identify how they feel. They should feel safe in school, and all public spaces! Children deserve to speak about what they are feeling and not be dismissed. Safer and support is key to growth and some of the easiest emotions to teach. I fully support children being who they are and feeling safe as trans."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93318", "author": "Pamela Davidson", "date": "2021-02-02T10:30:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I do NOT support the proposed changes to educational policy that disregard parental rights, students’ privacy rights, and the First Amendment rights of teachers and administrators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93319", "author": "Wendy", "date": "2021-02-02T10:31:00", "title": "I am apposed to the Transgender agenda", "text": "I am opposed to the Transgender agenda in schools. It is my right as a parent to instruct my children in the ways of our beliefs. I do feel transgender have rights as anyone else does but do not want the agendas forced upon families that are apposed. As a public school system you are required to accommodate all people not trade off ones right for another’s.  The best way to do this is to be neutral in all aspects  of religion and political agenda’s. Stick to traditional subject matter. These groups can carry on in there own spaces as churches and synagogues and Mosk do (to name a few). We are all equal and need to stop stereotyping!!!!!! This is creating more separation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93320", "author": "Jennifer", "date": "2021-02-02T10:32:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Strongly support transgender students, their safety, and equality in our schools and throughout our community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93321", "author": "Pamela", "date": "2021-02-02T10:32:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I do NOT support the proposed changes to educational policy that disregard parental rights, students’ privacy rights, and the First Amendment rights of teachers and administrators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93322", "author": "Terese Colling", "date": "2021-02-02T10:33:00", "title": "Fully Support/Terese Colling, concerned parent and human being", "text": "Thank you to all of the people who worked on this excellent guidance document. Stay the course. Great work."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93323", "author": "Martha Henry", "date": "2021-02-02T10:33:00", "title": "Support all students", "text": "Trans students have so many issues to deal with.  We must support them with every effort possible, just as we do other students.  I strongly support this legislation.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93324", "author": "Ashley", "date": "2021-02-02T10:34:00", "title": "Strongly opposed due to safety concerns", "text": "I oppose this! in short permanent decisions should not be made by children. what happens when a predatory child uses these bathroom/locker room policies and sexually assaults another child? what happens when kids figure out they can go to the bathroom or locker room and have sex? By adopting these idiotic policies you are endangering the many’s safety for concerns of a few of the student population! don’t force us to homeschool or private school our children because of these idiotic policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93325", "author": "Mom of 4", "date": "2021-02-02T10:34:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy.  In the name of support, you are actually causing confusion and endangering our children without parental knowledge.  Public education needs to stick to education and leave \"Life choices\" to families!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93326", "author": "Matthew Long", "date": "2021-02-02T10:34:00", "title": "SUPPORT 100%", "text": "Fully support children feeling comfortable with themselves and being able to identify how they feel. They should feel safe in school, and all public spaces! Children deserve to speak about what they are feeling and not be dismissed. Safety and support is key to growth and some of the easiest emotions to teach. I fully support children being who they are and feeling safe as trans."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93327", "author": "Taylor S", "date": "2021-02-02T10:34:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I'm writing to you to share my concerns and share my voice as I am a lifelong resident to Virginia. Please do not approve the transgender guidelines but instead fight for our next generation: - Protect children - Safeguard student health and stop mental illness that will develop if these guidelines are approved - Prevent sexual abuse in the classroom (this is active and needs to be prevented at all cost), it leads a life long damage to the mind and heart. These children are priceless and need to be protected at all cost and these new guidelines will do the complete opposite."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93328", "author": "Priscilla", "date": "2021-02-02T10:36:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I strongly support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93329", "author": "Virginia church leaders and staff", "date": "2021-02-02T10:37:00", "title": "Revisions needed to protect religious freedom", "text": "[RESUBMISSION TO CORRECT ERROR IN \"COMMENT SUBJECT\"] Letter to Virginia Department of Education (DOE)-- draft guidelines on “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools” The undersigned pastors, church leaders and staff from Virginia are writing to urge you to make significant changes to draft guidelines released Jan. 4 on model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia’s public schools. We seek changes to promote the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of residents of our state and to protect religious liberty and freedom of conscience for Virginia residents. We are concerned that, under the DOE’s guidelines, many Virginia students, parents, and school staff would no longer be able to love and care for those who identify as transgender in ways that follow their conscience or faith. While we write out of concern for freedom of religion, we believe that biology and medical research affirm what our conscience demands – that there are two genders, male and female, and they are made to align with the biological sex with which we are born. We recognize that some people experience a sense of disconnect between their gender and biological sex, and that gender dysphoria can be very painful and difficult. We believe that true love and compassion for children experiencing gender dysphoria or who identify as transgender can only occur in the context of our creator’s design for us as male and female, and that science and clinical research, while fallible, will ultimately support this truth. We are concerned that the Department’s draft guidelines would enforce an ideology of gender and sex that is harmful to children (by promoting the idea that their malleable, psychological sense of self should over-ride their biological sex, including to the point of undergoing medical interventions with irreversible outcomes) and discriminates against students, school staff and parents who may hold different beliefs due to their interpretation of science and/or religious convictions. Virginia has a long history of leadership in freedom of conscience and religion and we urge you to support and continue in this leadership. As you know, Virginia’s Constitution states: “That religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and, therefore, all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience...” and “all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of religion, and the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.” We are troubled that the Department of Education would put forth policy that would have the effect of diminishing the civil capacities of those who disagree with it because of their religious beliefs. Consistent with Virginia’s constitution, and in support of continued freedom of conscience and religion, we ask you to make significant changes to the draft guidelines, which as written would suppress and impede the free exercise of religion and disadvantage parents whose teaching of their children is guided by religious beliefs that diverge from the guidelines. Specifically, we urge you to include in the guidelines a statement that “students, staff and parents remain free to speak and act consistent with their religious beliefs regarding sex and gender. Individuals will not be subject to discipline or otherwise be disadvantaged for expressing views based on these beliefs, including views on sex and gender identity. All students must be protected from bullying and harassment, whether from gender identity or religious belief, and all students must comply with policy against bullying, harassment and discrimination.” We urge you to make this change to the draft guidelines on transgender students in order to protect the freedom of conscience and religion which are foundational to the well-being of Virginia residents. Signed: Joseph R. Burkholder, Arlington, VA Rev. Thomas H. Oostdyk, Falls Church, VA Rev. Matthew C. Gibert, Arlington, VA Rev. Edwin M. Grudier, Falls Church, VA Wayne Hsu, Great Falls, VA Rev. Steve King, Arlington, VA Dr. Kendall R. and Cynthia A. Lord, Arlington, VA Pastor Greg M. O’Dell, Annandale, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93330", "author": "Gina Wurfel", "date": "2021-02-02T10:37:00", "title": "Strong support for transgender protection!", "text": "I strongly support this document. As a social worker who has many transgendered clients, I feel strongly they need additional protections. Students who are transgender already experience many barriers to their mental health, including shame, anxiety, and fear about repercussions from others. Transgendered people are very misunderstood and subjected regularly to both subtle and over acts of aggression. This can include anything from being physically bullied to being the subject of \"jokes\". There is also an extremely high rate of suicide in the LGBTQIA population among students but this is especially true for transgendered students. Richmond could make a name for itself as an inclusive school district if they were to put these protections in place, and provide a safer space for a population that is often the subject of discrimination. Students could finally feel more comfortable being their true selves, and what district doesn't want that?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93331", "author": "Lydia Mindling", "date": "2021-02-02T10:37:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "These guidances are far too broad and general and give authority to minors who need guidance and shepherding during the difficult times at school. Gender identity is a life altering topic and enabling students to make these decisions is child abuse. To deny a God given gender will set a person up for emotional, physical and spiritual uncertainty. I realize that a call to embrace your God given gender is not at all popular these days, but it is done from a heart of concern and love for those struggling with identity. What I do not like most about these guidances is that they give no aid or support to the students in question. It seems more like a way to appease the populace."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93332", "author": "Jennifer Pendergrass", "date": "2021-02-02T10:38:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "There has to be a way to protect the rights of some without hindering the rights of others. You can enforce anti-bullying policies without erroneously making others \"bullies.\" Can you imagine being a teacher who needs to send a note home? They risk a lawsuit because they accidentally divulge a student's school-used transgender pronoun to a parent or a lawsuit because they didn't use the appropriate school-used pronoun. They can't win for losing. My adult, transgender brother would never want anyone to be afraid to speak or communicate with him or others. We are taking our necessary and positive role models and making them the enemy. The last thing our children need is less positive influence. There can be middle ground without these extreme policies. Stop trying to take rights away from parents and adults. As a parent I accidentally call my children the wrong name and constantly have a slip-of-the-tongue when speaking to them. Can you imagine a teacher making a simple mistake and risking being sued? This is all absurd and completely ignorant."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93333", "author": "Robin Sawyer", "date": "2021-02-02T10:39:00", "title": "Strongly Support Safety & Well being of Trans Students", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth. All students deserve to be safe in their schools. Schools have a duty to support the healthy and positive development of their students, this must include transgender and gender non-conforming students. These students experience higher rates of bullying and discrimination compared to their cisgender peers. We must ensure every child has the ability to live out their truest self for their mental and physical health. Schools must take steps to create inclusive, supportive environments so their students can prosper."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93334", "author": "Benjamin Braman", "date": "2021-02-02T10:40:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this. Bullying has no place in school, it is detrimental to the learning process. I support my trans, non-binary, and genderfluid friends."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93335", "author": "Strongly Support", "date": "2021-02-02T10:41:00", "title": "Strongly support, stop hate", "text": "Hate has no business being in our schools.  People need to be able to learn, and be able to pursue happiness without the fear of persecution.  Everyone trying to feign concern is trying to conceal bigotry.  Justifying hate under the guise of religion perverts the very meaning of what was written. Matthew 22:36-40 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [ a ] ( A ) 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [ b ] ( B ) 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” ( C ) “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”- Mahatma Gandhi"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93336", "author": "Donna Bausch", "date": "2021-02-02T10:42:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I strongly support policies that support and protect transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93737", "author": "Jeff", "date": "2021-02-02T15:55:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the suggested policy guidelines as I believe they seek to push an ideology on the students that is neither wise, supported by studies, or fair to all students. It seems like an attempt to bend over backwards to push the ideology that anyone struggling with gender confusion is best served by indulging their confusion rather than helping them find satisfaction in their biological gender. While all students deserve respect and protection from bullying or harm, it seems these guidelines only seek to protect the interests of the student with gender confusion. Where is the concern for the girls who don’t want to share locker rooms with students with male genitalia? Where is the fairness is sports competition for girls competing with males? I believe these guidelines are not in the best interest of the majority of school students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93738", "author": "concerned mother", "date": "2021-02-02T15:55:00", "title": "strongly opposed to transgender policy in public school", "text": "very concerned with lack of privacy , lack of parental notification and teachings proposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93739", "author": "Sherry Blanton", "date": "2021-02-02T15:56:00", "title": "Support inclusion", "text": "School has to be a safe place for all students to learn not only about the world, knowledge, skills, but also about themselves.   It is important that all students feel welcomed and respected in order to become the best they can be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93740", "author": "KMK", "date": "2021-02-02T15:56:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93741", "author": "Derek Wojciech", "date": "2021-02-02T15:56:00", "title": "Strongly oppose these misdirected policies which exclude diverse approaches and freedom of speech", "text": "Within Virginia’s Department of Education ‘Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools’ draft (no date given) there are a few significant areas of failure that invite strong opposition to the policies described within. Firstly much supposition, opinion, and one-side conversation characterize this document.  In citing various studies (2018, 2020 see document p. 9) of young individuals claiming to be transgendered with data stating higher “rates of depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, and lower self-esteem” or “report feeling depressed or down over the past week….(and) report feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness in the past week” and finally “report trouble sleeping at night”.  The VDOE however gives away their views in what becomes their conclusion the end paragraph on p. 9 by stating “Furthermore, a recent study found that socially transitioned transgender children who are supported in their gender identity have no elevations in depression and only minimal elevations in anxiety relative to population averages (Olson, Durwood, DeMeules, & McLaughlin, 2016).”  There is no alternate conclusion presented.  There is no follow up.  When other studies (pew research, cdma etc.) and the experiences from the social, moral and religious fabrics of our nation are flashing warning signs of opposition on what has become part social experiment with children we must be diligent to listen to both sides of the issue and carefully move forward.  Where is the concern for these students regarding puberty blocking drugs or surgeries or hormonal treatments that all seem to be unhealthy attempts to address gender dysphoria?  Where is the concern about their family life and negative influences that might be driving them to unhealthy even addictive tendencies?  Why isn’t he VDOE offering alternative counseling and support for students and families wanting to achieve acceptance of their born sex?  The VDOE policies in this document remove the vast majority of the parental and community authority and responsibility to our schoolchildren. The second reason for opposition is that the policies clearly take one side of the issue…and ignores the rights of many students and families attending Virginia public schools.  The document states “The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and expression. Schools may not prevent students from expressing their identity.”  What about the FIRST part of the First Amendment? “(Congress) shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”  What about those students and families who have deep convictions regarding gender and equality formed by their faiths?  Where does the policy describe protection for their faith, freedom to exercise that faith in assent or disagreement with their rights to free speech?  What about their rights to privacy in the classroom or the locker room for the vast majority of our students who are not considered LGBT? Lastly the document is filled with contradictions, failures in logic and simply lacks common sense in some cases. For example, the paragraph on p 10 states “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity. Gender-based harassment may also include the disclosure of the student’s transgender status without their consent as this presents safety concerns for the student.”  This statement seems contradictory in that in the first sentence we are directing persons to acknowledge the claimed gender of the student, yet in the second to not acknowledge the claimed gender, limiting free speech.  In another statement “schools have a responsibility to respond to discrimination on the basis of sex, including on the basis of the student’s nonconformance to stereotyped notions of gender.”  Where are the qualifications for this responsibility?  What is the student’s nonconformance varies…one year they claim one sex, the next month they claim another and tomorrow they claim non-binary?  The weakness of the argument is clearly seen.  The polices are intent on “eliminat(ing) gender-based practices to the extent possible.”  Why?  If protecting one’s gender identity why not celebrate the claimed diversity?  The ‘oldest practice in the book’ of male and female reproduction is just one of a staggering number of reasons that builds foundation on celebrating and continue gender-based practices for the fulfillment and safety of our students and families.  Finally the “school staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom” (so biological males, or basically anyone of either born sex, can enter female restrooms?) and “supplies should be made available in all bathrooms to be gender-inclusive.”  From ck12.org “Ovulation is part of the menstrual cycle, which occurs each month in a sexually mature female.”  Is the person female?  Is the person ‘not female’ if they decide to be?  Again the weakness of the position is clearly seen in the light of well-founded facts of science biology. As part of a community and as a parent of students in the state of Virginia, I applaud Virginia’s Department of Education goal to ensure “a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students.”  But the Education ‘Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools’ not only fails to include other positions and successful approaches to gender dysphoria; but simply falls to include ‘all’ students as it claims.  These policies are heavily biased and one-sided where the majority of students and family’s opinions and beliefs are ignored.  Freedom of speech is limited and there is no provision to allow discussion on other views based on one’s social, moral or religious makeup.  Those who claim to be part of the LGBT community should be respected, protected and treated fairly as any other individual but not with privileged rights at the expenses of other Commonwealth citizens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93742", "author": "Kelly Wooley", "date": "2021-02-02T15:57:00", "title": "Emphatically SUPPORT", "text": "In this day and age, we need to stand on the right side of history and support our transgender and non-binary youth. All the negative and hateful comments come from a place of discrimination and ignorance over something people don't understand. It wasn't too long ago that some people thought segregated schools in this country were okay, but now that concept is abhorrent. We need to get to the same place with regard for the treatment of transgender/non-binary students. This new code will lay out a clear policy for how every school in the state of Virginia should positively treat these students. There will be no room for anti-transgender policies. Please don't let a loud group of discriminatory people block this forward progress."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93743", "author": "Sincerly, The asshats who opposed this", "date": "2021-02-02T15:57:00", "title": "Agree - please disregard any past opposing votes. we all got together and changed our minds", "text": "Sorry we didn't know what civil rights were :( we looked up the definition and we now want to change our old, embarrassing comments"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93744", "author": "Joanna Cirillo", "date": "2021-02-02T15:57:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights- strongly support this measure", "text": "This measure protects trans children from bullying and discrimination. Something that from reading the other comments here, Virginia sorely needs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93745", "author": "Concerned Girl Mother", "date": "2021-02-02T15:58:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "Please do not force this upon our children. Provide a single user bathroom for gender confused children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93746", "author": "John Peterson", "date": "2021-02-02T16:01:00", "title": "Support the guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary kids", "text": "Trans and non-binary youth have been with us all along.  It's time to recognize them and provide them a supportive learning environment.  Let's move forward and see how we can do this in a way that benefits all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93747", "author": "Jackson Alexander Park", "date": "2021-02-02T16:02:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I work with middle and high school students and deal with their emotional and spiritual problems on a daily basis. This proposal of our school systems teaching “sex being assigned at birth” is dangerous and will hurt our nation and young people. It’s not factual. Not scientific. The child’s brain and emotions are being developed in these years and they need stability and where is there stability if even the very truth and core of who you are, your gender, is being questioned? Statistics show that transgenders are more likely to have depression and commit suicide and those who get the operation to “become” the other gender aren’t full satisfied and left feeling more empty than before. Men and women of leadership in our states government- Lead well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93748", "author": "Valerie Ferguson", "date": "2021-02-02T16:02:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "It is wrong to add to the confusion of sexual identity in children.  It is wrong to allow a male child dress/undress in a locker room with my daughter and vice versa for a female child to dress/undress in a locker room with my son, more or less, participate, engage in activity with the opposite sex. God made us MALE and FEMALE- He created human beings in His image.  For the education system of our nation to encourage this type of behavior is sickening.  That tax dollars are being spent to support a one sided ideology is sickening.  What about my child (the one who is uncomfortable with the opposite sex)? When does he/she become a victim of hostile environment being created for them? STOP! This is not okay.  It is sickening to think that we are aiding and embedding this type of behaviors in our children.  Children body/brain are still growing (some of them cannot even put their shoes on the right foot), the allowing of a child to act out \"just because they feel different\" is a poor judgment on the adults that support this type of behavior.  Do we allow a child to touch a hot stove because he/she wants to or do we educate on why not to touch the stove. Gender confusion is something that this nation is teaching our children; we allow the family to be torn down (mommy & mommy; daddy & daddy); love is love (not the way God designed it).  The family ordained by God as a husband and wife (mommy & daddy) is being stripped away in the demoralizing society.  When do we as the Christian family become a minority - when does it stop? or does it?  I would never have thought I would have to worry that a man could follow my daughter in to a restroom because he feels feminine.  I am DISGUSTED! We are totally pushing away from the foundation of creation and what we were created for; this nation will be held accountable, maybe not by the world's law but by the LAW!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93749", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:03:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Schools need to do more to protect their transgender students. We deserve protection from the vile people who try to dehumanize and sexualize children's bodies just because they are trans bodies. Let kids use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Degender dress codes so they can apply to all students fairly. I went to a school that didn't provide training to teachers in how to handle a student's transition and resulted in endless disrespect and embarrassment for the student. Continuing to ignore transgender people within schools won't make us go away, but will instead cause life-long resentment and trauma with schooling. We deserve to belong in our schools openly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93750", "author": "Jessica Hallstrom", "date": "2021-02-02T16:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As a parent I STRONGLY OPPOSE the Virginia Department of Education's draft proposing a new policy regarding transgender ideology in our schools. Parents have the right and freedom to teach or not teach (and when to teach) their kids about such sensitive topics. Teachers need to stick to teaching academics and parents are the ones that need to teach morals and religious values based on their own personal faith. If this is passed our children will never attend the public school system as it will not be considered a safe place for them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93751", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:06:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am for the welfare of all children as a school age program coordinator, but I do not agree with this policy. I think it puts more children at risk and it ignores the role of school in a child's life while ignoring purpose of family."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93752", "author": "Scott & Connie", "date": "2021-02-02T16:06:00", "title": "STRONGLY APPOSE - Have you lost your minds?", "text": "STRONGLY APPOSE - Have you lost your minds?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93753", "author": "Samantha Huynh", "date": "2021-02-02T16:07:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "This policy advocates for the basic rights of the people within the Virginia school systems. The benefits go beyond students and before the trans community. This is about nurturing and supporting students as their whole selves, and encouraging administration and beyond to continue to open their minds to better work with the student body."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93754", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:08:00", "title": "Please vote NO on VDOE Transgender Policies", "text": "I urge you to reject the proposed policies regarding transgender students in Virginia's public schools. As a longtime educator at both the secondary and higher education level, I have worked with students who identify as transgender, and while I have great compassion for them, I do not believe their mental health issues should direct school policies which could adversely affect all students. As a parent of three children in Virginia public schools, I am strongly opposed to allowing students with gender confusion to utilize locker rooms and restrooms with students of the opposite sex. I believe this is bad policy and will create problems we cannot even imagine in both the near and long-term future. Please stand up for Virginia's families ; these proposals threaten parental rights in choosing how to raise their own children and seek to force social standards that a small minority ascribe to onto all of us in the public school system. If these measures pass, many families will feel they have no choice but seek other educational opportunities, outside the control of the state. This alone would be incredibly damaging to our school systems. I urge you to do the right thing and vote no."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93755", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:08:00", "title": "Against Bathroom policy", "text": "I am against the bathroom policy as this is asking for inappropriate things to happen. I feel another bathroom should be created as a unisex bathroom for whomever needs it. I feel like this is asking for bad things to happen and people to take advantage of being able to use whichever bathroom they choose. Especially in a middle school and high school where kids are curious. Kids may take advantage of the bathroom policy to have sex in the bathrooms or rape other kids. I am not saying a transgender person will be the one doing this but this is opening up a door by having someone abuse the policy. I think it would be in the best interest for all students to just have unisex bathrooms added and then this will eliminate any person or group of people to be uncomfortable. If necessary even make a unisex locker room as well. I don't feel like it is okay to take away someone else's rights to feel safe and comfortable in their surroundings by giving someone else the right to be allowed to do something that can be accomadated differently."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93756", "author": "David Morgan", "date": "2021-02-02T16:08:00", "title": "Empathy demands support", "text": "There are many comments on this issue expressing opposition, frequently on religious or moral grounds. Such opposition evokes a, \"Think of the children,\" tone, which is ironic. What these commenters really mean is, \"Think of my children.\" Of course we all are thinking of our own children when it comes to this issue, but those in support are often also considering the all the students who would be protected by these policies. I personally don't want to see my own child suffer bullying or discrimination, just because they do not conform to the \"expected\" norms. I also do not wish such acts on any other child. My worldview extends beyond my own immediate feelings and considers the feelings of others. If we are to be empathetic beings we must protect everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93757", "author": "Christina Cunnigham", "date": "2021-02-02T16:09:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this guidance and the impact it could have on making ALL of our kids feel safe in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93758", "author": "George D", "date": "2021-02-02T16:09:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly opposed to this; the state (which public schools are an instrument of) must never be allowed to deny parents information about their own child’s developmental issues as it undermines a parent’s role in their child’s life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93759", "author": "Lindsey Beekman, RPS Teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T16:09:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "It is disappointing to read the hurtful comments on these proposed guidelines. All students deserve to be treated fairly and respectfully, and this is a step in the right direction. It does not force anyone’s beliefs on others, it merely protects our transgender students from being mistreated based on their gender identity. Whether or not individual parents or teachers believe it’s ok to be transgender is irrelevant. Some students are transgender. All students deserve to be treated with respect. Therefore, I strongly support these guidelines to protect all students from discrimination. As a teacher, my job is to create a safe environment for learning and growth, and I believe that these guidelines will help us do so."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93760", "author": "Edward L Huffman", "date": "2021-02-02T16:09:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE the Va. Dept. of  Education Transgender Policies", "text": "I strongly object to this entire draft.  These policies support the minority and penalizes the majority plus gives no exceptions or accommodations for students, parents or teachers whose religious faith, or conscience cannot allow them to adhere to these policies. Furthermore, the backbone of our society is the family unit and the government was created to support the families in our society.  These policies pull families apart by not communicating with or discussing these issues with the parents.  The government was not created to take the place of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93761", "author": "Ryan Bomberger, The Radiance Foundation", "date": "2021-02-02T16:11:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS RECKLESS POLITICAL ACTIVISM & PSEUDOSCIENCE", "text": "When a proposal starts out by using made-up language (fake pronouns) and phrases like \"sex assigned at birth\", we're not talking about science but political activism. Sex is not assigned at birth, it is determined by DNA at the moment of fertilization. It can be discovered by a blood test at 10 weeks and via ultrasounds as early as 14 weeks. THIS is science. This proposal is an outrageous pseudoscientific overreach that severs foundational parent-child relationships and replaces them with an activist and dishonest bureaucracy. This one-sided approach to a problem (that is being created and increased by school systems, themselves) is not an effective way to deal with crucial issues of human sexuality. Many of the citations are from LGBT groups who generated the data with zero substantiation and pose a serious conflict of interest as they SELL the \"gender spectrum\" curricula (e.g. GLSEN) that is being recommended. The First Amendment, according to the Proposal's authors, allows students to \"express\" their gender identity. Well, it's the same amendment that allows Americans to verbally and legislatively oppose such an ideology. This proposal is reckless and needlessly drives a wedge between students and their parents who are the ones responsible for every aspect of that precious child's life. As parents, we're the ones who deal with the fallout of harmful decisions. We're the ones who have to clean up the mess of educators who aren't (naturally) tasked with providing for that child's overall well-being. It is not the role of the government to assume the role of parent(s), replace the foundation of family, dictate what one's religious beliefs may be, or promote junk science as a means of healing. No matter where you are on the political spectrum, this Proposal is irresponsible and in violation of numerous federal laws. You can't fight alleged discrimination by implementing more distortion and discrimination. Our children deserve better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93762", "author": "Elijah Walley", "date": "2021-02-02T16:12:00", "title": "Transgender Rights are Human Rights", "text": "And human rights are transgender rights. Vote Yes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93763", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:12:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As an educator and human being I support other human beings and this!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93764", "author": "Business owner, mother, taxpayer", "date": "2021-02-02T16:13:00", "title": "Transgender rights policies in public schools", "text": "Strongly Oppose!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93765", "author": "JH", "date": "2021-02-02T16:13:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "i can’t imagine the detrimental effects to children if this were passed. Already confused children would be more confused..degenderizing things will make a gateway to a lot of sexual harassment and abuse. This violates the right of parents to be able to teach their children their beliefs and morals. It’s appalling to think that boys would be aloud the same changing and restroom areas as girls and vice versa..sickening..and demoralizing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93766", "author": "Patrick Rush", "date": "2021-02-02T16:14:00", "title": "I SUPPORT a safe learning environment for trans youth", "text": "I strongly support policy that protects trans youth in public schools. Trans youth represent one of the most vulnerable groups in public schools and educating public schools on how to care for these children is absolutely essential."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93767", "author": "Tammy Mauck", "date": "2021-02-02T16:14:00", "title": "How dare you try to play God!!!!!", "text": "How dare you first of all try to come between the relationships parents and their children have? Schools should stick to teaching what has been taught from day 1. You have no business getting involved in matters of sexuality considering you didn't create men and women to begin with. There are 2 sexes, male or female. If you don't know which you are, I would suggest you look between your legs but if you still can't figure it out because you are so engrossed in this worlds view of things, let me explain. Men have penises and women have vaginas and no, even if you could surgically alter that, the fact remains they were born that way and that's what God intended them to be. I am highly opposed to passing this into our school systems and absolutely appalled that you think you all have the right to promote a child doing something without their parents consent. If they are of legal age, they can do as they please and that is up to them but you have no business sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. You are setting our children up to being abused on massive levels but you obviously don't care or you wouldn't consider such an asinine law. It's obvious that you all are trying to destroy the family unit and that you're overstepping your boundaries. Leave our children alone and get back to doing what you're paid to do. One last thing, you better be reading your Bible and getting right with God because this kind of thing will not be tolerated by Him on judgment day and you will pay for it when you stand before Him. Stop trying to fit in with the world because this is not your final resting place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93768", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:15:00", "title": "Transgender in women sports", "text": "Absolutely Not approving of this . what happened to women’s rights compete in sports of your sex that you were Born not that you chose.  Not fair to born females on a competition level."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93769", "author": "Mother and Grandmother", "date": "2021-02-02T16:15:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Schools should educate, not indoctrinate, their students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93770", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose! Leave our kids alone!", "text": "These proposed policies violate the most vulnerable of Virginians and distort their understanding of themselves, their classmates, and the world around them. It needlessly sexualizes children and confuses what should be a period of  instruction in facts relevant to their growth and academic improvement. The only people who support children having a \"sexuality\" are pedophiles - keep this away from Virginia schools! It also clearly violates the religious freedoms and beliefs of millions of Virginians of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith, whose tax dollars will be diverted to indoctrinate their own children against their beliefs. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93771", "author": "Pam Whitmore", "date": "2021-02-02T16:16:00", "title": "Transgender policies in school", "text": "STRONGLY DISAGREE!   PLEASE NO!  Crazy for even thinking this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93772", "author": "R. Kraus", "date": "2021-02-02T16:16:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT MOVING FORWARD! Not back!", "text": "I’m honestly stunned at how long it took us to get here! This entire policy is something that has been needed and available to students for such a long time. There is zero reason anyone should ever have to feel uncomfortable in their own skin. As adults, we should be working to create an environment where we help alleviate those extremely difficult experiences as much as we are able to. Growing up is already a daunting experience. Adding the pressures that society can place on these particular things, even more so. This policy helps all students to feel that they are accepted for who they are, valued, respected, comfortable, and treated in ways that amplify and nurture a confidence will stay with them all their lives. Those are things you should want for any and every kid. I also love that we are looking to give our teachers and leaders as much information and tools as possible to do this. That’s a huge step for so many reasons! These changes don’t seem as though they would be hard to apply, either. (At least, in my opinion.) However, they are monumental to these kids and that is what’s important."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93773", "author": "Kimya Nuru Dennis, 365 Diversity", "date": "2021-02-02T16:17:00", "title": "Protect, support, and defend transgender students and transgender people", "text": "State of Virginia and School Decision Makers, Regarding this proposal, I encourage the focus to only be on protecting, supporting, and defending transgender students, transgender school employees, and transgender people, in general. Never focus on accommodating power majority. In this context, power majority are cisgender and transphobic. Do not be deterred and distracted by hateful language in this comments section, in professional meetings among politicians and school decision makers, and from parents and community members. Instead , provide protective factors for transgender people to prevent and reduce cisgender and heterosexual abuse of power, harmful laws, policies and procedures, and hate crimes against transgender people, gender non-identifying people, and gender non-conforming people. This is the time to be intentional and overt in making changes to all aspects of education including interactions while in school buildings, harmful cisgender-centric and transphobic language, restrooms, dress code, and learning materials used in classes. Unfortunately, many school officials and many school teachers across the nation are transphobic and find overt and covert ways to be harmful. It is necessary that state decision makers and school decision makers stop being tricked by smiles and stop allowing people to harmfully claim \"freedom of speech,\" \"gender traditionalism,\" and \"freedom of religion.\" Many adults are cisgender-centric and transphobic bullies yet claim to want anti-bullying programs for children. Harmfully abusive hypocrisy. Signed, 365 Diversity"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93774", "author": "Glen Smith", "date": "2021-02-02T16:17:00", "title": "objection to transgender policy proposal from VDOE", "text": "I oppose this proposal. It will endanger the bathroom and locker room privacy of young girls (and potentially of young boys as well). It also can lead to deception of parents who are not necessarily told about gender confusion in their own children. It would force school personnel and students to comply with a view of sex and gender that they have a religious and/or constitutional right to disagree with. Protect kids who are gender confused, but do not impose this policy which goes way too far."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93775", "author": "Katie Potorac", "date": "2021-02-02T16:18:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender", "text": "This new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93776", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:18:00", "title": "trans rights", "text": "PEOPLE DESERVE TO BE TREATED LIKE PEOPLE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93777", "author": "Janet L. Bates", "date": "2021-02-02T16:18:00", "title": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS DOCUMENT", "text": "I am not against an adult being able legally to do lots of things that I would not do (jump out of an airplane, ride a motorbike, have sex with someone of the same gender), but surely as adults, we should not allow children to do such things. I include in that list deciding the question as to whether one is a boy or a girl. When children reach adulthood, they can decide for themselves who they are and take whatever steps they wish to as a consequence of that. But children are and should be treated differently from adults for a reason. They are not mature enough to make such determinations. In fact they should be protected from making such decisions until they are fully aware of what it means. I am also appalled at the thought of punishing staff or students for not using the pronoun a student prefers. An individual can prefer whatever pronoun they like, but they cannot insist that a teacher or a fellow student use anything but the pronoun that corresponds to the child's birth gender. And thirdly, how can you force young girls to share their bathrooms with boys? Even if those boys claim to be girls? Physically they are boys. Why punish 99% of a school to accommodate the preferences of a fraction of one percent? Finally, when the school is placed in loco parentis, it behooves them to inform the parents of any event that could impact a child's well being. If you want to drive parents away from public schools with all that that implies (including an unwillingness to pay their tax money to schools and administrators who implement such policies) go ahead. You are making the best case I have yet heard for school choice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93778", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:19:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE - STOP CIRCUMVENTING PARENTAL RIGHTS", "text": "\"In the situation when parents or guardians of a minor student (under 18 years of age) do not agree with the student’s request to adopt a new name and pronouns, school divisions will need to determine whether to respect the student’s request, abide by the parent’s wishes to continue using the student’s legal name and sex assigned at birth, or develop an alternative that respects both the student and the parents.\" “There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...[A] plan may include addressing the student at school with their asserted name and pronoun while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians” (p.12). In other words, not only could a school leave the parents out of decisions and deliberations profoundly impacting our children; it could also deliberately deceive us. This quote puts a big question mark on the genuineness of the intention to help students. Why are you trying to usurp parents authority and responsibility over their OWN children. You do not own our children! Parents who support this legislation now, wait until it's something YOU happen to disagree with. Then you will lose your right to know what is going on with your own children. Can't we all agree that as parents, we have the RIGHT to know what is going on with our children while they are at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93779", "author": "Pam", "date": "2021-02-02T16:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "PLEASE STOP THE HARRASMENT OF NON TRANSGENDER YOUTH!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93780", "author": "Priscilla Thai", "date": "2021-02-02T16:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans lives matter! All human beings deserves rights and to be treated fairly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93781", "author": "Heather s.", "date": "2021-02-02T16:22:00", "title": "Strongly oppose proposed transgender policies", "text": "I am strongly opposed to multiple issues of this proposed policy but this is one example: that all students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93782", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T16:22:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!", "text": "I, along with MANY other Virginia parents, strongly oppose these initiatives. This will take away more parental rights in the lives of our children. It’s completely absurd to take away the rights of parents to know what is happening in our kid’s lives during their school day. In regards to trans students being allowed in any restroom of their choosing, this is just completely unsafe for any children, no matter their gender! The best solution for trans students is to have a unisex bathroom and locker room in every school. Each and EVERY student should feel safe in the restroom, not just trans students. As a Crohn’s disease patient, I spent A LOT of time in the restroom as a student. I can’t begin to explain to you how fearful I would be going into a restroom in school now, knowing a boy could legally follow me in, no questions asked. In regards to trans students being allowed to play in any gender sport, this just logically doesn’t make sense. Boys who have been through puberty are naturally stronger than girls. This is just the truth. You give trans students who choose to play in girls sports a HUGE advantage. It’s not fair to those girls who might be working hard to receive a sports scholarship for college one day. Let’s make actual education the focus of our children’s school day, rather than political agendas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93783", "author": "Janet Heddings. Grandmother of girls", "date": "2021-02-02T16:23:00", "title": "Bathroom policy", "text": "I am mother and grandmother of girls and though I believe we must have compassion and understanding for all students, I am very much opposed to allowing biological boys into girl’s private bathrooms and changing spaces!!  This puts developing girls in awkward situations and possibly threatening situations!  How does this possibly help anyone? Additionally, I am opposed to children being treated differently in schools than how the parents are teaching them about sexuality.  This is not the schools place to trespass on the family and home!  I strongly oppose these policies. Thank you for your time. Janet Heddings"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93784", "author": "Tammy Hale (she/her)", "date": "2021-02-02T16:23:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans kids are more likely than cisgender kids to be the victims of violence in restrooms and therefore need our protection. These policies will not limit the rights of cis kids or their families; they will only promote the health and wellness of trans kids. Trans kids deserve support, dignity, and to have their identity affirmed by their communities just like cis kids do. They are entitled to an educational environment where they can get their basic human needs met safely and with dignity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93785", "author": "Marti C, Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T16:25:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I am appalled by some of the comments from parents & others who oppose this policy.  I believe that what the VA Dept. of Education is trying to do is protect the rights of LGBTQ+, specifically Transgender, youth and provide guidance to the public school systems regarding the treatment & specific needs of these students, NOT take away anyone's parental rights.  Virginia is clearly lacking in updated guidelines that can assist Principals, Teachers, Counselors & School Staff with implementing standard practices for these at-risk youth in our schools.  The anxiety, depression, & suicidal risks for these youth are at least 3 to 4 times as high as their peers.  We really cannot afford to sit back and maintain the status quo. I realize many people were raised to believe that gender is binary, i.e. there are males and females.  I am one of those people.  However, I currently have an LGBTQ+ student, and I'm learning that the way my generation views gender norms, gender identity, and gender expression is quite antiquated.  If parents, teachers and school administrators don't educate themselves about these societal changes, how can we possibly relate to or understand what our youth are dealing with, let alone create policies & practices that support these students in our school system? Even if this policy is not perfect, I would wholeheartedly like to see it passed to protect my child and other students in the Virginia Public School System."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93786", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:26:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93787", "author": "Dorothy Hertzler", "date": "2021-02-02T16:29:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93788", "author": "Jokialeo", "date": "2021-02-02T16:30:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Strongly opposed to the transgender stuff"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93789", "author": "Ryan Boler", "date": "2021-02-02T16:30:00", "title": "Strongly support Transgender rights", "text": "The rights of transgender people need to be protected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93790", "author": "Robert Cook", "date": "2021-02-02T16:32:00", "title": "Strongly disagree with the transgender agenda", "text": "This agenda goes completely against who we are created to be. We are created male and female. We are created to reproduce and that takes male and female. Anything other than that is a gross perversion of who we are as human beings. I urge everyone to vote against this mockery of humanity. This goes against everything that is natural."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93791", "author": "Jody Corbet", "date": "2021-02-02T16:32:00", "title": "Focus", "text": "Kids have not been in school in months. Suicides and drug overdoses are skyrocketing even though the media will not say a word about it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93792", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:32:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "This document cannot be passed.  The debilitating effect this will have on the psychological wellness of the students cannot be calculated.  It may seem charitable to listen to children when they are struggling with their \"gender identity\" but it is not. Boys and girls are defined by their sex, which is defined by their very DNA.  This is measurable.  A constant.  And as such should be the basis of our legislation.  Not the opinion or fancy of a minor. Furthermore, the utter chaos that will inevitable follow from allowing boys to enter a girls locker room depending on their preference is unfathomable. This proposal does not serve to protect children, it simply creates more situations in which children will be harmed physically and psychologically."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93793", "author": "Jim S.", "date": "2021-02-02T16:33:00", "title": "Oppose— doesn’t belong in public schools", "text": "This should not be in our schools, period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93794", "author": "Katherine", "date": "2021-02-02T16:33:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans students deserve to be able to live and attend school without fear of discrimination and stigma. This document has the ability to save LIVES. I strongly support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93795", "author": "Soden", "date": "2021-02-02T16:33:00", "title": "Transgender rights, Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93796", "author": "S. West", "date": "2021-02-02T16:33:00", "title": "Trans policy guidance for K-12 public schools in VA", "text": "Presently most people have an overly simplified definition of gender. As a result, transgender, non-binary and otherwise gender-expansive people are often stigmatized and not understood. It is time to create welcoming and inclusive environments in our schools for ALL students. Everybody deserves complete acceptance and equality. I believe that gender diversity education should be part of K-12 curriculum in VA. Once people become aware of the true diversity of gender, it will become attainable to create society where it is safe for everyone to be visible, supported, represented and acknowledged."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93797", "author": "Andrew", "date": "2021-02-02T16:34:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "We should not disregard the role of parents in public education. Oppose this bill, as parents are the best advocates for public education and have the primary role in teaching true science to kids"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93798", "author": "Angel southers", "date": "2021-02-02T16:34:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this in school systems."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93799", "author": "Stephanie", "date": "2021-02-02T16:34:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I stumbled upon this policy proposal by reading a strongly oppositional opinion article in my local newspaper and decided to make my own decision based on the facts laid out in the actual proposal.  It is my belief that transgender students deserve the same respect provided all students in our VA public school system.  They should not be discriminated against or harassed based on their identities and if we need more policies in place, I’m in support. Over the years we have learned quite a bit about the importance of inclusion and the detriment of exclusion.  Should we not strive to be more inclusive in our school-wide practices? I believe we should and I believe this is a step in the right direction.  Specifically, I agree with encouraging school systems to change dress code descriptions to be less gender specific/stereotypical and more in line with which parts of the body should be covered. I also believe that the policy’s emphasis on working through transgender issues with families in mind is critical – supporting transgender students and their families and helping them navigate these policies in a safe, and private manner (when preferred), on a case-by-case basis, is important.  I assume the role school counselors play in this will be extremely important. All kids are different and a \"one size fits all approach\" to issues surrounding gender identity does not work. As a parent of children who attend public schools in VA, I want my children to understand the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy.  All kids, including transgender kids, deserve a safe space, and for many, that is our school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93800", "author": "Colette", "date": "2021-02-02T16:34:00", "title": "I strongly support the effort to provide a healthy learning environment for transgender students", "text": "I strongly support any and all efforts to ensure that our transgender students are given a comfortable, equitable learning environment where they feel safe and valued. We cannot claim to provide the best possible education to our students when there are students who feel excluded and unappreciated for being their true selves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93801", "author": "VA Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T16:34:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I am appalled at these radical and scientifically flawed recommendations by the Virginia Board of Education.  The parents of Virginia will not allow the bureaucrats in state government to dictate & attempt to indoctrinate crazy gender fantasies to our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93802", "author": "Kay Dellinger", "date": "2021-02-02T16:35:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "strongly oppose this. I do not want my kids having to deal with the opposite sex coming into the bathroom while they are in there."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93803", "author": "Afton Bradley", "date": "2021-02-02T16:36:00", "title": "Support Trans Students", "text": "As a nurse and social worker who works extensively with LGBTQ youth and adolescents in the State of Virginia, I  support these model policies for LGBTQ students. It is important that all youth are able to learn without harassment, discrimination or fear of violence. A national survey by GLSEN has found that 75% of transgender youth feel unsafe at school, and those who are able to persevere had significantly lower GPAs, and were more likely to miss school out of concern for their safety. Furthermore, we know that LGBTQ youth experience higher rates of homelessness and are five times more likely to attempt suicide than their non LGBTQ peers. Through my time as a volunteer, social worker, and nurse I have directly seen these statistics in practice. These policies will help the safety of students and lay out how schools can prevent gender-based harassment or address it effectively to support and protect students to ensure everyone has equal access to education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93804", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:36:00", "title": "A high schoolers perspective", "text": "when Christ created this world, He made one man and one woman.  Adam never decided to become a girl, and Eve never decided she was a man.  In the beginning, Christ made male and female, no other. 13 For You formed my inward parts; You [ f ] covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for [ g ] I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My [ h ] frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. Psalm 139:12-16"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93805", "author": "I am the mom!!!!!  Not the state.", "date": "2021-02-02T16:37:00", "title": "I am the mom!!!!!!! Not the state.", "text": "I certainly support one's rights to determine who they chose to be.  As far as sexual identity issues, that is for the parent's to discuss with their children, in the privacy of \"home\".  The school and state HAVE NO LEGAL RIGHT NOR SHOULD THEY HAVE ANY LEGAL RIGHTS to dictate how parent's discuss sexual matters, or sexual identity with their children.  Parents are currently able to opt out of \"family ed\" classes to discuss the issue of sex and procreation at home if they chose.  By setting up a requirement that TEACHERS OR THE STATE can control the dialogue on topics that are suited to parental involvement (or worse, punish parents for their own decisions on these matters concerning their minor children) effectively places the children in the care and custody of the state.  This is a terrifying concept and is akin to practices implemented by the Stasi in East Germany."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93806", "author": "Julia Liu", "date": "2021-02-02T16:38:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE !", "text": "THIS IS RIDICULOUS  ! GOD CREATED MEN AND WOMEN , NOT TRANSGENDAR  ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93807", "author": "Sandra", "date": "2021-02-02T16:38:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "This is absolutely absurd!  If it were the right thing to do, you wouldn't need parental consent.  However, you are denying parental consent.  That should tell you something."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93808", "author": "Bruce Blizard", "date": "2021-02-02T16:39:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support guidance that protects the rights of transgender students in Virginia. Transgender people have high rates of suicide and are abused and attacked at rates higher than any other sexual identity and therefore should receive assurances that they can be be safe while in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93809", "author": "Valerie W. Uhrig", "date": "2021-02-02T16:41:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "(Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools) I believe it is important that all youth are able to learn without harassment, discrimination or fear of violence."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93810", "author": "JB", "date": "2021-02-02T16:41:00", "title": "Transgender School Policies", "text": "I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. The guidelines express concern for the feelings of transgender students who are a tiny percentage of all students. That is okay. But policies that ignore the effect on all other students are a terrible idea.  Are we trying to make all students confused about their gender? It seems like that is the agenda here. Speaking from personal experience on this issue, the Fairfax County school board has intentionally ignored the overwhelming number of comments and concerns by parents, in favor of highlighting and forcing the sexual agendas of a minority on everybody. Kindergarteners have no need for such discussions! Young teenagers have not even been given time to develop on their own before the schools are forcing these radical beliefs as matters of public discussion. Our whole society is sex-crazy, and the schools are pushing the bandwagon! Let kids get to 18 before we make them deal with this - then at least they can make an adult decision. If we were intentionally trying to destroy our kids, we could hardly come up with a way that is more effective than putting transgender in every school and class. Where are the adults here? Please STOP this transgender initiative."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93811", "author": "Kimberly Fore", "date": "2021-02-02T16:41:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "String oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93812", "author": "Wyatt Gordon", "date": "2021-02-02T16:42:00", "title": "Pro-life means pro-trans lives", "text": "A majority of Virginians voted for lawmakers who recognize that we are long overdue in protecting all of our children whether they be cis- or transgender.  More than four in five (83%) trans young people have experienced name-calling or verbal abuse; three in five (60%) have experienced threats and intimidation; and more than a third (35%) of trans young people have experienced physical assault. More than one in four (27%) trans young people have attempted to commit suicide and nine in ten (89%) have thought about it. 72% have self-harmed at least once. The numbers speak for themselves.  Pro-life means we also have to protect the lives of trans-people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93813", "author": "Sharon Nadlicki", "date": "2021-02-02T16:42:00", "title": "Open Forum-Article by Christine Wingard on Transgender Policies", "text": "The opening paragraph of Our Constitution states that \"WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, issue domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this CONSTITUTION for the United States of America.\" I do not believe that these 'model policies' help in any way to acheive any of the goals as stated in the opening paragraph of the Constitution. And in my opinion they certainly WOULD NOT help us to receive the Blessings of Liberty from our Creator...only his curses."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93814", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:44:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This is terrible! Stop this nonsense and leave our kids alone!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93815", "author": "Reggie Meneses", "date": "2021-02-02T16:44:00", "title": "\"Treatment of Trans Students in Virginia Schools\"", "text": "I strongly support policies that provide a safe and equitable learning environment for Trans students in Virginia Schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93816", "author": "Kimberlee Abrams", "date": "2021-02-02T16:44:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this, because as someone who has family and friends who are transgender I want them to be able to feel safe in this world, as well as feeling like they belong. I know the struggles people go through with this situation and I want to help them be happy and safe. I support this because our country needs more people like them to show them that the world isn't as bad as people think. Also, transgender women are just like any other woman on earth; just like any transgender male is just like any other male on earth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93817", "author": "Barbara", "date": "2021-02-02T16:45:00", "title": "STRONGLY, STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I'm stunned that this is even up for discussion.  Anyone with any sanity should realize that this policy will be exploited at the detriment of girls and boys alike as an opportunity to gain access into the other's bathroom and locker rooms.  Has it been so long since you were a teenager that you've forgotten?  What about THOSE student's rights?  To allow less than 1% of students to set policy that will VERY LIKELY lead to sexual assault is a gross overreach of your ELECTED position. If you pass such an unthinkable thing I encourage every parent to personally sue you for emotional and physical damage on behalf of their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93818", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:46:00", "title": "Totally against this!!!", "text": "please leave our kids alone... concerned parent who wants the right to teach their own kids about all this stuff and not have this craziness that is wrong bilogically and sexually.... they're jsut kids! stop it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93819", "author": "Ross Catrow", "date": "2021-02-02T16:46:00", "title": "I support transgender policy guidance for K-12 public schools in Virginia", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93820", "author": "Nicole L", "date": "2021-02-02T16:47:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans youth need respect and support and deserve to feel safe at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93821", "author": "An old, straight white guy", "date": "2021-02-02T16:47:00", "title": "Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged", "text": "It is truly sad to see so many hateful and fearful comments, some of which even invoke religion. Really, folks, let's all just take a deep breath and try to treat everyone with respect and kindness, even if we don't understand what they may be going through. All students, of every race and socio-economic class, male and female, gay and straight, cis and trans, native born and immigrant, documented or not, and whatever other distinctions I've forgotten, are children of God – and people who claim to be religious should not be so quick to judge, so quick to condemn others. Let's protect all students – especially the most vulnerable – from bullying and harassment, whether it's by other students or by angry parents or random trolls. It's the right thing to do, and I'm glad the Virginia Department of Education is working to protect all of its students, and to help them all to thrive. Bravo!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93822", "author": "Kristen Jerome", "date": "2021-02-02T16:47:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender school policy", "text": "VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93823", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:48:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "THE SCHOOLS ARE NOT THE CHILD'S PARENTS!!!! Stick to teaching Math, Language Arts, Science, and history."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93824", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:49:00", "title": "against this - big time! this is terrible...", "text": "you need to leave our children alone on this! let the parent's decide what is right to teach on this.... stop trying to force this indoctrination of non-biological crap that just confuses our kids...."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93825", "author": "student", "date": "2021-02-02T16:49:00", "title": "Great help", "text": "I personally think this would help me and some of my friends so much. Dead naming is a big problem for me at the moment and since I am going to high school next year and will probably not have any people I know in my classes I really don't want to be dead named because of what my papers say so it would be really great for me and help me feel more comfortable if others won't know my deadname. Bathrooms are really strange for me because I have been out for about a year which means the pandemic started before bathrooms could confuse me but knowing that I could possibly not need to worry if one day I need to go into the bathroom not assigned to me because of my gender assigned at birth would be so amazing. I also thing the dress code part would be great considering most of the time the people who get dress coded are girls and it's for having shorts that are too short or something along those lines, maybe if guys get dress coded it could open up more peoples eyes about that topic. Also having teachers get trained for LGBTQ+ situations will probably help a lot when people who aren't out are in a weird situation which is a pretty big thing when you have to come out anyway. Thank you for getting all of these things started."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93826", "author": "tyonna Southers", "date": "2021-02-02T16:50:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this as a mother."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93827", "author": "Concerned parent and teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T16:50:00", "title": "Guidance document transgender confusion", "text": "This is not appropriate.  I strongly oppose transgender and gender confusion policies to be implemented in our schools.  This has no place in the curriculum of a school.  These policies are not fair to subject any or all students to in a school setting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93828", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:52:00", "title": "I fully support legislation which furthers the positive health and wellbeing of trans youth", "text": "I fully support legislation which furthers the positive health and wellbeing of trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93829", "author": "Parent of elementary kids", "date": "2021-02-02T16:53:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this and can’t believe such harsh consequences are even on the table. Yes, students should be able to explore their identity if they choose, however parents 100% should know about it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93830", "author": "Lucas", "date": "2021-02-02T16:54:00", "title": "Opposed- Whatever Happened to Women's Rights?", "text": "I don't see how allowing biological boys to go into girls locker-rooms, bathrooms, and sports is supposed to help further women's rights. Democrats claim to be the party that champion feminism, and women's equality, yet they are now going to force girls to change in front of their male classmates? Genius. Are the people pushing this bill really naive enough to think that a bunch of high school boys are'nt going to claim to all of a sudden be girls so they can now go into the girls locker room and change? Let's not pretend to be shocked when things go wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93831", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T16:54:00", "title": "BAD for kids, BAD for Virginia,", "text": "I read through the proposed policy, this is bad bad bad. Virginia schools are failing Virginia students, parents and taxpayers when it comes to teaching reading, math and writing - why in the world do we need to interfere in the students' sexuality? If I want to indoctrinate my kids with an ideology, I can send them to a religious school or a private school - public schools should not be confusing them with the nonsense gender crap that is completely illogical and against biology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93832", "author": "Linda F Greenberg", "date": "2021-02-02T16:55:00", "title": "Gender", "text": "I believe that it is wrong to foist sex and gender identity issues and unusual beliefs on students in school.  When children are born it is obvious whether they are boys or girls.   Some students may question their sex and want to change it.   That is a private matter, not a public education concern.  A school is to provide academic learning not gender identity.  Because one or two children/students feel uncomfortable with their gender does not mean that all students/children must endure their confusion.  Why inflict the deviance of one child on the entire class?  It is not right for the school to act as loco parentis."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93833", "author": "Yara A", "date": "2021-02-02T16:56:00", "title": "I wholeheartedly and fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth.", "text": "I wholeheartedly and fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93834", "author": "Samuel Lowery", "date": "2021-02-02T16:56:00", "title": "Strongly Support Protecting Trans Youth", "text": "Ignoring trans youth will never cause them to go away. They will always exist and deserve the same protections afforded to all people. It only takes a few *simple* steps to make their lives 100% better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93835", "author": "Amanda Brown", "date": "2021-02-02T16:57:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I fully support protecting transgender and non-binary students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93836", "author": "Parent of two high school students", "date": "2021-02-02T16:59:00", "title": "Transgender support in our schools", "text": "Writing to briefly voice our family’s advocacy for guidelines and legislation to offer full support of the transgender community in our schools. Transgender students and staff deserve protection of their dignity and rights for the sake of their mental and physical well being."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94737", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T05:07:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "N/A"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94738", "author": "Jane M.", "date": "2021-02-03T05:10:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Dear Virginia Department of Education: Thank you for developing these model policies to support the education of all students, especially those who are transgender. I write in support of these policies as a mom, former PTA and County Council PTA president, and family friend of two children who have transitioned successfully with the support of their families and educators. A former teacher of mine explained that respect is “treating people the way THEY wish to be treated, not the way YOU want to treat them.” I think about the way school administrators showed respect for one of our family friends when he was transitioning. He was an advanced academic student on the autism spectrum. Once he made the decision to transition, lack of support from his educators would have had grave consequences. Thankfully he attended a high school whose principal showed respect and worked with our friend to determine what he needed so that he could focus on his education. These model policies support all students because they guide school divisions and their employees in keeping the focus on education. Following these policies helps equip principals, teachers and staff with the guidance and resources needed to provide equitable education. A side effect is that in following these policies, educators will eliminate potential for unwanted attention for students who are transgender, and the distractions to other students that would result. I do hope that school divisions expand on the model policy for professional development and include more than their mental health professionals in ongoing training opportunities. As we strive to support the variety of people who identify as LGBTQ+ our understanding and ability to identify emerging issues deepens. Training helps build confidence among our professionals and would surely be appreciated by classroom teachers. Many people, for a variety of reasons, struggle with the reality that some people do not identify with the gender assigned at birth. Many of these people are vocal, and their collective opposition to equitable education for transgender students often shares the sharply negative tones of our national discourse. And so I cheer your efforts to keep educators’ focus on providing equitable education, in compliance with Virginia law. The model policies in themselves are informative and will help educate the thousands of people reading them, and the public servants charged with enacting them. Thank you for your work. Jane Miscavage Vienna, Virginia"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94739", "author": "David Sammons", "date": "2021-02-03T05:25:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this policy.", "text": "I sympathize with those who experience same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria but this policy is not the answer. It is a false compassion that is harmful and destructive to the individual and families because it promulgates lies about human sexuslity.. We must speak the truth about human sexuality with charity and clarity. Promulgating lies is never charitable and compassionate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94740", "author": "Mother", "date": "2021-02-03T05:26:00", "title": "Stop manipulating Kids", "text": "In no way, shape or form is this ok. Pre K?! Kids hardly understand basic reality and you wish to push policies marred in what a person feels is right? The science doesn't support Transgenderism and neither should schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94741", "author": "Very Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T05:33:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly disagree with the majority of this proposal to change any existing statutes in favor of the proposed transgender related policies!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94742", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T05:33:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I believe this bill is ridiculous and it's a slap in God's face..furthermore it opens up more opportunities for rape etc."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94743", "author": "Carly", "date": "2021-02-03T05:37:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights!", "text": "I am a fairfax county resident and went to school here. I think trans students should be able to have all the protections cis students do"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94744", "author": "Jared Fauver", "date": "2021-02-03T05:41:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "i am opposed to this bill. It is the parents job, not the school’s or government’s, to teach their child about such things."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94745", "author": "Marie Howard", "date": "2021-02-03T05:44:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94746", "author": "Jh", "date": "2021-02-03T05:49:00", "title": "I Oppose", "text": "Children and young and still maturing.  They are confused and don't really know who they are.  Bullying should not be tolerated for anyone. I  do not think schools are the place to blur the lines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94747", "author": "Madeline Miller", "date": "2021-02-03T05:49:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!", "text": "It is the duty of the state of Virginia to protect trans students and citizens. Trans rights are human rights. No person should made to feel discriminated against based on their gender identity or sexual orientation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94748", "author": "Concerned Mother", "date": "2021-02-03T05:50:00", "title": "LGBTQ school law", "text": "I absolutely do not agree with turning public education into such a mockery. Sexual preference/education needs to be taught in the home and save reading, writing, math for the classroom. No matter where a person stands as far supporting or opposing gender neutrality, it is not a topic that should be woven into the K-12 curriculum. And as far as withholding any information from a child's parent...that is absolutely ridiculous! If a child is having trouble with gender Identity, the parents need to know so they can provide whatever help their child needs. This bill is absolutely 100% wrong! Our children deserve so much more!!! Teach them what will help be a productive member of society and assist them in college and leave sexual identity/orientation out!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94749", "author": "AB", "date": "2021-02-03T05:53:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94750", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T06:00:00", "title": "In STRONG SUPPORT of trans lives", "text": "Without this guidance trans kids will continue to suffer at the hands of those who know better. I wish this were around when I was going to school here."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94751", "author": "Courtney Standerfer", "date": "2021-02-03T06:01:00", "title": "I fully support trans students rights", "text": "I fully support any measures put into place to support and protect trans students in our schools. Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94752", "author": "Mnc", "date": "2021-02-03T06:11:00", "title": "Strongy oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94753", "author": "Samuel", "date": "2021-02-03T06:15:00", "title": "100% OPPOSED", "text": "This is not ok."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94754", "author": "Elise Forrester", "date": "2021-02-03T06:17:00", "title": "Support Trans students", "text": "Affirming children's identities, affirming the diversity within Virginia schools, is beneficial to the entire community. This guidance sends a clear message to all students: you belong! You are valid! You can expect respect and affirmation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94755", "author": "Concerned Mother", "date": "2021-02-03T06:21:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is entirely objectionable and disgusting. Please do not pass this bill. “Male and Female He created them”."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94756", "author": "Kylie", "date": "2021-02-03T06:23:00", "title": "Support Trans students!", "text": "We need to be doing a better job of supporting these students. Respect their identity, respect how they choose to dress, respect their privacy, and respect their autonomy! Enforce pronoun usage. Have protections for these children so they are not exploited by the adults meant to protect them or by the students who may harass them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94757", "author": "Suzanne Sayre", "date": "2021-02-03T06:31:00", "title": "Protect children please!", "text": "Please don’t pass the Bill on transgender in our schools.  This is the worst bill imaginable.   Our children need to be protected from such evil."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94758", "author": "Daniella Harris", "date": "2021-02-03T06:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!!!!!!!!", "text": "This contradicts science, strips parental rights, and forces people to have their children accept  a forced ideology.  This also opens Pandora's box and Legal liability for schools, school boards, individual teachers and teachers unions and the state government itself after the first incident of potential Sexual Abuse (intended or accidental) or even Rape when Children are allowed to determine bathroom and locker room use without guidance of adults who are there to protect ALL students! Parents and Legal Guardians make these decisions NOT school systems which are there to Serve and educate Not Mandate a different set of rules! Legally this will go to the Supreme Court and should if a school system can overstep boundaries like this!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94759", "author": "David", "date": "2021-02-03T06:32:00", "title": "We must support each and every student, I fully support!!!", "text": "We must support each and every student that attends public school, ensuring them the same rights and protections as each and every other students. All students deserve to be treated fairly while being ensured that the environment they are learning in is a safe and confident space. I fully support all legislation that protects EACH and EVERY student, especially those that need it most."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94760", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T06:37:00", "title": "STRONGLY AGREE", "text": "As a teacher of many students, both trans and not, I want what is best for our children. If passed, this legislation will ensure the safety of LGBTQ+ students across the state. It will not negatively affect non-trans students in any way. However, if this is not passed, so many trans students will continue to be at risk of bullying, health issues (mental and physical), and possibly worse as a result of not receiving the support they need to thrive in schools. TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94761", "author": "Concerned Father", "date": "2021-02-03T06:37:00", "title": "No such thing as transgender", "text": "This proposed legislation is an assault on truth itself. I say this from a purely ethical and secular perspective, not a religious one. There is no such thing as transgenderism; there is only gender dysphoria. If a teenager is experiencing gender dysphoria, this proposed legislation will serve only to give that teenager permission to indulge the disorder. There is male and female, nothing in between. The proposed legislation will only serve to distort the nature of the human person. Transgenderism is a lie. Virginia should stand up for the truth, not lies. I strongly oppose this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94762", "author": "Mary Twombly", "date": "2021-02-03T06:38:00", "title": "Support", "text": "This will protect children. It is needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94763", "author": "Rudy Almanzor, President. Hampton Roads Pride", "date": "2021-02-03T06:42:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As President of the leading LGBTQ advocacy organization in Hampton Roads, I am proud to see the commitment of the Virginia Department of Education to ensure a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students. I would have loved to have seen this level of acceptance while a teenager in Virginia Beach Public Schools. It is truly heart warming that the key guiding principle of is that all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment. By creating inclusive learning environments, transgender and non-binary young Virginians will be able to freely pursue their educational potential."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94764", "author": "Mark Pomeroy", "date": "2021-02-03T06:45:00", "title": "Strongly support trans rights and will vote accordingly", "text": "I base my beliefs on science, but as science can be invoked by both sides this will not settled until we first resolve the substantive social questions. Whether or not it’s believed that gender and sex are two different things is not a matter for public debate and therefore all comments and opinions expressed in this town hall to that fact are besides the point. Accommodations are made in schools for many reasons that go beyond those covered by a protected legal status. An IEP can be created for a gifted child who has trouble sitting still or for child to take a short break when feeling overwhelmed. If the majority of society, or even just a very loud minority, decide this is coddling and not helpful to children in general we don’t remove the IEP. We do what’s right for the individual child rather than some esoteric societal “I don’t know if it’s true but my gut tells me so and I was raised that way” belief. For those who argue that accommodating trans kids needs is catering to a small group at the expense of the majority, then they are missing the point of why we have any protected legal statuses and anti-discrimination laws. It is noble for the strong to defend the week and it is patriotic for the majority to defend the rights of any minority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94765", "author": "Ben", "date": "2021-02-03T06:46:00", "title": "Absolutely Oppose", "text": "This will undermine core family values. Do not allow lies and propaganda to surpass real truth. This will demoralize all students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94766", "author": "Shannon Turner", "date": "2021-02-03T06:48:00", "title": "In support of transgender children and their right to an education", "text": "This guidance will be a critical step in ensuring that transgender children have equal access to education. As the aunt of two young children living in Virginia, my hope is that if they come out as transgender, their schools will be as supportive as their aunt. Protecting children from bullying and harassment, protecting their privacy and confidentiality, and allowing them to fully participate in school activities are all critical. I am looking forward to seeing these protections implemented to protect transgender children and ensure that they too can receive an education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94767", "author": "Stop Calling Opposition Bigotry", "date": "2021-02-03T06:51:00", "title": "Stop Calling Opposition Bigotry", "text": "Strongly oppose this digusting bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94768", "author": "Concerned Mother & Teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T06:51:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "I am a mother and a teacher. This shakes me to my core. If we do this what is to say that predators won't simply say they are transgender to have access to bathrooms and locker rooms? Will these children then be showering at school with people who have the opposite sex organs as them? I do not care what people identify with and I do not mind using different pronouns (although sometimes it is hard when they go back and forth from week to week). I do mind for how this can open things up for predators. I do worry about how much easier this could cause students to be violated. On a different level, how does this not infringe on the first amendment? PLEASE REJECT THIS BILL."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94769", "author": "Adam Fry", "date": "2021-02-03T06:52:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "We don't need to teach our kids that this is ok. You are who God made you, not what you think you are. Your DNA tells you who you are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94770", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T07:04:00", "title": "Support Students, support anti-discrimination, and support bullying prevention", "text": "I support the development of guidance for schools in supporting transgender students. While all students need support, it’s undeniable that transgender students need extra support. Policies should support anti-discrimination laws and practices and support for anti-"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94771", "author": "Steve and Sarah McGahee", "date": "2021-02-03T07:07:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools", "text": "100 percent Standing to Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94772", "author": "Barbara Oshetski", "date": "2021-02-03T07:07:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "“I strongly oppose these policies. I follow science.”"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94773", "author": "Concerned grandparent", "date": "2021-02-03T07:09:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Please reject! Children will be placed in situations where they can be more easily victimized. Please REJECT!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94774", "author": "Bailie", "date": "2021-02-03T07:14:00", "title": "Support Our Students", "text": "We must protect all of our students, particularly trans youth, seeking what we all want for our kids - healthy, safe learning environment free from hate and fear. I support the model in that it provides a template for protecting the dignity and ability to learn safely for trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94775", "author": "Moriah A.", "date": "2021-02-03T07:15:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a parent of two children within the public school system, I strongly support this resolution."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94776", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T07:16:00", "title": "100% Absolutely Oppose", "text": "100%absolutely oppose. The ideas and language proposed are absolutely disgusting and disturbing for our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94777", "author": "Kia", "date": "2021-02-03T07:16:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Strongly support. Disgusted by anyone who would not support better policies and support for trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94778", "author": "AE", "date": "2021-02-03T07:17:00", "title": "SUPPORT TRANS KIDS", "text": "Trans people are PEOPLE; trans children are just as deserving of love, respect, and safety as anyone else. The protection of trans kids is a matter of life and death for many of them; the risk of violence and suicide for trans youth is too damn high to ignore. Creating inclusive policies to benefit trans people does SO much benefit, and at no actual detriment to anyone else. Affirming trans identities will make ignorant people uncomfortable, but will not cause harm. Denying trans individuals protections, however, causes legitimate harm to them. PLEASE SUPPORT TRANS RIGHTS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94779", "author": "Caroline", "date": "2021-02-03T07:20:00", "title": "I support this policy", "text": "I support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94780", "author": "Informed Mother/ Self Thinker/ advocate for all children", "date": "2021-02-03T07:22:00", "title": "Opposition is not bigotry... those who think so have not read the entire policy.", "text": "What about the rights of sexually abused children that now have opposite gender in the restroom and locker room. LAWSUITS!!!!! VA public education will end up having to let go of employees and teachers when the attendance significantly drops, if this passes as currently written. I think most people agree Transgenders need  to be treated equally in terms of bullying and harassement... I think most are fine with their choice of clothing (as long as it follows current school rules)- the main issues are the restrooms and locker rooms and TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE that parents would not want their children EXPOSED to body parts of opposite gender and vice versa! How could ANY PARENT with any ethics support this? AND how can any parent support the school system not notifying them about their own child. This is a dangerous path... what else will they keep from parents in the future. VDOE needs to rethink and go to the table and update this policy to remove much of the current policy- develop uni-sex restrooms and locker rooms, if you feel that is necessary. VDOE job is to support EDUCATION - not be a part of BIG GOVERNMENT!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94781", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T07:23:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I believe very strongly that this does far more harm than good. This truly poses a risk to girls especially since a biological boy is generally able to overpower the female sex. Without being able to question the validity of how a young person truly identifies and which sex they are attracted to, how can you offer protection to those who want natural privacy and safety? School age kids, especially middle schoolers are extremely susceptible and going through so many emotional and biological changes naturally, that they are very easily confused. Would not want my child to be pushed in a certain direction based solely on any awkward changes that are very natural in the development of their biological sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94782", "author": "Madison", "date": "2021-02-03T07:23:00", "title": "Support & protect trans kids!", "text": "support & protect trans kids in schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94783", "author": "Someone's Aunt", "date": "2021-02-03T07:26:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support the model policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94784", "author": "Poppy", "date": "2021-02-03T07:27:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "It is so important for us to be able to protect our children, meaning all of them. Trans youth are at a higher risk for victimization, bullying, suicide. The protection of said students weighs heavily on schools. Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94785", "author": "Skye", "date": "2021-02-03T07:27:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!", "text": "The fact that so many people are against this is terrifying for our future children. This would be an amazing step for transgender students and the LGBTQ community! It is a step towards creating a world that does not judge people based on their appearance and personal identity that does nothing to harm others and only can benefit the person who it is affecting. Bigotry will no longer be tolerated!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94786", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T07:28:00", "title": "What about students with ill willed intension entering bathroom and locker room? with no ques. asked", "text": "This policy is ludicrous and truly harmful. Current policy can endanger children! Be prepared for lawsuits."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94787", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T07:28:00", "title": "100% Strongly Oppose!!", "text": "100% Strongly Oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94788", "author": "Sarah Koch", "date": "2021-02-03T07:29:00", "title": "I do not support this", "text": "I do not support these new policies.  Specifically I think that we need to have single use bathrooms.  I think it presents a danger to transgender and non transgender students to have anyone of any gender to be able to walk in and out of any bathroom. As a mother of two daughters I want them to feel safe and comfortable using the bathroom. Further I disagree with the idea that staff and admin can keep information from parents.  The school should be a support to parents and families and help them navigate the issues of gender and offer resources, not be the overarching final word on the issue and hide the issue from parents.  As a parent I want to be able to be there for my child and help my child navigate their questions and issues within the confines of our family belief structure.  I also think that with the fluidity of language it is unfair to discriminate against teachers and students if they use the wrong pronoun."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94789", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T07:31:00", "title": "No way!", "text": "Stop pushing pseudo-science on our kids and brainwashing them! Enough with the emasculation of our kids. Get back to education not social engineering."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94790", "author": "Anna Yedid", "date": "2021-02-03T07:33:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Good day, While the treatment of all students should be in keeping with making sure the environment is safe for learning, we absolutely cannot support changes in school and education policy that would remove gender protections (especially related to bathroom facilities and sports programs).   There is an answer, but this is not it. Please do not,  under any circumstances, adopt these policies which are harmful to our children overall while we seek to help those struggling with their gender identity. Thank you, Anna"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94791", "author": "Mama bear", "date": "2021-02-03T07:35:00", "title": "Absolutely not!", "text": "This is not for the schools to decide. Schools should be investigating the parents for child abuse. Trans-kids are being pushed to believe they can change themselves and all their mental health issues will magically disappear if only they prevent puberty, take tons of hormones, and ultimately have surgery to change who they are. Sounds like a mental illness to me. Stop with the social engineering."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94792", "author": "Enough already!", "date": "2021-02-03T07:37:00", "title": "There are only two sexes - Male and Female", "text": "Boys in girls sports is WRONG. Boys in girls bathrooms/locker rooms is WRONG. Schools supporting this mental illness is WRONG! Get them the help they desperately need. Investigate the parents who seek the attention their child gives them. Become a trans at 18! No trans in schools. It's not ok."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94793", "author": "Anthony Castellano, DDS", "date": "2021-02-03T07:38:00", "title": "I Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this proposal. Trans people are people and we should love and support them the same as we do all others. They are our neighbors and friends and friends of friends and family. They deserve the same rights and respect as we all do.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94794", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T07:40:00", "title": "Strongly against", "text": "I strongly disagree with this. I think it opens us a door for rape and assault . I don't want my child learn this. It is not what is taught in my home. That kind of stuff be keep in the home not in the school.  If this comes about I will be looking into home schooling"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94795", "author": "Patti Menders", "date": "2021-02-03T07:40:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I’m voicing my opposition to the transgender policy. This policy will affect the majority of students who are not transgender. The students in elementary school and secondary school are too young to understand the concept of transgenderism. Let the parents tell their own children what this is. It should not be the schools responsibility. I disagree that the Virginia Department of Education require all K-12 public schools to adopt a policy that essentially mandates promotion of gender confusion to school kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94796", "author": "Melanie Jade Scott", "date": "2021-02-03T07:40:00", "title": "YES", "text": "Absolutely. Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94797", "author": "Diane Speed", "date": "2021-02-03T07:42:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS BILL. STOP PLAYING GOD AND LET OUR CHILDREN BE CHILDREN."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94798", "author": "Brian", "date": "2021-02-03T07:44:00", "title": "Strongly Agree", "text": "Well written document"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94799", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T07:46:00", "title": "Cannot support", "text": "I would ask all these legislators how they would feel about their daughters privacy while in a rest room a female locker room when a Male dressed in woman's clothes enters. There will be imposters who would abuse this and possibly cause harm to your daughter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94800", "author": "John Myers", "date": "2021-02-03T07:47:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!!", "text": "This proposal is entirely immoral.  I can't wait to vote you people out of office."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94801", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T07:47:00", "title": "Trans and non binary students", "text": "Transgender and non-binary students need our support!  Virginia must be a place for all youth to thrive in our schools!  I fully support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94802", "author": "Concerned Stafford Resident", "date": "2021-02-03T07:47:00", "title": "Do not support", "text": "Please, please don't put this through. I do not agree with any of these especially this one Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! Nothing should be done without the parent knowing, children do not belong to the schools or government they belong to their parents. It is the parent responsible to raise, guide, love and nurture their child however they see fit. Please stop stepping over boundaries that belong to the parents!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94803", "author": "Autumn", "date": "2021-02-03T07:48:00", "title": "In support", "text": "Children deserve protection"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94804", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T07:48:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "Transgender and non-binary students need our support!  Virginia must be a place for all youth to thrive in our schools!  I fully support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94805", "author": "David Masad", "date": "2021-02-03T07:49:00", "title": "In Support of the Model Policies", "text": "I am a parent of a preschool-age daughter, and expect to continue raising her in Virginia and having her attend Virginia public schools. I support the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I want my daughter to attend schools where all students are afforded safety, equality, and respect. Whatever my child's orientation and gender identity turn out to be, she will be enriched by attending schools where all genders and orientations are welcome. Study after study (and the lived experience of the trans and nonbinary people in my own life) confirm that schools are vital. When they provide a safe and supportive environment, students who are trans/NB are able to thrive and help elevate everyone around them as well. But when schools are a site of bullying and discrimination, especially under official sanction, it is not just the education of those students that is harmed, but their long-term mental health. Schools where discrimination is sanctioned and bullying tolerated breed harm not just the victims themselves but to society at large when those attitudes inevitably spill out of the school itself. I am proud that Virginia is taking steps to protect trans and nonbinary students, and strongly support these policies being enacted. The beneficiaries will not just be trans and nonbinary students themselves, but all of us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94806", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T07:49:00", "title": "In support", "text": "Transgender and non-binary students need our support!  Virginia must be a place for all youth to thrive in our schools!  I fully support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94807", "author": "Mary Anne", "date": "2021-02-03T07:49:00", "title": "Sewing confusion, pushing agendas on our children", "text": "This is abusive; taking advantage of children, alienating from parents and pressing an agenda on innocent children. It's a man-made, dreamed up concept and I for one am tired of having it shoved down my throat. I am sympathetic to those who struggle with gender dysmorphia but it does NOT necessitate instituting policies on 99.9% of the population who believe in biological males and females."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94808", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T07:50:00", "title": "In support", "text": "Transgender and non-binary students need our support!  Virginia must be a place for all youth to thrive in our schools!  I fully support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth. School is hard enough.  Help these kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94809", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T07:52:00", "title": "I support", "text": "Discrimination is against tge law.  Help these children.  Transgender and non-binary students need our support!  Virginia must be a place for all youth to thrive in our schools!  I fully support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94810", "author": "Iris", "date": "2021-02-03T07:52:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Thank you for attempting to address the needs of the transgender community. I am opposed to this proposition because of the broad wording that makes no allowance for those who are NOT transgender and who would be losing their rights to privacy for example in the bathroom etc.  I am opposing this because of the broad wording that makes no allowance for the rights of parents to be made aware of what's going on with children under the age of 16. Let's support love and compassion but protect the rights of ALL children not just the minority. I feel like in an effort to protect them minority you've gone way overboard and stripped the majority of their rights. IT IS ALSO PERVERSE FOR GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SCHOOL OFFICIALS TO COUNCIL CHILDREN TO QUESTION THE WAY THEY WERE BORN. SOME WILL GO DOWN THAT ROAD NO MATTER WHAT WE DO. GOOD COUNSEL GIVEN AT A YOUNG AGE CAN SAVE MANY PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE. YOUNG CHILDREN WHO ARE GENDER CONFUSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY TRANSGENDER : THEY ARE simply CONFUSED. THEY MAY NEED COUNSELING.  LET'S ENCOURAGE COUNSELING BUT NOT PRESUME TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO SEEK A TRANSGENDER AGENDA. Again let's think about the rights of ALL children: the majority of which are not gender confused."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94811", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T07:52:00", "title": "In support", "text": "Just let them live their lives comfortably and without fear."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94812", "author": "TWahle", "date": "2021-02-03T07:52:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "We need to respect parents' right to help their children understand who they are. Please don't confuse children by encouraging them to define their own sexuality. The proposed transgender policies are way over the top."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94813", "author": "James ginnell", "date": "2021-02-03T07:52:00", "title": "I am strongly in favor", "text": "I support people's right to be their true self. The trans people in our community deserve the respect and personal freedoms guaranteed by all people in this country, and our children especially are entitled to exist and grow in an environment that is not hostile or violent towards them. The misinformed cruelty shown towards our trans brothers and sisters in this world is not only pathetic but dangerous. We need to accept and protect the people, and even more so the children, of our marginalized communities. I know trans people, I work beside them everyday. They are normal people with the same wants and needs as every other person. They have families and children and friends and the unwillingness to allow them to live normally is absolutely pathetic."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94814", "author": "Ken", "date": "2021-02-03T07:53:00", "title": "With true love and respect for ALL of our children I am opposed to this policy", "text": "This policy is erroneous and misleading starting by the incorrect definition of gender. Children who do have confusion about their gender need all of our emotional, psychological and spiritual support but such policy will only be furthering the confusion in those children and not help them. No child should face bullying or harassment, but at the same time intending to blanket the school system which such policy is wrong. LCPS should seek credible input from all parents and educators with opposing views to draft a policy which takes their views into account as well while of course keeping in mind that ALL children deserve respect, love and support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94815", "author": "Patricia Morgan", "date": "2021-02-03T07:53:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I am aghast at the blatant disrespect for parents and their involvement with their children. I cannot trust an organization, policy, or administration that shows such little regard for the actual well-being of all of our families and children. I am interested in all children feeling safe and protected, but I cannot advocate this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94816", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T07:53:00", "title": "Stop Usurping Parental Authority", "text": "I am against transgender curriculum and support of first amendment rights for LGBTQ individuals only. These matters are for families first and schools/governments second - stop usurping parental roles!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94817", "author": "concerned grandparent", "date": "2021-02-03T07:54:00", "title": "transgender policy for VA k-12 schools", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed policy.  It limits religious freedom, curtails students' privacy in rest rooms and locker rooms, and deceives parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94818", "author": "concerned grandparent", "date": "2021-02-03T07:55:00", "title": "strongly opposed", "text": "strongly opposed!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94819", "author": "Melissa  McGee", "date": "2021-02-03T07:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender school policies", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender guidelines for public schools. As a mother of 4 children ranging from 4-12, and as an LPC therapist, who practiced in VA for 10 years working with teens, I feel these transgender guidelines take it too far. While bullying is never acceptable, neither is alienating a parent from their child nor infringing on ones constitutional right of freedom of religion. It is wrong to take away a parents rights and responsibility to raise their own children until they are 18, as they see best fit. Based on science, children and teenagers brains are not fully developed, their reasoning skills and ability to be able to view decisions from various perspectives are still being developed and honed. It is both wrong and abusive to remove a parents God given authority in their own child’s life by implementing guidelines that would encourage secrets about gender identity kept from parents. Those secrets would potentially destroy a family for generations. Not to mention, a parents job is to guide their child. If their parents are kept in the dark, who is guiding these children/teens? Who? It is also unconstitutional to require students and/or teachers/staff/volunteers whose religion prohibits them from seeing transgender as biblical to denounce their own faith. We have the freedom to worship and requiring a student to go against their value system is a form of oppression so severe that it will create lasting consequences that we haven’t fully studied. What you are proposing is a slippery slope. Essentially, you are saying whatever a child wants to do with their body they should be allowed to do, in secret. And that their parents could be reported to CPS if they try to intervene. I guess that logic would apply to a severely depressed suicidal student? Or an anorexic or a bulimic student that wants to vomit up their school lunch every day, or a drug addicted student who wants to ingest any and every mood altering substance they can get their hands on, or a student who wants to cut themselves to relieve pain?? I understand that it is a helpless feeling to watch a child struggle to figure out who they are and to watch their parents make decisions that we disagree with, but your guidelines would be irresponsible and detrimental to a family and to a students long term health as well as open up the door to future alienation for parents in other circumstances. We do not have all the control nor are we meant to have all the control.  Students come from families and until they are adults, the parents have every right to know what is going on with their child. No secrets. As a therapist, I understand firsthand what it is like to witness a parent make bad decisions that poorly affect their child(ren). However, it is not my job or my responsibility to raise their child; my job is to listen, and walk alongside them. In conclusion, I strongly oppose these transgender guidelines. Students are not adults, yet, and should not be treated as such when making a gender decision.  Also, Students, teachers, staff and volunteers should have the freedom to not have their values or religion infringed upon. These are constitutional rights and the guidelines you are proposing violate them. Thank you for your time and consideration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94820", "author": "Mary Herbert", "date": "2021-02-03T07:55:00", "title": "Strongly approve", "text": "Children who are exploring their sexuality have a higher percentage of suicide and attempted suicide. Making it easier for them to figure out who they want to be and providing them with safe spaces is critical in a very hard and uncertain time of their lives. I approve of keeping families from devastating loss, and I approve of this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94821", "author": "Absolutely not!", "date": "2021-02-03T07:56:00", "title": "I strongly oppose!", "text": "This can’t be real. Regardless of how anyone tries to identify, you can’t deny that there are only two sexes. Allowing people to imagine themself as different in my opinion is supporting self-hatred. Embracing this mentality is actually denying them the help that they need. Furthermore children cannot possibly be subjected to this at such an early age. All it will do is create confusion. I have no problem with females playing male sports, but allowing them to take their shirts off is ridiculous! You are inviting perversion to wreak havoc! Our job as adults is to protect our children, help them. With these policies we are only subjecting them to more confusion, to perversion, and forcing an ideal on them that isn’t truth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94822", "author": "Nadine mccarthy", "date": "2021-02-03T07:58:00", "title": "Strongly oppose Bill 145 and 161", "text": "Strongly oppose bill 145 and 161."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94823", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T07:58:00", "title": "This law is vital", "text": "I am commenting to express my emphatic support for this new law. The including and support of transgender children is vital to their mental health and a school showing respect to trans kids sets and example for cis and trans kids as they grow into young adults. This legislation would substantially improve the lives of trans young people (and, as they grow up in more inclusive environments, all trans people). I strongly support its enaction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94824", "author": "Janet", "date": "2021-02-03T07:58:00", "title": "100% SUPPORT for the Model Policies", "text": "Asking you to support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students. A supportive environment that treats them with respect will help students with learning and emotional health."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94825", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:00:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Not good for the future of our families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94826", "author": "Heather Waskey", "date": "2021-02-03T08:00:00", "title": "No To \"Gender Identity\"... Stick with the Biological facts. Do not let boys in girls private spaces!", "text": "No To \"Gender Identity\"... Stick with the Biological facts. Do not let boys in girls private spaces! Do not indocterinate my child with the LGBT agenda... that is not the schools job. Protect my child!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94827", "author": "Sapphire", "date": "2021-02-03T08:01:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "These policies will have such a positive impact on students. I like that they're based on facts rather than preconceptions, and that they address the root issues rather than trying to bandaid things: by working to eliminate gendered constrictions on things like dress code and restrooms, they allow everyone, not only transgender students, more freedom to be themselves and take actions that will make them feel the most comfortable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94828", "author": "Fred", "date": "2021-02-03T08:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED!!!!!", "text": "So wrong for you to think you are now the parents of my kids!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94829", "author": "Paulette M Bordwell", "date": "2021-02-03T08:02:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose this Bill. If passed, this will exploit and endanger innocent children.", "text": "I absolutely oppose this Bill. If passed it will endanger and exploit innocent young children.  We have sunken to an all time low level as human beings when we dare harm out children.  So we change bathroom and dressing room rules for the few gender confused, and involve children that have no idea what is going on. Haven’t we already taken society down the road to absolute destruction by disobeying the laws of God and nature. This is all to please a few. We remove the rights of the majority in order to please a minority. This is against our Constitution and the laws of the Creator. I implore you to vote against it. Then you will require teachers to keep secrets of their minor students from their parents. Did the United States just get renamed Germany of WWII era?  Please think long and hard about this. You might want to check a few history books of that timeframe and reconsider your actions. You are representing Virginians. You do NOT rule over us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94830", "author": "Candace Nicolls", "date": "2021-02-03T08:02:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "The proposed rules are basic protections to keep trans youth safe in our school systems. Many kids who identify as LGBTQ are subject to bullying, don't have a support network at home, and are statistically much more likely to attempt suicide or have suicidal ideations than their non-LGBTQ peers. Ensuring all children are treated equitably should be a basic tenet for our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94831", "author": "Elizabeth A Dame", "date": "2021-02-03T08:03:00", "title": "DO NOT support this bill please!", "text": "Do not support this bill please! There are sufficient anti-bully laws in place within Virginia. This bill would allow school personnel to deceive parents!? It would be used to advocate cross gender locker rooms, cross gender sports participation, unfair policies that will hurt and weaken our students and their families. This is an over-reach of government into a families right to privacy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94832", "author": "Sara", "date": "2021-02-03T08:04:00", "title": "Strongly in support.", "text": "It’s time that we protect transgender students that are in school. It’s unfair to treat these students like their rights do not matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94833", "author": "Denise Pajda", "date": "2021-02-03T08:05:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose. How can you say that you are for equality, when clearly you are discriminating against biological females RIGHT IN THEIR FACES??? SHAME ON YOU!!! Girls have had a hard enough time to be able to be recognized and able to have their own teams, but now you want to stack the odds against them by letting biological males (who identify as females, but still have their male parts, which gives them the leading performance edge of testosterone) infiltrate to compete and possibly take the female's spot on the team. Feminists should be outraged and note that when you are up for election- you should be voted out. I am disgusted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94834", "author": "Melissa", "date": "2021-02-03T08:06:00", "title": "Unacceptable", "text": "this is absolutely in acceptable, I will not tolerate it it!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94835", "author": "Joseph", "date": "2021-02-03T08:07:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "As stated in the title, trans rights are human rights. Virginia laws should not be limiting the rights of its marginalized people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94836", "author": "Sue Ann Gleason", "date": "2021-02-03T08:08:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a former public school teacher and the aunt of a child who suffered greatly throughout his life at the hands of teachers and peers who did not understand him or refused to accept him for who he was, I believe schools must work tirelessly to create safe and inclusive environments for all youth as well as education for their parents on the effects of implicit bias."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90703", "author": "Ashley Bridgmon", "date": "2021-01-19T02:10:00", "title": "Look at the Facts", "text": "I believe it to be imperative that we begin looking at the overwhelming amount of statistical data that backs this proposition. All too often, unfortunately, people tend to disregard anything that they are less than informed on. To make a decision that is best for every child is to first make a decision that gives every child a fair shot. In looking at the suicide rates among students most effected by this proposal, you will see that there are a staggering amount of cases. In comparing this to the statistical likelihood of the opinions that serve as fear tactics, you will see the actual truth. One is more likely to take their own life than to pose a threat to another student. I can't say for a fact that this has never happened. I can say for certain that excluding this group of individuals is much more detrimental than the \"What-if\" scenarios that I have seen. To continue to allow trans youth to fall to the wayside is no longer an option. Just because people don't agree with them doesn't make them disposable. It would be an absolute disservice to any student seeking support for these matters to allow school sanctioned bullying from children and parents alike to go any farther. These children may come to school everyday scared and hopeless, you have the power to change this. If we as a community continue to push for these students to be demonized then we will raise yet another generation that will continue this hate filled rhetoric. It is important to me that you read the comments from people in the psychiatric feild. Read the comments from scholars who know undoubtedly the damage that can be caused by allowing someone's opinion of things such as gender identity to become normal practice. This isn't a difference of opinion, this is right and wrong. This isn't endangering students, this is helping students long forgotten to flourish without becoming a statistic."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90704", "author": "Gennifer Love", "date": "2021-01-19T06:07:00", "title": "Oppose gender confusion in educating our children & everywhere", "text": "1. Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. 2. Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! 3. The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. 4. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. 5. Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. 6. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. 7. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. 8. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. 9. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” 10. The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90705", "author": "L. Hudson", "date": "2021-01-19T08:20:00", "title": "I strongly opposed to this policy", "text": "I strongly opposed to this policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90706", "author": "Susannah wornom", "date": "2021-01-19T08:26:00", "title": "Strongly oppose to transgender changes", "text": "I am a nurse and have worked with students im high schools for over 20 yrs this change would be wrong and disturbing to the young and would take away control to Parents we need more acceptance and education about the problem.  The negatives certainly out-way the positives!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90707", "author": "Katherine Jordan", "date": "2021-01-19T08:32:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this policy.", "text": "As a parent of children in Prince William County, Virginia, I strongly oppose the proposed transgender agenda. It is not the school system's job to enforce this radical agenda on families, and especially not on people's children, especially without their consent. To call yourselves educators and then to teach concepts that are contrary to science makes me to call unto question what exactly you consider your role to be in the formation of young minds. I am against my children being forced to share a bathroom with those who are of the opposite sex biologically and to have to potentially observe the body parts of the opposite sex. This goes against what we believe religiously about modesty and is a violation of our freedom to exercise out faith as protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.  The bathroom policy, the ability for biologically female individuals to go topless, etc, also puts children at greater risk for sexual assaults. To promote the denial of biological science in the name of tolerance shows that you are greatly breaking the boundaries as educators, and the idea that parents will not be informed or consulted also shows that you reject that they are the primary educators of their children. The school system needs to stick to teaching fact and not to teaching what is en vogue today."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90708", "author": "Cathy A", "date": "2021-01-19T08:38:00", "title": "Proposed Bill is a Pandora's Box Fraught With Negative Consequences", "text": "Fair treatment is one thing, but not at the indoctrination of everyone else. I am appalled that parent rights are being superceded by the forced agenda of the LGBTQ community. I am angry that I or others are forced to use a variety of pronouns and titles or risk being taken to court. I am dismayed that children are going to be confused by what is being proposed and \"gently\" urged to reconsider their own identity. I am concerned that only the like-minded were part of this \"group think.\" I am certain that any one of us disagreeing with this proposal will be labeled bigoted  or small-minded or cruel. In special education placement deliberations, parents, teachers and others are required to look to the least restrictive environment. I believe a similar approach needs to be used to allow those not in the mainstream to have accommodations made that address their needs while not negatively impactng the education or values of the others. Schools should be welcoming to ALL students. I urge both sides of the aisle and this issue to consider this proposal as an over-reaching draconian response to the needs of a few."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90709", "author": "Anonymouse", "date": "2021-01-19T08:41:00", "title": "New Guidance Policy", "text": "Strongly opposed to this policy change. Children are too young to be exposed to this type of behavior and action from adults who are supposed to be guiding and protecting them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90710", "author": "Tucker Landry", "date": "2021-01-19T08:46:00", "title": "SUPPORT OUR TRANS YOUTH", "text": "Love wins, support people's autonomy and identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90711", "author": "tina rees", "date": "2021-01-19T08:50:00", "title": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VOE.  This is long overdue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90712", "author": "Ann Reavey, School Counselor", "date": "2021-01-19T09:17:00", "title": "I STRONGLY SUPPORT our Transgender Youth", "text": "As a school counselor, I affirm and support all our youth regardless of gender identity or gender expression. I urge you to support the guidance in this document in support of our transgender youth. They deserve no less than this. We can see in the actions of this past year and the past weeks where the dark road of intolerance leads us. This is not who we are as Virginians. This is not who we are as Americans. Respectfully, Ann Reavey"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90713", "author": "Katie Wood", "date": "2021-01-19T09:24:00", "title": "Support for VDOE's Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE in regards to providing support and protect the human rights of our transgender students. All students have the right to a safe and supportive learning environment that is free of harassment and discrimination. As a school psychologist living and working in Virginia, I stand by the National Association of School Psychologists statement that, “all persons, including children and adolescents who are diverse in their sexuality and gender identities, expression, and/or presentation, have the inherent human right to equal opportunity and a physically and psychologically safe environment within all institutions.” According to the CDC, although transgender students make up less than 2% of the student population across the nation, these students are at a significantly increased risk for being victims of bullying, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, self harm, and suicide. With approximately 56 million students in K-12 schools across the US that means that  approximately 1,120,000 students are being placed in a significant health risk without the protections and support provided by these policies. The CDC reports \"Given that violence victimization is a documented risk factor for substance use and suicide risk, implementation of interventions focused on reducing the victimization of transgender adolescents might be a key strategy for improving overall health.\" Even if you do not understand transgender students and families, please understand that by voting against protecting their rights as students and citizens that you are placing them at an increased risk of health and safety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90714", "author": "Amber Loyacano", "date": "2021-01-19T09:27:00", "title": "I support these students.", "text": "This is something that students have been working to support for years.  I want all students to feel safe in schools.  Thank you for moving forward with this plan."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90715", "author": "Connie", "date": "2021-01-19T09:33:00", "title": "OPPOSE this psychosis!  Only 2 genders", "text": "Why do we enable this psychosis?  Instead of giving children truth, we feed then toxic poison.  Its child abuse!  There are only 2 biologic genders.  This is indisputable.  Believing there are more is delusional and perverted.  Its amoral and sadistic to tell children it is natural to believe something that is a lie.  You are ruining their lives!! (Psychosis is an abnormal condition of the mind that results in difficulties determining what is real and what is not real; symptoms may include delusions and hallucinations.) Anyone who pushes this child abuse must be cast out of society with gusto and prejudice.  We are coming for you just like you have continuously come for us.  You will be held accountable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90716", "author": "Stephanie F, Teacher", "date": "2021-01-19T09:33:00", "title": "I STRONGLY support this policy for all my students", "text": "Our children and students are the next generation of leaders. They are brilliant and capable of learning about the realities of discrimination against transgender people. Their peers deserve to be supported and protected, no matter what. The most damaging psychological and physical effects are the ostracization and othering that continue to be applied to our most vulnerable students. We need to be strong and caring in the face of so much anger and hatred in our society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90717", "author": "Jill", "date": "2021-01-19T09:35:00", "title": "I do not support this", "text": "Please do not make these changes, this is against the Bible.  God created male and female in his image. We are fearfully and wonderfully made as the Bible says."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90718", "author": "Rachel Azzinaro", "date": "2021-01-19T09:38:00", "title": "VERY Strongly Support", "text": "I am an elementary school and middle school educator. I am also young and remember how the idea, that these types of issues can be ignored and resolve themselves, actually isolated friends of mine and made them feel like not a part of the community. My hope as a person and a teacher is that this lack of support comes to an end with this generation currently in our school systems. It is our responsibility as adults to protect the youth, even if some of us don't understand them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90719", "author": "Mandy Lancaster, school counselor", "date": "2021-01-19T09:39:00", "title": "Strongly support these students' right to be treated with dignity!", "text": "Transgender students are at an alarmingly high risk of attempting suicide and being harassed or assaulted. I strongly encourage Virginia schools in being proactive to protect these children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90720", "author": "A R", "date": "2021-01-19T09:40:00", "title": "I do NOT support this.", "text": "I strongly oppose schools having authority over children and usurping parental rights and authority. These rules and regulations are also so complicated and impossible to uphold and enforce."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90721", "author": "Amy Stearns", "date": "2021-01-19T09:42:00", "title": "I SUPPORT our transgender youth!", "text": "I believe that transgender youth deserve all of the support and protections available. They already have a difficult time and schools should be a place where they feel safe, secure, welcome, and protected. As a teacher, I feel not doing anything to help and support transgender youth goes against everything a school should stand for!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90722", "author": "Sara Jo Padenich", "date": "2021-01-19T09:42:00", "title": "I STRONGLY SUPPORT OUR TRANSGENDER YOUTH!!", "text": "As a teacher and a parent I believe schools should be a place where ALL children feel safe, always. As human beings we need to be supportive to all children. They are the present and the future of our society. Feeling safe and loved should not be a privilege. We need to do better for our transgender youth. We must do better for our transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90723", "author": "Melissa", "date": "2021-01-19T09:45:00", "title": "No. Strongly oppose. This will cause so many issues and tragedies", "text": "this is not fair to the ones who do not feel comfortable with the opposite sex in their restroom. This is an open door for rape, teen sex, and other foul play. Please do not allow this to happen."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90724", "author": "Jeri Seidman", "date": "2021-01-19T09:51:00", "title": "I STRONGLY support our transgender youth", "text": "Thank you for this very thoughtful policy. I have two children, 15 and 13, and they/we know a number of transyouth. Allowing people to outwardly live as the people they inwardly know themselves to be is a policy that helps many and only hurts those who are too scared to accept differences. I give my full support to your policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90725", "author": "Opposed", "date": "2021-01-19T09:52:00", "title": "Jewish, Muslim, and Christian families oppose this.", "text": "Jewish, Muslim, and Christian families oppose this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90726", "author": "Lori", "date": "2021-01-19T09:54:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Your suggested policies lead to confusion, bullying and abuse to children and families.  You leave girls unprotected from predators and you vilify boys for being active or masculine.  AND you prevent parents from being able to parent.  This is ugly state control."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90727", "author": "Newspeak", "date": "2021-01-19T09:56:00", "title": "Defund Public Education", "text": "This is being pushed in elementary schools as well. They openly state they will not involve the parents should said child be coerced by them into thinking they are transgender. They teach a child that transgenderism is normal and good. It is definitively abnormal(to deviate from what is normal or usual). A six year old child being encouraged to think they are the opposite gender is not normal or usual. Their eventual goal is to create a new generation devoted solely to the government that will inform on their parents/guardians.  Parents can homeschool their children if possible, but they'll eventually take that too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90728", "author": "Eric", "date": "2021-01-19T09:56:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "This is opposed by voters from all faiths, all Parents, and those that care about children.  Please do not pit parents and teachers against each other especially for the well being of children.  This is an evil idea."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90729", "author": "Dana", "date": "2021-01-19T09:57:00", "title": "“Transgender” children", "text": "I STRONGLY oppose this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90730", "author": "Eric", "date": "2021-01-19T10:01:00", "title": "NO. This is opposed by voters from all faiths, caring parents, and responsible adults.", "text": "This is opposed by voters from all faiths, all Parents, and those that care about children.  Please do not pit parents and teachers against each other especially for the well being of children.  This is an evil idea."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90731", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-19T10:18:00", "title": "Strongly opposed.", "text": "We are strongly opposed to the new model guidelines regarding transgender students. The proposed guidelines and recent legislative changes claim support from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as reason to adopt these changes. However the APA has historically, accurately, referred to transgender topics and gender confusion. They have only changed their definition to support how someone feels. Rather, they should have remained objective to mental illness and confusion rather than subjective feels, which are even more confusing during the adolescent ages. Requiring staff to allow bathroom and locker access based on subjective identity endangers the well-being of students. Further, these guidelines prevent staff from even inquiring about entering private facilities. This further is dangerous particularly for female students who will have their privacy violated. Please stop this process and readdress."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90732", "author": "Elizabeth Block", "date": "2021-01-19T10:24:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "We should not be pretending that the English language and the natural plumbing of a human being do not exist and are wrong. This is harmful for society, the intellect and psychology of students and parents and teachers and all facets of the culture."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90733", "author": "Flint Dollar, Teacher", "date": "2021-01-19T10:25:00", "title": "Strongly Support and Applaud these efforts", "text": "Not only do I support and applaud the efforts of this committee, I also support and applaud the efforts of school divisions who have already implemented protections for our trans (and LGBTQ+) students. With the alarming suicide and bullying rate surrounding our trans-students, we should be coming together to find common ground in supporting these children and not increasing the harmfully bigoted rhetoric that further divides our students. We should be seeking knowledge to increase our humanity, not falling back on fears of the unknown or misunderstood. Our schools, public and private, are supposed to be safe spaces for all students, not just those who fit an idealized and blatantly fictionalized set of guidelines for how to be a man/woman in America."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90734", "author": "Emi Scott, Marion Senior High School", "date": "2021-01-19T10:30:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. As an educator & an ally, I have seen first hand how important it is for ALL students to feel safe in their learning environment. Students who identify as nonbinary or who are transgender are just as worthy of an education as any other student. I have both friends & students who identify in these ways & I have heard their stories. Many of transgender & nonbinary friends recount terrible stories of harassment & bullying they experienced in school. I've had students who I've seen being mistreated, made fun of, etc. & it is truly heartbreaking. It is critical that school systems step in to ensure protections are in place for these individuals. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Emi Scott"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90735", "author": "Kristina Kitchen", "date": "2021-01-19T10:37:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "have recently read that biological men (transgender women) will have full access to all restrooms in public schools and teachers will not be allowed to question their intent (even if they do not appear to be, nor have they ever disclosed being transgender). This means that your policy is endangering my two girls who attend Virginia public schools and they could be sexually molested or assaulted easily by an male (biological or otherwise) in what should be a safe space for them (restroom or locker room). While my hope is that this does not happen to any child, it seems inevitable that it will happen. Although. not to my children as we are dedicated (along with about 100 other families in my area) to remove our children from the Virginia public school system due to what we see as an immediate threat to their safety and well being. In addition your policies are putting parents and teachers at odds with each other and with their children. Your vision to empower and influence children to choose a transgender lifestyle is disturbing. While also endangering all children in the schools restrooms and locker rooms. While I am supportive of transgender and the entire LGTBQ community, I do not understand why  or how these policies protect them or help them, more likely expose them to more discordance with their families. You are likely to find yourselves embattled and sued over crimes that about to be committed on school property. We will no longer be part of the public school community due to safety risks you are imposing on our children. As far as school sports: You are putting the physical safety of our girls at risk. There is a biological difference in boys strength and power due to biological hormones that cannot be denied.  You cannot erase those differences no matter how you might want to do so.  You are trampling on my girl children's rights to have sports that are safe and fair (in a competitive sense) by allowing biological boys to play in women's sports.  Girl athletes work very hard at their sports and their efforts should not be erased due to the states desire to play gender identity politics.  Biological girls also have rights and should have protections afforded to them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90736", "author": "Lee", "date": "2021-01-19T10:38:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90737", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-19T10:43:00", "title": "STRONGLY oppose", "text": "This is child abuse. Do you realize the amount of sexual assault and harassment that will occur due to these new policies? If you allow boys to go into girls restrooms/locker rooms (and vice versa) with no questions asked, you better be prepared for the fall out. Where is the MeToo movement in all of this? Also, if parents aren't on board, you're going to call CPS? Do parents realize that you are going to be targeting and attacking families that aren't puppets in all of this? This is entirely unacceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90738", "author": "retired", "date": "2021-01-19T10:51:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "Please let humans be the gender of their birth.  Don't attempt to change nature."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90739", "author": "Sam Bethune", "date": "2021-01-19T10:52:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Policy is long overdue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90740", "author": "Concerned citizen for all youth and family units", "date": "2021-01-19T10:55:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, families, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing. This is unacceptable and is a private family issue, not a public education decision. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Abuse at home is unacceptable for all children but the education system should not determine abuse/neglect on student “gender identity” alone. VDOE’s proposed definition of gender identity maintains that it is fluid, as would be an educator’s view of an unsupportive versus abusive home situation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90741", "author": "Margaret Gray", "date": "2021-01-19T10:55:00", "title": "Strongly opposed.", "text": "School Children need to be nurtured and taught right from wrong.  This bill is against all that is right and holy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90742", "author": "Mary Driebe", "date": "2021-01-19T11:10:00", "title": "Trans students: This is necessary", "text": "As an educator, I have taught children who have transitioned during the school year. It is evident to me that it is necessary to offer support for our students and training for teachers. We cannot afford to lose another adolescent or adult to depression or worse yet suicide because we did not recognize or SEE them as they truly are... a human worthy of respect and love."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90743", "author": "Elizabeth Surma", "date": "2021-01-19T11:11:00", "title": "I strongly support protections for transgender students", "text": "I strongly support protections for transgender students. Trans students are at risk of facing mental health issues and bullying due in part to the lack of protections and the discrimination they face in our schools on a daily basis. Virginia schools should be inclusive and safe for ALL students, regardless of gender identity. We must support the rights of our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90744", "author": "Professor", "date": "2021-01-19T11:16:00", "title": "Vehemently oppose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!", "text": "Don't females have a right to decency ? Don't males have a right to decency? Great that you want to expand rights and privileges but it should not be at the expense of others loosing their rights to being treated decent. You guys have lost your minds."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90745", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-19T11:22:00", "title": "Support transgender students", "text": "I support the rights and equality of transgender students in and out of school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90746", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-19T11:28:00", "title": "Transgender use of bathrooms and requirements of non gender pronouns", "text": "I oppose opening all bathrooms up to all genders. All children need privacy. Make separate bathrooms for transgender kids to use. I also oppose requiring students and faculty to use non gender pronouns under the threat of penalties. If Ben asks to be called Betty fine, but to be punished if you use the pronoun him instead of them, they, those, it, etc is too much."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90747", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-19T11:33:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!  Christian School looking better every day!", "text": "The job of public school is to teach FACTS!  Not the opinion or opinions of teachers or officials.  Especially when it comes to my child.  If a teacher has concerns it is their job to relay that concern to the parent or legal guardian and let them decide how to handle it.  They should in no way try to influence a childs gender.  This is absolutely disgusting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90748", "author": "Samantha Whitehead", "date": "2021-01-19T11:39:00", "title": "Strongly SUPPORT! This is a fantastic step for Virginia", "text": "This Model Policy is an incredible and important step for Virginia. It's providing much needed regulation and support for Transgender students. I wish this Policy had been in place back when I was in school, but I'm so excited to see that future students will be granted the respect they deserve"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90749", "author": "William Smith", "date": "2021-01-19T11:41:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Former VA resident. I emphatically support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90750", "author": "Caitlyn Schnure", "date": "2021-01-19T11:42:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "As a teacher for 13 years, I feel this guidance will help provide an inclusive and safe environment for all students, especially LGBT youth. As a parent, I support it because  I want my son and all of his friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90751", "author": "Maggie Barrett, School Administrator", "date": "2021-01-19T11:50:00", "title": "I fully support an inclusive non-discrimination policy for transgender students", "text": "I am in full support of an inclusive non-discrimination policy. Why should only some people be free from discrimination? Children have the right to be educated in a safe environment - physically safe and emotionally safe. They should be able to show up in their schools and be fully who they are. The world is not black and white. Humans are complex and multi-dimensional."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90752", "author": "Natalia Czaikowski", "date": "2021-01-19T11:52:00", "title": "Educating people as a whole human being", "text": "As an educator, I believe that our behaviour is the best example we can give our students. If they see we respect them, as they are, in turn, we can guide them to respect each other. They are also entitled to grow and figure out who they are and who they want to be in a hospitable atmosphere, within a tolerant spirit in their community. They shouldn't fear mockery or isolation for being honest about themselves, so working together, as a community, to provide everybody with the necessary tools for understanting and inclusion is a goal to achieve. I cellebrate that the government takes a step forward in such matters by passing a law. It's the first step towards equality in society, that takes time, but hopefully, we can walk together to it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90753", "author": "Christelle Sombrun", "date": "2021-01-19T11:58:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support any policy aimed at improving the integration of LGBT + people or people with disabilities and which encourages freedom and diversity. Congratulations to you! Love from France."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90754", "author": "A concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-19T12:14:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Parents are the primary educator of children, n not the state. I strongly oppose any legislation that permits children to do anything without parental consent. I strongly oppose any legislation that allows the state to teach anything to children that the parents can not opt out of. Perhaps your time would better served pouring your resources into getting children back into school and teaching them in the middle of an ongoing pandemic. Focusing on this instead when children are struggling to learn basic academics is negligent and shows a lack of interest for children in Fairfax County. Perhaps time would be better served focusing on what is ailing more Fairfax County children currently and not a small number - poverty due to a struggling economy, lack of a learning environment, mental health issues due to lack of peer interactions, etc."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90755", "author": "Stacy Williams", "date": "2021-01-19T12:17:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Our kids are going through some of the most difficult times in their lives. For a transgender person this is magnified immensely. They need to feel supported and safe in the place that they spend the majority of their school week. People's biases and fears must not stop the county from doing the right thing for our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90756", "author": "Geoff C", "date": "2021-01-19T12:18:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I would like to voice my opposition to the proposed guidelines on several grounds. First, public schools are encroaching on the role of the parent. As parents, it is our responsibility to expose (or not expose) our children to social and cultural topics. Public schools have already over stepped their role in other areas such as the FLE program. Any attempt of the public schools to introduce topics not directly related to education of FACTS should be considered social engineering and immediately stopped. Parents are the ONLY acceptable source of information regarding social and cultural topics. Second, the policy assumes that the student questioning their gender is the ONLY individual affected by the school environment. What about students that are NOT questioning their gender identity? Does their view not matter? Are their religious beliefs and those of their family not also factors that should be considered? The policy proposal is extremely one sided. Perhaps we also need a document entitled \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Conservative and Traditional Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.\" In that document, we should explore the psychological damage caused by children when they see someone in the bathroom that doesn't have the same body parts they do. I strongly oppose this policy and ask that the policy NOT be adopted in whole or in part."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90757", "author": "Jack Wojciech", "date": "2021-01-19T12:23:00", "title": "Because God Strongly Opposes", "text": "Since Genesis 5:2, Matt. 19:4, and Mark 10:6 state that \"God made them Male and Female,\" no truly God-fearing person could ever violate God's design for mankind and support transgenderism.  It is so sad to hear a girl say that she wants to be treated as a boy or vice versa no matter what the mirror on the wall and science says.  It is even sadder to hear others say that these same girls and boys should be encouraged to retain their disillusionment.  It is almost inconceivable that a school would require everyone else to be complicit in this \"lie of the ages\" and accept the proposed transgender mandates. Most school officials are doing this simply to be politically correct which is not a good reason if they were to be honest with themselves.  However there are some that are really wanting to show love to these unfortunate students.  My answer to them is \"love is not love if it sacrifices the truth\" and don't let the devil deceive you into thinking otherwise."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90758", "author": "W Morris", "date": "2021-01-19T12:28:00", "title": "Why does my daughter have to feel uncomfortable for someone’s son to feel comfortable", "text": "I could care less if you want to be a girl or boy. I do not judge what someone wants to do with their life. But to force kids to use the same bathroom at the same time is the dumbest thing I have ever heard of.   Be who you want to be but don’t infringe on my daughter’s rights to change laws that will cause more issues for a confused kid."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90759", "author": "Dr. John E. Lamar", "date": "2021-01-19T12:38:00", "title": "I OBJECT TO THIS INFRINGEMENT OF PARENTAL RIGHTS & WITH NO ACCOUNTING - LONG TERM BENEFITS TO CHILDR", "text": "THIS SPEAKS ABOUT CONTROL OF SPEECH BY A SMALL GROUP WHO LACK A THOUGH BACKGROUD OF REAL AMERICAN HISTORY.  TO PROPOSE SUCH AN ABHORRENT  POLICY CHANGE SPEAKS TO THE LACK OF CONCERN FOR PARENTAL RIGHTS WITHOUT PROVIDING ANY COMPELLING SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE OF LONG-TERM BENEFITS TO CHILDREN OR SOCIEITY. IT ALSO MAKES A MOCKERY OF FIRST ADMEMDANT RIGHTS. THE AUTHORS OF THIS DRAFT APPEAR TO THINK THAT THE GOVERNMENT KNOWS WHAT IS BETTER FOR THEIR CHILDREN THAN THE PARENTS. THIS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF GOVERNMENT-OVER-REACH."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90760", "author": "Anon", "date": "2021-01-19T12:40:00", "title": "Love the Child, Oppose coddling gender dysphoria", "text": "This is not about supporting or not supporting kids. This is not about whether you're religious or not. This is about taking a minute part of the population, struggling with gender dysphoria, and upending the entire way we do school to appease them. We know that trans people have higher rates of suicide and many of them want to revert back to their born gender when they are of age. Schools have no business taking a side or participating in this. People often say \"my trans kid isn't trying to look at your daughter in the locker room\".. Well the soccer coach may not be trying to look either, but it would also be inappropriate for him to be there. Young girls and boys have a right NOT to be subjected to this in public school. Please reject this measure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90761", "author": "Anon", "date": "2021-01-19T12:47:00", "title": "Please support transgender youth!", "text": "Love is love. People are people. Please protect our youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90762", "author": "Tim B", "date": "2021-01-19T13:02:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I vehemently oppose this with the below as only SOME of my reasons. 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. 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90763", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-19T13:12:00", "title": "Oppose.", "text": "I oppose this, especially where it talks about eliminating or reducing gender related sporting events as much as possible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90764", "author": "Parent of VA public school children", "date": "2021-01-19T13:12:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I have seen first hand how the lack of a transgender student policy leaves not just children at a loss for belonging, but it also leaves supportive school teachers and administrators at a loss for how to proceed. This needed VA law will help school officials know what best practice IS as they attempt to support every student. Kudos to Virginia for assuring that every trans child throughout the state has the chance to attend a public school that understands they are there and should be included. This is how to work toward ensuring that VA's P-12 graduates are as academic successful as they can be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90765", "author": "Theresa T", "date": "2021-01-19T13:14:00", "title": "Strongly oppose - gender differences matter in sports!", "text": "I strongly oppose these proposed policies, which ignore the scientific realities of the physical differences between biological males and females. They would threaten my daughter's all-girls' school and would disadvantage biological female athletes to the point where many might find it hopeless to compete for titles and scholarships.  The idea of allowing biological males who still possess male genitals into locker rooms and bathrooms with girls is frightening to me and to many others. The fact that parents may not be aware of their children's gender dysphoria while the schools are affirming it for children of any age is an affront to parental rights.  In addition, there are so many Pandora's boxes being opened by the wide-reaching new definitions of harassment and hate speech. It is completely absurd to ignore science and real biological differences in the name of equality, and it makes no sense to say on one hand that those who are gay are born that way and cannot change, and on the other that a person born male can be a female or one born female can be a male if they so declare, and that their gender identity can change from day to day or week to week."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90766", "author": "Bernadette Songer", "date": "2021-01-19T13:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Please focus on education and not the irreversible damage from this new clinical phenomenon largely affecting our adolescent females. This is a reckless social experiment that targets the most vulnerable among us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90767", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-19T13:20:00", "title": "Please Support This Vital Policy.", "text": "I fully support this essential policy. It is vital that we support ALL students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90768", "author": "Shannon Lauer", "date": "2021-01-19T13:22:00", "title": "All children should have the same rights.", "text": "No child, for any reason, should face discrimination.  School systems have the responsibility to ensure this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90769", "author": "Mary Baxter", "date": "2021-01-19T13:25:00", "title": "I strongly support this vital policy.", "text": "I fully support this policy, we have a duty to ALL students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90770", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-19T13:30:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am against discrimination of students in any way, but I do not feel that this situation is an either/or. My daughters and nieces should not feel scared or intimidated in any way when they use the restroom. A family or unisex bathroom to be made available as an option, why is that not still available? All children need to feel safe, and this provides the best opportunity for that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90771", "author": "Stuart Harnsberger", "date": "2021-01-19T13:31:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "Students need to be able to dress according to their identity or expression thereof, and they need to be able to safely access building facilities to suit their needs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90772", "author": "Elizabeth Smith", "date": "2021-01-19T13:35:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am in full support of policies that will provide education, support, and protection for all students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90773", "author": "Dr Donald", "date": "2021-01-19T13:38:00", "title": "I am against any changes to the voter regulations. Election day is just that!!", "text": "I strongly oppose this action. Let the teachers teach their classes I strongly oppose this overreach of the educational department. Let the teachers teach their classroom materials nad the parents Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90774", "author": "Phil Hoffman", "date": "2021-01-19T13:45:00", "title": "Please support this guidance", "text": "This Guidance Document has my full support. Please take this important step to protect all students. Opposers who fear teachers will be reprimanded for misusing pronouns or that their children will learn a different morality than their family's misunderstand. The guidelines set forth are mainly that schools should prevent discrimination and harassment/bullying. Parents can still teach their children a binary understanding of gender if that is their prerogative, but don't let that stop the schools from protecting the most vulnerable of our youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90775", "author": "Dr Donald", "date": "2021-01-19T13:47:00", "title": "I am strongly oppose this in our educational system. Teachers teach and let parents support their ch", "text": "I strongly oppose this action. Let the teachers teach their classes and the parents raise their own children and offer guidance. I strongly oppose this overreach of the educational department. Let the teachers teach their classroom materials nad the parents Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90776", "author": "Jess Norris-Khawaja", "date": "2021-01-19T13:50:00", "title": "Strongly Support/ School Administrator, Science Teacher", "text": "Schools have two jobs, to protect the health and safety of students (first and foremost) and to educate. Any new policy needs to be in support of these priorities. As someone who has worked with youth and children for the past 15 years in the classroom, and as a school administrator, it is readily apparent that supporting a person's identity/expression/sense of self is central to safety (mental and physical health) and education (school attendance, performance, and learning). It's also apparent that restricting identity is harmful to youth development and counter to basic human rights. Anecdotally, I have had many, many experiences with children and families where confirming and reaffirming gender identity and expression is the difference between life and great harm or even death. In one case a teacher reported to a family that their student was changing clothes and dressing M-F when they arrived at school. The family was not supportive to the point of physically assaulting the child when they learned about the clothing switch. Cases like this are not few and far between. Schools are safe spaces and need to remain so in order to protect the lives of children-where else do children go when their family and, often, spiritual lives reject who they are-sometimes to the point of physical harm? It is vital that we create a school culture that supports diversity and inclusion instead of teaching children to reject each other based on their inherent identities. Lastly, the positive impact of diverse gender-affirming practices in schools is statistically significant. Higher matriculation rates, test scores, attrition, and attendance correlate with inclusive practices. Higher attrition and matriculation directly correlates with better mental and physical health throughout life. Currently, LGBTQ youth account for 40% of the youth homeless population and only 10% of the total population. Everything in our power as citizens and educators needs to be done to fix this. We are responsible for the safety, well being, and education above anything else"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90777", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-19T13:52:00", "title": "Proposed Misguided School Transgender Indoctrination Policies", "text": "Strongly oppose the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90778", "author": "A parent", "date": "2021-01-19T13:54:00", "title": "We love transgender children but they are suffering from gender dysphoria, focus on helping them.", "text": "Instead of entertaining their mental illness, please focus and getting them help. as it stands I oppose this current proposal"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90779", "author": "Michael & Nancy Nowak", "date": "2021-01-19T14:20:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "Based on the tenets that are put forth in the Bible, we are strongly opposed to this initiative.  God's Holy Word clearly states that people are made male and female. This is an unchangeable truth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90780", "author": "Michelle L Lugo", "date": "2021-01-19T14:25:00", "title": "VDOE marriage to LBGTQ agenda in the schools", "text": "I oppose this move to undermine the rights of parents to promote a sexualized agenda in our schools.  Not only does this further confuse children who are emotionally, physically and spiritually developing, but it is a clear attempt to further break down families; and brainwash/mislead children.  How about the VDOE focus on improving the metrics of core subjects first?  These proposed implementations pit school officials against parents by allowing children to reassign their developing personas in school.  It also tears down any safety and security among children by further isolating individuals due to either an entitlement mentality to walk into any bathroom/locker room they want OR by forcing students to fear in communal sacred spaces.  Schools would no longer be institutions of academia. Where would these changes end?...I guess sports would be affected too.  These policies are just bomb drops on vulnerable populations and do nothing to protect or improve students.  Tax payer dollars should not be used to roll out LBGTQs warped and harmful policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90781", "author": "Jessica Lucia", "date": "2021-01-19T14:26:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "The guidelines in this document support the safety, emotional health, and autonomy of all students. I strongly support this policy guidance and hope that it will be adopted by the state. My children are cisgender and they are not harmed in any way by nondiscrimination policies that make school a better place for their transgender peers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90782", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-01-19T14:41:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose!   Please consider how much stress educators already have and now having to constantly deal with the extra things this law will create will be even more of a distraction in the classroom and take away from what students are really there to learn about. Besides, this should not even be a consideration.  If the Good Lord wanted us to all be the same sex or choose our sex he would have not made us all differently. Please oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90783", "author": "Nora Lally-Graves", "date": "2021-01-19T14:42:00", "title": "In Favor", "text": "All students deserve safety and protection, and transgender students specifically (and unfortunately) need these sorts of stated guidelines because they are much more likely to be bullied, harassed, and harmed than their peers. I strongly support this set of guidelines both as a parent of a child in the VA PS system and as a human being."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90784", "author": "very concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-19T14:46:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!", "text": "I very strongly oppose the proposed transgender policies.  The role of parents in public education should not be disregarded.  You're catering to some, and what about the others?  It's fine that they feel uncomfortable, threatened, traumatized?  That's not right."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90785", "author": "Paul Damer", "date": "2021-01-19T14:58:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Transgender children require some extra support and care that has been lacking and denied in the past. These rules and guidelines are not onerous and amount to basic human decency for fellow students and teachers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90786", "author": "Stefanie Vestal, Fairfax County Public Schools", "date": "2021-01-19T15:05:00", "title": "SUPPORT Model Policies", "text": "As a 7th grade teacher, a member of the LGBTQ+ Community, and the liaison for the LGBTQ+ Support and Advocacy Group at my school I can not support these policies strongly enough.  Students learn from their environments and we need to make sure that school environments are inclusive and safe spaces for all students.  Teachers and staff need to be trained to create welcoming spaces and discourage inappropriate and disrespectful behavior.  Administrations need to set policies in place that are conducive to teachers and students reporting bullying or unsafe spaces.  Students need to be held accountable for respecting all people and being kind to all humans."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90787", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-19T15:09:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "This creates a huge opening for sexual abuse, indecency, and goes against protecting the rights of females and males to safe environments. The fact that parents don't have to be informed of what is going on in THEIR child's life and that the school doesn't have a responsibility to inform them is NOT their decision. Their job is to teach education (science, math, history); let the parents do their job to teach their own kids everything else. As a mom of a daughter, this terrifies me to think the position that she will be put in at school in restrooms and locker rooms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90788", "author": "Carlyle Gregory Jr", "date": "2021-01-19T15:22:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I am opposed to these new guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90789", "author": "parent/teacher", "date": "2021-01-19T15:31:00", "title": "oppose-- esp. multi-stall bathroom access", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed change to bathroom access-- “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) There will need to be single-stall, hallway-accessed, open-gendered bathrooms (like the current staff bathrooms-- any gender can use). In the current set-up in most schools, it is not safe for students of self-identifying alternate genders to be in the multi-stall, unmonitored bathrooms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90790", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-19T15:34:00", "title": "Undue Attention", "text": "Your policies will only encourage these children to identify themselves primarily by their sexual feelings. Not only is this a poor way to characterize their lives, it fails to help them focus on other facets of life that truly builds character. Please don't do them this disservice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90791", "author": "Amber", "date": "2021-01-19T16:29:00", "title": "Strongly support an environment where all children should feel safe", "text": "This is long overdue! I want to raise children in an environment where they learn to value the lives of every person around them. Restricting children from LBGTQ+ education leaves a huge gap in reality for our children. Every kid has the right to feel safe at school....and that cannot happen if appropriate education is left out."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90792", "author": "Amy V., mother of VA public school students", "date": "2021-01-19T16:29:00", "title": "Strongly approve! All I want is a school my kids aren't afraid to go to.", "text": "I am the mother of a non-binary high school student and a gay middle school student, in a rural district. They did not choose to be people that are so discriminated against by some of our society. I'm sure like anyone, they would have chosen the path that is easier, if they could have. Neither my husband or I chose this path for them, but we support them because THIS IS WHO THEY ARE. The suggestion that we or any parents \"make\" our children \"this way\" is ridiculous. I can't even make my kids eat vegetables most of the time, yet I am making them assume a gender identity or sexual orientation they don't want? Give me a break. My kids don't want to \"convert\" anyone, they simply want to be free of bullying and harrassment, and be able to learn. So far, they have both been bullied and harassed by other students, to the point they hate going to school. None of the things proposed here take ANYTHING away from other kids, they just help the kids that need it. What are the arguments against it? \"My child should be free to bully your child because of their gender!\" \"My child is uncomfortable around your gay child because I've taught them to hate gay people! So your child should have to leave school!\" \"I enjoy forcing my religious beliefs on my students by telling them their existence is offensive to God! I don't like being prevented from doing that!\" \"I want to publicly humiliate my students by calling them a name or pronoun that I've been specifically asked not to use!\" This is what the \"against\" comments I've read are really saying, once you look past the dogwhistles and pat phrases that come from extreme right-wing media. As a mother, all I want is a school my kids can actually learn at, because they aren't afraid to be there. Your kid doesn't have to date my kid, hang out with my kid, or like my kid. Your kid just needs to leave my kid the hell alone, and let them learn."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90793", "author": "Mel Titus", "date": "2021-01-19T16:34:00", "title": "ban conversion therapy", "text": "I totally support  banning conversion therapy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90794", "author": "melody titus", "date": "2021-01-19T16:38:00", "title": "model policies", "text": "SUPPORT model policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90795", "author": "Lisa", "date": "2021-01-19T16:40:00", "title": "Oppose this transgender legislation", "text": "Throughout this proposed legislation, there are statements which do not allow for parents to be engaged or notified. Our children are not your children.  Public schools only exist because taxpayers fund them. You are funded to provide an educational model. You do not exist to show bias toward some families. You suggest that the parents who are \"on board\" with letting their children identify with a different gender have full rights to communication and information about their child, but those parents who do not agree, do not. That is a very slippery slope that could not end well in a court of law or the ultimate welfare of our children. My children are my children FOREVER. They are on loan to you for a few years of their life. Secrecy is unwise in any stage of development and you are reinforcing an untrue rhetoric that parents who have a different worldview cannot be trusted by their own children. I strongly oppose this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90796", "author": "Jocelyn Pace", "date": "2021-01-19T16:43:00", "title": "Strongly support this guidance on gender-diverse policy", "text": "As a mother to two Virginia children, I strongly support policies which are inclusive of diversity.  Embracing our gender-diverse friends is more than just compassionate--it's a human rights issue. Requiring each school board and administration to develop working policies in this sphere is absolutely essential to keeping all of our children safe.  I appreciate the hard work and time which went into this document.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90797", "author": "Jennifer Gallienne Virgina League for Planned Parenthood,", "date": "2021-01-19T16:50:00", "title": "AS A SOCIAL WORKER I FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "As a master level social worker in the State of Virginia, I  support these model policies for LGBTQ students in Virginia. It is essential that children and youth  be able to learn without suffering discrimination or harassment. A recent study found that over 70% of gay or transgender kids received threats because of their identity.   According to the Trevor Project  LGBTQ youth are FIVE times more liekly to attempt suicide than their heterosexual cisgender peers. I know the reality of these stastics as I currently work with Trans and Non-binary patients accessing gender affirming medical care, many of whom are still in Virginia public schools. I also spent many years working with LGBTQ youth as a volunteer at Side by Side, a non-profit organization in Virginia that creates supportive communities for LGBTQ youth where youth can define themselves, belong, and flourish. Here I also saw the need for Virginia schools to have model policies to protect LGBTQ youth as many of the youth experienced bullying/harassment/ and discrimination. These policies will promote the critical goal of keeping students safe to the best of our abilities. Schools have a moral and legal obligation to protect their students from this kind of harassment at school. These policies are necessary. The policies lay out how schools can prevent gender-based harassment or address it effectively to support and protect students if harassment occurs. These policies will help transgender students feel safe and respected at school, which is necessary for them to have equal access to education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90798", "author": "John Hendron", "date": "2021-01-19T16:52:00", "title": "School Divisions Need Guidance - Fully Support", "text": "Discovering your gender identity can be one of the most difficult challenges facing students who do not ascribe to heterosexual labels for self-identity. LGBTQ+ students face particular challenges in life that non-identifying persons can find difficult to understand. Some of the comments here suggest as much. By providing clear guidance as you have for the benefit of school boards and leaders in the Commonwealth, schools can be a safer space for these students. Thank you for your work on researching this topic and providing guidance with clear language."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90799", "author": "Janice Bishop", "date": "2021-01-19T16:54:00", "title": "Oppose/ Parent", "text": "I am highly  opposed to the actions under  consideration.   All of these  clauses  directly  discriminate  against the rights  of those that are not transgenders. The thought  that my child would be forced  to go to the bathroom  with the opposite sex is against their  privacy. Set up separate  bathrooms  for those  children. The fact that a child can make  a decision  to choose  their  gender  and not tell the parent is ridiculous. Our children  are already  walking around confused  as they  are  asked  to accept teachers, falculty, and the world in their choice  to live alternative  lifeatyles. Thia is clearly  against some peoples religious  beliefs. Our children  are  already  stressed  out. We do not need  additional  pressure  put on them. These  suggestions  are not good. I STRONGLY  OPPOSE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90800", "author": "Christina coffin", "date": "2021-01-19T17:09:00", "title": "Oppose bathroom/lockerroom", "text": "I am completely against allowing anyone to enter whatever bathroom or lockerroom without question. Boys can go into girls lockerroom by simply saying \"i feel like a girl\". If there is a serious concern about transgender kids not feeling safe in the bathroom of their x or y chromosome dna, then build a THIRD bathroom and lockerroom. So my daughter doesnt have to worry about random boys coming in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90801", "author": "Teacher", "date": "2021-01-19T17:13:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a teacher, I strongly support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90802", "author": "Sana campbell", "date": "2021-01-19T18:02:00", "title": "Oppose transgender legislation", "text": "I strongly oppose transgender legislation why would I make my grandson uncomfortable going to bathrooms etc to a minority happy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96241", "author": "Former Virginia Public School Student", "date": "2021-02-03T19:30:00", "title": "Protect Trans Kids Now", "text": "Transgender children are one of the most vulnerable populations of people in this country, and in the world. I only recently graduated high school, and recently saw and experienced the detrimental effects an unsupportive school environment can have on trans youth. Any and all protections (including using their preferred names and pronouns at all times, allowing them to use the bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity, and ensuring protection against bullying) for them should absolutely be put in place immediately. It is ridiculous to believe that transgender children being able to out and safe within their own schools poses harm to cisgender children. Quite the opposite is true- without concrete protections, transgender children are at risk of bullying and violence from their cisgender peers, as well as from teachers, administration, and other faculty and staff. Anyone feeling threatened by this bill may believe they have the best interest of schoolchildren at heart, but the protection of ALL children, including trans children, is essential for fostering a safe and supportive school environment that is conducive to learning and community building."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96242", "author": ":)", "date": "2021-02-03T19:31:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "This policy would help so many young people feel safe in their school environment. They should be allowed to use bathrooms that correspond with how they identify, they should feel that their identity is not questioned and that they can be respected by their peers. It's such an easy change that means so much to these kids and adults alike. This issue is all about respect and it's time to respect their choices and wishes. It's not right to try to change who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96243", "author": "Zebediah Alexander", "date": "2021-02-03T19:31:00", "title": "When you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression", "text": "In reading some of the other comments on this page, I am reminded of a prominent quote of the American civil rights movement- \"When you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.\" Some seem to think that the mere recognition and protection of transgender individuals is a personal attack on them and their children, despite no such language existing in the document. As a student in the Virginia public school system who has met transgender students, I can attest that they are unsurprisingly human beings, and kind, intelligent ones at that. They are not \"mentally ill\", and it is that exact harassment that we are trying to protect them from. I am surprised at the self-proclaimed Christians who support and engage in such un-Christlike behavior. It seems that Jesus would respect these individuals and their right to exist the same as everybody else, would he not? Confronting bigoted and mean-spirited world views with protections for those they dislike is not oppression. It is the equality preached by the Christian God and guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United States. If it was not clear already, I am in full support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96244", "author": "Daniel J. Hankes, Esq.", "date": "2021-02-03T19:32:00", "title": "Support for Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I write in support of Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools, based on Equality Virginia's support of the Model Policies and my own review of the document. I'd note that in addition to the Title VII citation in \"Related Laws,\" the President's recent Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation (January 20, 2021), might add more legal context or support for that citation, at least for public schools receiving federal funds. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-preventing-and-combating-discrimination-on-basis-of-gender-identity-or-sexual-orientation/"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96245", "author": "Sheila Dougherty", "date": "2021-02-03T19:33:00", "title": "I am very against this bill - parents should know when their children are thinking of transitioning!", "text": "I am very against this bill.  It undermines parents.  They should be the ones in control of their children’s lives.  If the schools can keep a child’s interest in and progress in transitioning a secret from his or her parents, it seems to me that the parents’ rights regarding that child are being subverted.  Parents are the most important people in a child’s life because they love that child!  No child should be in any way encouraged to transition behind his or her parents’ backs.  Besides, it is immoral to do so."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96246", "author": "Brian", "date": "2021-02-03T19:33:00", "title": "Oppose - referendum", "text": "Oppose - referendum"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96247", "author": "Shannon M Skousgaard", "date": "2021-02-03T19:34:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "These proposals are harmful to all children.  To restrict children from using pronouns that accurately refer to the biological gender of another person is harmful to all children.  To require children to use pronouns that are contrary to biological gender is harmful to all children.  To permit children who are of differing biological genders to use a single facility for personal bodily activities or to be present while others dress and undress is harmful to ALL children.  To follow politically popular positions that are harmful to the body politic, and especially to children, is not only irresponsible but grievously morally wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96248", "author": "Amber", "date": "2021-02-03T19:35:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I strongly support the protection of transgender students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96249", "author": "Stephanie Morris", "date": "2021-02-03T19:35:00", "title": "Support statement", "text": "I absolutely support this as a parent to three children and as the CEO of SHAPE America, the national nonprofit serving as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education teachers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96250", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:35:00", "title": "NO NO NO", "text": "This is disgraceful and absurd"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96251", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:35:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As a mother of a child who was bullied almost to the point of suicide, I definitely understand that bullying and mistreatment for any reason is wrong; however, to further separate transgender and LGBTQ students into yet another group for protection will not ultimately help those students it aims to protect.  This kind of legislation will further divide those who truly want to help these students and those who believe that these tendencies, though very real in many cases, should not be acted upon.  In addition, I believe there are many ways that local school boards can address their specific student needs without forcing the issue of allowing transgender students to use their restroom of choice or normalizing this behavior in curriculum for those families that absolutely disagree with this lifestyle.  The school is not the place for this kind of education.  It is within the home.  If this kind of curriculum is imposed, I believe that the default should be to be opted OUT and not into it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96252", "author": "K Simms", "date": "2021-02-03T19:35:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "A child is still a child regardless of their gender expression. Who has the right to say which children should receive support over others? No one. Support trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96253", "author": "Julia Park", "date": "2021-02-03T19:36:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96254", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:38:00", "title": "Policy re: transgender public school", "text": "As a grandparent, I strongly oppose the policy on transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96255", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:38:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Stop pushing your beliefs on the public."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96256", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:38:00", "title": "Policy re: transgender public school", "text": "As a grandparent, I strongly oppose the policy on transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96257", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:38:00", "title": "Policy re: transgender public school", "text": "As a grandparent, I strongly oppose the policy on transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96258", "author": "Kelly P", "date": "2021-02-03T19:38:00", "title": "Strongly DISagree!", "text": "I cannot state strongly enough how much with this document I disagree. First, many kids are not even currently attending school in person. They are FAILING because of remote learning. Therefore, pronouns are not the most pressing issue in their education. I have lgbtq family members, friends and colleagues and heartily support them. I spoke with several before logging on here to inquire as to their opinions/stance on these matters. They agree with me that this document is appropriate at this time when students are failing. The document incorrectly, and, detrimentally, places more emphasis on pronouns than education. The document is confusing, convoluted and demands punishment for 'honest mistakes'. Too much is being attempted at once, no less, by force, which is never a successful approach. You can't 'legislate' thought, perception, acceptance. Especially, when it comes across as FORCE. I have a feeling no matter what anyone types, you'll ram this through because you feel entitled to engage in social engineering. I am sure it will not have the result you intend, but that action will have consequences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96259", "author": "LM", "date": "2021-02-03T19:38:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Child Abusive Transgender Guidelines", "text": "It is child abuse to affirm or persuade those under 18 to take actions that may cause long lasting or permenant body or psychological harm.  Super vast majority outgrow their gender confusion or angst without any harm done.  Your guidelines do more harm than good.  They are also an abuse of power against religious people opposed to affirming such behaviors."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96260", "author": "C Burnett", "date": "2021-02-03T19:39:00", "title": "No transgender promotion in schools-it is confusing for the majority while helping only a few", "text": "99.9% of the student body should not be subjected to transgender and sexual identity issues that exist for a 10th of the population. It is wrong to force these issues onto the majority that does not have identity issues of the minority & only confuses the population who do not have these identity issues. Having the entirety of a population have to contend with the wishes of a small number of people with a deviating purpose/view/agenda, is absurd. Equality should be promoted but one’s sexuality and identity should not become a forced agenda in schools, and certainly not schools paid for by the tax payer. Sexuality and gender identity issues can be dealt with and handled privately at home, and using  counseling services offered publicly or in the schools, but should not become a part of the classroom and curriculum. Children are developing and growing,  and their brains aren’t fully developed until well after high school. For this reason, confusing and subjective information about gender and identity should not be pushed in schools. This is not fodder for children. It is private and personal and should be dealt with as such, not promoted publicly in a space where children should be safe and not made to feel uncertain and singled out. Again, 99.9% of the student body should not be subjected to transgender and sexual identity issues that exist for a 10th of the population. It is wrong to force these issues onto the population that does not have identity issues."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96261", "author": "Rachel Berkey", "date": "2021-02-03T19:39:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "I support this initiative. We need equity for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96262", "author": "Kerry Ford", "date": "2021-02-03T19:39:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Strongly Support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96263", "author": "Alaina", "date": "2021-02-03T19:40:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Strongly support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96264", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is absolutely disgusting thinking about CHILDREN changing in front of the opposite sex and running around topless.  These are little  BOYS and GIRLS. Do this inside your home, not out in public especially at school. I will take my son out of school and I will homeschool my daughter when it comes time. What is wrong with these adult thinking it's okay to do this? This world is so messed up now"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96265", "author": "Riley", "date": "2021-02-03T19:42:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly Support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96266", "author": "Concerned grandma", "date": "2021-02-03T19:42:00", "title": "Transgender policy in public schools", "text": "I am very concerned about the safety of our children and their vulnerability to sex trafficking"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96267", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is absolutely disgusting thinking about CHILDREN changing in front of the opposite sex and running around topless.  These are little  BOYS and GIRLS. Do this inside your home, not out in public especially at school. I will take my son out of school and I will homeschool my daughter when it comes time. What is wrong with these adult thinking it's okay to do this? This world is so messed up now"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96268", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is absolutely disgusting thinking about CHILDREN changing in front of the opposite sex and running around topless.  These are little  BOYS and GIRLS. Do this inside your home, not out in public especially at school. I will take my son out of school and I will homeschool my daughter when it comes time. What is wrong with these adult thinking it's okay to do this? This world is so messed up now"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96269", "author": "William jaquis", "date": "2021-02-03T19:43:00", "title": "Supported", "text": "supported.  Protect all students.  The first step is education and safety.  If our children have the chance to learn, they have the chance to understand."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96270", "author": "Bob Ryan", "date": "2021-02-03T19:43:00", "title": "Oppose vaguely worded document", "text": "It's time you educators stopped and rethought your transgender rules in our public schools.  There is no place for boys, even if they \"feel\" they are girls, belong participating in girls' sports or using girls' restrooms. After years of fighting for Title 9 and equality you will destroy female sports forever Sincerely, Bob Ryan"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96271", "author": "Edie LaMantia", "date": "2021-02-03T19:44:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Strongly Support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96272", "author": "Concerned grandparent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:46:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "I am so disturbed by the way our Virginia government is trying to destroy community instead of bringing us together. This is atrocious!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96273", "author": "Michael Kittinger", "date": "2021-02-03T19:47:00", "title": "Concerned Citizen", "text": "It is imperative that all students are afforded an education in the Commonwealth of Virginia regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.  The Virginia General Assembly has passed work place protections for the LGBTQ+ community.  I was raised by a public educator and I was always told that school was my job as a student.  Therefor those same protections that our General Assembly passed should be afforded to our students as they are going to school, which is their version of a job.  Also the Supreme Court Ruled in 2020 that Title VII protections extend to the LGBTQ+ community and there has been a close connection between Title VII and Title IX rulings over the year. Please take this as my support for providing a safe space for our Transgender, Nonbinary, and Queer students to attend Virginia public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96274", "author": "Christina", "date": "2021-02-03T19:47:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "OPPOSED/ not biologically fact or science based"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96275", "author": "Pex", "date": "2021-02-03T19:48:00", "title": "Support", "text": "“I want to make sure that people understand that, behind this national conversation around transgender rights, there are real people who hurt when they're mocked, who hurt when they're discriminated against, and who just want to be treated with dignity and respect.” - Sarah McBride"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96276", "author": "Brandon shifflett", "date": "2021-02-03T19:48:00", "title": "I strongly oppose", "text": "To even think about supporting this bill is absolutely absurd."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96277", "author": "Sarah Elizabeth Church", "date": "2021-02-03T19:48:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I am simply tired of debating human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96278", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:48:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I am in full support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96279", "author": "Katie A.", "date": "2021-02-03T19:49:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I fully support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. I believe it is incredibly important to create policies that will protect, support , validate and help trans students in school. I hope you will take this opportunity to help create a safer environment for trans students to understand and be unapologetically themselves. I also hope you will create an environment that will not tolerate hate, discrimination, or the denial of a student’s identity. Being transgender is very real. Please support your trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96280", "author": "Steven", "date": "2021-02-03T19:51:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "strongly opposed to this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96281", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:51:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "We believe in the dignity of life, and we believe in biological differences that have existed since the beginning of human existence. God created male and female. There is nothing in between. Please protect our children from the false ideology that is infiltrating our society. That is why we STRONGLY OPPOSE these mandates to teach false information to our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96282", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:52:00", "title": "Support from a former student", "text": "As a former VA public school student and a sibling of a transgender former student, I fully support the proposed policies. Growing up while trying to balance fitting in and being true to yourself is hard enough. These kids are so brave to be their authentic selves, at the risk of being bullied and the difficulties of navigating a  system designed for two genders. Putting policies of protection in place can only help to ensure that our school systems are not the reason for more distress in the lives of these young people. For every transgender or non-conforming child, there are dozens of students who have the opportunity to see acceptance and allyship modeled by teachers and administrators, facilitated by these policies. As the parent of a child with Down syndrome, I know that society has come a long way from a policy of institutionalization to inclusion. We now know the immense benefits of integrating children with special needs into classrooms with their typically-developing peers, and they continue to break barriers every day. I can only hope that one day we will look back on policies such as those proposed here and recognize the positive effect they have had on students’ mental health and their ability to thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96283", "author": "Parent/educator", "date": "2021-02-03T19:52:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "As a parent and educator this is terrifying. Teachers are being set up to be manipulated, and possibly lose their jobs. Students can now change their identity literally every hour, and it’s ok??? Teachers have a job to do, and that is to focus on reading, writing, math, history, and science! Their job is not to fret over calling students the wrong pronoun or name! Sadly, I see many girls (transgender girls included) being sexually abused! There is not enough staff at these schools to monitor ever bathroom and locker room the entire day! I have two daughter’s, and we will move to a private school for their safety. I won’t even get into girls’ sports. Girls are going to get severely injured in contact sports!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96284", "author": "Jessica Wolford", "date": "2021-02-03T19:52:00", "title": "I strongly oppose.", "text": "I strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96285", "author": "Michelle Styczynski", "date": "2021-02-03T19:52:00", "title": "Strongly Support!!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. Everyone deserves to be in a place where others are not hostile to their existence."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96286", "author": "an ally", "date": "2021-02-03T19:53:00", "title": "protect trans kids now!", "text": "protect trans kids now!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96287", "author": "KH", "date": "2021-02-03T19:53:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Even children have the right to self-determination. It is our responsibility to treat everyone respectfully which includes allowing others to receive the respect of being treated as who they wholly believe they are. Who are we to judge and tell another person what or who they are?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96288", "author": "June Laffey", "date": "2021-02-03T19:53:00", "title": "SOS: Support Our Students", "text": "Transgender students are students and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect just like any other child. I am not transgender, but I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up LGBTQ+ is difficult, even with a solid support system. Ensuring our transgender students feel safe, supported, and included is just one of the steps we should be taking on behalf of our Commonwealth's students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96289", "author": "Trenton Walker", "date": "2021-02-03T19:54:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "It is beyond time that we continue to bolster our support of the LGBTQIA+ community. This includes creating safe and inclusive environments for children in our schools. Simply put we all deserve the consideration of others when it comes to our humanity, including in our schools. My support of this bill is built on this belief."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96290", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:54:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Virginia transgender initiative parents can be charged with abuse or neglect if they encourage their child’s god given sex is an outrage."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96291", "author": "Chris Rasnick", "date": "2021-02-03T19:54:00", "title": "SUPPORT #makeanoppositionarguementwithoutusinggodchallange", "text": "You can’t make an opposition argument without using God. Fortunately I believe in separation of Church and State like a REAL American. (disclaimer: the public education system is definitely part of the state)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96292", "author": "Advocate for safe learning environment", "date": "2021-02-03T19:55:00", "title": "recommendations for safe, inclusive educating environment", "text": "In reference to VA Dept of Education's consideration of \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools\" These model policies have the noble intent to protect children from harm and provide a caring, inclusive environment in which children can learn and grow.  However, these policies do not acknowledge the noble intent that the vast majority of parents have to protect, love, and nurture our children to realize their full potential and impact our world for good.  These model policies presume that loving parents who are trying to guide their child through exploration of gender identity alternatives in a way that is consistent with their family values and religious beliefs are by definition efforts to harm an assumed transgender child, and therefore grounds for the state to legally intervene.  This is an overreach of the state’s and the school system’s authority to interfere with several protected liberties regarding speech, religion, privacy, and others. The Department of Education needs to demonstrate a higher standard to “follow the science” in consideration of these policy changes.  The evidence offered to support these recommendations is predominantly anecdotal and often narrowly supported by one-sided, subjective opinions or conclusions.  The supportive evidence lacks the rigor of the scientific method intended to remove, or at least counter, subjective bias, and it fails to equitably acknowledge study’s and scenarios that have reached opposing conclusions. These policies and guidelines as written are overly biased to advantage one minority people group to the potential detriment of the majority of the student body.  For example, page 7 under related laws, makes a reference to the “First Amendment: The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and expression.”  The Department of Education saw fit to include a clarifying statement “Schools may not prevent students from expressing their identity.”  However, there is a notable omission that the First Amendment also protects students rights to express legally protected religious convictions or doctrine.  Further, much of the policy guidance included herein goes further to create a toxic environment where neither students nor tax-payer parents would be free to express legally protected religious convictions on the subject of sex from fear of the penalties enumerated in this document or the more restrictive derived documents that the respective school boards are encouraged to enact. Page 13 issues a veiled threat that Child Protective Services should be used to remove a child from a family “Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity,” but fails to define what constitutes being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect.  It is evident from the guidance within the entire document that school personel could subjectively interpret that parents exercising protected religious freedoms or doing things like refusing to buy their children a certain style of clothes could warrant notification to CPS of suspected abuse or neglect.  It is a slippery slope, and this policy could easily result in unlawful harassment or worse.  If this was not the intent, the language should be modified to meticulously define these terms and overtly affirm the Dept of Education's commitment to protect all students’ and parents’ rights to free speech, religion, and privacy. The overuse of terms like “fluidity” create too much opportunity for misuse and abuse of the policies and guidelines by fellow students or school representatives who wish to unduly influence developing students or even cause students harm.  The overreaching assurance of secrecy this policy offers to these minors from legal, loving guardians creates intimate bonds with school officials that could be, and often is, exploited with malicious intent, and it shifts the responsibility of imparting moral values away from parents and into the school system.  It also creates an intentionally secret platform from parents that could be used to indoctrinate gender confusion in students who would not otherwise have transgender inclinations. The charter of the school system should remain to educate children based on facts.  This policy as written is contrary to the constitutionally protected religious freedoms which allow citizens to impart family values that are consistent with their protected religious belief systems. Page 6: terminology includes a misleading definition of “sex assignment” that is offensive.  Recommend changing to “Identified Sex at birth.”  Sex is identified at birth through objective observations of physical characteristics and as defined in the vast majority of the world’s modern languages.  It is not in fact a label “typically assigned” on the noted basis, nor is it arbitrarily applied by the medical professionals who diligently and scientifically support the birth process."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96293", "author": "Sarah", "date": "2021-02-03T19:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96294", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:55:00", "title": "Yes", "text": "I strongly agree to allow trans protection in public schools. Being trans is not a choice and trans youth deserve to learn in an environment that caters to their growth as both a student and a person. This also allows other students to see that there are different types of people that truly exist in the real world. There is nothing wrong with living in one's truth and being yourself. Being trans is not wrong, protecting trans youth is not wrong. These children deserve to be safe just like any other child in the public school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96295", "author": "Sonya Carman", "date": "2021-02-03T19:56:00", "title": "PROTECT TRANS KIDS", "text": "SUPPORT TRANS KIDS. It’s absolutely ridiculous that we are failing at protecting our own kids regardless of gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96296", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:56:00", "title": "Completely support!", "text": "I strongly support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96297", "author": "Melissa Sullivan", "date": "2021-02-03T19:56:00", "title": "I very much disagree", "text": "As a parent of children in rockingham county and va school systems, i have been very proud to have my children in these school systems through out the years, I brag on behalf of the quality of education and respect and love that I feel that they have been provided with.  So it will be very unfortunate if this decision is made on behalf of the school system in VA. I do not have any problem with children being transgender.  And I feel like this is a topic that many people don't fully understand. I am a hairstylist and a client of mine has expressed her full journey in this situation of being born a deaf little boy and transforming into a woman as a adult.  Her story broke my heart.  And the support of her parents were non existent as a child. This broke my heart. However, it is absolutely NOT in the place of the school to encourage or help a child to determine such a decision.  It is the school systems job to provide a education.  The education is not to include any decisions against the parents authority.  This instead becomes brain washing and more of a attempt to remove authority from the parents.  I do not agree with this and i am a mother of four boys, and i hope to be a grandmother one day as well.  You will find no children or grandchildren of mine that will cooperate and or attend your school system with such policies existing.  And i will withdrawl my children immediately should you pass this decision. It's a subject that i understand exists and perhaps needs it's place in the world.  However in the hands of the school system is absolutely inappropriate and u do not have my support and I will lose complete faith in the entire school system as a whole if this decision is made.  I feel like a whole separate program and place for such a topic should exist. I appreciate that u attempt to provide the very best for everyone, I appreciate u thinking of every way to accomodate others that u can.  However u are here to provide a education alone.  And not interfere with sexuality preferences and the privacy of child and parent being compromised.  So with that being said, May God be with you as you make your decisions tonight or tomorrow, and please know, you will lose a entire family of attendance should you try to interfere with the quality of our lives in such a way.  I will have no anger towards you and no hard feelings, but you will never have a child of mine in such a school system. God bless the children who need these accommodations and suffer, I pray that a program separate from the school system can be created.  However it's not the school systems responsiblity and it's just extremely discouraging to imagine such a situation arising. Prayers to all"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96298", "author": "Sara, Concerned Auntie", "date": "2021-02-03T19:57:00", "title": "Strongly in favor", "text": "The state has a responsibility to educate ALL resident children, and to do so in a safe environment. That responsibility does not extend only to cisgender children, but all children. Studies have shown that non-cisgender children are overwhelmingly the victims of bullying and abuse, rather than perpetrators. They have a right to an education from the state in a safe environment, without abuse or harassment from fellow students or school officials. Their gender expression, whatever it may or may not be, is no one else's business and no one should be allowed to infringe on that student's rights to an education based on it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96299", "author": "S. Moran", "date": "2021-02-03T19:57:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance to protect transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96300", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:58:00", "title": "Read the fine print- and OPPOSE.", "text": "To those of you who support this - do you know the details of these policy changes? How they will endanger other non-trans children and their families too? Yes, all children should be protected and cared for, but not in the way that is proposed here. Read more of the details about these policy changes. Parents who oppose this are grieving now for the future of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96301", "author": "John Ferguson", "date": "2021-02-03T19:58:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to allowing \"transgendered\" students into the restrooms and locker rooms of the opposite sex of their own biological sex.  It's ridiculous that I have to even write this. Especially, after being told repeatedly by the media and the state government to \"believe the science\" on COVID in respect to lockdowns, school closures, social distancing, and masks. Well, \"believe the science\" on this issue too.  There are only 2 sexes, and you cannot acrually change your sex.  Also recognize that the vast geographical majority of Virginia is opposed to this and their beliefs should also be respected.  Each locality's School Board should be allowed to continue determining what's best for their communities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96302", "author": "A concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T19:59:00", "title": "Strong opposition to this harmful initiative", "text": "This transgender school policy initiative is problematic on so many levels. It undermines parental rights, it promotes gender confusion/fluidity to children, it violates the religious liberties of most Americans, and it violates the privacy (and, at times, also the safety) of children.  It is highly inappropriate for public schools to be teaching gender identity and sexuality in K-12.  And it is particularly baffling that in a pandemic environment in which our kids haven't attended school in nearly a year, our authorities are focused on this terrible initiative instead of academics.  If VA is trying to push parents into private schools and homeschooling, they're definitely achieving this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96303", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T19:59:00", "title": "Full Support for Transgender Student Policy", "text": "I am a parent with two students in Arlington County Public Schools. Both of my children have friends and family members who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender.  They celebrate it. They celebrate their friends and family.  They are happy that their friends and family can express who they really are at their core. In fact, they often don't see any kind of difference and just see the kind and fun friend/family who they are.  And I am so proud that they are being loyal, caring friends. Not everyone is supportive. But that is not the role of government. Public schools need to provide strong clear guidance that allows all students to focus on school regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. My children and I support this guidance for that reason."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96304", "author": "ED Nuckles", "date": "2021-02-03T20:00:00", "title": "Accommodations  for transgender students", "text": "Oppose action to allow accommodations for transgender students. This action requires further detailed study and conclusion based on science as it relates to the long term effects to birth gender oriented students. The plan has no basis of fact on the current student mental health of birth gender children. Your action to proceed could result catastrophic adverse unintended consequences. Oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96305", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:00:00", "title": "I fully support", "text": "i fully support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96306", "author": "Margaret Franklin", "date": "2021-02-03T20:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This is just going to leave a bigger problem.  Like women and girls getting raped. And where is my privacy as a born woman. Your taking away my rights. I also think that person must tell the other person if she is a he or she. They shouldn't get special privileges and rights. If your not born with it, then don't use other excuses to get your way. That means my rights are not protected now. How is that fair ? And me as a women have to look over my shoulder or be scared for my daughter.  When is this world going to say enough is enough."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96307", "author": "Jan Henry Nelson", "date": "2021-02-03T20:01:00", "title": "Vote NO", "text": "Do not vote to pass this legislation.  You will be held accountable for your actions in this world and the next as stated below. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. Romans 1:26?-?28 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.1.26-28.ESV"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96308", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:02:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Inclusiveness is the future. It is neither political nor radical but important for including all children in a safe and effective way educational environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96309", "author": "Michael Adachi Oludolapo Polson", "date": "2021-02-03T20:02:00", "title": "100% Support for this policy and trans people", "text": "This policy will not only help our trans and gender non-conforming children but our society as a whole. This policy demands protection of human rights and protecting humans, you and I, shouldn't be a debate. We shouldn't need to debate whether one's life is worth protecting especially when it comes to children. I am proud to see the state of Virginia taking measures to protect the most vulnerable members of our society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96310", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T20:02:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I totally support all to identify as they wish however leaving parents out of this is wrong.  These children need support from people outside of just the school. Also risking children of both sexes being taken advantage of in a bathroom at school by letting both genders use the same restroom is wrong.  The risk this creates for all students and teachers involved is too high.  This is also an abuse of the CPS system, there are plenty of cases where children are being abused and neglected and this is an issue that will tie up resources that can be used elsewhere.  These agencies are struggling to maintain and address what their current cases are much less added additional things."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96311", "author": "D Peschken", "date": "2021-02-03T20:02:00", "title": "Boys allowed in girls locker rooms and bsthrooms", "text": "Are you people insane? I can see the problems already! Use your heads! Vote NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96312", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:02:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "Transgender rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96313", "author": "Steven Good", "date": "2021-02-03T20:02:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 words"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96314", "author": "Travis", "date": "2021-02-03T20:03:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree!!!!!", "text": "Strongly oppose- please don't do this for our children!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96315", "author": "Concerned parent who is against bullying in any form", "date": "2021-02-03T20:03:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "Fully support this guidance and recommend VA guidance for Transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96316", "author": "Regina Alley", "date": "2021-02-03T20:03:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose this, I believe God made female & male and that’s the way it should be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96317", "author": "Julie", "date": "2021-02-03T20:04:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "We strongly oppose! Scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. Harm is done to very young girls who feel powerless to expect physical privacy in the present of biological males AND young men who don’t want to change in front of biological girls. PLEASE leave this out of our school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96318", "author": "Barbara Doggett", "date": "2021-02-03T20:04:00", "title": "I oppose after reading", "text": "Who diagnoses a student as transgender? Is it the student, or a teacher, counselor, or other staff member? If a student can self-diagnose for gender identity, can a student also self-diagnose other conditions? ADHD for example? Who is liable if something criminal happens to a student who is rooming with students of the opposite sex and the parent did not give consent for the trip? Is there a legal precedence? Would the school be charged for allowing the assault if a parent had advised against the risk? Please rethink this policy if only for the reasons of opening up a huge legal issue for teachers - will they be held responsible for decisions made against the parent's?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96319", "author": "Liv", "date": "2021-02-03T20:04:00", "title": "STRONGLY Oppose/ This is Dangerous", "text": "Another individual wrote this and I support all of what they wrote. These laws would endanger children and the rights of parents to raise their children according to their conscience. Abuse of minors in the public school system is a very real danger, laws that would promote secrecy and pressure to conform to sexual content at the risk of being removed from one’s home will provide child predators huge leverage in our system. Also, while we want to believe that the people claiming a sexual identity different from their biological sex are being sincere, this law completely abolished protections for students against those who would misuse the law. Imagine an older male student using the female bathroom to prey on young women, and then threatening to report them as having anti-Trans views if they don’t comply with their sexual demands. That same student might be too afraid, as many young women are who are attacked, to come forward, fearing they might be removed from their home or punished in some way at school. We already have anti-bullying protections on the books, we do not need to turn our schools into re-education camps where people with peaceful opposing views are threatened for wanting to uphold their views in their own homes. This is a dangerous precedent to set. Imagine if the tables were turned and schools were teaching that you cannot identify as LGBT or you will be re-educated and made to deny yourself. Further yet that your LGBT status reflects on your home life and that you should be removed from your home. This is not the place of our education system, sexual politics and dangerous intrusions into the familial relationship are not appropriate. There are already laws that protect abused children and stop bullying at schools based on any sort of sexual, ethnic or racial basis. This is an unnecessary overstep that will open the door to great harm."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96320", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:05:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I very strongly oppose the proposed transgender policies. It VIOLATES my rights as a parent and the rights of my children. It is not the public school systems place to teach my children these ideals. While this may support a select few, the number of children it will HURT far exceeds. If these policies pass my children will not be attending public schools in the state of Virginia. sincerely, very concerned parents"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96321", "author": "Tamsen Kingry", "date": "2021-02-03T20:05:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance document and all efforts to create inclusive environments in which all children feel welcome, supported, respected and valued."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96322", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:05:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools: Oppose", "text": "We oppose the proposed policies. William and Angela Elliott"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96323", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Strongly oppose! Students need to be identified by their sex at birth, not what they think they should be. It is not a choice and my children should not be exposed to this type of behavior."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96324", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:05:00", "title": "OPPOSE - I DON'T WANT MY DAUGHTER TO HAVE TO FEAR FOR A MALE IN A GIRLS BATHROOM - NO", "text": "THESE PEOPLE ARE CRAZY. STOP TEACHING BOYS THEY CAN THINK THEY ARE GIRLS AND THEN BE ALLOWED INTO GIRLS BATHROOMS AND GIRLS SPORTS.  WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE MORALS OF SOCIETY?? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE KIDS PARENTS HEADS?? TOTAL AIR BRAINS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96325", "author": "Former School Employee Who's Witnessed the Indoctrination", "date": "2021-02-03T20:05:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "NO! Leave the gender studies for parents and therapists. Stop indoctrinating our children. I've seen enough material used in the school system to understand the system's ulterior motive. For example: take a look at the Virginia Readers' Choice list for children (especially middle school and high school) and see how far the material has gone to indoctrinate our children. No more are their novels on the list that include a family unit of married heterosexual parents with children. Another example are the online reading/grammar programs used in schools such as including characters who want to \"change their lifestyles\" (seen on a No Red Ink reading program). Parents, don't look! Nothing to see here. The schools can take care of our children. Sure. Right. Stop pushing your agendas on our children! Leave our children alone!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96326", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:07:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96327", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:08:00", "title": "VDOE", "text": "Absolutely do NOT agree with what is up for debate in our schools with our children and grandchildren. Families are being threatened to raise our children knowing what is right and what is wrong with God in the center of everything. This will be very dangerous for young girls sharing any type of facilities with the opposite sex! Where are the morals we have tried to teach since the beginning of time!! I am disgusted with VDOE to even consider this proposal"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96328", "author": "Very Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T20:08:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY NOT", "text": "Strongly Oppose,  Absolutely. Not what is wrong with this country? Oh yeah liberals that says it all. If you want a boy to share a bathroom with girls have there testicles removed. Oh yeah your not going to do that but you expect it to be ok for perverts to be in a restroom or locker room with the opposite sex! REALLY"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96329", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:08:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly opposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96330", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:09:00", "title": "We STRONGLY OPPOSE these measures", "text": "We STRONGLY OPPOSE these measures."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96331", "author": "Mads S", "date": "2021-02-03T20:09:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "When I was young there was no feasible way to comfortably or acceptably identify as trans or nonbinary. There wasn’t even a feeling for a kid to pinpoint. Now the people and VA lawmakers have the power and ability to relieve so many kids of the gender dysphoria, the bullying, the feeling of alienation in their own skin. I fully back and advocate for the lives and rights of trans identifying kids. The assumption trans people are predators is a myth perpetuated by bigots. These are our kids. They need love and acceptance from the ones who have power because their peers are very well being taught hatefulness at home. It’s 2021 and we now have a chance to make our children seen, to make sure they know we have their back. We owe it to the ones who will makeup the future, to protect them from hate, bigotry and evil. Just because you don’t understand something doesn’t mean it’s a threat to you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96332", "author": "Patrick miller", "date": "2021-02-03T20:09:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96333", "author": "Concerned mom", "date": "2021-02-03T20:10:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96334", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:10:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Strongly opposed all transgender guidelines which appear on any and all guidance documents  and all boards concerned should apply my comment to their efforts."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96335", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:10:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96336", "author": "Terry & Cheryl", "date": "2021-02-03T20:11:00", "title": "OPPOSED!", "text": "Senator Newman represents our stand on these issues well.  Common sense must prevail."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96337", "author": "Concerned Parents", "date": "2021-02-03T20:11:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "Please vote no. We do not support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96338", "author": "Robert Knight", "date": "2021-02-03T20:12:00", "title": "Adamantly opposed to transgender guidelines", "text": "If these strictures are enacted, the state will be using its police powers to force people to lie. This is no different from a totalitarian regime like North Korea, where people are forced to lie daily or face dire consequences, including losing their children. This is no exaggeration.  Children who are confused about their sexuality deserve far better than to be pushed into identifying with the opposite sex. Biology is real. Research shows that the vast majority of children with gender identity disorder eventually affirm their birth gender  -- if they are not cruelly led in another direction.  Do the right thing and reject these immoral and anti-scientific policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96339", "author": "Justin Philipanec", "date": "2021-02-03T20:12:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I don't agree with this. They should have a special bathroom.  Like family bathroom.  We should not be subject to this. To much trouble in mens bathroom.  There will be fights, womens there can be rapes. And how do you know this person is tell the truth. This is making our society scary. I don't want my children asking questions,  just because a person decides hey I'm a girl today tomorrow a boy. And you think our kids are messed up now. This will really screw up there minds."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96340", "author": "Debbie", "date": "2021-02-03T20:13:00", "title": "Encouraging kids to lead a double life and hiding vital information from parents", "text": "Please reject this pending policy which encouraging kids to lead a double life, and hide vital information from parents that could make a life-saving difference in kids’ lives. There are already disturbing controversies like this happening in Wisconsin and in Utah."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96742", "author": "Corey Lastinger", "date": "2021-02-03T21:56:00", "title": "Parent of Virginia Transgender Student Strongly Supports", "text": "We are the parents of three children. One of our children is transgender and socially transitioned in elementary school. We were forced to move from York County to Newport News when the York County School District informed us that our daughter would not be allowed to use the girls’ restroom. Forcing our young daughter to use the boys’ room or a staff bathroom would have sent a message to her every single day that her school and her community did not believe that she was a girl even though her heart and parents know and love her as who she knows herself to be. This would also have outed her to all of her friends and classmates. She would have been ridiculed and stigmatized because the very school and teachers our children trust would be telling all of the children and our daughter through this active exclusion that she doesn’t actually exist. The message would be simple and incredibly painful, “girls can use the girls’ room but you cannot because you are not a girl.” These policies will protect our daughter and so many other transgender elementary students we personally know in Hampton Roads. Not everyone can move to another, more welcoming place in Virginia as we were able to do. I know that there are children in elementary, middle and high schools in Virginia every day who cannot even begin to learn and grow until they are first allowed to exist. This is what these policies do for our daughter and so many others. They do not create special status or special rights, they just ensure that transgender children are allowed to exist with the same rights and status as all other Virginia school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96743", "author": "Nikolay Krivosheyev", "date": "2021-02-03T21:56:00", "title": "I oppose", "text": "Please don't kill babies no abortion in the United State. Babies have the right to live."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96744", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-02-03T21:56:00", "title": "Strongly disagree!", "text": "Disagree!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96745", "author": "The Supreme Court", "date": "2021-02-03T21:56:00", "title": "UNCONSTITUTIONAL. PERIOD.", "text": "This won't hold up under legal review in Federal court, and definitely not at the Supreme Court of the United States."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96747", "author": "VA Clinical Psychologist", "date": "2021-02-03T21:56:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96746", "author": "Hubert", "date": "2021-02-03T21:56:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96748", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:57:00", "title": "NO NO NO", "text": "NO NO NO"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96749", "author": "Barbara S. Miller", "date": "2021-02-03T21:57:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed to HB145 and SB161", "text": "I am strongly opposed to HB 145 and SB 161.   Why is this small minority of individuals given such attention and acceptance?  This minority upsets, and confuses other children and their parents for that matter.  Why do male and female children have to give up their bathroom/locker room privacy and safety for this minority?  Why does the State of Virginia have the authority to subvert parental guidance and teaching in the sexual realm?   These types of political, agenda policies, where will they end?  Why does the state of Virginia have the right to decide genders and not God who made male and female?  What are the next policies?  Rules and regulations on how to treat or interact with single, married, divorced, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Spanish, Japanese, Italians, white, black, Asians?  Hey, State of Virginia, the concentration would be teach children general rules of telling the truth, politeness, the classics and critical thinking and the Constitution of the United States and by the way, history.  I would strongly encourage parents to home school, or another good alternative to public schools. There is such a thing as education and there is such a thing as Indoctrination.   Wake up America or one day there will be no more America to wake up to."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96750", "author": "Ron Ferguson", "date": "2021-02-03T21:57:00", "title": "I support this guidance -- Trans rights are important to me and my family", "text": "As the dad of a trans teen, I support this guidance. It's really important to me that my child's gender preference be respected, and that they can feel comfortable being themselves at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96751", "author": "Linda Miles", "date": "2021-02-03T21:58:00", "title": "EXCELLENT! This will Save Lives", "text": "As a professional in the field, I strongly support these measures. These changes will promote positive youth development and save lives. I applaud your work!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96752", "author": "JM Thomas", "date": "2021-02-03T21:58:00", "title": "strongly support!", "text": "We must protect transgender students in our schools! These students are harrassed and bullied by students and staff alike and need support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96753", "author": "concerned mother", "date": "2021-02-03T21:58:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am honestly shocked that this legislation is even being proposed in the first place.  I think we can all agree that bullying is wrong and that students of the LGBTQ community should be treated with respect and dignity even if we don't agree with their lifestyle choices.  However, talking about forcing these views onto elementary school children and creating confusion in their developing young minds is appalling!  You have to be 18 to get a tatoo or vote, or 21 to smoke or drink, but a child can decide whether they are a boy or girl, without the parent's knowledge and then teachers can't question it?  Have y'all lost your minds?  This is insanity.  Not to mention middle or high school girls who may have a biological boy show up in the locker room while they are undressing because he claims he is a girl for that day.  It is the parents' job to address these issues and teach their children how to love and respect all people.  It is not the job of a school system to indoctrinate our children with these lies!  This is science and facts.  You are either a male or a female.  PERIOD.  As an adult if you choose to identify in another way, so be it, but this has no place in the school system.  Both of my children were pulled from public school 5 years ago and this type of craziness happening is confirmation of why they will never be going back.  If you pass this legislation, my heart will break for all of those children who have no other option other than public school.  This is just plain wrong!  If you pass this, I would also plan for a mass exodus of families to leave the public school system and go to private/homeschool.   They have already been coming due to your incompetent handling of schools during COVID, and you will lose even more with legislation such as this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96754", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:58:00", "title": "Vehemently oppose this outrageous guidance.", "text": "This guidance is not only outrageous, but sickening. Basically any boy or other gender can walk into a girls bathroom or locker room at any time according to this. It does not matter if the girl is undressed at all. Privacy isn't allowed anymore, anywhere. Girls can go topless in activities where boys can such as swimming. There is absolutely NO respect for the girls. Their rights don't matter according to this guidance. And we think rape and sex trafficking are bad now. Just wait. I have a four year old granddaughter and the thought of her going to school under these circumstances makes me nauseous. What this is attempting to do is to make our society complete amoral, perverted and twisted. It's trying to take God and parental rights out of everything."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96755", "author": "indigo", "date": "2021-02-03T21:58:00", "title": "SUPPORT.", "text": "I am a student in Virginia. I strongly support these policies to make trans and non binary students feel comfortable in a school environment. They need support now more than ever and these changes can help them feel safer at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96756", "author": "Devendra Tandekar", "date": "2021-02-03T21:58:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is not right, my kids don’t need to learn vulgarity in any form this is an adult conversation and need to stay out of schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96757", "author": "RM", "date": "2021-02-03T21:58:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY AGAINST!", "text": "NO!!!! Absolutely unacceptable. I will homeschool if you pass this. And I will also actively work with other parents to not only have you removed from your position, but also have this removed from the schools. Elementary and middle school children are too young and too easily confused. I think this is a subject that needs to be left to parents. I do think it is totally acceptable for you to put together a curriculum that parents who ask or seek guidance in explanation this to their kids, can get easy access to. But this is NOT a discussion for young children and should NOT be taught in school.  Not everything is the purview of the state in regards to education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96758", "author": "S M", "date": "2021-02-03T21:59:00", "title": "Strong support", "text": "Everyone deserves to be treated with respect by default, especially if their life and their choices in no way negatively affect another"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96759", "author": "Janet", "date": "2021-02-03T21:59:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this guidance document.  Parents have the fundamental right to be involved in their children's upbringing and education, and in many places throughout this document, parents are explicitly excluded from knowing what is happening in school with regard to their child, both in cases where their child is experiencing gender confusion and where their child might be accused of violating the policies. It is true that every child deserves fair and equal treatment.  Especially when considering areas like bathrooms and locker rooms, there are so many ways that this could go wrong, for example, someone could claim to have a different identity to gain access to a private area of the opposite sex, and would not even be allowed to be questioned.  This does not take into account the rights of every student.  Is it keeping all of our students safe? Encouraging children to question their biological gender only adds to confusion, especially if parents are not allowed to be included in such discussions.  Parents must be included! I strongly oppose the adoption of this guidance document and its policies.  We need to go back to the drawing board to form policies that respect all students and their parents!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96760", "author": "G. Schumacher", "date": "2021-02-03T22:00:00", "title": "Too Many Issues with Practicality and Non-Consideration of the Rights of Other Students and Teachers", "text": "I oppose the forced implementation of these policies. Of course no student should be stigmatized, harassed or bullied for any reason. That said, the proposed policies mandate compliance with a set of behaviors that are likely to create uncomfortable, impractical and sometimes even unsafe situations. On page 8, the document states that the VDOE \"...continues to be committed to working with school divisions to ensure a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students.\" But these model policies are totally slanted to the self-identified transgender students, magnifying their comfort level above those of the vast majority of the student body. The document says very little about accommodating the beliefs and feelings of the non-transgender students. In other words, though the document often cites equality based on a number of beliefs and attributes, the model policies seem to establish the rights of transgender students as carrying more weight and advocacy should these rights come in conflict with the rights of other students, such as the right to not have to share bathroom and locker facilities with persons whom present according to their biological sex. Will school administrators and ombudsmen take up the cause of students who have these concerns, or will their advocacy only extend to the transgender students? Will the sole focus or reconciliation policies be to get non-transgender students to accept these policies, or will they actually try to accommodate these student beliefs and feelings equally? As to practicality, how many students by percentage will these policies affect? I don't know the estimated percentages, but my assumption is it is very small. The number of resources and amount of education dedicated to accommodation and enforcement seem way out of proportion to schools achieving their intended purpose of teaching our students and providing a safe educational environment  where all students are treated with dignity and respect for their beliefs, without regard to who they are. While not addressing the overall numbers, a statistic cited in one of the references jumped out at me. The research study looked at the effects of positive family acceptance of the student's self-proclaimed gender as cutting suicide ideation and attempts in half. While that is a positive statistic, the study revealed what \"half\" is - from 38.3% to 18.5% in suicide ideation, and from 56.8% to 30.9% in suicide attempts. These are not healthy statistics. Another practical aspect has to do with the policies minimizing gender-based organizations. That means no more men's or women's glee clubs, as an example. The male and female voices are different. It's biology. It's science, if you will.  And sports and Title IX are another issue, and get into the safety aspect. Consider the recent situation in Connecticut where transgender females wiped out all of the previous  women's records in track. Similar results have occurred in weightlifting.  A number of female athletes are complaining about losing records and scholarships to biological males who identify as transgender females. Not only does this open the door to injuries with biological males competing against biological females, it can have impacts on achievement and scholarships. There is a reason we have male and female competitions. And yet, when female athletes, and perhaps their parents, complain about this, they are vilified and shamed. So much for equal treatment. I will repeat what I said at the beginning. There is no place for transgenders, or any student, to be bullied or harassed for their beliefs. But instead of treating all beliefs and feelings equally, these policies create all kinds of special accommodations and multiple, mandated changes throughout the system for one specific group at the expense of the vast majority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96761", "author": "M. Trent", "date": "2021-02-03T22:01:00", "title": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy and transgender education!", "text": "Genetically and physically it can be proven that people are male or female. Science is used in identifying the gender of plants, insects, animals and humans."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96762", "author": "KSP", "date": "2021-02-03T22:01:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Please vote in favor of providing all children with the safe, supportive learning environment they deserve. The rights of young people to learn—regardless of how they identify—should never be in question. Discrimination based on another person’s autonomous choices is immoral and unacceptable, especially in schools. That fact should not be up for debate in 2021..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96763", "author": "Professor", "date": "2021-02-03T22:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose allowing biological males to enter the female bathrooms or biological females to enter the male bathrooms in any public facility.  Public schools are especially a concern where young girls will be particularly at risk for sexual assault."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96764", "author": "Shawnette", "date": "2021-02-03T22:01:00", "title": "No", "text": "I don’t agree with this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96765", "author": "concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T22:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY oppose your proposed \"transgender\" policy and \"transgender\" education which is based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  This has nothing to do with education!!  We need to protect and respect ALL children and allow parents to be THE parent and to be the one to make decisions concerning their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96766", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:02:00", "title": "Strong Oppose", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96767", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:02:00", "title": "Strong Oppose", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96768", "author": "Jimmy Sanchez", "date": "2021-02-03T22:02:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As this is a move towards providing more information to our schools & communities about the adversity trans youth faces, more inclusivity and understanding of trans people for our educators, and to give the general public a better grasp on gender identity and what it means to be trans, there are a lot of Virginians here that seem completely shut off to this, or just plainly, wanting to stay ignorant on these issues. As the document that is provided for this policy notes; \" \"Gender: A set of social, psychological, and emotional traits that classify an individual as typically masculine or feminine, although the social construct of gender may be more diverse across a continuum rather than as a binary system.\"\" This is not about our youth \"converting\" or being tricked into anything. Gender identity is a form of self discovery, and that doesn't come as easy to someone compared to a cis gender person (who make up the majority of our society). This is not \"the leftists taking over the world order; 1984 ANTIFA super soldier deluxe combo recruitment agenda\" or whatever nonsense you are hearing from Ben Shabino/Steven Coward/Tim Fool. This is about a fundamental human right for trans youth (who are already protected under Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment). ESPECIALLY those in the schooling system, where they are more likely to face bullying, being misgendered and general harassment. Being trans/gender fluid/gender-nonbinary is part of ones identity, just as race is also a social construct. Also listed under the document; \"\"In 2020, the  American Psychological  Association (APA)  and  National Association of  School  Psychologists  (NASP)  declared in a  resolution that  “all  persons, including children and adolescents  who are  diverse  in their  sexuality  and  gender  identities, expression, and/or  presentation, have  the  inherent  human right  to equal  opportunity  and  a  physically  and psychologically  safe  environment  within all  institutions.”  The  American Academy  of  Pediatrics (2018)  also acknowledged that, “variations  in  gender  identity  and expression are  normal  aspects of  human diversity.”\" What we label as masculine & feminine are very much a social construct (women wear make up, men wear suits, etc.) Even within those two examples, I don't see a lot of people fussing over women wearing jeans or men having ear piercings. At least I haven't heard anyone saying so in recent years. All that being said, those two examples still fall under the binary understanding of gender. SEX AND GENDER ARE NOT THE SAME . There is a large amount of evidence that can make this argument better than I could under this comment section. The technical terms are even listed in the doc! There are tons and TONS of sources this single document has sited, I highly encourage everyone to read up. I'm incredibly disappointed by seeing how many Virginians, and especially parents, who criticize this policy, without putting the time or effort to even understand the core of what this policy is about. I've seen people using sex and gender interchangeably, quoting scripture/texts from the Bible, saying \"\"Boys allowed in girls locker rooms and bsthrooms (misspelled nice) Are you people insane? I can see the problems already! Use your heads! Vote NO!\"\" or another comment saying; \"'It is against our religious beliefs and is not how God created us - male or female.\"\" there is nothing welcoming or accepting with this rhetoric. The LGBTQ+ community (especially POC) are already historically marginalized in the US. The psychological repercussions that our youth will face after experiencing this marginalization takes a toll, usually towards substance abuse or suicide. The policy talks a lot about protecting trans youth and also making sure their privacy and safety is the priority. As the doc states here; \"\" A  2019 national  survey  by  GLSEN  found that  84  percent  of  transgender  youth  feel unsafe  at  school, and those  who experience  victimization have  significantly  lower  GPAs, are more  likely  to miss  school  out  of  concern  for  their  safety, and  are  less  likely  to  plan on continuing  their  education (Kosciw, Clark, Truong,  &  Zongrone, 2020). Compared to their cisgender  and heterosexual  peers,  LGBTQ+  youth  report  much higher  rates  of  depression, anxiety,  alcohol  and drug use, and lower  self-esteem.  LGBTQ+  youth of  color  may  experience additional  stress  and adverse  effects  as  a  result  of  their  intersecting  identities, facing  both  bias against  their  gender  identity  or  expression as  well  as  racism. Research has  shown that  LGBTQ+ students  experience  higher  levels  of  victimization  because  of  their  gender  identity  and/or  gender expression and have  more  adverse  outcomes  compared to their  cisgender  and heterosexual  peers (Human Rights  Campaign Foundation, 2018): \"\" On the positive side of this, seeing so many other Virginians support this is inspiring and incredible! To anyone else who is willing to learn more about gender identity, who doesn't understand the concepts but is good faith and wants to be more educated on this, I would highly encourage them to read this document and start the learning process. Talk to those around you, there is probably someone you know that is also hip to this information. I identify as non-binary. I couldn't put into words how I felt about myself for so long, until I learned more about gender on my own, with the help of my friends and online resources. It helped give me perspective and a greater grasp to my own person. To anyone who hasn't ever questioned their own gender, please show compassion and try to understand. Especially for the youth who are still figuring out right now. We want to give them all the resources they can access so they can get a better understanding of their own humanity. Trans rights are human rights!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96769", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:02:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!!!!!!", "text": "Strongly oppose!!!!!’"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96770", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:02:00", "title": "No! No! No!", "text": "I strongly oppose this. Our children should be at school focusing on education. I am a child of God and I love everyone. I do not have to support everyone’s decisions or agree with them but I still love them. With that being said all children should feel safe at school. I agree with that part. But school is for education. Kids have the rest of their lives to make these kind of decisions. But don’t force it on them at such a young, innocent age. Don’t subject everyone’s kids to this. Dont allow boys in the bathroom with young girls. That screams a disaster waiting to happen. Not too mention parents not knowing about Things happening at school because you don’t have to tell us. No way!!!  There’s a time and place for everything but I can assure you that this is not the time nor the place. I am strongly against this! Please think about our kids. Our young daughters. Our sons. They’re so innocent and young. Don’t subject them to this. It’s not the time. It should be up to a parent to discuss these things. And  When they’re elementary age,( even middle school ), it’s definitely not time. Don’t do this! There’s other ways to go about this. But this ain’t the correct way at all!!!! I love everyone. I want my children to love everyone. And they do! They aren’t born with hatred towards others. They learn that. And at home I am not teaching them to hate anyone or bully anyone or even hurt someone’s feelings in the least. I am teaching love!! A godly love. Therefore things should be taught in the home. And only in the home. Period. So please don’t do this!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96771", "author": "SSG grandma", "date": "2021-02-03T22:02:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Strongly oppose -"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96772", "author": "Stephanie", "date": "2021-02-03T22:02:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT. TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "strongly support this measure! TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. This will SAVE LIVES!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96773", "author": "Katie Snyder", "date": "2021-02-03T22:03:00", "title": "Our trans students deserve protections!", "text": "All students should have the right to feel safe and not discriminated against at school. This guidance is needed so local boards can protect their trans students. I very much support this! Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96774", "author": "Rev. Emma Chattin, MCC of Northern VA, TGEA", "date": "2021-02-03T22:03:00", "title": "Very Strongly Support - Protect Trans Kids", "text": "\"Don't read the comments\". That is what we say and what we hear when it comes to forums about Trans folk, because the level of anger and the lack of civility are so disheartening.  Some of the things said in this very forum are downright hurtful and ugly.  Just imagine what our children hear.  Just imagine what the most vulnerable among us must go through and listen to in order to live their lives authentically.  I know.  I have worked with Trans kids and their parents for almost 15 years. Trans kids are already in schools.  They have always been in schools.  Their existence is not up for debate or discussion.  They can’t be shouted away or voted away, and Virginia schools have already been working with Trans kids without incident as best as they are able.  These model policies provide uniform guidance, and are the best way for us to move forward together as a civil society with room for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96775", "author": "Evelyn Leggett", "date": "2021-02-03T22:03:00", "title": "Better than nothing but could go farther", "text": "Distinguished School board and Department of Education Administrators, I strongly support any and all measures possible to protect children. Transgender identity is not a phase, not an act of insubordination, and not a choice. Gender identity must be protected as a legal right as all children, trans or cisgender, must be given equal protection under law. As mentioned in the guidelines transgender students are at increased risk of abuse and suicide. For many trans adults I know school was a traumatic experience because of constant mental, physical and, sexual abuse or assault happening on school grounds. Much of this abuse far passes bullying and was never addressed by administration or police even when reported multiple times. If these guidelines can grant trans students the equal protection that they are denied then I am in full support. However, the Virginia Education system must also take responsibility for previous inaction when faced with anti-trans human rights abuses. Almost all of the proposed guidelines are excellent. I encourage providing model non-gendered uniforms for activities such swim meets, cheer, field hockey, and any other traditionally gendered sport. On a personal note, I am a cisgender woman who would have loved to have taken part in cheer if I had an option other than a mini skirt. The tight mini skirt was against my spiritual beliefs, but when I asked I was given no other choice but to wear it. Had track pants been an option I could have participated. Additionally, I commend your protection of children choosing both gendered and non gendered bathrooms. This is one of the most important ways to combat social stigma against trans students. As a chronically ill child, I also could have benefited from single stall non gendered bathrooms to discreetly take care of medical needs without having to go to the nurse's office for the only single stall bathroom. The only issue I have is in the \"student Identification\" section on page 13 where it encourages administrators to listen to bigoted parents about how their children should be addressed. I believe administrators and teachers alike should respect their students even if it is against the will of parents. Misgendering trans students and deadnaming is emotionally abusive and under no circumstances should schools aid in parental abuse of children. Malicious dead naming should be considered verbal abuse and reported as such. Would you recommend teachers referring to girls as sluts or boys as s if the parents requested it? Deadnaming and misgendering whittles away at a child's confidence and shows a complete disregard for their identity as a human. Misgendering removes a child's agency and asserts control over their very personhood by discounting the individual and asserting a predetermined social narrative instead. Deadnaming and misgendering is dehumanizing much in the way a slur is. In every way possible we must treat children as people with agency. Removing that agency and aiding in the hateful treatment of children increases the likelihood of a young person developing depression or taking their own life. We must be completely clear that there is a difference between a learning curve and passive aggressive disrespect in regards to pronouns and names. It is common for adults to pretend to be \"trying\" to respect pronouns and ask for patience, only for no improvement to ever come. Please establish a reasonable time table, for example over the course of two weeks, by which old names can be phased out. Any mistake after that should be followed by an apology everytime. I would prefer that there was some metric for accountability laid out in this document. Additionally you should include assurance that transgender students still facing discrimination in breach of these guidelines would have a clear path to aid, reporting and, conflict resolution aside from quiet patience with the  small mindedness of others. It is our responsibility as adults to put aside personal biases and truly aid the children we have sworn to protect. We can no longer discount transgender children as being strange, deviant or, immoral leaving their human rights a question of personal taste. It was never just to do so. It is time for Virginia to right it's past wrongs and truly strive for equity now. These guidelines are a good start but by no means mark the end of our duty to protecting transgender children in public schools. -Evelyn Leggett"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96776", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:04:00", "title": "I strongly oppose. This is an infringement on religious liberty and parental rights", "text": "I strongly oppose. This is an infringement on religious liberty and parental rights & bad for our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96777", "author": "Daryl Borgquist", "date": "2021-02-03T22:04:00", "title": "Model Policies Should Serve to Benefit All Students, While Accommodating Specific Concerns", "text": "Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this model policy. The model policy is well-intentioned, but does not serve all of the students in any school. Policies need to address issues and provide solutions that treat others equally and do not cause harm. The educational learning environment of a school is delicate and is disrupted when any one group is favored at the expense of others. The proposed solution which this policy hopes to fix causes disruption and harm to all of the other students. A better  model policy would ensure that the rights and beliefs of all persons are treated equally. This policy fails that test and should not be made a model policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96778", "author": "Jonathan", "date": "2021-02-03T22:04:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this Document", "text": "As a student, this could affect me in a way were it makes feel uncomfortable being around someone who claims to be different gender than me."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96779", "author": "Heather", "date": "2021-02-03T22:04:00", "title": "Very Strongly support", "text": "As others have said, Trans children are already in school, and have been there for years. This is nothing new. What is new is giving them respect, and treating them with intelligence and dignity. That is all - basic human dignity. Use friendly language and not language of hate or abuse. Children grow into the adults we all live with. Raise them well and we will have civilized adults. Frankly, some of the comments on this page are very troubling and difficult to read. I would hope no one would treat children like that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96780", "author": "Vee Lamneck, Equality Virginia", "date": "2021-02-03T22:04:00", "title": "Support the Guidance for Safe & Equal Learning Environment", "text": "February 3, 2021 Dr. Samantha Hollins Virginia Department of Education 101 N. 14th Street Richmond, VA  23219 Dear Assistant Superintendent Hollins, I am writing on behalf of Equality Virginia (EV), the leading advocacy organization in Virginia seeking equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. EV strongly supports the Virginia Department of Education’s Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. Equality Virginia believes that all students have the right to a learning environment that is safe, inclusive, and affirming, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We are working alongside youth, families, and local and state organizations across the Commonwealth to make sure LGBTQ students, particularly transgender and non-binary students, can learn and thrive. We know that transgender and non-binary youth face unique barriers to an equal learning environment in K-12 schools in Virginia. Per GLSEN’s 2019 National School Climate Survey, a staggering 84 percent of transgender youth felt unsafe in school because of their identity, 82 percent said they avoided certain spaces because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable, 51 percent missed school because of safety concerns, and 50 percent said they were unable to use the name or pronoun consistent with their gender. Transgender students who face these sorts of victimization are then three times more likely to have missed school in the past month than their peers. GLSEN’s 2017 Virginia Snapshot reports that 62 percent of LGBTQ youth faced verbal harassment and 26 percent faced physical harassment in school. Transgender and non-binary youth of color face even greater levels of bullying, harassment, and assault for not only their sexual orientation or gender identity, but also their racial or ethnic identity. As long as students are unsafe, fearful, and uncomfortable in their school environment, they cannot focus on learning or sometimes even be physically present. This demonstrates the urgent need for affirming model policies for school boards to adopt on the treatment of transgender and non-binary students. Per existing state and federal law, all students have the right to an equal education and this guidance can go a long way towards making that a reality in K-12 schools across Virginia. On this basis, Equality Virginia supports this guidance, while recommending a few minor changes below. Overall We recommend the adoption of all of the clarifications, additions, removals, and edits enumerated in GLSEN’s public comment submitted by Aaron Ridings, Director of Public Policy, on February 2, 2021 to the Virginia Department of Education. Additionally, EV recommends the following changes under various sections: Student Privacy/Confidentiality On page 12, in the model policy’s first paragraph, we recommend replacing “gender assigned at birth” with “sex assigned at birth.” This aligns with the terminology the document uses elsewhere and aligns with standard usage. Student Identification On page 12, we suggest rewording the third and fourth sentences in the first paragraph as follows: “Many transgender students will adopt gender pronouns typically associated with their gender identity. For example, most transgender female students will use she/her/hers pronouns, while most transgender male students will use he/him/his pronouns. There is somewhat less of a common pattern of pronoun usage among different non-binary students. Non-binary students, as well as transgender students, may use gendered pronouns like she/her/hers or he/him/his, use gender neutral pronouns like they/them/theirs or ze/hir/hirs, use multiple sets of pronouns interchangeably (e.g. he/him/his and they/them/theirs), or use their name in place of any pronoun.” On page 12, we recommend these edits to the first paragraph under the “Student Identification” heading: Original text: “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth. This should involve more than a casual declaration of gender identity, but it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity, and expression of gender identity can present differently from student to student. Recommended text: “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth, unless there is a credible basis that the student is claiming a transgender identity for an improper purpose. In the unlikely event that a student appears to be asserting a transgender identity for an improper purpose, schools should allow the student an opportunity respond to that concern, for example, by permitting the student to provide substantiating evidence to support their request to be treated consistent with their gender identity.” On page 13: Original text: “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence. School staff shall, at the request of a student or parent, address the student using the asserted name and pronoun that correspond to their gender identity. Recommended text: “Schools shall allow students to use a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence. School staff shall, at the request of a student or parent, address the student using the name and pronoun that correspond to their gender identity.” Access to Activities and Facilities On page 17, in the model policy’s first paragraph’s first sentence, we recommend striking “reduce.” The phrase “to the extent possible” already provides adequate flexibility and “reduce” is an unclear metric. On page 18, in the second paragraph of the model policy, we recommend adding “or” between “single user” and “gender-inclusive.” Since the comma usage is ambiguous, this clarifies that both options can be appropriate, not just single user facilities labelled as gender-inclusive. Professional Development On page 19, we recommend the following paragraph be added to the model policy: “For staff who already have professional development requirements, the professional development that they undertake within a year’s period should include topics relating to LGBTQ+ students, including safety and support for LGBTQ+ students. This can be interwoven with other topics or as a distinct topic.” All staff who interact with students should have some familiarity with how to support LGBTQ students given their specific issues in schools as a vulnerable population. In conclusion, EV strongly supports the model policy, and we urge the incorporation of our suggestions for the adoption of this necessary guidance. Thank you for your work to fully implement Virginia law to protect the right to a safe and equal learning environment for all Virginia students by crafting these model policies on the treatment of transgender youth. Please reach out to Vee Lamneck, Executive Director, at vlamneck@equalityvirginia.org to discuss our recommendations. Sincerely, Vee Lamneck Executive Director"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96781", "author": "Sydney", "date": "2021-02-03T22:04:00", "title": "SUPPORT!!", "text": "I Support this!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96782", "author": "Jeffrey Shapiro", "date": "2021-02-03T22:04:00", "title": "Strongly Oppos LLP", "text": "The Transgender Guidance is poorly thought through and misguided in its objectives.  It starts by speaking dismissively of a child’s sex at birth as “assigned” but only provisionally until the child determines his or her superseding “gender identity.”  In reality, a child is male or female from birth through death; there is no changing one’s sex. It is a gift from God. With regard to gender, this is treated as innate from a young age, but the Guidance later admits it is changeable and provision must be made to handle changes.  So essentially the child is allowed, god-like, to change and morph their Gender identity at whim, and the school system is to play along and cater to it through every twist and turn.  There is an undefined “consistency” requirement that is unenforceable.  Truly the inmates will be running the asylum. The novel requirement to allow boys in girls bathrooms and locker rooms (or vice versa)is a disaster waiting to happen amd horrific for the vast majority of students, especially young girls. The bathrooms and locker rooms should be used according to sex.  That does not denigrate gender identity.  Rather, it  divides usage by sex rather than gender.  There is nothing wrong with this well established classification approach to bathrooms and locker rooms. In all, this Guidance is a shallow effort, filled with all the latest unproven pieties and virtue signaling.  It aids and abets chaos, injuring the many, while pretending to help the few.  It is a disgrace."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96783", "author": "Martha H Heffinger", "date": "2021-02-03T22:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose state control of gender modification", "text": "Strongly oppose State usurping rights of parents concerning minor children and gender issues, including changes physically, mentally or emotionally."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96784", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:05:00", "title": "Imposing these views unilaterally oppress religious views. Accommodations can be made to support TG", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96785", "author": "Kollin Kirven", "date": "2021-02-03T22:05:00", "title": "Strongly agree", "text": "LBGT+ deserve to be safe from bullying, harassment and discrimination, especially at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96786", "author": "Paula Whitacre", "date": "2021-02-03T22:05:00", "title": "Inclusion Policy", "text": "Strongly support this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96787", "author": "Sonja D Strickland", "date": "2021-02-03T22:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose - Quit politicizing the schools", "text": "Quit politicizing schools with special interests such as transgender rights. All children in this country should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation, religion or any other special interests."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96788", "author": "Melissa Seal", "date": "2021-02-03T22:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96789", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:06:00", "title": "\"Gender fluidity\" is made up of nonsensically garbage used to balkanize the working class", "text": "\"Gender fluidity\" is made up of nonsensically garbage used to balkanize the working class. It distracts people from reality and is an extremist anti-social ideology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96790", "author": "Wendy Martin", "date": "2021-02-03T22:06:00", "title": "Strong support for human rights", "text": "There is overwhelming science ( https://lnkd.in/eXWprbf ) that shows transgender kids in affirming situations (where their gender, name and pronouns are respected) ?do well while transgender kids in disaffirming environments do poorly.? I went to elementary, middle and HS (1970s and 1980s) with a brilliant transgender woman. As a parent and youth soccer coach, I coached two transgender kids and know several others.  Here’s a link to a three minute video of me recounting why these individuals were exceptional and heroic: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wendy-martin-3b8bb971_transgender-transgenderally-transgenderrights-activity-6610636446372032513-UhCX We need inclusive schools, workplaces and communities. Please do the right thing and advance equality and kindness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96791", "author": "Ann Maydosz", "date": "2021-02-03T22:07:00", "title": "Our Children are Trans or Non-Binary", "text": "Our children, our future, our leaders are Trans , non-binary or cis-gender. They should all be educated with love and care. When you protect their rights in school, you are safeguarding an entire generation from hate that destroys. Choose love."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96792", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:07:00", "title": "No no no", "text": "no no no"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96793", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:07:00", "title": "**Schools should HAVE to report to Parents**", "text": "This document gives the school discrection on whether or not the parents of students will be told about their child's gender issues.  Parents need to be involved in all aspects of their children's education and time at school.  Remember the students in past who have committed suicide and the parents had no idea because the schools felt it wasn't something to communicate to the parents.  This is a scary slope that will only widen the gap between the child-parent relationship and draw the child closer to the government run school system.  Schools are NOT substitutes for parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96794", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:07:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Father of 4 beautiful school age girls. Oppose any law favoring one class of person over another as is the case here. Support the science. There's only 2 genders!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96795", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:08:00", "title": "No no no", "text": "no no no"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96796", "author": "N/a", "date": "2021-02-03T22:08:00", "title": "No no no", "text": "This isn’t about who’s using what bathroom folks! This is people losing their children because they want them to be a child and not be subjected to these things! These kids are being brainwashed because they like pink they must be gay! Let kids be kids!!! Focus on education and getting kids to actually graduate and go to college!!! Instead we will have a bunch of 20 somethings running around crying to  counselors that they are confused and don’t know how to do anything without someone telling them how to do it or act! What happened to majority rules? Also of those that agree... how many of you have kids?? Will you be ok with your he/she/it kid sharing a bathroom with a grown man? Someone who can over power them?? That’s what all this is leading to!! Will you be ok when your parental rights are revoked because you don’t want your child to say the pledge of allegiance but they are forced to and because you don’t agree you lose your child???? What will this do to the school and foster system?? Come on folks use"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96797", "author": "Kai", "date": "2021-02-03T22:08:00", "title": "No", "text": "No"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96798", "author": "Bryant Taylor", "date": "2021-02-03T22:09:00", "title": "SUPPORT!!", "text": "Please have open hearts and open minds when considering. Gender identity and expression are central to the way we see ourselves and engage in the world around us. This is certainly true of transgender and gender-expansive children and teens, for whom family support, academic support and public support are absolutely critical. This is true to who one is at their core. We should love an accept those around us for who they are- no matter what they have gone through to get there. As a family we support this strongly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96799", "author": "Angelina Tikhonov", "date": "2021-02-03T22:09:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96800", "author": "Janice Madison", "date": "2021-02-03T22:09:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 word Transgender shouldn’t be a term used in schools where kids are still growing and maturing and don’t need to be more confused  than they already are! This is a disgrace to anyone of any age! This is against all things biblical! Going shirtless shouldn’t be allowed by either gender in a public school setting! Boys shouldn’t be in a girls restroom or locker room at any time! Girls shouldn’t be in a boys bathroom or locker room!  Whoever suggests this is sick!! Parents have every right to raise their kids without being threatened with charges of child abuse over this topic!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96801", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:09:00", "title": "Strongly  oppos", "text": "Strongly oppos"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96802", "author": "Concerned mother", "date": "2021-02-03T22:10:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!! This is unsafe and completely wrong!!!", "text": "this is not safe for our children!! And we as parents don’t have a right to know??? What kind of animal thought that’s okay?? I will never send my children to public school if this is going to be a thing! This has to be a disgusting joke!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96803", "author": "Serge", "date": "2021-02-03T22:10:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96804", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:10:00", "title": "Opposed, this policy disadvantages both parents and children, and here's why.", "text": "These policies encourage children to believe that their birth was a mistake, that they are in the wrong body, and that the solution is to pretend otherwise or perhaps engage in genital mutilation. This type of thinking leads many, many transgender children into depression or suicidal thoughts, and also leads to the belief that those who don't buy into their delusion hate them. It has been shown through research that a majority of transgender children eventually identify with their sex assigned at birth as an adult, resulting in many irreversible regrets. Young children are incredibly impressionable and should not be given the option to make such life-changing decisions before they can even legally drive a car, much less given MORE authority in this position than their parents or legal guardians. This is not only unconstitutional, it undermines the guardian's authority and autonomy as an individual, and strains relationships between child and parent, adding more stress. In the best interest of children, especially transgender children, do not approve this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96805", "author": "Va Beach Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T22:11:00", "title": "Whatever happened to reading, writing, and arithmetic?", "text": "Our family is strongly opposed to this ideology that can only serve to harm, confuse, and possibly destroy already impressionable students. Teachers are entrusted with teaching subject matter to students that does not betray a parent’s right to actually parent their own children. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Genesis 1:27).” There is only male and female. To tell our children anything other than the truth is a failure to love them well. Please consider the detrimental ramifications of this unthinkable proposed legislation  before irreparable damage (except for God’s grace) is done to our most precious resources. They are all worth it! Every one of them!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96806", "author": "Jean", "date": "2021-02-03T22:11:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Transgender children are very very tiny amount in our state.   Educators should make and implement school polices based on the majority of the normal children (boys and girls).  Besides, transgender is a very private matter, so please don’t play so loud to try to influence and mislead our normal children, instead, provide psychological help to those tiny amount of children because this may not be the real thing they want."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96807", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:11:00", "title": "Wish this had been in place when I was a kid", "text": "Please pass this so that our children can live authentically.  Transgender rights are human rights. We should be allowed to use the bathroom of our gender as determined by us not the state or school"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96808", "author": "Ashley", "date": "2021-02-03T22:11:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!! No! No! No!", "text": "Please do not pass this! My daughter should not see a penis in a bathroom or feel unsafe using a public restroom! Protect the innocent. Provide more mental health therapy about identity crisis."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96809", "author": "Anna Viquez", "date": "2021-02-03T22:11:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "This model is flawed for various reasons, one of which being its far overreach into the parent-child relationship. The model assumes that in every case, children experiencing gender dysphoria should affirm their feelings about themselves, even to the point of placing the school system as a greater authority in the student's life than the parents. That is dangerous and alarming. All students should be respected, all students should be protected from bullying, all students should be closely monitored if giving warning signs of self-harm or suicide. This model, however, oversteps multiple boundaries. It should not be imposed. I strongly oppose it as a mother, taxpayer, public health practitioner, and pediatric nurse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96810", "author": "Victoria", "date": "2021-02-03T22:12:00", "title": "Students can't have skirts too short, but now they can see the opposite gender naked???", "text": "I 100% agree that students should not be bullied for their beliefs. Absolutely no issues with that. None. Definitely should be implemented. However. Here are some MAJOR concerns. The most recent statistic is 0.42% of people identify as trans.....0.42%. Let me say it again.... 0.42% ......why in the WORLD would the 99.58% of the population need to submit THEIR thought processes, values, beliefs and rights for less than 1% of the populations opinion? Our country is literally founded and runs on majority rule. But we are going to use this one circumstance, based on 0.42% of the populations FEELINGS to completely strip away the rights of the 99.58%??? The rules about students being able to choose which gender they can be is ABSOLUTELY unacceptable. A person cannot drive until they are 16, vote until they are 18, drink or smoke until they are 21....but they are considered mature enough to change their entire identity based on feelings??? Students cannot even wear baggy pants to school....but they can now see the opposite sex naked? Non-transgender children have rights as well. But their voice or beliefs no longer matter? So if my son wants to go into the locker room to change, he now has ZERO choice to go to a place where there will be no females. This also opens up opportunity for harassment in the OTHER direction. If a teacher or a student accidentally refers to another human being by she/her he/him based on appearance ( a normal, natural and logical response) and that student gets upset for not being called the \"proper\" pronoun. Who/what then is at fault? Logic? Or feelings? Will the student or teacher be the one at fault for assuming a perfectly logical thing? Again, we are opening the door up to further issues. If a young, perverted male student decides that he wants to go into the girls locker room (or vis versa). There will be NOTHING stopping him after the words \"I'm a female\" are uttered. These rules are not protecting young women or men from this kind of sexual harassment. I am absolutely appalled that society is allowing, no, FORCING this ideology on young impressionable minds. Students are no longer encouraged to be themselves but to instead, fall under the delusion that the only way that they can be \"truly themselves\" is to change absolutely everything about themselves and mutilate their bodies. If a person cannot change other biological factors about themselves, then it is absolute insanity to believe that there is an exception. Why then could a student not identify as a graduated 20 year old and have a relationship with a teacher? Where are the boundaries if rules about nature and biology lie within oneself and individual decision? It is disheartening that there is such a strange shift in society that now accepts psychological disorders in children that need HELP and counseling as realities instead of doing everything they can to actually understand the child and what they are dealing with inside. Please don't even get me started on the suicide rates of transgenders persons... You are opening the doors for other students rights and voices to be completely ignored, for harassment in ways you are not even considering, sexual assault, lawsuits, and harm to children who may actually be needing your HELP. Stop the bullying, of course, but do not take away the rights of the 99.58% for this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96811", "author": "Katherine Ingram", "date": "2021-02-03T22:12:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree!!! to Statewide Transgender School Policies being proposed", "text": "Faculty and students should not be required to use “preferred pronouns,” which may change from day to day (Recommended Standard, p.10). Schools should not be permitted to help students explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression, without the knowledge of their parents (Recommended Standard, p.12). Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex should not be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect (Recommended Standard, p.13).  A gender-neutral dress code should not be allowed; this includes the fact that boys should not be permitted to wear skirts, and girls should not be permitted to go topless in activities where boys can do so, such as swimming activities or team activities (Draft Policy, p.16).  All students should not be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose (Draft Policy, p.18).  The ability of any person being permitted to use any bathroom/locker room is alarming for the safety particularly of children. The thought of boys/young men in the same changing facilities as girls/young women is shocking and an invitation for all kinds of sexual violations and abuse. This should not be allowed. Everyone should have to use the bathroom that represents their medically defined biological sex at birth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96812", "author": "KB", "date": "2021-02-03T22:12:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose - Protect Children", "text": "Children are not of the age of moral reasoning until they are close to 26 years of age.  That is why insurance allows parents to carry them on their policies till 25.  There is a reason why children have parents, the schools are not qualified to enter into this area with children.  Science and studies show that the majority of children that are confused over these things, grow out of them and if for some reason they do not then seeing a doctor or a therapist is the avenue to take.  Schools  are supposed to teach reading, writing, math and teach problem solving skills, not life choices, stay out of this lane, not your call or area of expertise. Children think that eating snacks all day is healthy, we do not let them do it because it is not good for them to fill up on junk.  Children think that it is okay to stay up all night watching TV, we do not let them do it because it is not good for them, they need their rest.  Children want to drive cars way earlier than is legal, we do not let them drive till they have had a learners permit, because it is not safe. Many more examples, but please stop pushing this agenda on little minds.  It is cruel and wrong  to manipulate children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96813", "author": "Chelsea Walsh", "date": "2021-02-03T22:12:00", "title": "Strongly Support!!", "text": "My niece is a transgender student in Virginia public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96814", "author": "Relative of transgender child", "date": "2021-02-03T22:13:00", "title": "Support", "text": "SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96815", "author": "Chris", "date": "2021-02-03T22:13:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "This is not appropriate"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96816", "author": "Suzanne", "date": "2021-02-03T22:13:00", "title": "Oppose this policy", "text": "This policy is not needed in our public school system.  Transgender students are already protected by policies in place for ALL students.  In fact, policies in place for ALL/EVERY student prohibits discrimination, harassment, and bullying (which is being proposed by this policy).  It is not the schools job or purpose to push this policy especially when a pre-existing policy covers ALL students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96817", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:13:00", "title": "Equitable oppression.", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96818", "author": "Andy Nishida", "date": "2021-02-03T22:13:00", "title": "Please pass these Bill's and protect transgender students", "text": "How someone performs in society should be the deciding factor of acceptability, not their sexual orientation or gender identity. Protections for transgender students are as important as protections for BIPOC students or even female students. Emotional and physical trauma that occur in our public schools can have devastating and long-lasting effects on our citizenry and we should protections should be provided for all at-risk groups. Please pass these bills. Protections for our transgender students are needed now more than ever. Thank you for your consideration. Andy Nishida Richmond, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96819", "author": "Paul Keiser", "date": "2021-02-03T22:14:00", "title": "encourages children to deny or disdain their biologic gender", "text": "This policy mischaracterizes watchful waiting as unsupportive. Schools should acknowledge that changes happen as the brain develops and that the ultimate outcome is unknown at an early age.  Children should be allowed the freedom of self-expression without having to  adhere to a label that may not fit in the future. As it pertains to bathrooms, this policy encourages transgender children to ignore or perhaps even mourn their biological gender.  We can affirm the rights of children to explore and develop their identity without encouraging them to disdain their anatomy.  There is no compelling reason why bathrooms should be selected on the basis of identified rather than biologic gender. There is clearly a need for more research on safety and long-term outcomes of a gender affirming approach."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96820", "author": "Robyn", "date": "2021-02-03T22:14:00", "title": "No", "text": "Girls should not be subjected to this. I’m all for others having what they need, so give it to them separately. Girls if any age deserve privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms and penises should not be allowed. Girls have rights too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96821", "author": "Rachel Boggan", "date": "2021-02-03T22:14:00", "title": "Protect Trans and Non-binary Youth!", "text": "As a clinical mental health provider for youth and families and a college educator, I fully support this guidance which affirms the health, safety and well-being of transgender, non-binary and gender nonconforming youth.  It is a widely established fact in the fields of medicine, psychology and education that best practice for the health, safety and well-being of youth is affirming gender identity.  In light of the wealth of research on the impact of hostile and discriminatory school environments on the mental health of transgender and non-binary youth(thetrevorproject.org; hrc.org), adopting this guidance to ensure all schools in Virginia develop and implement specific, explicitly affirming policies and protections for transgender and non-binary youth is not only best practice, it is life saving action."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96822", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:14:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Not a good idea folks!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96823", "author": "Kristen Boynton", "date": "2021-02-03T22:14:00", "title": "STRONGLY WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORT", "text": "Transgender and nonbinary rights are human rights.  Schools should be inclusive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96824", "author": "Caring Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T22:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose - Protect the Children", "text": "Please do not do this to our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96825", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:15:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96826", "author": "Ruth Tang", "date": "2021-02-03T22:15:00", "title": "I love these changes!", "text": "These changes will help so many youth lead better lives. Thank you for recognizing them for who they are and who they may become if they're treated humanely."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96827", "author": "Jill Blake", "date": "2021-02-03T22:15:00", "title": "Trans and Non-Binary Student Protections", "text": "I fully support these guidelines. Schools must serve ALL students. It is our responsibility to meet them where they are and teach them to successfully navigate their individual challenges. We cannot do this if we are also having to protect them from their colleagues and ours. ALL students deserve to feel safe and welcome in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96828", "author": "F Reeder", "date": "2021-02-03T22:15:00", "title": "Approve: Follow policy, law, and science over bigotry", "text": "Please pass this. It’s comprehensive, compassionate and based on law, policy and science. It’s hard enough to be transgender. School support is essential. ALL students need a safe, affirming, welcoming environment to learn and grow. Religious bigotry and fear mongering hurts everyone. Please pass this and unite our county."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96829", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:15:00", "title": "Protect and support trans students", "text": "trans students deserve to feel supported and safe at school. These measures are an absolute minimum to help students feel safe and able to learn. In no way does a trans student being protected in school harm any other student unless they think that being a violent transphobe is a right. Teaching kids about diversity and learning to love and accept others is an important part of school, and definitely something many of the adults writing comments could learn more about. To every trans kid, you are loved and so important."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96830", "author": "DJamerson", "date": "2021-02-03T22:15:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose your recommendations and guidelines for transgender students/people in school bathrooms and locker rooms. I am the mother of a female student and you are infringing on her rights to privacy in the girls bathroom and locker room. As a young girl and even now I don’t feel comfortable changing clothes around other girls much less a MAN!!! You are putting my child’s safety at risk when you say it is ok for a biological male to go in the girls bathroom/ locker room because he feels like he is a girl. This gives boys/men the excuse to go in the bathroom to look at a girl naked or even  rape her! There is no problem with you giving transgender people their own bathroom or changing area but their rights should not be more important than other peoples rights! The transgender population is less then 1% of the population and you are giving them rights over the majority! I hope in your liberal ways your child or daughter don’t get raped from choosing to do this! Wouldn’t that be a shame!!! sincerely ed Va citizen! DJamerson"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96831", "author": "Maria Puig", "date": "2021-02-03T22:15:00", "title": "Regarding the transgender bathroom policy in public schools.", "text": "I strongly oppose!!! No!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96832", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:16:00", "title": "Transgender support", "text": "As a transgender person, I fully support this policy. It is the Kind of well thought out and kind thing I wish was implemented when I was still in school"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96834", "author": "Philip and Stacy Gillett", "date": "2021-02-03T22:17:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Among many other concerning aspects of this policy, it undermines the rights and responsibilities of parents to protect and care for their children. This policy seeks to place the state, in the form of school personnel, between parents and children.  There are myriad challenges that children will go through, especially during adolescence, and parents should always be the most trusted confidants, coaches, allies, authorities, and advisors.  Just as children will make mistakes in childhood, parents will make mistakes in parenting, but this is certainly no justification for blanket policies that wholesale supplant parents with agents of the state. In the most general case, if a child and parent have a disagreement over an issue, that child and parent need to work through the issue.  Policies like this one would provide an avenue whereby a child, unsatisfied with the resolution provided by a parent, could simply obtain the outcome in secret with the help of a state employee.  Even for the most benign case this is extremely troubling.  In the case where potentially irreversible and life-altering decisions are at stake, this is unacceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96833", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:17:00", "title": "transgender students", "text": "Strongly oppose allowing a transgender male in a female restroom/locker room. Strongly oppose allowing a transgender female in a male restroom/locker room. Strongly oppose allowing transgender males to compete with female athletes. Allowing so harms our girls by forcing them to compete with biological boys... something we fought against for many years! (Remember Title 9?)  If a CHILD makes the decision to be transgender, they should use the facility and compete with children who are BIOLOGICALLY like them. Follow the science. This does NOT disenfranchise transgender students... they would be allowed to compete!... with students who are BIOLOGICALLY the same."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96835", "author": "Sara Ashley-Cook", "date": "2021-02-03T22:17:00", "title": "Transgender Guidelines", "text": "I am writing to ask you to put in these guidelines so that discrimination against transgender students stops."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96836", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:17:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "This would be a huge mistake."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96837", "author": "Diana", "date": "2021-02-03T22:17:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender new school policy", "text": "I strongly oppose any biological males who identify as girls, participating in girl's athletics of any kind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96838", "author": "DG", "date": "2021-02-03T22:18:00", "title": "Don’t allow transgender", "text": "I do not support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96839", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T22:18:00", "title": "I adamantly disagree with The Education Dept dangerous transgender policies", "text": "As a Mom of three, a Nana of two, and a Commonwealth of Virginia registered voter, I completely disagree with The Department of Education’s views on the adoption of transgender policies & guidelines.  How is it parents are required to send written permission to school, in order for their child to be given a Tylenol to relieve a headache and yet, some within our state want to advise, assist, and support children who are confused about their gender and want to explore a gender transformation, WITHOUT any parental notification and permission??"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96840", "author": "Stacie Walls, CEO LGBT Life Center", "date": "2021-02-03T22:18:00", "title": "Strongly support Transgender and Non-BInary Youth", "text": "According to the Trevor Project's 2020 LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health Survey, the largest of its kind, more than 50% of transgender and non-binary youth have seriously considered attempting suicide within the past year, over 60% have engaged in self-harm within the past year, and over 75% have experienced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder within the past two weeks.  When it comes to protective factors, studies show that LGBTQ+ youth who attend schools with a Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and anti-bullying policies, who can use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity, and who have their chosen name and pronouns respected report better mental health outcomes (up to 50% decrease in suicidal ideation).  These findings are consistent with the abundant social science research out there that substantiates the need to create and adopt policy guidelines like the ones we are presented with today--ones that celebrate gender diversity instead of stifling it. We must have policies in place that hold all school districts accountable to the same standards of equity and inclusion so that all young people can get an education while being their authentic selves.  This will also help ensure that rural youth can enjoy the same protections and supportive environments as urban youth. These guidelines will not only actively foster inclusive environments for transgender and non-binary students, but they will also provide binary, cisgender people (adults and youth alike) with meaningful opportunities to examine and discuss their own privileges related to gender identity and expression.  I strongly support these guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96841", "author": "Nana", "date": "2021-02-03T22:19:00", "title": "Oppose VDOE Latest Transgender Guidelines", "text": "We must value the home and family and be making efforts to strengthen home and family at all stages. My desire would be to cast a vision for the heath and wellbeing of people beginning at home from the first days of birth. Children need eye contact, loving communication and to have their needs met: food, shelter, play, rest and cleanliness in a predictable routine. Beginning life and early childhood they need to know they are loved and special!! I can get behind these changes! These transgendered children are troubled and at risk. I don't think hiding their identities from their parents is helpful at all. We need to all work together. School is for 12 years and a family will be there for the duration, especially if we work together."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95841", "author": "Lisa G", "date": "2021-02-03T16:27:00", "title": "Trans Rights Are Human Rights - Support Our Trans Students", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill - there is no reason to define someone’s gender and identity for them. Trans students should be allowed to dress and participate in events as they please, as any non-transgender person should as well. We are ALL human and are entitled to the same right. All should be treated with equity. Trans Rights Are Human Rights! Please support our Trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95842", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:27:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "The first issue is, it is not the schools place to parent children. Gender issues should not be addressed by teachers, it is not their responsibility, nor should it be. There is also concerns for safety that adolescents or teens may abuse this policy stating they can go in whichever bathroom they please and not be questioned. The likely change of that happening is far greater than the statistical likelihood of a child being transgender. Make policies that support homeschooling for these children, or “safe zones” but do not make policies that undermine teacher authority, parental authority and safety of the 99.9% of other children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95843", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:28:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support this 100%"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95844", "author": "Annabelle Barsky", "date": "2021-02-03T16:28:00", "title": "Strongly SUPPORT from a Counselor", "text": "As a school counselor I work to make sure the social and emotional needs of children are fully recognized and supported, to ensure their success growing and learning. If a child's identity is disrespected, if their humanity and agency are denied, there is a much greater chance they fall behind in learning, in making friends, and in developing into fully-formed, confident, successful people. Our job as educators is to respect, uplift, and support the youth we teach, with no exceptions. Transgender students must be respected, uplifted, and supported, and this begins with explicit messages of support coming from the top. I fully support this guidance, and any conscionable educator, politician, or parent must support it as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95845", "author": "AR", "date": "2021-02-03T16:28:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "Support trans youth and respect their right to identify properly!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95846", "author": "Matt C", "date": "2021-02-03T16:29:00", "title": "Support of trans gender students", "text": "The support of transgender children in Virginia's public school system is exceedingly important and I am happy to see it being addressed. After reading the model policies proposed by the VDOE it surprises me that not everyone is on board for these policies to be implemented. A students goal is to gain an education while at school, with other top goals being socializing and growing as a person. If a student is distracted with what detractors would consider mundane issues, such as incorrect pronoun usage, proper locker/bath room access, and which dress code to adhere to, these goals become distant and unimportant to them. Allowing students to pick their gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity will go a long way in showing that all students are accepted and acknowledged properly in the Virginia public school system. Imagine if you were called by the wrong prefix (Mr., Ms., Mx.) all of the time, and if you tried to correct people they dismissed it? It is disrespectful and distracting. This goes in step with the other policies mentioned in the document. The goal is to create a place where learning can happen equally for all students. It is tolerant and communal. A possible encouraging by-product of these policies is that it provides a forum for open discussion of why these policies are being brought up at all. Virginia is a diverse state that may have students that have not been able to talk to and learn about the transgender community. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95848", "author": "Jay Fisette", "date": "2021-02-03T16:30:00", "title": "SUPPORT/Virginia Department of Education model transgender student policy", "text": "I strongly support this model policy for the treatment of transgender and non-binary youth in public schools. As a 64 year old gay man, many people did not understand me when I was young. My sexual orientation scared many people. Discrimination and bullying at school, by adults and peers, was common. Today, it is transgender youth who are misunderstood, bullied and irrationally feared.  Public schools across Virginia must be held to this minimum standard to ensure that transgender youth are afforded the same opportunity as any young person to a safe and supportive school environment. Thanks to the Virginia General Assembly and to VDOE for developing such a comprehensive and sensitive model policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95847", "author": "Rob Hubbell", "date": "2021-02-03T16:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I can’t believe this is being considered, absolutely shameful!  Parents should always be involved in their children’s life, school/government should never supersede parental oversight."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95849", "author": "Meira Harris", "date": "2021-02-03T16:30:00", "title": "Support for the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know that when LGBTQ+ students' safety, including physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, are taken into consideration, we are able to attend school and grow into our full potential. Everyone deserves to feel safe and have access to education. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Meira Harris"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95850", "author": "Dave W.", "date": "2021-02-03T16:31:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support trans youth support systems to be a regular part of Virginia schools. All students deserve to feel safe and accepted for who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95851", "author": "Natasha", "date": "2021-02-03T16:31:00", "title": "Strongly supporting all youth", "text": "I'm a educator. I want my students to feel comfortable - how are they supposed to focus on a lesson if they're scared to express themselves? We used to shun interracial children, children with disabilities, children that had crushes on people of the same sex. We don't do that anymore because it's wrong. Just like it's wrong to ignore our trans youth when they need our support. Trans people are real and we need to acknowledge that and support youth that question their genders. This bill makes all youth feel safer by creating formal protection from bullying and discrimination. It allows the creation of single stall restrooms for safety and comfort - a great compromise for schools that don't want inclusive bathrooms. Our trans students are more likely to struggle in school because of depression, anxiety, bullying, and discrimination. This will help."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95852", "author": "Concerned about the children", "date": "2021-02-03T16:32:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT THIS MISGUIDED INDOCRINATION", "text": "I repeat what someone else said so perfectly - \"Two of the foundational institutions in American culture are the family and the church.  These polices/regulations take rights away from the family and faith communities while supposedly giving rights to the transgender population.  That is to say, you are thwarting family law and canon law by creating a form of administrative law.  This is not a wise move.  Undermining family and faith--the pillars of society--will not offer more stability for the Commonwealth.  It is a long-term recipe for social collapse.  Start down this path, and you will regret the results.  Please do not support this!\" If you do this, you are taking away parents right to teach their children right and wrong.  Schools systems have become nothing but indoctrination factories.  2+2 does NOT = 5."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95853", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:33:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95854", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:33:00", "title": "Transgenders in school", "text": "I’m so glad that I don’t have children. This has no place women’s sports or restrooms. Totally unnatural and should not be taught as morality. Grow a backbone and stand up for what is right."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95855", "author": "Landon Vile/ student", "date": "2021-02-03T16:34:00", "title": "Regarding the new suggestion", "text": "This right here is completely absurd!!! What in this world are we thinking? You have got to consider all of the potential dangers your putting people in by letting this happen. And how in this world is there so much confusion about what gender You are? A male is a male and a female is a female and there is NOT any confusion about it. I am definitely not in favor of this passing. Never will be"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95856", "author": "Parent strongly oppose", "date": "2021-02-03T16:34:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender policies", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95857", "author": "Nicole B", "date": "2021-02-03T16:34:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I support the guidance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95858", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:34:00", "title": "Transgender persons language", "text": "I am totally for the proposed changes. There is nothing wrong with caring for and respecting transgender persons."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95859", "author": "SK", "date": "2021-02-03T16:34:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Every student should have a right to a safe and supportive environment at school. And I hear that many in the LGBTQ community don't get the support they need nor do they feel safe. They have the right just like every other person to safety and supportive environment. It doesn't matter what I believe or don't. Just as I wanted to be treated with care, they should to. Maybe one day we will be in a society where we don't have to spell this out. But we are not there yet. So we need this Bill & measures. It breaks my heart to read each episode of LGBTQ victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment or abuse, increases the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times on average. That's not OK and we should so what we can to help."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95860", "author": "Amber Ad", "date": "2021-02-03T16:34:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "You are either born male or born female.  A public school system should not join in on a matter like this since sex was established at(before) birth.  Children born male, are male. Children born female, are female.  Any question of a child's sex should be evaluated and then the child and family should be notified of assistance with seeking mental help.  Public school children should not be exposed to opposite sex children in the bathroom, locker room, etc.  A situation such as this potential exposure would be a detriment to all children's lives and cause mass confusion.  Sorry but my child does not need this exposure! The anti-discrimination, anti-bully programs that are already in place should be used in this situation. Also, teachers and staff should not be secretive about this or any other subject as stated in the proposal.  A child's parents rightfully should know of any behavior that is outside of normal.  Teachers and staff should also not be tasked with the chore of becoming mental health professionals. This whole discussion is disgusting to me.  My family lives a life of love for all but in no way, shape, or form will I ever support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95861", "author": "Ollie AL", "date": "2021-02-03T16:34:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT.. DUH!!!", "text": "I STRONGLY support the model policy working to help and protect trans and non-binary students. All students deserve to learn in a safe and supportive school environment, and the fact that this is still even up for negotiation is absurd. The closed minded individuals who argue that these policies would put their children in danger or would mess up their sports teams, for example, are extremely misinformed. What a ridiculous and inconsiderate thing to say. Why are folks still treating Transgender people as if they are someone that everyone should be afraid of? C’mon now... Trans children aren’t trans because they want to bother or hurt your kids in the locker room. They are Trans because that is part of who they are. It is very real (I promise) and it quite literally has nothing to do with anyone else. Trans kids are amazing and brave and should be celebrated, or at the very least, be given the  opportunity to feel safe and welcome in their learning environments. This policy will not have a negative impact on the lives of cisgender children/students (unless they are bullies) and it will have a positive impact on transgender students. Sounds great to me. Weve got to protect and uplift Trans children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95862", "author": "Nate Higgers", "date": "2021-02-03T16:36:00", "title": "This is PURE EVIL!!", "text": "Absolutely disgusting how the state of Virginia is promoting this degenerate mental disorder. The are only 2 genders. There is no such thing as a transgender person. There only are males and females. Anything else is made up psychcobabble masquerading as compassion for people who are sick in the head. There should be zero compassion for evil, there didn't used to be until this state was usurped by Godless degenerates. This road the state is going down leads directly to hell."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95863", "author": "Loving Christian Mom", "date": "2021-02-03T16:36:00", "title": "Support!!! We are all loved, and God creates us all. Transgender youth are supported!", "text": "Absolutely support. Bullying for ones identity is immoral and disappointing that it still continues to this day."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95864", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:37:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Totally opposed to this totally gross overreach and abuse of power to inject the state  into the private lives and dynamics of families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95865", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:37:00", "title": "I strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this, all trans people should be treated the same as cis people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95866", "author": "Jesse W", "date": "2021-02-03T16:37:00", "title": "Strongly support for our trans youth", "text": "Submitting strong support for our trans and non-binary youth. We must step up to protect them as evidenced by all the bigoted and transphobic comments already submitted. Being transgender is not a choice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95867", "author": "Richard P", "date": "2021-02-03T16:38:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose these draft model policies.  They allow a student to choose which bathroom or locker room to use, thus eliminating the privacy and safety of students.  Parental rights are ignored.  Schools would deceive parents concerning their child’s transgender status.  Parents would not be notified if their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or be able to intervene on the child’s behalf unless the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.”  Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex could be reported by the school for child abuse or neglect for “not affirming” a transgender student.  These policies violate Virginia’s parental rights statute.  Also, the policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from going along with the “transgender” ideology and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95868", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:38:00", "title": "Oppose. Antibullying measures already exist.", "text": "Oppose. Antibullying measures already exist. These policies infringe on parents' & teachers' rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95869", "author": "Rebecca", "date": "2021-02-03T16:38:00", "title": "Transgender Issue", "text": "I oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95870", "author": "Joy H", "date": "2021-02-03T16:39:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "Oppose!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95871", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:39:00", "title": "Young mother of 2", "text": "What happens when these children grow up and some start committing crimes? Are we going to have males in female jails because they \"identify\" as a female? If this begins, then I will identify myself as a doctor. I shouldn't need to go to school to prove anything. I can identify as whoever and whatever I want to be. This is NOT okay. We are males and females. That is our part of our genetics. If you try to change this, it is only the beginning of the chaos that is going to unravel. Please don't make this mistake."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95872", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:39:00", "title": "Just, No....", "text": "This should be at the sole discretion of the parents. Maybe if this was an elective in high school or college, but this has no place in children's classrooms considering this subject, to many, is still considered a mental illness. A child's mind is like a sponge. Its still soaking in all of the other new content they come into contact with everyday. They aren't mentally mature enough to handle such a complex subject. Anybody that thinks a kid can digest information such as this is severely mistaken. Children have enough to contend with everyday thanks to us. Don't add this to the pile."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95873", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:40:00", "title": "INDIA ALSO VOTES NO TO LGBT", "text": "SUPER STRONGLY OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95874", "author": "Chelsea", "date": "2021-02-03T16:40:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose this proposal. This will only cause damage to the child and society as a whole. A child is way too young to change or decide their own gender. It's irresponsible to give that kind of power/pressure into the hands of a child. Male and female are gifts and a human's first identity at birth. Don't take that away. Gender should be celebrated, not changed or confused. Please oppose this for the sake of all. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95875", "author": "Sharon", "date": "2021-02-03T16:41:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I understand that every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. (See statements about most kids outgrowing gender confusion in this Psychology Today article , as well as in this study and this one .)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95876", "author": "Rev. Dr. David M. Hindman", "date": "2021-02-03T16:41:00", "title": "Strongly Support Protections and Support for Trans and Non-Binary Students", "text": "We live in a non-binary world, and navigating our sense of self and identity is a process of awareness, discernment and trust.  Trans and non-binary students are subject to harassment, intimidation, violence, ridicule and condemnation from peers, teachers and the larger community.  It is sufficiently challenging to navigate childhood and adolescence; anything we can do as a community to support, affirm and empower our young people is crucially important.  I urge you to take steps to ensure the safety, well-being and thriving of all our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95877", "author": "Marie Lewis", "date": "2021-02-03T16:42:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth", "text": "Trans youth are the gender that they say that they are. Treating them as the gender they were assigned at birth is traumatic and can lead to despair and suicidal ideation. Trans people are not deviant. Trans people are not confused. Support Trans Youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95878", "author": "mr dove", "date": "2021-02-03T16:42:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "What has this world came to????? This is highly disturbing for the children presently in school and the ones to come. More children will be subject to sexual assaults this way. Is that what you people truly want. Think to your self for a min. if I had a child that was in school how would I feel if someone claiming to be what they were not born as came into the bathroom of your child and sexually assaulted your child. You would be highly upset. think people. THERE IS ONLY 2 GENDERS!!!!!MALE AND FEMALE. YOU ARE WHAT YOU WERE BORN BY GOD."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95879", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:42:00", "title": "a", "text": "fart"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95880", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:42:00", "title": "Strongly Approve", "text": "All children, regardless of gender identify, race, religion, ability, disability, or sexual orientation should be treated equally.  Individual differences should be acknowledged, honored and accepted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95881", "author": "Tracy Cafarella", "date": "2021-02-03T16:42:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose this. Stop trying to confuse our children! Anti-bullying measures are already in place. Stop trying to promote all this weird crap."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95882", "author": "Roanoke", "date": "2021-02-03T16:43:00", "title": "OPPOSE Transgender indoctrination", "text": "I am absolutely OPPOSED to forcing this agenda on Virginia's Children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95883", "author": "Tosh Chabot", "date": "2021-02-03T16:43:00", "title": "Support the youth!", "text": "I have met youth who need this support. We must prove to have unconditional love, care and support for those of our community. This includes policy and showing the youth things can move away from prejudice and hate and towards communal care."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95884", "author": "Concerned mom of 4", "date": "2021-02-03T16:43:00", "title": "Vehemently opposed", "text": "I am vehemently opposed to the proposed new policies regarding transgender students in Virginia public schools. As a mom of 4, including 3 daughters, I believe the policies outlined will effectively end girls’ sports. Once transgender males are able to compete on the team of their choice, young women will be at a grave disadvantage, both on the athletic field and in the locker room. These proposed policies are extreme and confusing to young kids, pushing and affirming a radical choice in childhood with grave consequences for their whole life. In addition, the disregard for parents’ views and wishes discriminates particularly against religious families, making a mockery of the toleration for others the policy framers profess to believe in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95885", "author": "Cheralyn Potts", "date": "2021-02-03T16:43:00", "title": "Support.", "text": "We must support this bill. The prejudice has gone on too long. This is a health crisis. Children are dying."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95886", "author": "DD", "date": "2021-02-03T16:44:00", "title": "NOT This, I Support all being who they are, but not this", "text": "All individuals should be allowed to be themselves, without fear of their safety. However this is going way to far with it. Schools should not be aloud to push or make decisions like this without talking with a child's parents first. Then to say that parents could be reported for abuse or neglect if a child makes a comment that their parents want them to embrace their god given sex, that is going way to far. Myself will always support my children, i believe others should as well, but abuse really. Now i strongly oppose schools letting kids just pick whatever bathroom they feel like going to. Kids will be kids and i see this becoming a real problem and could be unsafe. i think schools need to step back and stop trying to get involved with things that should be up to ones parents. Again i strongly support safety and one being themselves but this is going about it the wrong way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95887", "author": "Rebecca Kehoe", "date": "2021-02-03T16:44:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender policy proposal", "text": "As a Christian I strongly oppose the proposed accommodations for transgender students. These allowances for transgender students puts cisgender students at risk for sexual assault and misconduct. As Christians who hold to a biblical worldview that we are created male and female there should be protections for teachers, students, and parents who do not want their children exposed to this ideology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95888", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:44:00", "title": "Oppose-Well Intentioned Misguided Overreach", "text": "This is overreach at a profoundly disturbing level.  The gender confusion issue has become a runaway fad that schools should not be endorsing, which is what you are proposing. This policy is opening the door to endorsing such confusion. It needs to stay a private matter. In about 10 years, the wave of mental health issues is going to start. Where a student might once have had normal confusion and curiosity during development, we're now labeling it as a gender identity disorder... a label that they can't just walk away from.  This is not the job of the VDOE. This is a private matter.  I oppose bullying and I oppose getting on a bandwagon for the flavor of the month social agenda topic, as well.  Both are wrong. You're giving young people, who are at the most unstable times in their lives and, frankly, in history, too much power and not enough stability. I believe it is shameful that you would allow the whim of a young person to dictate the firing of a teacher, when teachers have been working their hearts out, this year. Any young person who has the whim to follow a fad and declare themselves a different gender can use that to seek control in any situation with an authority figure.  Do not establish that. Additionally, CPS  needs to be reserved for genuine cases of child abuse. Do not encourage the destruction of families. There are not enough social workers or foster homes and a misguided teacher could cause more harm than good by supporting such a reckless policy. Schools have enough problems. So do teachers, parents, and students. Stop trying to appease the social flavor of the month crowd. This is irresponsible.  Establish a separate bathroom and leave it at that.  This is none of the VDOE's business.  A few years ago, the trend was that we were all completely colorblind. Now, that's no longer appropriate. Now, we notice all differences. In 5 years, this gender confusion trend will be wrong.  Don't jump into it.  Leave it alone.  Stay in your own lane."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95889", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:44:00", "title": "Support", "text": "If you don’t support this, you aren’t a real christian.  You’re just toxic. If you want to make your kids feel unsafe and unloved at home, go for it.  At least allow them to feel safe in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95890", "author": "Donna", "date": "2021-02-03T16:45:00", "title": "NO Transgender in sports", "text": "Why would you want boys and girls competing? If they were born a male keep them in male sports or maybe put them in some kind of special Olympics for children with identity issues.   Don’t make our children pay for other children’s mental illnesses"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95891", "author": "mrs dove", "date": "2021-02-03T16:45:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "the bible says there are man and women.. you are what your born as. people generations ago didn't walk around a born lady and say they were a man, born men didn't walk around claiming to be a lady. they were what they were born. MEDIA like it is WITH EVERYTHING HAS made people think stuff they should not. THE MEDIA SHOULD BE DEFUNDED!!!!! THEY ARE MORE THEN HALF THE PROBLEM IN THIS WORLD!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE this creates more sexual assault on children. innocent victims!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95892", "author": "Barbara Fallon", "date": "2021-02-03T16:46:00", "title": "Strongly support treating people as as they wish to be treated", "text": "I strongly support the implementation of the proposed guidance document. It appears well-researched and addresses many issues which concern the transgender individuals. Treating people as people and how they want to be treated should not be a revolutionary concept. It is basic human decency."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95893", "author": "Lena Barsky", "date": "2021-02-03T16:47:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I graduated from the Virginia public school system, and I feel that Virginia has some of the best public schools in the country. However, I was only able to learn and grow and succeed because I felt safe, welcomed, and valued in my school environment. I STRONGLY SUPPORT these policy recommendations because they will provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for ALL students, including and especially LGBTQ+ youth. Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ youth face a higher rate of bullying, and are at higher odds for depression and suicidality -- this is something that educators and school staff (nurses, counselors, administrators, etc.) must be prepared to address, and such training will benefit ALL students regardless of whether they are LGBTQ+. These policy recommendations directly address the need for education and training for educators and school staff around these issues, and for that reason I strongly support them. Please do not let students go uncared-for; ALL students, including LGBTQ+ ones, deserve a safe and welcoming school environment in which to learn."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95894", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:47:00", "title": "Strongly Approve", "text": "To me this is very simple and should be a non issue .... these children must be treated as every other child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95895", "author": "Disappointed", "date": "2021-02-03T16:47:00", "title": "We Will Speak Up", "text": "This is absurd. This cannot be allowed to be enacted in our school systems. It is a sad day when the safety of our children is no longer important to these power-hungry boards... These people should be doing their research on statistics of these policies that have been enforced in other countries and they will find how the cons outweigh the pros... Sit back and realize that no matter how a child is raised or taught, kids will be kids; these policies are a HUGE lead into bullying and suicides."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95896", "author": "Amy", "date": "2021-02-03T16:48:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95897", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:49:00", "title": "Concerns from Mother of 4 Public School Children", "text": "As a mom of 4 children, 3 of whom are daughters, who have all attended public schools, I strongly oppose the current VDOE proposal for policies regarding transgender students.  These policies: 1) overstep the role of schools in family matters, denying parental rights and responsibilities; 2) in an effort to protect one group of students, actually threaten other students who would now be denied safety and privacy; and 3) deny parents, students, and faculty members their rights regarding issues of conscience, subjecting them to harassment and discrimination for simply holding to their constitutionally-protected rights to have their own beliefs and convictions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95898", "author": "Sammy C", "date": "2021-02-03T16:51:00", "title": "Strongly Support.", "text": "Creates the accommodation for any child that is uncomfortable, transgender or not."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95899", "author": "Rebecca A Sanchez", "date": "2021-02-03T16:51:00", "title": "OPPOSE!  STRONGLY OPPOSE!  Why is this ok with you to not follow the science on this & teach lies?", "text": "Why is it ok with anyone to teach/allow things that go against science? The biology of human makeup has not changed, nor will it. A male has chromosomes that say he is male. A female has chromosomes that say she is female.  A male and female are necessary to procreate.  Why is it ok to force others to agree with things that are not based in reality? Why is it ok with anyone that parental rights are removed? Why is it ok to teach children to be secretive and lie? Why is it ok to require adults to be secretive and lie?  Why is it ok to subject young students to give up their privacy in locker rooms and bathrooms, where one should feel safe?  Why is it ok to not protect children who don't suffer from gender dysphoria?  Why is it ok to not protect the rights of parents and teachers?  Why is it ok to bring ideas to children's minds that they wouldn't have thought about except for your bringing it to their attention?  Why are these things ok with any of you?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95900", "author": "ACPS teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T16:52:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "This new policy provides inclusion for ALL students! Children need to be accepted and supported for who they are, not what we think they should be!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95901", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:53:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Where do you draw the line? Right now this will pertain to students but how long until there is reach for this to also apply to adult staff? By appeasing one small group you are displeasing a larger group, and then a game of cat and mouse will exist that could never possibly Then stems the question of making separate bathrooms specially for transgenders. That would take us back to the days of segregation. We should not be worried about what bathrooms should be used. We should be asking ourselves if each student is receiving equal education. Education is the main goal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95902", "author": "KG", "date": "2021-02-03T16:54:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am protesting vigorously against this policy. No one should be bullied or demeaned.  Period.  Ever. But this draft guidance does not accomplish that.  Instead, it indoctrinates falsehood, which is not a kindness to a person that is already suffering.  Counseling and assistance should be made available for students suffering from gender dysphoria disorder (most if not all children that experience this have been traumatized, either physically or mentally [even unintentionally], and it is cruel to not help kids address the root of the problem), but brainwashing all students and staff, and proposing to spy on and turn-in parents to CPS, is not only wrong-headed, it is an assault on the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy, and religion. Additionally, this draft guidance also seeks to undermine parents' authority to educate their children in the area of sexual mores. And in the end, it doesn't even help the gender confused child. Kids and adults that struggle with gender identification have much higher suicide ideation and suicide attempt rates than people who do not struggle with these issues.  The idea has been put forth that if these folks felt \"accepted\", this would lessen the suicidal tendencies.  Sadly, that is incorrect.  That is not the source of the initial problem, and can therefore, not be the source of the solution.  When a person has body integrity dysphoria (feels their physical body does not match their mental image of their body, i.e. I shouldn't have a left arm, or I shouldn't have feet) it would be obviously cruel to just say, \"OK, we'll agree with you and help you cut off your left arm, and this will \"heal\" you.\"  NO!  It is cruel, a lie, and completely ignores the aspect of the Hippocratic oath that says \"first, do no harm.\"  Likewise with someone dealing with anorexia who \"feels fat\".  They are not fat.  Joining them in their mental disorder will not cure the mental disorder and could in fact lead to their death.  Sadly, gender dysphoria is the same, but is not being treated as such in this public school guidance.  These children need help and truth, not people to join them in their confusion and call it \"true\".  That is a lie. Many folks who have gone so far as to have gender reassignment surgery have realized that it did not really fix their problem.  Sadly, they believed the lie that it would... though there is no scientific evidence to that effect.  Suicide and depression rates stay dramatically high.  And now their bodies and lives are irreparably changed.  They are trying to share their stories to prevent others from sharing the same sadness, but they are often censored.  See www.sexchangeregret.com if you want to read more. The real key to helping these people is to get to the root of each of their individual problems.  Not to start brainwashing kids at even earlier ages, and also encourage spying and distrust among peers and parents.  Speaking truth to a child and trying to help them resolve an issue is not child abuse and should not be treated as such.  It is calling good \"evil\" and evil \"good\".  We must stand strongly against all forms of such things. This is a dangerous draft policy. I do not know if whoever reads these comments knows the Lord God Almighty, YHWH. If you do not, I would urge you to seek Him. He exists, even if you do not acknowledge Him. If you do know Him, I would point you toward Zechariah 8:16, Eph 4:25, Prov 8:7, and everything in Eph 6 about the full armor of God. You have been given a special position in your community. You are responsible to the Lord for what you choose to do with that position. I see many people on this comments page that seem to think they are being protective and kind, and yet the truth is they are being the exact opposite.  Truth and love are kind.  Falsehoods disguised as \"kindness\" are pure evil.  Children will be harmed by this guidance if it goes through. I hope you will join me in taking action to do everything in your power to protest against this appalling draft policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95903", "author": "Michael Randolph", "date": "2021-02-03T16:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "One's sex is not a matter of personal choice any more than one's species.  Legally enabling such profound confusion will cause more harm than good.  Sadly, such harm will be irreversible in many cases for those individuals submitting to a twisted ideology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95904", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:56:00", "title": "Please No!", "text": "Strongly oppose!  Please No!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95905", "author": "Linda H", "date": "2021-02-03T16:56:00", "title": "Strongly support protections for trans youth", "text": "Please do not let the bigots commenting here dictate public policy. Trans youth deserve formal, guaranteed legal protections & these are an excellent start."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95906", "author": "Barbara Ettner", "date": "2021-02-03T16:56:00", "title": "I Strongly Oppose H.B. 145", "text": "I strongly oppose passage of H.B. 145. This proposed legislation is contrary to the rights and responsibilities of parents  who are the first and best teachers of their children including matters related to their children's sexual development. Sexual identity is a highly individual, private and critical component of children's healthy psychological, social and biological development.  It is wrong and unwise for the state to interfere, with unnecessary and potentially harmful \"cookie-cutter\" approaches to solving the problems of children and young adults K-12 who, with the guidance of their parents, physicians, psychologists, etc. must work out physical, social and psychological issues of gender confusion as appropriate to each child; this should happen within the confines of the family, medical professionals and psychologists. State interference with gender identity issues only adds another level of complexity for children and teens -- the majority of which do not have gender confusion issues -- parents, educators, school administrators and local children's service agencies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95907", "author": "Tiffany Cubbage", "date": "2021-02-03T16:57:00", "title": "Not up for debate", "text": "I cannot even begin to fathom where anyone would think it is okay to allow this to take place. If a child wants to identify as a different gender than they were born with then it is that child’s right to do so. What is not right is to say children are forced to acknowledge their god given gender and then accuse parents of child abuse! How is this even rational thinking? The individuals in school are their for our children’s education and that alone! They are not health, mental health or reproductive professionals but we will allow them to help our children identify with what gender they want to be? Their are far too many instances where teachers are pushing their political beliefs on students now which should be immediate grounds for dismissal as well but to think this would ever be work on any level...as a medical professional...not with my children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95908", "author": "One of 99.58%, US Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T16:57:00", "title": ".42% of adult population = transgender", "text": "Why are we wasting time and resources on this when .42% of the adult US population identifies as transgender (I would imagine MUCH lower % at the elementary school level)!? Don’t we have bigger issues to deal with?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95909", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:58:00", "title": "Protect Trans Youth", "text": "Children should able to live their lives freely, and exist in a way that affirms their gender identity. Protecting trans kids helps to ensure they grow up healthy, and happy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95910", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:59:00", "title": "sexual education", "text": "I strongly oppose the State taking it upon themselves to sexualize children under the pretext of education. It is highly inappropriate to undermine parent's rights to assess their own children's unique level of understanding in this area."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95911", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T16:59:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS APPROACH - ENTIRELY INSENSITIVE AND UNFAIR TO EVERYONE!!!", "text": "This policy is incredible bad in how it is put together.  Rather than balance and think through all of the people involved and the related rights, this policy tramples numerous well-established constitutional rights and therefore is guaranteed to provoke litigation and end up being overturned.  Why attempt something so horrifically one-sided that tramples existing rights and will be lost. Rather than consider everyone's concerns, this is horrifically one-sided approach that ignores parent's rights, constitutional rights (including freedom of religion) all using a terrible threat that if one disagrees, one will take their children away. Also, the policy is supposed to be sensitive to students wrestling with this issue.  Instead, this is written as an over the top advocacy/propaganda document - one will not create sensitivity by being entirely insensitive to other concerns, which is the case here. This is bad for transgender students too because their situation will be thrown up in the air when this policy is overturned through litigation and outcry leading to political action and reversal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95912", "author": "Peter Lowenbrau Griffin Sr", "date": "2021-02-03T17:00:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "You know what really grinds my gears? Trannies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95913", "author": "kwibble", "date": "2021-02-03T17:00:00", "title": "Trans Lives Matter", "text": "Trans people aren’t monsters, they’re just like us, they lead lives just like ours, we shouldn’t exclude them just for their gender identities, because that isn’t what matters. We should support everyone, no matter what."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95914", "author": "Stephen W", "date": "2021-02-03T17:00:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!", "text": "To push this radical indoctrinating agenda on children is wrong! You are harming these “trans” children far more than you are helping them. We have reached a place in this country, where we are warned in Romans chapter 1. Most of this country, unfortunately, have been given over to a reprobate mind. That is why you see this path they are blazing towards self-destruction. Like crabs in a bucket. They are descending, and trying to take as many with them as they can. If they can’t abort the babies, then they will destroy their minds. We are well beyond a political solution! Help this country Lord Jesus, please!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95915", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:01:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This over-reach is madness.  What happened to parental rights.  Where is the science to support the need for these proposed policies.  There will never be enough psychiatrists to undo the psychological harm to our kids.  And for what purpose?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95916", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:02:00", "title": "Trans kids deserve respect but portions of these proposed policies go too far", "text": "Children and teenagers who profess to be transgender deserve to be treated with love and respect, but portions of these proposed policies go too far and should be revised. For example, the proposed policies tell a school to withhold from the student's parents information about changes in the student's gender identity at school if the student does not want parents to know.  As indicated in other comments, these children often suffer from higher incidences of mental health concerns, including suicidal ideation.  Parents of such children need to be MORE aware of what is going on in their childrens' lives, not less, to be able to watch for concerning behaviors and take protective safety measures in case their child becomes suicidal (given it is at home and out of school they are most likely to try to act on such feelings).  To withhold this information from the parents potentially puts the children more at risk, not less. In addition, the portion of the policy dictating that school personnel should not be allowed to question a student going into a bathroom or locker room given it can be traumatic to a transgender child - while the intent is understandable, fails to take into consideration that children will be children and seek to exploit such rules for mischievous and potentially nefarious purposes.  Such a strict guideline does not provide room for school staff to question a student clearly entering the other gender's area for unsuitable purposes, such as if the teacher overhears students talking about going in the other gender's area on a date or to play a joke on the other students (let alone anything more nefarious).  How many teenage movies and books have scenes where one gender expresses a desire to sneak a peek in the other gender's locker room, etc.?   Such rules would enable students to act on such impulses without risk of censure.  There must be a middle ground on respecting transgender students and providing them suitable bathrooom and changing areas, while guarding against potential abuse that can be damaging to all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95917", "author": "Robert Kern", "date": "2021-02-03T17:03:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "Strongly oppose.  There are 2 genders - period.  School activities, etc. which are gender specific must be limited in participation to those of the specific gender designated.  Those students who are conflicted as to which gender they belong, should be treated respectfully and given counseling and guidance, but this is essentially a private matter which also impacts the family of the conflicted child.   No separate toilets, no participation in boy's athletics for girls who \"think\" they are, or would prefer to be boys, and vice versa.   This subject has been hijacked by pop culture and driven to a level of absurdity unimaginable a few short years ago.  Common sense must be regained."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95918", "author": "Brittany Gochenour", "date": "2021-02-03T17:03:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "I do NOT support Transgender being “taught” in our school system! Gender should be discussed between the parent and children/s privately!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95919", "author": "Milo Grace", "date": "2021-02-03T17:03:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT!!", "text": "It is vital to allow all students to exist safely and freely. Policings people's identities and gender expressions is wrong. Everyone self-identifies, most people just happen to identify in agreement with the gender they were assigned at birth. Allow your students to feel safe and respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95920", "author": "Jean Lorentzen", "date": "2021-02-03T17:04:00", "title": "Let God's children be children of their birth, NO altering of sex, confusing young children's mind.", "text": "Please let God's children be children of their birth. Altering of birth sex confuses a child's mind, distracting them from their foundation of learning which is essential for a healthy life. I strongly oppose transgenders in public school. Transfer them to a public alternate school where they can be with among their transgender kind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95921", "author": "Thalia Hernandez, Southerners on New Ground and First UU Richmond", "date": "2021-02-03T17:05:00", "title": "Strongly Support the Guidance!", "text": "February 3, 2021 Dr. Samantha Hollins Virginia Department of Education 101 N. 14th Street Richmond, VA 23219 RE: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools Dear Assistant Superintendent Hollins, Thank you to the VA Department of Education for their hard work on this comprehensive guidance on model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia’s public schools. I am writing in strong support of this guidance and urge you to consider the friendly edits listed in GLSEN and Equality Virginia’s public comments. I am non-binary transgender woman, a young non-profit professional, and an active community member in various organizations including my congregation. Growing up as a queer child, I felt alienated from some of my peers and teachers due to anti-LGBTQ comments and there were times I was scared of social repercussions of being known openly queer. I was lucky that was the extent of my negative experiences. Thankfully, I found a supportive niche in my high school so I was able to be an openly queer kid without too much struggle. I also was not out as transgender back then, and I can only imagine how different my experience would have been if I had been the *only* openly trans student in my high school at the time. Unfortunately, many LGBTQ kids across Virginia go through much worse than I did, particularly Black, Indigenous, and Brown students who are transgender or non-binary. When you are focused on your day-to-day safety and comfort, it’s very difficult to actually focus on learning either inside the classroom or in extracurricular activities. When kids are not included, safe, and comfortable in their learning environment, they cannot thrive and they face negative outcomes like lower GPAs, lower graduation rates, and even physical and verbal harassment. Every Virginia student has the right to a safe and equal learning environment. The status quo of school districts across the Commonwealth has violated that right for transgender and non-binary students. These model policies are a much needed intervention to provide school districts with the clarity, guidance, and foundation to fully support all students’ rights, particularly trans and non-binary students whose education has been undervalued as a vulnerable population. I urge you to adopt the guidance (with minor edits as mentioned above) and do the right thing by all students to address issues of equity, belonging, and safety. All students cannot succeed until and unless trans and non-binary students succeed. Thank you for your efforts! Sincerely, Thalia Hernandez"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95922", "author": "Christina Huffman", "date": "2021-02-03T17:05:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans children and teenagers are among the most vulnerable in our population, and enabling them to lead authentic lives as their true selves provides immense mental health benefits to them without harming anyone else. Despite what opponents say, policies like this have never resulted in any increase or crime or harassment. It helps trans kids and doesn't hurt anyone else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95923", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:05:00", "title": "No", "text": "Strongly oppose!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95924", "author": "Rachel", "date": "2021-02-03T17:06:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "Trans youth need extra love, kindness, and a support system that fully believes and accepts who they are. Trans is beautiful. Please give these young folks, who are brimming with hope and potential, the understanding they need <3"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95925", "author": "Concerned parent/grandparent/citizen of this planet", "date": "2021-02-03T17:06:00", "title": "Transgender Policy - Disturbing overreach, void of science or reality. Who’s minding the children?", "text": "THE most disturbing thing I have ever seen related to public schools is that educators are signing this document in support of this policy. The quote of the day lately seems to be ‘Follow the science’. Well, I’m asking you to follow the science here as well. Do you want to destroy a generation? If this passes there needs to be a mass exodus of students from public schools to private schools or home-schooling and quick. We are losing time and ground with our youth. It’s time to stand up and stop this attack on the minds of our most precious ones, as well as this attack on our faith, and our freedom to remain in reality. If ANY child struggles, they need the support of qualified professionals and of their families, AND they need boundaries that are based on sound judgement and reality. Stay out of our families! Teach our children the subjects you are paid to teach, notify us when there are issues that you are not qualified or entrusted to deal with, and stop trying to push your agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95926", "author": "Tim P.", "date": "2021-02-03T17:06:00", "title": "VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED", "text": "My wife & I are VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED to this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95927", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T17:06:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED AND IRATE!!", "text": "I can’t even believe we’re even talking about this! I strongly OPPOSE transgender kids sharing a restroom/locker room with my daughter! I do not want her surrounded by a bunch of male genitalia when it is her right to go into a female bathroom and feel secure to talk about female related issues with her female friends and not feel restricted or uncomfortable. This is just a way for male perverts to get into a female locker rooms. How many pedophiles/sexual predators are going to use this opportunity to “say they are a transgender“ just so they can go in and spy in the female bathrooms. This is gross! Have we not learned anything from Jeffrey Epstein? Larry Nassar?? And now you want to include these people in our female sports? After all the strides women have overcome to be equal now you want to taint that by having them join female sports!!?? Are you crazy? Why do we have to suffer just because someone does not like who they are? It is a genetic fact that men out power women in both speed and strength.  If boys want to be girls then great! Let them play with a boy team, wear your wig and your fake bra and play with your boys! My children’s soccer teams discourage boys and girls playing on teams that are above their age, why? Merely because one year in age provides a substantial size and strength advantage which can be a safety hazard. So if this is the case why would you have a man play on the same team as a woman and not think you were jeopardizing that woman with the same size, strength and speed advantage? There’s been countless movies on this particular problem and they’ve all been comedies! It’s because this is a comedy! I think the real issue is trying to understand why these people want to change to a different gender to begin with, start with that, solve that! STOP pushing this liberal crap down our throats. Let little girls be little girls.  Don’t deprive them of their innocence, their female camaraderie, and safety! And for God sakes start focusing on some real damn issues, this is nonsense!!! This is all a  cover up so you don’t have to focus on anything that really matters to us Americans!!! Do your job!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95928", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:06:00", "title": "No to new transgender rules", "text": "There is much discussion about genders. If you look to science, we see that there are two genders and people either have an xy chromosome or an xx chromosome in every cell of their body. Why Virginia would adopt these new policies that basically deny reality to accommodate the few, in opposition the reality of the science, the harm that can come to children, taking away the rights of parents and the harm to girls and girls sports is incomprehensible. Middle school children almost always outgrow gender identity issues. Unless they are prevented by teachers and counselors who now have the right to usurp the rights of parents in this dubious ideology which with puberty blockers and surgeries will do irreparable damage to children. This is absolutely horrifically wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95929", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:06:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This is not the 'public school' I grew up in!   How immoral you have become!  Public schools are now controlled by the media, by television, by Hollywood, to tell children what to think, how to behave. You encourage children to behave immorally and give them justification! I am absolutely against public schools, public school teachers, and administrators teaching their views of sexuality to my children.  My children are members of my family with my husband and I.   We have our traditional family values that honor God.  Public schools have no right to push their immoral transgenderism on to my children.   My children need to learn to read, write, compute math, study astronomy, earth science, geography, geology, and that's it. Sexual habits, dress, gender, opinions, values, are off limits to public schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95930", "author": "Beth Neville", "date": "2021-02-03T17:07:00", "title": "RAPE AND VIOLENCE WILL INCREASE IN SCHOOLS - VEHEMENTLY OPPOSE", "text": "I can remember being a young girl. I would have died if I'd had to share a bathroom or locker room with someone I knew to be male, and that is still true today as an adult. Forcing gender integration at any age is wrong. Most of these kids grow out of these feelings in late teens/early 20's, so hormones and surgery on growing humans is really unethical. IF YOU ENACT THIS, RAPE AND VIOLENCE WILL INCREASE IN SCHOOLS. These kids need lots of mental help, which I fully support. They do not need to have the world buy into their delusion. These interventions don't work, anyway. Depression and suicide rates for transgender people remain high, even after transition. The state should expect multiple lawsuits forthcoming if regulators insist on forcing this issue on constituents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95931", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:08:00", "title": "God bless our Transgender youth - STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "We are all God's children, perfect and beautiful. I strongly support all measures to better care for and support our transgender youth. This is a necessary direction for our school district. Othering children through hetero-normative policies is violence and can have terrible consequences. It's time for a change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95932", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:09:00", "title": "Not just the bathrooms", "text": "Not only would sharing bathrooms bring on further issues or push for other policies, especially those that would include adults, but integrating genders in sports would cause problems and that’s been proven. Males naturally have an athletic advantage due to their chemical makeup the females lack. Even with hormones and other treatments the naturally ability already exists. How would you feel if you were a female competing against someone with male genetic makeup? I know I would have been discouraged and probably would not have competed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95933", "author": "APS Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T17:10:00", "title": "Strongly support this inclusive policy. Support Trans Youth!", "text": "Strongly support this policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95934", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:11:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I fully support this legislation to better the physical and mental well-being of transgender students in the Virginia community. They are among the most abused and overlooked minority groups and they deserve better. Trans lives matter!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95935", "author": "Rebecca", "date": "2021-02-03T17:11:00", "title": "I oppose this transgender bill.", "text": "I oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95936", "author": "VERY CONCERNED GRANDPARENTS", "date": "2021-02-03T17:12:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAGREE!", "text": "I cannot believe this is happening!!!  What is wrong with this world??  These innocent children should not be subjected to such things!   It is against all that we believe in as Christians to let this happen.  I never would have thought we would see a day such as this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95937", "author": "Sarah Trop", "date": "2021-02-03T17:12:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I 100% support policies which protect transgender students. They need our support and protection to feel safe in schools being themselves, which is crucial to their happiness and success."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95938", "author": "Fred M", "date": "2021-02-03T17:12:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose this measure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95939", "author": "concerned voter", "date": "2021-02-03T17:12:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools", "text": "I vehemently oppose these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95940", "author": "Jonathan Etheridge", "date": "2021-02-03T17:13:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose This Evil", "text": "Any adult who rejects their gender from birth is in need of serious mental help.  They are rejecting reality.  Any parent who pushes their child to physically / chemically try to change their gender and call them \"trans\" deserves to be put in prison for horrific child abuse.  Same for the doctors recommending it, as it is the ultimate betrayal of the Hippocratic oath.  I refuse to tolerate this terrible evil and act like this is \"science\".  The doctors supporting and pushing this are worse than Josef Mengele. We Christians must TRULY love our neighbors, which means giving them TOUGH LOVE when you see people suffering from mental health issues and ESPECIALLY when we see children being permanently abused by the people who are supposed to protect them.  I WILL NOT tolerate this evil being pushed on our children.  To all of you supporting this agenda, may God have mercy on your soul."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95340", "author": "Karen C Hu", "date": "2021-02-03T12:34:00", "title": "SUPPORT Our Trans Children", "text": "I am encouraged to see this legislature finally taking steps to protect our trans kids. School should be an encouraging and protective environment for ALL students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95341", "author": "Maggie lenart", "date": "2021-02-03T12:34:00", "title": "Support for this bill!", "text": "Support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95342", "author": "Amy Lee", "date": "2021-02-03T12:36:00", "title": "Support Trans Students", "text": "I fully support any guidance that protects our students who are transgender. Please help keep them safe while they are learning."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95343", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:36:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Transgender youth especially need protection in schools!! Protect our children and allow them to learn in a safe environment!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95344", "author": "Alex Everley", "date": "2021-02-03T12:38:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I appreciate this positive approach. All students deserve our support, and it is our job to provide for them whatever we can."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95345", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:38:00", "title": "Support Homeschooling", "text": "Support homeschooling"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95346", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:38:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am commenting to support these guiding principles to better serve our trans student population. I hope we as a commonwealth will continue to support evidence based policies in our schools and not allow our children to be bullied by bigots, no matter what their age may be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95347", "author": "A Hinman", "date": "2021-02-03T12:38:00", "title": "Supporting trans rights", "text": "Trans children deserve protection and their identities should be affirmed. Bullying of them should in no way be tolerated."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95348", "author": "Madeline Emmert", "date": "2021-02-03T12:39:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT. Trans kids always have and always will exist.", "text": "The provably variable nature of sex chromosomes, gonads, genitalia, and secondary sexual characteristics clearly indicates that gender is neither fixed nor binary. This is a biological fact backed up by vast amounts of scientific research. Transgender people always have and always will exist; schools can either protect their trans students from those who would deny their very existences, or they can be a force for the destruction of trans lives. I mean that entirely literally, given that trans students--particularly trans students of color--have verifiably higher rates of self harm and suicide than any other group. Transphobia, whether it is overt or the passive refusal to acknowledge the trans individual, has dire consequences for its victims. Please consider that trans children will not go away, but with progress in normalizing the protection of their physical and emotional well-being, transphobia very well could. The feelings of those who have chosen to use religion to excuse their own discomfort with the fluidity of gender simply cannot take priority over the health of trans students. Gender affirmation doesn't just feel good--it saves lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95349", "author": "Kiara Fuentes", "date": "2021-02-03T12:39:00", "title": "In support of protecting trans rights", "text": "I am commenting in favor of supporting protecting Transgender students in Virginia. By protecting Trans students, non binary students, we are also protecting human rights. Prohibiting discrimination for marginalized communities is common sense legislation. Let’s keep our kids safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95350", "author": "Gregory Cavanagh, Medical Student", "date": "2021-02-03T12:39:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "We are not gods or dictators. Who are we to tell others to hide themselves? Be kind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95351", "author": "Taylor", "date": "2021-02-03T12:40:00", "title": "In support!", "text": "As a trans educator the proposal is very comprehensive and I would like to express my 110% support! This is well-researched and an evidence-based proposal. Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environments. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental, socio-emotional, and physical health. As public entities entrusted with student safety, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments. \""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95352", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:41:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Wow! As a 3rd grade OST teacher, I support this well-researched and evidence-based proposal. Students benefit from policies that support their heath and autonomy, as it keeps them interested in school and safe to express themselves at important points in their development. Great proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95353", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:41:00", "title": "against it. forced manipulation on captive defenseless children.", "text": "theres a reason they dont try this in adult workplaces first."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95354", "author": "Ronald Hannah", "date": "2021-02-03T12:41:00", "title": "Communism", "text": "This is for the transgender policies to be voted on. I, personally feel uncomfortable with teaching science/ anatomy in schools thats covers that boys have a penis snd girls have a vagina and boobs, to just turn around and contradict that with saying \" except for Johnny.....he is a girl because he wants to be.\" That's the biggest bunch of horse ive ever heard. You dont send boys in girls locker rooms r bathrooms.....snd you sure as hell dont punish someone else because they wont call \" Johnny \" a girl, muxh less think you have the authority to not tell parents about what is happening to their own child in school. The school has zero legal authority to do any of the above. If passed, I will petition, seek legal counsel, and boycott/ protest at every public school in Virginia i can muster up people for. If you support this bill, ypu are as crazy as Biden and as dumb as Pelosi."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95355", "author": "Sarah Munson", "date": "2021-02-03T12:41:00", "title": "VDOE Drafted Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender & Non-Binary Students in Virginia Pubic Sc", "text": "As the grandparent of a transgender grandson, I know how important it is to affirm the identity of every individual. My grandson has been very fortunate to have support of family, friends and community, including his public school teachers and advisors. I know that this isn't the case for too many transgender and non-binary young people in our society. I applaud my state of Virginia's General Assembly for its passage of legislation that protects and supports these identities and I applaud the VDOE for its commitment to protecting and supporting these identities as demonstrated in the recently drafted Model Policies for Transgender and Non-Binary Students in Virginia Public Schools.This is demanding, but necessary work to ensure equitable treatment for all students. Thank you, VDOE, for your commitment to it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95356", "author": "Grace Venes-Escaffi", "date": "2021-02-03T12:41:00", "title": "Support for the Guidance Document", "text": "I support the right of every student to feel safe and represented in their learning environment. Part of a productive learning environment is the ability to feel safe and know that your rights are acknowledged and protected. Anyone who is against this on the grounds that \"it's forcing different beliefs on my children\" is incorrect and has clearly not read the purpose of the guidance document - it is to PREVENT DISCRIMINATION and I think we all know there is no good argument against that. I am a cis-gender alumna of FCPS schools and I support the rights of the next generation of students to be represented and protected in an equitable manner that is recognized in official school R&R policy. We are not teaching or forcing any beliefs on students - simply preparing them for the real world which is diverse and full of people of all different identities. We are not teaching them what to believe in, simply that their beliefs can be practiced in a way that does not antagonize or minimize quality of life or learning for other students. The US Constitution is very clear on one thing: we have the right to believe anything we want, and exercise those beliefs - AND, that our rights END wherein they infringe upon those of OTHERS. Essentially, if you \"don't believe in\" trans identity, you are entitled to that belief, however you are NOT entitled to harass or otherwise disrupt the learning experience of trans and non-binary students. Discrimination is unconstitutional, and I'm glad our state is making strides to stamp it out in our education system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95357", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:43:00", "title": "Support the treatment of ALL people", "text": "Support the treatment of ALL people, not one specific group."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95358", "author": "Shirley", "date": "2021-02-03T12:43:00", "title": "Vote No on transgender", "text": "this document will increase more issues than it solves. for one if there is no such thing as gender division how will they teach anatomy? how can students learn to trust when from one day to the next they are told that the reality they see doesn't exist? Its difficult enough for students to keep track of the people they know - now they are required to remember who wants to be called him or her which can change on any given day ?  I agree people should not be bullied - but now its ok to bully people who happen to believe in the reality of male and female?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95359", "author": "Lena Mac", "date": "2021-02-03T12:44:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "Oppose !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95360", "author": "Nick", "date": "2021-02-03T12:44:00", "title": "Vote Yes - Support Trans Rights", "text": "Trans rights are human rights, especially when pertaining to younger people in the school system. This should be a non-issue but some folks seemed to be trapped in the past and unable to move forward. When someone asks to “think of the family” when they are opposed to trans privacy policies, they are only thinking of their family. They are either not ready or not willing to accept and talk about Transgender folks to their children. This is an opportunity to help the future- to progress the work that has already been put into trying to help make the Trans community feel safer. Our children can grow up in a world where they are more understanding of Transgender issues, where these policies aren’t even debated. Where they can come home from school and are educated enough on the subject to talk with their parents and friends and family who may not understand or are even too afraid to understand- and they can help them understand. That work starts here. Vote yes and help build a school system that supports children who do not conform to traditional roles because the idea of those roles in general is simply the least important thing this world needs to concern itself with."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95361", "author": "Dani MH", "date": "2021-02-03T12:45:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support. This is good for all children, regardless of their gender or sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95362", "author": "Sharon deFur", "date": "2021-02-03T12:46:00", "title": "Guidance document Transgender students", "text": "I support policy that recognizes the worth and dignity of all students, including transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95363", "author": "Britt Nill", "date": "2021-02-03T12:47:00", "title": "Educator Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools guidance because trans rights are human rights. As a school counselor, I have seen first-hand the detrimental effects of mistreatment and misgendering has on a trans student's mental health. There is not enough protection in our current education policies to protect trans students from discrimination from staff and their peers. Having these policies in place will ensure that our schools are more inclusive and providing safe learning environments for all students regardless of their gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95364", "author": "Claire Downey", "date": "2021-02-03T12:48:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "I support this legislation because trans youths are VALID and deserve the same treatment as any other kid. I have seen a lot of negative comments from parents about the fear that their child will be exposed to sexual violence or misconduct given that trans children are allowed in their correctly corresponding gendered bathrooms/locker rooms...and that cannot be farther from reality. The reality is that trans youth (especially trans girls) are the more vulnerable population to peer sexual violence. Imagine your teenaged girl being forced into the boys locker room...thats exactly what it's like for trans girls - if not worse. Please listen and educate yourself about the trans community before you clutch your pearls in fear."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95365", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:48:00", "title": "Yes Support", "text": "yes support a fair school environment for all students please don’t let this fall through"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95366", "author": "Sarah", "date": "2021-02-03T12:48:00", "title": "I vote no", "text": "There are many disturbing policies in this draft. One of the most egregious, is the proposed authority given to school personnel to withhold vital information from parents regarding the wellbeing of their child and provide guidance while withholding vital information from parents.  Parents have God given authority over their child, and have the right to be made aware of all issues regarding their child. This would not be in the best interest of the child or the family unit."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95367", "author": "Bill Iveyy", "date": "2021-02-03T12:49:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I'm been advocating for years for many of the kinds of protections and supports listed in this document. For just a few examples, guidance on student privacy, dress code, and access to facilities is very much in line with what our trans students so badly need. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95368", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T12:49:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I believe in equal rights, but not with this guidance.  Find alternatives.  Youth girls will be at an even higher risk."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95369", "author": "Kat", "date": "2021-02-03T12:50:00", "title": "You are born male or female period!!!", "text": "I strongly oppose having transgenders use whatever restroom they identify with. This is totally ridiculous!!!! You are either born a male or a female and that is the restroom you should use! This nonsense has got to stop!!!!!!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95370", "author": "K. Kowalski", "date": "2021-02-03T12:50:00", "title": "strongly support!", "text": "Protect and support trans students. Refuse to equate them with predators. Permit them to live their lives unashamed. Respect them as human beings. Listen."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95371", "author": "A Bradford", "date": "2021-02-03T12:50:00", "title": "Serious concerns with this document and proposed policies", "text": "While it is entirely appropriate to seek to provide a safe educational environment for all students, I have serious concerns about certain basic assumptions that stand behind the development of this guidance, as well as various logistical concerns. 1) The Model Polices document says that “Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity” (p.6) and that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six.” (p.8) There is much evidence, however, that a significant number of children who adopt behaviors and identities associated with a different gender from their biological sex do in fact end up identifying with their biological sex by the conclusion of puberty.  In the words of the DSM-5: “In natal [biological] males, persistence [of gender dysphoria] has ranged from 2.2% to 30%. In natal females, persistence has ranged from 12%-50%.”  (America Psychiatric Association, “Gender Dysphoria” DSM-5, 455, quoted in Lawrence S. Mayer and Paul R. McHugh, “Sexuality and Gender: Findings from the Biological, Psychological, and Social Sciences,” The New Atlantis, No. 56 Fall 2016, 106.) Although some children do explore a gender identity that differs from their biological sex during childhood (and this can be for a variety of reasons, including experiences of abuse and trauma) this very often changes by the time puberty is concluded, such that their sense of gender identity corresponds with their biological sex. Also from Wikipedia: “According to prospective studies, the majority of children diagnosed with gender dysphoria cease to desire to be the other sex by puberty, with most growing up to identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, with or without therapeutic intervention.” (“Gender Dysphoria in Children,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_dysphoria_in_children , Date accessed February 2, 2021) There are also studies indicating that social and peer dynamics might play a role in some teens, particularly girls, who adopt a trans identity during puberty. (Brown University, “Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria,” Science Daily, 22 August 2018, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180822150809.htm , Date accessed February 2, 2021) While it is important to treat all children in schools with respect and to find practical ways to help them feel safe in their environment and with teachers and peers, this unexamined rush by adults to categorically affirm and “solidify” children’s and teen’s identity perceptions is enormously concerning and seems far more ideology-based than fact-based. Rather than science-based and “evidence-based best practices,” the contents of this document seem to rest on the adoption of many untested and unproven assumptions, which is a dangerous habit of mind that is not at all conducive to cultivating a “safe” learning environment for any child.  Will children who come from homes in which gender is considered to have biological and ontological aspects and not simply a chosen, subjective construction be safe in this environment? Will children (or their parents) who are concerned about their privacy and who have a different point of view on these matters be respected? Will they face discipline for their views? Will they face stereotyping, stigma and discrimination?  Are there compromises that can be found that can help students and adults with differing views work and learn together, or will implementation of policies like this become a one-sided, unilateral demand for compliance? 2) Another concern, as one who has worked in FCPS with special education and who had special education needs myself, it is very concerning how little evidence is required for a student to be considered “transgender” and be treated as such with accommodations (see 1st paragraph of Student Identification on p. 12). This is certainly not the way it works in order to qualify for recognition and accommodations in special education. What does this communicate to students with special education needs whose parents often have to provide extensive outside documentation and evidence in order for their children’s challenges to be recognized and to receive accommodations? 3) There are many other concerns with this document, but will conclude with a logistical concern. The section titled “Access to Facilities” says, “It can be emotionally harmful for a transgender student to be questioned regarding the use of restrooms and facilities. School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom” (p. 17).  This appears to effectively mean that any student can enter any restroom at any time. Having worked in a middle school, I am aware of the potential for many problems and challenges with this lack of clarity in policy. Is it necessary to make bathrooms an unaccountable free-for-all considering the potential for abuse that a policy like this would open up?  Is this safe for other students?  Is this fair to teachers who do in fact have to deal with various inappropriate uses of bathrooms by students, but who would have vastly reduced authority to respond?  Most of us have to go through the day at school or at work with some level of emotional frustration or distress over a variety of things. Does it help students who identify as transgender to communicate through policy that their emotional needs override the needs and considerations of all others? Surely there is a workable solution for bathrooms that maintains an appropriate level of safety and accountability for all involved that does not involve this level of vague open-endedness. Dear public servants in the Virginia Department of Education, please consider slowing down and providing time for more community engagement and discussion. Please also do not assume or encourage the assumption that everyone who disagrees with the contents or various aspects of this document and its policies are culturally illiterate bigots or religiously intolerant. There are many very real and valid concerns that need to be brought to the table and carefully considered. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95372", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:50:00", "title": "Compulsory Speech is the most fascist thing. These policies are fascist.", "text": "Compulsory Speech is the most fascist thing. These policies are fascist."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95373", "author": "Carolynne", "date": "2021-02-03T12:50:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this as it violates our religious and educational freedom as citizens and especially as parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95374", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:51:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "My family and I are extremely uncomfortable with these changes! I vote no! My children will be pulled out of public school if this happens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95375", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:51:00", "title": "Support for this proposal", "text": "I strongly support this proposal. Public schools should support all students and provide them with a safe learning environment. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health. As public entities entrusted with student safety, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95376", "author": "John Clisham", "date": "2021-02-03T12:51:00", "title": "Transgender Student Safety and Protection", "text": "Good Afternoon, I'm writing to support protections for transgender and non-binary students in all of Virginia's public schools. These students deserve a safe place to learn and succeed, and protections will help facilitate a positive learning environment for everyone. I'm a veteran educator of over thirty years. As a counselor I have worked with transgender students and their families on inclusion and safety issues. The state of Virginia must protect every student who walks into a school building ready, willing and able to learn. It is our duty to serve everyone. Please do what you can, to protect all LGBT students under the care of the entire Virginia school system. It is the right thing to do! Thank you for your time, John Clisham Wakefield High School College & Career Counselor Arlington, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95377", "author": "Anon", "date": "2021-02-03T12:53:00", "title": "Fully supporti", "text": "I think ALL children should feel comfortable while getting their education"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95378", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:54:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!", "text": "Trans Rights are Human rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95379", "author": "Alyona Voyevodskaya", "date": "2021-02-03T12:54:00", "title": "NOT SUPPORT", "text": "NOT SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95380", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:54:00", "title": "Human Rights", "text": "Transgender people deserve the same basic human rights as cisgender people. Everyone should have access to education, regardless of their gender identity!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95381", "author": "Nathan", "date": "2021-02-03T12:54:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed - This Bill is Overt Violation of Social Order - Pandora’s Box", "text": "Hello. Any bill violating the natural and rational sanctity of the family unit in this proposed manner will surely undermine the foundations of true justice. This bill eliminates the role of the loving family, of natural society and supplants it with the arbitrary power of the state. This is far too dangerous to entertain for political points. This bill must be put away immediately for the good of us all. The precedent would be completely without rational limits. Thank you for your time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95382", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:55:00", "title": "Absolutely not!", "text": "Kids will abuse this situation. What if a boy decides he identifies as a girl just to use the girls locker room/bathroom? Many parents are talking about sending their kids to private school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95383", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:57:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "This change is not ok! Public schools need to be concerned with the childrens EDUCATION! That’s IT!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95384", "author": "Bonnie", "date": "2021-02-03T12:57:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this. Trans children and teens need to be able to use facilities that align with their identity. Lack of social support in schools has been proven to lead to depression and anxiety, and further ostracizes an already marginalized group."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95385", "author": "Ally", "date": "2021-02-03T12:57:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY NOT SUPPORT", "text": "ABSOLUTELY NOT SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95386", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T12:57:00", "title": "Transgender students", "text": "These people must be fully supported"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95387", "author": "Lis Kenneth Regula", "date": "2021-02-03T12:58:00", "title": "Support vulnerable kids!", "text": "I strongly support this well-researched and evidence-based proposal. Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environments. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health. As public entities entrusted with student safety, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95388", "author": "Angela", "date": "2021-02-03T12:59:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Policy", "text": "I oppose the government pushing an agenda upon us that goes against what we believe in and what we are not comfortable with.  This is supposed to be a free society.  We want to preserve our First Amendment rights to oppose transgender policies that we unequivocally disagree with.  As an alternative, how about a policy to support the rights of those that oppose transgenderism?  In the end, this comes down to morals, not rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95389", "author": "Bijou", "date": "2021-02-03T12:59:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "strongly disagree with this indoctrination of our children from their younger age. Conversations about LGBTQ should be initiate at home with parents at their own discretion based on their value. Stop deciding on our behalf."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95390", "author": "Alyona", "date": "2021-02-03T12:59:00", "title": "Absolutely NOT SUPPORT", "text": "Absolutely NOT SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95391", "author": "Sharon Shank", "date": "2021-02-03T13:00:00", "title": "Model Transgender Guidelines", "text": "Strongly oppose! Please vote NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95392", "author": "Tai Tran", "date": "2021-02-03T13:01:00", "title": "VA would be ahead of other states in finally supporting a traditionally underserved population.", "text": "We must protect our kids. All of our kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95393", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:01:00", "title": "Support this", "text": "I support this. Protect trans kids"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95394", "author": "Taylor Womack", "date": "2021-02-03T13:02:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support guidance for students, administration & educators to support trans & nonbinary youth in our schools. This is extremely important as these are foundational years, and the students deserve to feel safe and acknowledged during this time. The school system should aim to set all students up for a confident and content adulthood. I have seen other negative comments saying trans & nonbinary youth are just kids going through a phase, and that simply is not true. Kids just like adults are complex humanbeings, and not all fit the generic gender mold. Children and teens are in a time of growth, exploration and expanse and they should feel safe to express themselves as this majorly impacts their mental, and therefore physical, health as a youth and as an adult. Saftey & acceptance is extremely important and should be the golden standard, without question, in our school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95395", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:02:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "All students deserve the right to feel comfortable and supported in their learning environment. This includes students who are transgender. No child should ever go to school afraid of their teachers, peers, and school authorities. They deserve protection, and should have the ability, like any other student, to learn in a safe environment. Let's remember we're talking about people here, and not robots or villains. Children are so much more open to kindness, and it's us adults that let it slip away. Protect transgender students. Give them a school system that will treat them fairly and promise to keep their privacy and their rights safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95396", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:03:00", "title": "Strongly support, this is a human rights issue!", "text": "I strongly support this, I don't see how making kids feel more accepted and comfortable at school is a bad thing? Transgender kids just want to be accepted and respected as any other kid. They just don't identify as the gender that they were defined at birth, they're not hurting anyone. Everyone deserves respect regardless of their race, gender, sex, etc."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95397", "author": "Mae Kenna", "date": "2021-02-03T13:03:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose!", "text": "This is not about caring for students at all! This is just another attempt to promote an agenda that contradicts the natural law and exploit the most influential members of our society: our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95398", "author": "Sharon Shank", "date": "2021-02-03T13:03:00", "title": "Absolutely opposed. Please vote NO", "text": "Absolutely opposed.  Please vote NO"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95399", "author": "Michael Davis", "date": "2021-02-03T13:03:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this guidance! Having a 10 yo daughter in Virginia public schools is becoming very worrisome to me as I don't know what she might be 'exposed to' (pun intended)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95400", "author": "Aiga Langan", "date": "2021-02-03T13:04:00", "title": "Equal Opportunity For All Students.", "text": "Supporting evidence-based policy is crucial in addressing the needs of all students in Virginia schools. As a mother of three children in Richmond Public Schools and a graduate student at VCU pursuing a School Counseling degree, I value students’ mental health and right to equal opportunity. I am excited to see this policy be implemented in order to provide a safe and equitable environment for our students to thrive. Transgender rights are human rights and I fully believe in supporting a policy that moves away from discrimination against our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95401", "author": "Elisabeth Taurino, Rainbow Connection Healthcare RVA", "date": "2021-02-03T13:04:00", "title": "I support the guidance", "text": "I support the guidance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95402", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:04:00", "title": "Strongly support.", "text": "I strongly support this bill!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95403", "author": "Abigail", "date": "2021-02-03T13:04:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support this. Violence against and suicide rates for our trans brothers and sisters are simply too high too ignore. Trans rights are human rights. Policies to protect trans kids can only work to create a better environment for all!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95404", "author": "K. Hanks", "date": "2021-02-03T13:05:00", "title": "Strongly object to teaching of transgender and LGBT to our youth", "text": "You are born male or female, period. Quite leaving the parents out of raising their children. This does not belong in our schools. God help us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95405", "author": "M. BROWN", "date": "2021-02-03T13:05:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "Support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95406", "author": "Katherine Boone", "date": "2021-02-03T13:05:00", "title": "Protective legislation being considered for trans and non-binary students.", "text": "Hello - I'm writing to support protections for transgender and non-binary students in all of Virginia's public schools. These students deserve a safe place to learn and succeed, and protections will help facilitate a positive learning environment for everyone. I am a educator in both secondary schools and higher education and acutely aware of how critical it is for students to feel safe before any learning can happen.  Please consider protections for this most vulnerable student population. The research is dire in terms of mental health, suicide, usage of drugs and alcohol and failure to be successful in an educational environment. I thank you kindly for your consideration Dr. Katherine Boone"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95407", "author": "Bailey Mellott", "date": "2021-02-03T13:06:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95408", "author": "R. Doyle", "date": "2021-02-03T13:06:00", "title": "100% SUPPORT", "text": "My entire extended family is in complete, unqualified support of legislation protecting the rights of ALL individuals particularly those most left behind in the past!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95409", "author": "Jared M.", "date": "2021-02-03T13:07:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT OUR TRANS STUDENTS", "text": "I am a 22 year old trans man currently completing my final semester at VCU. I began my transition from female to male at 16, but did not begin HRT until age 18. Because of the policies in place when I attended high school (Class of ‘17) I was unable to use the boys’ bathroom for an entire two years, which resulted in me not using the restroom for over 8 hours a day 5 days a week. In health class, there was never any guidance on the health of trans bodies, which resulted in me having to find all of my information about gender dysphoria, trans mental health, etc. all online, which gave me some accurate information but a lot of false information as well. It is 2021. It is time that trans people and especially trans children are given access to the necessary care they deserve to be able to live happy and successful lives just like their cis-gender counterparts. There has been evidence of transgender and gender variant people for centuries and it is unjust to attempt to completely invalidate our exisitence. We owe it to our virginia students to pass this bill and improve their elementary and secondary school experiences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95410", "author": "A mom and a public school teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T13:07:00", "title": "Oppose---read this carefully people", "text": "Schools already have bullying & harassment policies in place.  This is pushing a much more personal issue and agenda.  If this passes, I know many public school teachers will leave to teach in the private schools and many parents will pull their kids out to home school. Good for them, but what about the lower income families who have no choice but to send their child to public schools?  Don't they have rights? They shouldn't have to worry about their child's safety in locker rooms and bathrooms. Let students dress as the gender they \"choose\" and give them a bathroom and locker room to use. DO NOT allow the majority of students who would feel VERY UNCOMFORTABLE with having THEIR rights being infringed upon. What about the kids who want to feel safe and secure with the gender GOD gave them?  What about their rights? Focus on reading, writing, history, science and math instead of pushing sex and sexual confusion onto little, impressionable minds and lives. This kind of education is not for public schools, it is for the home  and parents to discuss in their families.  NOT in the school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95411", "author": "Sarah", "date": "2021-02-03T13:09:00", "title": "I fully support all students", "text": "I support all children, including LGBTQ youth. Until society stops being bigoted, we need help in protecting children of all sexuality and gender (and color and religion....) from those who feel threatened by someone being \"different\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95412", "author": "Emma", "date": "2021-02-03T13:09:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "Absolutely do not support!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95413", "author": "Donald", "date": "2021-02-03T13:11:00", "title": "In favor, strongly support.", "text": "This is the bare minimum for protecting and including trans students. Those concerned with sports, it does not allow competing based on gender identity, so don't use that argument."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95414", "author": "Adam W", "date": "2021-02-03T13:11:00", "title": "Support!!! Thank you!! From a father and teacher", "text": "Many thanks to the members of the VA Board who are on the right side of history and working to ensure that trans students are treated with basic human dignity and respect!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95415", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:12:00", "title": "Strongly Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95416", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:12:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95417", "author": "Maggie", "date": "2021-02-03T13:12:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "As a soon to be parent I strongly support! This is basic human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95418", "author": "Melissa Graham", "date": "2021-02-03T13:13:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED!!!", "text": "I am COMPLETELY AGAINST this proposal for several reasons! The primary reason being that my parental rights are being threatened & the well being of my child & their education is being compromised by not allowing parental notification! Huge government overstep!! I am not okay with any child being bullied for any reason! But this proposal goes too far and allows too much room for error!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95419", "author": "Erica McDowell", "date": "2021-02-03T13:13:00", "title": "Support Trans Kids!", "text": "I strongly support this well-researched and evidence-based proposal. Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environments. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health. As public entities entrusted with student safety, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95420", "author": "Darlene", "date": "2021-02-03T13:13:00", "title": "Absolutely Not", "text": "Absolutely oppose. If they want special treatment, send them to a specific school of their own. My kids should not have to be forced to deal with this. Our religious vows do not accept this!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95421", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:13:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this amendment.  I will drop my daughter out of school and fully homeschool her. God already chose their genders for them and people need to stop trying to change his work and stop taking over his job. I strongly oppose this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95422", "author": "Rachael Quick", "date": "2021-02-03T13:13:00", "title": "SUPPORT!", "text": "It is so important to protect trans and nonbinary youth. They are even more vulnerable than trans and nonbinary adults."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95423", "author": "Blaine", "date": "2021-02-03T13:13:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "As humans, we naturally oppose the unknown. Some people have ignorantly explored the unknown and gotten hurt due to lack of knowledge that would otherwise could have been prevented had that person known about it before experiencing it (learning it the hard way). In this case, the unknown is transitioning persons. With the internet and social media, we cannot prevent children from knowing it exists, knowing that they have their own culture, and to a degree, emulating that culture. Educating children about it in schools will help kids make an informed decision about what they actually think about the topic, rather than subjecting them to the pressures of social media and the prejudices of their parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95424", "author": "Cory Stoner", "date": "2021-02-03T13:13:00", "title": "PROTECT TRANS LIVES", "text": "If you're losing sleep over your neighbor identifying or expressing themselves differently than you do, I can suggest some wonderful over the counter sleep aid... Stop making this about you. It takes zero effort to mind your own business. By doing so, you're showing others respect. Don't take away kids' HUMAN RIGHTS just because you can't relate or understand. I cannot believe the amount of disrespect and selfishness in this thread. Times are (finally) changing so buckle up, baby."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95425", "author": "John Lee", "date": "2021-02-03T13:14:00", "title": "I strongly oppose these guidelines", "text": "I do not, and you should not approve of these guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. These guidelines leave the parents out of the mix - a very bad and dangerous policy - both for the family and society as a whole.  It has been shown that gender dysphoria can be treated and, with help, a teen can realize and embrace their biological sex. Under these Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) guidelines, parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. These guidelines also prohibit schools from notifying parents if a biological male is using the changing facility as their daughter - a facility that was designated for girls.  There is no consideration about how this will affect the girls. Additionally, parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child's behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved \"at the school level.\" Again a bad move to keep the parents out of touch. The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. These troubling policies proposed by the VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender.  The guidelines need to be totally reworked in the light of helping teens to understand and embrace their biological sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95426", "author": "Michael B", "date": "2021-02-03T13:14:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support trans and non-binary youth. The school system should be a safe and accepting environment for trans and non-binary students. The school system should encourage acceptance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95427", "author": "emily", "date": "2021-02-03T13:14:00", "title": "strongly support an equitable learning environment for persons of all gender identities", "text": "YES"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95428", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:14:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Children/minors do not yet possess the moral agency to be coxed into making autonomic decisions about their sexual orientation. This is an independent decision that is to be made outside of the public school system, once the prefrontal cortex is fully developed. The teaching of personal sexual PREFERENCE has no place being taught in school. However, if children have questions they should not be left without resources like guidance counselors and social workers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95429", "author": "Christina", "date": "2021-02-03T13:15:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights!", "text": "Human rights apply to all people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95430", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:15:00", "title": "This needs to be revisited and revised", "text": "Children deserve protection, no matter who they are. However, there is concerning language here that allows the rights of parents to be potentially overridden, as well as the free speech rights of the teachers and other students. Holding an opposing opinion is not by default the same as bullying or aggression. There has already been a case in Westpoint,VA of a good and well liked teacher being fired for not complying to the degree demanded by a student and their parents. Nobody bothered to think of his rights, or the fact that he had a family to support. He did nothing harmful to this student, yet was treated like trash by the school administrators. This sort of silencing of differences is another face of the very thing that trans people are fighting for. Children should be taught to discuss and understand differences, and be resilient to the existence of respectful dissent. Article 1, Section 12 of the Constitution of Virginia states: \"That the freedoms of speech and of the press are among the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained except by despotic governments; that any citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; that the General Assembly shall not pass any law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, nor the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for the redress of grievances.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95431", "author": "Common Folk", "date": "2021-02-03T13:15:00", "title": "Absolutely Not", "text": "Have the people agreeing even read this?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95432", "author": "Becky Johnston", "date": "2021-02-03T13:16:00", "title": "Fully support trans student rights", "text": "I highly recommend making all students, regardless of gender identity feel supported and equal to their peers by all means necessary, and that starts with the schools.  Trans kids face a multitude of discrimination and shame in everyday life and the schools should be a safe place for them to go, be able to be who they are, without fear of retribution.  With these policies in place it will set a tone that discrimination and violence against others cannot be tolerated.  It also sends the message that teachers and others are safe people to be around and will accept students for who they are.  The third message is that they are human beings, deserving of the same rights as all others, and should never be dehumanized by others for their identity.  This is one step towards civility and wellbeing within the school setting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95433", "author": "SHC", "date": "2021-02-03T13:16:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "I oppose such preposterous legislation that infringes upon the rights of students, parents, and teachers who reject this policy.  Stop pushing against God's natural order."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95434", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:16:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans & non-binary youth deserve safety, acceptance and acknowledgment. The large majority of a child and teens life is spent in school, so this needs to be a safe place for children physically and mentally."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95435", "author": "Anne-Marie", "date": "2021-02-03T13:16:00", "title": "Support Transgender Rights", "text": "It is time to support the human rights of all Americans no matter their race their gender or their culture. All children should have a safe place in school this includes most importantly transgender children and all other children that are not fully embraced by our society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95436", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:17:00", "title": "No!!!", "text": "Please understand this is nothing to do with taking away the rights of transgender students, this is about safety of all students. I have personally been sexually abused by other students in the past OUT IN THE OPEN. If access is given to them to go in any bathroom/ locker room, it will be BAD. I’m truly sorry that transgenders are uncomfortable in their own skin, but that doesn’t give them the right to take away everyone else’s rights/safety! This is NOT OKAY! Focus on school! Not feelings!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95437", "author": "Meagan McGee, HCPS", "date": "2021-02-03T13:17:00", "title": "I support guidance", "text": "I am a middle school teacher and support my students being their true selves.  I support without judgement or malice. I stand against prejudice and discrimination of Trans and Non-Binary students, as well as any member of the LGBTQ+ community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95438", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:18:00", "title": "In Support", "text": "I am in Support of trans rights in Virginia"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95439", "author": "Schyler C", "date": "2021-02-03T13:18:00", "title": "Strongly support this guidance document", "text": "Transgender rights are human rights. It is necessary and life-saving for LGBT sex education to be included in general sex education curriculum. Sex education does not solely give 'advice' on sex as a practice but rather explains and supports students in their self discovery and self exploration. This includes everything from masturbation, pleasure, consent to self expression, gender identity and sexual orientation identity. All humans (including teens and children) should have the forum and platform to explore and learn about themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91307", "author": "Anne-Marie Maginnis", "date": "2021-01-24T19:38:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This does not respect the freedom of speech or the freedom of religion of students - and parents - who adhere to the the truth that sex is determined by our biology. Public schools need to be respectful of ALL the public they serve."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91308", "author": "Lori Thompson", "date": "2021-01-24T19:39:00", "title": "I support the guidance", "text": "I want ALL children to be able to focus on their education by having schools provide a safe and inclusive environment, where LGBTQ students feel supported and respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91309", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T19:54:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE Proposed Transgender Policies by VDOE", "text": "Thank you for the opportunity to comment. I believe any reasonable citizen of the state and of this nation understands and supports the concept of ensuring that everyone's individual rights are respected and honored including, specific to this subject, those citizens who identify as transgender individuals. However, the concepts that are being advanced in this policy initiative go far beyond ensuring that those rights are respected. There is a well-known saying in this country that one person's rights end where another's begin. This proposed policy exemplifies an egregious violation of this concept. Rather than simply ensuring transgender citizens' rights are honored, these policies are trampling on the rights of parents and children who have every right to not embrace this lifestyle in their own lives.  Embedded in this policy is a prohibition forbidding parents from teaching their children the values that they have every right to believe in and practice. According to this proposed policy, doing so would result in severe punitive actions against the child. Additionally, in my opinion, you have no right to engage in severe disciplinary actions against a child and to purposefully withhold those actions from the parent. In summary, this policy is clearly employing intimidation and bullying tactics to advance a moral belief that should not have to be embraced to attend public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91310", "author": "Bev Guthrie", "date": "2021-01-24T19:55:00", "title": "Oppose, Oppose, Oppose", "text": "This policy, if approved is very dangerous for our children, community, country and world.  To force this policy on children and families is in itself harassment.  You are talking about allowing a small minority of children to dictate to the majority how they must act. There are only two genders.  To even suggest otherwise damages children and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91311", "author": "Bethany Matheson", "date": "2021-01-24T20:08:00", "title": "I support this bill", "text": "I support this bill. Trans youth and LBGTQIA+ youth are at high risk for suicide and mental health concerns. These children need our support to navigate their lives just as all children need love and support to guide them. I hope that the VaDOE adopts an inclusive policy that holds all leaders, teachers and staff accountable to these youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91312", "author": "Mary, Arlington VA resident", "date": "2021-01-24T20:12:00", "title": "I oppose the VDOE draft transgender policies", "text": "I oppose the draft transgender policies put forward by the VDOE.  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.  The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children and educate them on issues of sex and gender identity at an appropriate time.  And schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions.”  I am extremely concerned about the trend to assume that children -- whom we don't trust to make a whole host of key decisions about their wellbeing because of their not yet fully developed brains and emotions -- can make at times irreversible decisions about their gender identity at extremely young ages.  Children go through many stages, some of them quite contradictory, and should not be encouraged to take these irreversible decisions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91313", "author": "R H", "date": "2021-01-24T20:21:00", "title": "I do not approve/strongly disagree", "text": "I do not approve/strongly disagree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91314", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T20:30:00", "title": "Gender Dysphoria is Real, but Forcing Transgender Ideology on Kids is Wrong", "text": "Anyone experiencing gender dysphoria deserves compassion and real love. But forcing transgender ideology on our kids in some kind of social experiment is wrong. I'm sure most the people who support this policy similarly want all kids, no matter what they are experiencing, to be loved and not mistreated. That intention is laudable. But force feeding children the dogmas of secular progressivism isn't loving them, telling confused kid they are actually not confused isn't loving them. There are millions of Virginians who still believe sex is a biological reality, and that feelings don't determine reality. At the very minimum, make some room for them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91315", "author": "Lisa Kearns", "date": "2021-01-24T20:36:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91316", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T20:36:00", "title": "I oppose new VDOE guidance's assault on children and parents", "text": "This policy seeks to force the state's public school students to positively affirm those suffering from the disorder of gender dysphoria. Equally as appalling, this draft guidance also seeks to undermine parents' authority to educate their children in the area of sexual mores. If imposed, this guidance will force students and parents who object to this offensive intrusion into this sensitive area, to either protest loudly and constantly, and, or pull their children out of Virginia's public schools. Accommodation may be able to be made for students suffering from the gender dysphoria disorder, but brainwashing all students and staff, and proposing to spy on and turn-in parent to CPS, is not only wrong-headed, it is an assault on the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy, and religion. This is a dangerous draft policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91317", "author": "A praying great grandma", "date": "2021-01-24T20:48:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Warped Sexual Teaching in Schools", "text": "How awful to confuse children with lgbt teaching and letting them decide which bathroom, etc. to use.This goes against the teaching of God and will have dire consequences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91318", "author": "Catherine Feeney", "date": "2021-01-24T21:00:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender policy", "text": "This policy is not thinking of all the children that will be harmed. This will negatively affect mental health of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91319", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T21:08:00", "title": "Preserve the Privacy of Girls in the Lockers and Bathrooms", "text": "Females students deserve to have an environment where the locker and bathroom is a place where only females are allowed. Permitting males who identify as females is a breach of privacy and places our young women in a place where they can be abused and taken advantage of."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91320", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T21:29:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly OPPOSE this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91321", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-24T21:29:00", "title": "Keep Boys and Girls In Separate Rooms During Overnight Field Trips", "text": "Boys and girls should be kept in separate rooms during over night field trips. There is no place for children and adolescents of the opposite sex to be in the same room overnight. This is a breach of trust between the school and the parent and also of the school and the student. This policy would contribute to the mental health of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91322", "author": "Dale and Karina Gilbert", "date": "2021-01-24T21:41:00", "title": "OPPOSE! YOU CAN'T CHANGE YOUR DNA! STOP THE LIES! PROTECT OUR KIDS", "text": "OPPOSE! YOU CAN'T CHANGE YOUR DNA! STOP THE LIES! PROTECT OUR KIDS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91323", "author": "Sharon", "date": "2021-01-24T22:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose DOE transgender policy. This would only spread the confusion concerning gender int", "text": "The proposed regulation would only spread the confusion concerning gender into our open classrooms while denying parents their rights to be most intimately involved in their children's life decisions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91324", "author": "Sara - Virginia Teacher", "date": "2021-01-24T22:11:00", "title": "Oppose. Being an experienced teacher myself, I strongly oppose this bill.", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill. I have worked as a teacher in an elementary school since 2004 and this is completely inappropriate. While I teach with an unbiased opinion on every topic, I cannot hide the truth that you are born with a specific gender. This goes into teaching about life choices. We might as well encourage young people to smoke, drink, and use drugs because it feels good and they want to try it. Completely inappropriate. Plus, children are minors. To ask educators to hide a student’s choice from parents is completely unethical. In addition, allowing all genders to enter any locker room, opens up possibility for abuse of the innocent. Privacy should be protected for boys and girls. There are handicapped bathrooms for single use. Teachers are already struggling to stay in the schools based upon rules from Covid. This bill will empty the classrooms of amazing teachers, to include myself."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91325", "author": "Marianne Vakiener", "date": "2021-01-24T22:11:00", "title": "Support the guidelines", "text": "I am happy that my state is helping trans and non-binary students feel safe at school. Although my children are past high school age, I know the pain their trans classmates felt during high school. We need teachers, administrators and staff to get the training needed to help make schools safer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91326", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T00:43:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this guidance.  It is so important to the well-being of our youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91327", "author": "Amy Adams", "date": "2021-01-25T02:10:00", "title": "This parent Overwhelmingly supports", "text": "As a mother of 3 school aged children, I very much support these guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91328", "author": "James V. Rives", "date": "2021-01-25T07:04:00", "title": "Opposed for various reasons", "text": "As a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in and living in Virginia, I oppose these model policies, as I believe they will have an overall negative effect on students. Allowing students of the opposite natal sex into restrooms and changing areas will cause distress for many children who struggle with anxiety, girls who are menstruating, and especially girls who have been traumatized in certain ways. These policies would govern not only restroom use but also everyday speech. (See Model Policy draft, pp. 12-13.) Because the policies would apply to the entire student population, they would create confusion in impressionable minds, and needlessly: even among children who do experience gender dysphoria, most of them will accept their natal sex after adolescence. (See my footnotes 1, 2, 3.) I find it reckless that these policies generally prohibit staff from disclosing a change in a student’s gender expression to his/her parents (draft, p. 12). Given the increased rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm in children with gender dysphoria (see my footnote 4), parents should be notified and involved if their child exhibits gender dysphoric ideation or behavior. Rather than adopting these policies, which eliminate protected areas for natal girls and mandate transgender-informed grammar for everyone, schools should instead persist in zero tolerance for bullying and provide individualized accommodations as needed for students with gender dysphoria, such as more single-user restrooms and changing areas, in easily accessible or discreet locations, depending on student needs. James V. Rives, M.D. Arlington, Virginia 1. Steensma, T.D. and Cohen-Kettenis, P.T., “More Than Two Developmental Pathways in Children with Gender Dysphoria,” Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Vol. 54, No. 2, February 2015, pp. 147-148. The persistence rate in this study was 27%. The authors’ survey of other studies suggested a persistence rate averaging about 16%. 2. Steensma, T.D., et al, “Factors associated with desistence and persistence of childhood gender dysphoria: a quantitative follow-up study.” Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , 2013, June 52(6) pp. 582-590. The persistence rate in this study was 37%. The authors’ survey of other studies showed persistence rates ranging from 2% to 27%. 3. American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), Arlington, VA, 2013, p. 455 – note the various study outcomes considered by the APA DSM-5 task force regarding persistence of gender dysphoria beyond adolescence. 4. Garcia-Vega, E., et al, “Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in persons with gender dysphoria,” Psicothema , 2018, Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 283-288."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91329", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T07:16:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation.  All other students should not be subjected to being seen or seeing the opposite sex in locker rooms - no matter how they see themselves.  Teachers already have so much to do to make sure our students are prepared for the future - they should not have to worry about getting disciplined for accidentally calling a student by the gender said student doesn’t identify with.  This is a slippery slope."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91330", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T07:16:00", "title": "statewide transgender policy", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91331", "author": "Steve", "date": "2021-01-25T07:16:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91332", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T07:17:00", "title": "strongly oppose transgender policy", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91333", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T07:39:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Policy!", "text": "Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. It is necessary for children to be comfortable at school. Majority of children would be uncomfortable to have to share the locker room, bathroom, etc. with members of the opposite sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91334", "author": "Rosa Castellano", "date": "2021-01-25T08:04:00", "title": "support", "text": "Hello, I support policies that protect transgender and non-binary youth in schools. It should go without saying that all our students deserve polices that work to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. If kids are meant to learn while in school then we must have policies that will allow trans and non-binary youth to be safer from bulllying, harassment, and discrimination at the hands of their peers, teachers, and school staff and administrators therefore, I support the VDOE model polices."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91335", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T08:09:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I'm strongly opposed to these measures as an injustice to children and parents. It is laudable to want to ease the sufferings of others, but this proposal in seeking to accommodate one group, cuts against parental rights, student safety, and freedom of speech."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91336", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T08:20:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I'm strongly opposed to these measures as an injustice to children and parents. It is laudable to want to ease the sufferings of others, but this proposal in seeking to accommodate one group, cuts against parental rights, student safety, and freedom of speech."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91337", "author": "Scarlett Pons", "date": "2021-01-25T08:24:00", "title": "“I support the guidance.", "text": "As a parent with children attending our public schools we strongly support this guidance!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91338", "author": "Dr. Catherine Casey", "date": "2021-01-25T08:26:00", "title": "Support Trans Student Protections", "text": "As a primary care physician who treats trans and nonbinary patients of all ages, I see how discrimination directly impacts the health of my patients.  Trans and nonbinary students are subjected to physical violence and bullying in schools at far higher rates than non-trans students.  A trans friend of mine was beaten when they were in high school - for using EITHER the men's or the women's bathrooms.  Lack of acceptance at school and at home leads to a significant increase in suicide risk.  With a higher proportion of students identifying as transgender or nonbinary than ever before, having clear protections for them is more important than ever."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91339", "author": "Shellie Coleman", "date": "2021-01-25T08:28:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "As parents that should love our kids unconditionally for who they are, we should all support this. What if this was YOUR child? If you don't want the best for them, then shame on yall."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91340", "author": "Aiden Barnes", "date": "2021-01-25T08:45:00", "title": "Support Transgender Student Protections", "text": "I support the guidance on transgender student protections.  I have friends and family members that are transgender, and it breaks my heart to hear their stories of unsupportive parents and bullying.  If it weren't were for their friends, I'm not sure where they'd be.  We can't change their home life, but we can make sure they are safe and welcomed at their schools. I want every child to have the same chance at a happy and successful life, and that starts with their education!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91341", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T08:47:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose! Medical Decisions without Parental Consent", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender guidance document. Minors need their parents’ consent and protection for their health and psychological well-being. If a student is struggling with their gender identity, PARENTS NEED TO KNOW, so that they can proactively support their children in healthy ways. We know that people with gender-identity struggles often suffer from depression and other life-threatening conditions. Depriving parents of this knowledge about their children ENDANGERS THE CHILDREN’S LIVES! All students also need protection from unwanted sexual contact. Students who feel uncomfortable sharing bathrooms and locker rooms with people who have different sexual anatomy MUST NOT BE FORCED to do so. If this measure goes through, PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL LOSE ENROLLMENT from families who refuse to force their children to expose themselves in this way, and who refuse to send their children to a school that is committed to deliberately deceiving the parents. Furthermore, children who go through social gender “transition” without proper medical and parental support WILL SUFFER PSYCHOLOGICAL HARM."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91342", "author": "Dave Gent, Public School Teacher", "date": "2021-01-25T08:48:00", "title": "SUPPORT this much needed legislation!", "text": "This bill will save lives.  I have worked with students for years and this legislation finally fills in a gap of support that has existed for years.  Science based and comprehensive this provides exactly the kind of guidance schools need to make sure that local policies are being made with the interest of students in mind and not just capitulating to the vocal religious minority who want to insist that everyone must do things their way while demanding that they be allowed to use their faith as a weapon to hurt children.  Protect our kids and pass this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91343", "author": "Paul Thomas", "date": "2021-01-25T08:50:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This proposed approach is more about ideology that actually helping those who need help.  It will cause polarization and negative results - please try a different approach and absolutely"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91344", "author": "Julia Taylor", "date": "2021-01-25T09:00:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a healthcare provider to youth, I support this guidance. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91345", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T09:01:00", "title": "Fully Support Protections for Transgender Students", "text": "We must ensure a safe learning environment for ALL students, especially those who are vulnerable because they are atypical. Please implement additional guidance that protects transgender students rights to access a safe leaning environment"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91346", "author": "dawn maura keeler", "date": "2021-01-25T09:07:00", "title": "OPPOESE", "text": "A young impressionable child is strongly influenced by those around him. To lock a child into an identity at such a young impressionable age a crime. Transgenderism is a SYMPTOM like alcoholism of a deeper emotional problem. Just as AA works wonders for alcoholics so could treatment for a troubled confused child from surely a difficult family setting. You/We have NO Right to bend God's laws. God created Man and Woman.....Let me suggest that you read Genesis. If you think a day of reckoning isn't coming to each one of us.... perhaps you might want to think again. Blessings to you"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91347", "author": "Jessica Simmons", "date": "2021-01-25T09:08:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I have a transgender brother, and I see the struggles he faces in school every day. He is scared to change in the proper locker rooms, use the bathroom, or even speak in class. Transgender people are NOT predatory. Going to the bathroom in a stall is not hurting anyone. And while we do have freedom of speech and religion, I would like to think that we also have empathy. And care about supporting our peers in any way that we can, instead of just worrying about our own benefit or how we may need to change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91348", "author": "Carol Hertz", "date": "2021-01-25T09:12:00", "title": "new transgender speak guidelines for schools", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91349", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T09:12:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91350", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T09:23:00", "title": "OPPOSE - this is a mental illness issue", "text": "Facilities and activities should be based on gender someone was born as.  Transgenderism is a mental illness and should be treated compassionately as such.  Stop subjecting our children to these idiotic  liberal ideas .  If someone identifies as a person of another race, it is rejected.  But someone decides to  be a different gender and is embraced?  Follow the science!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91351", "author": "Charlotte McConnell", "date": "2021-01-25T09:25:00", "title": "We need GSA's at the middle school level. too many students are afraid to approach school staff to sponsor a GSA because students don't know which staff members are allies.", "text": "I support the model policies for Transgender students. I think it is important that we respect transgender students. They should be able to use their affirming name and pronouns without parental permission. ? Allow transgender students to use their chosen name on non-legal records without legal intervention and provide a consistent, clear, and publicly available path for students to notify the school to update their chosen name on non-legal records. ? Ensure that all documentation which identifies students maintains their confidentiality ? Require school staff to consistently use a student’s chosen name and hold them accountable when they do not. ? Allow transgender students to use their chosen pronouns, including non-binary pronouns such as the singular form of “they,” in school without legal or medical interventions. Provide a clear path for students to notify the school to update their gender identity on non-legal records. ? Require school staff to consistently use a student’s chosen pronoun and hold them accountable when they do not. We should not delay implementing these policies. We need these polices now before more harm is done to transgender and gender nonconforming students. In the absence of a clear policy regarding using chosen pronouns at LCPS, teachers have been advised to report students to guidance when a student asks to use pronouns different from their registration. The guidance counselor then contacts the parents to confirm the use of the chosen pronouns. This not only \"outs\" the child, possibly creating an unsafe home environment but forces LCPS staff to misgender students. This is contrary to best practices which state that chosen names and pronouns should be affirmed. We must be proactive in supporting LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. We need clear and consistent policies and practices across LCPS that affirm and support LGBTQ+ students. Sharing trans status with families p. 12 School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status, and schools should address this on a case-by-case basis. If a student is not ready or able to safely share with their family about their transgender status, this should be respected. There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity, and school staff should work with students to help them share the information with their family when they are ready to do so. Names and pronouns if parents and students disagree p.13 We should respect the student's request. In the situation when parents or guardians of a minor student (under 18 years of age) do not agree with the student’s request to adopt a new name and pronouns, school divisions will need to determine whether to respect the student’s request, abide by the parent’s wishes to continue using the student’s legal name and sex assigned at birth, or develop an alternative that respects both the student and the parents. This process will require consideration of short-term solutions to address the student’s emotional needs to be affirmed at school as well as the long-term goal of assisting the family in developing solutions in their child’s best interest. For example, a plan may include addressing the student at school with their asserted name and pronoun while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians. Names and pronouns in school records and daily use p.14 School divisions should develop solutions to support a transgender student’s wishes for privacy. For example, schools could consider maintaining the student’s legal name and sex assigned at birth as sensitive information in their student information system that requires additional privilege to access. The student information system can then separately include the asserted name and gender identity as additional information that is used to the greatest extent possible to populate school-related documents and are available to other users. The protection of the student’s legal name and gender as sensitive information would prevent a student’s transgender status from being disclosed, such as by a substitute teacher. In situations where school divisions are required to use or to report a transgender student’s legal name or sex assigned at birth, such as for purposes of standardized testing or student data reporting to the VDOE, school staff should adopt practices to avoid the inadvertent disclosure of such information. Additionally, schools should eliminate gender markers from their forms, documents, and records when feasible. Gendered activities for all students p. 16 School divisions should review any gender-based policies, rules, and practices to determine whether they serve a legitimate educational goal or otherwise non-discriminatory purpose. Any single-gender activity or program should not be premised on generalizations or stereotypes about the different talents, capacities, or preferences of any gender. For example, the composition of choruses should be gender-inclusive and based only on vocal range or quality requirements. Overnight trips p. 16 For overnight field trips, the school should not force the student into single-occupancy accommodations that are not required for other students; however, such alternative accommodations should be made available to any student requesting them. It is important that school divisions adopt policies and procedures that are focused on the safety of all students and seek to address privacy interests in situations involving individuals undressing or showering. School divisions should ensure that all students who participate in extracurricular activities that involve overnight trips are aware of the school’s policies and options available to them in advance. Restrooms and locker rooms p. 17 Students should be allowed to use the facility that corresponds to their consistently asserted gender identity. Menstrual supplies in all restrooms p. 17 Additionally, § 22.1-6.1 of the Code of Virginia requires each school board to make menstrual supplies available at all times and at no cost to students in accessible locations in each elementary school and in the bathrooms of each middle and high school. Accordingly, these supplies should be made available in all bathrooms to be gender-inclusive. Professional development p. 18 Periodic professional development should minimally be provided to school mental health professionals (SMHPs), such as school-based counselors, psychologists, and social workers. p.19 Local school divisions should coordinate the various professional development activities for consistency, including incorporating LGBTQ+ student considerations into training opportunities of other topics. Forms and processes p. 19 processes, including forms or templates, should be developed to support students or parents requesting a name and gender change and requesting an action plan to support the student’s transition. Inclusive curriculum p.20 We need to include our LGBTQIA+ community in curriculum, we need same sex parents included and pictured in Family Life Education, we need them included in history and literature. We need to ensure every library contains books students can identify with, including positive LGBTQIA+ characters and plots. School divisions may take an inclusive approach by incorporating educational content that is transgender affirming into the general education curriculum, such as history, literature, and science. . .. School divisions should also initiate efforts to curate an inclusive library collection. Student clubs p.20 We need GSA's at the middle school level. too many students are afraid to approach school staff to sponsor a GSA because students don't know which staff members are allies. schools should support the formation of student clubs or programs regarding issues related to LGBTQ youth such as Gay-Straight Alliances or Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), ensuring that these are equally easy to establish in relation to other student clubs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91352", "author": "Brendan", "date": "2021-01-25T09:33:00", "title": "I support Transgender student bills", "text": "I support equal rights for all genders. No discrimination in America!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91353", "author": "Tracy Sarang", "date": "2021-01-25T09:35:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I am a teacher and the mother of five. I strongly support this guidance. This guidance will allow schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures that they need to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students, especially LGBTQ youth. These policies will help to keep our LGBTQ youth safer from bullying, harassment and discrimination at the hands of other students, as well as school staff and administrators. I strongly support this guidance that will be so important so so many LGBTQ youth across Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91354", "author": "Elke Zschaebitz", "date": "2021-01-25T09:35:00", "title": "Transgender/Non-binary Health and Well-Being", "text": "Many people may or may not know people around them that may identify as Transgender or Non-binary.  There are around 2 percent of the population (Children who are questioning with persistent dysphoria, and adolescents and adults).  It's a small group, but a vulnerable group who face hateful comments and discrimination which affects their mental health and ability to thrive in our community.  If you would like--I have been involved in educational initiatives at UVA, VCU, and Georgetown and beyond on national and international levels and my belief is that the voices of these individuals (personal and moving) would have anyone who listened--change their minds about whatever they think they know about these wonderful people.   My clinical practice has approximately 2500 health visits a year and I am one of the founding members of the Transgender Health Care Alliance of Central Virginia. Happy to educate or share the authentic voices of these wonderful people with their permission.  Thank you for representing all people!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91355", "author": "Deanna Bayer", "date": "2021-01-25T09:37:00", "title": "Trans Student Policy", "text": "I am a mother, a grandmother and a great-grandmother. I write in support of the Trans Student Policy that was passed in the 2020 legislation session. Children are precious. We must all stand up to protect them. These guidelines are for all children.They are to protect our Trans student population. To insure that the guidelines for all Virginia's children have the same protection. That they are safe at school. That no one will be allowed to bully and discriminate against them. That the schools will not tolerate bullying by students, teachers or staff. It is also for the entire student body of Virginia's schools. It teaches our children to be good citizens. It teaches all students to be caring, supportive and inclusive. It teaches them the bullying is wrong and will not be tolerated. Our children learn to be good citizens and caring human beings. All children must be safe in our schools so that they are free to concentrate their energies on education. In out America there is NO ACCEPTABLE reason to be against these guidelines. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make a statement in support of our children and the Trans Student Policy Guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91356", "author": "Joe Veoni", "date": "2021-01-25T09:40:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "This misguided policy tears down many of the explicit existing policies that protect the safety and wellness (both physical and emotional) of students.  To say that physical  characteristics now have limited bearing on the gender identity of a student is insane.  The human species are born either male and female for a reason.  To turn this upside down is both an insult to science and to the common sense of millions of Virginia residents.  To allow males to compete in female sports and activities and vice versa is an insult to all of these young men and women strive to compete and be the best they can be relative to fair competition. What in the name of normalcy are you law makers thinking!?!  Those lawmakers who are supporting this unbelievably ridiculous document make it easy for me to cast my vote at the next election.  Look yourself in the mirror and ask \"does this really make sense\".  I think you know the answer...... NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91357", "author": "Father of Three", "date": "2021-01-25T09:42:00", "title": "Transgender School Policy", "text": "Strongly oppose this gender confusion agenda"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91358", "author": "John Anderson", "date": "2021-01-25T09:56:00", "title": "No", "text": "I strongly do not support this proposal. This proposal breakdowns and dismisses Family’s    well-being and trust for children. Family is the core the child feeling loved and cared for, which is Paramount.  School and teachers are there for education and yes some safe environments around that. But to say teachers Could guide their students correctly in gender identity, is basically saying a plumber to do electricity. Teachers are not parents and there strictly to do education. This proposal makes it confusing for all kids. I strongly believe all peoples have struggles with identity and sometimes gender identity. But to leave the family out of it, will be detrimental to society and it will break down families – – which are the back bone of a good society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91359", "author": "JM", "date": "2021-01-25T10:01:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91360", "author": "Casey Cook", "date": "2021-01-25T10:03:00", "title": "Thank You", "text": "After thoroughly reading this document I can say that I feel hopeful for my future life in Virginia. I am a first year educator who moved here from out of state and I was quite afraid that moving 'to the south' would put me at a higher risk of interacting with policies and people who were against the existence of LGBTQA+ individuals. These policies give me hope that my students, my future family, and I wilI be given the compassion owned to all humans despite our gender or sexual identity. I feel confident that the Virginian government is solidly pointed in the right direction with these policies and I am excited to encourage my administration to adapt and exceed them. Thank you and keep up the hard work!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91361", "author": "Youth Educator", "date": "2021-01-25T10:07:00", "title": "NO.  NO.  a thousand times NO!", "text": "Transgender confusion warps a child's mind. Girls sharing bathrooms with boys who think they are girls violates the privacy of both sexes. Girls competing in sports with boys who think they are girls (and boys competing with girls who think they are boys) is an unfair competition.  It compares apples to oranges. This confusion is not healthy.  This confusion will lead to more teen suicides. Strongly Oppose.  Absolutely not.  The solution is to mentor the child through their difficult stages of adolescence in healthy and purposeful ways. Model policies disregard role of parents The Virginia Catholic Conference is the public policy agency representing Virginia’s Catholic bishops and their two dioceses. For the following reasons, the Conference opposed HB 145 and SB 161 during the 2020 Virginia General Assembly session and now urges the Department of Education to reject the proposed model regulations drafted in response to that legislation: 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. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. For a school system to facilitate a child’s, particularly a young child’s, “gender transition” is not leadership but rather irresponsibility. Role of parents Just as parents must give consent for over-the-counter medications, field trips and extracurricular activities, they have the constitutional right to guide the healthcare and education of their children. The U.S. Supreme Court has noted: The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations. [1] Parents know their children better than anyone and have their best interests in mind. When children find themselves struggling with gender dysphoria, they need their parents’ support and counsel. Yet, t he Department has premised its regulations on a blanket endorsement of gender identity theory that diverges sharply from the views of many parents. In doing so, it has made a policy determination not referenced anywhere in the underlying legislation and therefore not delegated to it by the General Assembly; that unauthorized policy assumption states: For many people, their gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. For others, their internalized gender identity does not necessarily correspond to the sex assigned at birth, where the gender identity may be one in a range such as transgender, nonbinary, or gender-expansive . Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six (Lamb & Lerner, 2015). Alarmingly, the proposed regulations assert as fact that children declare their gender identity by kindergarten or first grade. Moreover, the document would virtually codify gender identity theory into statewide educational policy without acknowledging that there are undisputed scientific truths to the contrary. For example, neuroscientist and author Debra H. Soh, Ph.D. , has written, “Biological sex refers to whether we are female or male, based on our anatomy and reproductive functions. The concept of sex is, by definition, binary.” Dr. Stephen B. Levine, M.D. , a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, has testified that : Sex as defined by biology and reproductive function cannot be changed. While hormonal and surgical procedures may enable some individuals to \"pass\" as the opposite gender during some or all of their lives, such procedures carry with them physical, psychological, and social risks, and no procedures can enable an individual to perform the reproductive role of the opposite sex. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity: “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Dr. Levine has also noted: For a child to live radically different identities at home and at school, and to conceal what he or she perceives to be his or her true identity from parents, is psychologically unhealthy in itself. The DOE proposal thus undercuts open and honest conversation between parents and their children. It also obstructs parents from active involvement in the life of their child at school. Moreover, the proposed guidance document violates the presumption of parental autonomy in Virginia. Code Sec. 1-240.1 provides that a parent has the fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education and care of the parent’s child . Finally, the proposed regulations provide no accommodations for students and teachers whose sincerely and deeply held religious beliefs and understanding of matters of gender and human sexuality do not accord with the views underlying the proposed policies. This tyouth educator, therefore, opposes the proposed “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.”"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91362", "author": "VA Teacher", "date": "2021-01-25T10:12:00", "title": "Oppose!!!!!  Don't be fooled by misguided compassion.  This leads to teen suicide!", "text": "Transgender confusion is just that confusion. The truth will set you free! The truth is that each person is created either male or female.  Respecting that truth sets one free! Transgenderism leads to confusion.  Such that teens no longer know who they are!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91363", "author": "Mother", "date": "2021-01-25T10:17:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE Proposed Transgender Policies by VDOE", "text": "In essence, this does more harm than good."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91364", "author": "Dr Lindsey Waldman MD", "date": "2021-01-25T10:27:00", "title": "support this bill", "text": "As a pediatric endocrinologist, I strongly support the protection of trans youth.  Please save lives.  Please support this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91365", "author": "joanne seale", "date": "2021-01-25T10:27:00", "title": "NO to Transgender Policy", "text": "This policy crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology.  Furthermore, scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence. Another aspect of this being bad policy is that it opens the door to defining Christian, Bible believing parents, or others of faith who don't agree with or comply with transgender politics as \"abusers.\"  It encourages schools to deceive parents by telling the students they can hide vital information from their parents that could make a life-saving difference in the students' lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91366", "author": "Lauren", "date": "2021-01-25T10:37:00", "title": "No!", "text": "Strongly oppose on every level."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91367", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-25T10:42:00", "title": "No! No! No!", "text": "Stop indoctrinating our kids!  This is child abuse.  Stay out of sex related education.  If a kid has gender concerns, guide them talk with a social worker or psychologist.  Don't punish my child for the sake of a small percentage who may or may not have gender dysphoria.  You all are going to loose a lot more than the 9,000 you've lost this year if you keep pushing this ungodly agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91368", "author": "Laura", "date": "2021-01-25T11:03:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose this will do more harm then good for all involved!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91369", "author": "Lisanne Boddye", "date": "2021-01-25T11:17:00", "title": "Support for equitable access to education", "text": "As a child and adolescent, I was bullied because my peers believed I was a lesbian and that was not tolerated in my small town. People literally followed me  home from school regularly as they physically assaulted me. I'd like to think in our \"woke\" culture that this isn't the case anymore, but I know this is not true. In fact, I am close with a family whose transgender daughter was assaulted right outside her classroom - to the point that she lost consciousness. She was assaulted after her peers confirmed that she had been assigned male at birth. The response from the school was disgustingly negligent. The child and her family? They felt the need to move, yet again, having already changed schools three times in the previous two years. From a developmental standpoint, gender identity aside, every time a child changes schools it sets them back academically at least 6 months. This is alarming. Let's add in the challenges that occur when a child is bullied, and compound that with the comorbid issues of anxiety and depression, possible body dysmorphia, and the fact that GROWN ADULTS are telling CHILDREN that they are monstrosities...and you can see a rapid spiral that undermines any effort the larger society might be making to educate our young people. There is no space in education for institutionalized discrimination, regardless of status. The children aren't going to school to be judged on anything other than their academic merits. The fact that there are parents on here who are opposed is appalling to me, as a parent of 5 myself. It is pure ignorance to think that another child who is struggling with their identity has to also incorporate the pressures of their greater society's judgment as well, in a space that should be reasonably insulated from those same pressures. The thing is, those young people eventually grow up. They grow up, and they remember all the terrible things people said to them and about them. And then they change the world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91370", "author": "Lawrence Schmidle", "date": "2021-01-25T11:21:00", "title": "Oppose VDOE Transgender Policy for 2021-2022", "text": "First of all, I absolutely support the policy that no student should receive unfair treatment by students or faculty in public schools due to their sex or sexual orientation.  I am writing to oppose the proposed VDOE policy for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia Public Schools for the 2021-2022 school year regarding the following issues: If students are to be treated equally, then there should be no distinction between how students are treated consistent with their gender identity.  To treat someone different because of their gender identity is by definition discrimination. Forcing school staff to refer to a student by the student’s preferred pronoun violates the school staff’s freedom of speech.  This violates the first amendment by prohibiting the free exercise of religion and abridging the freedom of speech.  How can a person’s perceived emotional needs restrict someone else’s rights, and possibly effect their own emotional needs? “It is important that school divisions adopt policies and procedures that are focused on the safety of all students and seek to address privacy interests in situations involving individuals undressing or showering (pg 17).”  If this is true, then allowing students that are biologically different from their gender identity to access a restroom or locker room that is designated for students of the opposite biological sex, violates the privacy interests of the cisgender students.  Why should a transgender student’s preference, violate multiple student’s privacy interests?  This would restrict cisgender student’s “access to restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities that are sanitary, safe, and adequate, so that they can comfortably and fully engage in their school programs and activities (pg 17).”   If a cisgender student’s privacy interests are violated by this policy, will a “multi-disciplinary school team meet with the student (and parents/guardians) to develop a plan to accommodate the student’s needs and requests (pg 20)?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91371", "author": "Kimberly Rosene", "date": "2021-01-25T11:23:00", "title": "No to Transgender indoctrination in our schools", "text": "I want my objection to Transgender indoctrination in our schools to go on record.  I believe that all children should be able to receive an education free of bullying for any reason.  However I do not believe it is the school's job to teach, promote or encourage any child to question or reject their gender, or teach them that somehow the gender they are born with is wrong.  No one is \"assigned\" a gender, unless one is born a hermaphrodite, which is rare.  I believe it is the basest of child abuse to confuse children about their sexual identity or make them feel guilty about to which gender they were born, not assigned."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91372", "author": "Matt Sontag", "date": "2021-01-25T11:26:00", "title": "Strongly Support Consistent, Compassionate Guidelines", "text": "All students, regardless of their gender identity or expression, should be permitted to attend school without stigma, bullying, or discrimination.  All school districts should be required to adopt policies to help eliminate those negative behaviors, on the part of both a student's classmates and the professionals with whom they interact. As a cisgender gay man, I well remember the negative experiences tied to my refusal to conform to gender stereotypes - I would not repeat primary or secondary school for anything because of it. For example, the fact that I enjoyed playing with My Little Pony during elementary school was clearly something I had to hide from everyone but my closest friends, of whom there were very few. The isolation I experienced has unquestionably shaped my life - while I am happy as I am, I cannot help but wonder how differently my own life would have turned out were I not forced to hide large portions of myself until college. I cannot imagine how much worse the experience would be as a fully transgender or gender-nonbinary individual. I take great exception with the idea that people do not know who they are at a young age - we accept without argument that cisgender people understand their gender identity. As far back as elementary school, I understood that I was gay.  I may not have known that there was a single, encapsulating word that articulated why my male friends had crushes on girls and I had crushes on boys, but I certainly understood that I did. Gender behavior norms are taught; the prejudice against those who do not conform to them is taught. It is time that we established a framework that allowed people to express themselves on whatever side of those gender norms they would like without fearing for their safety (mental or physical).  Consistent standards across all school districts is one key way to ensure that the best available approaches are being used to benefit the most people.  Our schools should teach science, math, english, history, art, sports - not hate, division, or discrimination. As a Virginia cisgender man, I strongly support this guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91373", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T11:35:00", "title": "No agree with transexual in bathroom", "text": "I do not agree with this new upcoming law because then people could enter the bathroom acting like a transsexual but could end up being a seducer or could do something wrong to our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91374", "author": "Alexis Light, MD", "date": "2021-01-25T11:40:00", "title": "Strongly support this bill - has basis in best evidence", "text": "As an obgyn in Virginia, and expert in transgender health, I strongly support this bill.  It is based in science and current based evidence."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91375", "author": "Yohance Whitaker", "date": "2021-01-25T11:46:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance because Virginia schools should be safe and inclusive environments for all of our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91376", "author": "ZITA DESA", "date": "2021-01-25T11:50:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to transgender policies, bathroom and classroom indoctrination.", "text": "Please kindly protect the rights of all individuals. I strongly oppose the transgender policies,  transgender bathrooms, and classroom indoctrination. Our children have the right to be protected in their most vulnerable environments which are unsupervised. Parents should be the primary educators in the matter of sexuality, morality, and health. We have the right to opt-out of programs that are pushing an agenda and immorality on our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91377", "author": "Elisabet Michaelsen", "date": "2021-01-25T11:50:00", "title": "Transgender rights guidabce", "text": "I support the guidance on transgender rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91378", "author": "Elizabeth", "date": "2021-01-25T11:52:00", "title": "Importance of supporting trans youth", "text": "As at therapist I can speak to the fact that the most important thing we can do to protect the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth is offer then support and acceptance. This type of change can be scary, but the risks of not supporting young folks (suicide attempts, inner turmoil and self loathing) are so much larger than the risks that might come along with being \"too supportive\" of young people as they are trying to figure themselves out. Thanks to everyone who is working on expanding protections for LGBTQ youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91379", "author": "Jim Wells", "date": "2021-01-25T11:54:00", "title": "No to gender confusion", "text": "Keep boys out of girl's restrooms/dressing rooms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91380", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T12:06:00", "title": "Thank you", "text": "Thank you for your efforts to protect our transgender and gender non-conforming youth, who have higher rates of depression and suicide than their gender conforming peers. The evidence has demonstrated that those who are supported in their identity have better mental health outcomes, and presumably become more productive members of society, which is ultimately the goal of teaching in schools. The concerns of many on here are unfounded--this is not indoctrination, it is simply allowing students to express themselves in a safe way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91381", "author": "Molly", "date": "2021-01-25T12:09:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I oppose the transgender policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education. These policies would be harmful to everyone involved, going against science, reason, and the well-being of everyone involved. Also, regarding sports, having biological males compete against biological girls is so obviously unfair."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91382", "author": "Shelley Jacques Pineo-Jensen, Ph.D.", "date": "2021-01-25T12:13:00", "title": "Gender is a construct", "text": "Gender is a construct. Gender is the assignment of character attributes that are equally distributed among all human beings (strength, leadership, weakness, compliance, et al) to one gender or the other. Gender compliance maintains a binary division of power that keeps women from having rights and privileges equivalent to men. Trans is an expression of rebellion to the constraints of the binary. Trans may be a transitional phase for the dominant culture, as we move towards a society that respects each of us as individuals, instead of constraining and policing us as members of one or the other of the genders The individuals who express themselves through \"trans\" are no less deserving of respect than those who cooperate with their gender assignment. We have much to fear from the binary, which polices men into \"winners and losers\" mentality and diminishes women into fear of walking out alone at night. We have nothing to fear from trans - trans-folk need our support. They are vulnerable and more likely than gender compliant individuals to be harassed, discriminated against, and killed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91383", "author": "Lisa Simons", "date": "2021-01-25T12:16:00", "title": "Support this bill", "text": "As a pediatrician, I am certain that the proposed policy will make ALL students safer.  Everyone deserves a right to a safe learning environment.  There is no \"down side\" here - this policy is critical to the health and wellbeing of students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91384", "author": "Abby Hollander, MD", "date": "2021-01-25T12:19:00", "title": "Applaud these proposed policies that support all students", "text": "The school policies proposed for Virginia's public schools show commitment to making school a safe, supportive place for all students. I am a pediatrician with over 10 years of experience working with transgender adolescents and have seen first-hand how students can thrive and excel in school environments that allow them to have gender expression that matches their gender identity.  This type of environment protects the rights of all and shows all students that school is a welcoming and inclusive place. I congratulate those who put these important policies together and hope that lawmakers understand that support and protection of transgender youth truly saves lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91385", "author": "Sean Peterson", "date": "2021-01-25T12:20:00", "title": "Absurd", "text": "This gender bill is lunacy and disgusting. Like it or not there are two genders. The fact that this made up nonsense is actually being considered especially for kids is a shame. I do not support and will pull my kids out the first chance I get."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91386", "author": "Jackie", "date": "2021-01-25T12:22:00", "title": "Supporting Transgender Kids in Public Schools Saves Lives", "text": "It is plain, simple, and evidence-based that affirming and supporting transgender youth in public schools works to mitigate the risk of self-harm and death by suicide among a most vulnerable population. I strongly support all policy that affirms and empowers transgender youth. Protecting these kids will in fact save lives. It is well documented that policies which contribute to the neglect or mistreatment of LGBTQ+ youth often lead to increased substance use disorders, suicidal ideation or action, mental health concerns, homelessness, and a number of other health and wellbeing disparities among this population. These kids are worth affirming, celebrating, and protecting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91387", "author": "Haley Smith, CPNP", "date": "2021-01-25T12:24:00", "title": "support this bill", "text": "As an endocrine nurse practitioner, I strongly support this bill. I believe it will have a positive psychological impact on trans students and could save lives. Please support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91388", "author": "Sarah Tapay", "date": "2021-01-25T12:33:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose  Parents are the primary educators not the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91389", "author": "Darlene Jackson", "date": "2021-01-25T12:39:00", "title": "Promoting Gender Confusion", "text": "Gender instruction is in reality based on DNA science and biology. Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. Scientific studies and medical experts (Psychology Today) make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence. Pushing involuntary promotion of gender selection is irresponsible and actually damaging to kids who are still developing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91390", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-25T12:42:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "I'm strongly opposed to the \"one size fits all\" transgender mentality policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91391", "author": "David McKennett", "date": "2021-01-25T13:13:00", "title": "Please Oppose", "text": "Research process that 80 percent of kids who struggle with gender dysphoria in their youth, outgrow it in adulthood.  Yet, the recent trend toward approval of such dysphoria is causing youth to take hormones and permanently alter their anatomy which causes permanent harm to their reproductive abilities.  Suicide rates among this population are high and it's not because of a lack of acceptance since acceptance is at an all time high.  It is dangerous to the health of our youth to promote this risky behavior. In addition, while no one should be harassed in terms of physical harm, it is an extreme and radical step to punish teachers for speech that misuses a pronoun. Finally, it is the schools job to protect all students and not to cause harm or discomfort to those students who choose to identify with their birth sex by making them share bathrooms with those of different anatomy.  We should have anatomically correct bathroom policies so that kids can focus on learning reading, writing, and arithmetic and not be distracted or confused by things of a sexual nature at a young age.  The parts are different, the bathrooms should be different.  No matter what your belief about your anatomy is, if it looks different from each other, it should be afforded different space for changing, showering, etc. Please oppose this legislation.  It's not healthy or safe and does not promote a learning environment that will excel our youth in bettering the technological advancement of our country. Thankyou for listening."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91392", "author": "Aisha Cozad", "date": "2021-01-25T13:21:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance.  We must support and protect our transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91393", "author": "Kolby DeHart", "date": "2021-01-25T13:26:00", "title": "Absolutely NOT!", "text": "Children do not know enough about their own bodies to be exposed to such an intense subject. Exposing young minds to this will only lead to further confusion and if they are led to make decisions about their sexual orientation too young, they may make choices that cannot be changed when they are finally able to make sense it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91394", "author": "Matthew Shelton / UVA", "date": "2021-01-25T13:31:00", "title": "guidance document for supporting transgender kids in public schools", "text": "I'm a father of a 1-year old boy and a 4-year-old girl. It is really important that the state implement policies that support students who are transgender and gender non-conforming throughout their primary and secondary educations. I support trans-affirming policy guidance for our educators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91395", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-01-25T13:34:00", "title": "Support for ALL children", "text": "Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that. Just because someone doesn’t look like you or subscribe to the same ideals as you doesn’t make them wrong or bad. ALL children should be treated with love and respect. A supportive environment is surely better than a hateful one. We must teach our kids inclusion and love."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91396", "author": "EJ McEwen", "date": "2021-01-25T13:41:00", "title": "Absolutely not in favor of proposed transgender policy", "text": "Use of bathrooms should remain segregated by biological male/female. If someone claims to identify otherwise, make available a separate bathroom that is not shared with those who are biologically different. For a child to declare a separate gender identity, evidence should be provided and coordinated with parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91397", "author": "Helen Cosgrove-Davies", "date": "2021-01-25T13:42:00", "title": "support human rights", "text": "Children are not going to be confused by learning about other people's differences from themselves--that is how the become compassionate, caring human beings. Giving each child the right to feel safe and comfortable at school is imperative, and ensuring equal rights to all children will not take away anyone's rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91398", "author": "B. Kelley Garcia", "date": "2021-01-25T13:46:00", "title": "Approve!! This is great!", "text": "I am very much in favor of these changes! All students will benefit from these changes (don't get me started about dress codes!), but I am glad for our transgender students that they are being heard and thought about. These changes won't hurt anyone, but will benefit so many! I fully support anything that will help our students feel more comfortable, accepted, and safe. Thank you for this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91399", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T13:51:00", "title": "strongly oppose.  This is better called \"the destroy children\" policy", "text": "Parents cannot be left out of any school policy that affects their children.  Nor should the religious freedom of children and families be disgarded from any legislation or policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91400", "author": "Christina Ndjatou, CPNP-PC", "date": "2021-01-25T13:52:00", "title": "strong support of inclusive, evidence-based educational environments", "text": "As a healthcare provider, I applaud the Virginia DOE for establishing guidelines for the support and inclusion of students of all genders. The proposed guidelines reflect best practice as recommended and endorsed by a wide variety of medical, psychological and educational experts including (but not limited to) the American Academy of Pediatrics , the American Psychological Association , and the National Association of Secondary School Principals . It is in the best interest of students, families, schools, and communities to build academic environments that foster non-discriminatory communities and prioritize the wellness and safety of many over the discomfort and bigotry of few."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91401", "author": "Karen Matheson", "date": "2021-01-25T14:13:00", "title": "VDOE Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender (Trans) and Non-Binary Youth in Schools", "text": "I fully support the VDOE proposed model policies on The Treatment of Transgender and Non-binary Youth in Schools. Children are assigned a gender at birth that is based upon their physical anatomy. Transgender (trans) children are born with a gender identity that is not based on their physical anatomy, rather, is based upon the very soul of who they are. Transgender children can begin to express their inherent gender identity during preschool years or even earlier, an age at which they are developmentally incapable of understanding the concept of gender identity. Other children come to terms with their gender identity at a later age or even as adults. These innocent children quickly learn that some children & adults in their lives do not accept and support them because they are transgender. So, these children wake up every morning and live every minute of every day in a state of being on constant guard in their encounters with others in their environment in order to be safe from emotional, verbal or physical harm. Their only respite/relief is when they are present with the loving, unconditional support of those who are \"safe\" in their lives such as parents, family, providers, teachers or, if they are lucky enough, other transgender children and adults. However, far too many transgender children do not have the loving, unconditional support of significant \"safe\" people in their lives. These kind, creative, friendly, bright, talented, capable, loving children deserve to grow up, develop and learn in an environment that is safe, protective, supportive, and nurturing. Their school and community environments must be free from unkindness, harassment, bullying, and potential physical and emotional harm. According to The Trevor Project's survey of 40,000+ LGBTQ youth, transgender and nonbinary youth who report having their pronouns respected by all or most of the people in their lives attempted suicide at 1/2 the rate of those whose pronouns weren't respected. Respecting the pronouns of our transgender and nonbinary youth saves so many lives. It is essential that our schools are safe for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91403", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T14:52:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "I'm for women's rights and this policy is contradictory to this.  This policy would take us back to a time when only the male view was predominate.  Biologically there are only 2 sexes (this is based on science) male and female.  Just because someone psychologically believes they are other than their sex at birth does not change their biological being.  It also does not give them the right to insist that all others accept what they think. What about the psychological harm and possible physical harm to girls who identify as female finding themselves sharing the same bathroom, sharing same gym  and competing in sports with birth males who identify as female.  As we have already seen transgender boys/men out perform  girsl/women in \"women's\" sports.  They are taking title and scholarships away from girls and women.  This is a big step backwards not forwards in women's rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91404", "author": "Liza Cobbs, PFLAG, EPW, MPCC", "date": "2021-01-25T15:00:00", "title": "I fully support this guidance!", "text": "ALL children deserve dignity, respect and equal access to a safe and affirming educational environment.  As a facilitator for two LGBTQ+ youth groups in Northern Virginia, I know that the challenges and dangers that these youth face are real and are potentially life threatening. Please protect our most vulnerable, the youth, who are counting on us as adults to do the right thing! You have the ability to save lives right now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91405", "author": "Mary Creed", "date": "2021-01-25T15:10:00", "title": "OPPOSE this sexist policy", "text": "Beyond the elimination of restroom/locker room privacy, girls will no longer be able to compete for scholarships in sports.  This policy is sexist!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91406", "author": "Nora Elliott (VCU MSW Student)", "date": "2021-01-25T15:49:00", "title": "House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161 (from 2020 session)", "text": "According to the Human Rights Campaign, \"Over a majority ( 54% ) of trans people have experienced some form of intimate partner violence, 47% have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime, and nearly one in ten were physically assaulted in between 2014 and 2015.\" Please support House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161 (from the 2020 session). These two bills act as protective factors that can further reduce violence and harm against the LGBTQ+ community and create a trauma-informed, inclusive environment. By building and promoting healthy inclusive relationships, empathy, and respect, educational institutions will influence and transform norms! Trans rights are human rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91407", "author": "Reagan Barnes", "date": "2021-01-25T15:50:00", "title": "I strongly oppose these proposals for \"transgender ideology\"", "text": "I strongly oppose these proposals for \"transgender ideology.\"  Of course these transgender children need to be helped if in need, but this is not the way to do it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94337", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:52:00", "title": "YES! As a future educator", "text": "As a future educator I believe every child deserves to be respected, safe, and confident. As schools, role models, and society we can do this by addressing them how they desire. By respecting their decision and making a way for their decisions to be respected and validated by others"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94338", "author": "Concerned parents", "date": "2021-02-02T20:52:00", "title": "Strongly oppose new proposed transgender policies", "text": "We are concerned parents who are very opposed to the new proposed transgender policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94339", "author": "Naty", "date": "2021-02-02T20:52:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose to this and it makes me sick to my stomach. We has parents should have the same  to right as everyone else. It can’t be safe for our children. I will remove my children from school and homeschool them if necessary as parents we need to protect our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94340", "author": "Leeanne Smith", "date": "2021-02-02T20:53:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the drafted transgender mandates for many of the reasons already stated.  In addition, I do not believe these mandates will help any of our children, even the ones struggling with transgender issues.  These mandates will only end up isolating and ostracizing them more while adding much confusion and distraction to the overall school community.  Is there any proof that these mandates will make them feel more loved, less harassed, and safe?!!  Once again resources and attention are being taken away from the main goal of our education system to provide services that could be better supplied by other professionals. The goal of our education system is to develop the academic skills of our children in the areas of math, science, history, and English, NOT attempt to meet all the various needs of our children.  It is the job of the parents with the support of local churches, community groups, and specialized gov't agencies to meet the other needs. At least 80% of the department's budget/$, resources/people, innovation/energy, and time should be committed to the academic goal defined above.  Every time we ask the education system to take on another service other than the goal of core academics, we dilute it's effectiveness.  And we are currently experiencing the results!  Many of our students are failing and worse, graduating without the education they deserve!  Why are we surprised? The VA Department of Education should stop trying to increase the scope of their job and focus on providing excellent academic education to our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94341", "author": "Mike Johnston", "date": "2021-02-02T20:53:00", "title": "I strongly support this policy", "text": "I strongly support this policy Discrimination based on gender identity or expression is damaging to the health of children, families, and society. Schools must actively affirm and support the safety and rights of transgender students. Diverse gender expressions, regardless of gender identity, and diverse gender identities, including nonbinary, are normal and positive variations of the human experience."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94342", "author": "Lisa C", "date": "2021-02-02T20:53:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Children, ALL children, should have the right to a free, appropriate, and safe public education.   This so called bill is a disaster and by no means is trying to protect the rights of children. It is trying to push an agenda and is in no way trying to create a safe and unified educational system. In no way should this bill be supported or pushed through. This will be detrimental to all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94343", "author": "William B", "date": "2021-02-02T20:53:00", "title": "Protect those who need protection", "text": "Treat all as equals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94344", "author": "Allison & Ben Banbury", "date": "2021-02-02T20:54:00", "title": "Full Support for Protection of Trans and Nonbinary Students in VA Schools!", "text": "From the document: \"Schools should provide a safe educational environment for all students and treat all students with dignity and respect.\" This document explains terminology, outlines statistics related to transgender youth, and suggests practical ways to mitigate bullying, suicide rates, and discrimination. How anyone could be opposed to making our schools safer for all is beyond me."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94345", "author": "Stephanie", "date": "2021-02-02T20:54:00", "title": "Protect children", "text": "The danger of allowing transgender ideology to be fully supported in schools is the risk of not being able to properly enforce the blurred lines of what is or is not acceptable. The intention is to protect the transgender rights of children but the tolerance will also be given to staff, adults, teens, volunteers & potential predators who may exploit what is seen as a goodwill gesture toward transgenders. Full use of school facilities...meaning restrooms, leaves children vulnerable to sexual predators and groomers. Protecting children from those who wish to prey upon them is more important than self expression."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94346", "author": "Haley Minter", "date": "2021-02-02T20:54:00", "title": "Strongly Support. Protect trans youth.", "text": "Strongly support, protect the health and well-being of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94347", "author": "Antonina", "date": "2021-02-02T20:57:00", "title": "STRONLY OPPOSE", "text": "STOP YOUR DIRTY GAMES. THINK ABOUT HOW TO BETTER EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN. GET TO WORK."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94348", "author": "Emily Alfakir", "date": "2021-02-02T20:58:00", "title": "Support and love our trans students!", "text": "What kind of monster doesn’t support to protect children?! Trans rights are human rights. Stop teaching your children to hate others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94349", "author": "Brianna", "date": "2021-02-02T20:59:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policy.", "text": "I appose this new transgender legislation for schools. Keep children safe and innocent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94350", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T20:59:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose of the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. First, the public school system should not be put in this position. School should be a safe place for children of all ages. That includes boys and girls feeling safe to go to the bathroom without the fear of a grown man or woman being in the next stall or in the same locker room. Second, leave our children out of your political agenda. Let them be kids without having THIS pushed down their throats. When they turn 18 and become a legal adult, they can think and make decisions on their own. If they choose to be gay or trans, then that is their choice, not their parents or the schools. These children's brains are still developing. They don't know what they want for supper or what to wear in the mornings, they surely are not mature enough to decide if they are gay or not. Which for the record God chose you to be the sex that you are. Why don't we teach these kids to love themselves the way they were made, the way God loves them. Thirdly, what happens when someone starts yelling sexual assault or rape? Do you realize you are paving a golden path for pedophiles? Do you realize how much this is going to hurt our children mentally, physically and emotionally? If this gets passed through my child will not be involved in this insanity. I pray for this country. God help us. Daniel 9:3-7"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94351", "author": "Megan Stephenson", "date": "2021-02-02T21:00:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this policy that would add protection for trans youth. Trans youth attempt/complete suicide at a much higher rate than their cisgender counterparts. Combatting bullying and discrimination is one absolutely vital step in giving these kids the safe space to learn that they deserve."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94352", "author": "Rebecca sabean", "date": "2021-02-02T21:01:00", "title": "Strongly support. Transgender lives matter.", "text": "please help protect our transgender youth. This is long overdue and those opposed to this action misunderstand this legislation as pushing transitioning onto cisgendered youth. Please dispel this myth and help support our students and children who want to live in a safe and non-discriminatory environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94353", "author": "Hillary", "date": "2021-02-02T21:02:00", "title": "NO - Well-intentioned, totally misguided", "text": "I have read through the entire proposed transgender student policy and think the authors have good intentions but completely trample over the rights of parents, staff, and other students. The proposed policy drastically elevates one group above all others, hurts young girls (not to mention students who have suffered abuse at the hands of the opposite gender and then would be forced to give up their safe spaces of locker rooms/restrooms to that same opposite gender) , and opens wide the door to abuse of this policy by any student. Schools should not be hiding things about students from their parents, students should not be able to go into opposite restrooms and locker rooms without being questioned, and the transgender ideology should not be forced down everyone's throats. It's one thing to support the rare individual who struggles with gender dysphoria; it's another thing to make transgenderism seem so cool and special and elevated to impressionable,awkward kids that they become convinced that they are transgender when they aren't. Affirming them only cements them in that confusion and sets them on the path to irreversible medical interventions. Additionally, the policy cites lobbying/resource groups who all are echo chambers of each other and the policy doesn't cite views that challenge its shaky premises including that gender is being increasingly viewed as a spectrum. These guidelines reveal how the VA department of education cares more about being the ideological darling child of the woke transgender lobby groups than taking care of ALL the Commonwealth public school students. I absolutely oppose these guidelines and will be keeping my kids out of Virginia public schools because of them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94354", "author": "Samantha Ring", "date": "2021-02-02T21:02:00", "title": "Protection of Trans Youth", "text": "I fully support legislation that promotes the health and well-being of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94355", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:03:00", "title": "Protect and SAVE youth, students, families, and schools - vote NO!", "text": "Protect and SAVE youth, students, families, and schools - vote NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94356", "author": "Kelsey", "date": "2021-02-02T21:03:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support the rights of trans youth. All children should be accepted and supported throughout their development, regardless of sex or gender identity. It is the duty of schools and communities to foster safe and nourishing environments for ALL students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94357", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T21:03:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As a concerned mother of two school-aged children, I feel this guidance has some pros and cons. I want all children to feel supported and loved as they navigate through such tricky times as adolescents and young adults. This guidance, however, seems punitive and discriminatory of those who are not transgender. Concern is also raised over potential exposures via the broad dress code definitions during sports activities. There has to be a better way to help all children feel supported than with punitive guidelines and forcing uncomfortable situations on anyone, no matter their beliefs. We have the opportunity to lead the nation in a unifying guidance document without allowing politics dictate the policy. Let’s do better than this!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94358", "author": "Alexandra L Novis", "date": "2021-02-02T21:04:00", "title": "Support - Protect Trans Kids", "text": "LGBT+ youth are at increased risk for suicide, especially transgender and non-binary kids. Allowing these students to safely express their identity will decrease this heartbreaking epidemic of LGBT youth suicides. Doing so would only help transgender and non-binary students without impeding on the rights of others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94359", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-02-02T21:04:00", "title": "Oppose this proposed policy", "text": "Our family strongly opposes this proposed policy. We fully support a safe and nurturing environment for all children to learn. It just seems that in this proposed policy there is very little consideration for ALL children and what they feel to be safe and nurturing.  There must be a better way to provide a good environment for ALL children to feel comfortable learning in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94360", "author": "Calyn", "date": "2021-02-02T21:04:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94361", "author": "Linda E Cripps", "date": "2021-02-02T21:04:00", "title": "Retired Educator Offers Perspective", "text": "If there was a \"Support with Qualifications\" button I would have chosen it. In reviewing these guidelines, although inclusive and praiseworthy, they are going to be a very \"heavy lift\" for many school districts in this state.  I am speaking from the experience when a 20+yr colleague of mine in the school became transgender and as a 20+ year teacher. The biggest issue was around shared lavatory and locker room facilities.   Single occupant changing/lavatory facilities should be available for any student who would wish to use them.  In an ideal world, a student should be able to use the facilities of the gender of their choice.  However, I can't imagine any anti-bullying program being good enough to ensure the safety and well being of a student making this choice for a gender that is not biological.  If this was my child, I would be terrified for their safety.   Another option has to be available.   Likewise, as contrary to ideological purity that this may be, I am opposed to requiring a student to undress in the company of a student whose biological gender makes them uncomfortable.   This is no more \"right\" than requiring a student to undress in the company of students whose gender they don't identify with.      This needs to be reconsidered to find a different solution than one based in the \"ideal\" world that we don't live in, and the actual one that many, many school districts to."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94362", "author": "Karen", "date": "2021-02-02T21:04:00", "title": "I support children and PROTECT them by opposing this!", "text": "I support children and PROTECT them by opposing this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94363", "author": "Megan", "date": "2021-02-02T21:05:00", "title": "Please protect the students!! Virginia should be a place for all to thrive!!", "text": "Please protect the students!! Virginia should be a place for all to thrive!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94364", "author": "Sam Wilkins Jr", "date": "2021-02-02T21:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose all proposed changes or adoption regarding sexual orientation except for the God given sex of any and all children in public schools. If any of this is passed, my kids WILL be pulled out of public schools and I WILL end my career at Rockingham County Public Schools. Whatever gender was given to each person by God at birth shall be the deciding factor in what bathroom to use, what locker room to use and what sports to participate in. Also, schools should never have the authority to guide kids into life changing decisions ESPECIALLY without parent notification."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94365", "author": "Rebecca", "date": "2021-02-02T21:06:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94366", "author": "Brandy", "date": "2021-02-02T21:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. Jesus is the answer.", "text": "This is absolutely ridiculous. My child will NOT be forced to be ok with having to get undressed in front of another gender. God made you how you are, there isn't any ifs, ands or buts... Satan is at work. God will prevail."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94367", "author": "Johindra", "date": "2021-02-02T21:06:00", "title": "Oppose! You will severely hinder VA public schools with this foolishness", "text": "This policy will begin the decline of VA public schools as people, like me, will pull their kids from your facilities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94368", "author": "Katie", "date": "2021-02-02T21:06:00", "title": "Vote no so that schools will tell you if a boy is in your girl's changing room!", "text": "Don't let your little girl get flashed! Or...at least...don't give the school the authority to keep that information from you if/when it happens! That's what this would do! It will protect the school administrators, and harm you and your kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94369", "author": "G", "date": "2021-02-02T21:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "education starts and continues at home. This policy is invasive and crosses ethical and religious boundaries and is a clear vector to use children as leverage to intimidate parents into compliance. we strongly oppose these bills."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94370", "author": "Courtney Tibbetts", "date": "2021-02-02T21:07:00", "title": "Fully support protections for transgender kids and freedom of gender expression!", "text": "It’s not up to a bunch of stuck-in-the-past, rigid “Christians” to decide whether or not children have a right to their own gender expression. All children deserve fair protection within the school system, and right now those protections only serve cisgender students. You have the support of the generation of students you’re currently serving. No one else’s objections should matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94371", "author": "Josh", "date": "2021-02-02T21:07:00", "title": "Strongly support this guidance document", "text": "As a parent I strongly support this guidance document and it’s importance in ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. Thank you to all that collaborated to put this together."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94372", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:09:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!!", "text": "This needs to stay far away from our schools!! This is harmful to our children and if this happens i will be pulling my children from public school. I can't believe they would even think of such a thing!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94373", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:10:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose.  Higher risk of sexual harassment / rape with shared restrooms lockers/ etc.  not protecting all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94374", "author": "Madeline N", "date": "2021-02-02T21:10:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "STRONGLY SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94375", "author": "Bianca Rodriguez", "date": "2021-02-02T21:10:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am in FULL SUPPORT of this policy. Many people are commenting on the \"objective, observable facts\" of what gender is, as if gender isn't a fluid concept in the first place. Some are arguing that this policy reinforces the idea that \"gender is meaningless,\" as if this policy will directly derail their own gender identity, to which I highly suggest they take a Gender Theory class. The real objective, observable facts are this: Transgender students will continue to be bullied and feel unsafe in their own place of education if there are no consequences put in place. I find it pretty childish, heartless even, that so many adults find it necessary to argue the right of students who are simply being themselves. To be in support of this policy is to be in support of basic human decency and respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94376", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T21:10:00", "title": "What about my childrens safety and well being?", "text": "This proposed change is disturbing to say the least. I believe if these changes are implemented that my children (and family) will be the ones facing discrimination. I would not feel safe sending my young daughter and special needs son to school if this policy is passed. My son has faced discrimination from the public school system just this year. He has autism and anxiety, among many other medical conditions. I was notified 2 weeks before the start of school that he would not be allowed to attend in person. Even though that is the choice we had made months prior. The only reason they did this is because he was not able to wear a mask. Tell me that isn't discrimination. Because of his disability, they were not allowing him at school. The only response I got from the director of special education basically said sorry we have to think about our staff and other students. Which, to me, said they didn't care about my childs needs enough to try working it out. I don't even have the words to say how strongly I feel that these policies should not be passed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94377", "author": "McGrath Mike", "date": "2021-02-02T21:11:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose, this removes the rights of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94378", "author": "John McGovern", "date": "2021-02-02T21:11:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As a parent and tax payer in the Commonwealth, I am strongly opposed to the policy involving transgender students and the forced acceptance of the LGBT agenda. Public funded education should be just that. Open to all. This proposition directly violates the Constitution, as well as the religious beliefs of Christians and practicing Catholics. I will not adhere to this policy. Nor will my 4 children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94379", "author": "Concerned mother", "date": "2021-02-02T21:11:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "I strongly oppose. Please protect our children from this abomination. This will cause major problems and make the schools unsafe for our children. You cannot deny biology. Please do not impose other people's fallacies on our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94380", "author": "Daniel P Shogan", "date": "2021-02-02T21:11:00", "title": "Strongly Support Transgender and nonbinary students", "text": "Transgender and nonbinary students are at a higher risk for bullying and even for suicide. If we are to prevent this, then we must implement protections for at risk students including gender and sexual minorities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94381", "author": "Mom of 2 teens!", "date": "2021-02-02T21:11:00", "title": "Strongly opposed!!!", "text": "These policies are ridiculous by any standard. Children are not responsible enough to make appropriate decisions and will take full advantage, for the wrong reasons....because that's what kids do!!!!!!   Boys and girls sharing bathrooms and locker rooms (transgender or not) will only result in MORE complicated scenarios such as teen pregnancies!  WAKE UP AND SMELL THE HORMONES!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94382", "author": "Alyssa Luz-Ricca", "date": "2021-02-02T21:11:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Every student has the right to feel that they are represented, included, and safe in their classrooms. This will make a real difference in the life of trans students. It’s also important for every student to a part of an equitable class environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94383", "author": "Michael Miller", "date": "2021-02-02T21:12:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE because I PROTECT children from predators - like this ungodly government agenda interfering in the lives of children with the manipulative lie of sexual confusion"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94384", "author": "Lisa D., LPC", "date": "2021-02-02T21:12:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "It is vital that we provide protection and inclusivity for all students, especially trans students so that they can feel safe and supported in the educational environment. In the absence of such guidelines trans students lose their rights to be treated equally and respectfully in the classroom by teachers, by school staff and their peers. These guidelines are essential for their safety and well-being. Fully support as a licensed mental health professional."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94385", "author": "Stephen Donohue", "date": "2021-02-02T21:12:00", "title": "I strongly disagree", "text": "I strongly disagree with this. Its against reason science and normal American values."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94386", "author": "Emily Frye", "date": "2021-02-02T21:12:00", "title": "Strongly disagree!!! This is not how our children should grow up or have to see such things!!!", "text": "This is not something that should be broadcasted for children to see. People may feel these ways growing up or feel different but that doesn’t mean we have to put this in everybody’s face, put ideas in peoples heads, make people feel certain ways about seeing things like this or feeling comfortable going to the bathrooms or locker rooms. This is an absolute disgrace to even see that our world is coming to something like this. This is from somebody who has gay friends and has for a lifetime! This is not how we have to live. This is not how God intends for us to live!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94388", "author": "Bayley Leyshon", "date": "2021-02-02T21:13:00", "title": "Support and Affirm Trans Youth!", "text": "Trans students deserve to have access to bathrooms and other facilities that correspond to their gender. The gender binary was constructed to further the cause of white supremacists eugenics, and many studies have proven that gender affirmation saves the lives of trans and gender nonconforming students and youth. When LGBTQ+ youth see their identities accepted and celebrated, it improves their mental health enormously. I have known so many queer and trans people personally who are terrified to exist in public because of the hate that is often thrown at them. As elected officials, you have the power to change this. Our government has a responsibility to its citizens, and not allowing trans people to use the bathroom goes directly against the federal nondiscrimination policy that aims to protect all LGBTQ+ people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94387", "author": "Lisa", "date": "2021-02-02T21:13:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I oppose the setting of guidelines for dealing with transgender students in public schools.  I do not oppose students being transgender, as I do not oppose students being Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, ADHD, etc.  There are policies ALREADY in place that protect students from bullying and discrimination and those need to be followed. What is being proposed forces a particular view on ALL, with the threat of discipline to students and faculty, if non-compliant.  School should be safe and focused on learning.  Social issues should be dealt with outside of that environment.  Children were given to parents, not the state.  Parents are free to encourage their children to be who they want to be, but the school's purpose is EDUCATION, not social engineering.  Let's get back to the basics."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94389", "author": "L Weaver", "date": "2021-02-02T21:13:00", "title": "Oppose accommodations for transgender preferences", "text": "In my life time I have worked as a school teacher, counselor and pastor.  Many people at times struggle with a variety of issues that disrupt mental health.  Policy makers will find it impossible to accommodate the various sides of this issue. All positions on this issue will be bullied. When you chose to ignore what science so easily tells us you create confusion.  Having worked with adolescents who experience turmoil, questions of sexual identity will be a time bomb.  We have largely been a Christian nation with beliefs rooted in a Judeo-Christian ethic and urge policy makers tp build policy based on that ethic. To suggest to children their sexual identity is up to their choice is to introduce the greatest confusion. Follow the science. Sexual identity is hardwired into the genes. Listen to basic biology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94390", "author": "Amy B.", "date": "2021-02-02T21:13:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94391", "author": "Christina", "date": "2021-02-02T21:14:00", "title": "STONG SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support this, it is beyond important to support the health and well-being of all children, and especially those that are more likely to struggle with this and to have less support, such as transgender children. It is necessary to support them at all times and keep them safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94392", "author": "Unanimous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:14:00", "title": "PLEASE NO!", "text": "Strongly oppose!!! This will cause significant destruction to our youth. Please do not go forward with this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94393", "author": "Nancy Hensley", "date": "2021-02-02T21:14:00", "title": "Opposed transgender", "text": "This is ridiculous, our kids have enough to deal with, this is awful that we have parents that support this. Lord help them. What are we doing to our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94394", "author": "Genna", "date": "2021-02-02T21:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!!", "text": "This is child abuse and must be stopped!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94395", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:15:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "every student deserves to be treated with respect. As a nation, we are slowly realizing that it isn’t about equality, it is about having equity. We need to help those who need the extra help and support, no matter what their beliefs are. Every student should receive the support they need in order to be successful. The Virginia department of education should strive to improve by being more inclusive and supportive for its students to help improve humanity as a whole."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94396", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:15:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 words I strongly oppose. This will make our schools unsafe for all. This is going too far on over stepping parental rights by the government. Another way to sneak in socialism."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94397", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:15:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the policy changes being put forward."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94398", "author": "Mary conte", "date": "2021-02-02T21:16:00", "title": "Public school policy around gender", "text": "Strongly oppose normalization of a what is for most, a faddish, freakish, attention-seeking notion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94399", "author": "Barbara smith", "date": "2021-02-02T21:16:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Strongly opposed. I AM the parent not the school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94400", "author": "Moira Johnson", "date": "2021-02-02T21:16:00", "title": "Support Trans Students", "text": "There have always been trans kids in schools and there will always be trans kids in schools. This is not just a matter of making Virginia’s public schools more inclusive; it’s recognizing reality. Trans Rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94401", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:16:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "Transgender individuals deserve to be protected, this proposal is a step in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94402", "author": "Mark Cammarata", "date": "2021-02-02T21:17:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "Fully support the model policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94403", "author": "Mom", "date": "2021-02-02T21:17:00", "title": "Disagree", "text": "i do not agree!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94404", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:17:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94405", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:17:00", "title": "FULL SUPPORT", "text": "Trans lives matter! We need our kids to grow in welcoming and supporive school environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94406", "author": "BRENDAN C SMITH", "date": "2021-02-02T21:18:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As a parent of a daughter in Fairfax County Public Schools, I strongly oppose the proposed mandates. - The Department of Education should be focused on improving academics and getting students back in school for in-person instruction; the virtual learning approach in my county is failing and leaving a generation of students behind - this is a crisis that requires immediate focus and attention - These matters should be left to parents to navigate and not the school system; this will not help transgender students, it will further isolate and ostracize them and alienate the vast majority of students in public schools - Opposing these mandates does not imply \"hate\" towards transgender students as some of the posters have suggested; we can have an honest disagreement on the approach to handle this without the inflammatory labels; i want what is best for my daughter and other students in public schools and these mandates are not it"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94407", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T21:19:00", "title": "Oppose transgender mandates", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender mandates proposed by the Department of Education. Of course all students should have the ability to feel safe and supported, but these mandates violate the rights of all students and teachers. Bullying and abuse are covered in existing mandates  that capture the transgender student experience. Allowing transgender students to use bathrooms and restrooms would be a violation of privacy rights for ALL students. Taking away the rights of parents to teach their children and guide them on their journey is brainwashing and abuse in itself! This is censorship of any family that has different views than yours and of that of the transgender activist groups. Just because others believe something different than you, we (students and parents) should not be punished."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94408", "author": "Jimmy Jones", "date": "2021-02-02T21:19:00", "title": "I disapprove of these transgender policies", "text": "You always say children are to young to make these kind of decisions and are to impressionable to decide on their own and now you want to force it into everybody's beliefs and and make more of an impact on how we raise our children. I in no way condone bullying or being abusive to someone who has made the transgender decision. The path should run both ways. They should not bully me because I disagree with their choice and refer to them in their natural gender as I see them. That's the problem with society today nobody can agree to disagree. Now it is if you don't think or believe the way I do then you are a racesist, homophobe, or what ever tittle they want to pin on you. But I do not agree with transgender bathrooms in our schools you are asking for trouble and when did the school system decide they raise our children better then the parent. And when did it become the norm of the state government to decide the parent should not be told something about their own children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94409", "author": "Eleanor", "date": "2021-02-02T21:19:00", "title": "Unequivocally support!", "text": "I strongly support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94410", "author": "Patricia Carter", "date": "2021-02-02T21:20:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "A smoke screen ! This is a direct attack on the traditional idea of the nuclear family. It's purpose is to weaken the nuclear family, resulting in a weaken State and Country. Transgender is being used as a tool to divide, weaken and cause confusion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94411", "author": "John Donohue", "date": "2021-02-02T21:20:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94412", "author": "Jordan", "date": "2021-02-02T21:21:00", "title": "Oppose. Click to read why", "text": "There is no reason to wreak more havoc on our children. They've had such a rough go with school closures, face coverings, and depression that they certainly don't need added confusion and tension . True gender according to chromosomes is identifiable before a child is even born. This is science . Change this, and everything will need adjusted according to the next persons preferences. Policies like this mold our children into whining - get whatever I want - babies. Whining isn't something teachers should be expected to put up with on top of trying to give our children a decent education. I'm not even sure that's possible this day in America's government schools, when all's relative and triggers are unavoidable.. If you expect to turn toleration around, you better start listening to the other side and looking in the mirror. What kind of world do we want for our children? One that accepts anything and everything as good and right and relative? Or one that is based on the Truth ? Thank you for considering my deeply held beliefs. -A concerned parent"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94413", "author": "Margaret Lavinder", "date": "2021-02-02T21:21:00", "title": "Support for Transgender students", "text": "I'm a parent of three in Hanover county schools and am an involved parent and volunteer in our school division. I want to express strong support for this initiative protecting and supporting Transgender students in Hanover County and all Virginia school divisions. I and my family have witnessed firsthand the harm that is done when transgender students are harassed, singled out and made to feel unsafe in their school communities. It happened in my daughter's middle school. It was difficult for me to explain to my children that sometimes people,out of hate and ignorance,can treat people that way just for existing as a trans person. Please continue these efforts to provide a positive, safe, nurturing school environment for transgender students. This guidance sends the message that equity is paramount.  It sends the message that our teachers and administrators will be supported when they participate in solutions and education regarding situations of bullying, harassment, or discrimination that arise regarding our transgender students. Supporting transgender students is the right thing to do and the right message to send to all Virginia families. Thank you It's the right thing to do and the right message to send all Virginia families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94414", "author": "Concerned Mom and VA Taxpayer", "date": "2021-02-02T21:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose policy", "text": "The VDOE should be focused on educating our children, not indoctrinating them and causing confusion.  The quality of education has declined in Virginia while progressive agendas like this transgender policy have become the norm.  Promoting liberal ideologies should not be the aim of our public school system. I am sure most parents, teachers, administrators and students agree that people of all walks of life should be respected and treated with kindness and dignity.  No one is arguing to the contrary, however, this policy proposal extends far beyond the realm of education, inserting itself into family relationships and values (see Standard p13 which could jeopardize parental roles and rights).  It is also quite concerning that the draft policy p18 states, \" Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” This opens wide the potential for abuse and indecent exposure and uncomfortable situations for kids that are already grappling with many challenges in a school environment where their main focus should be to learn."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94415", "author": "anon", "date": "2021-02-02T21:21:00", "title": "PROTECT TRANS YOUTH!! I SUPPORT", "text": "PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF TRANS YOUTH"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94416", "author": "Concerned Uncle", "date": "2021-02-02T21:21:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!!!!!! NO NO NO NO!", "text": "EXTREMELY VERY VERY VERY STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!!!!!!!. ABSOLUTELY NO NO NO NO!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94417", "author": "Margaret Hess", "date": "2021-02-02T21:22:00", "title": "Defies reason and good sense", "text": "The Virginia Department of Education has outdone itself!  Where do we find such people? The infringement on parental rights is astounding.  Remember, when you take over the responsibility you become liable.  Who among our glorified educators is now going to be qualified to perform the gender counseling? This looks much like a school takeover of a crucial aspect of a child's identity while confusing the hell out of his or her fellow students. This is an outrageous overreach of the role of public school educators who are struggling with the performance of their current responsibilities. Parents will not be able to exit the public school system fast enough, hence the pressure for school choice and home schooling. The teacher's unions will never successfully compete with angry parents. Look for future defunding of public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94418", "author": "Daniel Gray", "date": "2021-02-02T21:22:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this guidance document and VDOE's efforts to advance equity in Virginia’s public schools by supporting transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94419", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:22:00", "title": "Transgender Curriculum", "text": "Strongly Oppose! Focus on the academics! Let kids and their innocence be valued."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94420", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:22:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I am opposed to this policy & against everything it supports. Boys & girls bathrooms & locker rooms need to be kept separate. Boys are boys & girls are girls. Period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94421", "author": "Karla bear", "date": "2021-02-02T21:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!!!", "text": "Strongly oppose!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94422", "author": "Ryan", "date": "2021-02-02T21:22:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support the rights of trans youth. All children should be accepted and support d throughout their development, regardless of sex or gender identity. It is the duty of schools and communities to foster safe and nourishing environments for their students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94423", "author": "Brian", "date": "2021-02-02T21:23:00", "title": "FULL SUPPORT", "text": "SUPPORT ALL THE WAY"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94424", "author": "Gareth Stephenson", "date": "2021-02-02T21:23:00", "title": "Not in favor", "text": "As a Bible believing Christian I do not believe these changes are appropriate. Furthermore, I find them to be far from neutral and are very overreaching in the area of morals, ethics and parental rights. I do agree that the child should be bullied under any circumstance! Thank you for allowing us to voice our opinion.  I am very much opposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94425", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:24:00", "title": "Support trans kids", "text": "All kids should feel safe and comfortable at school and these guidelines will help transgender and genderqueer kids feel safe at school"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94426", "author": "——", "date": "2021-02-02T21:24:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose (INDOCTRINATION!!)", "text": "It’s beginning. The indoctrination of our children. You can thank none other than Joe Biden for this. Don’t come back crying when your kids get diddled by godless animals running around the school or when our country collapses under the weight of anti-christian, anti-family principles"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94427", "author": "Priya Curtis", "date": "2021-02-02T21:25:00", "title": "Support these model policies", "text": "To Whom It May Concern, I would like to voice my support for the guidance being provided in the Model Policies. It is clear that the people opposing these measures have not read the guidelines and do not understand the lives of transgender youth and the challenges they face. Opponents of measures ensuring that we have gender-inclusive community spaces such as public schools are not motivated by an interest in fairness, equity or inclusivity, nor is their position informed by research, compassion; rather, they are basing their reactionary positions on fear and the desire to cling to an antiquated (and incorrect) understanding of gender and perceived gender roles. Trans youth deserve the same respect and protections afforded all students; as a group particularly vulnerable to bullying, they no doubt deserve additional consideration and accommodation. Public policy must serve the people, using the best information available. That information, based in evidence, supports the measures proposed herein, and I strongly urge that these guidelines be adopted with due haste. Sincerely, Priya Curtis"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94428", "author": "Deana", "date": "2021-02-02T21:26:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender policies", "text": "Parents are to decide when their child is old enough to talk to them about sexual preferences and gender choice. The teachers at schools are to teach  how to read, how to write, how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide (Math). Respectfully I as a parent will do my job. Do not push life styles and beliefs on children that you have not birthed and raised."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94429", "author": "LB", "date": "2021-02-02T21:27:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94430", "author": "Antonio Ribeiro", "date": "2021-02-02T21:27:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "i strongly support protecting our trans and non binary youth and providing them an educational setting that fosters their growth as young people and allows them to thrive. Schools and educational spaces are fundamental and need to be at the forefront in the protection and development of all students including trans and non-binary peoples."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94431", "author": "Deb", "date": "2021-02-02T21:27:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "Vehemently oppose!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94432", "author": "Leanne Mahadeo", "date": "2021-02-02T21:28:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! Please Focus on policies that will get all of our children safely back in school in person and bridge the learning out that has occurred this past year amongst all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94433", "author": "Kaela Peters", "date": "2021-02-02T21:30:00", "title": "Strongly support, trans rights are human rights", "text": "Transgender people - especially trans youth - have faced horrifying amounts of discrimination, violence, and ignorance, solely for existing. This policy would only help protect trans youth from systematic discrimination, and would combat the alarmingly high trans suicide rate that comes with living in an unaccepting and oppressive society. For those who are in opposition to this policy, I sincerely hope you can educate yourself on trans issues and see why protections for transgender and non-binary people is so important. If your child was transgender, wouldn't you want them to feel safe and accepted in their school?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94434", "author": "DM", "date": "2021-02-02T21:30:00", "title": "Vehemently oppose this transgender policy!", "text": "This is a disgrace!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94435", "author": "Name", "date": "2021-02-02T21:30:00", "title": "I do not support", "text": "Absolutely disgusting this is a violation of the constitution freedom of religion god does not approve"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94436", "author": "Mary Jane T", "date": "2021-02-02T21:30:00", "title": "Guidance document regarding gender in K-12", "text": "I strongly oppose this Virginia Dept. of Education Guidance Document which will promote gender confusion for kids in K-12 schools.  It will be damaging to the kids, and the parents will be deceived as to this policy’s agenda!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89798", "author": "Mike", "date": "2021-01-13T08:02:00", "title": "I oppose this policy", "text": "I oppose this policy.  Sex education is the responsibility of the parents, not the schools.  The schools are teaching children false information."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89799", "author": "Becky", "date": "2021-01-13T08:12:00", "title": "Oppose - protect ALL children", "text": "We all want our students to have a safe learning environment, but these policies go too. These policies violate parents rights. These policies encouraging lying by teachers and students. These policies discourage transparency in what is being allowed, taught, and encouraged regarding sexual identity. This policy violates Parents Rights. § 1-240.1. Rights of parents. A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent's child. Praying for our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89800", "author": "darth", "date": "2021-01-13T08:16:00", "title": "What is real?", "text": "If I put antlers on my dog ... is he really a deer? People are suffering from reality deprivation. Teach students HOW to think not degenerate indoctrination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89801", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T08:27:00", "title": "support!", "text": "lgbt youth deserve to feel safe and accepted"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89802", "author": "Holly E", "date": "2021-01-13T08:30:00", "title": "No, I DO NOT support this!", "text": "I DO NOT APPROVE of this push to eliminate differences between females and males. God made us male or female. Schools should not have the right to force this issue. Curriculum choices, education - not indoctrination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89803", "author": "Heather Lynn Trout", "date": "2021-01-13T08:31:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender School Policy - Put God back in school and see what happens", "text": "The people who are making decisions on the education of our children are 110% responsible for the violence and hatred in America and they need to be punished. I am absolutely, 110% opposed to the transgender school policies that are proposed for several reasons which are outlined below: 1. Put God back in schools and see what happens. Stop having these nonsense drills to prepare students for an intruder and focus on making sure the students are taught how to act so that these threats aren't an issue any longer. Do your research on this, focus on the school shootings that have taken place since the bible and prayer was removed from schools, and then process the facts. Treating everyone fairly isn't important, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. If a child gets their feelings hurt for not getting the honor roll, then perfect, you have given that child another reason to work a little harder and hopefully receive an honor roll certificate at the next opportunity. Don't punish the students who work hard to get the honor roll by taking away the praise they deserve, so that a student who didn't earn the honor roll's feelings aren't hurt; in life, you have to work hard for what you want or you'll never have it. Do NOT let students leave public schools thinking that it is okay to live on welfare - IT ISN'T in most cases. You should work for what you want, or you shouldn't have it. There are no excuses in the life of a failure, public schools should not let students think that there are.  Having God to pray to and guide you during these times will help tremendously. 2. No child should be allowed to have conversations about their gender with anyone in a public setting without their parents being fully aware of the situation. Allowing this WILL cause heartache and even more confusion for the student(s). A child has to be comfortable with who they are in all aspects of their life, they can not possibly be one \"person\" at school and another in their home life and be happy. 3. Public schools are a place that is intended for students to learn and grow as individuals so that they become responsible, respectful members of society upon graduating. No student should be having conversations about gender when they should be learning. Schools are NOT responsible for making sure students are gender secure, that has to start at home. You have to let this work itself out and remain a neutral party, a safe place for ALL students. 4. Don't change history, don't make math harder than it needs to be, don't teach students how to test Teach these kids how to succeed in life; give them the tools and support that they need to be a smart, successful adult and at that point, they can decide who they are. Without the knowledge to make the right decisions in life, violence and ignorance will continue to grow at a staggering rate. School systems across America have forgotten what is important, what is right, and what is wrong.  They aren't even concerned with getting back to the nitty-gritty and correcting the issues that they have caused in this world for fear of hurting someone's feelings. Screw feelings, everyone has them, and never will everyone be happy - DO WHAT IS BEST FOR THE GREATER GOOD.  This conversation should not be happening right now, or ever. It is disgusting to me that the folks who are being paid with my tax dollars are concerned about transgender equality. Teach the students right from wrong and watch this issue disappear. Then, and only then, the folks in these paid positions can focus on decision making that actually involves learning and teaching students right from wrong. Stop brainwashing kids to think that liberalism is okay; teach them the facts, dating back to the beginning of time, unedited , and let them decide. I mean it when I say that the people who are making decisions on the education of our children are 110% responsible for the violence and hatred in America and they need to be punished. Heather Lynn Trout"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89804", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T08:34:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Well done Virginia fog ignoring the hateful comments of the  bigots and fundamentalists and doing what is right.  I fully support these proposals and am glad Virginia is moving out of the dark ages when fundamentalists and bigots controlled the regulations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89805", "author": "Crystal", "date": "2021-01-13T08:35:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Parents havea right to know what their kids are being taught. It is the parents responsibility to teach their children on sensitive topics like transgenderism. When our country is in such a crises, perhaps we should return to those things that made America into such a great country. Throughout history cultures that embraced the transgender lifestyle quickly experienced destruction. Our nation was founded on the Bible, those who follow that book and the God who wrote it have life. Those who reject it experience destruction. Please choose life for our Commonwealth by teaching our children what lines up with the Bible that God made you male or female, whichever one you were born."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89806", "author": "Jojo", "date": "2021-01-13T08:35:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support the proposed guidelines to protect transgendered or questioning students. All students deserve dignity and the right to determine how they are addressed during the school day. The comments alone on this website show the amount of bigotry, intolerance, and misunderstanding in our community about trans issues, which further underscores a need to protect these children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89807", "author": "Lyn", "date": "2021-01-13T08:47:00", "title": "Do Not Support", "text": "I do not support this guidance as written.   Administrators are putting in procedures and policy that divides and further alienates students by separating and identifying people based on ideas that don't have an impact on education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89808", "author": "Follower of Christ", "date": "2021-01-13T08:48:00", "title": "Gender policies", "text": "i strongly oppose this. No school or government has the right to impose on parental rights. I choose to raise my child in a biblical manner and totally disagree with these policies. We follow the Golden Rule in our household and love our neighbors as our selves. Where  are the scientific facts that male and female are biologically created the same? I pray dear Father in heaven to please intervene and not allow this to be a policy or law of the land. Help us, dear Father."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89809", "author": "Elizabeth Sadtler", "date": "2021-01-13T08:54:00", "title": "LGBTQ students", "text": "I support inclusive policies that protect the rights of LGBTQ students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89810", "author": "Breanna LaTondre", "date": "2021-01-13T08:58:00", "title": "Strongly Support this policy", "text": "This policy is absolutely crucial. Virginia needs to do more to protect Trans youth, and this is a great move in the right direction!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89811", "author": "Mary Rice", "date": "2021-01-13T09:07:00", "title": "Strongly oppose models policies for the treatment of transgender students in Va's public schools", "text": "These policies take away the rights of parents to hold discussions and decisions with their children. These policies are not based on reality. Anyone who knows children know that they change their minds constantly. They want this one day another the next day, something else next week. Transfer that to gender issues and you enter a mad house. In the end it is the child who is grievously injured as well as the parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89812", "author": "Sandra McDaniel", "date": "2021-01-13T09:08:00", "title": "Oppose New Transgender School Policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policy under consideration for Virginia schools. This policy is anti-scientific and it promotes the harmful myth that gender is fluid when each human is scientifically born male or female.  To allow a male identifying as a female to have access to female restrooms and locker rooms, or vice versa, is a state-sponsored abusive and predatory environment. To allow a biological male to participate in female sports is unfair, at best.  A biological male is physically made differently than a female.  Males and females are created differently and thereby think differently.  Instead of celebrating our differences this policy tries to make everyone all the same.  To address a child as young as first grade and confuse them with such radical thinking is abhorrent.  No tax-paying parent should have to subject their innocent child to this unsafe environment and indoctrination in exchange for public education. The disregard for religious freedom in this policy is unconstitutional. You must vote against this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89813", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T09:25:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "I oppose this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89814", "author": "Educate responsibly", "date": "2021-01-13T09:31:00", "title": "Educate Responsibly - Where is the education in this?", "text": "I am deeply concerned that our system of educating the next generation is more concerned about socially shaping the next generation rather than educating the next generation on the facts and figures of science,english, history, and math.  There is a wealth of learning to be accomplished by children.  We as the adults in their lives need to be less concerned about reshaping their minds to fit a new social agenda and more concerned about actually educating. These proposed actions will cause a greater distraction from both learning and teaching.  It adds chaos to an environment that is already struggling.  It will create even greater hostility rather than an environment of peace and acceptance. The focus needs to return to true education.  Our children have already fallen behind in their education when compared to the great minds of the past and of other nations. How about focusing on ways to make sure everyone in the school is focusing on real education and leave all the extra stuff outside the doors of learning?  Leave the toys outside, leave the social shaping outside, focus on the science, focus on the math, focus on the things that are in common - not the divisive issues of society. we have fallen a great way from what our education system was first designed to accomplish.  Let’s use taxpayer’s money responsibly.  I am deeply opposed to this bill as I feel it goes against everything education should be concerned with."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89815", "author": "Sandy", "date": "2021-01-13T09:33:00", "title": "Thetransgender policy for schools", "text": "I strongly oppose the New Transgender policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89816", "author": "Sandy", "date": "2021-01-13T09:34:00", "title": "The Transgender policy for schools", "text": "I strongly oppose the New Transgender policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89817", "author": "Karen", "date": "2021-01-13T09:37:00", "title": "Do not support transgender", "text": "I do not support transgender in the schools but then this is how the government works they destroy us from the schools on out but my support Lord Jesus Christ the Bible says God made man God made women I will not be bullied into trying to believe something that the government wants us to believe At least I will stand in front of my Lord and Savior and say I didn’t give up on you Jesus I didn’t do what they wanted me to do I didn’t give in to the peer pressure and the evil that is going on in our country right now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89818", "author": "SDH", "date": "2021-01-13T09:43:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Our children are to be guided by the adults in their lives to help them make decisions that they can live with for all of their lives. How is teaching them transgender identity going to do that?? They need to be old enough, which would be out of the school, to handle the long term repercussions of such a vast decision. This is not the schools place to push an agenda on our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89819", "author": "G. Oxley", "date": "2021-01-13T09:43:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I believe all Virginia students deserve to be treated with respect and have their education prioritized. In this case, doing so requires protections for our trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming students. These protections were not available when I went through the Virginia public school system. Gendered dress codes do not increase learning. Teachers disrespecting their students by using the wrong pronouns does not increase learning. Students having to only use prohibitively out of the way, singled out, poorly constructed bathroom facilities does not increase learning. Please put these protections in place to let students learn. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89820", "author": "Jaeger Spratt", "date": "2021-01-13T09:47:00", "title": "Support for the Model Policies for Transgender Students in VA Public Schools", "text": "As a nonbinary Virginian who attended VA public schools throughout my educational career, I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. I had very little guidance or support for exploring my identities within the LGBTQ+ community when I was a high school student. Having explicit policies that acknowledged the existence of nonbinary and transgender identities and provide guidance on how to address the specific needs of nonbinary and transgender students would have meant the world to me and several of my peers at that age. By providing guidance to teachers and staff, it will be easier to create an inclusive environment consistently for all students in all schools, rather than having to hope for and rely upon the select few teachers who have personal connections or are exceptionally forward-thinking to take on the extra work of advocating for their transgender and nonbinary students. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Jaeger Spratt"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89821", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T09:48:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "It is the right of parents to make decisions with their children NOT THE GOVERNMENT OR SCHOOL. These policies are ludicrous. Children need the guidance from their parents who love them and truly want what's best for them. This will harm our children. WE SAY NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89822", "author": "Carlton L ARGOE", "date": "2021-01-13T09:49:00", "title": "definitely oppose this...very harmful for all", "text": "This is totally amoral to do this to our innocent children and a slap in the face to parents's rights. I do believe this harm children and cause them confusion and pain. The government should not be able to do this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89823", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T09:52:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed to new transgender policies.", "text": "These policies, particularly those that cover facilities access, make it easier for abusers to get away with their actions, and will cause irreparable harm and pain to the innocents who will suffer. In full, 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89824", "author": "Patricia Work", "date": "2021-01-13T09:53:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Oppose this bill.  Our children don't need to be exposed to biologically opposite sex individuals in the privacy of bathrooms or other venues that are meant for single sex only."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89825", "author": "Beverly Benner", "date": "2021-01-13T09:54:00", "title": "Disagree strongly with transgender policies as set fort on Page 6, 10, 12, 13, 1 7 & 18.", "text": "I do disapprove of this radical push to eliminate differences between females and males and the brainwashing of our children and grandchildren."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89826", "author": "John Hinkle", "date": "2021-01-13T09:58:00", "title": "Proposed transgender  policy.", "text": "Schools should not be given authority to hide ANY thing from parents! Science says there are only TWO genders and they should not be mingled in bathrooms and shower rooms!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89827", "author": "David W", "date": "2021-01-13T09:59:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "Oppose this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89828", "author": "Bonni Hines", "date": "2021-01-13T09:59:00", "title": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE THE TRANSGENDER POLICIES IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE ANY TRANSGENDER POLICIES IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL OR KEEPING KNOWLEDGE FROM PARENTS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89829", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T10:02:00", "title": "statewide transgender policy", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89830", "author": "Suzanne Filiaggi", "date": "2021-01-13T10:08:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "Very much oppose this !!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89831", "author": "Kami Counts", "date": "2021-01-13T10:09:00", "title": "Cannot support this more", "text": "This is a wonderful policy to aid in educating and including the youth of today.  If I was provided access to this as a child my life would have been drastically different for the better. I cannot support this enough."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89832", "author": "Matthew Rumbaugh", "date": "2021-01-13T10:11:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Regarding the proposed transgender policy, I strongly urge our authorities not to pass these measures. I have several concerns. First, the research around transgender issues is thin and does not support measures these strict. We actually have very little idea about the effects of gender identification over a person's lifespan and precious little idea about the influences of institutional participation on these issues. There has simply not been enough time to sufficiently study the longitudinal effects and concerns and there is just no way that these measures are grounded in solid research. Second, I worry about the disproportionate nature of this response. While I have sympathy for students who might struggle with these issues in our school system, there are not enough of them to change the rules for every other student, teacher, and administrator. The many bear the weight for only a few and we should think very, very carefully before we encode that in our laws and regulations. Third, I take great exception to the idea that we need to change the English language to reflect the perceived reality of only a handful of people. We teach our children that words mean things and to move away from that for notions not founded in research and data bears a potential consequence I don't think we've adequately considered. For the few students with legitimate concerns here, surely our superintendents and principals can be trusted to handle as they see fit without potentially demonizing and criminalizing other students and teachers simply trying to achieve their educational mission."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89833", "author": "Henry Polczer", "date": "2021-01-13T10:11:00", "title": "Absolutely Oppose this Tragic Proposal!", "text": "Parents have every right and obligation to know everything that is happening to their child!  Legally and morally, to think that I the state or its representatives know more or better than parents, who bear the ultimate responsibility in every dimension till adulthood, is ludicrous and dangerous to the fabric of our society! Even if the state has concerns, it is obligated and necessary to bring the legal authority of the child (which is the parent) into the discussion. To pass this policy that keeps schools and it’s representatives from informing parents on any concern of the child is reprehensible!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89834", "author": "Carla Brady", "date": "2021-01-13T10:11:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Very strongly support this measure as a Virginia resident."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89835", "author": "Pierre Lepine", "date": "2021-01-13T10:14:00", "title": "Transgender school policy", "text": "This policy will have a devastating effect on families. It is absurd, radical and dangerous. It is the parents right and responsibility to raise their children, NOT the states !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89836", "author": "Barb Geiger", "date": "2021-01-13T10:16:00", "title": "Support our LGTBQ youth", "text": "it is imperative that was as a community of Virginians we support ALL students in their learning journey.   Our LGTBQ students are at high risk of persecution in our schools and it is up to all of us to provide them with protections so they can have a safe and healthy environment in which to learn."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89837", "author": "Cordell Burch", "date": "2021-01-13T10:17:00", "title": "Insanity", "text": "This is actually beyond insanity, it is a satanic delusion.  God made man male and female (Genesis 5:2). Every cell contains XX or XY chromosomes and no amount of drugs or surgery can change that. Nor can a person change their God given gender by simply wishing it. To try to accommodate the fantasy of a sick, or more likely demon possessed, person is simply criminal. Adopting this or any similar policy is a crime."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89838", "author": "Robert W Wheeler", "date": "2021-01-13T10:20:00", "title": "Transgender policy: Do not like this policy document.", "text": "I do not like the proposed Transgender policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89839", "author": "Whitney Roe", "date": "2021-01-13T10:22:00", "title": "Support this policy and transgender students", "text": "I strongly support the policies outlined in the document \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.\" Trans and gender non-conforming students are so vulnerable to bullying and harassment, and desperately need to be supported by the school system throughout their formative years. The negative comments on this forum only prove that these kids needs extra protection and support, as there are so many in our community who would deny them the safety, love, and acceptance that all children need in order to thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89840", "author": "Sharon Dowdy", "date": "2021-01-13T10:23:00", "title": "Transgender school policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this transgender school policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89841", "author": "Janna Bowman", "date": "2021-01-13T10:24:00", "title": "DISAGREE", "text": "Hello, I strongly disapprove of this radical push to eliminate differences between females and males and the brainwashing of our children and grandchildren. Thank you for hearing my comments. Janna Bowman Arlington, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89842", "author": "Lindsay Grohowski", "date": "2021-01-13T10:27:00", "title": "In Support of Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I, Lindsay Grohowski, am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. This is incredibly important to me as a School Counselor in the public school setting and as a queer, non-binary adult. I have worked with countless middle school students who feel unsupported and hopeless because of the way adults and students alike have responded to their gender identity. They pay attention to our actions and policies like this are absolutely critical and frankly, will save lives. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Lindsay Grohowski"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89843", "author": "Martha", "date": "2021-01-13T10:34:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAGREE!!! You cannot change your sex, no matter who says so!", "text": "PLEASE!!! Let us go back to normalcy again!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89844", "author": "Mom & Grandmother", "date": "2021-01-13T10:37:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I believe these issues regarding children should be between the child and the parents who love them more than anyone.  While I have great compassion for all that kids are going through, I don't believe the State has authority over parents rights.  The fact that teachers/counselors could keep info regarding a child from parents is unconscionable. The sharing of restrooms/locker rooms is also a huge safety issue, both physically & psychologically. The focus of public education needs to be on \"reading, writing, arithmetic\".  There are serious civil & religious liberty lines threatening to be crossed with these policies.  Please leave America's children's identity values within the families who care for them the most. Thank you for your time!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89845", "author": "Brian Kosa", "date": "2021-01-13T10:40:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree with this policy!", "text": "I strongly disagree with the effort to adopt policy which furthers gender confusion.  Schools should have the responsibility to teach truth and not to play politics.  Gender confusion is simply another avenue in which those responsible are seeking to lie to people.  The truth is, there are two sexes - there was never a multitude of sexes until the recent years when society decided to lie to people.  The truth is, that upon birth, any medical physician worth his salt says that the child is either a male or female.  The physician does not place \"unknown\" in the blank - unless of course that has become the new hospital policy in which lying again is being proclaimed!  This policy is extremely dangerous from several vantage points.  First, is the outright lying that is taking place to tell a child we don't know what they are!  Stop the lying!  They were designed by their Maker as either a male of female.  scripture designates male and female - and not a bunch of \"other.\"  Second, is the safety factor of the school.  Boys and girls deserve to have the decency and safety of using the restrooms and locker rooms in privacy.  Third, why on earth would we desire to promote something that is creating significant problems for teenagers today?  Adding this only fosters the growing suicide issues facing teens!  Stop the lying!!!  Fourth, why would the adults in the public system desire to lie to parents by stating one thing to their children when they are at school one version and then lying, again, when the parent is present.  This is absolutely disgusting and I vehemently oppose the policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89846", "author": "Kay Slater", "date": "2021-01-13T10:45:00", "title": "VDOE Transgender Student Inclusion Policies", "text": "Support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89847", "author": "Beverley Walker", "date": "2021-01-13T10:51:00", "title": "Public School Transgender Policies", "text": "I do not approve or think necessary these proposed guidelines that seem to want to blur the lines between male and female and seem to be written to indoctrinate students and usurp parental responsibility. A teacher cannot be expected to know which pronouns to use when  students could change their sexual preferences, perhaps on a daily basis. There should be verifiable and substantial evidence that a sex change has taken place. Parents should be included in all counseling sessions with students regarding their gender identity and any other family life issues in the areas of health or sexuality. Parents should be made aware, and indeed have a right to know, if a biological male is using a bathroom or locker room designated for girls. Gender neutral dress code standards will cause chaos. How do these changes in public policy advance or improve the building of strong, traditional families which have been proven to result in a stable structure to ensure a healthy society?  Every major and credible study shows that a traditional family structure equals overall positive outcomes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89848", "author": "James Lancellotti", "date": "2021-01-13T10:58:00", "title": "Opposing Comment", "text": "This policy proposal by the VA DOE is clearly a violation of religious liberty as it offers no protection to students who cannot refer to others with pronouns that differ from others’ pronounced sex at birth due to faith based convictions. The government is over stepping its bounds and assuming responsibility over minors that is reserved for parents, who themselves should teach principles and indoctrinate their children, and hopefully in ways that are in accordance with God’s Word. This proposal is a war on the U.S Constitution and Bill Of Rights, but ultimately on the Lord Jesus Christ, who is God over all. His Word and incarnation provide us with the philosophical basis needed for a coherent understanding of human rights, sexual identity, law, etc. What philosophical basis does a secular state have for such fundamental categories? A secular state has none. We need God fearing people in office who will legislate and utilize State and Federal constitutional and governing frameworks to the glory of God, not to commit high treason against Him the way this policy does."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89849", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-13T11:07:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "First and foremost, I strongly support this! All students have the right to learn in a safe environment, free from discrimination, particularly in the public school system. It is appalling to learn about the discrimination that still occurs in Virginia, but with this guidance being implemented in our public systems we have the chance to eradicate it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89850", "author": "Elementary Teacher", "date": "2021-01-13T11:16:00", "title": "DANGEROUS FOR ALL YOUNG PEOPLE AND TOTALLY WRONG!!!", "text": "Children deserve to be protected and SHAME ON LEGISLATORS AND PSEUDO-EDUCATORS who are willing to endanger students by forcing more confusion.   No student should be bullied or treated with disrespect but ignoring their biological differences and removing all protections and privacy of those differences is both abusive and the height of disrespect.   STOP using our children in your social experiments and protect children!!   This is beyond outrageous and I couldn't be more enraged at the very idea that you would place children in such a disturbing and damaging environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89851", "author": "Barbie Blake", "date": "2021-01-13T11:16:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "The transgender policies are NOTHING but harmful to children! If you enact them, it opens a door for abuse, both physical and mental, of our children. It MUST NOT be passed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89852", "author": "Margaret Egan", "date": "2021-01-13T11:18:00", "title": "Strongly support based on science and empathy", "text": "I strongly support policies that allow all students to learn in a safe respectful environment where they are treated with dignity. Many of the opposing comments are woefully ignorant of current science on gender identification as well as lacking in empathy and kindness towards other. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/sex-redefined-the-idea-of-2-sexes-is-overly-simplistic1/"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89853", "author": "Kelsey Rusnak", "date": "2021-01-13T11:23:00", "title": "Strongly Support Model Policy", "text": "Every kid should feel safe at school regardless of their gender identity or gender expression. The statistics listed in the policy document demonstrate the harm that discrimination against transgender youth causes: \"A 2019 national survey by GLSEN found that 84 percent of transgender youth feel unsafe at school, and those who experience victimization have significantly lower GPAs, are more likely to miss school out of concern for their safety, and are less likely to plan on continuing their education (Kosciw, Clark, Truong, & Zongrone, 2020). Compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers, LGBTQ+ youth report much higher rates of depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, and lower self-esteem. LGBTQ+ youth of color may experience additional stress and adverse effects as a result of their intersecting identities, facing both bias against their gender identity or expression as well as racism\" (pg. 9). \"Furthermore, a recent study found that socially transitioned transgender children who are supported in their gender identity have no elevations in depression and only minimal elevations in anxiety relative to population averages (Olson, Durwood, DeMeules, & McLaughlin, 2016)\"(pg. 9)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89854", "author": "Ben Clark", "date": "2021-01-13T11:32:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose this guidance document as it encourages gender questions that children (especially pre-pubescent children) are not ready to understand."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89855", "author": "Victoria", "date": "2021-01-13T11:33:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support the policies outlined in the guidance document \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.\" I support this because all students deserve to feel safe and supported by their school without fear of discrimination. All students should feel included and represented, especially in a learning environment. I hope that those who have left negative comments try and see this from the point of view of a child. They do not deserve to be bullied or harassed and it emphasizes the importance of enforcing these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89856", "author": "GAIL GORDON", "date": "2021-01-13T11:34:00", "title": "LGBTQ proposed law proposal survey", "text": "I support efforts by the Virginia Department of Education to create a more inclusive learning environment for all students, including but not limited to students identifying as transgender. Gender itself is a social construct and gender stereotypes should not be encouraged. We should strive for a world where no one is considered \"gender non-conforming\" because everybody can wear any kind of clothing or participate in any activity and not have it be considered masculine or feminine. The very concept of gender is antiquated and should be abolished. Sex is not assigned at birth; it is observed. Sex is a biological state of being. Spaces where children will be in a state of undress should be divided by SEX, not gender, with individual facilities for those students whose biological sex does not comport with their inner feelings of gender. No student should be forced to use a restroom or changing space where they feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and that means that not only will transgender students need a safe and neutral space, but students who are not transgender but who do not wish to be in a state of undress with persons of the opposite biological sex must also be accommodated and provided with restrooms and changing rooms where they feel safe and comfortable.  To the fullest extent possible, Virginia schools should provide private, single changing spaces, showers, and toilet facilities for any student who wishes. One need not be transgender to feel uncomfortable being undressed in front of others. Many teens are uncomfortable with their bodies for various reasons. Others may have cultural or religious prohibitions against being in a state of undress with others, even of the same sex. Private spaces are the only answer, no matter how costly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89857", "author": "Mom and Grandmother", "date": "2021-01-13T11:38:00", "title": "I Strongly Oppose the transgender policy", "text": "I Strongly Oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89858", "author": "Hannah", "date": "2021-01-13T11:44:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this policy!!", "text": "I strongly disagree with the effort to adopt policy which furthers gender confusion.  Schools should have the responsibility to teach truth and not to play politics.  Gender confusion is simply another avenue in which those responsible are seeking to lie to people.  The truth is, there are two sexes - there was never a multitude of sexes until the recent years when society decided to lie to people.  The truth is, that upon birth, any medical physician worth his salt says that the child is either a male or female.  The physician does not place \"unknown\" in the blank - unless of course that has become the new hospital policy in which lying again is being proclaimed!  This policy is extremely dangerous from several vantage points.  First, is the outright lying that is taking place to tell a child we don't know what they are!  Stop the lying!  They were designed by their Maker as either a male of female.  Scripture designates male and female - and not a bunch of \"other.\"  Second, is the safety factor of the school.  Boys and girls deserve to have the decency and safety of using the restrooms and locker rooms in privacy.  Third, why on earth would we desire to promote something that is creating significant problems for teenagers today?  Adding this only fosters the growing suicide issues facing teens!  Stop the lying!!!  Fourth, why would the adults in the public system desire to lie to parents by stating one thing to their children when they are at school one version and then lying, again, when the parent is present.  This is absolutely disgusting and I vehemently oppose the policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89859", "author": "Everett Johnson", "date": "2021-01-13T11:46:00", "title": "Totally, Terribly wrong.", "text": "The state does not have the right to keep secrets from parents about their own children—especially when it comes to intimate details on sensitive issues like gender and sexuality Besides just being totally wrong, it is Totally wrong.  Subjecting children to the propaganda of the state is the wrong just like it was under Hitler in Germany and Stalin in Russia.  As is normal and proper, no one loves and cares for the welfare of children than their parents. The policies proposed by the DOE should be fought against by all parents, even moving to another state if necessary."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89860", "author": "Carolyn Fossen", "date": "2021-01-13T11:47:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "These proposed policies on transgenderism are neither scientific or kind.  I strongly oppose this misguided attempt to indoctrinate our children instead of educate them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89861", "author": "Jerald Akers", "date": "2021-01-13T11:47:00", "title": "Oppose this un-natural and unbiblical nonsense", "text": "It's very simple...this proposal violates nature and nature's God."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89862", "author": "Average Biology Major", "date": "2021-01-13T11:51:00", "title": "Squirrels are not dogs, cats are not fish, Men are Men and Women are Women period!", "text": "Squirrels are not dogs, cats are not fish, Men are Men and Women are Women period!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89863", "author": "Stephen Vinson", "date": "2021-01-13T11:59:00", "title": "VDOE model policy for treatment of transgender students", "text": "This proposed policy usurps parental rights.  If there is a legitimate concern of abuse or neglect, it needs to be investigated, but this proposal ignores the parents rights for moral and religious guidance. This proposal allows the opportunity for a student to take advantage of a perverted desire to use bathroom or dressing room facilities of the opposite biological sex.  The policy also prevents anyone from questioning the student's motives and doesn't allow parents to be notified that their child or children are subjected to this potentially perverted activity. ********An interesting point is the policy doesn't address the potential liability if my child is raped or sexually abused as a result of this policy !!! The VDOE would be acting wisely to scrap this proposed policy. Sincerely, Stephen Vinson"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89864", "author": "Dawn Hicks", "date": "2021-01-13T12:06:00", "title": "I oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy. It is not the school or governments place or right to keep secrets from parents about their own children — especially when it comes to intimate details on sensitive issues like gender and sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89865", "author": "Sorrel Chen", "date": "2021-01-13T12:09:00", "title": "All students deserve respect", "text": "All people, children, students, deserve to be educated fully and treated with respect and dignity. Regardless of those who fail to understand or comprehend any truth beyond what they have directly experienced. Please, work to improve the education system. Protections and education benefit all students, not only LGBTQ+."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89866", "author": "Carmen C", "date": "2021-01-13T12:17:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE VDOE DRAFT POLICY FOR TREATMENT OF TRANSGENDER STUDENTS", "text": "I strongly oppose VDOE's proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  The proposed guidelines are dangerous to children and school staff, they undermine parental rights and disregard the God-given rights of U.S. citizens.  We cannot allow radical liberals in the legislature and executive branch to transform Virginia into a state in which parents can no longer parent their children, and children are being manipulated into disavowing their parents’ teachings and values –and even being commissioned to report parents who don’t fully embrace the new orthodoxies.  Enough is enough.   Stop this nonsense, please."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89867", "author": "S Landrum", "date": "2021-01-13T12:20:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policy under consideration. For a state that purports to “go by the science,” transgenderism emphatically denies biological science. This proposed policy is seeking the approval of a small minority of confused folks that need psychological and spiritual help. Instead of providing real help to these troubled few, our state seeks to impose its will upon the many. History will inevitably find that promoting transgender/gender identity policies, which contradict societal norms, will prove to have been destructive and harmful. The health and welfare of our children will suffer irreparable damage from the illogical, unfounded reasoning being proposed. It is shameful that the state of VA has stooped so low that it would consider endangering the lives of the young while also trampling upon the right of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89868", "author": "Maria Good", "date": "2021-01-13T12:26:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose. It is not wise to allow children authority over parents and school staff as in the draft model policies for the treatment of \"transgender\" students. Students tend to be driven by the present which obviously changes moment by moment. It would be difficult for school staff to determine a child's chosen gender from one day to the next, opening opportunities for excellent educators and staff to be fired for a slip of the tongue, even if unintended. It may be difficult to even determine a child's chosen gender by looks alone especially since schools would not require evidence of chosen gender. Teachers have enough red tape to cut through each day. They need to be allowed to do that which they were called to do- teach, without ideological worries. Gender conversations are best held at home with parents who, at the beginning of the pandemic, when schools shut their doors, were called by Pam Northam the best teachers of their children! If that is so, and I wholeheartedly agree with, parents must be the ones not only having gender conversations with their own children but also MUST be made aware of ANY issue their students are having that school staff is aware of so that parents may teach accordingly. It is a parent's right to educate their child as they see fit. To charge a parent with child abuse or neglect for teaching their children according to their own principles and consciences is a violation of their constitutional freedom. It is also a violation of constitutional religious freedom for those parents, students, teachers, and staff that have deeply held religious beliefs that biological males and biological females are just that and none else. Parents also have the right to know, whether they choose to do anything about it or not, if their children are being subjected to using the same bathrooms and changing facilities that are designated for the opposite biological sex. And to also be intentionally made aware if there are no longer designations for biological sex, but shared by both biological sexes. These things may lead to unwanted touching and/or ogling. Virginia public educated students must be given the right to focus on learning math, language, science, history, arts, and sports. Education concerning special interest groups or specific ideologies can be had in the home, homeschool, or private school setting, which is what has been happening for years. It would be extremely distracting as biological males and females arrive to their classes dressed in clothing designed for the opposite sex. As far as school activities like P.E., think of the distraction that biological boys dressed in skirts and earrings to gym and wrestling matches would cause because they feel like or believe they are girls. The distraction of biological girls appearing topless to swim meets because they feel like or believe they are boys is just as bad. This is completely inappropriate and insanity!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89869", "author": "Rachel Edwards", "date": "2021-01-13T12:36:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "I urge you to revise the proposed VDOE draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students due to the extensive potential for damaging effects to both students and faculty. First, our schools are a place where all students are to feel safe and welcome, providing them a healthful place to learn and grow into citizens that are able to contribute to society. This policy would facilitate and encourage the practice of lying and misinformation within the family unit - the unit we as a society work so hard to maintain! By withholding extremely important information about students from the people who love them most, it builds distrust and fosters the practice of lying. It actively prohibits parents from having open communication with their children, breaking down relationships and trust. Additionally, it requires faculty to be intentionally dishonest with parents, undermining the vital parent-teacher relationship and imbuing it with distrust. (Per “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) And also, “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. (Recommended Standard, p. 13)) Second, this policy would undermine the safety and health of students by opening vulnerable places - like locker rooms and bathrooms - up to students and staff of the opposite sex with no limitation. Since the current definition of gender identity as outlined in this standard is completely subjective, both students and faculty could change their gender identity to exploit vulnerable situations, without substantiating evidence or minimum duration, according to the Recommended Standard. Our society has fought valiantly for years to establish women's rights, prevent rape and molestation, and foster protections for the vulnerable, all with the goal of providing a safe and conducive learning environment in public schools. The Recommended Standard prioritizes transgender rights, superseding the rights and protections for cisgendered individuals and their family units. It undermines the family unit by fostering a dishonest school-home environment, encouraging students to be dishonest with parental figures, and requiring faculty to lie to parents when discussing the student. Ongoing evidence of gender selection is not required, according to the Recommended Standard, opening doors to opportunities for abuse, molestation and impropriety for all students and prohibiting faculty from providing protection to those in harm's way. The Recommended Standard prohibits a safe and conducive learning/educational environment for all students and faculty. I urge you to revise these standards to provide protections for both trans and cis gendered students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89870", "author": "Rebecca J. Sanders", "date": "2021-01-13T12:45:00", "title": "transgender", "text": "STRONGLY DISAPPROVE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89871", "author": "Rebecca J. Sanders", "date": "2021-01-13T12:48:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "LAST COMMENT  SHOULD BE OMITTED"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89872", "author": "A Retired Public School Teacher", "date": "2021-01-13T12:48:00", "title": "I strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposal to teach students about gender identification and/or anything which would possibly cause a student to question their biological gender. This entire topic should be dealt with at home, or in a counselor or clergy setting with parent approval."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89873", "author": "Randy Y", "date": "2021-01-13T12:53:00", "title": "Proposal is bad policy", "text": "This proposed policy is a violation of privacy for students, it undermines parents authority, and it discriminates against a Christian view of sexuality. Not to mention that it is anti-science."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89874", "author": "Savannah A.", "date": "2021-01-13T12:58:00", "title": "SUPPORT!!!!", "text": "It is imperative to support ALL students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89875", "author": "Tim McClellan", "date": "2021-01-13T12:58:00", "title": "Absolutely NOT", "text": "It is not the public school's role to subvert the authority of the parents in raising their children according to their values, morals, and beliefs.   If this passed it would completely undermine the right of every parent to bring up their children as they choose, which is one of the most fundamental rights as citizens of our United States. VOTE NO."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89876", "author": "Bill Yontz", "date": "2021-01-13T13:20:00", "title": "Proposed Virginia Transgender School Policy", "text": "Our family strongly opposes this proposed state-wide policy! I have read the proposed policy in it's entirety. It appears this policy was developed by the same people who have pushed to make this subject what it is today; far more than it should be. These are the people who have made these sexual behaviors \"cool\" to the youth. I saw only 1 parent in the list of individuals who were consulted in developing the document. This type of overgovernment is one of the big reasons that private schools and home schooling have become so desired. Most of the young who are now exposing these behaviors would not have them or think they have them had so-called progressives not told them that if they have one inkling of these feelings then that is really what they are. It is so sad. Many of the people who helped to develop this document stand to gain consulting work if it is approved. Bad!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89877", "author": "Wanda Juraschek", "date": "2021-01-13T13:21:00", "title": "Oppose Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Many of the Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students violate other people's rights, specifically: school staff, parents, and all non-transgender students. This is unlawful. Much more research is needed to accurately determine how best to help children who are experiencing gender dysphoria. Following unsubstantiated recommendations by people who have a political agenda rather than time-tested scientific research."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89878", "author": "James E.", "date": "2021-01-13T13:33:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Although compassion is a good thing, I think at times young children are naturally confused when it comes to gender and sexuality.  Why add to the confusion?  Stop playing politics, stop indoctrinating kids and educate them!  On top of COVID lockdowns, this is all we need! Kids can be protected without boys using girls bathrooms.  I can't imagine what the consequences of such policies would be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89879", "author": "Tamara", "date": "2021-01-13T14:19:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89880", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-13T14:23:00", "title": "Don't take out parent communication", "text": "I am in complete support of transgender students having the freedom to go by the pronouns of their choosing. This is their right to decide who they are as a person. They should be able to do so without push back at home or at school. What I do not support is taking the parent communication off the table. I believe we can find a way to support our transgender students in our communities without taking the parents out of the equation. I love my children dearly and care about what they go through at school. I would want to be part of those conversations and communication that happens at school because I love them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89881", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T14:27:00", "title": "Transgender proposal", "text": "Let us not put teachers and administrators between parents and their children.  Also, it is not the role of the schools to affirm gender identity one way or the other.  How about focusing on teaching the basic such as writing, math, and reading?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89882", "author": "Elaine Ventura", "date": "2021-01-13T14:32:00", "title": "Transgender bathroom", "text": "Please protect our children do not allow the transgender to use the same bathroom.  We love them, but its insane to allow them to use the bathroom that they want. Thanks"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89883", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T14:48:00", "title": "In opposition to transgender regulations proposed by VA Department of Education", "text": "The proposed policies related to HB 145 and SB 161 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. 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89884", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T15:06:00", "title": "Overreach", "text": "It has come to my attention that the Department of Education of Virginia thinks that it should teach that there is not binary sex or that it is assigned at birth.  That is extremely unprofessional and unscientific. Moreover the proposal is outrageous that any student being seen to have questions about sexuality will be considered someone to protect from their own parents. Your proposal to mandate such policy state wide is an overreach of any semblance of your place to teach Virginia students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89885", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T15:08:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender regulations proposed by the VA Department of Education. Schools should make accommodations for any transgender child/adult that will NOT impact the whole study body. No child should be subjected to sharing a bathroom, locker room, hotel room, etc of someone of the opposite sex even that person identifies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89886", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T15:16:00", "title": "OPPOSE....A dangerous encouragement", "text": "It is an established fact that the rate for suicide among Transgender is 11 times that of the national norm and no its not because they are mistreated. One study proved they do this in the most supportive of environments as much as the non supportive ones.  You would be enabling a tragedy for many.  Stop trying to normalize an affliction for the sake of political world view.  These people desperately need love and help not hyper accommodation to encourage their affliction.  Stop stepping all over the freedom of others by commanding them to lie to a person who based on nothing more than their subjective feelings disagrees with what they see in the mirror each day."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89887", "author": "C.Mgrath", "date": "2021-01-13T15:18:00", "title": "We have two sets of illogical children here; the gender-confused child, and the school Admin", "text": "Its commonly accepted practice that children are not considered developed, learned, or experienced enough to make life-altering decisions.  Society and government have demonstrated this on controls down to things as common as driving, voting, alcohol, viewing adult media, tattooing, or piercing, etc... Yet we debate forcing society and government bureaucracies to attend to the whims of a child who may “feel” they are not the sex they were born with.  It is utterly illogical and absurd. How to treat this child?  We can ask - do you allow degrees of bullying based on other criteria?  Why would you allow mistreatment of any child then? Very simply, you hold them to the same standards as any other child, including their biological sex.   They can “choose” their sex when they are adults. Also, for your teacher’s own future legal liability and safety, why would you want to create any complex system, of unworkable and completely impracticable rules beyond this?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89888", "author": "Tamara Dierberger", "date": "2021-01-13T15:29:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I strongly oppose the DOE's proposal for a statewide-and mandatory-transgender model policy for all K-12 schools. This policy essentially mandates promotion of gender confusion to school aged children and undermines the rights of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89889", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T15:38:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "There is no acceptable reason to have other adults in my child's life keeping secrets with my children. That is a line that teachers shouldn't cross. We encourage our children to be honest and come forward if any adult takes advantage of them. You are now trying to encourage children to keep secrets with these other adults. These philosophies also go against our lifestyle views. I will love my child if they start to have these issues or don't. But I do not want to support or encourage it. Gender confusion is a new hot topic issue that is attracting attention and trying to gain popularity when a very small few actually identify this way. I do think the kids that identify this way should be protected and shouldn't have to suffer from bullying or presucution. That doesn't mean that we need to saturate or kids in these choices or encourage them to follow this way of life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89890", "author": "A concerned Virginia resident", "date": "2021-01-13T15:43:00", "title": "Opposed to the expansion", "text": "LGBT issues for adults are a matter of public policy. It is acceptable to communicate to public employees that they not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, since discrimination is wrong. However, LGBT is a topic for families to discuss within the family, and what we’ve seen in recent years is advocacy for immorality by left-leaning educators. This has undermined families and influenced youths to choose the immoral path out of peer pressure and teachers influence. The topic needs to be avoided by public employees just as much as religious viewpoints and political viewpoints. Regrettably, the left-leaning individuals have no compunction about restricting their advocacy because they’re protected by Democratic Party advocates. This is unequal treatment under the law."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89891", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-01-13T15:54:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Trans Changes", "text": "While I fully agree that any student should be treated respectfully, I absolutely do not approve of these proposed guidelines! They are a state overreach of power based on radical, unscientific theories that seek to eradicate all distinctions between male and female and treat our school-aged children as social experiments in sexuality. Rather than making children feel safe, these policies create chaos and confusion in the hearts and minds of children where none existed before. Additionally, these guidelines especially endanger girls, making them subject to possible abuse and/or harassment in bathrooms, locker rooms, etc., and also subject to biological inequities in sports competitions. Furthermore, the family is the most foundational and fundamental unit in society, and these policies only serve to destroy that family unit by undermining parental authority and involvement in their children’s lives. Unquestionably, the vast majority of parents love and care more about their own children than the state or anyone else ever will. What automatically qualifies the state to be more loving/caring/responsible in handling these crucial, life-altering matters than the parents themselves? This usurping of parental authority by the state sets a dangerous precedent for the abuse of public power in other arenas as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89892", "author": "Kerry carter", "date": "2021-01-13T15:57:00", "title": "Transgender bill Pending", "text": "I oppose both House and Senate bills that deny parents of public school children the right to educate their children regarding the scientific truths of human sexuality. Under these bills both parents and their children can be punished for speaking publicly about transgender issues. These bills force children to use gendered pronouns that are at odds with what they know and see and carry a potential penalty of expulsion when a child sincerely expresses confusion.  Also educating children about human sexuality should not begin in kindergarten. The public school agenda in our Commonwealth is one that seeks to propagandize and indoctrinate at a ver early age."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89893", "author": "Patricia H. Guthrie", "date": "2021-01-13T16:17:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose BOE guidelines concerning gender at school", "text": "I strongly oppose the Board of Education guidelines on gender identity in our public schools.  This is based on what I have read, all of which deny God's creation of male and female.  It also denies known science.  This is a blatant attack by the LGBTQ community, not only to have their behavior tolerated, but accepted and promoted on the most innocent of our country, our children.  Their plan is obviously to confuse children about which sex they really are, when normally, they would never question it.  They know whether they are male or female by birth!  They don't need to be confused about it by those who seek to change society to their liking. Besides this, parent's rights are being totally denied, and teachers are unable to follow their conscience while pinned to these new classroom and school guidelines.  I am truly shocked and horrified.  I was a public school teacher and I cannot imagine being forced into this mold being mandated upon me to call a boy by a girl's name or a girl by a boy's name just because the child \"declared\" that they felt like a sex not biologically theirs.  There is also the problem of the use of the opposite sex's bathrooms, shower rooms and changing rooms.  Although there would be no threat to a boy entering a girl's restroom, the girls would definitely feel threatened!  We must stop these atrocious guidelines from going into effect.  This is ungodly and abhorrent!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89894", "author": "Hannah Wollmann", "date": "2021-01-13T16:19:00", "title": "Further proof that public education is not fit for educating our next generation.", "text": "I believe parents and educators alike can agree that schools ought to be a place where all children feel safe and are encouraged to cultivate a love of learning for a lifetime of adjusting healthily in the world around them. We also agree that we teach them at developmentally appropriate paces. Before we teach children the exceptions to the rule, we first set them up with the foundational truths. If our educational establishments can't even recognize or respect the biological differences between the majority of males and females, and want to create policies that force all of to live in the margins of the fringe sexual anomalies, then I guess we are simply left to question the public education system's capabilities to educate our children properly. If tolerance and acceptance is the aim, then work in the arena of anti-bullying policies and allow the parents to work alongside you in these endeavors, not exclude us, even to the point of deception. This is not the way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89895", "author": "Austin Melio", "date": "2021-01-13T16:29:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!!!! YES!!!! DO IT!!!!", "text": "This policy is so important!!!! It means the world to transgender kids! Please go through with this for the future of our students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89896", "author": "Chanel Hill", "date": "2021-01-13T16:29:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "This is a wonderful step in a progressive and safe direction!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89897", "author": "Veronica Breza, Sterling resident, Teacher at Luther Jackson Middle School", "date": "2021-01-13T16:29:00", "title": "Support Trans Kids", "text": "As a public school educator in Virginia's school system, I have seen LGBTQ students get harassed and bullied for being themselves, for being different than the majority. These children need to be protected and kept safe. Self-expression and gaining an understanding of oneself as a person can become hindered if bullying and harassment are present. Trans students are more likely to be harassed, bullied, and even harmed physically by their peers just for being who they are. This lack of support has been proven to cause lasting emotional harm and increase the likelihood of suicide. There is scientific evidence that proves that children know what gender they are as early as three years old. For those who don't understand gender, and think in some way that this is an agenda, I say to you: WHO WOULD ASK FOR THIS? It's dangerous. It's painful, both physically and emotionally. If anyone had a choice about who they are, they would not choose to be different. This is not a choice. This not a lifestyle. This is not an agenda. Support trans children. Be kind. Be gentle. Love one another. I think you may know of a book that tells you the same. Veronica Breza, Sterling resident, Teacher at Luther Jackson Middle School"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90301", "author": "Joanna", "date": "2021-01-15T21:21:00", "title": "Oppose drafts on transgender policies HB145 and SB161", "text": "I am opposed to the drafts on transgender policies, HB 145 and SB 161.  These policies would infringe the First Amendment Rights of parents to raise and care for their children and they would potentially pit children against their parents on important issues regarding sex and gender identity. Also, no one, child nor adult, should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, or other intimate settings with members of the opposite biological sex.  Many children, and adults, would feel uncomfortable and even threatened, when they encounter a member of the opposite sex in gendered facilities. Schools should NOT accommodate the harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to encourage \"gender transitions\", especially irreversible ones."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90302", "author": "M. GILLSON", "date": "2021-01-15T21:27:00", "title": "Transgender policies are inconsistent with reality", "text": "There is a reality to human sexuality these ideas are contrary to that reality. There are two modes of being human- Male and female. Those are determined by genetic makeup and no self mutilation through surgery or toxic regimen of unnatural hormones can chang the reality. So how about the school board focus on science and deal in reality and seek to define truth rather than subjecting students to lies and bizarre ideas. Also, this distorted idea conflicts with the values that many parents hand on to their children. It is not the job of the school board to undermine those values or usurp the parents roles."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90303", "author": "Vicki L Kellum (parent)", "date": "2021-01-15T21:28:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support the model policies for transgender students.  This is vital for the health and well being of transgender and non-conforming students.  Transgender people have higher rates of suicide and are more likely to contemplate suicide than the general population.  They are also often targets of bullying.  We must do all we can to help these students so they can grow up feeling safe and accepted.  We also must foster acceptance of transgender and non-conforming students in schools and society as a whole.  It makes me very sad to read the comments of some people.  I hope you will not listen to the comments of ignorant and bigoted people when deciding on policy.  We need to put children first, and the model policy does just that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90304", "author": "Fredlena Cosby", "date": "2021-01-15T21:31:00", "title": "Disagree", "text": "I totally disagree with this and do not wish my children to be indoctrinated with said ideologies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90305", "author": "Richard W. Firth", "date": "2021-01-15T21:34:00", "title": "End transgenderism", "text": "It makes God's plan for sex a mockery"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90306", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T21:39:00", "title": "VDOE transgender policy", "text": "Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90307", "author": "Roberto Quintanilla", "date": "2021-01-15T21:40:00", "title": "I oppose new VDOE guidance's assault on children and parents", "text": "The period for public consultation on the Virginia Dept. of Education's new guidance on gender confused students ends on February 3rd. As your constituent, I'm asking you to protest against this policy, to do everything in your power to oppose to this which seeks to force the state's public school students to positively affirm those suffering from the disorder of gender dysphoria. Equally as appalling, this draft guidance also seeks to undermine parents' authority to educate their children in the area of sexual mores. If imposed, this guidance will force students and parents who object to this offensive intrusion into this sensitive area, to either protest loudly and constantly, and, or pull their children out of Virginia's public schools. Accommodation may be able to be made for students suffering from the gender dysphoria disorder, but brainwashing all students and staff, and proposing to spy on and turn-in parent to CPS, is not only wrong-headed, it is an assault on the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy, and religion. This is a dangerous draft policy. Thank you for taking action to do everything in your power to protest against this appalling draft guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90308", "author": "LJ", "date": "2021-01-15T21:44:00", "title": "VDOE transgender policy", "text": "Just one more thing attempting to be shoved down the throats of those who oppose it.  Strongly oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90309", "author": "Roselyne Clair", "date": "2021-01-15T22:03:00", "title": "New policy regarding LGBT", "text": "Why subject all the children to this policy when only a very few will be \"confused\" by their gender.  It is not the school's place to address this issue.  It is the parents'. We have enough problems relating to education why create new ones?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90310", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T22:07:00", "title": "Mental Illness", "text": "In a sexual species there are TWO sexes, MALE and FEMALE. 99.3% of humans have XX or XY chromosomes (the rest are mutations). Being one sex but thinking you're the other is a PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER. Mandating a widespread enabling of a psychological disorder is SOCIOPATHY."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90311", "author": "Matthew", "date": "2021-01-15T22:10:00", "title": "I oppose", "text": "I oppose the proposed measure for transgenderism to be taught in schools. I believe that this is a very sensitive matter that should be left to the parents and kids to figure out. By teaching this in schools it will encourage confusion even for children who are currently not dealing with questions. For those who may be confused or will be an attempt to push them into a decision they are not ready for at their age. It is much better to allow parents to help their children through this. Please reject this proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90312", "author": "Raymond E Grant", "date": "2021-01-15T22:21:00", "title": "this usurps parental rights", "text": "this purports to be about keeping transgender students safe - but it tramples on the parental rights of all students' parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90313", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T22:33:00", "title": "Vehemently Opposed", "text": "This proposal is not EDUCATION but is instead INDOCTRINATION."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90314", "author": "Margaret Loesel", "date": "2021-01-15T22:47:00", "title": "Teaching children objective truth", "text": "I object to the proposal to promote the LGBTQ agenda in our public schools. \"Transgender\" is an objective lie. Parents trust that when their child is sent to public school the child will be treated with compassion and respect. They also expect that their child will learn objective truth that is in accordance with reality and scientific principles. If a child is confused, it is expected that the educator reorients the child to truth and does not allow the child to persist in his/her misconception. It would be inappropriate for a teacher to allow a child to insist that 2+2=5 even if the child sincerely believes it, or that the moon is made of cheese, even it the child insists that they have seen it in a movie or read it in a book. A responsible teacher will gently and compassionately point out the facts and teach the child what is known to be true. All scientific data points to the objective truth that there are only 2 sexes, male and female and that our sex is determined by our DNA from the moment of conception. It is not uncommon for a child to experience same sex attraction at some points in his/her development. It is MOST appropriate that if a child is struggling with this, the PARENT work with the child through this confusing phase of development and the teacher move into a position of supporting the parent's efforts to orient the child to objective truth. The school system should be in the business of intellectual formation as that is what it is trained to do. Getting involved in social engineering is an abuse of power and an over reach by the teacher and the DOE. Encouraging a child to believe a lie to be true has nothing to do with compassion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90315", "author": "concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-15T22:49:00", "title": "Stop Inflicting Mental/Sexual Abuse on The Children", "text": "Right now we are seeing a cultural wave of sexually confused adults who are pushing their internal conflicts onto the next generation of children. Stop it!! This is abuse of children. Sexuality should not be discussed at all in the classroom. This is the job of the parents. There are only two sexes, male and female. Everything else is hogwash!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90316", "author": "L", "date": "2021-01-15T23:04:00", "title": "OPPOSE!", "text": "These ridiculous agendas only open the door for an exponential continuance of problems to solve. The more it gets catered to, the bigger and more complicated it grows. Has anyone seen the pattern?  If someone has gender identity issues, that is their cross to carry, just as every individual has difficult issues in their own lives.  If someone has an illness, should we all contract that illness?  If someone is in a wheel chair, should we all get in wheel chairs?  Adversity is a challenge and needs to be dealt with by the individual.  Often times adversity creates strength and fortitude.  These are good characteristics.  Life is not meant to be easy.  In the long run, many more children will become confused about their identity with all of this jargon being put in place. Who is supposed to know what gender someone \"feels like\" on any given day or moment to address them the way they won't find \"harassing\".  Just because someone says something was received as harassing does not mean it was delivered as harassment.  Now we have to judge the intent of everyone's comments and how they got translated?  Who will be that judge and jury?  Before instilling more rules, think about the trickle down effect of more problems it will create. Let's stop the nonsense before it goes any further and get back to common sense.  Vehemently oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90317", "author": "Concerned Suppressed Voice?", "date": "2021-01-15T23:46:00", "title": "Why are almost hours worth of negative comments apparently disappearing?", "text": "I know I submitted a comment early which previously appeared and is no longer visible. Is the Town Hall being censored?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90318", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T23:47:00", "title": "Stop Sodomite Propaganda", "text": "Stop Sodomite Propaganda"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90319", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T23:49:00", "title": "Fire VDOE Employees behind the proposals", "text": "These sick and twisted people should not remain employed by the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90320", "author": "John", "date": "2021-01-15T23:52:00", "title": "Evil Transgender Policies Create Environment of Predatory Grooming and Sex Abuse", "text": "Evil Transgender Policies Create Environment of Predatory Grooming and Sex Abuse"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90321", "author": "BLA", "date": "2021-01-15T23:55:00", "title": "No, this is awful!", "text": "Simply put, NO! This is absolutely awful. Help students decide without talking to parents? Don't question anyone going into the restrooms? Reporting individuals? Are you kidding me? Students will abuse this for the wrong reasons. My daughter only heard a little piece of this and is already concerned about going back to school and a boy being allowed in the girls bathroom because he \"identifies\" as a girl. No. This undermines parents and scares our children, and is a way the government is trying to get us to conform to their idea of us having to tolerate everything without any sense of morals. I don't believe in that. Also have we considered the possibility of rape in older age groups, a rise in unwanted teen pregnancies, and this is some way nurturing some weird perversion in some individuals? Leave things the way they are! Stop trying to run every aspect of our children's lives and let the parents handle this stuff at home."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90322", "author": "Joe", "date": "2021-01-15T23:55:00", "title": "VDOE Regulators have lost their minds", "text": "This insanity cannot stand. This is evil. Those behind it should be ashamed of themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90323", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-15T23:57:00", "title": "The Gaystapo are at it again", "text": "VDOE be like, \"Mien Fuhrer, we force the gay on the kids.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90324", "author": "Cathy Tankersley", "date": "2021-01-15T23:58:00", "title": "Absolutely absurd", "text": "School systems are promoting transgenderism causing confusion in children who have limited understanding of their sexuality - this is child abuse. Then you violate parental rights to oversee the development of their children which is a God given right. Then you violate the  privacy rights of children by forcing biological males into biological girl's bathroom's and shower rooms and vice versa. I am/was very modest and this would traumatize me and I have heard from parent's dealing with this situation and it has traumatized their children as well. And it is also an unsafe policy. Then you are violating the conscience of teachers/staff, etc. where this goes against their beliefs. And then you are ruining female sports as females are trying to compete with biological boys in the name of transgenderism. I feel sorry for people who are confused and choose to be transgender. I have read how they end up having health issues from the chemicals and end up being unhappy because the radical changes done to their body did not solve the problem they were trying to address. Many die early from health issues or suicide.  Very sad. I would gladly respect transgenders in my presence and show them love. But these policies hurt the overall school body. Quit trying to indoctrinate children to explore their gender. In my school days, we didn't have indoctrination and we didn't have this issue. It is wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90325", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T00:01:00", "title": "VDOE seeks to allow pedosadism to be institutionalized in the school", "text": "VDOE seeks to allow pedosadism to be institutionalized in the school with policies that create spaces for the grooming of children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90326", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T00:03:00", "title": "Virginia Regulars all about violating rights and violating children", "text": "Not only do these policies act in opposition to every right held sacred by the American people, they also promote the sexual abuse of children through the propagation of sexual deviancy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90327", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T00:45:00", "title": "Say No to Transgender - Child Sex Abuse policies", "text": "Say No to Transgender - Child Sex Abuse policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90328", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T00:46:00", "title": "Policies for Transgender Students", "text": "Your Immoral & dangerous policy. Girls will be spied upon by boys, sexually harassed, molested, & girls toilet seats will be covered with boys urine. Employees & students will be entrapped, falsely accused, & removed from schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90329", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T01:34:00", "title": "Proceed with caution", "text": "The vagueness of this makes me wary. Of course children shouldn’t be bullied by other children or, worse, their peers parents who seem to have overtaken this forum. However, there are legitimate concerns (that even the Olympic Committee has not been able to resolve) on transgender athletes. As more research is done, it is being realized that those born of the male sex, even after taking testosterone blockers, still maintain a significant athletic advantage based on their bone size and density, hearts ability to pump more blood, larger capillaries, etc. that testosterone blockers don’t change. This not only opens the door to unsafe sports for cis females playing in what should be clearly stated as sex protected divisions (not gender identity divisions) it also takes away from the chances of someone of the female sex from getting fair scholarships. However, when a female takes testosterone (ie steroids) those are performance enhancing drugs. Since this is such a big issue to make it to this level of interest- I recommend creating new divisions of sports specific to transgender athletes. Otherwise, good for VA for looking out for these children for bullying aspects. Though I would never encourage my child to pursue transgender curiosity, I am not the parent of other children and at the end of the day the schools can’t force children or their parents to block transitions but it can also take an equal stance in protecting children who do not identify as transgender as it does the children who do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90330", "author": "Gerard-Marie Anthony", "date": "2021-01-16T01:35:00", "title": "Please respect a parents' right to walk with their children during emotional distress", "text": "Please do not take away parent's rights in walking with their children in difficult situations.  DO NOT PASS THE POLICY ON TREATMENT OF TRANSGENDERED STUDENTS as it takes away parents ability to talk with their children and puts staff in bad positions being ordered not to tell parents that their child is thinking of transitioning."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90331", "author": "Robert Maresca", "date": "2021-01-16T03:08:00", "title": "Clear violation of parental authority", "text": "There is no justification for this proposal under positive law, natural law, or divine law. Proceed with this and make no mistake, no good will come of it. Be not deceived, God is not mocked."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90332", "author": "Brian Moffett", "date": "2021-01-16T07:42:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "I personally think it's ridiculous that we spend tax dollars on silly stuff like this... Treat everyone like man and woman! I don't care if you want to be something else or don't want to be anything at all. I couldn't care less! But why do we spend so much time and money to accommodate like less than 2% of the population? Because someone brings it up in passing and someone wants votes? It's a joke the way the US is going! I don't care if my children go to school with transgender or the alphabet people... They're human! Lets start treating humans regardless of what faction, side, gender, sexual orientation they are! Absolutely ridiculous! STOP THIS NONSENSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90333", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T07:44:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this model of proposed guidelines for transgender students. This will only cause more confusion and problems for all students, parents, and school staff.  Teachers have a hard enough job already, and with these changes. They would have to walk on egg shells to deal with this issue, with potential to lose their jobs if they say the wrong pronoun.  Parents have the right to know what is going on with their children at school.  These highly sensitive issues should be discussed at home, not at school, or be kept secret in any manner! Implementing these new policies will only lead to more parents choosing to take their children out of public school.  Kids do not need to be brainwashed thinking this is cool or normal at school. It also poses a dangerous threat to children when sharing bathrooms with someone of the opposite biological sex, who could be using this as a ploy to cause harm to others (and wouldn't even be questioned for it!). Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts, and please take all sides of this in consideration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90334", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T07:51:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Please don't disregard the rights of parents. These sometimes irreversible transitions are not in the best interest of children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90335", "author": "Wendy", "date": "2021-01-16T08:00:00", "title": "Do not pass this!! This will destroy the family", "text": "This is against the family, Christian Doctrine and will further undermine the structure of the family. As a legal registered voter in the state of Virginia I oppose this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90336", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T08:06:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Strongly Opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90337", "author": "M Patterson", "date": "2021-01-16T08:34:00", "title": "I support", "text": "Supporting students (educationally, developmentally, and socially) is a central purpose of schools. Supporting trans students is one piece of that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90338", "author": "TRoberts", "date": "2021-01-16T08:43:00", "title": "No!", "text": "This is absurd and has no place in our school system. How about you get back to actually teaching our children HISTORY, math, English, and science instead of pushing a leftist agenda!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90339", "author": "n v v evans", "date": "2021-01-16T09:19:00", "title": "All transgender education is contrary to Christian belief and child welfare interests", "text": "All transgender education is contrary to Christian belief and detrimental to the development of healthy children and healthy family relationships.  The parents are the best ones to guide their children in these matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90340", "author": "William Roe", "date": "2021-01-16T09:24:00", "title": "I support", "text": "I support this policy. I feel sad to hear in some cases a student may not feel safe in letting their parent or guardian know about their gender preference, but I believe the policy is also correct in following the students wishes in that matter too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90341", "author": "Truth", "date": "2021-01-16T09:33:00", "title": "No - He created them man and women!!", "text": "Wrong"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90342", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T09:57:00", "title": "Unnecessary Policy Change", "text": "There is no legitimate reason to implement this policy change in Virginia schools. The vast majority of parents do not support it, and you are listening to a vocal minority that is seeking to undermine what little normalcy is left in student-teacher relations and behavior management. I have no doubt these comments will be ignored, but remember you will always be on the wrong side of history."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90343", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T10:02:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE TRANSGENDER POLICY", "text": "This is against my beliefs and interferes with my child’s education. Fairfax county has no right to teach my children what goes against my beliefs.  And to force this on parents is coercion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90344", "author": "Mark Brey", "date": "2021-01-16T10:08:00", "title": "Stop this insanity!", "text": "You know it . . . I know it . . . a small child even knows it. There are two sexes. Isn’t that what science . . . REAL TRUE SCIENCE demonstrably shows? Please pause and rethink your experiences and motives, then stop any proposals to teach or, in any way, encourage radical transgender ideology. Do this for the good of our children, science and the right of parents to be the sole teachers in this most delicate of areas. And please, spare us the “hate” label just because we recognize an obviously insane, unscientific curriculum on its face!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90345", "author": "Edary Cienfuegos", "date": "2021-01-16T10:36:00", "title": "Against", "text": "This is first of all not a government place to intervene in the private life of a child or his or her family this is for the parents to address. Second you will install wrong values when you are asking the kids to keep secrets an be dishonest with the parents this is double standard and will create bigger problems as they become adults Third kids are impressionable so for acceptance  or peer pressure they will identify as  someone they are not they don't have this in mine unless the message is view or heard over and over again and that is what liberals are doing with their agenda, now you see this everywhere kids tv shows, books , movies everywhere so STOP IT."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90346", "author": "Cameron", "date": "2021-01-16T10:49:00", "title": "Priorities", "text": "Our schools are falling behind and I it's because we don't focus on learning. We focus on million other things but not what kids need to succeed. L focus on reading, writing, mathematics, history and science."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90347", "author": "Eric Hooks", "date": "2021-01-16T10:50:00", "title": "Stop Sexualizing Children", "text": "Young children are not mature enough to make major life-changing decisions, which is why they are legally under the guardianship of adults, typically their parents who love them and want the best for them. It is also why they are subject to juvenile court systems and why attendance at school is mandatory. Many aspects of the law rightly recognize the need to guide and protect young children as they mature. While this guidance document pretends to further that cause, the truth is quite the opposite - and tragic. This guidance document is partly a response to Virginia choosing to no longer vigorously defend itself in the courts against unfavorable rulings stemming from enforcement of its prior, sensible policy. Prior, sensible policy recognized the importance of creating a safe learning environment for ALL students, which requires moderating the excessive behavior of some students when they become potentially harmful towards others. A very small but very vocal minority of students, outside activists, and policy makers have banded together to try to normalize the aberrant and often self-destructive behaviors associated with gender dysphoria in young children. Worse yet, they seek to affirm these aberrant behaviors by forcing others to play along and call children by preferred pronouns, made up names, etc. This is nonsensical and encourages other youths who are merely attention seeking to mimic such behaviors because of the attention and control it grants them. Worse yet, it creates opportunities for sexually curious or sexually predatory children to parade into the bathrooms, locker rooms, and sleepovers of opposite gendered children and victimize them. What about the rights of the majority of children to privacy and security? And where will this end? Will male faculty be able to identify as female on a whim and parade into the girls' locker rooms as well? If not, why not? Where is the logical end to this? None of this is even the worst part of this guidance document though. The worst part is that it champions a duplicitous approach of deceiving parents who are opposed to this nonsense by referring to their children according to their legal name and gender when communicating with the parents about their children, while duplicitously indulging young gender dysphoric or merely attention-seeking children behind their parents' backs in the school setting. Driving a wedge between parents and their children has become the job of Virginia public schools? Abrogating their responsibility to create a safe learning environment by protecting young children from sexualization and sexual predation has become the job of Virginia public schools? Encouraging and indulging sexual dysphoria in young children has become the job of Virginia public schools? Ask yourselves - why have we maintained these gender distinctions over the centuries? Is all that is past bad? Is all that is past harmful and malevolent? Or could some parts of culture and custom perhaps be beneficial? Could they even represent tacit wisdom that should only be very cautiously discarded and replaced after careful consideration and consensus-building? Has it occurred to you that gender distinctions may be more beneficial than harmful? Has it occurred to you that parents who love their children might care more for their long-term health and development than you do about this politically charged issue of the day? Has it occurred to you that this naked affront to the guardianship of parents over their children will instead further drive a wedge between parents and the public school system? What are you really trying to accomplish here? What alternatives have you considered? Is there a better solution that does less harm?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90348", "author": "James Throckmorton", "date": "2021-01-16T10:50:00", "title": "Oppose Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "Specific opposition: It should not fall onto the government, ergo the department of education to institute LGBTQ material into the curriculum. The Commonwealth of Virginia is a Cross Cultural Commonwealth and not all cultures are receptive to boiler plate type approaches. Resources should be made available and the option to partake in LGBTQ inclusive curricula is more appropriate given our sociocultural make up in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The draft policy should strengthen the anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies. Strong and deterring policies and actions will ensure a safe and healthy environment for all students, especially those struggling with transgender challenges in today’s society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90349", "author": "Tiffany White", "date": "2021-01-16T10:51:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "As a VA teacher, I strongly oppose VODE’s proposal to push an LGBT agenda in public schools, teachers, students and their families. This goes against all constitutional rights for freedom of religion and those established for families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90350", "author": "Rebecca Kendall", "date": "2021-01-16T11:03:00", "title": "Support policy", "text": "As a parent of a non-binary student, and a mental health practitioner that helps to run a suicide prevention initiative in VA, I applaud the DOE's proposed policy.  As we have seen in our local district, I believe that the policy roll out will need to be accompanied with staff training, clear promotion and visability among the student population, and on-going enforcement at the local level.  The DOE plays and essential role in supportin this ongoing policy implementation and enforcement guidance to help assure that ALL Virginia students are safe and the school climate is welcoming for ALL."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90352", "author": "Derek", "date": "2021-01-16T11:07:00", "title": "Good Plan for Destruction", "text": "If your goal is to destroy the future of the next generation with complete disregard to the health of our children, then it would be a good idea to pass this. If you have even just an ounce of sanity, common sense, or human intellect and actually read what has been proposed, then I’m sure you’ll do the blatantly right thing and turn this down and never approach the subject again."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90353", "author": "Kyle White", "date": "2021-01-16T11:16:00", "title": "Very Much Opposed", "text": "The promotion of gender confusion in young people is so destructive!  Please do not implement this policy as it will lead many young people down a path that is self-destructive!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90354", "author": "E Taetzsch", "date": "2021-01-16T11:17:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "This will do nothing but create more chaos and confusion in an already sad and dreary world. Wake up people, this is not of God!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90355", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T11:26:00", "title": "Opposed Teacher", "text": "As a teacher, I am trained to be transparent and open with parents, and I would not be able to do that in all cases under this policy. I am trained to address all bullying, and therefore enacting this policy is not necessary to prevent bullying. I am trained to help all students feel safe in the restrooms across the hall from my classroom. Enacting this policy will not make that possible when students are uncomfortable with opposite-sex peers choosing to use their restroom. Let us continue to focus on the business of education as a team of teachers, students, and families without interference from this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90356", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T11:40:00", "title": "In STRONG Support of these Guidelines", "text": "I stand in strong support of these guidelines. These guidelines mark a path for Virginia schools to become more inclusive and equitable. These guidelines provide protections that allow Virginian students to share their true selves with their friends, classmates and community. As a gay man who grew up in the state of Virginia and graduated from a public high school (Blacksburg High, class of '04) I wish these guidelines had been in effect while I was a student. I was in the closet in high school because I was afraid of how my classmates and teachers would treat me if I came out. My life would have followed an entirely different path if I had felt safe enough to come out publicly as a teenager. I look at the state that I grew up in and live in today and I am so glad to see the steps that Virginia has taken to protect its LGBTQ+ citizens. Virginia is a true leader to the states in our region, and we will continue to be one by enacting these guidelines. My deepest thanks go to those who took part in crafting these guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90357", "author": "E", "date": "2021-01-16T11:41:00", "title": "I SUPPORT protecting transgender students", "text": "I am saddened that this comment section seems to be getting brigaded by people who are full of hate. Transgender students deserve equal protections and fair treatment, and giving them that fair treatment does not take anything away from anyone else. I have lived in Virginia my whole life, and I know that here, we value treating people with love, kindness, and fairness, not hate. I support giving transgender students equal rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90358", "author": "Frederick Pechin", "date": "2021-01-16T11:45:00", "title": "oppose to this harmful bill", "text": "I am totally against the Transgender idea. We are born one or the other sex. The fact that Testosterone or Estrogene comes in various levels in our bodies should have nothing to do with why you want to be male or female. Many children are getting pumped up by the cartoons and other shows that say it's okay if you want to be a boy or girl the opposite of what you are born as. Guidance counselors should not enter into the discussion at all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90359", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T11:52:00", "title": "Trangender Information to students in schools", "text": "I am very much OPPOSED to the schools becoming involved in the important and difficult decisions relating to transgender issues. Too much is unknown about the physical and emotional processes of  deciding whether or not a child is transgender. Any discussions on this issue should be between the child, their parents, and their doctors."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90360", "author": "William Coy", "date": "2021-01-16T11:54:00", "title": "Object to Gender values imposed on all students", "text": "Neither The school district nor the government has any place teaching our children politically-charged and sexually confusing values. Those are matters best handled by parents directly with their own children - only! The only role a teacher can assume in this regard would be to prevent abuse or mistreatment of a child with \"different\" concepts than the onvious two options.  Such should not be assumed to be necessary until a problem surfaces. In that case only the protagonist students should be counseled. This need not and should not be construed as an opportunity to propagandize students that are not already involved in a controversy directly related to the very minimally applicable gender question. Focus on teaching life skills applicable to all students. Those with gender issues can be given counselling without imposing controversial values on all the students. Wm Coy.  Manassas"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90361", "author": "Charles", "date": "2021-01-16T11:55:00", "title": "Male & Female", "text": "There only 2 sexes male and female. period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90362", "author": "Nathan Matthews", "date": "2021-01-16T11:55:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document. Those who oppose this new policy need to study the evidence and learn that this is the correct way forward."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90363", "author": "Greg Robinson", "date": "2021-01-16T11:57:00", "title": "Reject this bill 145 and Senate Bill 161", "text": "This Bill is to be rejected.  Reason:  In good conscience I must say the ideological framework of gender theory, meaning that someone may subjectively choose their sex, is objectively false.  The facts and truth of nature – that we are male and female are indisputable by science and reason."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90364", "author": "SSY", "date": "2021-01-16T11:58:00", "title": "Opposed:These tactics undermine parental & teacher authority; impingement upon everyones rights.", "text": "Solid adherence to respect for all others would be time well spent. These measures seem cause for upheaval, confusion and further discord."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90365", "author": "Dawn Miller", "date": "2021-01-16T12:12:00", "title": "rights of all should be accounted", "text": "This bill is in direct conflict with students that are not LGBT. You must consider all students rights before passing such bills.  If you want to give gender neutral bathrooms then make one stall and a lock so everyone can use this bathroom without the notification of gender.  You are punishing girls and boys in the name of \"equality\" that is not equal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90366", "author": "M. M.", "date": "2021-01-16T12:15:00", "title": "Strongly support these policies", "text": "It is essential to honor students' gender identity by using their pronouns, allowing them to self-identify, and support them at school. When transgender students are subject to harassment and discrimination, like you see in many of these comments from people who strongly disprove of these policies, depression and anxiety rates skyrocket, contributing to the high suicide rates nationwide that we see for transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90367", "author": "Bert Miller", "date": "2021-01-16T12:33:00", "title": "Do not hamper the development of Children", "text": "I am a father to a son and daughter who's ages are 10-12. In addition I coach a boys travel soccer team. This year I was introduced to a player on our team who identifies as \"gender fluid.\" This player has long hair, wears jerseys of women players and has a pink uniform. Once I saw this I had 2 concerns: 1) how was I supposed to treat this player? 2) how were 10 other young boys going to treat them? Kids at that age can be cruel. My concern regarding my 1st question was because I wanted to respect them and not try and put a particular label on them. Our society is so ready to do so on everyone. When you do that you force a child into a box of conformity that may not be right for them. You basically stunt there social and mental growth by asking them to fit into our norms. We have a huge issue with mental health in his country partly because of our desire to label and make people conform. Not allowing children to be who they are contributes to that. My 2nd question was answered very quickly. This player earned the respect of the others in how they played and how the practiced. As well they are just a great kid; always polite, always listening and laughing with the other friends/teammate's. What is so amazing and special to me is that the other kids on the team fully accept and respect them. If 10 year old boys can find normalcy in this setting don't you think we as adults should too! Thanks for your comsideratition, Bert Miller"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90368", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T12:44:00", "title": "Opposed -- Parent and Teacher Spouse", "text": "As a parent, I see nothing good that can come from this proposal.  It usurps parental rights to have knowledge of a situation at school that may impact their child, whether they are a parent of a transgender student or the parent of another student in the locker room.  And there is so much in the policy that contradicts itself.  For example, a teacher must use preferred pronouns but they must also treat transgender information as medical and confidential.  So, this puts our teachers in a no-win situation and subject to legal action, regardless of which policy they try to honor.  Further, it infringes on a teacher's right to follow their own religious beliefs and ideology.  It is scary to think that pronouns are now so dangerous that they would be classified as forms of harassment or discrimination, which sets a dangerous legal precedent for any citizen.  I am most concerned that a school is not required to notify parents of a student's wish to pursue a different gender identity.  Students hide enough information from parents through the use of social media, texting, etc.  Schools are clearly overstepping their bounds and responsibilities by taking on the role of helping a child explore their sexuality.  Parents should be allowed to have those conversations at home, hopefully as a partner in the process.  Most of all, I worry about the responsibilities we are now placing on teachers.  They have already taken on so much of a parenting role -- where do we draw the line in deciding all that a teacher is responsible for versus all that a parent is responsible for?  As a parent, I don't want the school to raise my child the way I believe they should be raised -- and how we discuss sexual identity at home should not be classified as a form of child abuse or neglect.  Again, the fact that words are now considered abuse or neglect is a scary legal precedent.  I am empathetic and compassionate that sexual identity is not easy to navigate for every child or parent.  However, this policy does nothing to reinforce or strengthen the partnership that should be had between a school and a parent in that process.  I am worried more than ever about the government overreach and pushing of one ideology over another, into the average citizen's home life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90369", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T12:53:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I am very much opposed to the schools becoming involved in the important and difficult decisions relating to transgender issues. Too much is unknown about the physical and emotional processes of  deciding whether or not a child is transgender. Any discussions on this issue should be between the child, their parents, and their doctors and not left to the school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90370", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T13:09:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "This policy completely undermines the authority of parents and gives schools and teachers jurisdiction in an area that is not theirs to control. This is not biblical and goes against Christian belief. Why would you bend over backwards to make sure “all people” are happy while making many people mad by going against facts and taking away parental rights?  This would make many kids uncomfortable for them to not be able to use the restroom or change in the locker room without worrying about someone of the opposite sex entering."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90371", "author": "Mark Dodge", "date": "2021-01-16T13:13:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This policy completely undermines the authority of parents and gives schools and teachers jurisdiction in an area that is not theirs to control. This is not biblical and goes against Christian belief. Why would you bend over backwards to make sure “all people” are happy while making many people mad by going against facts and taking away parental rights? This would make many kids uncomfortable for them to not be able to use the restroom or change in the locker room without worrying about someone of the opposite sex entering."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90372", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T13:14:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I strongly oppose this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90373", "author": "Paul Rockswold MD", "date": "2021-01-16T13:21:00", "title": "OPPOSED - VIOLATES FIRST AMENDMENT FOR TEACHERS AND OTHER STUSDENTS", "text": "The documents tied to this proposed LGBT legislation claim to be evidence-based best practices. The documents ignore the scientific, medical evidence of biology and also the long-term outcomes for the individuals involved. The individuals are being deceived into hiding what and who they really are. Quit using children as pawns to turn the world upside-down. Quit holding other's First Amendment rights hostage to a political agenda. Please look at https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2018/01/20547/ and https://cmda.org/transgender-and-sexual-orientation/ for more information."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90374", "author": "Linda Cohen", "date": "2021-01-16T13:26:00", "title": "Strongly opposed- please do not hamper the development of children", "text": "Please do not hamper the development of children, who like all of us, are made in the image and likeness of God. He made us the way we were when we were first conceived in our mother's womb for a special purpose on this earth. We find our true identity in Him."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90375", "author": "Chris Lee", "date": "2021-01-16T13:33:00", "title": "New policy for VA schools", "text": "I oppose the institution of these new policies in the schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90376", "author": "Helen Kim", "date": "2021-01-16T13:34:00", "title": "Oppose new policies for VA schools!", "text": "I opposed the establishment of these new policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90377", "author": "Appalled citizen", "date": "2021-01-16T13:37:00", "title": "Oppose this guidance document and policies developing from it.", "text": "The public school system must not be the arena for social experimentation for the radical agenda of the Democrat party that now rules in the General Assembly with an iron rod regardless of the negative impact on innocent and naive children who would affected.  It is a travesty the Democrat party would purposely brainwash young children to accept their agenda when the children don't have the cognitive ability to discern the policies they are being required to obey.  Often the parents are not aware of what the children are being exposed to and required to obey.  In a masked effort to protect a few children, the majority of children are being exposed and harmed to concepts that could radically change their mindsets.   Democrats like to call moral issues, \"science\" so that they have justification for their agenda.  There are plenty of stories of the negative impact of families that thought they were doing the right thing by supporting their children with transgender issues.  Later as adults these people share their traumatic stories of how their lives have been damaged by irreversible surgeries.  The public school systems are not opening up the doors to educate elementary school children in ways that could bring unnecessary confusion and choices that could negatively impact their lives.  Please do not use this public comment merely as a check-off to fulfill what the Virginia Code requires, but still not listen to the concerns of Virginians that don't share the Board membership's world view.  If the politicians and their political appointees don't start listening and responding to contrary views to develop more win-win solutions which foster mutual respect and honor, there will continue to be great divides that will increase the risk of civil discord.   At this point the public is at a severe stress point because  of the unrest that has occurred in 2020.  People fear for their futures and the futures of their children.  Stop being a part of the problem and start being a part of the solution.  In this particular situation, you have the authority to create a guidance document and policies that could be respectful to all, not just a few."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90378", "author": "E", "date": "2021-01-16T13:46:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "The role of the school is to provide children with a basic education. At least half of middle schoolers cannot read properly. Instead of indoctrinating and confusing children with progressive ideologies, while shutting parents out of the picture, the school system should invest its energy into making sure kids have at least a basic understanding of math and language, know proper US/world history, and have a clue about locating countries and capitals on the map! We are paying the school system to do a simple job. We are not paying for them to brainwash kids and hide information from parents. Adults understand to some extent consequences of their actions, children just want to be trendy and more often than not fail to think of long term effects of their choices...Till they become adults, children should be under the guidance of their parents, and the school system has no business pushing political agendas, hiding information from parents, and breaking up the family unit. ...Responsible teachers would work together with parents no matter what issues would come up, not lie to parents about their children...Would love to know how on earth will the schools maintain safety if biologically different kids are allowed to enter either bathroom depending on how they feel that day...and how will everyone keep up with using demanded pronouns based on what the kids might think they are at the moment...btw- one can think whatever of themselves, it is their right, their choice...but others should not be forced to pretend with them...there is a reason we have two biological genders and the more you are pushing for them to be erased, the faster you destroy this nation...but I’m sure you all know that already, just refuse to acknowledge it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90379", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T14:08:00", "title": "What about victims of abuse?", "text": "Transgender ideology is dangerous. It teaches children that first, their natural bodies or natural brains are \"wrong\" based off nothing but feelings. It reinforces that idea to the point that if a child \"transitions,\" even just socially, and still struggles with dysphoria, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, it's still not because their \"gender identity\" wasn't really the problem, but it was REALLY that their family, their society, or now, their school didn't \"affirm them enough.\" It keeps many, therefore, from receiving the help they actually need. It's also dangerous for people, children especially, who are \"gender conforming.\" Children are too young to know the complexities of gender, and to explain what \"transgender\" is is impossible without reinforcing gender stereotypes. Tomboys are left to question whether they're \"really a girl at all, or are they trans?\" Effeminate boys are no longer allowed to like \"girly things\" without wondering if their \"assigned sex\" is wrong. It sets up further confusion for all children, especially since this guidance sets a DANGEROUS and terrifying precedent on the role of parents, or the proposed lack of a role if they don't \"affirm\" the child's gender identity, if they are even privy to it, as the school doesn't have to tell them. On a personal level, I have worked with far too many traumatized and abused children to tell them that their fears, triggers, simple discomfort, and downright panic at the sight of an opposite-sexed person anywhere near their safe space shouldn't matter so the \"feelings\" of that person could be maintained. Once you've seen the terror in a young girl's eyes when they think a male PASSING the restroom might come into it, \"reaffirming\" a dangerous and unhealthy lifestyle becomes a lower priority than reassuring her she's safe because adults can tell males to stay away from that restroom. This guidance seems to remove that ability at the mere utterance (no physical transition is necessary) of a word by what could be a very innocuous but still very male boy. It leaves those timid or traumatized children no escape or reassurance unless they openly request an alternative accomodation, which they are often too shy or scared or pressured to do. I STRONGLY oppose this guidance, and ask research be done on alternatives to help maintain the safety and peace of mind for ALL students, gender non-conforming and conforming alike."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90380", "author": "Estela Argueta", "date": "2021-01-16T14:12:00", "title": "I do NOT approve", "text": "I DO NOT APPROVE OF THIS MOVEMENT!!!!!!!!!! This goes against my Christian beliefs and  it forces down. It apposes to people who belive in the Lordship of Jesus Christ and they are forcing their ideology down to our children's  hearts. This is anti-Biblical and the government does not have a right to do this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90381", "author": "n/a", "date": "2021-01-16T14:23:00", "title": "What has happened to common sense?", "text": "I've read portions of your proposed 'guidance document'. I think you've totally lost touch with reality! In fact this document not only undermines the relationship between parent and child, but puts  these children in harms way. A child does not have the maturity or knowledge to make a decision like that, to permanently mutilate their body. And allowing them access to bathrooms and locker rooms without any question is a blatant assault on the right to privacy of other children. If this is the attitude of those in charge of public education, then its time for all responsible parents to remove their children from the public school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90382", "author": "Jim Wells", "date": "2021-01-16T14:33:00", "title": "No to transgender policy", "text": "The radical left that wants to take parental control away from where it naturally belongs. This is leading us to Sodom and Gomorrah.  That story has a disastrous ending––God's judgment  [Genesis, chapter 19]."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90383", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-16T14:37:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose everything in this transgender proposal.  I don’t think we need any more rules or regulations on this issue - especially at the state level.  It just makes life for teachers, students, and parents more complicated and confusing.  If you are required to make a statewide policy then keep it simple and delegate authority to the local level. Let the principal, school district, or county decide what is the best course of action.  Trust that the local community can handle it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90384", "author": "Paul Ross", "date": "2021-01-16T14:41:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "This is crazy left-wing ideology run amok.  This \"guidance\" subverts parents' rights and roles in raising their children, subverts the natural law, and is a recipe for disaster."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90385", "author": "Jim L Elliott", "date": "2021-01-16T14:42:00", "title": "I OPPOSE the Transgender guidance", "text": "I OPPOSE using the Transgender guidance in our schools. Check the Bible for guidance. Jim L Elliott"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90386", "author": "Denise H. Calton", "date": "2021-01-16T14:44:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed for Three Reasons", "text": "I am opposed to any school policy regarding gender identity for three reasons. First, these policies usurp parental authority for making decisions regarding their own children - it is a responsibility and STEWARDSHIP that belongs to them alone and should not be infringed. Second, science claims that human beings, during the developmental stages of life, experience gender dysphoria. No one can pretend to know better than science or God what the truth of the matter is and because this is a controversial subject, it should be left alone. Private citizens are free to draw their own conclusions. Third, these policies create inequality. Government does not get to determine whose belief system is right and whose is wrong, to do so would destroy freedom of conscience and freedom of religion afforded to every individual by the Constitution. For government to assume such a role would cause reverse discrimination against a whole segment of society. The purpose of law is not to protect the \"feelings\" of certain people, it is to ensure that every person has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and build character from the opposition and adversity they encounter in everyday life. It is the only way to gain experience, learn self-control and integrate into society in healthy ways. Promote those policies that tolerate the beliefs of all and gives special privileges to none."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90387", "author": "Jason H", "date": "2021-01-16T14:53:00", "title": "Terrible Idea", "text": "This bill is a terrible Idea that is inconsistent with state and federal laws regarding when children can make significant decisions for themselves. We do not allow individuals to serve in the military, smoke, buy alcohol, or even vote until they're 18 or 21, so why should kids in their formative years be allowed to make potentially life-altering gender decisions when they cannot make serious life decisions on their own?  This proposal is lacking in common sense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90388", "author": "Lisa Bedrosian", "date": "2021-01-16T14:57:00", "title": "OPPOSE PROPOSED TRANSGENDER GUIDELINES", "text": "Please hear my voice as a registered voter and resident of Vienna, Virginia. I strongly oppose the proposed transgender guidelines. These accommodations are not appropriate for children and the government needs to stay out of this matter. Sincerely, Lisa Bedrosian"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90389", "author": "Emily Cloe", "date": "2021-01-16T14:58:00", "title": "A Misguided Solution", "text": "This is the wrong way to protect our Commonwealth's children. Being inclusive should not disclude the majority. I can fully support anti-bullying and accomodating the few, but subjecting a larger group is a poor and lazy excuse for efficiency. We would better spend our efforts teaching ALL children to respect the choices of ALL others without forcing them to be placed in uncomfortable situations themselves. To do otherwise is tyranny. Also, children are under the care of parents/guardians precisely because they lack maturity to make major life decisions. Schools/government have no place interfering in the family hierarchy, never mind overriding parental authority. Children should be allowed to make their own choices on these matters when they have reached adulthood- legally, emotionally, physically, etc. Until then, the only job of teachers and staff is to educate and support education. Let the family do its job in society of teaching morals and stop trying to force citizens into submission to the fickle will of the self-important, citizen-appointed, governmental so-called experts. The choice to not use preferred pronouns, etc. for a child is NOT \"abuse\". It is education. Education in respect for others, just as anyone wishes to be respected. Perhaps there would be more mutual respect in our communities if it went both ways. Demanding respect of one group demonstrates a lack of respect of that group. Children should respect teachers and staff. Teachers and staff should respect parents. Differences should be discussed and resolved on an individual basis, between individuals- not with a one size fits all mandate from the VDOE/Commonwealth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90390", "author": "Charles R. Wolfson", "date": "2021-01-16T15:06:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90391", "author": "concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-16T15:11:00", "title": "Law passed for LGBTQ+ on Feb 4", "text": "This is forcing the majority of students to deal with things they don't agree with.  Who is looking out for their rights? What girl wants boys in the bathroom with them?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90392", "author": "Mike Nestor", "date": "2021-01-16T15:17:00", "title": "Do not adopt these standards", "text": "First, you are taking children some of whom could be very young and with the LGBT sex education can cause confusion for them.  Even older students can be influenced to question their sexual idenity.  If they do and their parents are not aware of it the teachers and staff will be required to help them to believe they are of the opposite sex.  Since the school will not be able to tell the parents, they will be in the dark on this and not be able to help them with these doubts.  It is the responsibility of the parents for the education of their children and they are not the property of the state or the LGBT movement.   It is not right for the state to use the threat of children's services to stop the parents from helping their children who are confused, or taught to be confused on this most important decision.  Students and adults who are gay have a very high depression and sucide rate, since this is not natural.  Up until 1972 the American Psychological Association classified homosexuality as deviant behavior.  But when the gays got control of it they did away with that determination. Mike Nestor"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90393", "author": "James Schreck", "date": "2021-01-16T15:23:00", "title": "Typical Moronic Progressive Democrat Nonsense", "text": "I am vehemently opposed to the imposition of this trendy \"trans\" nonsense on our school system.  I'm dreadfully sorry that .04% of our students (and their Parents/guardians/sperm donors) can't take a gander at what's in their underwear and not be confused and befuddled by what they discover there. It's lunancy beyond the pale to impose this nonsense on the other 99.96% who will have to deny their religious beliefs, have their sons' and daughters' privacy trampled on and have girls' sports upended by biological males competing and winning probably denying athletic scholarships to actual women.  I thought the Demorat party was the party of\"follow the science\", so what happened?  Did the science of anatomy suddenly become the alchemy of the 21st Century?  How did gender dysphoria make the leap from the annals of psychiatric disorders to Goals for Bous and Girls? This, Governor Blackface, is nothing more than yet another page ripped from the Saul Alinsky's \"Rules for Radicals\" wherein it calls for the destruction of all of the underpinnings of western capitalist society in order for real revolution to take hold.  The clowns behind this nonsense don't care about kids who, for whatever reason, can't figure out which john to use; they just want towhack away at norms and mores so that they get to impose their own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90394", "author": "T.S.", "date": "2021-01-16T15:30:00", "title": "Opposed.", "text": "I oppose the section of this policy that appears to pit children against parents and puts educators in the role of casting the deciding vote. Parents have historically been in the role of guiding their children with disagreements handled by the parents themselves. No one questions that children are immature, lack experience, and need guidance. Many laws are geared toward the general recognition that children, until the age of 18, fall under the authority of their parents. This policy erodes that and places educators in loco parentis to best determine the child’s interest. Parents are compelled to either side with their children, even when they believe the child is wrong, or face the threat of CPS investigations. This bill threatens government force to compel parents to conform with beliefs that are at best poorly understood and subject to social pressures. Transgenderism is a complicated issue; far too complicated for a blanket, across the board solution. The government is not well positioned to meet the needs of a complicated psychological issue, which typically require individual intervention. Furthermore, the lack of any test, such as psychologist/psychiatrist note certifying that the child in question actually suffers from gender dysmorphia, opens the door for the potential of abuse. While the intentions for this bill are likely noble with a sincere aim to be compassionate toward the needs of children during a vulnerable time, the heavy handed threat of CPS, the lack of any psychological evaluation, and the placement of educators as having more authority than parents in determining what is best for the parents' children makes for a poor policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90395", "author": "jerry", "date": "2021-01-16T15:32:00", "title": "transgender guidelines", "text": "strongly oppose---how about we focus on math and reading"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90396", "author": "Appalled Citizen", "date": "2021-01-16T15:35:00", "title": "Fact: There are only two genders - male and female. Period!", "text": "I am constantly appalled and disgusted by the consistent pandering to the delusions of what amounts to a mental imbalance or disorder in so-called \"transgenders.\" There are only two genders - male and female. If you are born male, you will die male. If you are born female, you will die female.   Anyone who believes there are more than two genders is mentally unbalanced and needs to seek psychiatric help. It is a non-debatable, unarguable, undeniable scientific and biological fact that a person CANNOT change their gender.  Period!  It is not possible, has never been done and it never will be done.  Anyone who seriously believes that they can change their gender, particularly to a non-existent gender, is mentally unbalanced and needs to seek psychiatric help.  Now, Virginia's so-called Dept. of Education has come up with a proposal to FORCE children to deny all science in this regard and pander to the delusions of the mentally ill and at the same time, deny parents their constitutional civil rights to inform, educate and instruct their own children according to facts, conscience and beliefs, all of which should - and do - override the mental delusions of a small self-proclaimed minority.  This proposal is not only ridiculous and unconstitutional, but a dangerous assault against Virginia's children as well as their parents in attempting to force them to believe not only the impossible, but also the idiotic simply so a few mentally unbalanced kids don't get \"their feelings hurt\" and the dept. of education can play \"identity politics.\"  Another failed political ideology.  This is NOT part of the education that children are supposed to receive and that our tax dollars pay for, but is nothing more than a continuation of the indoctrination that is daily being forced upon innocent children!  All self-respecting, morally decent people should adamantly oppose this idiocy and continue to fight for and demand a return to normalcy in our schools!  Normal life is often hard enough and not getting the skills needed to cope with it, but instead a bunch of unscientific nonsense, just makes things harder, not better. No one has the right to force their self delusions on anyone else, nor expect that others should be compelled to acknowledge and respect such self delusions.  This kind of pandering in no way helps those suffering from transgenderism.  As has been demonstrated by numbers of these people who have attempted to change their gender - and failed - once they got psychiatric help from those trained and skilled in such mental disorders, they found that their lives were much happier and they were able to live a normal existence.  If the Dept. of Education really wants to do something to help these unbalanced kids, then instead of coming up with such idiotic, unscientific proposals, wasting taxpayer money on different bathrooms, forcing kids to give up any semblance of personal, sexual privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms, cheating young girls out of winning in their own athletic competitions, but also having to learn and correctly use a bunch of ridiculous and unsustainable \"pronouns,\" (which, according to this proposal, can change, without factual proof, at the simple say so of a disturbed child) let the schools come up with lists of psychiatrists trained in these mental disorders and provide those kids with that list.  THAT would help. The rest of this nonsense won't and will only serve to warp, confuse and antagonize normal kids and their parents, both of whom deserve MUCH better from their school system.  A school system, I will add, that is supposed to be aiding their children, not taking away their parental rights by telling them that only the schools have the right to make important life decisions for their children, not the parents!   This proposal and all others like it must be defeated and relegated to the trash heap of truly terrible, failed policy ideas, from whence it came!  Virginia's Dept. of Education should restrict itself to improving the education of children - which is sorely needed - and not attempting to force on parents or their children repeatedly failed political ideologies, particularly those pandering to the mentally unbalanced."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90397", "author": "Brenda Davenport", "date": "2021-01-16T15:37:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender mandates", "text": "I strongly oppose transgender mandates for all public schools in Virginia! The guidelines to manage Wii be impossible to enforce.  There  are NO options or separate public schools for religious groups who oppose this! This is ludicrous and a ridiculous mandate! NO mandated transgender laws for any  public schools In Virginia!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90398", "author": "Publius", "date": "2021-01-16T15:41:00", "title": "This is an abuse!", "text": "This policy is an abuse of all school children. There is absolutely no cause for it. Why should the thousands of children with no LGBTQ+ inclinations be forced into shared bathrooms? Why couldn't one simply implement a smaller LGBTQ+ bathroom / locker room for those who wish to use it? Consider what would happen if there were a transgender student who identified as male: why would he then want to be shoved back into a joint bathroom or locker room where he feels like he is exposing himself before females? Or take a Lesbian youth: why should she wish to expose herself before other women? Not to mention that the vast majority of students are not LGBTQ+ and have no reason to desire that such a policy be implemented. Even considering a diversity of sexual orientations etc., the VAST majority still identify as being attracted to one of the two most common sexes. There is no reason to make the majority suffer for the few students who don't identify / aren't attracted to either of the two most common genders. In my opinion, there can be alternative arrangements made that take into account that very small percentage of the LGBTQ+ community that does not identify / isn't sexually oriented towards either of the two traditional sexes without sacrificing the privacy and rights of the rest of the student body. In implementing this policy, my only thought is that the legislators consider the entirety of the student body to have no interest in privacy or decency whatsoever. They are hoping for inclusion, but what they will get is orgy, rape, molestation, and serious trauma to those very persons they wish to protect, and to the rest of the students as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90399", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-16T15:47:00", "title": "Opposed to Transgender Guidelines", "text": "My family is strongly against these draft transgender guidelines.  The proposed guidelines go completely against all religious teachings, and provides an immense amount of power to the school system, which has lost almost all of my respect by bowing to teachers unions. I am against these draft guidelines!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90400", "author": "Concerned Vienna Citizen", "date": "2021-01-16T15:49:00", "title": "Opposed to Transgender Guidelines", "text": "Hi. This is to register my opposition to the proposed transgender guidelines. Opposing discrimination is an important goal. The problem with these guidelines are many, including an infringement of free speech, they will be nearly impossible to enforce fairly, and will create a divisive climate in Virginia via a dilution of parental authority and penalizing people acting in good faith/conscious. Please do not implement these policies. The unintended consequences, which are predictible, will far outweigh the good faith benefits. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90401", "author": "Bill", "date": "2021-01-16T16:03:00", "title": "Completely Against this", "text": "These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs.  Do not do this.  This is a bad idea and will have many unintended side effects that will be harmful to many students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91812", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T08:16:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support allowing transgender students to use their preferred gender in schools. also support genderless bathrooms with stalls so that it won’t matter and to remove stigma"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91813", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T08:20:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "For the parents who are so opposed to this: if your kid is not transgender or is not a bully, this guidance shouldn't impact them. It is only creating a safe space for transgender students—who are the statistically proven to be the largest victims of bullying, harassment, and suicide. By opposing, all we are doing is passing hate down to our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91814", "author": "Ja’acov Miriam Van Pelt", "date": "2021-01-28T08:21:00", "title": "Strongly support trans students rights", "text": "As a trans person who went to fairfax county public schools-and will be sending my children to fairfax county public schools next year-I applaud all efforts of inclusion for trans students and education on trans rights across the board. It has been proven that suicide relates of trans youth drop dramatically if one-only one person shows them acceptance. This ranges from ensuring their chosen name is used on all documents and classes, the ability to comfortably go to the bathroom (urinary tract infection rates are exceedingly high for trans people who learn to just not go to the Beth room) and the ability to participate freely in sports (modeled after the IOC and NCAA on regulations based on hormone suppression-there has been no demonstrated advantage for trans athletes). Further educating all students is paramount to acceptance. With just a little bit of education on what being trans means-we won’t have to face nearly as much fear or discrimination, not just from policies, but from the very people our students call friends. Please feel free to reach out to me if you need any assistance ensuring these policies protecting our trans students is put into place. thank you for this. -JM"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91815", "author": "Clifton Hamilton", "date": "2021-01-28T08:26:00", "title": "sex education in public school", "text": "Sex education is a primary duty of parents; not the school.  Hence, school curriculum needs to be available and limited by parents; not the federal nor state government."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91816", "author": "BDL", "date": "2021-01-28T08:29:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE / Support ALL Children / Support Parental Rights", "text": "I stand in strong opposition to this proposal. Although I strongly support reducing bullying and loving and including everyone, this proposal has serious flaws. First, it over-extends protection to one small group at the exclusion of protection for other multiple groups. We cannot do harm to our basic inalienable rights in exchange for protecting one fraction of The People. Next, parents still bear the weight of responsibility for the health and welfare of their own children. This proposes intentionally LYING and/or SUBVERTING PARENTAL RIGHTS. This is undeniably and unequivocally not okay. The school's role is not to parent all the children. The administration's role is not to parent. The school board's role is not to parent. The government's role is not to parent. Period. And removing rights carte blanche from ALL parents because SOME fraction of parents do not lovingly support their own children is not only foolhardy it is illogical and harmful. Third, this places ALL of our children in incredibly vulnerable positions. Mixed sex locker rooms and bathrooms?! For teenagers no less?! I see no standard in the text of this proposal for applying any guidelines to allowing a student to use the PRIVATE areas of the opposite sex beyond \"they said that's how they identify.\" We have an obligation to PROTECT ALL students, including protection from ill intentioned students who will undoubtedly abuse this free-for-all. And do we really want our children undressing in front of the opposite sex? Regardless of how one individual \"identifies\" it does not change how those of the opposite sex identify sexually and respond to the naked body of the opposite sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91817", "author": "Elizabeth Hodgson", "date": "2021-01-28T08:31:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As a mother of two school aged children, I want nothing more than to keep them safe in their schools.  All parents want their children to be safe in schools. This bill makes sure that happens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91818", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T08:40:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT, FINALLY", "text": "As a healthcare provider, I can say this is a long time coming & shows how much our community cares for our children. It is so important that everyone has a safe space to exist & grow up into. We all have the same goal: allowing our children to grow up into the best versions of themselves . Let’s not lose sight of that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91819", "author": "Josie Mathews", "date": "2021-01-28T08:51:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools are dangerous and destructive.  As someone who bows the knee to the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, I strongly oppose this policy.    God, as Creator, has established laws and norms for the flourishing of humanity.  Following His commands is for humanity’s GOOD.  People who are confused about their gender need great compassion and help.  Confirming them in a path that is harmful to them physically, emotionally, and spiritually is irresponsible.  We need to love these people and tell them the truth that God has created them male and female without any fluidity between these God-given designations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91820", "author": "Kat S", "date": "2021-01-28T08:58:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Using facilities that correspond to your own gender identity is a basic human right. We should be doing all that we can to be a more inclusive country, especially focusing on youth who are are future."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91821", "author": "Trlt", "date": "2021-01-28T09:01:00", "title": "Strongly opposed transgender", "text": "This opens a myriad of long term issues for ALL the students. It allows one with ill intent cover to perpetrate on others. we fought long and hard for girls equality in sports and now it’s being stomped on. this total disregard for science and acceptance of feelings is destroying a generation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91822", "author": "Debra Byrnes", "date": "2021-01-28T09:03:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I believe this bill will provide schools and transgender students in Virginia with some much needed support in the form of consistent policies and best practices to follow. In 2015 the UCLA US Transgender Study surveyed 27,000 Transgender Americans and found that over 81% had considered suicide in their lifetime and 43% had attempted suicide at some point in their lives. The rates for those same measures are 18% and 4% in the general population of US adults. This is a public health issue. It is a life and death issue. The commonwealth should absolutely support this initiative."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91823", "author": "Melvin Adams", "date": "2021-01-28T09:04:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "The instruction of children is primarily the responsibility and privilege of the parent. This is especially true in respect to matters of religion and personal identity. These are sensitive matters which are deeply rooted in both Worldview (philosophy) and science. The modern guidance being pushed upon our children and grandchildren in this area of sexuality is contrary to the belief system of most Virginians and is in fact contrary to clinical science. To teach a child something that is fundamentally untrue, whether they like it or not, is incredibly damaging. It is time for our schools to get away from this nonsense and focus on the things that matter: reading, writing and math. It is incredible to me that we are declining in these areas while promoting sexual experimentation and exploitation. A thorough foundation in these core subjects will prepare our children for life as useful, productive citizens and will give them the foundation that will enable them to achieve all their dreams. This transgender nonsense puts them on a path of confusion and destruction. Teaching it is really child abuse. It has no place in Virginia education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91824", "author": "Randy Rosso", "date": "2021-01-28T09:09:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "i strongly support the model policies. We must support our transgender kids because they are people, just like all the other kids. They deserve no less."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91826", "author": "Emily Ward", "date": "2021-01-28T09:22:00", "title": "Strongly support - Trans Lives Matter", "text": "I strongly support this guidance document.  It is rooted in understanding, empathy, and common sense.  Gender dysphoria is a deadly condition that leads transgender people to attempt and die by suicide at a disproportionately higher rate than cisgender people.  All children should feel safe and supported at school.  Gender affirming policies promote safety and inclusion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91827", "author": "Erica Larson", "date": "2021-01-28T09:24:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT -- Supporting Trans Children IS Supporting Girls!", "text": "There is no basis for claims that supporting transgender children will endanger girls. In fact, supporting transgender children will make children FAR SAFER. Transgender children who do not receive the support they need are at a high risk of suicide and other physical and mental health issues. If you care about ALL children, you should care about THESE children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91828", "author": "S. Clark", "date": "2021-01-28T09:28:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE transgender/ support parental rights/ stop the indoctrination", "text": "Our family strongly opposes the indoctrination and forcing the transgender agenda on our rights and freedoms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91829", "author": "Anna Libman", "date": "2021-01-28T09:31:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Humans are humans! Everyone deserves a chance to be treated equally, especially children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91830", "author": "Andrew Lee", "date": "2021-01-28T09:32:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support requirements that Virginia schools support trans students and protect them from bullying from peers and adults in the school system. I am heartbroken that this is even necessary - as it is, this policy is a good start."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91831", "author": "Gerard Schwartz", "date": "2021-01-28T09:33:00", "title": "Very strongly do not support.", "text": "I do not support any of this plan. It is taking away parental rights and inserting the government into family business. This is a disastrous plan."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91832", "author": "Just a Teacher", "date": "2021-01-28T09:40:00", "title": "ALL students deserve support and protection.", "text": "As a teacher of trans and non-trans students, ALL students deserve to learn in a place in which they are protected from being discriminated against so that they are able to learn in a safe and supportive environment free from harassment and where they are welcomed and encouraged to flourish in all areas. PERIOD."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91833", "author": "Michelle Biwer", "date": "2021-01-28T09:42:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this guidance. As an educator, it is essential that trans students are treated with respect in all Virginia public schools. This tool will help schools and organizations to be more equitable and equip educators with needed tools and support to make necessary changes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91834", "author": "RLProsser", "date": "2021-01-28T09:53:00", "title": "Transgender students", "text": "The state of Virginia has many more serious educational issues to address than dealing with less than 2% of our student population.  Especially, in the lower age groups the idea/concept of experimentation with sexual identity is fleeting and trendy;  and occurs is such a small percentage of our student population.  To follow the popular movement of \"listening\" to a small, but loud group of voices is always dangerous, but especially for the 98% having to deal with the mess created by all the best intentions.  The \"unintended\" consequences are generally worse than the issue trying to be addressed. This is another bad idea from Richmond.   Spend more time dealing with \"true\" educational issues and let families deal with the other issues.  For instance:  How does this state get its students back in school and caught up with the work missed over the last 12 months."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91835", "author": "Concerned Mother", "date": "2021-01-28T09:58:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support teaching equality in our schools, treating all students with respect, and ensuring that trans students are in a respectful, safe, and healthy environment. As a mother, I support schools teaching children respect for others and knowing that any child who is transgender will find a supportive and safe environment at school, even if they would not find one at home. Please implement the proposed regulations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91836", "author": "Wesley Wilcox", "date": "2021-01-28T10:01:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this legislation.", "text": "This legislation is against God and will do nothing but cause more problems for everyone involved!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91837", "author": "A NO Va Mom, Grandmom, Youth worker and voter", "date": "2021-01-28T10:05:00", "title": "Absolute opposition to this LBGT agenda in schools.", "text": "I unequivocally oppose the effort to push this LBGT agenda onto children of any age. It has nothing to do with loving and supporting people who choose that lifestyle. It is all about deceiving parents, causing confusion to children, teaching them information directly opposed to biology and science, and causing irreparable damage to these children. Let's get back to giving our children a truthful and beneficial education (and true history!)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91838", "author": "Ann Broderick McLaughlin", "date": "2021-01-28T10:14:00", "title": "VA  mother of 4 strongly opposes Transgender studies in VA schools- stop sexualizing children", "text": "My subject line says it all. What happened to common sense and morality in the VA State legislature?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91839", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T10:18:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am writing you today in strong opposition to the proposed guidance document that, in part, would give certain \"rights\" to certain \"groups\" of people that would include the ability for them to disregard the scientifically biological, genetic trait of being either male or female to be able to either enter the restrooms/dressing areas or join in sports activities that are designed for the opposite sex than what they are assigned at birth. This is a very dangerous policy on more levels than I have space here to review. The most obvious dangers start with the issues of privacy and safety of the \"cisgender\" students (and staff) that do not wish to share private (sex-assigned) areas with those that have gender identity confusion, whether real or stated. (Stated so as to purposefully gain access to those areas for nefarious purposes.) Do you want your daughters, or grand-daughters, to be subjected to a male-equipped person in the restroom or locker room, or, God forbid, assaulted or harassed by someone with bad intent? Another obvious issue that seems to be (purposely) overlooked, is in the sports activities. A  scientifically biological male has a great advantage over females on almost every level, in strength, stamina, injury resistance and ability, and would completely dominate, by design, every sport they participate in. This automatically gives a huge disadvantage to the natural female participants. This is extremely destructive to the psychology of the natural female participants, not to mention the exponentially greater risk of physical injury. There are probably other reasons counting into the hundreds why this is a terrible policy to consider, and not the least of any would be the total disregard to the miracle of Creation, including sexual assignment, by the Creator God Himself, who formed each person to be exactly as they were created in their mother's womb. Finally, do not discount, dismiss or dilute the absolute rights of the parents of every child involved, as they have every right to know any and all issues arising from such a policy, and are the ultimate governors of their children's lives. While we all must and should follow basic rules of courtesy and respect, children do not belong to the government, even in a public school setting, and should not be subject to policies that are dangerous to one group while granting \"rights\" to another. And as a taxpayer, I should not have to pay for the implementation and support of policies that are dangerous to the children of Virginia. Please vote against this very dangerous policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91840", "author": "Chuck", "date": "2021-01-28T10:20:00", "title": "Violation of God's Created order", "text": "Strongly appose even the thought that a child could be educated in regard to transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91841", "author": "Kristia Fletcher", "date": "2021-01-28T10:20:00", "title": "transgender school policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this school policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91842", "author": "Joanna Woodworth", "date": "2021-01-28T10:26:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy.  Politics, religion, and sexuality should be kept out of the schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91843", "author": "Susan N", "date": "2021-01-28T10:27:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Dear Legislators, I'm writing to register my opposition to the proposed legislation.  Gender identity is a trending idea; the full implications of sweeping change like this are not being considered, as young impressionable children are influenced with confusing ideas.  This legislation is harmful to girls in particular, especially in regard to locker rooms and sports. Thank you for considering a long view to societal change before enacting such sweeping legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91844", "author": "Brenda Corey", "date": "2021-01-28T10:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED to the TRANSGENDER SCHOOL POLICY.", "text": "Not only do I believe this is harmful to the wholeness of our children, but violates the social, moral and religious boundaries that have secured justice with protection and provision for all in our nation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91845", "author": "Catherine Tillack", "date": "2021-01-28T10:33:00", "title": "FULL SUPPORT", "text": "Dear Virginia Department of Education and Others, The basic safety for transgender students proposed in these policies will greatly improve the daily lives of transgender and non-binary students.  As the mother of a non-binary elementary school aged child, I know how important it is for my child to feel safe and accepted at school, so that they may focus on the important goal of learning.  Please add your support to these policies and know that you are improving the lives and the safety of hundreds of students, and you support their families as well. With sincere thanks, Cate"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91846", "author": "L.M.S.", "date": "2021-01-28T10:33:00", "title": "Support Trans Kids", "text": "Please support trans kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91847", "author": "Megan M", "date": "2021-01-28T10:42:00", "title": "Strongly support: we must support ALL of our students", "text": "As a future teacher we need to support all students, and I support this bill. Trans kids need our protection, they need access to bathrooms that match their gender identity. It is not fair to ask them to hold their bladder and risk bladder infections due to lack of a bathroom for them. Teachers need to be more educated on how to talk about these issues (many people in these comments should educate themselves as well) LGBTQ+ have always been here it is not new. It's just, slightly, safer for them to be themselves. Education is not indoctrination.  With this education teachers are better able to support and talk to their LGBTQ+ students. Support that drastically lowers the chances that students will commit suicide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91848", "author": "Jana Eggleston", "date": "2021-01-28T10:44:00", "title": "Support Transgender Equality", "text": "I fully support transgender equality and rights. Those not trained in biology and genetics need to realize that just having a particular physical appearance of male or female reproductive organs doesn’t actual mean you are fully female or male. Those genes that get expressed could still be in conflict with what an individual is genetically and hormonally. Grow up and get an education, people. We have bigger issues to deal with in Virginia and the world than your phobia of those who don’t look or act like you. If you are opposed to transgender rights, I bet you are opposed to rights for many others. We don’t need your small-minded attitudes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91849", "author": "J-Mac", "date": "2021-01-28T10:45:00", "title": "DEMONIC DECEPTION", "text": "Anyone choosing to go against their given biological sex are to be most pitied.  They have bought in to the lie of the master deceiver of the human race --- Satan.  Yet, they do have an alternative choice --- One who can deliver, redeem, and save them --- Jesus Christ , the lover of our souls..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91850", "author": "Katherine Polys", "date": "2021-01-28T10:46:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support the proposed guidance. Virginia can be a shining leader towards a more inclusive future by protecting and supporting all students, regardless of gender identity. Trans and non-binary rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91851", "author": "Chuck Perkins", "date": "2021-01-28T10:47:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Our poor children have enough pressure on them without confusing them more about their sexual identity. The biggest problem is that this whole idea is based on the perception of what mankind feels is truth and not what Almighty Hod considers truth. After thousands of years of the existence of humanity man has decided that there are 100 different sexual orientations when in reality there are only two, man an woman. This idea violates science, social, religious common sense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91852", "author": "Aviva Pressman", "date": "2021-01-28T10:47:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I used to live in Virginia, and I'm glad I've moved away after seeing so many bigoted comments on this thread. There is no reason for discrimination. Trans kids aren't hurting anyone by being trans. There's no data to suggest they're hurting anyone. But there's lots of data to suggest they are hurt by policies that discriminate against them. And learning to be inclusive and empathetic towards others is a key life skill that should be taught in schools. How are we teaching this to cisgender kids if we show them that organizations and grown-ups don't exhibit these qualities?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91853", "author": "Carl Russell", "date": "2021-01-28T10:53:00", "title": "Vehemently Oppose", "text": "Stop forcing your immorality and twisted values onto all of Virginia's children.  If some people wish to promote lgbtq, let them do so at home. Stop endangering our young girls by allowing bio boys in their bathrooms and locker rooms. Stop the destruction of girl sports by allowing bio boys to roll over them. You do NOT have the support of Virginia citizens for this action."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91854", "author": "Laura Heim", "date": "2021-01-28T10:55:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Why would we perpetuate a lie - and something that contradicts scientific facts - to simply assuage a child's feelings, which change continually. Reality is not determined by feelings. Schools should not be encouraging/supporting a child in their self-loathing, and in doing so, only confirms this self-loathing, which is despicable. Schools should focus instead on reading, writing and arithmetic."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91855", "author": "a concerned parent and voter", "date": "2021-01-28T10:58:00", "title": "Adamantly opposed", "text": "I am very concerned and adamantly opposed to the transgender policy proposal for K12.  It is natural for a child to explore what it means to be a boy or a girl and the vast majority of children work through any confusion about their gender. Like many other scientific facts that they learn about the world, they come to understand their gender is determined by their DNA at conception.   No amount of surgery or drugs changes that biological fact.  To ignore this and encourage a child to make a life-altering decision before their brain fully develops and they fully understand the consequences is nothing short of child abuse. The underlying issues of love, acceptance, personal control, etc. are shoved under the rug which leads over time to mental depression and a much higher rate of suicide for the gender confused versus their peers.  Singling out children for special treatment can also cause major resentment from their peers and exacerbate the underlying issues. How do you think a young girl feels when she is cheated out of her athletic scholarship because she does not have the biological strength to compete with a boy that thinks he is a girl?  What about her safely and privacy in the dressing room and bathroom?  Women are getting trounced by men again with this policy!   Each child regardless of gender, age should be free from fear, harassment, taunting and the like which is the purpose of the anti-bullying policy already in place.   This is the tool that can be used to address any interpersonal concerns each child might face at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91856", "author": "Rebecca Benner", "date": "2021-01-28T11:00:00", "title": "Support for Transgender Student Policy", "text": "I am so grateful the VA legislature has passed bills supporting LGBTQ+ children and youth in our VA schools. I am the parent of three children in Virginia public schools, two cis-gender children and one who is non-binary. I have found our schools to be helpful and supportive, but also in need of more information and guidance in how to best make school safe and welcoming to children of all gender identities. I support this new guidance plan for schools because I believe it will help give our schools the information, training, and understanding they need to best support all the children they serve. All our children deserve to be seen and welcomed for who they are, and to be kept safe during their time in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91857", "author": "Theda Good", "date": "2021-01-28T11:06:00", "title": "Fully Supportive of this Policy", "text": "The state has a responsibility to educate and train our children in a safe and nurturing environment. This is what will produce the next generation of well-functioning adults. It is essential for trans students to feel valued and appreciated for who they are as they work through the challenging process of becoming themselves in their entirety. It is not the role of the state to interrupt the Jewish Torah, Christian Bible, Muslim Quran, Hindu Vedas, Buddhist Tripitaka, Sikh Adi Granth... and others. The one thing all major religions have in common is compassion. Let us have compassion and respect for everyone, even if we do not understand the life of a trans person. I have spent the last eight years as a minister and fully support this new policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91858", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T11:06:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Transgender students must be protected in this dangerous age. The number of hateful comments on this document surely proves that! Suicide rates among transgender teens, especially trans teens of color, are skyrocketing. This legislation is absolutely critical to the health and wellbeing of VA's most vulnerable citizens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91859", "author": "A DAD", "date": "2021-01-28T11:07:00", "title": "OPPOSED!!!", "text": "I am a father and I think it is absolutely insane that you would subject my daughter to boys who think they are girls using the same bathrooms and locker rooms.  What about her right to privacy and safety?  Too bad, another student's rights supersede.   How do I explain to her that she probably won't get that athletic scholarship she was counting on because a boy who is biologically stronger than her has a right to take it away from her because he thinks he is a girl?  This is nothing but a recipe for disaster.  You cannot legislate respect and when you take away others rights by trying to force it, it will only backfire."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91860", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T11:07:00", "title": "I strongly support ALL children receiving quality education, which includes gender diverse kids.", "text": "Educators want to know how to support trans kids, and the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools is an important step that will help give educators tools in supporting all kids in school. Keep doing the good work VA, and thanks to the legislators who have open hearts and don't let fear guide them!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91861", "author": "M. ENDLICH", "date": "2021-01-28T11:09:00", "title": "VEHEMENTLY OPPOSE!!!!", "text": "Stop forcing your immorality and twisted values onto all of Virginia's children.  If some people wish to promote lgbtq, let them do so at home. Stop endangering our young girls by allowing bio boys in their bathrooms and locker rooms. Stop the destruction of girl sports by allowing bio boys to roll over them. You do NOT have the support of Virginia citizens for this action."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91863", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T11:15:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "I understand that our children are living in a world of confusion. Our children need to know their identities and have been bombarded with the world telling them who they are. If we give in, the more our society is shaping them to conform to having them feel even more confused. I think women and men need to have a place in the world instead of trying to force everyone to accept things against our own will.. we have freedoms that have been abused too long. I refuse to keep my children in school if this gets passed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91864", "author": "C Arthur", "date": "2021-01-28T11:18:00", "title": "I Strongly support this!", "text": "I strongly support this legislation. I am so grateful it has been proposed. I have transgender family members and have worked with transgender colleagues in my professional life. I used to be more transphobic, and while I still have a lot to learn, I know from teaching trans adults and hearing their stories that having support understanding and encouragement early in life can make a difference on a life and death level. Those who are less educated about the needs of transgender students have no right to stop them from getting adequate protection and support as they pursue their overall education. I believe education to be a critical component of the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness guaranteed by the US Constitution. Religious beliefs should not call the s outside the church.  Thank you for your consideration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91865", "author": "Karen Barker", "date": "2021-01-28T11:23:00", "title": "I support the guidance", "text": "I’m the mother of three young adults, all born and raised in Virginia. I support the guidance and all efforts to ensure that transgender students are treated with dignity, respect, and affirmation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91866", "author": "Anne", "date": "2021-01-28T11:24:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "I AM STRONGLY OPPOSED TO THIS TRANS MANDATE FOR VIRGINIA SCHOOL!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91867", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T11:25:00", "title": "unsafe and unwise. I Oppose!", "text": "I will not stand for putting my girls and boys in the same locker room saying it is ok because they are \"trans.\" It is putting fear in my children. They don't want to see another person of the opposite sex watching them period, whether they are trans or not. they need to feel protected and not feel violated, and forced to conform. If need be put the trans kids in their own locker room."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91868", "author": "Lauren Roche", "date": "2021-01-28T11:26:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As a licensed teacher, I strongly support the guidance and the fullest inclusion possible for LGBTQ+ students in every school setting within the Commonwealth. Diversity in our classrooms, just like in adult life, helps grow empathy, understanding, and tolerance for the full spectrum of human lives. Supporting diversity and working to include ALL students is also beneficial to the individual student and their quality of life. Every single student deserves to feel safe at school, but they should also feel accepted and recognized for their true self. This inclusion and acceptance has not been readily available or achieved in most classrooms. I fully support all efforts to build inclusion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91869", "author": "Timothy Cline", "date": "2021-01-28T11:32:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I am 100% opposed to these policies as a parent, voter, and former public school student. Punishing children to conform, even worse without the inclusion of their parents, is wrong and goes against the freedoms and right of speech, religion, and due process. Allowing, or worse forcing, students to use shared locker rooms does more emotional harm and increased physical risks than the perceived benefit supporting the targeted confused students. Attempting to strip a parent's right to raise their children how they see fit by threatening action by CPS for neglect is on its basis factually incorrect and, again, will do more harm to families than any perceived benefit of this policy. By not providing a religious exemption to something known and expected to be divisive on religious grounds is ignoring the will of the commonwealth. If this proceeds without addressing these concerns not only will it be bad for the students and their families this will be challenged in court and waste more taxpayer money to determine it is unconstitutional."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91870", "author": "Alyssa Smitherman", "date": "2021-01-28T11:36:00", "title": "SUPPORT TRANS AND NON BINARY YOUTH", "text": "Please support our Trans and Non-binary students as they have every right to live their lives free of harassment and bullying. Make them a priority since they already have to deal with their own personal challenges. Worrying about being supported by this state should NOT be one of them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91871", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T11:37:00", "title": "YOU PEOPLE ARE SICK.", "text": "You are sexualizing children with this which is obviously wrong but since you have not moral compass or an ability two think two steps down the road: People that have more than 1 partner before marriage have a very difficult time staying loyal and married.  This later atomizes that man or woman from their familial support system and makes them more dependent on the state. This policy is confusing and sad. You are also very sick people for proposing this. These moves are part of a larger agenda of wokeness that is really just Marxism dressed in words like “equality, justice and inclusion”. We are woke to your wokeness. I have never written anything like this before but for the rest of my life or until you stop with your madness, I am going to fight you. Stop what you are doing with the sexual stuff. Stop."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91872", "author": "Concerned mother", "date": "2021-01-28T11:39:00", "title": "Respectfully oppose", "text": "By making the protection of children exclusive to this policy is extremely lazy. It only protects one group of children. It's clearly an LGBTQ agenda in order to cause division in parental relationships,  normalize questionable mental health and cause tumult in the already shaky beginnings of adolescent self awareness.  Yes, please take care of those marginalized and needing protection, but find a way to do it that truly helps all children. This policy is the lazy man's way to fix a problem-extreme solutions. What will actually happen is that you'll protect one group and mess up the other.  Do better, VA."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91873", "author": "Deborah Trefzger", "date": "2021-01-28T11:41:00", "title": "K-12 LBGT Gender Education bill", "text": "Hello, Please DO NOT pass the destructive Transgender mandate for K-12 education! As a Bible-believing Christian, I find such education morally wrong, and it would cause me and many others in my church to completely withdraw our support for public (government) education. The idea that a person can choose their own gender is unscientific and destructive to marriage and harmful to children. PLEASE VOTE NO!!! Deborah Trefzger"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91874", "author": "Ann McKane", "date": "2021-01-28T11:50:00", "title": "In full support", "text": "Trans rights are human rights! I fully support this document!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91875", "author": "Grandmother", "date": "2021-01-28T11:52:00", "title": "Adamantly opposed to transgender policy!!", "text": "This type of education should be left to parents, NOT the government and not the schools. No wonder our educational system is at an all time low. Go back to the basics of education and leave this type of education to parents!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91876", "author": "Fritz Reuter", "date": "2021-01-28T11:53:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "Transgender students, like all students, absolutely deserve a safe and supportive learning environment. Anything less is discrimination and should be dealt with accordingly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91877", "author": "Harold Higley", "date": "2021-01-28T11:57:00", "title": "Say No!!!!", "text": "Parents are responsible for educating their children about sexuality, not the government. Public school staff have no business withholding information from parents about their children, \"disciplining\" their children for using proper biological terms to identify others, or reporting parents for teaching their child basic science. Teach science in the schools and save psychology and psychoanalysis for the psychiatrist's office. Children should always be taught to respect every human being, however respect goes both ways. Political correctness is so concerned with being sure not to offend transgender students in any way possible, that it has completely ignored those of us who cannot in good conscience support such a worldview being forced on our children. If you truly support freedom and diversity of thought and expression, then you will consider the effect these guidelines will have upon those parents and students who cannot comply with them because of their faith."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91878", "author": "David Crummett", "date": "2021-01-28T11:57:00", "title": "I greatly oppose this bill.", "text": "Dear Public Official, It is true that every single child, with the inclusion of and especially those fraught with gender confusion struggles, should be protected from harrassment and harm. Virginia already has a good anti-bullying law. This proposed policy goes far in excess of prevention and goes into the danger zone of mandatory promotion of self perceptions that are wayward and are against nature and nature's God. The young are especially vulnerable and impressionable. In no way should the State encourage identities, behaviors, and perceptions that tear against traditional and biblically based societal norms. I urge you to vote no on enacting this policy in the stongest of terms. Sincerely, David W. Crummett, Sr."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91879", "author": "Opposed", "date": "2021-01-28T11:57:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I'm opposed to the intervention of the schools into the lives families that want to raise their children according to their religious values. It is not the place of government to teach or steer children away from their parents that love, nurture, and guide their children in moral or religious teaching. This is what these polices want to accomplish. Will this make our children better people or just different?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91880", "author": "Joy S.", "date": "2021-01-28T12:00:00", "title": "I oppose this policy because it irreparably harms the very children it's supposed to protect.", "text": "Where is your compassion for children?  Singling out one group and giving them rights over another group only serves to create resentment and anger by the group that is getting trampled.  You may be able to keep them from saying anything but you won't change how the feel toward their peer with this policy   Do you think girls with the opportunity to excel in sports or compete for athletic scholarships or win awards designated for women are going to be happy and accepting of a biological boy who thinks he is a girl when he takes those opportunities away from them due to his superior physical strength?   Do you think the boys are going to have any respect or acceptance of that same student if he beats out girls?   How is the teacher going to feel toward a child that has been given the power to hold a knife over their head every time they are on the classroom?  The really caring ones, who would have been their role models and mentors, are going to leave.   The teachers left behind will be walking on pins and needles leading to stress and resentment toward the child.  And what about the child?  Children are naturally curious and explore the world the world around them as they develop, including their gender and sexuality.  Some take longer than others, but the vast majority come to understand the scientific fact that their DNA determines their biological sex.  Underlying issues of neglect, rejection, abuse, loss of personal control, death of a parent and other family issues can extend gender confusion.   Instead of addressing these emotional issues, this policy ignores them completely and traps a child into a life-altering decision well before they are of the age of reason - potentially sentencing them to a life of resentment, rejection and depression.  Just look at the suicide rates of the gender confused (especially after surgery) versus their peers.  Are you willing to live with the possibility of their early death on your hands because you had no compassion for their mental health and supported a policy that harmed them instead of helping them?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91881", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T12:13:00", "title": "I support this 100%. Trans students have the right to a safe place where they can be themselves.", "text": "Trans and all LGBTQ+ rights are essential. Every student has the right to be educated in a place and manner in which they feel supported, respected, and safe to express their own gender identities. I appreciate that Virginia has put this bill forward and very much hope it gets the support it needs to pass."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91882", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T12:17:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "I am a elementary school teacher in the public schools system, and I am strongly opposed to these transgender policies for public schools in Virginia. These policies could lead to gender confusion and would infringe on parental rights. In addition, teachers and administrators who oppose these policies due to moral convictions would be placed in the unfair position of having to choose between their values or their careers. I believe many of these teachers will not compromise their values and will exit the profession."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91883", "author": "C. Klemow", "date": "2021-01-28T12:25:00", "title": "Protection and equal treatment for all", "text": "Transgender children are... children. All children - all human beings, period - are entitled to protection from bullying and harassment. There is no possible argument against this policy that doesn't boil down to bigotry and ignorance, and I thank the legislators who introduced it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91884", "author": "JB Mixon", "date": "2021-01-28T12:28:00", "title": "OPPOSE Transgender indoctrination", "text": "The State has no business forcing transgender agenda on Virginia children!  Parents should always have control over these controversial agendas, the state should stay out."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91885", "author": "Delores B. Purvis", "date": "2021-01-28T12:38:00", "title": "I oppose!", "text": "I oppose this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91886", "author": "Grace D Cormons", "date": "2021-01-28T12:38:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "As a grandmother of 5 children in Virginia elementary schools, I am alarmed by the proposed guidelines for transgender policies in the public schools. My opposition falls into two categories. One relates to the specifics of the policies related to transgender students the other to a broader issue. I am a biologist with an understanding of the role of sex and sexual orientation. While on a Bell Curve, there will be some who do not fall within the peak range of distinct male or female orientation, I believe it's a relatively small percent who are outside that range. I think more now seem to fall on the edges of the Bell Curve because they are encouraged by adults to questions their sexual identity, when they would not have questioned it without provocation. First, let's consider young children. While most young children enjoy dressing up and pretending they are something different than they are (be it a different sex, an animal, a superhero), to suggest to them at an early age that they should think about who they \"really\" want to be, is absurd. It's asking them a confusing question--something they shouldn't have to consider at all. It certainly should not be a topic at school. If they and their parents come to a definite position, it might be discussed with the school, but this is definitely not something the schools /teachers, should be involved with addressing. With older students, say high school, if they have come, on their own, to a definite identity, there choice should be respected.  They and their parents can discuss this with the school to work out the best approach. At this age, a change of pronouns might be warranted, but there definitely should not be any sanctioning of others if they don't use the \"right\" pronoun. Worrying about remembering to use the \"right\" pronoun, which might change every day, is a burden on teachers and other students that will interfere with the teaching and learning that should be going on. Students should use their birth-gender bathroom; no exceptions. IF a school  adopts  another policy, parents MUST be advised e.g. that a biological male is using the same bathroom as their daughter. Nobody at the school should be involved with advising students about transgender issues, unless the parents are in agreement that they would like for that discussion between their child and teachers. My other objection is that these transgender policies set a very dangerous precedent of school control over what students are exposed to and told. Parents should be informed of exactly what school policy is on all subjects (not just transgender issues). They should know what their children will be taught, and teachers should not discuss personal issues with students without the parents' knowledge."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91887", "author": "George m. Howard", "date": "2021-01-28T12:42:00", "title": "transgender school policy", "text": "Transgender school policy: I am against this Policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91888", "author": "Thomas Moran", "date": "2021-01-28T12:43:00", "title": "I strongly appose", "text": "I strongly oppose this decision based on the unfair physical advantages that the average transgender female has over the average female. In addition, I strongly oppose this due to the possibility of predators taking advantage of this situation to be in private quarters with females who are likely less able to defend themselves.  I believe the best situation is to have a separate space for transgender women to compete, and separate teams."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91889", "author": "Jim Zelenak", "date": "2021-01-28T12:46:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "I oppose the proposed policies since they confuse biological facts with \"feelings\". Policies should never be used to regulate behavior of one group based on \"feelings\" of another group. These policies should be rewritten to protect parents rights, all student rights ( not just a few ) and adult rights in the school system. The whole notion that the sex (sex is not \"assigned\"  but biologically observed at birth ) of an individual can be changed at random is unscientific and delusional. No matter how one \"feels\", how one dresses , how many chemicals or hormones one takes or what surgery one has, their chromosomes have not changed! To make policies based on delusion will introduce chaos into the school system and society.These regulations ,as written, will require the vast majority who still affirm that we were created male or female to ignore their beliefs and rights. The policies  would require all people to approve of and act according to a delusional concept. To think that a male who \"believes\" that he is a female and therefore can compete in women's athletic events is pure nonsense!  His chromosomes have not changed! This whole concept reminds me of  Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale \"The Emperor's New Clothes\". The \"Emperor has NO clothes\" and feelings sometimes can alter the truth. In addition these policies are a breeding ground for abuse. Parents understand that their children go through changing phases during childhood but the parents are considered adversaries under these policies with the \"school system\" taking on the role of parents. The system will be used to punish all those who do not condone the delusion. There are no checks and balances to insure that any male seeking access to the girls dressing room or bathroom is indeed a biological female. We do not help a person with a delusion by making everyone else suspend reality. Society will become chaotic. Help is definitely needed for \"transgender\" people going through this phase in their life. They deserve compassion. However, these policies will create chaos and division in the school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91890", "author": "Donna taylor", "date": "2021-01-28T12:47:00", "title": "Support trans gender children in schools", "text": "I have four children currently enrolled in public schools in Henrico county and two who have graduated.  Attending schools with transgender children has been nothing but a positive experience. Teaching my children they all are created equal and deserve respect. Please continue to protect these (trans)children, allow them to have a normal school experience."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91891", "author": "RSCW", "date": "2021-01-28T12:48:00", "title": "Please stop this aggression into student lives. If you want to help, find the right way to do it!", "text": "\"By making the protection of children exclusive to this policy is extremely lazy. It only protects one group of children. It's clearly an LGBTQ agenda in order to cause division in parental relationships,  normalize questionable mental health and cause tumult in the already shaky beginnings of adolescent self awareness.  Yes, please take care of those marginalized and needing protection, but find a way to do it that truly helps all children. This policy is the lazy man's way to fix a problem-extreme solutions. What will actually happen is that you'll protect one group and mess up the other.  Do better, VA.\" Pls note:The words above are borrowed from another VA resident.They  state the issue clearly. Please, please hear them! If we don't support everyone in the family, we won't survive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91892", "author": "Socks Whitmore", "date": "2021-01-28T12:55:00", "title": "I'm transgender and public knowledge like this could have saved me in high school", "text": "CW: mental health, suicide, self harm, eating disorder I am an agender/gender non-conforming person and if I had been educated on transness and non-cisgender identities in my youth (middle/high school), I might have been saved from a great deal of pain. I attempted suicide multiple times and was addicted to self harm and disordered eating behaviors for years, unhappy with how my body looked and the expectations placed on me because of the genitalia I was assigned at birth. I didn't have the language or an outlet for what I was feeling. Educating young people about the existence of transness and restructuring the system so they have opportunities to explore and express themselves will literally save lives. I support this document. Anyone who doesn't cares more about power over people's bodies than children's lives and safety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91893", "author": "Mrs. Cook", "date": "2021-01-28T12:59:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "For the safety of our kids - it is imperative that gender neutral rooms are not allowed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91894", "author": "Katie Goodloe", "date": "2021-01-28T13:07:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I am a teacher and a mother and I am in strong support of policies and protections for our trans students! Don't let hate and fear drive you to make decisions that will destroy the lives of so many students! PLEASE support and protect our trans students!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91895", "author": "J Lee", "date": "2021-01-28T13:07:00", "title": "Oppose this policy", "text": "Virginia already has an anti-bully law, so no student should be subject to bullying. However, this new policy goes way beyond prevention of bullying to mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology.  It also encourages children to deceive their parents and hide from them information that could make a life-saving difference in their lives. This policy will also result in the loss of good teachers who cannot cooperate with a mandate to use politically correct pronouns."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91896", "author": "Jenny", "date": "2021-01-28T13:07:00", "title": "Transgender Policy, misguided", "text": "Government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children. Please vote NO."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91897", "author": "Rev. Amanda Poppei, Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington", "date": "2021-01-28T13:13:00", "title": "Inclusive learning environments save our kids' lives", "text": "I am writing--as a parent, as a minister, and as someone who believes deeply in the worth of every person--to share my strong support for the Virginia Department of Education's guidance on inclusive learning environments for trans and non-binary youth. We know that these youth face messages of hate in the world around them; school should be a place of safety and acceptance, where they know they are worthy just as they are. And we know that that acceptance is literally a matter of life and death. A recent report from the Human Rights Campaign notes that \"More than half of transgender male teens who participated in the survey reported attempting suicide in their lifetime, while 29.9 percent of transgender female teens said they attempted suicide. Among non-binary youth, 41.8 percent of respondents stated that they had attempted suicide at some point in their lives.\" Do we want to be among the people that harm these teens? Or do we want to be among the people that help to protect them, to nurture them, to honor who they know themselves to be so that they can grow up? My religious tradition tells me that all people are worthy, and that we are all connected. In fact, most religious traditions tell us that, at their heart--and invite us to treat people as we would like to be treated. I hope that we will be able to extend those core principles of kindness toward each other to how we include and nurture the trans and non-binary youth in our state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91898", "author": "Mary Howard", "date": "2021-01-28T13:13:00", "title": "transgender school policy", "text": "Transgender School Policy: I am against transgender school policy, children at this very young age can not make a mature decision for their self!! Our children needs to protected in bathrooms from the opposite sex. This policy is opening the door to crimes! Parents needs to Keep control  of their OWN children NOT THE GOVERMENT."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91899", "author": "Sam Rodgers", "date": "2021-01-28T13:26:00", "title": "Respect the Rights of the Majority", "text": "While I respect the rights of a transgender person to participate in school activities, I do not believe it to be fair to the majority when a person with male genes can compete against a person with female genes.  It has been known for decades that males can outperform females in various sports.  That was and still is the reason behind women's sports teams. Allowing a transgender female to compete against a biological female is unfair to the biological females, who are the majority.  If a transgender male desires to participate in men's sports that is fine as they would not have an inherent advantage over the majority. As far as restrooms, I cannot fathom permitting transgender persons into the same restroom as the biological sex unless they have been surgically altered.  Instead the only way to protect both the transgender and the majority biological sex students is to provide individual single-person restrooms for transgender persons who have not been surgically altered."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91900", "author": "MJ", "date": "2021-01-28T13:28:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSED", "text": "I am strongly opposed to these 'model' policies for various reasons, chief among them is this is in no way good for our children - while students in public schools or for the rest of their lives. This process seems to ignore the long-term and negative experiences/effects of transition so that only a positive picture is painted.  Common sense tells us that is unrealistic.  These policies go so far to promote an ideology and 'protect' what is likely a tiny percentage of public school students and in the process inflict unnecessary, unwarranted, uninvited and unacceptable consequences on the vast majority of students and staff. Permitting public schools/teachers to keep this or any other matter from a child's parents is a travesty, an overreach and completely offensive.  With all due respect, teachers/schools should focus on educating students academically, encourage critical thinking and problem solving  - it is not their place to push an ideology or social agenda or usurp the role of parents in the formation of their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91901", "author": "Henry", "date": "2021-01-28T13:29:00", "title": "If you truly care about students, don't vote for this!", "text": "This comment is in response to the VDOE Model Policy for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. I work as a high school counselor in VA. Before the school year began, I was notified that I'd have a transgender student in my advising caseload. I asked my supervisor about the mental health ramifications for this student, unfortunately believing she was a boy. I was told that it was better to simply accept the parents' decision and go along with it. I then said that plenty of research shows that the suicide rate for transgender individuals is 40%, 36% higher than the normal suicide rate. Not surprisingly, and sadly, the student tried to take her life a few months ago. Thankfully, she wasn't successful. I have done and will do everything I can to support the student as she is - misguided and lost, but still someone in need of help from a person who cares. If you truly care about students' health and well-being, please don't support this policy. Too many lives are negatively affected - and many are lost - by these ideas. I know because I've seen it firsthand, and no one else needs to see it anymore. We can't afford to lose one more student, not by this or anything else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91902", "author": "James M Mabe III", "date": "2021-01-28T13:38:00", "title": "Are you serious....", "text": "Okay so let me get this straight, you are trying to tell me that a child from K-12th grade can't determine that they either have male parts or female parts.  This world is sick and twisted if you think that I will allow my children into a school system that practically teaches them that it is okay to alternate between genders because today they want to act like a male/female.  God did not state in the bible that there was numerous genders.  You are either male or female.  Now I understand that there is times where a male or female has more of a certain hormones of the opposite sex even though they were born the opposite sex but that doesn't give you the right to say that you are the opposite sex because you was still born that way.  All this does is open the door for pedophilia but as we all know from these recent years the democratic party has tried to embrace the fact that is okay to murder unborn children because in most cases teens and young adults has determined to make the choice to open their legs for sexual intercourse and that goes for male and female.  There is consequences to the decisions we make in life.  Just like this stupid policy that is trying to be passed along into the education of young children.  You want to say that a 5 yr old male/female wants to be the opposite sex well let me tell you that a 5 yr old does not have the ability to make rationale decisions like that that is why it is up to the PARENTS to raise their children with the best intent and expectations because GOD will judge each and everyone of us for how we raise our children.  All you are doing is giving people the opportunity for our children to be exposed to being sexually assaulted, raped, or anything else that could possibly happen to our young children and I myself will not allow my children to be subjected to the nonsense that you propose and the idiocy that you think you will pass off as justified means for kids that do not understand fully because they are young.  I do not condone to bullying by no means and my kids no better than to be bullies so that would not be a case in what you are trying to pass off.  Along with thinking that your going to discipline parents or staff for not recognizing gender issues or having something to say about it, well this is where you are wrong because as a CITIZEN of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA my first amendment entitles me to freedom of speech, but along with my given rights I do not waste my time telling people how to live but when it comes to education you keep your personal preferences to yourself because when you step through the doors of a school you are there to learn and further your education not talk about what you want to identify with.  So to tell you where I stand with this nonsense is that I STRONGLY AND WHOLEHEARTDLY OPPOSE everything that you are trying to pass off."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91903", "author": "Dawna Moriarty", "date": "2021-01-28T13:45:00", "title": "Love our Youth", "text": "All children deserve a learning environment that is inclusive and safe. As the principal of my children's school tells her students daily; you are loved, valued, unique, and worthy.  She pours this into them and without reserve. LGBTQ+, and especially trans understanding is severely lacking in our society.  Every opportunity and tool should be utilized to show our children a brighter tomorrow, together."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91904", "author": "David Michael Rinaldi Coleman", "date": "2021-01-28T13:46:00", "title": "Transgender Ideology Endangers Women, Especially Girls", "text": "We NEED to fight and WIN this battle against Transgender Ideology. There are so many ways that Transgender Ideology is harming so many people, most especially girls. Our girls are being forced to compete athletically with boys, and to share their bathrooms and locker rooms with boys! Teenage girls who have psychological problems are being told that their problems are caused by their really being male, EVEN THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER SHOWN A SINGLE TOM-BOY TRAIT. Pharmaceutical companies and Children’s Hospitals everywhere can’t wait to “transition” them. Any tomboy girl or less than totally masculine boy is in danger."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91905", "author": "Christian Action Network et al (I.D.'s in comment)", "date": "2021-01-28T13:48:00", "title": "Violates Va Statutes and Va and US Constitutions -Part 2", "text": "[Continued from Part 1] Violation of Va. Code §8.01-217. In Virginia, a person's legal name at birth is a matter of public record. There is only one way to change a legal name of a child. Va. Code §8.01-217 requires an application by the parents to change the name of a child. The school has no right to do so and no right to use anything other than the child's legal name. If the school wants a child's legal name changed, the parents must consent. The Guidance makes the false claim that a child's legal name is protected by the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). School divisions are not agencies subject to HIPAA, although school medical personnel (school nurse, school psychologist etc.) may be. The legal name is not a medical record. The Guidance claim that the legal name is subject to HIPAA protection is laughable. Violations of First Amendment: Free Speech. The totalitarian inclinations of the VDOE to introduce a speech code including compelled speech is a particularly serious violation of students' rights to free speech under both the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and article I, Section 12 of the Constitution of Virginia. It is likely to subject the school divisions to expensive losing lawsuits. Violations of First Amendment: Freedom of Religion. The Guidance policies as a whole violate students' and parents' religious rights under the First Amendment and under Art. 1, §16 of the Virginia Constitution which reads in part, \"That religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and, therefore, all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other.\" Christian forbearance, love, and charity is a personal duty to avoid bullying those who are different, but it is not enforceable by VDOE through unconstitutional speech codes. Students and their families have every right to believe in the Holy Bible including Genesis 1:27, \"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.\" VDOE has no right to interfere in the religious beliefs of every major religion including Christianity. This Guidance does exactly that. Violations of FERPA and Parents' Constitutional Rights re Children's Education. According to FERPA, \"No funds under any applicable program shall be made available to any State educational agency …that has a policy of denying, or effectively prevents, the parents of students the right to inspect and review the education records maintained by the State educational agency on their children ….\" The Guidance encourages school divisions to \"effectively prevent the parents of students the right to inspect and review educational records\" if records may disclose a gender identity issue. Thus, the following model policy may cause a school division to lose federal funds for concealing their children's school record information in the following policy: In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents , and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest. Concealing from parents information in a child's record violates both FERPA and the constitutional right to privacy in the family's education of children. Pierce v. Society of the Sisters , 268 U.S. 510, (1925); Williams v. Williams, 24 Va.App. 778 (1997)(\"We hold that the parents' right to autonomy in child rearing is a fundamental right protected by the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and that state interference with that right must be justified by a compelling state interest.\") Violations of Constitutional Rights to Privacy. Without best practices evidence, the bathroom and overnight sleeping policies permits any student to enter a bathroom intended for the opposite sex or the sleeping quarters of the opposite sex and prohibits the school from questioning whether the opposite-sex person is transgender. The policy is unsafe, discriminates against non-transgender students and proceeds from several false premises. The underlying premise is that a student who self-identifies as transgender is automatically harmless to persons of the opposite biological sex in the bathroom and in sleeping quarters. No evidence to support that premise. The model policies fail to protect children from predators of the opposite sex. Even if it can be presumed that the transgender person is harmless to persons of the other biological sex, the policy assumes that it is somehow harassing for a school employee to confirm that the person entering the opposite sex facility, bathroom or sleeping quarters is in fact transgender identifying as the sex for the facility entered. A heterosexual student with evil intent is free under the VDOE policy to enter opposite-sex bathrooms and sleeping quarters without being questioned, clearly a serious safety problem created rather than solved by the model policies. The model policy puts additional burdens on heterosexual students using the correct bathroom and the correct sleeping quarters desiring privacy to specifically ask for privacy. Sexual privacy that should be presumed as a right without the need to demand it.  Requiring a demand intentionally discourages the exercise of that right. By intentionally discouraging heterosexual students from seeking privacy in their toilet facilities and in their sleeping quarters, the policy discriminates against non-transgender students. VDOE offers no evidence that violating the privacy and discrimination against heterosexual students is somehow a \"best practice\" supported by evidence. The policy is outrageous. Conclusion VDOE's proposed model policies for transgender students fail to consider the sensibilities, religious beliefs, or safety of the majority student population. The model policies are an attempt to transform the culture by propagandizing the students with respect to their religion and cultural modesty. It is simply wrong in every respect and they violate the various laws set forth above. The Department of Education must fix the Model Policies to comply with the law and with reason to be fair to and safe for all students, not just transgender students. Commenters: Christian Action Network by David W. T. Carroll, Chairman; Benjamin and Shannon Green individually and as next friends of their children Jane Doe1, Jane Doe2 and John Doe1. And Gregory and Amber Mosher individual and as next friends of their children, Jane Doe3 and John Doe2.  (Minor children's names withheld for privacy)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91906", "author": "Savannah", "date": "2021-01-28T13:49:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree Parents weren’t notified about this policy being implemented", "text": "I have a few issues with this ‘transgender’ policy. Parents were NOT notified about this policy being implemented. It’s like it was being snuck in under our noses. This policy is opening our children up to possible sexual assault or sexual assault allegations. Teachers aren’t allowed to question anything. It also gives administration & teachers the right to call CPS if parents don’t use their proper pronouns or “hurts their feelings.” The people in charge either need to start construction on a bathroom for transgender individuals to use one at a time. or pull the policy. This policy is setting children up for some serious problems. As I said, this policy was slipped in under our noses and it’s not only disrespectful and unethical, it’s a disgrace. I will NOT send my child to school only to have the possibility of being assaulted or being accused of assault. I’m considering starting a petition in my county and I could almost guarantee more parents would be on board with pulling their children out of public school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91907", "author": "Christian Action Network et al (I.D.'s in comment)", "date": "2021-01-28T13:50:00", "title": "Violates Va Statutes and Va and US Constitutions -Part 1", "text": "Overview VDOEs Guidance on Model Policies on transgender students is seriously flawed, endangers children, and violates Virginia statutes and both the United States and Virginia Constitutions. No one wants schools to sanction or allow discrimination, bullying, or harassment of students based upon sex, biological or gender identification. Bullying is wrong. Discrimination against students based upon transgender status is wrong. Harassment of transgender students is wrong. Schools should neither approve, encourage, or discourage transgenderism. Schools should not pit children against their parents based upon different philosophies or ideologies related to sexual function or dysfunction. Schools should not impose major changes on American culture beyond nondiscrimination. The model policies in this misguided Guidance put school divisions in improper roles.  The model policies exceed the authority mandated by the enabling legislation, Virginia Code §22.1-23.3. §22.1-23.3 seeks transgender protection, but protection must conform to §22.1-23.3. Evidence-based \"best practices\" must protect all students. Under §22.1-23.3, VDOE model policies must be “best practice” based upon evidence . The Guidance ignores this requirement. A “best practice” cannot be best if it favors some students to the detriment of others or endangers student safety. A best practice must protect all students. Each best practice must be supported by evidence. The evidence must not only support the need for some practice but must show that the policy is a “best practice.” The Guidance falls far short. The Guidance cites controversial studies as evidence of the need for protections but identifies no evidence that resulting policies are “best practices.” The model polices also exceed the statutory mandate by addressing sexual dysfunction other than “transgender,” e.g. “nonbinary.” “LGBTQ+” and other alleged sexual variations. The Guidance is left-wing indoctrination propaganda masquerading as public policy. The Guidance advances a radical leftist, science-denying, ideology that hurts majority students; is destructive of families and parental rights; and is insensitive to the adherents of most of the planet’s religions.  The Guidance violates Virginia and United States Constitutional rights. The radical agenda becomes obvious early in the Guidance.  It includes the First Amendment as relevant law protecting speech but ignores the relevance of its protection of religion. The radical agenda is thereby exposed as indoctrination propaganda, including the Marxist goal to destroy the nuclear family. VDOE goes far beyond nondiscrimination by trying to normalize the abnormal.  To prohibit discrimination and harassment, it is not necessary to normalize the abnormal. By analogy, to prevent discrimination against wheelchair bound people, it is not necessary to pretend that wheelchairs are normal. The proposed guidelines violate Virginia laws regarding name changes and contain false statements of law to support policies that violate the rights of most students. We address specific model policies below, but the Guidance begins with definitions that reflect radical science-denying views to impose a framework both wrong and damaging. The definitions section's purpose appears to be to impose on school divisions a radical leftist worldview and to expand VDOE’s authority beyond §22.1-23.3. Definitions Several definitions include the science-denying radical leftist myth that the sex of a child is “assigned at birth.” Biological sex is established (not “assigned”) well before birth. Sex is determined by the baby's DNA at conception. The Guidance conflates sex and gender.  Sex is biological. Gender apparently is not. If gender were the same as biological sex, then the term “transgender”--meaning one who identifies as, or is in transition to, a different sex--would make perfect sense. It only makes sense if gender is synonymous with sex. If gender means something more fluid than biological sex as the Guidance implies, then the term “transgender” loses all meaning. Can a transgender person be a nonbinary person who identifies as or is in transition to a Q person? The very first Guidance definition is an insulting demeaning term. “Cisgender” is the radical leftist fringe description of a normal heterosexual person.  The term disparages heterosexuals.  The cisgender insult is propaganda and unnecessary. Inherent in the cisgender insult is the science-denying myth that sex is somehow \"assigned\" at birth rather than being biologically determined by DNA at conception. “Sex assignment” is a propaganda indoctrination statement which embodies the mythological anti-science of the radical left. The definition ridiculously claims that “sex assignment” is a “label” (as opposed to being biological) “typically assigned as birth on the basis of a cluster of physical and anatomical features.” That is laughable. The chromosome determining sex almost always produces the internal and external sex organs of that sex. The \"Sex assignment\" definition unscientifically inverts cause with effect. Biological genetic sex causes of the cluster of organs, which the definition calls “features.” Biological sex is hard-wired in the DNA at conception.  The term \"sex assignment\" is found nowhere else in the Guidance and is therefore unnecessary anti-science propaganda. Medically, the \"intersex\" definition is wrong. According to the medical encyclopedias, intersex is a group of conditions where there is a discrepancy between the external genitals and the internal genitals, originally known as hermaphroditism. There is no need for this definition of intersex.  It is used nowhere in the Guidance.  “Intersex” is absent from §22.1–23.3.  Its presence is part of the radical leftist propaganda indoctrination. The Guidance offers a seriously flawed definition of transgender. The definition begins by saying transgender is a “self-identifying term.” If that were true, there would be no need for any definition. Logic is hard for radical leftists. The definition repeats the science-denying claim that sex is assigned at birth rather than being biologically determined. A more accurate definition would say that transgender refers to a person who identifies as, or is transitioning medically to, the opposite sex. VDOE's broader definition is unauthorized by the enabling statute. The definitions of “transgender boy and “transgender girl” are similarly flawed propaganda. Strangely the Guidance abandons the terms immediately after defining them.  Instead, the Guidance then refers to \"transgender male\" and \"transgender female.\" Not boy and girl. Sloppy. VDOE defines unused terms to promote a radical left wing indoctrination propaganda. Violations of enabling statue Virginia Code §22.1–23.3 The enabling statute requires model policies for transgender students. The Guidance exceeds that authority. There is no authority in the enabling statute for LGBTQ+ students or so-called non-binary students, which are not necessarily the same as transgender students. The model policies proceed to exceed statutory authority by including the other categories as if there were the same as transgender. The enabling statue requires that the policies be \"best practices\" supported by evidence. “Best practices” must protect all students, balancing protections for very small minority of transgender students with the psychological and physical needs and safety protections for the other students. The enabling statute requires that the policies, not merely the problems being addressed, be \"evidence-based best practices.\" The DOE presents no evidence for example that totalitarian speech codes are best practices. Evidence may support the problems, but evidence must support the solutions as best practices. The Guidance document offers nothing \"evidence-based\" for the following disputable, controversial conclusion, much less anything \"evidence based\" supporting the resulting proposed totalitarian speech code policy as a \"best practice\": For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity. Gender-based harassment may also include the disclosure of the student's transgender status without their consent as this presents safety concerns for the student. This opinion, without basis in actual evidence, is particularly unhelpful in the bullying section. VDOE issued model policies on bullying in 2013 which are perfectly adequate to include transgender students.  It would have been sufficient merely to incorporate by reference the 2013 model bullying policies. The Guidance requires school divisions to force absurd anti-English language pronouns on the non-transgender students. One such proposed pronoun group is \"ze/hir/hirs\" which has no commonly accepted meaning or English language pronunciation.  Mandating the use of unnatural (in the English language sense) pronouns constitutes unconstitutional compelled speech. We suggest that the mandate constitutes bullying of non-transgender students by VDOE or by school division adopting it. The Guidance seeks to change important aspects of American culture that are family-affirming and helpful to children. For example, to promote its radical leftist anti-family agenda, the Guidance seeks to prohibit father-daughter dances. The Guidance demands that schools prohibit gender specific clothing. What about cheerleader outfits? Must male and female cheerleader outfits all the same? Must male cheerleaders wear short skirts? Must female cheerleaders wear trousers? Heterosexual girls enjoy cheerleader outfits with short skirts because the outfits make them look good. Except for a very small minority, students recognize each other as male and female. Girls dress to attract boys. Boys dress to attract girls. Transgenders dress to attract whatever sex they want to attract. Micromanaging the dress of students damages American culture and destroys rights of most students. The Guidance offers no evidence that the proposed prohibition is a \"best practice.\" [Continued in Part 2] Commenters: Christian Action Network by David W. T. Carroll, Chairman; Benjamin and Shannon Green individually and as next friends of their children Jane Doe1, Jane Doe2 and John Doe1. And Gregory and Amber Mosher individual and as next friends of their children, Jane Doe3 and John Doe2.  (Minor children's names withheld for privacy)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91908", "author": "Lester Zook", "date": "2021-01-28T13:50:00", "title": "Redefining gender harms young people", "text": "One's sex (male or female) is a biological reality that is determined before birth, and cannot be changed, no matter how many surgeries an individual has, or how many chemicals they imbibe.  Helping young people to \"redefine\" their gender is not helpful -- it is cooperating in a lie, persisting in a delusion, and ultimately is harmful in emotional and psychological terms.  Depression and suicide rates among transgendered individuals bears this out.  Virginia schools and teachers should have no business in defining gender or in guiding students in these areas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91909", "author": "Ryan Johnson", "date": "2021-01-28T13:51:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "An earlier comment suggested that policies like this would somehow contribute to the high suicide rate amongst transgender individuals. The very obvious rebuttal to this is that our society still largely denies transgender existence. THAT is what leads to depression. This policy, by contrast, is taking important steps towards inclusion and visibility for transgender youth. This is vital school policy for the 21st century."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91910", "author": "Susan", "date": "2021-01-28T13:52:00", "title": "STAY OUT OF IT", "text": "To quote from Virginia's Dept. of Education draft: Students and staff each have their own unique religious and personal experiences, views and opinions. This should be left up to parents to teach their own opinions when they feel it is the appropriate time based on the individual child.  It is not the Dept. of Education's right to decide what is acceptable/not acceptable on this subject.  STAY OUT OF IT!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91911", "author": "Debbie Lacks", "date": "2021-01-28T14:12:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!", "text": "Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91912", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T14:13:00", "title": "Stop this nonsense!", "text": "Parents do not want this for their children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91913", "author": "Linda Stowell", "date": "2021-01-28T14:17:00", "title": "school gender isus", "text": "Government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all tax funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children. I could not even imagine having to do worry about this when I was I public school. It’s disgraceful and immoral."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92837", "author": "Dennis", "date": "2021-02-01T17:15:00", "title": "Strongly oppose  VDOE Policy for Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Yet another way for the Marxist/Socialist left to erode and eventually destroy Democracy. The Family is the most important unit of democratic and civilized life and this destroys that. Strongly Oppose!!!!!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92838", "author": "Safe Space NOVA", "date": "2021-02-01T17:17:00", "title": "The Importance of Inclusivity", "text": "It is amazing to hear of our state legislators taking the necessary steps to ensure that all students, not just those who identify as heterosexual and cisgender, are treated fairly. This is not a novel concept as the \"Separate but Equal\" tactics have been used for quite some time and aimed at different disenfranchised sects of communities. I only hope that those who are not understanding of the significance of this policy and why it is needed can learn in time to become less discriminatory and more accepting and welcoming of all people and children alike."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92839", "author": "Jason", "date": "2021-02-01T17:17:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to policy in current form", "text": "Virginia already has good anti-bullying laws in place. Of course all students of different backgrounds should be treated with love and respect. There is a much better way to go about it than this current policy requires."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92840", "author": "Tom Pafford", "date": "2021-02-01T17:17:00", "title": "STONGLY REJECT THIS", "text": "Once this legislation is passed, parents have no control over their child's gender status. If the school or other state agency declares him or her to be transgender, all rights are removed from the parent. If the parents object, they must attend re-education classes. If they further object, the child can be removed from the care by a court order. This is now happening in all Democrat-controlled areas in the country: New York, California, Washington, parts of Texas, Oregon, Colorado, etc. Just google \"trans children removed from parents\" to see proof of what I am posting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92841", "author": "Concerned Christian", "date": "2021-02-01T17:18:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Ridiculous, fiercely opposed. Stepping all over Christians."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92842", "author": "Andra Sailey", "date": "2021-02-01T17:19:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights.", "text": "As society finally begins to learn that Trans people have existed as long as people have existed and deserve every right we claim for ourselves. That they are no threat and belong in all spaces equally. To the point where in our highest levels of government trans people are right now openly working and existing. We must now extend this knowledge and acceptance to the trans children in our public schools. We must use these examples to welcome, protect and provide for all trans people in all public spaces."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92843", "author": "Marcella Hadeed", "date": "2021-02-01T17:24:00", "title": "Reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools", "text": "I am strongly opposed the the proposed Model Policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia Public Schools. These Model Policies propose a view of gender different from Catholic-Christian, Jewish and Islamic world views. God created the human person and \"to be created means to accept ourselves as having a certain nature and design - those defining features that make us human.\" The Model Policies present a view of gender based on popular opinion, psychology and emotion; not biological science.  Science shows there are only two sets of sex chromosomes XX or XY which exists in every cell. \"We are male and female right down to our cells.\" Furthermore, these Model Policies dare to intrude into the parent/child relationship which is sacrosanct.  Parents are the first teachers of our children and are responsible for the care, nurturing and raising of their children.  If children are experiencing gender dysphoria, or any other special needs, it is above all the parents' right and duty to be involved; to label parental involvement as abusive and that it poses \"imminent safety risks\" is an outrage."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92844", "author": "Concerned VA HS Grad", "date": "2021-02-01T17:24:00", "title": "PROTECTED.", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE - t his is a parental rights issue. These children have parents and guardians to conduct their way of life, not a government entity. The role of the school is not to counsel or advocate, particularly without parental consent , these issues for children. The majority of the student body (non-transgender) that these policies would adversely effect deserves to be PROTECTED."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92845", "author": "Rick Mantooth", "date": "2021-02-01T17:26:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This approach can only sow confusion about a psychological condition that resolves independently in the vast majority of cases."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92846", "author": "Holly Hale", "date": "2021-02-01T17:28:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Transgender...", "text": "Strongly oppose this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92847", "author": "Gwen", "date": "2021-02-01T17:30:00", "title": "I strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the Statewide Transgender School Policy! I, as a school teacher, see much confusion in our students these days. This will only create more. While our government says they want to protect our children and families, they continue to make policies that do the exact opposite. This is not for the betterment of anyone. While they say it is to protect those who claim 'transgender', it sets our schools up for more bullying and violence. Schools should be working with parents on the education of their students, not against them. Our Social Services system already has more on their hands than they can handle, as well as our teachers and school administration. This will only bring on more division and hatred. We are who we were created to be and until we can accept that, no policy will help. Please, please do not do this to our educational system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92848", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T17:30:00", "title": "OPPOSE!! OH GOD TURN THE HEARTS OF THE SAULS INTO PAULS IN JESUS\" NAME!!!AMEN! !!SO BE IT!!!", "text": "Registered Public THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO SAY TO EACH AND EVERY PERSON WHO DO NOT OPPOSE THIS ACT OF PERVERSENESS....... REVERENT FEAR IS DUE THE LORD... LET GOD BE GOD.... LET'S LET THE WORD DO THE WORK.... ISAIAH 55:11 SO SHALL MY WORD BE WHICH GOES OUT OF MY MOUTH; IT WILL NOT RETURN TO ME VOID (USELESS, WITHOUT RESULT). WITHOUT ACCOMPLISHING WHAT I DESIRE..... ISAIAH 9:6 FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN; AND THE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE UPON HIS SHOULDER. AND HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE OF PEAC ISAIAH 1:2-4 HEAR ME, YOU HEAVENS! LISTEN, EARTH! FOR THE LORD HAS SPOKEN. \"I REARED CHILDREN AND BROUGHT THEM UP, BUT THEY HAVE REBELLED AGINST ME. THE OX KNOWS ITS MASTER, THE DONKEY ITS OWNER'S MANGER, BUT ISRAEL (THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) DOES NOT KNOW, MY PEOPLE DO NOT UNDERSTAND. WOE TO THE SINFUL NATION, A PEOPLE WHOSE GUILT IS GREAT, A BROOD OF EVILDOERS, CHILDREN GIVEN TO CORRUPTION! THEY HAVE FORSAKEN THE LORD; THEY HAVE SPURNED THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL ( THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) AND TURNED THEIR BACKS ON HIM! ISAIAH 30:1 WOE TO THE REBELLIOUS CHILDREN, SAITH THE LORD, THAT TAKE COUNSEL, BUT NOT OF ME; AND THAT COVER WITH A COVERING, BUT NOT OF MY SPIRIT, THAT THEY MAY ADD SIN TO SIN. DEUTERONOMY 6:16 DO NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST AS YOU DID AT MASSAH. MATTHEW 4:7 JESUS ANSWERED HIM \"IT IS ALSO WRITTEN: \"DO NOT PUT THE LORD THY GOD TO THE TEST.\" ROMANS 14:12 SO THEN EACH ONE OF US SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF TO GOD"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92849", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T17:30:00", "title": "Transgender School Policy", "text": "Government officials do not have the right nor do they have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools. This type of mandate would jeopardize the bodily privacy and the safety of all our children.  My family and I completely oppose any and all legislation that would enforce such things.  As an educator, counselor, friend, neighbor and informed citizen,  I know this policy would be detrimental to our children, our educators and our families, as well as how unwanted it is by the great majority of the population.  Please oppose this policy and any like it once and for all so that teachers can get back to teaching our children math, science, history and language arts.  Thank you for your time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92850", "author": "Mike", "date": "2021-02-01T17:31:00", "title": "Oppose!  Let boys be boys and girls be girls", "text": "The issue is the filth that has been festered on society for the past 15 or so years.  Once the Supreme Court abdicated their responsibility on the issue it was only a matter of time before this evil started invading every area of life.  We will not win this battle due to the days we are living in, but I fully believe all who are a part in promoting this will face G-d's judgment.  The Word states 'it would be better that a mill stone be hanged around their necks and they be drowned in the sea, than to face a holy/righteous G-d.  Tells me they will not like where they end up in eternity so they are wrong path/road.  It might be time to go back to home schooling and/or Christian schools for those who can.  We have some great teachers, but they are slowly being shut down..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92851", "author": "Robert Bouldin", "date": "2021-02-01T17:32:00", "title": "Adamant opposition to the proposed transgender guidelines", "text": "These comments refer to the proposed guidelines to normalize LGBTQ behavior in our public schools. It is my belief that parental control over their minor children must be preserved. Further, the right of other children in the public schools not to be victims of one small group's preferences and prejudices must be preserved. Please do not adopt these or any similar guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92852", "author": "Elizabeth Bailey", "date": "2021-02-01T17:33:00", "title": "Transgender issues", "text": "Kids nowadays have to navigate social situations more difficult than at any other time. While I feel compassion for gender confused individuals, our kids are dealing with so many issues including peer pressure, bullying, COVID fears, latch key, parental break ups, ADHD and so much more. Our kids need support, love, grace and understanding. I think we can do that for all kids without imposing opposite sex kids into their bathrooms and locker rooms. It is unfair and inappropriate that a fraction of a fraction gets to dictate and changes privacy policies for the majority of kids. This makes kids who are already uncomfortable and self conscious even more so. Please accommodate the privacy and needs for gender confused kids in other ways, besides imposing a violation of safety, well being and privacy in bathrooms or locker rooms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92853", "author": "Grayson Butterfield", "date": "2021-02-01T17:35:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support all efforts to support transgender and non-binary youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92854", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T17:35:00", "title": "Abomination", "text": "wicked, disgusting, and morally wrong.  That is what you promote when you support transgender rights. Let kids be kids and in the end they will be happy with their god given gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92855", "author": "Mary Anne Sage", "date": "2021-02-01T17:36:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE proposed Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed model policies.  I agree that EVERY SINGLE child should be protected from harm and harassment, but Virginia has very good anti-bullying laws already in place.  But this new proposed law goes beyond prevention and crosses the line into promotion of politicized and sexualized ideology. It encourages schools to implement across the board promotion of the concept that gender is \"viewed as a gender spectrum\" and can be something \"in between or outside of the male/female binary\".  It declares that sex is arbitrarily \"assigned\" at birth. \"Assigning\" gender at birth is a SCIENTIFICALLY FALSE statement- like affixing a label in a store- it completely divorces itself from basic DNA science and biology. Furthermore, this policy opens the door for Christian parents, or parents of other faiths who because of their core beliefs do not embrace transgender politics, to be labeled as \"abusers\", as it states \"when families are not affirming\" that the school should step in and protect, and further encourages them to report concerns to CPS.  Exactly how is \"affirming\" and \"abuse\" to be defined in these situations and who will define them? Finally, speaking as a Christian parent, we want the freedom and respect to pass along our deeply held religious belief that humans were created by God in His image-male and female, and that these 2 genders are a gift to be celebrated and nurtured. However, this policy promotes a one sided agenda that creates a hostile environment for families, students and faculty with deeply held faith based convictions.  What are the protections for students with biblical beliefs who find this ideology mandated in their curriculum with a grade at stake? The bottom line is that while this policy uses terms like \"safety\" and \"respect\", it obviously disrespects religious and socially conservative families, educators and students who simply want physical privacy. As originally stated, I am STRONGLY OPPOSED to this policy and encourage all state representatives to OPPOSE adoption of them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92856", "author": "GIGI OLIVIERI", "date": "2021-02-01T17:36:00", "title": "OPPOSE!! OH GOD TURN THE HEARTS OF THE SAULS INTO PAULS IN JESUS\" NAME!!!AMEN! !!SO BE IT!!!", "text": "I APOLOGIZE....I COMMENTED ALREADY BUT I DIDN'T PUT MY NAME ON THE FIRST COMMENT. FORGIVE ME. THAT'S WHY I AM DOING IT AGAIN. I AM NOT ASHAMED TO OPPOSE AND WANT IT TO BE PUBLICLY KNOWN. THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO SAY TO EACH AND EVERY PERSON WHO DO NOT OPPOSE THIS ACT OF PERVERSENESS....... REVERENT FEAR IS DUE THE LORD... LET GOD BE GOD.... LET'S LET THE WORD DO THE WORK.... ISAIAH 55:11 SO SHALL MY WORD BE WHICH GOES OUT OF MY MOUTH; IT WILL NOT RETURN TO ME VOID (USELESS, WITHOUT RESULT). WITHOUT ACCOMPLISHING WHAT I DESIRE..... ISAIAH 9:6 FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN; AND THE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE UPON HIS SHOULDER. AND HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE OF PEAC ISAIAH 1:2-4 HEAR ME, YOU HEAVENS! LISTEN, EARTH! FOR THE LORD HAS SPOKEN. \"I REARED CHILDREN AND BROUGHT THEM UP, BUT THEY HAVE REBELLED AGINST ME. THE OX KNOWS ITS MASTER, THE DONKEY ITS OWNER'S MANGER, BUT ISRAEL (THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) DOES NOT KNOW, MY PEOPLE DO NOT UNDERSTAND. WOE TO THE SINFUL NATION, A PEOPLE WHOSE GUILT IS GREAT, A BROOD OF EVILDOERS, CHILDREN GIVEN TO CORRUPTION! THEY HAVE FORSAKEN THE LORD; THEY HAVE SPURNED THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL ( THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) AND TURNED THEIR BACKS ON HIM! ISAIAH 30:1 WOE TO THE REBELLIOUS CHILDREN, SAITH THE LORD, THAT TAKE COUNSEL, BUT NOT OF ME; AND THAT COVER WITH A COVERING, BUT NOT OF MY SPIRIT, THAT THEY MAY ADD SIN TO SIN. DEUTERONOMY 6:16 DO NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST AS YOU DID AT MASSAH. MATTHEW 4:7 JESUS ANSWERED HIM \"IT IS ALSO WRITTEN: \"DO NOT PUT THE LORD THY GOD TO THE TEST.\" ROMANS 14:12 SO THEN EACH ONE OF US SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF TO GOD"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92857", "author": "Sheryl Musser", "date": "2021-02-01T17:37:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am a teacher in a public high school.  The majority of staff and students in my school are very supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.  Unfortunately I realize that this is not always the case. I strongly support the guidance so all students can receive an education in a safe and inclusive environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92858", "author": "Nancy Duguay", "date": "2021-02-01T17:39:00", "title": "OPPOSE Transgender Policy!!", "text": "This is insanity to promote gender confusion!!  This is NOT the answer!!  It will harm ALL our precious children..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92859", "author": "Donna Matts", "date": "2021-02-01T17:40:00", "title": "strongly oppose transgender legislation for schools", "text": "Virginia needs legislation to protect public school students  from transgender agenda"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92860", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T17:43:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am a public school teacher and have been for over 25 years and I strongly oppose these new mandates.  I teach at the high school level and see so many things wrong with these suggestions.  Also teachers are not trained to help student investigate their gender nor do they have time for that with all that we do.  I am also a parent and I do not want to be pushed out of the parenting role as I help both my son and daughter navigate their young adult years.   I strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92861", "author": "Donna Matts", "date": "2021-02-01T17:44:00", "title": "transgender legislation for schools", "text": "Virginia needs legislation to protect public school students  from transgender agenda I strongly oppose transgender legislation for schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92862", "author": "sal", "date": "2021-02-01T17:46:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose. where is this going?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92863", "author": "Concerned Mom", "date": "2021-02-01T17:47:00", "title": "I oppose Model  Policies  for  Treatment  of  Transgender  Students in  Virginia’s  Public  Schools", "text": "I am opposed to this proposal. I believe the proposed changes will cause confusion in students who have never before questioned their gender identity. It will be a distraction when students dress in opposition to their natural gender assignment, I fear for the safety of my child and other students if restrooms are made accessible to students based on their identified gender when it is in opposition to their natural gender assignment. I fear this proposal will be disastrous to our school system and the health and welfare of my child and all impacted VA school students. Thank you for valuing the opinion of parents such as myself."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92864", "author": "Linda Davis", "date": "2021-02-01T17:47:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender Policy", "text": "Government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children. I strongly oppose transgender legislation for schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92865", "author": "Donna Matts", "date": "2021-02-01T17:49:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "No transgender legislation unless straight students are protected"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92866", "author": "Scott Young", "date": "2021-02-01T17:49:00", "title": "Oppose. VDOE proposal does not balance well-being of All Students", "text": "The mandate from parents & citizens of Virginia for the Virginia Department of Education is the safety of all children in public schools, and providing a suitable learning environment free from the pressure of special interest groups. To accomplish this, when mean-spirited prejudice attacks any student, then teachers & administrators are to use discernment for each individual case guided by straightforward school policy, and include ALL stakeholders in the proposed disciplinary process. The current VDOE proposal does not focus on the well-being of all children. In fact if adopted, it will inject confusing policy, and perhaps animosity, into the daily functioning of our public schools by seeking to implement policy which disenfranchises parents, and does not focus on the greatest good of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92867", "author": "Zach G.", "date": "2021-02-01T17:50:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose: Policies Violate God's Created Order, Defy Science, and Endanger Religious Liberty", "text": "Before I explain my opposition to the Model Policies , I want to be clear that I do not advocate for the poor treatment or the demeaning of transgender students. Transgender students should receive the same strong education as cisgender students do. Teachers should love them and work as hard for them as they would any other student. Bullying of transgender students is wrong and should not be tolerated. With that in mind, I appreciate the spirit of the Model Policies and the goal to prevent discrimination. In practice, however, I believe these policies are misguided and should undergo major amendments. The text below explains the reasons for my opposition to the Model Policies . The Model Policies contain concerning elements that negatively affect both students and employees in Virginia public schools. Among the most concerning guidelines in the Model Policies is the statement that “ school staff should abide by the student’s wishes as to how to address the student” “when a student asserts that they have a name and/or pronoun affirming their gender identity” (p. 17). This gender identity “can be the same or different from the” student’s biological sex identified at birth (p. 6). If a school employee persistently and intentionally refuses to refer to the student by their preferred name and pronouns, the employee is regarded to be engaging in discrimination (p. 12). For situations in which an employee “fails to comply with the student’s request or an administrator’s directive to use the asserted name and pronoun,” (p. 13) the Model Policies state that a local school board’s policies “may need to be adjusted or clarified” as it relates to corrective action against the employee (p. 13). This component of the Model Policies is the one that I believe is the most threatening to Virginia public-school employees. The provision most detrimental to students relates to bathroom usage. Under the belief that a student’s gender can be determined by the student, employees are instructed to allow students to use the bathroom coinciding with their “consistently asserted gender identity” without confrontation (p. 17). One problem with this policy is that it will inevitably result in the discomfort of other students who would rather use a bathroom alongside people of their own biological sex. An additional problem with this policy is that it is open to be abused by students who do not truthfully consider themselves to be transgender. A biological male who holds to a male identity would be able to lie and consistently assert that he is a female in order to enter the women’s restroom. The consequences of this abuse could range from embarrassment on the part of young women in the restroom to sexual assault. These consequences must be considered before policies like these are implemented. I oppose these policies because they violate God’s created order, defy science, and endanger religious liberty. While all three are of high importance, God’s commands are of chief importance. Genesis 1:25 tells us that God created humanity in His image, creating humans as male and female. Later, in Jeremiah 1:5, God told the prophet Jeremiah that He knew him before He even formed him in his mother’s womb. Because God is the Creator that knows His created beings before they are even conceived, He alone determines if someone is male or female. He has given us instructions in the Bible about how to live our lives as men and women in a manner that pleases Him and coincides with the reality He has created. A biological male determining that he is actually a female does not please Him and does not coincide with reality. Though many will disagree with these assertions, they are no less accountable to God than those that do agree. The Model Policies are also in contradiction with biological science. The vast majority of human beings (other than some people who are biologically intersexual or have other related medical issues) have biological features that identify them as male or female. Physical features such as sex organs, muscle mass, hormones, body hair, and voice pitch clarify whether an individual is male or female. Although a man may have some features outside of the norm for most males (e.g. – a high-pitched voice and lower levels of testosterone), he will always have male sex organs. The same goes for women and female sex organs. It should be self-evident that these features – especially the sex organs - define a person’s status as a male or female. I believe that to assert the maleness of a person born with female sex organs and naturally high levels of estrogen is to deny a reality that biology makes evident. Schools should educate students about scientific realities rather than assist them in the denial of scientific realities. A third issue with the Model Policies is that they endanger religious liberty. Those Christians who are convinced that the Bible teaches that God, not man, defines gender and believe that using a transgender student’s preferred pronouns would be participation in a lie would have no acceptable recourse but to refuse to use those pronouns lest they violate what they believe to be God’s commands and their own consciences. This choice is protected under Section 16 of the Virginia Bill of Rights that states that “religion…and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and, therefore, all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience…” [1] Requiring a school employee to use a student’s preferred pronouns when it violates that employee’s conscience would be to direct the manner in which that employee must discharge his religion. It would restrict that employee’s “free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience.” For this reason, I believe central components of the Model Policies are discriminatory and unconstitutional. I understand that the argument that transgenderism defies God's created order is a religious argument that probably will not sway VDOE officials to change the policies. While disagreement with God's Word does not absolve anyone of the responsibility of obeying God, such disagreement does hinder the application of biblical principles to public policy. With this in mind, other concerns such as student comfortability and safety and the religious liberty of Virginia's teachers should be sufficient reasons to make major alterations to the Model Policies . Transgender students can be treated with dignity and receive a good education without endangering students or violating religious liberty. Thank you for your consideration of my concerns! Sincerely, Zach G. [1] https://law.lis.virginia.gov/constitution/article1/section16/"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92868", "author": "Virginia Kurtz", "date": "2021-02-01T17:51:00", "title": "Transgender promotion in K_12 public schools", "text": "Strongly opposed for the health and safety of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92869", "author": "Morna Comeau, Graduate of APS, and parent of 3 graduates.", "date": "2021-02-01T17:51:00", "title": "Oppose these Model Policies", "text": "I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools, even as I affirm that ALL students should be taught and treated with respect by teachers and peers alike.   The following comments support this value, but not in the way you've advocated in the model policies. I am a graduate of Arlington Public Schools, as is my husband and our three young adult children. Parents are first and foremost responsible for the care and development of their children, and they are legally and financially responsible for their children. Parents have heretofore known the privilege of partnering with teachers and administrators to help educate their students. These proposed policies set up an adversarial relationship, violating parental rights by leaving parents out of this relationship which is foundational to the health of each family. This is extremely detrimental to ALL parent/child relationships, to the healthy development of children, to families, and to ultimately to public schools. Yet by law, parents remain responsible. Bullying of ANY student is abhorrent. We don’t need a separate policy for students of specific groups (just imagine how many policies we’d need.) School administrators & teachers, in partnership with parents and students are responsible for ensuring a safe learning environment for ALL students. The best way to do this is to foster a community of mutual respect and accountability. Current procedures to help ANY child requiring special accommodation,  bring together parents and health professionals with school counselors to determine an Independent Education Plan. The young person with gender dysphoria deserves no less than anyone else requiring special accommodations in order to promote flourishing.  There need not be specific procedures for each group of student. And, the procedure should ALWAYS include parents, with whom ultimate responsibility rests. I don’t see any proposed guidelines that protect students who object to sharing bathrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms at our county swimming pools, and hotel rooms while on field trips with members of the biologically opposite sex.  Will they be afforded protection? How will this play out? Does this set up an unintended adversarial situation between students who would otherwise be friends? SPORTS:  The adoption of these proposed policies would effectively wipe out women’s sports.  (Natural stature, muscle mass, & strength matters.) I’m in favor of retaining the integrity of intramural and competitive sports for males and for females. In the appendices of the proposed model policies, I see no supporting studies in the areas of child development, (psychological/physical/emotional/social.)  I see no advocacy groups or support groups for parents/students who want to explore ideas other than full affirmation, nor to I see any admission to the fact that this is a developing area of study, with renowned experts contesting your conclusions. Please slow down. These are our children. If these policies are ratified, ALL of our children/students will be guinea pigs at the least, victims at the most."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92870", "author": "Jessica Hawkins, Virginia Association of School Social Workers", "date": "2021-02-01T17:52:00", "title": "I support!", "text": "I support this guidance. As a School Social Worker in Virginia public schools I often see the discrimination that our LGBTQ students are facing daily in their schools. Many that I work with don't want to come to school and end up getting into trouble for truancy because they don't feel safe or welcomed in their learning community. These students need to be protected and supports and policies need to be put in place to make our school communities inclusive to all!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92871", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T17:57:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "Strongly oppose these actions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92872", "author": "Carol C", "date": "2021-02-01T18:00:00", "title": "Transgender school policy", "text": "The government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92873", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T18:01:00", "title": "i am AGAINST this!", "text": "This is a terrible idea. We should celebrate and respect our Godly designed differences, the most sacred being our gender. Our children should be protected from having their privacy and modesty invaded. If this passes, we will witness a mass exodus from public schools, and rightfully so. Do not allow this to go forward."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92874", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T18:02:00", "title": "proposed transgender policy", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this policy. It will victimize and irreparably harm many children. Who comes up with this stuff? It is one more crazy, whacky, giant step that public schools are taking to the far left and away from what the vast majority want. Private schooling is now a must for my family."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92875", "author": "Jean H.", "date": "2021-02-01T18:03:00", "title": "model policy proposal for \"transgender\" students", "text": "I strongly oppose the model policy proposal for \"transgender\" students!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92876", "author": "Carole Denner", "date": "2021-02-01T18:05:00", "title": "VA Department of Education policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "It is a fundamental American ideal that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, safety and consideration.  This dignity, respect, safety and consideration should be extended to those who are transgender, of course.  What seems to be missing in the conversation about transgender rights is the dignity, respect, safety and consideration of those who are not transgender. In any group, organization or society individuals are called upon to cooperate and adjust themselves to one another.  This includes groups and organizations in which there are transgender individuals.  This does not seem to be the case in the realm of public education. Individuals who in some instances like to assert what is scientific choose to disregard science in the instance of the transgender person.  Gender is identified by the X and Y chromosomes.  The individual with two XX chromosomes in every cell in her body is a female and the individual who has an X and a Y chromosome in every cell of his body is a male.  This is NOT \"Assigned\" at Birth.  It occurs at the union of ovum and spermatozoa.  An educator who teaches something else to students entrusted to them is abusing the privilege of their respected position. How is it unsafe to a transgender individual to ask them to use a single person bathroom?  It is not unsafe or an affront to their dignity, though they may not be pleased that their sexuality is not affirmed.  Requiring women and girls to accept a biological male who is transgender into a bathroom or areas in which clothes are changed IS an affront to their dignity, is disrespectful and may actually be unsafe, for example. Another example- requiring a male physical education instructor to supervise a transgender male while showering is inconsiderate of him and is disrespectful of the young men in the class who may not want to shower with a member of the other biological sex. The admission of transgender females into female sports is in effect eliminating women from sport and from all the advances in sport Title IX has permitted.  Is this respectful of all women or does this favor the transgender over the vast majority of women? This issue is also threatening the freedom of thought, speech and religion of many Virginians.  Rather than formulate policies that allow for the divergence of convictions while respecting the dignity and safety of all, the Virginia Department of Education, in the draft documents, seems to favor the elimination of the scientific reality of biological sex to the detriment of the majority of students. In a heterogeneous society like America, there are many members who are different than the majority.  This has always been a strength.  The public education system has been instrumental in assisting children from different backgrounds learning to better understand and respect those differences, to treat those who are different with consideration while affirming the right of each family represented to their convictions, religious and otherwise. These draft policies, rather than affirming the differences and advocating respect for the diverse sociological, cultural and religious convictions of all in our society, seems instead more like the repressive policies of a totalitarian government.  Virginia is the birthplace of the First Amendment.  I sincerely hope Virginia will continue to advocate not only for freedom of expression, but also for freedom of speech and conviction and freedom of religion.  The suppression of anyone's freedom is a danger to the freedom of all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92877", "author": "Concerned Parent Alicia Newman", "date": "2021-02-01T18:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose Transgender promotion in publicly funded schools", "text": "While I believe all students should be protected from bullying, forcefully promoting a certain lifestyle on all students is unacceptable in a public school setting.  Teachers should not be required to promote transgenderism if theirs is not something they agree with.  Should they support students unbiasedly— absolutely.  But they should not be forced them selves to promote it. Furthermore I adamantly oppose the use of bathrooms and locker rooms by the opposite gender.  Who will protect our children from those that will misuse this?   My daughters will feel uncomfortable and violated if they have to use a restroom or locker room in front of a boy, even if that boy is claiming to be a girl.  Rather than forcing those students and parents uncomfortable with this abomination of idea, why not create a third bathroom and locker changing area that is gender neutral.  Then those that choose to live this lifestyle can use that restroom, and those that choose not to aren’t forced to."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92878", "author": "Sam", "date": "2021-02-01T18:07:00", "title": "So Scary!", "text": "This is so scary to think that our children are going to be exposed in the bathroom and that they will be at risk of who knows what! This will also make the children feel unsecure and unsafe to use the bathrooms at school. The children and parents have enough to worry about without adding one more thing to the list. Please do not do this to our children!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92879", "author": "diane Beauregard", "date": "2021-02-01T18:07:00", "title": "strongly oppose transgender legislation for schools", "text": "So GOD created man in HIS own image; in the image of GOD HE created him; male and female HE created them.Genesis 1:27 Do we not have a conscious anymore?   How can a mom or dad even think these thoughts to change what GOD has created for GOOD. May GOD HIMSELF have mercy on all that we the people think we have the rights to redesign.   A price will be paid  through all of these despicable issues.  So I say that only GOD HIMSELF can change the hearts of men,  I Pray GOD do what you do BEST.   Today we look at good being evil and evil being good.  I also pray GOD make all things right in your eyes. Its time to STAND for TRUTH and RIGHTEOUSNESS.   You know that when we are all in trouble we call on GOD first..........well PEOPLE we are in TROUBLE right NOW."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92880", "author": "Albert Kenneke", "date": "2021-02-01T18:08:00", "title": "Supporting HB 145 and SB 161 re VDOE guidance on LGBTQ", "text": "As grandparent to a transgender person and close friend to several other LGBTQ people, I fully support these bills to strengthen VDOE guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92881", "author": "Chris Bures", "date": "2021-02-01T18:10:00", "title": "Against Transgender bill have anti-bullying -enough", "text": "I agree with you that every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. Please do not pass this! Chris Bures"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92882", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T18:13:00", "title": "School transgender policy", "text": "stronly oppose , no matter what you think, every chromosome is a person’s body states loud and clear his or her gender. No amount of hormones or surgeries can change the facts. Transgender policy can not solve their problems. Please don’t miss lead children . It will do them more harm than good. government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92883", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T18:17:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this policy because it is incredibly important for all children to feel welcome, heard, and supported in school. Not only that, but each student should be protected from bullying and violence and trans youth are at a higher risk for both. Simply using a person’s correct pronouns and chosen name can make all the difference in their life. This policy would afford all students more protection while they learn and grow."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92884", "author": "Rebecca McKennett", "date": "2021-02-01T18:18:00", "title": "Please Do Not Implement this Policy", "text": "Pease Do Not Implement This Policy My husband and I are schoolteachers. My husband has taught junior high and high school, and I am a K-12 teacher focusing mostly on preschool through 6th grade at the moment. We would like to weigh in on the transgender policy discussion. We have a combined teaching experience of over 50 years. We have seen a lot of phases come and go in the teaching processes over the years and this new transgender policy is one that has us very concerned. We certainly agree that every child should be protected from any harassment or harm. School should be a safe and nurturing environment. Virginia has done a good job of addressing this with their anti-bulling law. We have seen through the years that many children struggle with finding out who they are, what their strengths are, and how to deal with their sexual struggles and confusion. We have noticed, and seen it documented, that over time kids tend to outgrow and overcome these issues naturally. The problem with this new transgender policy is that it goes beyond prevention of mistreatment to forging a mandatory agenda of sexualized and politicized ideologies. To make this a predominant issue is confusing and actually damaging to children who are still working through the natural processes of learning about themselves and life in general. It makes sexual confusion an unnecessary focal point in what would otherwise be a natural learning process in a natural order of the things they are figuring out about themselves and their world. Another confusing issue this policy will bring up for kids is the thought process that says gender is something you arbitrarily received at birth and is not tied to your body type. This does not carry an emotionally well-being thought that I am made special, designed by God for a special purpose. It also defies the science of DNA and biology concerning the human body. Our job is to teach truth and this policy’s philosophy hinders us from being able to do that. We also see that this policy is going to open the door to other problems for families who are more conservative in their thinking. Their goal is to protect their children and see that they get an education and upbringing that is healthy and good for them and that does not break down their philosophy of wise and safe family living. They want their children to have the safety and assurance of not having to share a bathroom or dressing room with a person of a physically different body type. They want physical privacy for their children. They don’t want their girls competing with those who physically look like boys and have unfair advantages over their girls in sports. They don’t want their children coming home confused about who they are sexually because of something some teacher taught that day. These families are usually very kind and thoughtful of others and would not be abusive to other persuasions, but they will not embrace the philosophy being taught as correct to their children.  They would not want what they feel is unhealthy pushed on them and their children because of their convictions. Sooooo, who is going to determine which parents or teachers are being “abusive” or in need of “correction”? This policy is pushing an agenda without thinking about the long-term consequences and problems that are going to arise with its implementation. It is going to end up being divisive and exclusive. Please do not put this policy into action. Sincerely, Thomas & Rebecca McKennett"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92885", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T18:18:00", "title": "transgender mandates for public schools", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92886", "author": "Elizabeth Goldstein", "date": "2021-02-01T18:18:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a rabbi and an educator, I'm proud to support this guidance. My faith teaches that every human is created in God's image, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. Ancient rabbinic literature supports the long-time existence of gender diversity in educational settings and the need to have appropriate measures in place to make sure every person across the gender spectrum has a place to learn safely as their full selves. I’ve worked with many well-meaning fellow educators, counselors, and administrators who simply do not have the experience with trans or non-binary students to understand what is truly needed to support them. We want to do everything right for them, but it can be quite a learning process. I know it is tough for the students to have to be patient as they deal with fumbling adults unsure of how to best show them the respect that every student deserves. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92887", "author": "Mary Ann Kreitzer", "date": "2021-02-01T18:20:00", "title": "Guidelines for Transgender Students", "text": "As a grandmother of children in Virginia's schools, I am very concerned about the guidelines being considered for transgender students. To allow biological boys to use rest rooms, shower facilities, spend the night with girls on overnight field trips, and to play on teams according to their feelings about their sex puts girls in danger and discriminates against them. There are numerous cases of girls being assaulted in shared facilities. Biological males are also devastating women's sports destroying opportunities for many girls to win college sports scholarships. Even with hormone replacement, biological males have a physical advantage because of their body and muscle mass. For girls to compete against biological males in sports like boxing and wrestling it is just plain dangerous. It is also unfair. To allow this in the schools not only endangers girls, but puts the school at risk of lawsuits. The Department of Education should abandon these guidelines immediately."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92888", "author": "Elizabeth L. Brooks", "date": "2021-02-01T18:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Supporting trans students is important, not only for those students, but for all students, regardless of their sex, gender, or orientation, and for our future as a society. Hate crimes are born out of fear of the different and unknown, and the only real ways to foster tolerance is through exposure that mitigates that fear, and the persistent demonstration that our leaders stand ready to protect and support minorities of all types."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92889", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T18:23:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to implementing this dangerous policy in the public schools that my tax dollars fund. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. Please do not endanger our children by implementing this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92890", "author": "Concerned for our children", "date": "2021-02-01T18:25:00", "title": "Enforced transgender  promotion in schools", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 w STRONGLY OPPOSE:  you have no right to enforce gender promotion by telling our children that if you don't like being a boy you can become a girl or if you are a girl and you want to be a boy, you can do it.  This confuses a child and drives them into depression. STOP!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92891", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T18:27:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this!", "text": "The government is pushing a new religion by pushing anti-scientific transgender ideology in schools, which violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. Gender ideology is itself nonscientific and a religion that the government is forbidden from mandating under the Establishment Clause. This is a First Amendment argument against compulsory participation in and compulsory belief in an anti-scientific theory—in essence, compulsory religion. There is no biological basis for transgenderism.  Someone cannot be \"trapped in the wrong body.\"  We're all in the bodies we were meant to be in. People who identify as transgender need psychological counseling to escape their delusion. I encourage trans-identifying persons to accept their natural bodies and want them to avoid a lifetime of medical interventions (cross-sex hormones, surgeries, cosmetic procedures, counseling), infertility, stress-inducing efforts to \"pass\" as the opposite sex, and suicidal thinking and attempts. There is no such thing as a transgender child.  There are children who are confused, emotionally neglected, even abused.  Parents who affirm trans identities in children are themselves confused or needy, vulnerable to social pressures, or willfully misguided by health care professionals. Trans ideology is utterly false and destructive. Government and institutions are forcing people to deny reality and accept a destructive, nonsensical ideology – accustoming us to obey the most idiotic directives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92892", "author": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!", "date": "2021-02-01T18:27:00", "title": "Gender Promotion", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 words STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92893", "author": "Sara", "date": "2021-02-01T18:30:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "Strongly Support. This is good for all children, regardless of their gender or sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92894", "author": "Victoria", "date": "2021-02-01T18:30:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Trans rights are human rights and everyone, regardless of age or gender, deserves to be protected, supported, and respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92895", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T18:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender legislation", "text": "I will pull both of my sons out of Virginia Beach public schools. Children should not have to feel more uncomfortable going to a restroom at school. Kids do not understand transgender, only that there is a \"girl\" in the boys room or vice versa. Stop the insanity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92896", "author": "Yes", "date": "2021-02-01T18:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose new guidelines", "text": "Our government officials do NOT have a mandate to enforce gender promotion in taxpayer funded schools.  It will jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92897", "author": "K Johnson", "date": "2021-02-01T18:31:00", "title": "Oppose Furthering Gender Confusion", "text": "Gender confusion is a mental health illness.  Do NOT support any policy that will further illness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92898", "author": "Concerned Mother", "date": "2021-02-01T18:31:00", "title": "I Don’t Support This At All", "text": "Let’s see...  We are going to make this radical change to our public schools in support of less than 3% of the school population. Guess nobody has though that teenagers would claim to be female so they could see other females naked. What you would be doing is endangering 97% of the students while pandering for votes of the remaining 3%."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92899", "author": "Sarah Bridges", "date": "2021-02-01T18:36:00", "title": "All people should be treated with dignity, compassion and respect", "text": "My family is in favor of adopting the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender students in Virginia public schools.  Everyone, no matter their race, religion, socioeconomic status, age or gender should be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.  All schools should ensure that ALL students are treated equitably.  Policies and activities that are gender based are antiquated and are inherently inequitable are reinforce bias and prejudice attitudes and behaviors.  The adults should lead by example. In reading the comments there is a common theme among people objecting to the model policies and that is fear.  Fear that their daughter won't be safe in a restroom with another mother's daughter if that daughter has male genitalia.  Fear that transgendered girls will be better at sports than CIS girls because of a biological advantage.  When you look at the research, and talk to transgendered children, you will learn that transgendered kids are much more likely to be the victim of attacks (not the other way around), and that there have been transgendered persons participating in sports for some time and transgendered persons are not consistently beating out all the CIS females.  When we support transgendered youth, and they are able to get the healthcare they need, they can and do take hormone therapy to help block unwanted hormones and align their physical and chemical bodies with their personal identity. There are numerous fears and in this day and age, when we are doing our best to protect our children in this politically charged environment in a pandemic no less, emotions are understandably running high.  But we have to put our fear aside, educate ourselves, talk to each other (including talking to transgendered children and their parents) and work together to work through our fears.  Protecting transgendered students in our schools so they feel safe, and opening up our hearts and minds to talk to those \"we\" fear, is what we must do to ensure an equitable future for all of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92900", "author": "Donna Simmons", "date": "2021-02-01T18:40:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this legislation.  Please do not pass this legislation.", "text": "As a parent of four children, I am strongly opposed to this legislation. I can't even believe we are considering putting our young girls' safely in jeopardy.   My children will not feel safe if a person of the opposite gender is allowed to come into the restrooms and changing area.   Girls will not be able to compete with biological boys in all sports.  You will completely wipe out all girls sports over time.  This is insanity.  I  urge you with all my heart to reconsider the irreparable damage you will do to our youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92901", "author": "Ronald D. Yoho", "date": "2021-02-01T18:48:00", "title": "Please do not implement this policy.  Gender is a biological fact, not an opinion.", "text": "Mandating the use of transgender pronouns violates the 1st Amendment with respect to both freedom of religion and freedom of speech."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92902", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T18:48:00", "title": "WAKE UP!!", "text": "I absolutely do not support this!! This opens the door for so many bad things, including sexual assault. You are either born with a penis or a vagina, use the bathroom according to what you are equipped with. For crying out loud people WAKE UP!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92903", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T18:50:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY NOT, DO NOT IMPLEMENT THIS", "text": "This is a terrible idea. I agree with supporting those who want to protect transgender students, but to take away the knowledge of what's happening in school from the parents is wrong. To expose children whose female breasts are exposed is not right. What happens when they decide the next day they identify as a female again? Everyone has seen their breasts and it will be sexualized. This is not ok. There are enough sexual assaults at schools and making bathrooms co-ed is just an open door for more of these situations to occur. Children's prefrontal lobes are still developing and will be until their 20s. Deciding you want to be transgender is their personal choice, but to change the whole school policy to accommodate their preferences is stepping on others toes. Simply not ok. I believe in female and male. So now I'm at risk of being charged with criminal offenses if I dont use the right pronoun or dont agree with this? Its Ludacris. Create a safe space for trans people as they do the LGBTQ community  and any other group people create. No need to change the whole damn thing. -Angry parent"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92904", "author": "Elizabeth Hagerman", "date": "2021-02-01T18:52:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92905", "author": "Luke Kite", "date": "2021-02-01T18:54:00", "title": "STRONGLY Disagree", "text": "I strongly disagree with this. This is the complete opposite direction of where we should be going in relation to our kids & their future. This is awful. This is not how I want my kids to be raised & I'll be damned if the school system is going to teach my kids that any of this is ok. This is for parents to deal with, not the educational system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92906", "author": "CONCERNED FATHER!!", "date": "2021-02-01T18:55:00", "title": "Insane!! Oppose this 100%", "text": "This is absolutely insane! The fact that this is even being considered is ridiculous! Open your eyes to what you are considering doing! The school board is always talking about safety for our children but would allow for a child to be in the bathroom with the opposite sex! How hypocritcal! This is also going to open the door for not only bad things to go on where teachers/staff cannot see but also allow for even more bullying harassment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92907", "author": "Very concerned parent of 3", "date": "2021-02-01T18:56:00", "title": "Oppose!!!!!!! Please do not pass this!", "text": "If this passes, our kids, for safely reasons, will be homeschooled permanently. It truly scares me!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92908", "author": "GRANDMA", "date": "2021-02-01T18:59:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "This is not protecting students but furthering a political agenda and adding even more stress and confusion to growing up."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92909", "author": "Susan Karnes", "date": "2021-02-01T18:59:00", "title": "I will always support not discriminating against a child, always!", "text": "A child transitioning should have full support from adults that are supposed to be educating them. A child should never have to deal with any kind of harassment, ever. This is an identity issue that should be handled gently. It is no other adults decision than the parent and healthcare professionals. Schools should be a positive and supportive environment for everyone, period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92910", "author": "Trudy Bradshaw", "date": "2021-02-01T19:00:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "Strongly disagree."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92911", "author": "Mary Kidwell", "date": "2021-02-01T19:00:00", "title": "Oppose strongly", "text": "Schools should treat all students with respect but these policies go past respect. They seek to steer students toward transgender ideology and interfere with the parent’s right to steer their children according to their values and beliefs. Parents rightfully play the predominant role in their children’s  lives to shape them and the state has no right to interfere. In addition each child has the right to expect privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms and not have to share space with the opposite gender. Reality and science identify male and female gender not feelings. Gender confused students need compassion but not indulgence to the point of sacrificing the rights of other children who have every right to feel safe in their environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92912", "author": "C. Johnson", "date": "2021-02-01T19:01:00", "title": "This is a Travesty against children and parents!", "text": "This Bill should be defeated and never brought up again!  This will harm so many children and these issues should be completely left up to parents.  Schools and government have no right or duty to get involved in this issue and it should be illegal intentionally deceive parents or children.  Put this bill in the trash bin."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92913", "author": "Robert Ensley", "date": "2021-02-01T19:02:00", "title": "I Strongly Oppose this plan", "text": "I write to oppose doing this and adding to the confusion of our children.  This is an insane policy.  There are policies in place on bullying and everyone deserves a safe place to learn."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92914", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T19:03:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree!!!!", "text": "This is wrong!  This will confuse kids.  Pronouns that can change daily??? Shirtless girls?? Skirts on boys.  My God what has happened to my home state!? People, you can't be seriously considering this. I vote NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92915", "author": "Christopher Hanes", "date": "2021-02-01T19:03:00", "title": "Oppose strongly!!", "text": "Do not pass this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92916", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T19:04:00", "title": "Gender", "text": "ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92917", "author": "Nancy", "date": "2021-02-01T19:04:00", "title": "Transgender issue", "text": "What has happened to our country?! Might there be some sort of written guidance on this subject?....oh yeah, there is....it’s called THE BIBLE. our creator’s mandates to all of His children on how to live their lives. We have become obsessed with our rights” , but no one wants to be held responsible for the evil that exists by agreeing to these “insane” ideas. We all need to wake up and put a stop to the craziness that is taking over!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92918", "author": "Laura", "date": "2021-02-01T19:04:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "Please do not pass any part of these policies. You are in no way able to teach a child their gender preference than their parents. You are taking parents rights away as well as other students rights away!  I want to know what is going on with my children's discipline in school. You should not put transgender over other students. Teach respect and kindness!  What I see here is bullying parents,students,and teachers who do not agree with your views. We"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92919", "author": "Debbie Bradshaw", "date": "2021-02-01T19:05:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92920", "author": "Joseph Bradshaw", "date": "2021-02-01T19:07:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree", "text": "Strongly disagree."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92921", "author": "Brian", "date": "2021-02-01T19:08:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Strongly oppose to this policy. Follow the science. Gender is decided at birth, gender confusion is life choice. Support good choices, counsel those that need help, not everyone else. What a waste of resources.  Do not bully the rest of us that oppose a non natural, non biological, non physical view.  Concerned about student safety? Can you tell the difference between a confused trans and a pervert ?  Who can ?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92922", "author": "Angel", "date": "2021-02-01T19:08:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "This is completely outrageous. There Is no way this should ever even be thought about in our school systems! This is only going to open the world to more sexual assault in cases of children. And we as parents are to protect our children when they cant protect themselves! God have mercy on anyone who thinks this is ok!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92923", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T19:11:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Leave stuff alone"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92924", "author": "A parent with common sense", "date": "2021-02-01T19:13:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED!!", "text": "The public school system is not the place to indoctrinate our children.  Let’s just teach our children facts (real facts that is) and leave all political and ideological movements out of the picture all together.  Our children face way too many challenges in school already, imposed by politically slanted agendas. It is SOLELY the responsibility of the PARENTS to guide their children with respect to this topic. I respect that there may be a very, very small number of students who are confused with their gender, but science must rule here.  And no matter whether you like it or not, science determines your gender.  I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS PROPOSAL.  In fact, it violates the rights of the overwhelming majority of students who aren’t transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92925", "author": "Mother and Father of young daughters", "date": "2021-02-01T19:13:00", "title": "STRONLY OPPOSED", "text": "This will cause more issues than help. I do not want someone who is pretending to be transgender follow my daughter in the bathroom and then sexually abuse her...that would turn out bad on multiple levels. Plus parents are going to go above and beyond to protect their children here at all costs. You will be helping more by keeping the bathrooms seprate, or at least add an additional bathroom for those individuals so they don't have to go in the same bathrooms as parents who are opposed.  An extra bathroom really is the middle ground."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92926", "author": "Elizabeth", "date": "2021-02-01T19:14:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is an outrage. It demeans women and their uniqueness. It makes competititive sports for women unfair."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92927", "author": "Rebecca Fodness", "date": "2021-02-01T19:17:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!", "text": "I strongly oppose this motion. We are raising our children in a Christian - based home. If I want my children to learn about LGBT I will be the one to teach them. I do not want my daughter to share a bathroom with a boy who identifies as a girl. I do not want my son to share a bathroom with a girl who identifies as a boy. They would be extremely uncomfortable in that situation. We are raising our children to be respectful of all people, but this is a step too far!!! Nope! I will pull my children out of Public school if this passes, along with many others. My children have just as much of a right to feeling comfortable in school as anyone else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92928", "author": "Kevin Wm Johnson", "date": "2021-02-01T19:17:00", "title": "Please Do NOT do this. Strongly Oppose", "text": "Please do NOT do this. I strongly oppose it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92929", "author": "Hampton Smith", "date": "2021-02-01T19:18:00", "title": "Gender is a seperate phenomenon from sex,  anyone who says otherwise doesn't understand science.", "text": "Just the title, ya'll are doing a great service for trans individuals. Thank you for your efforts."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92930", "author": "Mark", "date": "2021-02-01T19:21:00", "title": "This is a travesty and an offense to God", "text": "This is an outrage. It demeans women and their uniqueness. It makes competititive sports for women unfair. This is an offense to God and the natural order of life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92931", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T19:22:00", "title": "Transgender School policy", "text": "I support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92932", "author": "Sick of Agenda pushing Progressives", "date": "2021-02-01T19:22:00", "title": "Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Seems to me that the VDOE should worry about getting Teachers back to school and not social policy. Let Transgender athletes compete, dress & then shower/use the bathroom as one group, boys as one group, and girls as one group. Anyone disagreeing with this is merely trying to make policy. And, unless there's a Social Policy Class requirement needed for High School graduation, respectfully, butt the hell out. Worry about your family and let the parents sending kids to school worry about theirs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92933", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-02-01T19:25:00", "title": "Transgender support", "text": "I strongly support transgender kids. Everyone has right to be loved and respected no matter who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92934", "author": "William Duguay", "date": "2021-02-01T19:25:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92935", "author": "Former teacher", "date": "2021-02-01T19:26:00", "title": "Guidance Document (Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Sch", "text": "Strongly oppose this. As a former public school teacher, this would be a disaster."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92936", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T19:27:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "All students deserve respect, which is why there are anti bullying policies and protections.  This is way beyond that.  Parents are the parents....not the schools....this is an assault on parental rights. Schools are also for teaching...not infiltrating political ideologies.  This is dangerous for children, especially when studies show most children/ teens grow out of gender confusion.  Why encourage it when it leads to greater challenges and difficult decisions for youth....decisions that may change the course of their lives forever.  We should all be kind, loving and encouraging to ALL people but this radical proposal isn’t about any of that.  Don’t do this to parents.  Don’t do this to children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92327", "author": "KHeatwole", "date": "2021-01-30T17:45:00", "title": "Oppose, reset your moral compass", "text": "What in the world has happened to common sense and decency?  In what direction is your moral compass pointed?  Our children have been preyed upon enough.  The simplicity of ones gender is obvious.  This is just another policy designed to confuse and cause separation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92328", "author": "LK", "date": "2021-01-30T17:59:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Please allow parents to help their children work through these incredibly complex issues and allow teachers to focus on teaching subject matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92329", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T17:59:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support transgender youth and these model policies. Let's bring humanity back to our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92330", "author": "Respect for EVERYONE", "date": "2021-01-30T18:01:00", "title": "Will not support this dangerous policy", "text": "I am writing in concern over upcoming policy changes on how schools handle transgender. the policy changes not only promote transgender lifestyle but they are intended to force others to promote it against their constitutional right of religion. This policy will endanger the safety of our children by those who WILL use this to evade their privacy in restrooms and locker rooms. It will do nothing but cause problems and not solve any. There are ways to to respect and accommodate EVERYONE. Without punishing innocent people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92331", "author": "Jenny", "date": "2021-01-30T18:01:00", "title": "kindness", "text": "We are all human beings.  Transgender students are human beings just like everyone else, and they deserve the same respect and regard that everyone else deserves from the school system.  We need to protect them from abuse and discrimination so that they can live and learn like the other kids in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92332", "author": "Marcia Tugendhat", "date": "2021-01-30T18:17:00", "title": "All children and youth have rights to be themselves", "text": "As a retired teacher, I know how important it is for all students to feel safe, accepted for exactly who they are, and appreciated for what they can bring to the cultural mix of a school / community. We owe children an effective education and they will only have this if they are safe and accepted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92333", "author": "Kenny Boddye, Occoquan District Supervisor", "date": "2021-01-30T18:22:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am writing to support this vital set of guidelines and model policies. It is important for our schools to have the tools in place to accommodate our transgender students, ensuring that they are protected from discrimination and disparate treatment. This student population is particularly vulnerable to being targeted or singled out, and we must be in the business of ensuring all students have the safety to thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92334", "author": "Support parental rights", "date": "2021-01-30T18:24:00", "title": "NO to Transgender ideology", "text": "Reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools as they are harmful to children and undermine the rights of parents and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92335", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T18:35:00", "title": "NO to Mandatory Transgender indoctrination", "text": "No to mandatory policies supporting gender confusion.   Support parental rights.  The State is not our parent, spouse or God. FREEDOM!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92336", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T18:36:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Every child should be protected from harm and harassment.  Virginia has a good anti-bullying law.  This new proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandated promotion of political, sexualized ideology.  Most children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty.  It is irresponsible to promote gender confusion in a public school setting.  I strongly oppose this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92337", "author": "Will K", "date": "2021-01-30T18:40:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this. Trans children deserve to be treated with respect and protected in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92338", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T18:40:00", "title": "Model policies for transgender youth", "text": "Support these model policies for transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92339", "author": "Jess", "date": "2021-01-30T18:41:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Support this. Easy enough with fair changes to support LGBTQIA* community in public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92340", "author": "Amanda Lawrence", "date": "2021-01-30T18:44:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As a mom to two girls I strongly oppose the transgender policy being presented.  Accepting this policy will be extremely detrimental to girls and their privacy.  Subjecting them to sharing locker rooms, bathrooms, and rooms for overnight stays is an invasion is their rights as females.  I am trying to raise strong, independent women and by allowing boys to participate in girls sports, you are putting girl’s at a disadvantage.  I am the parent and therefore I should be the one to make the decisions. The school and teachers do not have the right to help my child make life changing decisions without my knowledge.  Did you carry my child for nine months? Did you give birth to my child? Have you been supporting and taking care of my child 24/7?  No, so what gives you the right to think that you can make these decisions for me?  This is not a question of abuse, it is a question of wanting to push me as the parent out. I strongly advise you against any transgender policy in our public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92341", "author": "RVA citizen", "date": "2021-01-30T18:45:00", "title": "Schools need to support all kids", "text": "I support the new guidance. All research on the subject shows that kids are healthier and happier if their gender identities and decisions are respected by their communities. It’s time to make sure Virginia’s schools are an affirming part of kids’ community life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92342", "author": "Pro-Woman Feminist", "date": "2021-01-30T18:48:00", "title": "PLEASE protect our girls by OPPOSING this legislation", "text": "Please please please oppose this harmful legislation. Here are the top reasons why: There will be no safeguard against regular straight males entering the female bathrooms and locker rooms. They could simply \"claim\" to be/feel like a \"female\" and enter on their own whims. Sexual exploitation and abuse allowed for by law is sure to occur because of possible abuses as listed in #1. Additionally, who would be stopping a janitor or any other male in the building from claiming to be \"female\" and entering the same bathroom as a young girl? Again, an open door for sexual abuse and exploitation. Public schools will further become (because it already is well on its way) a harmful exploitative location run by the radical Left which will cause further emotional and psychological harm to our young. WE MUST OPPOSE THIS OR GET OUT OF VA SCHOOLS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92343", "author": "Marianne Walendowski", "date": "2021-01-30T18:54:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a retired Albemarle County teacher with 43 years experience, I strongly support these policies because I have seen firsthand what bullying and exclusion have done to these middle and high school students. As the adults in this equation, it is our responsibility to learn the science of gender identification. Ignorance should not be used as a cudgel against our children. Since when has exclusion been considered a moral virtue? Don't the scriptures say \"suffer the children to come to me.\" I don't remember the caveat of except you or you or you. We must protect our students, and help them benefit fully from a public school education in a respectful and safe environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92344", "author": "Shirley Hottot", "date": "2021-01-30T18:55:00", "title": "I support transgender youth and these model policies.", "text": "We need policies in our public schools to protect transgender youth. I support these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92345", "author": "Rebecca Stewart", "date": "2021-01-30T19:08:00", "title": "Strongly Support Trans Guidance", "text": "Our kids deserve the dignity of being free from discrimination in their public schools. Our kids deserve to be treated with respect and compassion, no matter their gender, orientation, religion, race or ability. Can't believe this has to be said in 2021."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92346", "author": "Bruce LeLacheur", "date": "2021-01-30T19:13:00", "title": "SUPPORT for ALL youth including Transgender Youth", "text": "All our Virginia youth will benefit from policies that empower ALL our youth. Transgender and non-binary youth in particular need us to enact the proposed guidelines but all of us will benefit from a kinder more accepting community.  The “bathroom issue” is easily resolved and must not get in the way of full equality for all of God’s children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92347", "author": "Julie Elmore", "date": "2021-01-30T19:20:00", "title": "Model Policies", "text": "To whom it may concern: I am writing to request that you REJECT the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools as they are harmful to children and undermine the rights of parents and families. Cutting the parents out of the loop of caring and supporting their child is unacceptable.  It is the parents’ right and job to guide their child in all matters and preventing them from being able to do this is wrong. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92348", "author": "Teresa", "date": "2021-01-30T19:28:00", "title": "I oppose this policy...my grandchildren who are not trans etc. need to be protected also", "text": "I do not support this policy.  All children should be loved.  My grandchildren do not need to learn/be exposed to this information at school.  I see no protection for non trans children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92349", "author": "Marlene Meade", "date": "2021-01-30T19:29:00", "title": "Support ALL Virginia students", "text": "all students needed to be treated equally and with respect, including trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92350", "author": "Susan Berres", "date": "2021-01-30T19:40:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support this policy. All students deserved to be recognized for the person they are and treated with respect and dignity. They deserve to be safe and comfortable at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92351", "author": "Jeanine Underwood", "date": "2021-01-30T19:42:00", "title": "I SUPPORT our trans children and policies that support them!", "text": "I strongly support RCPS and their proposed policies to support trans children. I support children using rest rooms in which they feel safe and comfortable. I support requiring teachers and staff to use the pronouns that each individual recognizes as their own. It is our responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for ALL children. I also support students dressing in ways that they feel comfortable and I encourage our community to understand that sexual violence is NEVER the fault of the victim. The way that an individual dresses is NEVER an invitation to touch them in any way. Thank you, RCPS for moving forward in a way that acknowledges that it is our responsibility to be a safe and welcoming community for ALL."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92352", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T19:43:00", "title": "Oppose VDOE Model", "text": "Please stop this model. Government should not be involved in the child’s private business. This is the family’s responsibility, not government. I want all children to grow up safely. What really matters is the child’s heart and soul and that they are loved. This model could do terrible harm to an unprotected child,What if the child thinks they’re protected and VDOE becomes fallible, which it already is. Let parents be parents , please don’t hurt families and break children’s hearts"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92353", "author": "Amanda Tembhurne", "date": "2021-01-30T19:54:00", "title": "FULL SUPPORT", "text": "Anyone who experienced bullying or disrespect in school will remember what it’s like to be that child and feel unsafe in a place you must go to every single day. I cannot imagine the issues that children today face with the advent of technology and the Internet. It is important that we teach our children all of the knowledge we have available to us. There is no place in this world for people who are afraid of things they don’t understand when understanding is as simple as learning. That is why I fully support these measures and encourage Virginia to continue being a strong force in the advancement of equality for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92354", "author": "Kevin Finity", "date": "2021-01-30T20:04:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this plan, it seems very thoughtful and reasonable. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92355", "author": "Denise", "date": "2021-01-30T20:13:00", "title": "Strongly support!!", "text": "We strongly support the guidance for protection for trans kids in VA schools. Every single child deserves to feel safe and accepted; this includes everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender labels."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92356", "author": "Voice of the silent majority", "date": "2021-01-30T20:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. Give them separate bathroom", "text": "i strongly oppose Biden’s new policy. If that comes to having a bathroom- give them a gender neutral bathroom. This way, every student has a choice . Girls go to girls room, boys go to boys rooms , and gender neutral students go to gender neutral bathrooms. I dint want my daughter to be walked in on by a boy who thinks it would be fun to pretend to be a girl"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92357", "author": "Whitney E.", "date": "2021-01-30T20:26:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "as a parent of two children who will attend VA public schools, I support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92358", "author": "Mark Campbell", "date": "2021-01-30T20:27:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I am totally opposed to the proposed transgender policy.  The policy should be based on the BIOLOGICAL GENDER, not what someone thinks they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92359", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T20:27:00", "title": "I strongly support transgender youth and these policies!", "text": "I strongly support transgender youth. I love these model policies and they should be implemented."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92360", "author": "Elisabet Michaelsen", "date": "2021-01-30T20:31:00", "title": "Transgender youth", "text": "I strongly support transgender youth and the guidance regulations for schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92361", "author": "Marilyn Karp", "date": "2021-01-30T20:34:00", "title": "I support transgender youth and these model policies", "text": "I support transgender youth and these model policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92362", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T20:46:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose this legislation. Terminology section - uses terms such as social construct without scientific evidence. Related Laws section under 1st Amendment states schools may not prevent students from expressing their identity after telling students in Terminology section what their identities can be, implying they can't express otherwise. For example, uses the term cisgender to imply that all students have gender identities and assigned sexes (without scientific evidence). Undoubtedly some students will not agree with this and refuse to be labelled cisgender, which they should be able to express. Telling students they can express their identities but can't express that they don't have separate gender identities and assigned sexes can be read as contradictory, bullying and discriminatory which is supposedly what the document is trying to prevent. Page 10, 1st paragraph, 2nd sentence: intentionally vague. Preferred pronouns can change daily and even within a day. Additionally, they can defy the basic rules of grammar. Page 10, 1st paragraph, 3rd sentence: intentionally vague. What type of disclosure? This implies some sort of notification process that hasn't yet been explained. Does it have to take place every time the person changes their identity (if they do so)? How are all students, teachers and administrators supposed to know exactly when an approved identity change has taken place throughout the course of the day? Page 10, 4th paragraph, 5th sentence: Creation of division-level ombudsman above the school can be read as discriminatory as it treats potential transgender discrimination as more important than discrimination of other kinds. Page 10-11 School Division prohibition statement runs contrary to document. It should be obvious to anyone with a basic understanding of the monotheistic religions and science that practicing Jews, Muslims, Christians and scientists have not agreed with the separation of gender and identity for more than 3,000 years. The policies provide no exceptions or accommodations for students or teachers whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from agreeing with transgender ideology and policies. If notifications are requested to take place multiple times within a day to accommodate identity changes it is reasonable to suppose the same notifications could take place to not put a practicing Muslim, Christian or Jew in a situation where they are forced to violate the tenets of their faith. This contradiction also seems to support certain religious denominations over others and could be seen as an imposition of religion on students and teachers. Page 11, 2nd paragraph, 4th sentence. Is this suggesting that teachers be required to take time out of their lesson to discuss the gender identity of a student because that student wants to? Shouldn't this be something the student does on their own time with their peers? Does this have to re-occur whenever the student changes identities and for every class, sport, etc? Who leads the discussion? Would students be given the opportunity to not partake in said discussions or are they a captive audience? Page 12, 1st paragraph, 1st sentence. What does \"who do not have supportive families\" mean and who is making said claim? Can read as who are practicing Muslim, Jewish or Christian. Seems to contradict declaratory statement on religious discrimination and push certain religious denominations over others into a most favorable category. How does that differ again from discrimination on grounds of religion? Page 12, 2nd paragraph, last 2 sentences. Intentionally vague and ambiguous. Using words like \"should\" and phrases like \"does not necessarily\" reveals a complicated situation this document at times presents as un-complicated. How are teachers and students supposed to operate in this environment? There appear to be no clear lines of delineation or processes built-in for the student to follow yet expectations abound for other students and teachers. Page 12-13, last and first paragraph. Reads as though discriminatory towards practicing Muslims, Christians, and Jews especially since it provides no exceptions or accommodations. The lack of this acknowledgement alone can be seen as revealing. If other students persistently say hello or hey without any gender identification is that considered discriminatory? People converse all the time without using names or gender, how does this document acknowledge that without levying discrimination via avoidance accusations? Page 13, 2nd paragraph, last 2 sentences. Reads as though parents who encourage their children to embrace their biological sex are at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by school. Is that the intent? Reads as though practicing Muslim, Christian or Jewish parents are being asked to remove their children from the public school system. Or it potentially puts students in a situation where they will avoid this student for fear of saying or not saying something that can be used against them, understanding that no evidence at all is required (because the document is intentionally vague) but only a statement from the student. This would seem to further isolate the student and not be helpful. The document has already revealed that it could isolate the student from his or her family as well. Page 17, Box statement. How does this support Title IX and the girls sports competitive landscape? Students identifying as girls but not on hormone treatment will have a decisive advantage over girls. Depending on when hormone treatment is initiated in this same instance, leg strength is not effected. Boys sports and records will not be effected in the same way. Page 17, Access to facilities, 2nd paragraph, 1st sentence. This document reads as though the only emotional harm to be considered is that of the transgender student. Has there been a study on how having menstrual supplies in boys bathrooms effects their psyche? Has there been any study done on the psychological effect on girls of sharing a changing area with boys who identify as girls? It is very difficult to ensure that every adult or student knows at all times the gender status of every other adult and student before, during and after school hours in the school or at any school-sanctioned activity. Page 17, Professional Development and Training. How does this level of training relate to that given to teachers and administrators regarding special needs students or any other students in unique circumstances (adopted/foster children, suicide prevention, bullying, etc)? And how does that relate to the percentage of the school population that fall into those categories? What other cultural competency training is provided to students and teachers (i.e. non-LGBT)? Page 19, Other Considerations. Reads as token watered-down religious statement. General observation. The intent to subvert parental authority/responsibility is more than palpable in this document. It is not the state's job to raise children. This will result in a less diverse school as parents and students who practice their monotheistic faith and others who don't want to deal emotionally with all of the unknowns and ambiguities inferred in this document will remove their children from public schools. It's difficult to work with parents when you tell teachers and administrators in this document to constantly be weary of them, unless they are in your opinion 100% on board with their child. Not only does no one really know that, but the child can at any time tell the school otherwise. Additionally, statements enabling boys and girls to dress in whichever manner they choose puts a school in the situation where a girl identifying as a boy doesn’t have to wear a female swimsuit during swim team practices or matches and can expose herself to all in attendance. No one should be forced to be exposed to that, especially little children. If that’s the intent there should be notices given or signage posted so parents can keep their kids from such psychologically devastating circumstances. Where is the discussion about repercussions for children weaponizing this newfound authority given to them in this proposed document to determine who is disagreeing with/abusing them and when? How about for teachers and administrators that do the same or violate what's left of parental rights? How about some training for all of them on parental rights? How about some training for all of them on the enumerated freedom of religion right, to include everyone whose name is attached to this document? Inclusion is for everyone and is not a one-way street. This document would've done well to show that definition and then abide by it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92363", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-30T20:52:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE the proposed Transgender policies", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policies.  Please protect ALL students K-12 grade and NOT just the few. My school aged daughter should NOT be forced to use the same bathroom/locker rooms with the opposite sex to accommodate a small number of students. This is an open door to sexual abuse. There are other way to accommodate the transgender students by providing \"gender neutral\" bathrooms/locker rooms for those who choose to use them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92364", "author": "Teresa  Munoz", "date": "2021-01-30T20:57:00", "title": "I strongly support these vulnerable students. All children have the right to protection", "text": "I strongly support protecting students in at risk groups, such as trans students or other groups at greater risk for bullying or prejudice. All children in Virginia have a right to a safe and fair education. As St. Pope John Paul II   said, \"A society will be judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92365", "author": "Alexis Long", "date": "2021-01-30T21:07:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I am in full support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92366", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T21:10:00", "title": "Oppose!!!", "text": "We all know that a child's gender is determined at birth. Just because a child identifies as the opposite sex does not make it factually so. These proposed policies will confuse young, moldable minds and place teachers who are opposed to the policies in the unfortunate position of having to choose between their values or their careers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92367", "author": "Kris Schmidt", "date": "2021-01-30T21:18:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I strongly support this legislation! Evidence-based practices together with policies that mitigate discrimination are the obvious choice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92368", "author": "Theresa Miller", "date": "2021-01-30T21:20:00", "title": "I do NOT Support this policy", "text": "I find this policy reckless and not in the best interest of our children. Teacher and school administrators are responsible for education not interfering with the family unit.  Reminder God makes no mistakes- it is others who are muddying the water with unatural thoughts. God made Man & Women perfect"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92369", "author": "Hannah Bement (she/her)", "date": "2021-01-30T21:22:00", "title": "I strongly support protections for transgender students.", "text": "I strongly support transgender youth and these model policies. As a VA teacher, I appreciate these policies to ensure that a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment extends to all of our students. I especially appreciate that \"dress codes, including hairstyles, should encompass broad guidelines that are not gender specific and free of gender stereotypes.\" I hope that despite the exclusion of athletics from these policies, there is emphasis placed on an effort for equity. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92370", "author": "L Allen", "date": "2021-01-30T21:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "As a career public middle school teacher, I taught several transgender students.  They need and deserve ALL the support we can give them! I support transgender youth and these model policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92371", "author": "A.K.", "date": "2021-01-30T21:24:00", "title": "Oppose “transgender” policy", "text": "It is NOT the place for an educational institution to participate in determining the “identities” of its students. Educational institutions are to teach the students how to read, write, calculate, and to think! Any personal, hormonal, or spiritual confusions a student may have MUST be addressed by his or her PARENT. The school is NOT the parent. If this passes, there will be many lawsuits because the educational system will be putting many children in harm’s way. You are hurting these students, not helping."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92372", "author": "Alanna Mensing", "date": "2021-01-30T21:39:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I strongly support transgender youth and your model policies. All children should be welcomed in their school environment and should not have to worry about discrimination. School should be a welcome respite from the world where they can focus on their limitless future and education. I strongly support this movement."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92373", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T21:43:00", "title": "Support ALL students", "text": "I am a Virginia resident in favor of supporting all of our students. Please don’t listen to the heartless comments of people so far removed from the classroom and reality. Our students need the support of our state and the statistics of suicide rates and depression amongst our LGBTQ+ students are your evidence and data. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92374", "author": "Christy Broy", "date": "2021-01-30T21:48:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "These guidelines and models are long overdue. Priority needs to be placed on keeping ALL children safe and providing an environment where they are able to thrive. The reality is that transgender individuals exist and deserve all of the same support, consideration, and options to be their authentic selves while attending school as all other gender designations, whether those who are mired in antiquated and limited understandings of gender identity like it"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92375", "author": "Karen Cheng", "date": "2021-01-30T21:57:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I support the guidance - we need to support all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92376", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T22:00:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support transgender youth and these model policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92377", "author": "Emily Forrer", "date": "2021-01-30T22:13:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "TW: violence, sexual assault, and suicide I full heartedly support these bills. Transgender individuals, especially children and teens, are some of our highest risk for community members for hate crimes, sexual assault, and suicide. Between 30% and 50% of all trans people have attempted suicide at some point in their lives, which is significantly higher than the US average of ~1%. We need to do everything we can to protect our transgender friends, family, and community members, and these bills are a great start to that. Opposing these bills is hate-fueled and cowardly. Understanding something entirely is not a prerequisite to being inclusive. Opposing these bills means you’re willing to put trans people in dangerous situations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92378", "author": "Matt Doetsch-Kidder", "date": "2021-01-30T22:15:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "It is important that our schools model respect for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92379", "author": "Sandra Rowe-Dagostaro", "date": "2021-01-30T22:15:00", "title": "transgender youth model policies", "text": "I strongly support transgender youth and these model policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92380", "author": "Kristin Iden", "date": "2021-01-30T22:17:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "This will create a more safe space of inclusion and welcoming for the students. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92381", "author": "Mary Haak", "date": "2021-01-30T22:19:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I strongly support transgender youth and this model policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92382", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T22:20:00", "title": "Prioritize the safety of our children by opposing this bill.", "text": "By helping 5 transgender students in a school, you will be putting a hundred in harms way.  A students gender could change daily.  Today Matthew has decided he is a girl so he can go into the girls bathroom and take advantage of a female student.  DO NOT put the majority in harms way to protect a few.  I absolutely am in favor of protecting transgender students, but this is not the way.  Why not make accomodations specifically for transgender students?  Or perhaps restrooms and changing areas need to be single stalled for the protection of everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92383", "author": "Carmen Rives", "date": "2021-01-30T22:23:00", "title": "Opposed - inequitable and discriminatory", "text": "As a parent of two students in Virginia public schools, I oppose these guidelines for the following reasons, and I ask the Department of Education to reconsider the ramifications of these guidelines on the student body as a whole: 1. Teaching children that deceiving their parents is acceptable is actually unacceptable. Please do not discard parents’ rights to guide their children. We entrust our students to you, but they are still fundamentally ours to raise. 2. Permitting children to declare a gender at any time without any substantiating evidence or diagnosis will lead to chaos - it puts the child in control instead of teachers and staff. 3. For their own health and safety, children cannot legally make many life decisions until certain ages: drink alcohol, smoke, vote, drive, etc. Younger students cannot even possess an ibuprofen, and schools promote week-long “say no to drugs” campaigns each year.  Why then would school staff be made to affirm gender decisions that lead to children taking hormones and puberty-blocking drugs? These are confusing mixed messages taught to our children by authority figures they trust. 4.  Where is the equity? These policies are not equal protection - bullying prevention measures must be universal and sufficient to protect everyone. It should not matter who the victims are or what they believe about themselves or others. 5.  If these guidelines are adopted, schools will not have capacity to offer reasonable accommodations to students who are uncomfortable sharing the private spaces of bathrooms and locker rooms with members of the opposite sex. Logically, the larger group would use the larger bathroom, and the smaller group would use the smaller bathroom. Under this policy, the reverse could soon be true, creating chaos for our schools. 6.  Many children need accommodations for a variety of sensitive issues. These should continue to be granted on a case-by-case basis. Any child can \"feel unsafe,\" not just transgender children. The preference given to transgender students in these guidelines is overt discrimination. 7.  These guidelines do not allow for religious exemptions for teachers and staff. Instead, these guidelines coerce speech. 8. These policies require the public school system at large to agree to and support transgender ideology - belief that a person can be born in the wrong body. This is state-mandated religious practice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92384", "author": "Darlene Rockwell", "date": "2021-01-30T22:28:00", "title": "Transgender students civil rights and protection", "text": "I STRONGLY SUPPORT the implementation of this guidance. Many of these students are at a very great risk for suicide. They need affirmation and protection not only of their civil rights but of their very lives. They are required to be in school and are entitled to a good education in a safe learning environment. The hateful comments on here exemplify the ignorance and cruelty towards our transgender youth, underscoring the great need for the implementation of these Model Policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92385", "author": "Mom of 4", "date": "2021-01-30T22:29:00", "title": "Firmly Oppose", "text": "As a mom of 4, I absolutely disagree with the bathroom and locker room policies proposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92386", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T22:34:00", "title": "Yes!", "text": "Everyone should be able to be who they truly are at school"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92387", "author": "Grady", "date": "2021-01-30T22:41:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "We need to not fall victim to the bigotry and shortsightedness of our predecessors; rather stake our claim on history as a generation of thinkers open to new ideas and understanding that our experience is not merely limited to that of our own.  We have the opportunity to do the right thing just as many have had through history before us.  The struggle for equal rights though seemingly eternal must never be left as we must strive for a more perfect union, for all, not a select few.  I strongly agree with protecting ALL Virginians, especially those who have had it much harder than the rest of us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92388", "author": "Jennifer Pradas", "date": "2021-01-30T22:45:00", "title": "Support Trans and Binary students", "text": "I would like to support VDOE model  for protecting trans and binary students. I am a teacher and so is my daughter.  She has had trans students.  The nephew of a close friend of mine is also trans. These students and their families need all the support and help they can get."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92389", "author": "Michael Recant", "date": "2021-01-30T22:47:00", "title": "Excellent Policy Guidance Document - I fully support the recommendations.", "text": "After reviewing the document I was pleased to find it based on up-to-date science relating to gender identity issues.  The recommendations uniformly provide respect for the children, letting them find their own way, without adult societal preconceptions being imposed, but still keeping the children safe. The only area I found not well thought out was the situation where the child and parent goals did not match.  The issues of parental prerogatives versus what is best developmentally for the child are extremely difficult to resolve and I believe this document was too superficial and evasive to provide constructive guidance in this situation.  I think the document should contain more concrete suggestions as to the alternate ways to meet this particular challenge."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92390", "author": "William Daubert", "date": "2021-01-30T22:47:00", "title": "About 99.4% of our children do not have gender confusion.  Why force them to have it?", "text": "\"Sexuality and Gender - Findings from the Biological and Social Sciences\" is a report by medical professionals based on research/empirical studies in \"psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and gender studies.\"  Search for \"Sexuality and Gender\" at www.thenewatlantis.com and look at Preface, Executive Summary, and Conclusion. Findings include: \"The hypothesis that gender identity is an innate, fixed property of human beings that is independent of biological sex -- that a person might be a 'man trapped in a woman's body' or 'a woman trapped in a man's body' -- is not supported by evidence. \"According to a recent estimate, about 0.06% of U.S. adults identify as a gender that does not correspond to their biological sex.\" \"Only a minority of children who experience cross-gender identification will continue to do so into adolescence or adulthood.\" Genderbread Person -- Proposed instruction is based on beliefs described in the genderbread person presentation at www.genderbread.org/ .  This is clearly expression of a new belief system. Conclusion -- This proposed policy for K-12 public schools is based on a new belief system which would be forcibly, without consent or oversight by parents, indoctrinate our children with beliefs which are unacceptable to most parents. We recognize that all are born biologically male or female, that a few struggle with their born identity and have gender confusion, and that they should be treated with respect and kindness, not bullied. Likewise , the vast majority accept their born gender and should be respected, not cajoled or demeaned, not indoctrinated or advised to become discontented with their born identities.  They should not be coerced or bullied by teachers or staff to learn about, report on, or support beliefs concerning gender confusion. Opening the girls' restrooms to boys who consider themselves to be girls, and the boys' restrooms to girls who consider themselves to be boys is a flagrant, egregious violation of the rights of those accepting their born genders.  The emotional and psychological harm this would trigger in impressionable, developing children and young people could be permanently damaging.  The only possible solution must be to provide single-use restrooms in such locations that their use does not stigmatize the users. This policy must be revised to protect the privacy and rights of both the minority of students experiencing gender dysphoria/confusion and the vast majority of students accepting their biological gender.  As proposed, it is a formula for creating unnecessary confusion among children/students and endless legal wrangling with parents.  We must do better than this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92391", "author": "Cassandra", "date": "2021-01-30T22:49:00", "title": "Stay in Your Lane", "text": "This bill will do absolutely no good! Children are highly influential, you will be doing more harm than good. If you want a bill to help those children who have questions provide a psychiatrist or guidance counselor. Let children know they can go and speak to them have parents and children in a meeting together. Bring a family together instead of trying to take on roles you ha e no buisness in. Virginia school need better education better/safer schools. The focus needs to be on general education not on something that is extremely private! If this passes my children will not enter the school system. Stop hurting our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92392", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-30T23:02:00", "title": "Mark 10 ;13 -16 / Jesus blesses little children", "text": "Mark 10; 13-16 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said them, Let the little children come to Me , and do not forbid them: for of such in the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. 16 And He took them up in his arms , laid His hands on them, and blessed them.  Jesus loved the children so much that He was displeased at those that tried to keep them away from Him. In this petition there is a divide of citizens whom oppose and agree with this proposed bill. This was the basis on what are great country was founded on.Freedom of speech. A democratic process of healthy debate. All children deserve to be protected from harm. God created Adam and Eve. There is no mention of transgender in the bible. The bill such as this one is created by a politician / group  that does not follow the will of Jesus . If you are a christian  and you know your bible it is only boy , girl, woman, man. This is like the abortion issue. Jesus would not approve of abortion. Taking the life of an innocent baby is wrong. These issues can be debated in a friendly tone so every ones point of view can be heard. When the will of the Lord is not followed there is much chaos and fighting among the citizens. Proposed bills like this are drawn up without the guidance of God therefore it creates much confusion. Prayers are needed on issues such as these. If you are not a christian and are reading this you can open the bible and seek guidance on this and many other issues of the day. My prayers for you is that you will be saved and Believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. May God richly bless you"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92393", "author": "Pat S", "date": "2021-01-30T23:14:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Let’s treat each other with respect and dignity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92394", "author": "Kaharine Layton", "date": "2021-01-30T23:15:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I support the guidance. It is factual, researched, humane, and sets a healthy environment for our children. The guidance will help to produce the best outcomes for our young people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92395", "author": "Joseph N.", "date": "2021-01-30T23:18:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support transgender youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92396", "author": "AJ", "date": "2021-01-30T23:19:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose - We can do better", "text": "Marginalized students in our state should be given every opportunity to succeed in their academic endeavors. I don't believe anyone would argue against that. The path to achieving that goal, however, is up for debate. The model policies proposed by the VA DOE will likely only accomplish frustrating teachers who serve all of their students well, regardless of gender and creating a litany of legal actions against the state. Bullying, discrimination, and harassment of transgender students can and should be addressed in ways that do not open the door for bullying, discrimination, and harassment of teachers, administrators, and fellow students who choose a scientific view of binary, biological sex. Add freedom of religion into the mix and these policies are a recipe for suppression of most religions which adhere to a binary view of sexuality. There has to be space for diversity of thought and belief. These policies do not offer that and are a terrible solution to a problem that needs to be evaluated and addressed on a district level."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92397", "author": "Hogan", "date": "2021-01-30T23:35:00", "title": "Strongly support, and approve of these models", "text": "Strongly support and approve of these models"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92398", "author": "J Lee", "date": "2021-01-30T23:37:00", "title": "Strongly oppose, not the role of public schools", "text": "Strongly oppose indoctrination of our students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92399", "author": "Jay Noh", "date": "2021-01-30T23:39:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "Reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools because they undermine the rights of parents and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92400", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T00:11:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "The sheer volume of hate filled negative comments prove how much this policy is needed to protect the civil rights of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92401", "author": "Carol Nelson", "date": "2021-01-31T00:21:00", "title": "Transgender identification in schools", "text": "Until a person reaches adulthood, at least 18 years old, they should not be identified as transgender nor should any arrangements to accommodate them as transgender be made in our school system.  At schools all students should be treated as the their birth sex.  Parents should not have to allow their children to be confused by transgender claims and accommodations.  Young children only know about transgender if they are taught about it and it should not be acknowledged or taught in our schools.  The many should not have to change because of the choices or  feelings of a few."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92402", "author": "Crystal E.", "date": "2021-01-31T00:52:00", "title": "Protect ALL students. Strongly agree", "text": "How can we not agree to protect all of our children? No one should be ostracized because of who they are, whatever that may be. The mental destruction that happens to children in school by their peers and at times their teachers is gut-wrenching. A healthy learning environment is unobtainable if the basic freedom of being one’s self is rejected and abused. Safety, both physical and mental, must be the priority.  Protecting children in the LGBTQ community does not remove protections for those who are not. It provides LGBTQ kids the equal opportunity to an enriching education everyone deserves. Our children and our community will be better when we can acknowledge our differences and show compassion for each other.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92403", "author": "Olivia", "date": "2021-01-31T02:42:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT: PROTECT TRANSGENDER YOUTH", "text": "It is crucial to provide aid to transgender youth, a population that has historically been oppressed, in a place where they spend 50% of their day."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92404", "author": "Lee Scharf", "date": "2021-01-31T04:55:00", "title": "Rights", "text": "My comments are few because they are simple, perhaps necessarily so. This is an issue of difference where we are asked to step aside from binary thinking, a way of thinking that makes us male/female only, makes us black/white only, that asks us to see the world simplistically, through a simple-minded  notion of good/evil. Here we are asked to loosen our minds into diversity, to embrace a full spectrum of color and thought, where we are asked to broaden our minds and our hearts. Here we are asked to be inclusive, to step aside from the us versus them mentality that makes enemies of us all in turn. Here we are asked to be kind, for God so loved the world. Let’s open our hearts to kindness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92405", "author": "Dan", "date": "2021-01-31T05:44:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth", "text": "I strongly support this guidance document; schools should be a safe space for students to learn and feel comfortable to be their authentic selves , and this approaches the issue from the perspective of prioritizing student well-being . This guidance document seeks to validate and support a specifically marginalized group while in no way minimizing the same validation and support offered to cisgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92406", "author": "Ari N Sommer", "date": "2021-01-31T06:43:00", "title": "Strongly support transgender youths and this policy", "text": "I am strongly in favor of the proposed policy. It will provide safety and privacy to transgender youth, who are some the most at-risk students in our society from bullying, violence, depression and self-harm. You need only look at other comments here to see the vitriol, closed-mindedness, and fear-cum-hate directed at children already vulnerable because of their age made more so by their struggle to align their identity with innermost selves. It is far past time to do this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92407", "author": "Lilly S", "date": "2021-01-31T07:07:00", "title": "Transgender guidance document", "text": "All children deserve support  and protection"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92408", "author": "Linda Mitchell", "date": "2021-01-31T07:16:00", "title": "I support", "text": "I support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92409", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T07:42:00", "title": "STOP the INSANITY", "text": "Leave children alone!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92410", "author": "Jason Spencer", "date": "2021-01-31T07:52:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. I support them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92411", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T07:57:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support these policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92412", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T08:00:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support policies that protect transgender students. They need our love and support during this time in their lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92413", "author": "Melanie Levy", "date": "2021-01-31T08:08:00", "title": "Strongly support OUR transgender students", "text": "this guidance document; schools should be a safe space for students to learn and feel comfortable to be their authentic selves, and this approaches the issue from the perspective of prioritizing student well-being. This guidance document seeks to validate and support a specifically marginalized group while in no way minimizing the same validation and support offered to cisgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92414", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T08:09:00", "title": "I don’t support", "text": "I do not support this bill. It is dangerous and reckless. The only way to not “discriminate” would be to have completely separate bathrooms and locker rooms that students go in one at a time and lock!! Girls should not have boys in the bathroom with them or vice versa. You are building to a huge law suite for rape and molestation!! This is not safe for our children! I would pull my children out of school if this passes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92415", "author": "Lynn Morrow", "date": "2021-01-31T08:29:00", "title": "Strongly support this bill", "text": "Transgender youth need our love and support.  I work in the Virginia public school system as a school counselor in nontraditional education.  I see the ramifications the lack of acceptance and exclusion does to this population.  These students are not rapists or in any way broken people and the assumption that they are creates a toxic environment for everyone that leads to severe depression and anxiety along with other mental health issues that effect transgender youth and the people that grow to hurt them.  A bill such as this will help most importantly our transgender youth but also provide an opportunity for other people to understand those different from them and hopefully create a more kind and loving environment for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92416", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T08:43:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose. Cisgender students should not be forced to share public bathrooms with transgender students. Privacy for all should be respected and this takes away from the ability for all students to be respected. It is not the place of the schools to teach children about these things, it is the parents responsibility when they are ready."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92417", "author": "Sarah Fairweather", "date": "2021-01-31T08:43:00", "title": "OPPOSE!", "text": "This is absolutely insane!!!! The identification for gender occurs at birth. Should anyone want to try and introduce another identification with their child, they should do so privately. I will not allow my children to be taught or subject to this crap if it’s passed within the county schools locally. This is NOT the place to institute gender “acceptance.” Allow a girl to go topless??? Are you kidding me? Let anyone go into any bathroom? You’re asking for an increase in assaults, harassment, lack of privacy, and safety for all students. I believe gender is God ordained and not “optional.” Please I urge you to have some decency and clarity in your thinking. What would our grandparents or for fathers think about this??? This generation is so lost and our leadership has clouded their reasoning. Do not force this in schools. You will never have my support nor access to so many children because we as Christian parents will not"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92418", "author": "Melanie Misson", "date": "2021-01-31T08:45:00", "title": "\"So God created mankind in His own image....male and female HE created them.\" Genesis 1:27", "text": "\"So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.\" Genesis 1:27 I strongly oppose all of this bill especially the draft policy on p. 12 that would prohibit schools from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls and the recommended standard on p. 13 that would place parents who encourage their children to embrace their God given sex at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. If the school truly wants to \"protect\" all students, where is the protection for my 11 year old daughter who is just starting middle school? If that in itself is not confusing enough, allowing the school to bring more confusion with this gender confusion bill, would only lead to chaos and further detriment to our youth who are so easily impressionable. The same Jesus who said, \"Let the little children come to Me\", also gives a stiff warning to anyone who would cause one of these little ones to stumble: \"But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for Him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.\" Matthew 18:6. Jesus loves the little children as He loves each of us. I pray if you are reading this and you believe in Jesus that You will stand with what His word says and I pray if you don't know Jesus as your Savior, that today will be the day you come to know Him as Lord. He is such a good Father and He will protect His children. It is only by His GRACE that we go!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92419", "author": "Rosey Bowser", "date": "2021-01-31T08:51:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Keep religion out of our schools. I strongly support all efforts to protect trans kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92420", "author": "Kerri Shilts", "date": "2021-01-31T08:58:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support! All students deserve equitable treatment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92421", "author": "Renee", "date": "2021-01-31T09:00:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools- I strongly support this measure and appreciate the willingness of our public schools to treat all humans with dignity and respect.  Making a conscious choice to think about the systems that welcome people and create a safe learning environment is the core of what our schools should be doing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92422", "author": "Rebekah Nyalko", "date": "2021-01-31T09:04:00", "title": "Supporting our LGBTQ+ Students", "text": "Good morning, I want to thank you for the well thought out and written proposal for providing inclusive, meaningful, important policies and procedures aimed at protecting our youth. Gender-based harassment and social stigmatization aren't just terms in a document, they are real-life hurdles our sons and daughters face daily, beginning in elementary school.  Assuring the psychosocial wellness of all of our children is paramount- the single most important and life-affirming action we as parents and community leaders can take. I appreciated so much about this document.  I am the mother of two cisgender males, and even I can understand the basic needs being met by gender-inclusive dress codes, single user bathrooms and private dressing areas, and professional training and development.  Normalizing gender equality in our schools benefits everyone, regardless of their sexual identity. This proposal is a step in the right direction and a joyful relief for many wonderful, loving, dedicated, worried families.  Let's support our youth and remember what this country was founded on; Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92423", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T09:07:00", "title": "What about Women’s rights?", "text": "Why are women forced to agree with everything? And if we don’t we get accused of bullying or being bigots? Yet, everybody else gets a say... This pattern of bullying women into submission is merely another version of our status hundreds of years ago. It’s just a facade to revert us back to be... handmaids. Just become women don’t support these doesn’t mean that they hate transgender, gay, or lesbian people. We have friends and family that we care and love that may identify with one of those groups. However, regardless or hormonal therapy and subscribing to the same gender, we will never be the same sex. Denying that is truly a remarkable sign of failed idealism. It is what is. We need a solution to support all our students but forcing children to advocate for things they don’t believe it, use bathrooms they don’t feel comfortable going in, or compete for sports and scholarships against others with unfair advantage is not the solution. Many females that have transitioned to males would not feel comfortable going to a male bathroom. That inherently explains how different women organically feel navigating this world. Let’s not forget women who were born women at birth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92424", "author": "Marjie Lawson", "date": "2021-01-31T09:11:00", "title": "DOE Transgender Bill", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92425", "author": "Rachel Reynolds", "date": "2021-01-31T09:12:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Thank you to the VDOE for drafting these guidance documents. I strongly support these efforts to create guidance so that school districts can ensure safe, inclusive learning environments for individuals of all genders. I fear that without this guidance, many school districts will not implement these needed policies on their own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92426", "author": "Rev. Karen Caspersen", "date": "2021-01-31T09:14:00", "title": "A teachable moment for inclusivity", "text": "Yes, this is a teachable moment.  How better to let our young people learn that there are differences among us that are to be celebrated!  Individual sexuality is among the ways we are created.  It is a matter of birth not choice. There is no risk of sharing bathroom facilities; there are closed stalls to protect privacy.  It is not an open invitation for sexual assault.  This is a time to be inclusive in all manners possible.  We need to practice kindness and embrace our multiple ways of being.  To deny this is to deny our common humanity, in all its diversity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93337", "author": "Amanda Wiehrs", "date": "2021-02-02T10:43:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans students have the same rights to an education free from administrative discrimination as anyone else. No cis students will face any negative consequences from schools adopting anti-discriminatory policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93338", "author": "Conrad Clark", "date": "2021-02-02T10:44:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed to implementation of these policies, particularly those that permit a school to exclude parents from decisions about their children.  Further, the underlying premises of the proposal is wrong and at least subject to other views, which appear to have been silenced."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93339", "author": "Bob and Phyllis Bressan", "date": "2021-02-02T10:44:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "We strongly oppose the state and federal government making decisions on behalf of our children in regards to transgender policies. These are issues that should be handled within the confines of the home. We strongly speak on behalf of the people to have our voices heard to not let this state mandate be enacted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93340", "author": "Victoria", "date": "2021-02-02T10:45:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "VERY STRONGLY OPPOSE!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93341", "author": "Brown", "date": "2021-02-02T10:45:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "My husband and I strongly object to the Virginia Department of Education draft proposing a new policy regarding transgender ideology in our schools. It would interfere with parental rights and responsibilities, puts more stress on teachers and students alike,( re pronouns and names) in everyday speech, privacy issues regarding bathroom and locker room facilities, even proposes to enforce clothing issues. In addition it disregards the sensitivities of teachers, administrators and students whose religious faith or conscience prevents to from accepting the “transgender” ideology. All people regardless of their inclinations are entities safety and freedom from bullying and prejudice, but this proposed policy is extreme and unacceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93342", "author": "Tara FitzPatrick", "date": "2021-02-02T10:48:00", "title": "Strongly Support Protections for Transgender Students", "text": "My family and I strongly support additional protections for transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93343", "author": "Christine Kidd", "date": "2021-02-02T10:49:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I believe that God created all people in His image and made them to be distinctly biologically male or female. Gender is a biological fact determined by a person’s anatomy, not their personal choice. Therefore, I strongly oppose this transgender policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93344", "author": "Kathy- teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T10:49:00", "title": "transgender  policy promoted in school", "text": "I'm strongly opposed to forcing a transgender policy in schools. There are protections for transgender students, but this should not infringe on the rights and safety of other students. Kathy - teacher"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93345", "author": "Debra Stevenson", "date": "2021-02-02T10:50:00", "title": "Strongly oppose the transgender integration", "text": "I strongly oppose ANY integration of ANY sexual identity agenda into our schools. The schools are there to educate children, not indoctrinate them in politically generated ideology. Schools are not the place for this indoctrination...reading, writing, math, science should be the priority. Children are easily impressionable and change ideas about life in general. One morning they want to be a fireman, by the afternoon they want to be a doctor. Sexual orientation or gender choice should not be introduced to children at any age in any form. They are impressionable to what school authorities and peers tell them. Adults are confused on this issue, so exposing children to it is unconscionable. Parents should have the sole right and responsibility to educate their children on all subjects. They have entrusted the school system to teach them education topics such as math, science, reading, etc. That should never ever include sexual promiscuity. Please stop the madness of this bill and any other legislation that usurps the parents' rights to protect their children from views they do not hold."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93346", "author": "Kenneth Hanna", "date": "2021-02-02T10:50:00", "title": "Oppose Policies Regarding \"Transgender\" Ideology", "text": "After reviewing many of the draft model policies regarding the treatment of transgender students in public school systems, I have to agree that there is a cause of concern for action. However, the proposed policies' goal to bring equality to an ideology that is unbiblical will only end in failure. One of the most helpful things I have heard, throughout my Christian walk, is to think of our soul as a room. When you are in sin, that room is full of darkness, dark people and dark forces. There are two ways to get rid of the darkness in that room. You can start by casting out the darkness (fighting it-resisting it-rejecting it). The other is to fill the room with Light. As your life fills with better people, better things to do, and more reasons to live in the Light, then there is less darkness in the room. Jesus is the Light. He invites us to live a radical life that challenges everyone to make a choice to whether to live right or wrong lives. Based on the Word of God in Ephesians 5:5-9, we should \"not become partners with them\". That is people that are walking in the dark...rather we are to \"walk as Children of the Light.\" Finding the mercies of Christ and learning to walk in His Light is courageous. It has an impact on the people around you. Demonstrating the Lord in our homes and through the school systems will inevitably impact our communities and have far great results than policies that allow explicit sexual immorality. In a world where light is going out on sexual rights and wrongs, you have an opportunity to turn the lights on. Sincerely, Brad Hanna"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93347", "author": "Melissa McKenney", "date": "2021-02-02T10:51:00", "title": "Support", "text": "My children have several gay, non-binary, and transgender friends, some who’ve encountered negative experiences at the hands of unsupportive or even well-intentioned school staff. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93348", "author": "Kate Gallup", "date": "2021-02-02T10:51:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I have lived in Virginia on and off for the last 10 years and plan to live there again after the pandemic.  I am a member of UUCA.  I have a transgender sister, and have had the joy to know many youths, transgender and cisgender and non-binary. The pandemic has shown us that schools are not just places of teaching, but so much more.  All people deserve the right to be seen for who they are and treated with respect.  It is wonderful to commit to this ideal through schools. Finally, having read through some opposition comments, it seems very based in fear.  I truly think the youth of today are navigating gender acceptance beautifully, and there is nothing to fear in supporting young people in this manner.  If hateful parents would rather homeschool their children than have them taught expansive kindness and love, then that just means those negativities will be gone from public education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93349", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:52:00", "title": "Vehemently oppose!", "text": "A gross violation of human rights, religious freedom, and the rights of parents. Please opposed this! There are many better ways!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93350", "author": "Sherry Yeatts", "date": "2021-02-02T10:53:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "All of our students should feel safe in our schools. Please keep our transgender students safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93351", "author": "Megan Bascone", "date": "2021-02-02T10:53:00", "title": "Support of Transgender Students", "text": "I am a parent of a kindergarten student in Richmond Public Schools. All students should feel safe to be their authentic selves at school. I strongly support this guidance for treating transgender students with the dignity and respect they deserve."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93352", "author": "Dominic Bascone", "date": "2021-02-02T10:53:00", "title": "Strongly Supported", "text": "Strong, data supported guidance is exactly what is necessary in situations like these."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93353", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:54:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93354", "author": "Caroline", "date": "2021-02-02T10:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender mandates", "text": "At a minimum, it is irresponsible and irrational to implement a far-reaching policy that could do more harm than good for children enrolled in public schools. This proposal strongly advocates for a very small minority of students, and tells everyone else that parental rights and student safety no longer matter. Parents are responsible for caring for and supporting their children- it’s a right and a responsibility under the law. This transgender policy would allow students to change their name, pronoun and use opposite sex bathrooms without the knowledge or permission of the students’ parents. This policy has many unintended consequences as well. For example, bathrooms and locker rooms would no longer be safe for girls when you give a boy the opportunity to access a girls bathroom, all in the guise of a transgender student. To make matters worse, a teacher or staff person couldn’t confront students  under the proposed policy. This defies common sense and is a recipe for disaster. And lawsuits."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93355", "author": "Pamela Morrison", "date": "2021-02-02T10:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose supporting of this bill re: transgender influence from sources other than parents. I do not support activation of any programs within the school systems to promote this or influence our children to do so."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93356", "author": "Kristin Elliott", "date": "2021-02-02T10:55:00", "title": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the proposed VDOE transgender policies.  Teachers are not supposed to take over the role of parent.  If there is an important event in the students life the parent needs to know so they can handle it on the home front.  It is not healthy for any child to be one person at school and a different one at home and for the teachers to be gagged about struggles the child is going through.  Also, if a parent is not supportive of the child's so called \"preferred gender\" because of religious reasons according to the Constitution of the United States the the state may not interfere with the practice of that religion.  All of this in addition to the students at school who will not be comfortable sharing dressing rooms and rest rooms with those of the opposite physical gender, or those who claim for the day to be one gender and go back and forth.  This is not a well rounded nor balanced proposal and will cause more harm than good to all involved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93357", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:57:00", "title": "Protect our trans students", "text": "Our students should feel accepted, supported, and protected, not traumatized and scared. Protect our trans students and support them!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93359", "author": "Karen K.", "date": "2021-02-02T10:58:00", "title": "VA Dept of Ed Transgender Policies", "text": "I ADAMANTLY OPPOSE these policies!  School districts/teachers have no business infringing on the rights of parents and children by indoctrinating young people with their leftist ideas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93358", "author": "Jasmine Sargent, FCPS Alumni", "date": "2021-02-02T10:58:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "I strongly support any effort to provide an inclusive and safe environment for transgender youth in Virginia schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93360", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T10:59:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose", "text": "This should not be imposed on children under 18 as they are not mature enough to make gender decisions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93361", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:00:00", "title": "Strongly support protection for our trans kids", "text": "Our students should never feel unsafe or targeted at school. Please protect our trans students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93362", "author": "KM", "date": "2021-02-02T11:00:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I ADAMANTLY OPPOSE these policies!  School districts/teachers have no business infringing on the rights of parents and children by indoctrinating young people with their leftist ideas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93363", "author": "George Flynn", "date": "2021-02-02T11:00:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I fully support this proposal because trans kids (and all kids) deserve to feel safe, respected, and valued in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93364", "author": "Heidi Berry", "date": "2021-02-02T11:01:00", "title": "Strongly oppose these suggestions", "text": "I understand what the intent is here, but children are not equipped to work through such complicated issues while they are still growing and learning about the world and themselves, ESPECIALLY not without parental/guardian guidance. There is absolutely no way I would consider sending my children to a Virginia public school with measures like these in place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93365", "author": "Luke Mullet, Eastern Mennonite University", "date": "2021-02-02T11:01:00", "title": "I Support these Policies", "text": "I support the implementation of the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.  I believe that schools should be places where all people can learn in an environment that is emotional and physically safe, free from bullying, and one that honors and respects their identities. Welcoming, providing support for, and attending to the needs of trans, genderqueer, and nonbinary students is a crucial component of making the VA education system a more equitable place. Our schools should be places where all students can grow, find belonging, and be their authentic selves. Our policies should therefore be rooted in love rather than fear. It's from this fear that we maintain education systems that harm people -- religious freedom and free speech arguments should not be used to sustain gender-based violence and continue the erasure of people's identities. Luke Mullet Eastern Mennonite University"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93366", "author": "Kate Strickland", "date": "2021-02-02T11:01:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "The support of transgender students is important for not only a childs mental health, but also for family dynamics. We need to let these children know they are welcome and supported by the community and schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93367", "author": "Rudy Comer, recent graduate of VA public schools", "date": "2021-02-02T11:03:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this. I am a recent graduate of Virginia public schooling and know, both through my own experiences and those of my close friends and community I've found at school, how hard it is to grow up as LGBT youth. There are a lot of people who seek to harm us, intentionally or unintentionally, and I hope that changes like this can help make sure that transgender students have at least one ally in their corner. I think that this document does a good job of addressing the different issues/concerns present and how to deal with them in regards to transgender students. I am not surprised by and am actually somewhat sympathetic to the fact that there are some parents in this comment section who are concerned about how this policy also outlines privacy and confidentiality for trans students who are not \"out\" at home. However, I think that this is very important for the safety of trans + gender questioning students. I have known so many students, including myself, who have gone through serious harassment and abuse at home for their gender expression, non-conformity, or identity. I don't think that it's reasonable for a school to do a thorough home-life investigation of each of their students, for both practical and ethical reasons. Even if it were, I don't think that schools have an ethical right to decide for a student who may be at risk, what risks they should be subjected to. I think that if a student decides they would like to go by a different name/pronouns at school, or desires any other gendered accommodations, that A) that should be respected and B) should not be reported to parents without the student's knowledge and permission. These policies may sound extreme to some, but they really are a very basic level of accommodation and security. It really does warm my heart that there are people helping to support us, and I hope that this kind of policy can become standard procedure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93368", "author": "Linda Battaglini", "date": "2021-02-02T11:03:00", "title": "Strongly support protecting transgender kids rights", "text": "Please protect these kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93369", "author": "Allison Adair", "date": "2021-02-02T11:05:00", "title": "Strongly support protections for transgender students", "text": "As both a parent and an educator I would like to express my strong support for state guidelines to protect transgender students. LGBTQ individuals face stress and anxiety associated with society's response to their identities from an early age. Much too often this leads to self harming behavior and even suicide. It is our responsibility to protect these students just as we would any other students. Furthermore, it is NOT the responsibility of the government or public schools to comment on the morality of student's identities or orientations. We should reject the hate expressed by so many in this venue and do our part to protect all children from hate and fear."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93370", "author": "Amber Williams", "date": "2021-02-02T11:06:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "My mind was blown when I read the layout of what Virginia Dept of Education is considering.  To each his own if you chose to go a different way other than your God given gender, but to #1 have my child get in trouble bc he messes up and calls them a he instead of she or vice-versa depending on the day is absolutely ridiculous. In a world that already changes so fast for anyone to keep up, the thought that my up and coming pre-k child would be reprimanded bc we chose to teach him a different way of life is not fair in any form. #2 last time I checked my husband and I chose to create a child and I birthed him and we still have our rights to make ANY decision for him until he is 18. So for the state to tell me that if we raise our child the way we see fit we will be held accountable for child abuse blows my mind. How is me raising my child with my beliefs and God given sex any different than someone else raising their child to self identify. Each family is choosing a way to raise their child. One shouldn't be subject persecution and the other not. If this is something that will be placed into effect, my child will not be enrolled in VA Public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93371", "author": "c wood", "date": "2021-02-02T11:06:00", "title": "strongly disagree with this", "text": "I agree that every child should be comfortable at school. This being said my children that are girls and address as so will not be comfortable changing cloths in front of a boy that identifies himself as a girl.  I think this will open the door to a lot of unsafe hurdles for our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93372", "author": "Emily Hardesty", "date": "2021-02-02T11:08:00", "title": "Support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I am impressed with the model policy doc, which would guide schools to craft implementable policies that can help to reduce stigma, provide guidance for teachers and staff on best practices, and promote an inclusive learning environment. Public schools are designed for all children, and must serve all children. This policy doc covers key issues that schools must address to make that happen."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93373", "author": "Jeanie Henson, FCPS parent", "date": "2021-02-02T11:08:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "My family and I support legislation that would increase the health, safety, and well-being of transgender youth in Virginia schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93374", "author": "Benjamin Gersbach", "date": "2021-02-02T11:09:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "regardless of what you may believe about transgender people, they are just that:  people with thoughts and ideas, people with opinions and beliefs, and people who are often taken advantage of in society and the statistics go along with that. Transgender people are more likely to kill themselves, transgender people are more likely to be bullied, trans women in particular are much more likely to be murdered. Passing something like this is the beginning to giving basic protections and rights for people, The most valued people in our population, our children. Please do not sacrifice the rights and protections that you could give to these vulnerable people, your citizens, your constituents just because of a few “concerned” moms, it’s not about them it’s about our children. About making sure that a transgender kid sees his public servants protecting them and feels valued. Many transgender children and young adults killed themselves because they feel as if society did not except them and does not support them. Opening  the door for your support will save lives, it will change minds and hearts. This is a small first step and I hope you take it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93375", "author": "Sarah Elder", "date": "2021-02-02T11:11:00", "title": "DO NOT APPROVE of transgender policies", "text": "I DO NOT approve of these new transgender policies. It takes all power away from teachers and parents and is a COMPLETE overreach of the schools into private homes/families. The public education system will come crashing down when a large number of people withdraw their children from public schools as a direct result of these horrible policies. DO NOT allow these policies in place in Virginia public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93376", "author": "Suzanne Le Menestrel", "date": "2021-02-02T11:12:00", "title": "Strongly support protections for transgender students", "text": "I strongly support protections for transgender students in Virginia’s public schools and in any schools that receive taxpayer support. Transgender students are at a high risk for bullying, suicide and other mental health students. They deserve the same quality of education and to feel safe at school and I thank the Virginia Department of Education and the VA state legislature for implementing and upholding protections for students. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93377", "author": "Hannah Grieco, Education and Disability Advocate", "date": "2021-02-02T11:14:00", "title": "Support Trans Students!", "text": "Trans students are some of the most at-risk for mental health crises, bullying, home insecurity, drug abuse, etc. Anything we can do to provide a safe, supportive learning environment is an absolute need. Let's ensure public schools are at the forefront of inclusivity, rather than allowing bullying (from students, staff, or even other parents) via so-called religious choice to force kids back into masking, hiding, and crisis."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93378", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:15:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose. In my opinion the solution is to create extra bathrooms for transgender students to use so that nobody feels uncomfortable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93379", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:15:00", "title": "Do NOT support!", "text": "There is no way shape or form I would ever support this. Children are CHILDREN, they need our guidance & wisdom. How many times did you go through phases in your youth? This is something that could have negative long term effects on our youth. When I was in school, as a girl, I could get in trouble for wearing a “spaghetti string tank top” or shorts/skirts that were shorter than my finger tips by my side because it could be “distracting” to boys. Now you’re saying that girls can take off their shirts completely during P.E.?! And sharing locker rooms & bathrooms are totally fine?! If a child believes they are trans, that is between them & their family until they turn 18. The majority of the population isn’t facing trying to decide if they want to be a boy or girl. In no way should any of these things be"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93380", "author": "Jillian Donohue, Hanover County alumna", "date": "2021-02-02T11:16:00", "title": "Strongly support - Acceptance and support can't stop at LGB", "text": "Bottom line: Always listen to trans parents and students (even anonymously) about policy suggestions related to transgender people. No one knows better what's best for trans people than themselves. I graduated from Atlee High School in the spring of 2016. During my time there as someone who is not heterosexual but wasn't very out about it, it was clear that even as LGB students were whispered about, transgender students face the worst of the harassment due to the fact that harm can occur simply by referring to someone incorrectly. I've read several of the \"strongly oppose\" submissions so far and they seem to boil down to either religious objections- which repeat the same arguments from ten years ago against anti-LGB discrimination policies - or harmful anti-scientific ideas about \"confused children\". The idea that one has to be 18 to be allowed to ask people to respect their gender is inane, patronizing, and harmful, even to students who may identify with their birth gender later in life. Exploring one's orientation and identity is completely healthy, and there is zero evidence of assault cases resulting from allowing people to access facilities corresponding to their gender. Equally inane is the idea that transgender students must attend private/charter schools (which requires parents' support AND financial capability) in order to be fully accepted in their daily life as their correct gender. I fully support educating students about transgender identity, as much hurt comes from simple ignorance- perhaps it could be combined with sex education. It would be extremely helpful if these courses were taught by someone who is trans or part of the LGBTQ community, as I've seen LGBTQ education harshly impacted by the instructor having limited or outdated training. Consider reaching out to former students who are now instructors and still live in the area. I also encourage the public to remember that education will be implemented as kindly as possible  - you aren't going to be sued, fired, expelled, or have CPS called on you for accidentally misgendering a person once or twice. Implementing these policies is a learning process for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93381", "author": "Vanessa Souder", "date": "2021-02-02T11:17:00", "title": "Strongly opposed/Model Policies,Treatment of Transgender Students in VA Public Schools as written", "text": "I am against the policy as written, specifically in regards to schools being permitted to help students explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression, without the knowledge of their parents! Parents, not schools, have the right to teach children about sexuality and the school system should have no rights to teach or encourage this.  Parents and legal Guardians are responsible for all aspect of their children’s lives financially, legally and morally NOT schools.  I would disagree with anyone who asserts a child can have the mental reasoning/capability to decide if they have a different sexual identity other than the natural sexual identity they are born with. Especially when these same school systems are teaching children/teens that the rational part of their brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so. I also am against the policy as written regarding the use of preferred pronouns which can change from day today. Just as it may be confusing for someone who believes they are in a transgender position it is equally as confusing to those who are not who now will be held accountable for honest mistakes caused by confusion regarding changing pronoun usage, resulting in unfair harassment/discrimination allegations and/or charges. Additionally I believe naturally designated males and female should use separate restroom/locker rooms. Females are already at a higher risk for sexual assault and allowing males to freely have access to those private rooms could potentially lead to further risk of abuse. And alternate neutral gender restroom could be provided to eliminate or reduce those risks. Let’s not alienate one group of students to promote another. Equal is Equal, one group should not be made to feel less protected to comfort another group. Parents are the Parents they should in no wise be kept from having Full access, complete and uncensored, to all teaching and disciplinary actions given to their children while in the public/private school setting for any reason.  Every student regardless of age, sexuality, religion, race, disability etc should have safe access to a full education with no concern of retaliation from students and staff regardless of their believes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93382", "author": "Diana Lewis", "date": "2021-02-02T11:17:00", "title": "Support Trans Students!", "text": "I am in full support of a safe and supportive environment for all students including transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93383", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:20:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Without the science, I strongly oppose this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93384", "author": "Heather Cook", "date": "2021-02-02T11:21:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully stand for a safe and supportive environment for all students, including transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93385", "author": "Anonymous, Current student", "date": "2021-02-02T11:21:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a student who has witnessed the horrible treatment of my transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming classmates during my time spent in Chesterfield County Public Schools, I strongly support these new policies to protect their rights and promote a learning environment that values acceptance over bigotry. Physical and verbal assault from classmates and inaction on behalf faculty and staff were very much prevalent all throughout my education under CCPS. I only wish these policies had been present years prior to prevent years of unchecked gross mistreatment and harassment of a vast student body as well as a lasting impact on their childhood that will follow them for the rest of their lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93386", "author": "Laura H", "date": "2021-02-02T11:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth. Thank you for bringing such important matters to the attention of our policy makers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93387", "author": "Faerlan Ramsey", "date": "2021-02-02T11:23:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans students deserve to live their truth and be fully and wholly accepted by their community. Failing to allow a safe space for free gender, emotional, and creative expression leads to depression, anxiety, low self esteem, bullying, and development of other mental health issues and the possibility of self harm. Any assertions against gender expression are deeply seated in prejudice and religion and have no place in modern society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93388", "author": "Stephanie Sedgwick", "date": "2021-02-02T11:23:00", "title": "Equal Treatment for Trans Students", "text": "Treat all students with equal dignity. Transgender students deserve the same rights, respect and education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93389", "author": "Retired public school teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T11:25:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender studies and promotion", "text": "Strongly oppose transgender studies and promotion"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93390", "author": "Sydney Saenz", "date": "2021-02-02T11:25:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE   males are males and females are females"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93391", "author": "Sayeda K", "date": "2021-02-02T11:25:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT", "text": "I am in full and unequivocal support of measures that help trans students feel safe and supported!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93392", "author": "M Meadows", "date": "2021-02-02T11:25:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "This is absolutely insane and dangerous for parent/child relationships. The school system would be heavily overstepping boundaries by enforcing these asinine \"rules\". Elementary aged children should not be exposed to these behaviors nor should they be exploring their sexual identities with school staff, ESPECIALLY without parental consent/involvement. Everyone should be treated fair and with kindness, but this is far beyond justifiable. Teaching children to be kind and love one another regardless of difference is one thing, this is a whole other ballgame. Females allowed topless if they identify as male? Are you kidding me? This is extreme and very worrisome as a mother of two young school aged children. I will not support this extremism nor allow my children to be subjected to this in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93393", "author": "Ben Doherty (Charlottesville City Schools parent)", "date": "2021-02-02T11:25:00", "title": "Strongly support these guidance policies protecting trans students in public schools", "text": "As the parent of a current Charlottesville City Schools student, I strongly support this guidance document and its policies protecting trans students in public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93394", "author": "Rick Weitz", "date": "2021-02-02T11:26:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender Model", "text": "As a women's basketball coach, I want to express my strong opposition to the proposed Model.  We are already seeing a devastating effect on women's sports where the level athletic playing field has been tilted.  Transgender women still possess the bone and muscle structure of men, and have a clear and sometimes dangerous advantage over women in sports.  It is the height of irony that the 30+ years of strides made in women's athletics are being undone in the name of \"helping\" women.  Transgender women are breaking records and taking scholarships that rightly beyond to women alone. This is bad from both a scientific and public policy perspective. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93395", "author": "Patti k Thompson", "date": "2021-02-02T11:27:00", "title": "Unfair Biological Advantage", "text": "As a former Virginia public school educator, tax payer and retired armed forces officer I absolutely oppose any effort by Virginia to allow biologically advantaged males from competing against biological females in all sports. It is a universal fact that males are superior in many ways to females thus creating unfair advantage. The damage done to women is already being felt in states that have allowed biological males to compete, win, set records and dominate HS sports. I can’t believe this is even being considered let alone debated. Please stop this potential abuse of women now!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93396", "author": "Debbie Spence", "date": "2021-02-02T11:28:00", "title": "STONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93397", "author": "Sydney Saenz", "date": "2021-02-02T11:28:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE  males are males and females are females", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE    males are males and females are females"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93398", "author": "Marion Meakem", "date": "2021-02-02T11:28:00", "title": "Treatment of transgender students", "text": "Strongly support this guidance!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93399", "author": "Concerned Former Student", "date": "2021-02-02T11:29:00", "title": "Strongly Support- Protect Trans Kids", "text": "I have grown up in Virginia all my life, and it is where I went to school. I am thrilled that we have the chance to support our transgender peers and students. From my understanding, all that is being asked for is respect, and for others to hold their judgement, and yet many seem so opposed to supporting transgender students, that it is more evident than ever that they need protection. These are children and they are being discriminated against, and that is not okay. I strongly support the proposed legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93400", "author": "Cas Myrick", "date": "2021-02-02T11:29:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a non-binary student, I absolutely support the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students. I go to a magnet school for the arts and technology, one that is very welcoming and supportive of every student, no matter their gender or sexuality. However, I attended a school beforehand where too many students openly bullied transgender kids on the basis of them being trans. I myself never experienced harassment or bullying based on my gender as I didn't come out until I left said school, but that does not mean I was blind to what my peers went through. I often hear some of my fellow transgender and non-binary students at my current school speak about the horrific bullying and harassment they received at their former schools. This should not be okay. Every student should be able to get their education in a space where they feel safe. This proposed rule will make Virginia a better place to learn in than ever before, and I thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all. Sincerely, Cas Myrick"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93401", "author": "Marion Meakem", "date": "2021-02-02T11:30:00", "title": "Please support transgender students", "text": "Please support transgender students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93402", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:30:00", "title": "Oppose this regulation", "text": "Parents and children belong are part of their family and this policy does not respect the critical role parents have in their children's life.  I oppose legislation that interferes with that relationship in such a sensitive area of life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93403", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:31:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Potential response: I strongly object to the Virginia Department of Education draft proposing a new policy regarding transgender ideology in our schools. It would interfere with parental rights and responsibilities, puts more stress on teachers and students alike,( re pronouns and names) in everyday speech, privacy issues regarding bathroom and locker room facilities, even proposes to enforce clothing issues. In addition it disregards the sensitivities of teachers, administrators and students whose religious faith or conscience prevents to from accepting the “transgender” ideology. All people regardless of their inclinations are entities safety and freedom from bullying and prejudice, but this proposed policy is extreme and unacceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93404", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:31:00", "title": "Do NOT support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!", "text": "Transgender should NOT be discussed in our school systems.  Bathrooms should not be shared by different sex no matter how you identify.  I do not want to send my children to school and worry about their safety or well being. They should be able to go to the bathroom or locker room and not worry about someone from the opposite sex looking at them. If the Bible can not be taught in school then transgender lessons should not be as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93405", "author": "Bryan Davis", "date": "2021-02-02T11:31:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Thank you, I support this document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93406", "author": "Amy Bailey", "date": "2021-02-02T11:32:00", "title": "Support all students.", "text": "As a mother of a non-binary student I fully support this Bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93407", "author": "J Shaddix", "date": "2021-02-02T11:33:00", "title": "Strongly oppose to birth gender boys in girls locker rooms", "text": "I strongly oppose birth gender boys to be allowed in girls locker rooms, or even on girls sports. No matter what gender they identify"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93408", "author": "jb", "date": "2021-02-02T11:34:00", "title": "Support transgender policies", "text": "I want to add my voice to those who which to protect transgender students, and allow them to take part in public schooling without shaming, without having to \"pretend\" to identify as a different sex, and without worry about using bathrooms etc. We know gender is not an on or off switch.  We know enough to understand that these students need support and nurturing-- not shaming."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93409", "author": "Cindy Britton", "date": "2021-02-02T11:35:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "I do not agree with this at all.  You are stripping our children of beliefs and forcing them to adhere to another belief.  They are being taught already to stand up against their parents.  We are constantly being forced away from our conservative views by those in power.  This is complete bs boys and girls should not use the same bathroom or locker room!!!  What is going to stop a boy from saying he identifies as a girl just to get in with the girls and do harm?  You are not protecting our children you are setting them up for harm.  I will be pulling all my children from public schools and the brainwashing/abuse that is waiting for them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93410", "author": "Anthony F", "date": "2021-02-02T11:37:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this. All children regardless how they identify deserve equal protections under the law and equal, non-discriminatory access to public schooling. Bullying and discrimination have no place in modern society, let alone public schools. Again, I STRONGLY support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93411", "author": "SSHughes", "date": "2021-02-02T11:38:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the health and well being of trans kids. Supporting trans kids and their families is extremely important to me. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93412", "author": "Jessica Hall", "date": "2021-02-02T11:38:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT-TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS! Protect TRANSYOUTH"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93413", "author": "Sarah Via", "date": "2021-02-02T11:39:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose bc Policy is extremely flawed", "text": "As a parent & educator, I find these “Model Policies” developed & recommended by the VDOE to be extremely flawed on many levels. I have put a few points of major concern, but they are in no way an exhaustive list of concerns & grievances: There is a lack of expertise from key figures. I see many school officials & pro-LGBTQ+ groups being asked for their expertise, but no outreach for expertise from non-academia related doctors & psychologists. Science experts that attest to gender/sex as binary are also missing from comments. This should have been a collaborative effort from all sides of the aisle to form model policies that seriously effect the safety, health, and overall well-being of our children & students. I do not see any resources or proof that gender affirming & transitioning policies have any positive effect on the long-term psychological well-being of transgender individuals. In fact, studies actually show there may not be any positive effects, so why would a Dept of Education be promoting these policies without ample proof. Here are some sobering statistics: 90% of transgender research subjects are lost to follow-up, so no one knows how many go back to identifying as their birth gender (Paper Genders by Walt Heyer) Paul McHugh, MD cites a study that found that individuals who had had transgender surgery were about 5 times more likely than the control group to attempt suicide and almost 20 times more likely to succeed (What Percentage of Transgenders Regret Surgery by Susan Ciancio) There are already numerous existing laws and policies that protect all individuals from abuse, harassment, bullying, discrimination, etc. More policies are not needed, unless they are trying to restrict the freedoms and liberties of others that are adversely affected by the application of such policies. These policies usurp & undermine the parents’ authority of all the students. Here are a few examples of how the parent is purposely left out of important decisions for their child’s mental health & development on both sides of the issues: For the mental health of the student wanting to change, why would the parent not be notified of a huge life altering decision. As we all know, children need the support of their parents to succeed at most anything in life. The parents are paying the taxes used to fund the schools & salaries of all involved. By this, are you asking a child to live a double life? Be different at home than at school. What are the long-term effects on the child for living like this? “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Children exposed to the opposite biological gender in locker rooms have safety concerns & rights too. Not telling parents or even the students that the opposite biological gender will be in the bathroom/locker room that doesn’t align with their biological gender is harmful & damaging. At the least, it would be wise for parents to advise their children about something they are unfamiliar with and be able to have a healthy discussion. Somewhere in the middle, the biological female having to undress in front of a biological male can be damaging especially if the female is not mentally ready for the opposite biological gender to see them fully or partially unclothed (and vice versa). At the most, what if there is known or unknown sexual or physical abuse perpetrated by a member of the opposite biological gender? That student will face irreputable mental harm & potentially danger if shared bathrooms/locker rooms are to be used. A parent & child must have an opportunity to address the myriad of issues/problems with each other, school officials, medical professionals etc. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) Disciplining a student based on an incident or complaint without a parent present or notified carries significant ramifications. Just because a school wants to have such authority, it cannot ignore the child’s due process guaranteed by the Constitution. Police do not even have this authority, why would we give it to school administrators? Parents cannot be held legally and/or monetarily responsible for an incident or complaint if they weren’t involved. If the discipline requires the child to not attend school or ride school transportation, the parent cannot take time off from work or drive a child to & fro without being involved. This is utterly absurd to involve parents only when the incident or complaint rises to legal/criminal levels as the below language infers. “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) The burden these policies will put on our teachers and school administrators is too high. As a parent, student, & teacher, I would need to know the exact levels of discipline for each infraction listed. Since gender identification is subjective & the number of students that are in our schools, it is virtually impossible to keep track of the preferences. On a personal level, yes, you would try very hard to be accurate. We are not talking personal level; we are talking mandated perfection among a populous famous for finding themselves & discovering who they are daily- it is innate with their age. That is the purpose of learning and being among your peers. To hold teachers, school administrators, and other students accountable to somehow know on any given day the preferences of a every child seems unrealistic & impossible. In conclusion, these policies violate the values and principles of so many Virginia families. We have laws already in place to protect the safety & well-being of all students. These policies do not benefit the majority of students. In fact, only .07% of the 13–17-year-olds in the US identify as transgender. Why would a government department initiate such a sweeping, impactful policy that only addresses .07% of the US population and adversely disparages the remaining 99.3%? To me, it seems like these policies are only designed for some other reason as the costs, efforts, and overall burdens it imposes on the majority is a price that is way too high."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93414", "author": "C. Garrett, Charlottesville High School teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T11:42:00", "title": "Strongly Support -- Inclusion promotes safety", "text": "I strongly support this proposal, as a teacher, parent, and coach.  The issue is not whether enforcing this proposal will cause the issue of transgender acceptance and normality to rise or fall; more scientific findings are released, revealing the actual biology supporting non-binary sexuality and identity, and the discussion of transgender/non-cisgender identities are thankfully more and more routine.  The issue for me is that we create a culture of inclusivity and safety in our schools, for it's from that place of safety and inclusion that students will be able to learn and perform.  For trans and non-binary students, this does NOT happen when we force them into sex-based dress codes, activities, pronouns, etc.  The discussion of sexuality, gender, identity, and orientation is (clearly) a complicated one, but we can ensure students are provided safety, kindness, compassion, and inclusion FIRST, so that they then are positioned to access and engage with the academic requirements of school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93415", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:42:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Everyone should be treated fairly and with dignity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93416", "author": "Fonda Swartz", "date": "2021-02-02T11:45:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Seriously!! This is not one persons decision to decide what are children are subjected too, the parents are the SOLE people to decide how their children are subjected to stuff! Taking the parents parental rights away is ridiculous!! Stop with believing politics makes you God!! This entire world needs to get back to our faith and believe in the Lord almighty! This just proves the stupidity in our country right now! I one do not push any believes on my child,  I am here to guide her in her decisions and help her understand things she may question! As a teacher or administrator for the public schools how in the world did you even come up with these policies and honestly feel good about what you are trying to do! Look in the mirror and if you helped with the writing of these polices, look at yourself and Ask this question what in the hell am I thinking, this is not for us to decide, this is a parents right not anyone else! If you are attached to the policies and trying to push them through SHAME ON YOU!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93417", "author": "Charity Barger", "date": "2021-02-02T11:46:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE! Save our daughters!", "text": "Give transgenders a single stall bathroom. Don’t submit our girls to the potential of sexual harassment or abuse. Men can easily overpower a woman or a girl!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93418", "author": "Steve Lam- Father of 3 girls", "date": "2021-02-02T11:47:00", "title": "Transgender Policy- Strongly Opposed", "text": "Strongly Opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93419", "author": "Nancy Najarian", "date": "2021-02-02T11:47:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the model. The key guiding principle of the model policies is that all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment. I support these principles and policies. 1) At this point in our cultural evolution, we can not stop adolescents and young adults from questioning their sexuality, and making decisions about who they are and how they identify themselves. 2) Our ultimate goal is to support children so they grow into confident adults who feel included, loved, and supported. Anyone who feels \"different\" and is made to feel different than others, ends up growing up in a much more challenging manner than when they are given a safe and supportive place to grow and learn. 3) The American Academy of Pediatrics (2018) also acknowledged that, “variations in gender identity and expression are normal aspects of human diversity.” Whether or not a person agrees with this diversity, we must support all of our children, and this model is developed with science, facts, best practices and can evolve as we all learn more."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93420", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:48:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "This is not a good solution for protection of our students who do not live as their birth sex. It would not likely provide the protection we wish for them. Nor does it protect the other students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93421", "author": "Patrick Flynn", "date": "2021-02-02T11:49:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Thank you for taking comments. We as parents as not asking schools to take over our role in raising our children in sensitive areas like gender.  STAY OUT of the gender games and get back to teaching. If issues come up, parents MUST be notified.  If biological males are sharing a bathroom with our daughters, that needs to stop and parents must be notified."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93422", "author": "Lori B", "date": "2021-02-02T11:49:00", "title": "Strongly support transgender students", "text": "I strongly support equal treatment/access for transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93423", "author": "Barbara Kunkel", "date": "2021-02-02T11:49:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "VEHEMENTLY OPPOSE! G overnment officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93424", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:50:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "Support!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93425", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:50:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "It’s important to have proper policies like this in place until it is more known how to aid our trans communities. It’s important that everyone have the right tools, trans rights are human rights and they deserve to be understood and taken care of just like the rest of us!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93426", "author": "Makayla K", "date": "2021-02-02T11:51:00", "title": "Strongly agree", "text": "I believe that in the society we live in today things will only keep progressing. VA public schools should make these changes so that trans students can feel more comfortable and less like an outcast because they are not being given the same things are their peers. All the parents complain this is crazy and against their religion and kids are too young to make these choices. You don’t know these other people and your religion shouldn’t be stopping kids to express themselves and truly be who they feel they are. No more bigotry in our schools, change should be made."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93427", "author": "Bernard Cook", "date": "2021-02-02T11:51:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I support the model guidance because I want school environments that are safe and welcoming for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93428", "author": "Kat Brinkman", "date": "2021-02-02T11:52:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students. As a nonbinary student in a supportive environment, I'm extremely grateful for the kind, considerate actions of my friends, classmates, and school. Everyone should be able to learn in safe, understanding school environments, no matter who they are or what they're dealing with. Gender is fluid and dynamic, and no one should feel rooted to one strict answer for the rest of their lives. More empathetic rules like this would encourage trans, genderqueer, and nonbinary students to explore themselves and not feel threated or trapped by bureaucratic systems without any room for them. I felt comfortable explaining my relationship to gender and expressing it at school, and I wish that for everyone. My school feels like an accepting, welcoming place, and I have a much better relationship with education as a result than I would otherwise. This should be the case for everyone. Sincerely, Kat Brinkman (they/them)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93429", "author": "Ross Creason", "date": "2021-02-02T11:52:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "All students have the right to safety in schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93430", "author": "David Blaha", "date": "2021-02-02T11:52:00", "title": "Reality time", "text": "Be careful not to confuse feelings with reality, or preferences with rights. Self-identification cannot be the measure by which we make broad-sweeping policy, especially regarding children whose brains are not fully developed. Our current societal elites (media and entertainment powers) have thrown many youth into confusion. It is entirely possible to love and respect people without making broad policies which give legitimacy to a biological impossibility. None of this even addresses the preferences of the VAST majority of people who prefer not to use the bathroom with someone of the opposite sex, and prefer not to intermingle males and females in athletic competition. And let us not make broad, sweeping policy based on minute percentages of people who have intersex biological exceptions. These anomalies are quite obviously being used to justify and rationalize perfectly biological males and females who believe and/or wish to be the opposite sex. At some point in life, mature people know when to stop talking and when to get real."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93431", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:54:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Mom that strongly opposes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93432", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:56:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools, which 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93433", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T11:59:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "I strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93434", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-02-02T11:59:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93435", "author": "KL", "date": "2021-02-02T12:00:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "I agree with children being comfortable at school however these proposed guidelines are not ensuring that EVERY child is comfortable at school, only those who fit this mold.  As a parent I am appalled that my young children would be subjected to the proposed situations and be uncomfortable, especially my daughter.  She should not have to fear going into the bathroom or locker room to change clothes with a boy because that's what he/she/they/it identify as that day.  This is a disgusting world our children unfortunately have to grow up in and they are losing their innocence so quickly, especially with these proposed guidelines.  As a Christian woman I teach my children to be accepting and love everyone but I draw the line when they are made to be uncomfortable to meet a political driven agenda.  If these guidelines pass my children will absolutely not be enrolled in VA public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93436", "author": "kathleen", "date": "2021-02-02T12:01:00", "title": "Opposed.", "text": "I can not in good conscience agree this policy offering is the answer to address the transgender concerns. Everyone agrees that no one should be bullied or face intimidations that make life harder than it is. Yet the policy appears to do more harm than good in that it appears to silence the voices and ideas and concerns /feelings of others , removing the possibility for thoughtful dialogue intended to help out other positive & often proven solutions. There are other ways to address our desires for the transgenders safety and ability to grow/learn & flourish without restricting the rights and ideas of others. Please go back to the drawing board to come up with something that works for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93837", "author": "Mic Felter", "date": "2021-02-02T17:00:00", "title": "Full Support", "text": "I wholeheartedly support any legislation that will make schools safer and more supportive of transgender youth, so these students can focus on learning rather than concerns about their safety!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93838", "author": "Brian Williams", "date": "2021-02-02T17:00:00", "title": "Strongly opposed 2 this", "text": "I believe there are 2 genders ...male and female. This would open the door for misuse and huge problems. If they (people that want to be opposite gender) choose this lifestyle that is there business but they are the ones that need to conform to the situation not the other way around."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93839", "author": "Taryn Kosinski", "date": "2021-02-02T17:01:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support anything that will provide trans students with an equitable and safe learning environment. All students deserve that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93840", "author": "Not backing down to leftist ideology", "date": "2021-02-02T17:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Strongly oppose the indoctrination of our children to radial leftist ideologies or to bend for special treatment of \"protected groups\"."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93841", "author": "STRONLY OPPOSE!", "date": "2021-02-02T17:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Protect our girls! PLEASE get the transgender kids the help they need, but don't endanger our girls by denying biological, genetic reality that a boy is always a boy and a girl is always a girl."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93842", "author": "Will Miller", "date": "2021-02-02T17:01:00", "title": "I strongly support this policy", "text": "I want to start by saying I have read many of the other comments citing religious texts as reasons to oppose these policies. These arguments should be null and void, simply on the grounds that it breaches the ideals of separating church and state. Beyond that, these policies are put into place with the student in mind. They should be allowed to learn in an environment free of discrimination. Students that are trans are already at risk of higher rates of self-harm and suicide than their cisgender classmates, and 40% of youth experiencing houselessness in the US identify as LGBTQIA+. These statistics represent hurdles that our trans youth face already, and this policy is a step in the right direction for creating a more inclusive environment for ALL students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93843", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:02:00", "title": "Model policies on transgender treatment", "text": "I strongly disagree with states, school boards, and teachers manipulating their gender fantasies on our students.  Boys have no business in girls bathrooms, locker rooms and sports.  They were created males.  Same with girls have no business is boys bathrooms.  They were created as females.  Parents have the rights to protect their children and the right to know what is being taught, how they are being manipulated.  I do not want this policy passed or implemented in Virginia or any state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93844", "author": "Justin R.", "date": "2021-02-02T17:02:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "Support basic dignity and humanity. Those who maintain that the freedom to identify across genders is somehow unnatural relative to some archaic, mythical standard can go wipe with a leaf “the way nature intended.” An empowered society can only exist when its institutions empower its individuals to understand and express themselves fully."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93845", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:05:00", "title": "Why do we promote Science as fact with medicine, climate change etc, but deny biology DNA & gender?", "text": "Why do we promote Science as fact with medicine, disease, creation of the Earth, climate change etc, but deny scientific biology of DNA & gender? Stop the madness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93846", "author": "Ron Nicholas", "date": "2021-02-02T17:05:00", "title": "Absolutely Opposed", "text": "These guidelines further confuse children's responses to issues with which some adults wrestle. We should not be saddling our children and educators with these restrictive policies. Let the children grow as they naturally are intended, and allow the educators to do their trained jobs. Parents rights are at great jeopardy and our nation's future is at stake with this type of government oversight. Please reconsider these guidelines!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93847", "author": "Karen", "date": "2021-02-02T17:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose -- tramples parents' rights, violates privacy, denies rights of conscience", "text": "I strongly oppose the current VDOE proposals for policies regarding transgender students.   These policies (1) trample parental rights and responsibilities, (2) deny girls their rights for safety in schools, and (3) deny both faculty and students their rights regarding matters of conscience, subjecting them to harassment and discrimination for simply holding their beliefs and convictions. (1) The proposed policies trample parents’ legal rights, plus their parental responsibility, when school employees help students explore and make decisions about expressions of gender identity without notifying the parent.  These are personal discussions and decisions that belong in families, not in schools.   Also, these policies would wrongly prohibit schools from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility (designated for girls) as their daughter.  Also, parents would wrongly not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies. (2) Under these policies, all students would be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by school faculty or administrators, jeopardizing both the privacy and safety of other students who have no say in the matter.  This violation of girls’ rights to privacy on restrooms and locker rooms is astonishing.   We have separate restroom and locker rooms in the first place expressly because we recognize that girls and boys are biologically, physically different and both have rights to the privacy of their bodies.  These rights are not granted by government; they can only be recognized – or in this case, denied – by governments.  Forcing girls to accept the presence of biological boys in these rooms is a blatant disregard for their legal and moral rights.  No girl or woman should have to endure the violation of being seen by a biological male against her will while she is in any state of undress. (3)  There are no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology differs from  “transgender” ideology.  This is coercion of belief, and it is unconstitutional.  The rights of parents to hold and teach their own beliefs about sexuality and gender to their children would also be violated if/when the parents themselves are at risk for being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school – not for any true abuse or neglect, but for simply holding and teaching their own constitutionally protected beliefs and convictions. I do not approve of these guidelines.  They are based on philosophically tenuous theories that ignore observable, objective biology (the biological sex of a baby is observed – not assigned -- at birth with a visual examination of a physical body).  We can be compassionate with children whose self-view of their sexuality is based on feelings without violating the rights of others.  These policies erase all differences and distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children in beliefs in a subject area that is beyond the proper sphere of public education.  These policies threaten both adults and children, both faculty and students, with harassment and discrimination for holding any other beliefs.  This verges on criminalizing beliefs, despite conscience and religious conviction, and it is deeply concerning to me as a citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93848", "author": "Aidan Brown", "date": "2021-02-02T17:08:00", "title": "Strongly Agree", "text": "I support the protection of any student’s rights regardless of biological gender. We as a community must support and hear the voices of our transgender and non-binary students. We cannot let bigotry erase their stories or their identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93849", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:08:00", "title": "THIS IS NOT KIND", "text": "\" Conditioning children into believing that a lifetime of chemical and surgical impersonation of the opposite sex is normal and healthful is child abuse\" - American College of Pediatrics Stop abusing children. HELP them to accept the gender that their DNA says they are. Walk alongside, don't steer them off a cliff."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93850", "author": "Adrienne Buskard", "date": "2021-02-02T17:08:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this model in which transgender and binary students are treated with dignity and respect.  Our education system should provide a welcoming and nurturing environment for all students all the time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93851", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:10:00", "title": "This is wrong on so many levels", "text": "It is our job to protect our children and to focus on their education, that’s why we send them to school to learn. By allowing this behavior in the schools you are only encouraging more children to be sexually assaulted .  Your are allowing children to feel uncomfortable and to not feel safe . The main focus of their education is thrown out the window because now it becomes a social issue. In schools there are dress codes to keep the children focused. Girls can’t show breast , stomach or the rears . It is a distraction for boys and for boys they can not wear cut off sleeves or to tight of clothing that would be distracting to girls . BUT you all want them to be able to change in the same locker rooms or go to the same bathrooms . Not only will you have an increase in sexual activity but the teenage pregnancy  rate is going to go through the roof  and also the stds. Why because you are allowing a place for these actions to occur.   Instead of worrying about what gender someone wants to be, how about we put God back in our schools .  If we put God first these issues would not arise . God did not make us to decide if we want to be male or female .  I am strongly disagreeing with these actions and if you pass them I hope and pray that the children that become victims sue you and that you lose sleep over how many incident children are harmed because of the decisions you have made ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93852", "author": "Rory F.", "date": "2021-02-02T17:10:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "It is imperative that we support transgender students' health and well-being. I fully support any and all endeavours that do so"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93853", "author": "Cheryl Lam", "date": "2021-02-02T17:11:00", "title": "In response to Model Policies/Transgender Students/Public Elementary & Secondary Schools", "text": "I strongly oppose the Virginia Department of Education's draft of Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools.  If passed in its current form, this is not acceptable in any way at all. I could point out the many issues with each point in the model, but I would certainly hope those voting can foresee the trouble that is brewing. I will address on point as a parent/grandparent....\"All students being allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty\" is a HUGE PROBLEM for me. I have school age children of each sex. My girl should not be in the bathroom with someone who happens to be \"identifying as a girl that day\". If you can't see the possible potential dangers of this, then you all need to take more time to explore the situation. I also don't want my boy using the bathroom as a child walks in that is choosing to identify as a boy that day. We need to be open minded about many things, but we also need to keep moral, values and protect EVERYONE, not just those we are trying to include. This world of inclusion has confused many a child and adult. May we all see the light before the light to this world in snuffed out. Sadly, if we continue in this direction I think many more people need to think about private schools & home schooling or relocation to another state!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93854", "author": "Bren Robinson", "date": "2021-02-02T17:11:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I support to the fullest extent possible. There are far too many hateful comments that are being left under the section that are attempting to hide their bigotry under the guise of “protecting children”."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93855", "author": "MSW and Mom of two FCPS Students", "date": "2021-02-02T17:11:00", "title": "Mom of Two FCPS Students. Oppose.", "text": "My daughter is recovering from a life threatening mental health condition.  One of her dearest friends switched her name from she to he last year.   We are supportive of student's having the right to individual bathrooms but we are not supportive of giving students access to the bathroom of their choice.  This situation is not respectful of other student's mental health concerns, including my daughter.  I love all students.  But, enforcing a statewide policy is not loving.  We have to meet children where they are individually.  Please put resources where they are most needed.  I would say this is not the area. Best, MSW Mom of 2 FCPS Students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93856", "author": "CH", "date": "2021-02-02T17:13:00", "title": "Transgender school policy mandate", "text": "As a Christian parent and grandparent, I strongly oppose this policy for our schools, especially at the elementary and middle school levels when all aspects of a child’s development are in dynamic flux. Our sexual and gender identity are divine gifts that conform plainly to a binary paradigm. Any personal confusion, incongruance and associated dysphoria in this aspect of our individual identity is like so many other  complex aspects of our unique humanity which each of us must adapt to and reconcile , with the grace of God. We all must deal with aspects of self that don’t conform with norms or averages or ideals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93857", "author": "Phyllis Hostetler", "date": "2021-02-02T17:14:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "As a parent, and grandparent, I am appalled that this type of legislation is even proposed.  It is corrupt at the very core in that it promotes unhealthy behavior, supports deception and false information, and provides the opportunity for unlawful abuse.  It goes against the very purpose of public education and the states role in protecting the citizens.  It is a privilege to have public schools, but it is the duty of the schools to provide a good education, provide a safe environment, and assist the students to becoming responsible adults.  The transgender legislation does not support the parents that are providing the physical, emotional and financial support of the their children that are attending the schools. The public schools need to provide a safe environment for all students.  The educational requirements need to be aligned with the emotional and physical health of the students.  How can we expect children to grow up into mature, law abiding, moral adults if we train them that the science and biology is subject to your opinion or belief and that deceit is the best way for them to resolve their family issues? Aren't our children going to be tomorrow's leaders? Why would we make laws that teach them that their biological DNA is subject to their opinions if that's what they want to believe or that deceit is a resolution when the answer is not what you want? Law makers are put in a position of authority to protect and keep the citizens safe and healthy.  This begins at the family level and when we take the authority of the parent from them, we are headed for the destruction of our civilization.  We desperately need LEADERS to support and provide good leadership, not to deceive history, science, math or English. The Education requirements need to be aligned with the emotional and physical health of the students.  Helping students to navigate through growing into adults can often be confusing.  As adults, we need to help students navigate through that process. To compound the confusion and negate their physical DNA and biological components, is going to confuse them.  I have 5 children of my own, and have experienced helping them to grow through these difficult times.  It can be done, but not with the proposed legislation.  Implementing legislation like this will only compound the issue.  It would not be safe for girls and boys to be sharing bathrooms, locker rooms or to be involved in sports activities where they would be vulnerable and undressed positions.  Abusive circumstances that put a child these types of situations, do the most damage to a child.  It is not safe or healthy to put our children in this type of situation and outweighs any though of passing this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93858", "author": "Holly Roberts", "date": "2021-02-02T17:14:00", "title": "Public school teacher/mom of private school students  OPPOSE", "text": "This policy is damaging to children’s delicate psyche. This flies in the face of freedom of religion forcing teachers and families to submit to the agenda of the few. Please keep our daughters and sons safe in a world that is already scary enough."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93859", "author": "Paige Long", "date": "2021-02-02T17:15:00", "title": "Complete Support", "text": "I completely and wholeheartedly support this legislation to promote the health, safety, and well-being of transgender students. The health, safety, and well-being of any student should always come before the ignorant comments from constituents who do not understand the importance of affirming and supporting ALL students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93860", "author": "Julie T. Former Va Student", "date": "2021-02-02T17:15:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Virginia is the home state of my alma mater. I believe this policy will allow our schools to become a safe environment for the current and future generations of youths to explore and affirm their gender identities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93861", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:16:00", "title": "STONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "Parents need to be aware of ALL matters regarding THEIR CHILD!!!! OUR children are not property of the school or state!!! Stick to teaching regular subjects and keep gender out of it. Boys are boys and girls are girls! When they get older then they can do what they want. I don't care how they dress but forcing others to use \"correct pronouns\" is wrong. If someone isn't using their correct pronoun then they need to get over it. You cant make others believe the same as you and life goes on. Stop trying to force the world to change for some."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93862", "author": "Parents of 5 children", "date": "2021-02-02T17:17:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As parents of five children who attend Fairfax County schools, we strongly oppose the transgender mandates as currently drafted.  While we want every child to be able to attend school free from harassment, bullying and discrimination, the mandate as drafted creates a school environment that would be hostile to young women, teachers trying to focus on education, and parents who should have primary say in their children's lives. Young women should be able to use bathrooms and locker rooms comfortably at school without having to assess each situation to determine if other people in those bathrooms are there in good faith.  Not allowing teachers or other school staff to question the intention of someone of the opposite sex using a particular bathroom could put young women in an uncomfortable situation and, with the mandate as drafted, they will have no where to go to discuss the situation.  Young women could be placed in emotionally stressful situations just to simply use the bathroom or locker room.  Drafting mandates to protect one group of people should not, in turn, place another group of people in emotionally stressful situations.  We have taken decades to provide protections for women.  Please do not draft mandates that chip away at those protections. Please allow teachers to do what they have been hired to do - teach.  Certainly, harassment from a teacher of any kind is unacceptable and should be handled as appropriate.  I assume there are already policies in place addressing harassment.  Why specifically place additional harassment penalties in place for teachers addressing students in a way consistent with biological science?  Can we just let the teachers teach? This mandate significantly restricts a parent to parent their child as they see fit in accordance with home rules, culture and beliefs.  Leave the parenting to parents and focus on what schools are there to do - Educate! Children can be vulnerable at any age.  The schools here seem to be trying to take advantage of a child's vulnerability and step in and \"guide them\" in a direction without the school having full knowledge of what is best for the child.  This is not a place for the school to step in. Again, the schools should be a comfortable place for ALL children.  Harassment and bullying policies should apply in all situations but they should not be narrowed down to fit a particular group of students while disregarding the emotional security and safety for other students, requiring teachers to watch every word they say when what is being asked of them is contrary to biological science and parents should be the primary guide in the growth and development of their children. Accordingly, please dismiss the mandate as drafted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93863", "author": "Tess", "date": "2021-02-02T17:18:00", "title": "Full support!!!!", "text": "I am in full support of this! It’s about time!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93864", "author": "Joanne c", "date": "2021-02-02T17:19:00", "title": "school proposal", "text": "Please consider evidence based policies for our kids. Here's a great example of school policies: https://www.transgendertrend.com/schools-resources/ This group was an expert witness in the UK Keira Bell trial. The UK has taken a hard look at gender policies and found that those advocating puberty blockers, cross sex hormones and surgery do not have evidence saying they are effective in helping mental distress, or safe. Especially ROGD kids. The US hasn't caught up. I hope Virginia will stick to fact based policies for kids and young adults! Trans is not like gay at all. https://www.tinyurl.com/notnewgay  And it's not just a small traditional group pointing this out.. we are left, right, all over the country, many religions, gay, straight, trans... Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93865", "author": "Peggy Oshinski", "date": "2021-02-02T17:19:00", "title": "Policy for Transgender students", "text": "I ask you, as a parent, to reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools as they are harmful to children and undermine the rights of parents and families. Science shows that there are only two sets of sex chromosomes, XX or XY and these exist in every cell. Feelings do not determine reality. Children and adolescents do not have the cognitive, psychological, emotional or moral developmental capacity to make drastic life-changing decisions. Parents have the right to listen to and guide their children into making good, sound decisions; especially decisions that will impact their health and lives way into the future. [My daughter recently told a transgender female friend of hers that she needed to let her doctor know that she had a prostate, which only men have, because she could one day find herself with Prostate Cancer.] This document oversteps the rights of parents. I can't imagine being \"kept out of the loop\" on such an emotionally and psychologically important issue as gender dysphoria. I ask you to reject this Model based on emotion and opinion instead of scientific fact. The schools’ responsibility is to provide a quality education in a safe environment for all its students. Period. It should be irrelevant what the psycho-social issue is, as it defines policies of treatment of students. There should be a zero tolerance of bullying by or directed at ANY student. It is not the role of the school to change social structures. We need to help those struggling with Gender dysphoria to get to the root of that dysphoria and to see they have infinite dignity, as they are, which deserves to be celebrated with truth and love. Peggy Oshinski"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93866", "author": "Patricia Hogan Gilbertson", "date": "2021-02-02T17:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT EVIDENCE-BASED POLICIES", "text": "I strongly support this model in which transgender and binary students are treated with dignity and respect.  Our education system should provide a welcoming and nurturing environment for all students all the time. In addition, policies should be based on current evidence and facts, rather than on hysterical overreactions by those who refuse to educate themselves about this issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93867", "author": "Ali Gokce", "date": "2021-02-02T17:20:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Stay off of our children. Do not confuse their minds by sowing doubt about the gender God gave them. Please!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93868", "author": "Jamie", "date": "2021-02-02T17:20:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support the proposed guidelines and any policies that support and protect all students in Virginia by providing a safe and accepting environment to learn"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93869", "author": "Mom of 5", "date": "2021-02-02T17:21:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!!", "text": "I vehemently oppose this and DO NOT support the proposed changes to the education policy that disregards parental rights, students' privacy rights and the First Amendment rights of all teachers and administrators! This is a terrible idea and I urge you not to support this ruling on transgender in our public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93870", "author": "Joan, concerned mom", "date": "2021-02-02T17:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!  Parents have rights. Trans students need mental healthcare intervention", "text": "The Dept of Education has no right to interfere with what is correctly a family and psychiatric matter alone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93871", "author": "Charlie H", "date": "2021-02-02T17:23:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Denying supportive and inclusive treatment of transgender students will result in negative outcomes in learning and survivorship. Please move forward with efforts to support trans students in Virginia schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93872", "author": "Concerned mother, grandmother, gg, auntie and a biblical believer", "date": "2021-02-02T17:25:00", "title": "I strongly oppose! God created us male or female and has a plan and a purpose for each of us.", "text": "God created male or female and God has a plan and a purpose for each of His creation. Children need guidance to understand that they are already male or female and if changed there are a lot of mental and physical issues to deal with because their body is already telling them who they are and all children should be loved and respected for who they are and should be encouraged to love themselves for who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93873", "author": "Martha", "date": "2021-02-02T17:27:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE Transgender Guidelines", "text": "The state has a legitimate right to step in when abuse or neglect as generally understood are reasonably suspected. Additionally, the Commonwealth of Virginia has the authority to set reasonable educational requirements to ensure that ALL students are treated respectfully while at school. However, parental authority should never be superseded by the State without substantial cause, and public schools have a high duty to respect parents’ fundamental rights and authority over their children. These so-called “Model Transgender Guidelines” fail in every way to fulfill that duty and must therefore not be adopted by school boards."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93874", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:27:00", "title": "Fully Support!", "text": "I whole heartedly support legislation to promote the health and wellbeing of trans youth! We must unite despite diversity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93875", "author": "Braden Shepler (VA educator)", "date": "2021-02-02T17:27:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As an educator, I strongly support this. It is not our job to dictate the identity of anyone other than ourselves. It is vital that ALL students feel supported and loved in their learning environment in order to be successful. Many people who disagree, don’t work daily with children to understand the necessity of an accepting environment. It is of utmost importance that we start implementing these changes, so our students can live in a world of acceptance. It is not the job of adults to object to anyone’s sex, let alone that of a child. I find it quite disturbing, to be frank. Let our trans babies live their lives without fear of retaliation or hate. Very proud to support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93876", "author": "Roma Gniewek", "date": "2021-02-02T17:28:00", "title": "Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools- OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93877", "author": "Beth Jenkins", "date": "2021-02-02T17:28:00", "title": "Outrageous/ Absurd/ Sickening... NOT OK, NOT NOW, NOT EVER!!!!!", "text": "I have been employed for over 15 years in education in the State of Virginia.  I can not begin to express my overwhelming opposition to this idea.  Teachers are for education, this agenda has nothing positive to do with future children in the public school system.  If everyone wants equality, then lets take one example of your suggestion.  Instead of a young student going topless swimming, What if all students wore a shirt... Men, Women, or however you choose to identify, alike.  There is enough suicide, rape, molestation and  psychological issues with children, why in the world would you add mandates that helps enforce these issues.  The incident rate would surely be much higher with this gross oversight. The school system has enough work to do educating students than to stand and worry how the far greater majority of students would feel about a transgender child choosing an opposite bathroom.  The fact that this can happen without the knowledge of a parent, tells whoever you are that it is grossly wrong on every level.  Parents are fully responsible for the well being of their children all the way through their school experience,. One fine example would be,  the government considers children deductions.  How do I receive deductions for something I'm not fully responsible for??????  They are our children (I'm speaking as a parent, now) and NO ONE has the right to impose immoral values upon my child!!!NEVER, EVER,EVER"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93878", "author": "Jacob", "date": "2021-02-02T17:28:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed with basic sense", "text": "In God we trust. Justice for ALL not ‘justice’ for the confused"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93879", "author": "Beth Bunts", "date": "2021-02-02T17:28:00", "title": "I Support This!", "text": "Transgender and non-binary students deserve our support.  God doesn't make junk - we are each made in God's image and how we express that is individual.  They problem is damaged parents don't always know how to love and support their children unconditionally. Some let outside forces decide what love looks like.  The statistics for these children are abysmal. https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2021-01/Virginia-Snapshot-2019.pdf Many are abandoned by their families and not having family support leads to deep depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts-too many of which are successful.  All children deserve to feel valued and supported - whoever they are - if they don't get that from the family, they will get it elsewhere and schools either be a life line and a reason to hope or an additional reason to despair.   Trans and Enby students should see themselves reflected in curriculum and they deserve equal treatment, encouragement, support, and respect in all areas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93880", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:29:00", "title": "Terrible!...", "text": "Terrible stuff. You are going to create a climate of confusion and fear with letting kids change their pronouns at will, and forcing other kids to comply or face punishment?!! Leave my kids alone and keep all this stuff out of our schools!... we pay the taxes, but not for this! We just want the schools to teach our kids how to read and write and do math - is that so hard to understand?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93881", "author": "Ed Shapiro", "date": "2021-02-02T17:29:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Virginia Department of Education is going too far here. Referring to a male as \"him\" or female  as \" her\" would be “harassment” and “discrimination” for students is appropriate. Why ? In the English language \"him\"is defined as \" used to refer to a certain man, boy, or male animal as the object of a verb or preposition\". If the person doesn't accept the fact he is a male or female, then the person doesn't accept reality. The general population of faculty and students know who they are . Contrast that with the findings of the American Psychological Association that up to 98% of sex-confused children will embrace their physical biology after puberty. ( https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt )"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93882", "author": "Roma Gniewek", "date": "2021-02-02T17:29:00", "title": "Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools- OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93883", "author": "Faye Wampler  Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-02T17:29:00", "title": "Condemn Va. Department of Education Transgender Policies", "text": "The VA Dept of Education's Transgender policies in public school is totally unacceptable.  The teachers need to treat each child with respect but not encourage them in their sexuality.  That is the parents' job and parents only.  Bathrooms are by gender. All children are to be treated kindly and with respect but not pushed into a gender crisis by schools who are taking advantage of a time when most children are confused about sexuality.  Remember your own childhood. I grew up in a rural community, with three brothers.  I played outside for years without a shirt just like my brothers.  I'll never forget the day my mother told me I had to start wearing a shirt to play outside.  I was furious when she said it was because I was a girl!  I firmly stated that I wanted to be a boy!!  What if my mother had said,\"OK, sweetie, if you want to be a boy, that's fine, be a boy.\"  I'm not a boy, Thank God, and I'm happy for it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93884", "author": "Sarah", "date": "2021-02-02T17:29:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "strongly support!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93885", "author": "John Smythe", "date": "2021-02-02T17:30:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "Trans people deserve the same rights and access as everyone else, appropriate to their gender. Anyone who disagrees is holding back Virginia as a civil society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93886", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:30:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I strongly disagree with this policy. It puts students, male or female, at risk. If the school district is looking out for the safety of all of our students, then this new policy will not be passed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93887", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-02T17:30:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "I do not approve of the  proposed transgender policies based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93888", "author": "Jesse Hostetler", "date": "2021-02-02T17:31:00", "title": "Destructive progressivisom", "text": "Gender has been and always will be a fundamental part of society. To cater to a distorted view of such a foundational aspect of life will cause unknown havoc on a child's development. Another part of this idea I find deeply troubleing is the lack of accountability and vagueness of writing. With parents not being involved or notified, you alienate the two people who know the child best and go behind the backs of those who ACTUALLY care for the well-being of the indavidual. You remove all accountability which shows that this is more about the destruction of fundamental ideas than anything else. What ever happened to focusing on preparing the next generation for adulthood? Why do we promote ideas that only show negative results on society and the destruction of foundational principals? Trading sense for non-sens only makes sense when there is an underlying agenda. - Anonymous"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93889", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "My family is completely against this. If the Virginia schools want to use my taxpayer money to indoctrinate my kids and force them to share bathrooms with the opposite sex and have to call kids by whatever nonsense they make up that day, then I'll take my job and my family and leave this state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93890", "author": "Grandmother", "date": "2021-02-02T17:31:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender Policy FX School Board", "text": "OPPOSED....This policy does not respect nor protect the rights ALL of the children....nor their parents....and distracts from the core objective of giving children the knowledge and skills to fulfill their potential as adults."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93891", "author": "Frances Nelson", "date": "2021-02-02T17:31:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "This is long overdue. I strongly support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93892", "author": "E. Ozkan", "date": "2021-02-02T17:32:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "Please respect traditional family values."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93893", "author": "Kimberly Carr", "date": "2021-02-02T17:32:00", "title": "This is wrong!", "text": "These policies are wrong on so many different levels and I am strongly opposed to them!  The “rights” of a few are being imposed on the majority. I do not wish to have a young man in the same bathroom with my small grand daughters or vice versa. Children by law are too young to make decisions for themselves. Parents are responsible for how they rear their children. All rights are being taken away from the parents. God created male and female!  One cannot ignore the obvious."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93894", "author": "Bernell Smith", "date": "2021-02-02T17:32:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "It is my understanding that our representatives are to convey their constituents opinions and not to try to push their own agenda. It is easy to see that the majority responses are strongly opposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93895", "author": "Brian Hensley", "date": "2021-02-02T17:33:00", "title": "Passionately support", "text": "transgender, gender nonconforming, and non binary students deserve the same rights and protections as cis gender students. If “religious” or “concerned” parents don’t want their children exposed to diversity, perhaps they should be educated on a system that owes in discrimination like they do. Such as a Christian or home school environment.  Otherwise, public school is for everybody. And everybody deserves and is entitled to equal protection under the law. Bigoted parents can take the bigoted children elsewhere."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93896", "author": "Jay Michaels", "date": "2021-02-02T17:33:00", "title": "My Nephew's friends", "text": "I hope this doesn't get lost in the volume..  My nephew belongs to a chatroom, or what ever they call it.  There is a fairly large group of boys like 20 that \"claim' they will not allow 'trans-girls' to participate in girls sports.  I think they were talking like 'rough them up' if they try..  I just don't want anyone to get hurt.  I told my nephew not to get involved.  It's obviously perverse for biological boys to compete with girls (unless you hate females) I sincerely believe that bad policies have ramifications far beyond what administrators intend."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93897", "author": "Tracy", "date": "2021-02-02T17:34:00", "title": "K-12 Ed", "text": "I am appalled and so disappointed that you would even consider putting special interest groups perverted desires to indoctrinate children over science and reality. I believe you all have lost your minds for even considering this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93898", "author": "Aaron Vance", "date": "2021-02-02T17:35:00", "title": "It the correct approach to address this issue", "text": "I feel for these children and agree they need support in the school system but as a father of two girls in LCPS I cannot accept shared facilities and as a father of three children in the system I should be notified of all emotional or physical challenges they may be having.    We as a family deal with these issues and not the school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93899", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:36:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "Let’s provide a safe and supportive environment for our LGBTQ+ students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93900", "author": "JS Elliot", "date": "2021-02-02T17:36:00", "title": "Education or Indoctrination?!", "text": "Our tender children are sent to school to be educated, not manipulated, not indoctrinated, not made into the confused image of the latest agenda of social experimentation. Please do not allow this travesty of a document even to be considered. Woe to those who scandalize the young!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93901", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:37:00", "title": "Strongly support this legislation", "text": "i strongly support this legislation for the protection of trans children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93902", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:38:00", "title": "Caring for people doesn't mean lying to them about their biological sex", "text": "We do not lie to our children about who they are or who other people are. My daughter can pretend she is a dog, and it's fine and fun. She's very little. But we would never surgically attach a tail to her, put her in the doghouse, or feed her dog food. That would be abusive even if she agreed to it. Forcing the children in Virginia schools to agree with all this non-scientific trans stuff is damaging to them in so many ways. Stop lying to children about who they are, and stop confusing the kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93903", "author": "Amanda Smith", "date": "2021-02-02T17:38:00", "title": "A Gift from God", "text": "Each of the two sexes is a glorious gift from God. Our sexuality is meant to be offered back to Him either in complementary unity with the opposite sex in the context of marriage for procreation. Not only do male and female together reflect the image of God, but their coming together in a marriage relationship to bring forth new life is used in Scripture as the deepest and most intimate analogy of God’s relationship with His people. Throughout both Testaments, God and His people are portrayed as husband and wife or as a groom and bride. The creation account found in Genesis lays out this gender-based, matrimonial picture and sets the stage for the final, eternal union of God and His people – of Christ and His bride – described in Revelation. God created humans male and female, and that matters. In recent years, a revisionist transgender theology has been put forth in some theological circles that violates God’s clearly articulated and intentional design for the two sexes. This distorts His image and His plan for sexuality, marriage, family and the just and proper ordering of society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93904", "author": "Alice Alexander", "date": "2021-02-02T17:39:00", "title": "Strongly Support Transgender Rights", "text": "I strongly feel transgender students they deserve the same rights as every other student and to be protected from those who want to harm them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93905", "author": "Mike Kelley", "date": "2021-02-02T17:40:00", "title": "the 1st amendment secures freedom of religion which cannot be taken away.", "text": "The Gov't does not have the right to mandate gender discussion without Parents approval. Gender topics discussions is a topic within the family. The state does not have the authority to take action that is strictly the Parents responsibilities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93906", "author": "Dale & Karina Gilbert", "date": "2021-02-02T17:40:00", "title": "!STRONGLY OPPOSE! YOU CAN NOT CHANGE YOUR DNA!!! STOP THE LIES PROTECT FAMILY USA \"IN GOD WE TRUST\"", "text": "Our kids deserve the best how can we lie to them, that they can choose there gender?  These are lies, what's next I want to be a dog? We live in the United states of America eg: I pledge allegiance to the United States of America....under \"God\", do you swear to tell the whole truth...so help me GOD.  Even on our money \"IN God We Trust\".  Our kids should not be confused.  Stop braking up family's.  Keep the boy, girl and teacher bathrooms separate and kids there born gender. God Bless"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93907", "author": "Mathieu Desrochers", "date": "2021-02-02T17:41:00", "title": "As a non-binary person and former trans student in VA, FULLY SUPPORT.", "text": "I attended public school in Virginia for my entire K-12 educational career. I then moved on to a private college in Virginia. In early 2013, I came out as transgender and have since gone through the transgender metamorphic journey and have been living out and proud as non-binary since my high school graduation in 2015. My experiences as a transgender youth in the Virginia school system were mostly abysmal and traumatic. The “accommodations” that I was allowed in school treated me as “separate but equal”. I was allowed to use the private bathroom in the nurse’s office but I needed to ask permission each time (until Fall 2014 when I attempted suicide and received further accommodation). As a result, I developed between 5-6 urinary tract infections each school year because I was anxious about bathroom use and felt singled out. I was also told in no uncertain words that I created these problems for myself by school counselors. As a 15 year-old, I was tasked with “educating” the counselors about pronouns and trans terminology rather than them doing the work to support me and the other trans students at my school. This pressure from my school, anxieties about bathroom use, exclusion from sports, and bullying that was often unpunished wailers in a severe deterioration of my mental health and I spent a week at Poplar Spring Psychiatric in 2014 as a result. I’m in a better place now and am a private school teacher and mentor in Maryland now. My own traumatic high school experiences have allowed me to create an open and age-appropriate dialogue with my students about identity, acceptance, and empathy. Empathy was largely missing from my high school experience. At best I was an inconvenience and at worst I was unwanted and discarded as an after thought. I had several VERY supportive teachers who helped me through all the bumpy times and whom I respect greatly to this day. Their unofficial policies of support helped me through and brought positivity to my experience Implementing positive and highly integrated support policies would save lives, full stop. We should be concerned about our learners dying because our schools lack empathy. Integrate empathic policies and in return you will retain students, keep students alive, and cultivate young minds for the future."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93908", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:41:00", "title": "SUPPORT because only REAL, TRUE Americans want freedom and liberties for all!", "text": "It is patently un-American that individuals are encouraging the mistreatment of other individuals based on sexual and gender identity. Transgender individuals are often unfairly discriminated against or made uncomfortable in part due to antiquated and slow-moving regulation. This document should be adopted to ensure that all Americans, even our children in schools, retain their individual liberties and freedoms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93909", "author": "Namuun Otg", "date": "2021-02-02T17:41:00", "title": "Highly in support of this legislature.", "text": "Trans rights is human rights!! Infringing on the rights of trans individuals based on gender stereotypes and preconceived notions of what your tiny bubble world labels gender is nothing but a lazy transphobic cop out. Trans women are women, trans men are men. Stand for trans rights!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93910", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:43:00", "title": "Transgender Rights", "text": "yes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93911", "author": "Nathan", "date": "2021-02-02T17:43:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose - Parents Must Be Accountable for Children", "text": "As a father of one girl, I would expect to hear from the school if: -She was hurt at school (like in PE or a sports injury) -She was bullied or assaulted at school -She missed school or is constantly late -She is doing very poorly academically To think that she could assume a role as a boy/man and I never find out about it is unthinkable.  As her father, I am responsible for her care and upbringing. I would be very upset to be lied to or left out of the loop in my daughter’s life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93912", "author": "Terra Lawson", "date": "2021-02-02T17:43:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Being a female who has been sexually abused as a teen, I strongly oppose to allowing a male by birth enter into a female bathroom! Not to mention the fact that my female daughter shouldn’t be using a bathroom with a boy! Who could potentially embarrass her for being a female! This is just ludicrous!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93913", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:43:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93914", "author": "Kathy Bloom", "date": "2021-02-02T17:44:00", "title": "Transgender recognition in public schools- strongly opposed", "text": "Please do not adopt this transgender policy in our public schools as this will ultimately harm our children.  Signed a very concerned Grandmother."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93915", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:44:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93916", "author": "Brooke Taylor", "date": "2021-02-02T17:44:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I fully support legislation that will promote the health and wellbeing of trans students. This is a needed first step."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93917", "author": "Jim Jacobson", "date": "2021-02-02T17:45:00", "title": "I support education", "text": "The education system should not be subjected to misinformation peddled by religious narratives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93918", "author": "Kurt v.", "date": "2021-02-02T17:46:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I wholeheartedly support this guidance. As the document itself states, \"84 percent of transgender youth feel unsafe at school, ... 73 percent of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth have experienced verbal threats because of their actual or perceived LGBTQ+ identity, 77 percent of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth report feeling depressed or down over the past week, and more than 70 percent report feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness in the past week.\" However, \"a recent study found that socially transitioned transgender children who are supported in their gender identity have no elevations in depression and only minimal elevations in anxiety relative to population averages. This guidance will reduce those real and significant harms currently inflicted on trans youth, without causing any harm to those who are not trans. I therefore welcome and support its implementation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93919", "author": "CPS", "date": "2021-02-02T17:46:00", "title": "Unbelievable", "text": "Wow, now parents rights are trying to be taken away.  Parents are responsible for their children until the age of 18.  Basically, parents will be told that what happens with their children at school in regards to their sexuality/gender will no longer be the parents business.  Then threaten to get Social Services involved to possibly remove the child from the home.  What a joke and a slap to the face of any parent.  Who does the school come after if there's a complaint regarding Truancy of the student?  The parents.  When there's issues in school with students behavior and such, does the school involve the parents?  Yes....  It is a shame in this Country-\"ONE NATION UNDER GOD\" that parents will be told that it's basically non of their business what life style their child is living or portraying to be, inside of our school system.  I promise, that NO ONE will EVER dictate to me how I should accept things regarding my children.  This a disgrace.  Where I live in VA, Social Services is beyond a joke on a normal day.  It takes multiple attempts to ever get Social Services involved when children are being abused and/or neglected inside their homes.  It's hard to get Social Services involved even when the children are being exposed to drug use inside their homes.  I hope that every one making these decisions to enforce this craziness for the transgender policies can deal with it when something bad happens to a student.  It's going to be a free for all, for any student that wants to prey on another student (especially of the opposite gender) that is weaker.  Our school systems should be ashamed.  If your child is confused about whom they want to be or what gender they want to be, then home school them.  Don't mess it up for the rest of the students education.  Most students accept each other for what they want to be anyway.  But attempting to take the parents rights away is not the way this should be handled.  Life for the students have been difficult enough since COVID."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93920", "author": "Matt Murdock", "date": "2021-02-02T17:46:00", "title": "Strongly Support the Regulations", "text": "Growing up trans in southwest Virginia was not a pleasant experience. By any means. I am glad that new guidance is being implemented to protect trans children and teens. No child should have to face discrimination in Virginia schools because of who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93921", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:47:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I do not support this at all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93922", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:48:00", "title": "So Awful!! Are any of the supporters even reading what is in this?", "text": "This is terrible, and it opens up my kids to being scared just to go to school becasue my daughter doesn't want to use the bathroom with boys who think they are girls. She is already afraid of getting in trouble if she \"misgenders\" someone else, now Virginia Public Schools want to implement policies to punish her?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93923", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:49:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This is indoctrination and otherwise serves no purpose. There's no need to forcefully enact this policy. People are perfectly capable of using the bathroom assigned to them by basic biological gender (and no it's not a social construct). The DOE is wasting time on this when there are far more important issues at play."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93924", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:50:00", "title": "Fully support! Transgender students deserve to be supported at their schools", "text": "Transgender students deserve to feel supported at their schools and have their gender identity recognized and respected. Policies banning students from using the bathroom that fits their identity and other anti-transgender policies are discriminatory and will only lead to more bullying and harassment from other students and have an adverse impact on the mental health and well-being of transgender students. Most of the comments against this policy cite supposed biblical definitions of gender and sexuality. These definitions do not belong in public schools or state legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93925", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:50:00", "title": "NOT IN SUPPORT AT ALL", "text": "This cannot possibly be in consideration. Would you want a 15 yr old boy watching a girl insert or remove tampons? This is absurd. This will lead to very bad situations fornboth sexes. Imagine the sexual assult rates. All a girl has to say is hebtpuched her ornvose versa. Get real. Would you want your daughters topless arpumd a bunch of boys. Please."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93926", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:50:00", "title": "!STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "!STRONGLY OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93927", "author": "Angela", "date": "2021-02-02T17:51:00", "title": "Rules for schools and transgender", "text": "I strongly oppose the \"rules\" regarding transgender issues for public schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93928", "author": "Heather Maher", "date": "2021-02-02T17:51:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "In order for society to reach its greatest potential, children should be treated equally and cared for no matter their sexual orientation. To build a strong community it is important that all members are treated with respect and cared for. I went to a Virginia high school and had a transgender friend. She did not come out because of the fear of acceptance and bullying. She was already ridiculed since she was thought to be a gay boy. This resulted in her academic work being affected negatively. Luckily she had family and friends to support her and she is now a successful contributor to our community. Not everyone has this support. Therefore, schools should provide more support for all transgender students so that they can flourish and improve our society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93929", "author": "Barbara, mother & grandmother", "date": "2021-02-02T17:51:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "Strongly, very strong oppose transgender policies concerning VA schools!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93930", "author": "L. Harrell", "date": "2021-02-02T17:53:00", "title": "Oppose. Concerned.", "text": "It is my understanding that the State of Virginia has a no-bullying policy in effect that would more than cover any issues being addressed in this proposed new legislation.  PLEASE allow parents to guide their children!  Both parents and teachers who have enjoyed the public education system in Virginia are being forced to leave for private education or homeschooling.  Psychologists have confirmed that most children outgrow \"gender confusion.\"  This policy seems to be a huge overreach.  I OPPOSE PASSIONATELY."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93931", "author": "Vincent Dexter", "date": "2021-02-02T17:54:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "There is no reason it should be 2021 and Virginia doesn't have A COMPREHENSIVE school policy regarding the health and wellbeing of transgender youth. This state has let the regressive, muddled and diseased minds of republicans and rural anti-social cultists drag its policies regarding the health of children down for too long. Time to believe in science and let people control their own bodies for once."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93932", "author": "Krista Smith", "date": "2021-02-02T17:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this policy", "text": "I oppose this shift in policy. Our society should operate under the premise that parents will protect their child’s best interests, and school policy should reflect that premise. Society should not act in opposition to family’s choices unless a child’s life is in danger."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93933", "author": "Lesley Brady", "date": "2021-02-02T17:56:00", "title": "Opposition of transgender", "text": "To Whom it Concerns, As a parent of two young children in elementary school, I implore you to refrain from allowing transgendered students to use school bathrooms of the opposite, natural sex. Children should not have to be in the same room with a nude student that has the opposite body genitalia. This would create an unsafe feeling environment and, quite frankly, children should not be subjected to seeing that genitalia. In regards to athletics, the same should apply. Men naturally have more muscle and body strength then females. It would not be fair to have a male playing a female sport where they are naturally stronger than females. Despite undergoing a gender change, naturally born males and females should use their same sexed bathrooms and participate in sports of their natural born sex. Please do NOT subject our children to having to witness male/female genitalia in opposite bathrooms. Lesley Brady"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93934", "author": "Dana", "date": "2021-02-02T17:56:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I hope every parent opposed to these regulations pull their children from public schools.  We need to stand up for our children. Keep them home and teach them values and morals; something they will no longer get at public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93935", "author": "Keith Shina", "date": "2021-02-02T17:56:00", "title": "men can't be women, women can't become men", "text": "A man cannot become a woman and a woman cannot become a man. The biggest claim of the transgender movement is that a man who thinks he’s a woman can really be a woman, and vice versa. You see this in many ways — from preferred pronouns, sex reassignment surgeries, and demands to use the restroom of perceived rather than given gender. The problem is that this is a philosophical claim that is not true, and can never be true, in any way or form. A man’s chromosomes cannot be engineered into female chromosomes. Altering one’s appearance cosmetically or surgically cannot change the underlying reality of a person’s biological make-up. The psychology of the mind cannot override the facts of a person’s biological markers. The transgender revolution demands that we believe falsehoods about human nature. And truth and falsehood have never been a matter of majority vote, because we know that there is a Creator who has the authority to decide and state what is right and wrong. The Bible supplies the framework for understanding the transgender revolution. A Christian worldview informed by the Bible can fully explain why people experience feelings of gender dysphoria. The Christian worldview is one that acknowledges that creation has been disrupted and is not the way it once was, nor how it will eventually be in the New Creation (Genesis 3; Romans 8; Revelation 21). No part of our existence in the universe has been left undisturbed by sin’s effects. This means that the brokenness of creation reaches into every corner of our lives — even our minds and hearts. To the same degree, every human is made in God’s image. To differing degrees and in differing ways, every human struggles with the brokenness of our own bodies, desires, and thoughts. And to the same degree, every human can find their true identity by recognizing that the God who made them has also saved for them and will one day restore them. So in this created-but-broken world, we understand that not all identities or feelings are to be accepted or fostered, because we are all guided by a mixture of good and broken desires. The great Bible story of Creation, Fall, and Redemption tells us that we should not be shocked that people experience desires that will not in fact bring about the wholeness they are seeking; and equally that we can never be self-righteous about how others struggle or sin."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93936", "author": "Brad C.", "date": "2021-02-02T17:57:00", "title": "Transgender rights and reading comprehension!", "text": "I fully support implementing policies to promote the health and well-being of trans youth. Many of the commenters don’t appear to have read or understood the document or its purpose. The Virginia Code has already been amended and mandates that the DOE develop model policies for school districts to implement no later than this upcoming school year. That part is not up for debate, nor are the existing laws or protections extended to students by both federal and state legislation. The recommendations outlined here are for evidence-based best practices for how districts can fulfil the requirement put forth in the Virginia Code to ensure that all of our students, regardless of their sex at birth, are ensured a learning environment that is safe and free from bullying and harassment. This is a goal that all Virginians should support, regardless of how you feel about “the transgender stuff.\" And just for the record, if you do find yourself opposed to the idea of equal rights for transgender folks, I would encourage you to do some introspection and really ask yourself why. Is it because of “biology?” Because we already know from modern science that there are more than two possible outcomes for “sex,” whether you define it by chromosomes or by phenotype. Is it because of religion? Because I know of almost no widely practiced world religion that does not uphold some version of the “golden rule” as a major tenet (and seem to remember something about this Jesus fellow who hung around the prostitutes and outcasts of society while reminding us to do better). Or is it just because you are uncomfortable? And does your discomfort really give you the right – in America – to restrict someone else’s freedom to peacefully exist?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94837", "author": "John", "date": "2021-02-03T08:09:00", "title": "The risk of violence and suicide for transgender youth is too widespread to ignore", "text": "It is important to be able to protect all children. Transgender youth are at a higher risk for victimization, bullying, and suicide. The protection of these students is everyone’s responsibility. Trans rights are human rights.  The protection of transgender youth is a matter of life and death for many.  The risk of violence and suicide for transgender youth is too widespread to ignore. I support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94838", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:09:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I strongly support this policy. All children deserve equal protection from bullying."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94839", "author": "Concerned citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T08:11:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94840", "author": "Scott", "date": "2021-02-03T08:11:00", "title": "Absolutely opposed - extremely destructive to kids and families?", "text": "I am absolutely opposed to the proposed policy changes!  Children are not made \"safer\" by the schools throwing them into gender confusion that they are neither ready to handle developmentally nor even thinking about unless prompted by agenda-driven adults. This proposed policy represents continued interference by government and school related officials with families who hold to deeply held religious values.  It leaves schools in the position of being dishonest with parents and in a sense, so devaluing the role of parents, that they (the public schools) see themselves as the sole arbiter of what the student should or should not believe.  This is not a position that has been granted by parents, or God Himself.  Parents should not be bypassed for the sake of an agenda driven false notion of \"safety.\"  This policy presumes, in reality, that parents do not have their own children's safety at heart or that they are capable or able to direct their children to healthy decisions.  This is a pompous assumption by our school administrators.  This is something I would expect to see coming out of Soviet Russia, not the United States of America. The public schools should spend more time focusing on adequately educating students in learning and how to learn as opposed to trying to reach into areas of social life with which they have no reason to participate.  I am absolutely opposed to this! No! No! No!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94841", "author": "Benjamin B", "date": "2021-02-03T08:11:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth.  I see a lot of comments about fear for daughters and sons having a trans youth in the bathroom.  These people commenting are not thinking about the other side - these trans youth fear using ANY bathroom or locker room.  Their safety and mental health is always at risk, so let's do our best to create an inclusive environment that supports ALL of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94842", "author": "Ashley", "date": "2021-02-03T08:12:00", "title": "I support.", "text": "I strongly support. The safety, well being, and happiness of trans and non-binary children shouldn’t be debated"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94843", "author": "Jessica Robinson", "date": "2021-02-03T08:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "The protection of innocent children is at stake."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94844", "author": "Richmond Resident", "date": "2021-02-03T08:16:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Distinction of public accommodations (restrooms) should be based upon biological sex, not gender. I agree that there is a need for improvement in school support systems for trans students, but the excess of these guidelines is inappropriate for school-age children. Standardized educational programs, designed and enforced by the state, that demand a distinct aspect of culture be accepted are out of line. Fundamentally, I do not believe humans can be transgender. BUT, I do believe that no human should be put down for what they believe in, what they want to wear, how they want to behave, what they want to call themselves. Who am I to get in the way of self-expression? Or decide what’s real and what’s not? To reiterate, these guidelines just overstep public education boundaries. Please, I am begging you to come up with some reasonable proposals. There does not need to be a dramatic shift in ideology. Also, in hopes that some other citizens will read this, stop trying to press your religion upon others. Your faith does not, and should not, define rule of law. Separation of church and state is a two-way street."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94845", "author": "Mari Litz", "date": "2021-02-03T08:16:00", "title": "OPPOSE this bill 100%!!!!", "text": "I could not oppose this bill more than I do now!  This bill does nothing to protect the majority of students.  This bill blatantly ignores the privacy, security and concerns of hundreds of thousand of kids, especially girls.  Your duty is to protect and serve all children that us as parents have placed in your trust. You are not finding a compromise to give respect and privacy to transgender students AND all other students.  If a student is uncomfortable using a restroom or locker room with people of their biological sex, why is it then not okay to address concerns of students who are now in a bathroom or locker room with people of the opposite sex?  You have essentially made bathrooms and locker rooms coed by not placing ANY restrictions here during the most formative and awkward time in children’s lives.  How is that a good thing? Many parents have opted this year to put their children in private schools or to homeschool them.  This will only increase with this overreach into our children’s privacy and security as parents have become more comfortable with other tools and resources available to them!  And before you think, “Great, we will have more funds for less # of students!”, I can guarantee the students you have lost and will lose are in the upper echelon of your test scores - and we all know that does directly impact your perceived success! I URGE you to reconsider this policy and draft a new policy that address’s concerns of ALL students and not just the extreme few!  You will not be able to appease everyone 100%, but you can show that you respect and value ALL students by coming up with policy that reflects everyone’s concerns even if you do not fully agree with them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94846", "author": "Lora", "date": "2021-02-03T08:16:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a teacher, I know how important this legislation is. It will save lives. Support trans kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94847", "author": "Justin Watts", "date": "2021-02-03T08:19:00", "title": "I oppose strongly - Schools are there to teach not to help my children explore their sexual identity", "text": "I oppose strongly - Schools are there to teach not to help my children explore their sexual identity.  Not to mention this is a direct violation of parental rights and sovereignty!  And a direct encroachment on religious freedom. I STRONGLY OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94848", "author": "Jenna Quinn", "date": "2021-02-03T08:23:00", "title": "Support all our youth", "text": "I support this bill in favor of advocating for the health of our trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94849", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:24:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose these policy changes because they will endanger vulnerable young people by allowing more opportunity for sexual abuse. I would have been horrified as a young lady to be made to change in front of a member of the opposite sex, even if that person was allegedly not interested in me. This policy ENDANGERS our children, it does not PROTECT them. It surrenders to the wishes of a small minority while ignoring the safety of the majority. What makes the wishes of a few transgender students more important than the rest of the students? Is the school system bowing to the popular trends of the day rather than standing for what is best for the students? What happens when students claim that they are neither male nor female, non-binary, and they wish to go back and forth between locker rooms depending on whether they feel more male or more female that day? This is certainly a recipe for disaster."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94850", "author": "Seoin Lee", "date": "2021-02-03T08:26:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "HOW DO YOU LET THE MUSTY PEDO TEACHERS CHECK SCHOOL GIRLS GENITALS WITHOUT THEUR CONSENT? YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DO THIS. first, this is very illegal seeing that most of our male teachers are pedos. Second, this is sexual harassment. Third, U MFS RLLY THINK THAT TRANS CHILDREN ARE DANGEROUS? WTF IS WRONG WITH THE GOVERNMENT. THAT GOV SENATOR HAS TO LEAVE THE GOVERNMENT. NOW. oh and also, why is it only for girls? You sexist mf."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94851", "author": "Olivia Tate", "date": "2021-02-03T08:27:00", "title": "Strongly support — we must do everything we can to affirm kids’ identities as they are growing up.", "text": "This is doing the bare minimum in order to affirm and protect trans students. Many of this Is already done for cis-normative students so why NOT do it for trans students. As a teacher, it is important to me that my students feel safe in their own skin. They won’t learn otherwise. If we’re talking about learning loss during a pandemic, the real learning loss is when students don’t feel safe enough to come to school because they feel threatened by their environment. Or when they’re in school, they’re so focused on getting to the next period unharmed and uncriticized that they don’t pay attention."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94852", "author": "Kimberly Weeks", "date": "2021-02-03T08:27:00", "title": "Strongly object", "text": "I am so opposed to this! Why can't we just stick with the Golden Rule?  The fact is that we would be encouraging children to make moral, life altering, body altering decisions at such a young age.  Young children being handed such a heavy burden isn't fair. Let them be children still!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94853", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:27:00", "title": "Strongly Support transgender education guidance", "text": "I strongly support these guidelines.  Transgender students need to be treated in accordance with their gender identity and to be supported in their transitions, not shamed or ridiculed by anyone, student or adult, at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94854", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:28:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights!", "text": "I strongly support trans rights in schools. Trans individuals deserve to feel safe and respected in their educational environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94855", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:28:00", "title": "STRONGLY support!", "text": "i see a lot of people claiming school is there to teach, not to have children explore their identity. But if as a child grows up, the school oppresses their identity, isn’t that inherently harmful? Trans kids deserve a space, surrounded by their peers, for them to explore themselves. Clearly this isn’t something they can do at home, given the amount of transphobic and hateful comments left here by people who strongly oppose this. School should foster growth from every aspect of a child and provide a warm and loving environment to do so."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94856", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:28:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94858", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:29:00", "title": "I oppose strongly", "text": "I oppose strongly.  Schools are there to teach not to help my children explore their sexual identity.  Not to mention this is a direct violation of parental rights and sovereignty!  It is a direct encroachment on religious freedom. STRONGLY OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94857", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:29:00", "title": "I am opposed to this policy", "text": "I am opposed to this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94859", "author": "S. Back", "date": "2021-02-03T08:30:00", "title": "Never", "text": "This should NEVER be passed ANYWHERE!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94860", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:30:00", "title": "STONGLY OPPOSE. TRANS CRAP IS A PRODUCT OF MOLESTATION AND DEGENERATE PARENTS", "text": "Absolutely not. The only thing transkids should get is the police called on their parents for CHILD ABUSE and probably MOLESTATION. There is no such thing as TRANS kids! These are just kids with mentally ill parents manipulating their children and probably molesting them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94861", "author": "S.T.", "date": "2021-02-03T08:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this bill. You cannot overstep parental rights.", "text": "Please do not allow this bill to be approved. The school system continues to overstep its boundaries by pushing parents voices out of the children’s lives each year. The school system was designed to teach math, reading, history, and science. They do not have a right to teach about sexuality, especially when that means forcing a bill that would exclude a patents right to know what’s going on in their own child’s life. Stop overstepping. Stop pushing an evil agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94862", "author": "Caroline D.", "date": "2021-02-03T08:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. I STRONGLY SUPPORT this bill. Making schools inclusive, equitable, and anti-discriminatory is a step in the best direction. As a bisexual woman, I strongly support taking care of marginalized students, and flipping the script and what closed-minded folx see as \"right.\" Taking call of all students means taking care of ALL students. Loving all students means loving ALL students. Educating all students means educating ALL students. Don't further marginalize and discriminate against trans students. They deserve space, and time, and a place where they can obtain an education without fear."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94863", "author": "John Cotoia MD'23", "date": "2021-02-03T08:32:00", "title": "In Support of the Pursuit of Life, Liberty, and Happiness", "text": "In 2015, exactly 27,715 respondents from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. military bases overseas completed the U.S. Transgender Survey < http://www.ustranssurvey.org/ >. 723 identified as Virginians. Data from the Executive Report on Experiences in Schools: More than three-quarters (77%) of those who were out or perceived as transgender at some point between Kindergarten and Grade 12 (K–12) experienced some form of mistreatment, such as being verbally harassed, prohibited from dressing according to their gender identity, disciplined more harshly, or physically or sexually assaulted because people thought they were transgender. Fifty-four percent (54%) of those who were out or perceived as transgender in K–12 were verbally harassed, nearly one-quarter (24%) were physically attacked, and 13% were sexually assaulted in K–12 because of being transgender. Seventeen percent (17%) faced such severe mistreatment as a transgender person that they left a K–12 school. Nearly one-quarter (24%) of people who were out or perceived as transgender in college or vocational school were verbally, physically, or sexually harassed. Let lived experiences rise above the opinions of others so that we make work together to end this history of trauma. This decision will protect the rights of all children to exist, thrive, and grow into healthy and happy contributing members of society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94864", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:32:00", "title": "IN YOUR HOME", "text": "s won't be happy until they've attempted to corrupt every child's mind with this gay homo . Transpeople commit suicide at a rate higher than jews in nazi occupied Germany even AFTER transitioning and being \"accepted\". That tells you all you need to know about how mentally unstable/ill they are. Now they want that for kids. No. Go yourself. Maybe if these people had relationships with THEIR Fathers they wouldn't want to molest and mistreat children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94865", "author": "VA school parent", "date": "2021-02-03T08:33:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!!!", "text": "This is a very dangerous policy!!  Most people who oppose this bill care for and have empathy for transgender students; however, letting ANYONE go into the bathroom or locker room they choose puts our most vulnerable population at risk! Please reconsider other options to accommodate transgender students like allowing them to use private bathrooms such as the nurse’s bathrooms. We cannot fully accommodate the concerns/wishes of transgender students without then making MANY more students feel the same uncomfortableness and insecurity that the transgender first felt in the bathroom that matched their biological sex.  It does not make any sort of logical sense! Please protect and consider ALL students’ concerns, as they are all legitimate and worthy of addressing and protecting!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94866", "author": "Rachael Pohlman", "date": "2021-02-03T08:33:00", "title": "Oppose Bill 145 and 161", "text": "I strongly oppose Bill 145 and 161! There are sufficient laws that already protect students. This is yet another gross overreach of government and it must be stopped! The government is not and will never be a replacement for fair and decent parenting. Nor are they the authority on what parenting SHOULD be. In that, by substituting itself in place of parental guidance and basic moral training, you are directly undermining and degrading the delicate and PRIVATE fabric of the nuclear family, parental rights, responsibilities, and privilege. What this bill will further do is handicap parents and weaken family units even further. VA parents are responsible, capable, loving, and care for their families. If they are not, there are laws and procedures to deal with these issues. How will taking away parental responsibility to ALL parents, help increase safety & well being in our children? IT WILL NOT! We do not need the government to regulate how we raise our children, nor influence our morals & beliefs. STOP GOVERNMENT OVERREACH NOW! OPPOSE Bill 145 and 161."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94867", "author": "Amanda", "date": "2021-02-03T08:33:00", "title": "I do not support and oppose this", "text": "This is ridiculous. I object. Your frontal lobe isn't fully developed until age 23. That is your decision making lobe. Stop abusing our children and putting these thoughts in their heads at a young age. Let them decide as adults."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94869", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:34:00", "title": "s", "text": "No. off s"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94870", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:35:00", "title": "All in support are CHILD MOLESTERS! Round them all up and eradicate them.", "text": "Transkids are a result of abuse. They want to abuse our children. Say no to this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94871", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:38:00", "title": "s", "text": "My kids will be taught to ignore these \"transkids\" and treat them like the gender they are not the gender they wish to be. Bring back BULLYING. We never had these issues when I was a kid because s got what they deserved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94872", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:39:00", "title": "hell no", "text": "Keep all the LGBT elsewhere. Go to a homo-private-school where the teachers can molest your kids"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94873", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:42:00", "title": "Strongly support this bill!!", "text": "Strongly support this bill!  Transgender students must be protected and supported at all costs, and this school system should be a place of safety and comfort for all transgender students (unlike the hateful nature of this comment section)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94874", "author": "Becki Steele", "date": "2021-02-03T08:47:00", "title": "Absolutely Opposed", "text": "My husband and I are absolutely opposed to the policies proposed by the VDOE as it allows life choices to be made for our children that do not include us as parents. We will not allow this agenda to be pushed onto our kids. If we understand this correctly, the VDOE, school faculty/staff, and even the Church are expected to exclude parental involvement in our children's lives while in these institutions? And we are just supposed to be okay with this? It almost feels as if our children are being stolen from us. No, sir. No, ma'am."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94875", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:48:00", "title": "Strongly opposed this bill. Appalling it's even being considered! Protect our children", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill. We must protect our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94876", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:50:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "I support clear guidance and consistent expectations across Virginia's public schools so that all students feel safe -- a minimal standard that I would hope be clear and urgent even to people who do not support LGBTQ+ rights. I would welcome further guidance of how to represent LGBTQ+ people and families in curriculum and libraries (not just health). One example of this can be found in the MA social science standards: https://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/hss/2018-12.pdf . This would build on the state's good work in making social science more inclusive of black, brown, and native experiences. Thanks for your work in this process!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94877", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:51:00", "title": "SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT!! SHAME ON THOSE WHO OPPOSE", "text": "people who think people are gross for being themselves are the true and absolute scum of the earth. lgbt people (especially students) deserve so much love and support?? SHAME ON THOSE WHO OPPOSE. THIS BILL IS ROLLING OUT ANYWAY REGARDLESS OF YOUR OPINIONS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94878", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:51:00", "title": "Strongly support!! These comments suggest need for protection and support of trans students.", "text": "Strongly support. The comments posted on this forum strongly suggest that trans students are in dire need of protection, support, and equity. They are people, CHILDREN, and deserve to feel safe and supported in their places of state mandated learning."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94879", "author": "Amy Sorensen", "date": "2021-02-03T08:52:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94880", "author": "Amanda Carriker Moore", "date": "2021-02-03T08:52:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!!", "text": "Transgender lives are equally as important as anyone else's, and should be treated as such. Ask yourself what you would want, if you had a transgender child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94881", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T08:52:00", "title": "agree!!!", "text": "trans rights are Human rights and anyone who disagrees is closeted<3"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94882", "author": "Lindsey", "date": "2021-02-03T08:55:00", "title": "Opposed.", "text": "I am opposed to this bill. It will cause absolute confusion to our children and teens. This being said, I have no hate and only love for those who consider themselves to be transgender. We are called to show nothing but love foreveryone, but this bill is ridiculous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94883", "author": "S", "date": "2021-02-03T08:55:00", "title": "Support all children", "text": "Support all children regardless of how they self identify. Everyone has the right to decide who they want to be in a safe environment especially children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94884", "author": "JM - VA parent", "date": "2021-02-03T08:55:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose - Stop this indoctrination !!!", "text": "I strongly oppose the VDOE’s draft policies for the treatment of transgender students because: It clearly violates parent’s rights to educate their children with their family values. This policy gives the schools the authority to hide children’s personal information from their parents It also sacrifices and compromises the privacy and safety of all the students. Simply put, this draft of VDOE’s policies aim to instill in the students a set of habits and misbeliefs that align with an ideology against family values, constituting them in a clear indoctrination. I strongly oppose this VDOE’s policy!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94885", "author": "Matt Alhazred, Pastor at Hosanna Tabor church", "date": "2021-02-03T08:56:00", "title": "Strongly Support, only a Bigot would oppose this", "text": "We must support our children in any form they come in. To oppose this action is to show a vile heart intrinsically tied to a weak and corrupted faith and humanity. All who oppose shall be condemned for all eternity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94886", "author": "A Boy is Male a Girl is Female nobody dies from that FACT", "date": "2021-02-03T08:56:00", "title": "Prove Children can suddenly be born with wrong genitals by accident. YOU CANT !  Brainwashing.", "text": "http://www.publicadvocateusa.org/news/article.php?article=10794&fbclid=IwAR0yuLoEUGCQULTyOBdD3M0CVLJcwyw5mxNPyDa3AJHbhAbEpIq56OsOlNE 1st the lies there was an outbreak of confused children, then fraudulent funding sex habit/fetish that somehow overnight landed in public schools k-12 in an effort to socially construct gender confusion 2017 https://www.facebook.com/familyresearchcouncil/videos/10155237328052442/ Clearly hiding awareness efforts for reality was a priority of the invested in this perverted CULT agenda https://youtu.be/hmWEU-G9Emw Why would it be ok to continually ignore Parents and Girls ? https://twitter.com/KLBfax/status/1351286028477341702?s=20 #KeiraBell Keira Bell could prob teach Gavin Grimm a few things about reality of taking bribes to encourage self hatred https://www.channel4.com/news/children-have-been-very-seriously-damaged-by-nhs-gender-clinic-says-former-tavistock-staff-governor Traceability EXISTS. Who will take responsibility for the damages done to minors being targeted ? If I told you people my family’s experiences directly with transagenda involving a 5yr old male and strangers claiming they knew his penis was an accident day 1 most of you wouldn’t sleep well again. The facts are this was a socially constructed perverted Cult agenda intending to profit from labeling children with sex habit/fetish titles. Drugging and Encouraging Genital mutilation based on feelings and coached self destruction is Blatant Evil. There couldn’t be a more obvious answer as to what is the right thing to do. It couldn’t be more obvious the intent is to punish people for pointing out truth. This is how"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94887", "author": "Sydnee S", "date": "2021-02-03T08:56:00", "title": "I absolutely support this initiative.", "text": "I absolutely support this initiative. It is my greatest hope that the impact of this proposal will be that the children of the those posters who are expressing outright fear and hatred towards these concepts will be more understanding, more compassionate, and more open-minded than their parents, having not been raised in the fog of condemning those different than you, and fearing that which they don’t understand. For those who claim their religious or parental rights are being taken away or, worse, that this action attempts to discriminate against them, I would like to remind them that lessons can be taught and reiterated at home to the parents’ content, but it is not the job of a public school to curate a worldview for your child that matches your own. More importantly, the separation of church and state falls additionally on to these state institutions, so that those who need those resources to be available to them, such as that of a good and safe education, can do so without fear of persecution and the distractions of bigotry. Your right to your religion does not outweigh a trans students right to live their life according to their choosing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94888", "author": "S.Hartman", "date": "2021-02-03T08:59:00", "title": "I Support!", "text": "YES! I 100% support protecting the mental health and overall well-being of our transgender youth! As a mental health professional, I believe it to be crucial that we begin advocating and protecting the rights of our children. This will eventually help to decrease the suicidal ratings and encourage individuals to understand their value as a human regardless of their sexual and gender identity. Trans rights are human rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94889", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:00:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "This bill absolutely need to be passed for the sake of our children. In order to have an effective learning environment safety and security for our children needs to be met first. This is not a difference of opinion, this is support that is required to be given to all children. We should not discriminate under any circumstance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94890", "author": "Harrison fink, US citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T09:00:00", "title": "I support this", "text": "Strongly am for this. Support all people regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or race."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94891", "author": "Mara H", "date": "2021-02-03T09:00:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "Thank you for helping ALL children to feel welcome, seen, included, and supported! Loved children become loving adults!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94892", "author": "Carin", "date": "2021-02-03T09:01:00", "title": "Cease usurping parental rights under the guise of personal choice", "text": "It is time to speak science in regards to the proposal placed before the VDOE. The science, biology, of this lgbtq+ proposed “education” is sorely lacking. There is no scientific evidence that humans can change gender or can choose gender, which is a biologically placed matter. Allowing students of the other sexes into restrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams is denying science and harming children in more ways than one. It is time to let parents become the lead on their child’s personal acceptance of gender and sexuality. Taking away the rights of parents is a gross overstepping of the VDOE and completely irrational and unconstitutional. This is stripping the rights of biological women from all aspects of education and achievement and should be stopped immediately. Step down, VDOE. This is not education, it is politics. It is a clear and present danger to children and to women and it’s time to stop the nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94893", "author": "CitiEn", "date": "2021-02-03T09:02:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT - TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "Protect the students, all of them!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94894", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:02:00", "title": "IN SUPPORT", "text": "I SUPPORT TRANS RIGHTS IN SCHOOLS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94895", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:04:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "People who identify as trans deserve protection in our schools.  Many of the comments here in this forum prove the vulnerability of those who identify as trans.  All children deserve to participate in school free from harassment.  I strongly support implementing model policies in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94896", "author": "LW", "date": "2021-02-03T09:04:00", "title": "Gender of a child", "text": "May God have Mercy on your souls for trying to brainwash our children ?? I strongly oppose this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94897", "author": "Lucy Litz", "date": "2021-02-03T09:04:00", "title": "Transgender policy opposed", "text": "Opposed to the transgender policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94898", "author": "David", "date": "2021-02-03T09:04:00", "title": "Strongly opposes. God does not make mistakes", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy. God does not make mistakes. I’m not one for hating on anybody but I do not believe in this policy whatsoever. God made either male or female, not in between. You cannot choose your gender, that is just absolutely stupid and ridiculous. Those of you who believe in this transgender trash is pretty much saying that God made a mistake and he was wrong. That is even terrible to think about. I refused to have my daughter go into any bathroom or locker room where it’s possible that a guy could walk in. If I ever find out that that happens, there is going to be some serious serious problems and that is a threat!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94899", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T09:04:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender bill. It's not right to undermine & go behind parents backs regarding what their child is involved in, does or is disciplined about at school. No child should be bullied or harrassed but forcing, teaching, & encouraging transgender/LGBTQ agenda is reckless & causes further confusion to children. The Bible & nature itself plainly states/shows that their is male & female not only physically but their inner self as well. To enforce this agenda puts the teachers & children in situations that would otherwise not be an issue. Parents & teachers need to work together in the education of their children. Teachers should not be forced to teach & embarce questionable agenda without the parents knowledge. This definitely breaksdown the trust between parents & teachers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94900", "author": "Joy B", "date": "2021-02-03T09:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "It’s extremely sad and dangerous to allow children to “choose” their gender. They will undoubtedly end up with more emotional, mental, and physical issues. ?? Children need to be encouraged to embrace who they ARE, not what they wish they were. Also, very dangerous to remove parents’ rights in ANY AREA."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94901", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:05:00", "title": "I doubt anyone who supports this has read anything beyond the title.", "text": "The title of this document is \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools\" and is 26 pages long.  A one page document could be written to say transgender students should be treated just like everyone else. This document uses 26 pages to create new terms and rules to be used as a stick to beat anyone with the view that remotely opposes anything transgender. You must believe you can choose your own gender and change depending on how you feel at any given time. This document even suggests the school as a judge between students and their parents. \"In the situation when parents or guardians of a minor student (under 18 years of age) do not agree with the student’s request to adopt a new name and pronouns, school divisions will need to determine whether to respect the student’s request, abide by the parent’s wishes\" why would the school even want to be put themselves in this situation? The schools job is to teach children working together with parents. Not a single thing in the 26 pages makes that job easier for schools or parents. I believe transgender is a not a problem to be solved in school. What someone chooses to do after they are 18 is there choice. Before 18 it's parents choice how to raise their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94902", "author": "Anne Patsalosavvis", "date": "2021-02-03T09:05:00", "title": "OPPOSED to the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students Proposed by the VDOE", "text": "Good afternoon! I am a mother, grandmother and former teacher and I am opposed to Radical Gender Theory being introduced into our Virginia School System.  The students of today and future generations would be much better served if the VDOE would refocus and put their primary energy and attention on educating our students in the areas of reading, writing, math and science.  That is why parents send their children into school.  They do not send their children into school to be socially indoctrinated and engineered into group think based on what the VDOE decides is best for everyone.  Really?  We are trying to climb out of a global pandemic and trying to get the students safely back into the school buildings so that the world can begin to function again, and this is what you are spinning your wheels about?  This is how our tax dollars are being spent?  I can only imagine all of the \"professionals\" and \"experts\" that lined their pockets to come up with these programs that will infiltrate and pollute every aspect of the curricula, sports activities, clubs, as well as any counseling and advocacy groups.  I beg of you for the welfare of our children, please get back to the job of being educators and leave the parenting to parents and the family.  You have no business there! Thank you for your time and attention. Respectfully, Anne Patsalosavvis"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94904", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:06:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94905", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:06:00", "title": "Public schools is no place for the radical agenda of a few.", "text": "This is a radical agenda. Face it. It is an agenda  of a relatively few people and should not be pushed onto everybody in our public schools.  Our public schools serve ten’s of thousands of kids and teachers.  They should not be expected to follow this confusing radical agenda of a few people!  This  mentality  is innately confusing even to the one it is suppose to serve. This proposal is not to protect kids-  it is to punish people who don’t think the same way as his radical few.  The school board should be smart enough to recognize this for what it is."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94906", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:06:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose this initiative. Adequate protections against bullying and discrimination already exist while this measure goes beyond those protections to restrict the rights of parents and guardians by not only limiting parental involvement and the essential flow of information to responsible parties by the school but also threatening parents with the removal of their children if they take exception and desire to exercise their rightful authority as parents and constitutionally-protected religious beliefs which inform that family relationship. This measure is unnecessary and goes beyond legal bounds to infringe on parental rights. It should be strongly opposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94907", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:07:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this, as it’s important that people don’t face discrimination from people who are too busy hiding behind “family values” to hide their bigotry. I also support sharing the mountains of research that only serves to continue validating trans people with the local community (even in our educational institutions) if that’s what it takes to open people’s eyes as to the harm they may be causing by opposing this. Cheers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94908", "author": "Rosie Morales", "date": "2021-02-03T09:07:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. Never support harassment of any kind.But do not encourage children to choose gender", "text": "God created each of us uniquely and with His purpose in mind. Children are innocent yet naive and swayed easily. We cannot continue to teach the next generations to come that they can do what they please because they “feel” a certain way. We all have temptations and ideas that are morally wrong within us and need to learn how to endure through this life realizing it’s not what we want it to be. Endurance builds character. These children are being taught that it is okay to do whatever they please and have major entitlement attachments. As a mother of a son and a daughter, I will not stand by nor support this. I would pray with and for these children. Teach them they are SO loved by their maker and that they will continue to experience things in their hearts like this throughout their lives. I know this world isn’t run by God, so we as Christ followers need to speak up where darkness is taking over. I strongly oppose the encouragement of transgender acceptance in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94909", "author": "Blessing", "date": "2021-02-03T09:07:00", "title": "I support this bill", "text": "Trans people are people too. Trans children deserve to feel safe while figuring out who they want to be like the rest of us. All of us are made up of different identities so who are we to say that this specific type of identity is immoral? I support this bill and the safety of Trans children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94910", "author": "K. Marsh", "date": "2021-02-03T09:07:00", "title": "Kids aren't ready for this...", "text": "As a public school teacher, it grieves me that we would force children to swallow concepts they aren't ready for.  It grieves me that we would tell parents that they cannot teach their own children what they believe to be right.  This legislation is forcing on the population of our state at large a worldview that most do not hold to.  Our nation is supposed to be one of Freedom and Individual Rights, where each person is free to live by his/her own convictions.  Putting this type of legislation through sends the message that we must believe what the government tells us to.  I would have a hard time telling a child it was okay if he wanted to change genders.  Based on the Bible I believe God creates each person male or female, and it is wrong to force the people of Virginia to teach children and manage schools according to a godless worldview.  More and more families will decide to leave public schools for other educational options if the state forces them to swallow this viewpoint."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94911", "author": "Lindsey Schultz", "date": "2021-02-03T09:08:00", "title": "Parents must be consulted: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Pages 12 and 13 of the guidance document for the treatment of transgender students state that information may be purposefully withheld from \"unsupportive parents.\" The status of a student's sexual identity is more a personal matter than an educational one. If a student is exploring their identity, especially if they plan to transition, it is a medical and social/emotional matter. Parents should not be able to tell the school what and how to teach the students. In the same way, the school should not allow a child make such huge, life altering decisions without the knowledge or consent of their parents, even if a school staff member disagrees with the parents' response. A family may already have supports and plans in place for the particular student. The school should never interfere with how a student is being raised. As an educator, that is not my job."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94912", "author": "Caitlin Williams", "date": "2021-02-03T09:09:00", "title": "Strongly support implementation of these guidelines", "text": "As a Virginia parent of school age children in the public school system I strongly support the implementation of these guidelines. It can only help the mental health and school participation of students. All students deserve to be treated equally, fairly, and with respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94913", "author": "Constance E. Sisk", "date": "2021-02-03T09:10:00", "title": "Please don't ...", "text": "Please stick to the basics ... which the school system has yet to master.  Why take on another ridiculous and bad idea?  Just teach the children to read (and think for themselves), write and add."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94914", "author": "K. A.", "date": "2021-02-03T09:10:00", "title": "VA Schools Transgender Policies ~ HELL NO!!!", "text": "Women & children have been assaulted and raped in Target restrooms since their policy of allowing transgenders in their restrooms and dressing rooms!!! Supporters of this policy want protection for trans children. What about the safety of the other children???"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94915", "author": "Maggie McBrady", "date": "2021-02-03T09:11:00", "title": "Strongly Support!!", "text": "I strongly support these policy updates. Schools need to have the resources to serve and educate their students. Schools should be a safe place for all children to learn. Enacting these policies shows a portion of our population that they are valued and supported."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94916", "author": "Griffin", "date": "2021-02-03T09:11:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I support that transgender students deserve equal protection in all aspects of our fundamental freedoms. Life. Liberty. And the pursuit of happiness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94917", "author": "Katie M.", "date": "2021-02-03T09:11:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of Trans Youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94918", "author": "Autumn Burke", "date": "2021-02-03T09:11:00", "title": "Strongly support! Everyone deserves the right to be themselves and to feel comfortable. #transmatter", "text": "I strongly support trans lives. They are humans just like everyone else. I don’t know why society is deciding what is the right and wrong way to live. EVERYONE deserves to be themselves and express it the way they want. We should support this community and to allow them to feel comfortable in public places. I understand the concern just like every other subject. We have to realize that this is already a difficult transition for their community to make.. so why make it harder when we could just try to come together and understand how they are feeling."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94919", "author": "Jennifer Thompson", "date": "2021-02-03T09:11:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I do not support schools discussing any sort of sexual orientation/sexuality topics with young children. There is absolutely no reason that a young child should be exploring their sexuality before a certain age. This notion that we should encourage children to make such choices at a very young age is disgusting and serves no purpose in a civilized society. Schools should be focusing on the subjects they are teaching and good character traits in general - not whether or not you are male/female/etc. Teachers have enough to worry about as it is, and having to worry about whether they are using the correct he/she/they terminology is absurd."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94920", "author": "Casey Rafter", "date": "2021-02-03T09:13:00", "title": "Conflict with 1A Religious Freedom, Dignitatis Humanae and Conscience", "text": "Conflict with 1A Religious Freedom, Dignitatis Humanae and Conscience: The 1st Amendment binds State. Dignitatis Humanae binds Church. Conscience binds the Individual. I am protected by conscience. Conscience is protected by Church. Church is protected by State. The individual inviolable conscience rejects the authority of any forces seeking to compel action against conscience. Life itself is a steady state of religious ritual in practice. Any tax imposition or attempts to restrict freedom is null and the opportunity forfeit until which time appropriate efforts are converted to alignment of each individual conscience. “If a law is within the legitimate power of government to enact, then the First Amendment does not apply. That amendment is about what is outside the power of government and what it may not do.” https://www.americamagazine.org/issue/religious-liberty-50 By the very nature of the proposed regulation citing protection of the first amendment, the proposed ruling also confirms that religious liberty falls equally and irrefutably under the same sphere of influence. It is self-evident that which is outside the power of (State) government is equally and irrefutably outside the power of (Church) government for reasons the same. The supreme jurisdiction on matters of faith and morals remains the inviolable conscience of the individual. It is imperative that detailed and concise language outlining the relationship of individual conscience with the proposed is included for the benefit of each individual resident of Virginia. Failure to do so negates the positive moment in the spirit of the proposed regulation. This opportunity to realize positive potential and combine efforts of faith, hope and love at the individual level is at stake."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94921", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:14:00", "title": "Couple concerns", "text": "While I support the people in the LGBTQ community, there are a couple issues which need to be addressed. One is restrooms and locker facilities. Sharing facilities with transgender people invites potential risk (woman in a male body) on the other girls - and especially vise versa. For a boy who was a girl, picturing the reaction of the boys towards that person changing in the locker room would expose students to a woman’s body a lot sooner, and there are boys who would find a way to act on those feelings. So shared facilities leads to increased sexual exposure to students, uncomfortably for (I hesitate to say, but) normal students, and the potential for rape and increased bullying. Next is gender the gender specific activities. Men and woman are biologically different, and even with hormonal therapy and surgical changes, a trans person will still be different. There are already examples of trans women competing with woman-at-birth and blowing them out of the water. Even the Olympics has a current one year mandatory therapy period before trans people can compete, but they are considering extending that because women who were men at birth are still out performing women. Allowing transgender students to compete in the gender they identify as would either make it more difficult for the students or overly easy for the students. Those are the two biggest issues that I believe would need to be addressed so that activities are fair for all the involved students, and general education, like gym, doesn’t provide more opportunities for discomfort, bullying, and rape."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94922", "author": "Lee Anne Galanes", "date": "2021-02-03T09:14:00", "title": "Concerns about Transgender Policy as currently written", "text": "Dear VDOE: As a public school  parent, I am terribly concerned that your draft policy grossly infringes on parental rights to know what's going on with their children, is harmful to children identifying as trans, and is incredibly insensitive to ethnic minorities.  Arlington, Virginia (where my kids are in school) drafted its transgender policy with similar exclusive language about providing parents information about their children.  I am comfortable with where Arlington landed - namely, by making ample accommodations for children identifying as transgender but not impeding parents from knowing how their own children expressing themselves at school. It is A SIGNIFICANT OVERREACH for the Commonwealth to so exclude parents in such an egregious way.  If one of my kids identified as a different gender at school, it should be my right to know about something so important going on with them.  Furthermore, your policy suggests that teachers have more rights than parents in the lives of children.  Given that transgender children have such high rates of depression and suicide, it is horrific that you would want to exclude parents in important information about their kids.  A parent is the first line in suicide prevention; your policy may create horrible situations by specifically excluding parents.  Plus, it seems so harmful to kids' mental health to encourage these children to live with a dual reality between home and school.  Furthermore, while I am left-leaning, my kids go to school here in zip code 22204 with so many conservative Muslim families.  This policy needs to consider the needs of ethnic minorities that yes, may have different views about gender, but should still have rights to parent according to their creed.  Asking a child to wear a hijab (while no, is not something I will ever do) should not be a reason to call CPS.  Rather, counseling and mediation for a whole family should be the answer. Please revise this draft with something more reasonable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94923", "author": "Josh M", "date": "2021-02-03T09:15:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Non-binary children are children, they aren't something to be feared. The legitimacy of their existence should be affirmed, especially as adolescents when they are coming to terms with their gender identity. Issues surrounding locker rooms/etc. should be addressed by increasing privacy for students who desire it, not by shoehorning them into a gender identity that is most convenient for the adults involved. This guidance is badly needed, as many school boards across the state are unlikely to address these issues of their own volition."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94924", "author": "Beth Cox", "date": "2021-02-03T09:15:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I urge you to adopt this guidance, which will keep my child and all others safe. It's time to dispel the myths around this topic."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94925", "author": "A. Daniels", "date": "2021-02-03T09:15:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Transgender students are some of the most vulnerable children in our communities, and face a great deal of stress and discrimination - many of the enraged and bigoted comments in this town hall section duly prove this point. It would be in the service of all members of the community to provide these students with protections and accommodations, so that through their affirmation, they feel supported and are able to thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94926", "author": "Jenna Wood", "date": "2021-02-03T09:15:00", "title": "Support trans students", "text": "I support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. Transgender students need and deserve to have a safe place to learn, just like all other students are granted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94927", "author": "Jody Schorr", "date": "2021-02-03T09:18:00", "title": "VDOE transgender policies", "text": "I fully support the policies that are proposed to protect and support transgender students in schools.  Transgender rights are human rights.  Every child deserves to feel supported, included and protected in school.  There is no place for discrimination especially in schools.  Students need to focus on thriving in academics and social interaction when attending school and this can only happen when they are not being threatened, bullied and targeted by people who do not understand or care about them.  Teachers and administrators have a duty to represent every student not just the ones who identify as cisgender and heterosexual."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94928", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:19:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I hope that those who are tasked with reviewing public comment will look at the abusive and hateful language used by those in opposition to see what this is really about. These parents are indoctrinating their children to hate and bully anyone who is different than them. Keep your hateful religion out of the classroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94929", "author": "Alyssa", "date": "2021-02-03T09:20:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this bill and future bills that move to protect trans lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94930", "author": "Ginny Perfater", "date": "2021-02-03T09:20:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "As a single mom, I put myself through school. I worked so hard to get here. I have been a math teacher for 7 years. I have welcomed every student to my class. I have encouraged every student. I have supported every student, but I will not condone sin. Please as a Christian as a mother, do not put me in the position to choose between my career, a job I have intense passion for, and my faith. My faith in Jesus Christ will win! I don't want to walk away, but I will have no choice. I will take my own children with me."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94931", "author": "Tom Moulton", "date": "2021-02-03T09:20:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "This initiative can give transgender children the guidance and safe space needed to feel like a member of society that is respected and included."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94932", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:22:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "strongly appose this policy, va says follow the science on covid but not on biology, want to take control from parents over their kids. if dont comply with their views you must be punished, no free thought for you think as we say."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94933", "author": "Steve", "date": "2021-02-03T09:23:00", "title": "Transgenders are not human", "text": "Transgenders are not human. God made humans to be male and female. They do not belong in our schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94934", "author": "Anon", "date": "2021-02-03T09:24:00", "title": "Trans Student Legislation", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the health and wellbeing of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94935", "author": "none", "date": "2021-02-03T09:25:00", "title": "I absolutely oppose this", "text": "There is absolutely no reason to allow this to happen.  If children are struggling with their identity, then there should be some additional kind of unisex bathroom/changing room, etc. just for them.  They should not be allowed in the same changing area as someone of the opposite sex, what about that persons right to privacy? When does the majority get their rights back, and we stop accommodating a teeny tiny minority?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94936", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-02-03T09:25:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose these revisions (changes) that would be implemented if approved. They are not something that a school should be able to do as it should be a family matter alone. If approved, they will be forcing this onto other students and teachers who do not support the choice of the student."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94937", "author": "Julia Dinkin", "date": "2021-02-03T09:27:00", "title": "Support for brief", "text": "I support transgender students rights. There should be no question that any human should have to fight for basic rights and respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94938", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:27:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose -", "text": "transgenders is a mental problem and parents must be involved"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90803", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-19T18:08:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Parents need to be a part of any conversation with the school in regards to the child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90804", "author": "Jamie Schultz", "date": "2021-01-19T18:12:00", "title": "Support! And Thank you!", "text": "I fully support this legislation. Thank you for following the science and making schools a safe place for our children and future leaders to feel safe and secure in being their authentic true selves!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90806", "author": "jenesse evertson", "date": "2021-01-19T18:28:00", "title": "support", "text": "so supportive of this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90807", "author": "Ellen Heberling", "date": "2021-01-19T18:30:00", "title": "As an educator, I SUPPORT our TRANS YOUTH!", "text": "It's imperative as educators (and just frankly as adults) that we make sure all students have a chance to be successful, and can do so in a safe, positive, loving environment. This policy that is being proposed is a step in the right direction. It's important that we respect a student's gender identity by accepting their pronouns or name changes. It's equally important to respect a student's privacy, if they request so, and schools need to develop policy to respect that. This will positively affect the mental well-being of many of our students in the commonwealth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90808", "author": "concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-19T18:40:00", "title": "Treatment of transgender students", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90809", "author": "william sherrerd-smith", "date": "2021-01-19T18:55:00", "title": "Very Much in Favor!", "text": "I think this document is a wonderful guideline for how to treat all students with respect and dignity. Acceptance and tolerance will help reduce the incidence of mental health disparities in this community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90810", "author": "Teresa Cotter", "date": "2021-01-19T18:58:00", "title": "opposition to proposed transgender regulations", "text": "The proposed regulations would undercut parents' involvement in the life of their children at school and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of students. Thank you for your consideration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90811", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-19T19:07:00", "title": "Strongly oppose brainwashing kids", "text": "I strongly disagree with this attempt to brainwash children into believing that they're a female when they're a male and visa versa.  This stuff is sick and sick, mentally ill people are the ones that want to push it on school age kids. Kids need to be taught math, science, reading, and other regular subjects instead of having this sick crap being pushed on them. School is not the place for this kind of thing. This is what psychiatrists are for. If you're unsure of some as simple as your gender, you need mental help."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90812", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-19T19:12:00", "title": "There's a reason for this", "text": "There's a big picture here behind all of this. If this society can churn out more confused, stupid, weird, mentally ill people, then the more Democrat voters there will be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90813", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-19T19:17:00", "title": "VDOE PEDOSADISTS", "text": "You don't deserve civil comments, because you are monsters to propose these things"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90814", "author": "Sharon Bowman", "date": "2021-01-19T19:25:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE  these nonsense guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90815", "author": "Alex Gecker", "date": "2021-01-19T19:29:00", "title": "Thank you for supporting all children", "text": "Thank you for supporting all children.  We should teach children it is safe to explore and express their identities, as long as they follow the same guidelines that apply in any other regard - be kind, don't hurt others, be respectful, work hard, etc.  It does not hurt anyone for a child to explore or express their identities and it will help them be better focused on school if they feel safer there."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90816", "author": "Karen K.", "date": "2021-01-19T19:32:00", "title": "Strongly Support this Legislation", "text": "Children need to learn to respect everyone, this includes anti-bullying.  Transgender children need to feel safe in our schools so that they can grow to become productive members of our society. I support this and any legislation that makes the world a safer place for members of the transgender community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90817", "author": "Barbara Leary Jones, retired School Physical Therapist", "date": "2021-01-19T20:09:00", "title": "Strongly support these guidelines for treatment of all students", "text": "All students need to feel safe at school and should not be looked upon with fear.  So much of this is common sense inclusive language.  This needs to be adopted!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90818", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-19T22:28:00", "title": "Oppose: respect all people but do not endanger our children physically, mentally, and emotionally", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy for these reasons: Children are not yet mentally capable of making such life altering decisions at this age. While a policy like this may seems inclusive and kind, it is actually alienating and harmful. How will it feel to the young girl going through puberty to have a male (even if that make asserts that he is a female) sharing a locker room, shower, and bathroom with her? And considering that kids are still maturing, what happens if this child who may be dealing with gender dysphoria begins to feel differently about his sexuality while sharing such private places with the opposite sex (or if the situation was reversed). We already have sexual abuse to deal with in our public places. It is foolish to create a policy that will undoubtedly open the door for more unwanted and unconscented sexual abuses and give more opportunity for legitimate predators (I am not saying transgender people are predators, but that men and women who are will take advantage of this new policy) to prey on children. And this is only one flaw. There are so many ripple effects of fire consequence to the emotions and well-being of the child, the teachers, the family, and our culture. Please think about this. Thank you"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90819", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-19T22:29:00", "title": "Only those who would support pedosadism would support these policies", "text": "Only those who would support pedosadism would support these policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90820", "author": "One who has dealt with same-sex attraction", "date": "2021-01-19T22:35:00", "title": "STOP this child abuse from state board of education regarding transgenders.", "text": "As a retried public school teacher, it is distressing to see how many supposedly educated adults have been blinded by Satan's lies.  I dealt with same-sex attraction and proclaim unreservedly that LGBT are designations of sexual abnormalities - ABNORMALITIES.  They are not identities - not real ones.  Our true identity, which we have to affirm, is God's beloved child.  Gender identity is a construct.  Sex is not assigned at birth; it is determined at creation and it cannot be changed.  It is \"recognized\" at birth.  One may \"feel\" different than their actual sex, but that's an unreality which has to be dealt with.  Parents, teachers, etc. who do not help children learn to deal with reality are engaging in neglect & abuse.  For a state board of ed. to propose such policies is evil - the work of the devil.  Sane parents must oppose this, and, if it is implemented, remove your child from the public school system.  Do not allow your precious child to be subjected to such daily abuse.  I had a sister born with spina bifida, but her physical abnormality was not her \"identity\".  And because my parents did not cater to her condition, she grew up learning how to deal with reality.  As an adult (paralyzed from the waist down, wearing crutches & braces), when others politely offered assistance, she would boldly say \"I AM NOT HANDICAPPED.\"  Not teaching children to deal with reality is to handicap them.  The proposed policies will handicap children rather than help them.  May sanity and reality prevail."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90821", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-19T22:45:00", "title": "My taxes should not pay for child abuse", "text": "My taxes should not pay for child abuse"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90822", "author": "R Alles", "date": "2021-01-19T22:52:00", "title": "Model Policies for treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Generally the law and this policy seem to miss the mark.  As I read page 9 of your policy it left me with the feeling that this lifestyle was fraught with abusive and destructive tendencies.  We have trans gendered people at work.  None of them seem happy and I pity the child you tell this is a good way to live."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90823", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-19T23:58:00", "title": "VDOE Needs to Issue a Formal Apology for merely proposing these policies.", "text": "Formal apology - now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90824", "author": "Daisy", "date": "2021-01-20T00:17:00", "title": "Opposition", "text": "as an educator, I strongly oppose to this proposed policy to enforce teachers from withholding information from parents regarding their children. Teacher’s job is to teach and to educate. The public school system should not interfere with a privacy of any citizen, and the state should not demand this from any public school teacher either. This is unethical.  Don’t use public school system and educators to carry out it’s special interest.  The public school system should not be a place to teach minors about sex, sexual identity nor sexuality.  This is responsibility of parents, not state agency nor federal government.  Do not attempt to take control over the right of parents over this important issue by forcing someone to hide the information."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90825", "author": "Disgusted parent", "date": "2021-01-20T01:03:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90826", "author": "Danny Barlow", "date": "2021-01-20T05:57:00", "title": "Biology", "text": "Biology shows there are only 2 genders. One male and one female. Those with male genitalia use the boys bathroom. Those with female genitalia use the girls. Stop going against science"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90827", "author": "Ezra Lee", "date": "2021-01-20T05:58:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I strongly support changing guidelines for schools regarding how to treat transgender and genderqueer students. I'm a student in a very conservative town, and unfortunately LGBTQ+ students, especially those who are trans, are often bullied and mistreated by other students and staff. Having measures in place to protect trans students and help administration create a safe learning environment for them would be very beneficial. About 75% of transgender students feel unsafe at school. Over half of transgender teens consider or attempt suicide. Trans students need and deserve a learning environment that will help them grow without being discriminated against by their peers, teachers, and school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90828", "author": "Keith Hechler", "date": "2021-01-20T06:40:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed to allowing children of one gender, use the restroom of another gender, just because their parents aren’t satisfied with the gender God intended for them to be. God doesn’t make mistakes, humans do. For you to pander to these confused individuals and allow them to try and manipulate the system that is in place that is supposed to protect our children. In my honest opinion, any parent that tries to make a child that is not able to differentiate between the two, or are forced by the parent to dress and act different than God designed, should be charged with child abuse, because that, I feel is detrimental to that child’s sense of belonging, and constitutes the possibility of bullying and segregation. You don’t think that will lead to depression and the possibility of suicide. The confused parents should be held liable to the extent of the law."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90829", "author": "Parent and teacher", "date": "2021-01-20T06:42:00", "title": "Consider the consequences", "text": "Science shows a human brain is not fully developed until the age of 25. For that very reason we have laws in place regarding driving, drinking,  smoking, voting,  serving our country, legal guardianship.   It is also for that very reason you shouldn't be taking away parents' rights about THEIR OWN children,  making the assumption that all  kids in this situation are being abused.  Additionally, there are ways to offer children going through this,  needed support through counseling or single use restrooms,  without needlessly and carelessly endangering or stripping away the rights of others to feel safe. Not thinking this through carefully and considering ALL sides of this will be detrimental to the health and well being of generations of children who are already suffering needlessly. I plead with you not to hastily change legislation, that only benefits one group, but fails to consider or empathize with another.  This decision has potential to bring about grave consequences for ALL. Opposed very much to this specific legislation without extensive review and consideration of everyone who will be affected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90830", "author": "Ben Wilson", "date": "2021-01-20T07:20:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed - we are fooling ourselves!", "text": "In education (and life) we have recognized (for all of human civilization up until now) that children need to learn reality and there are certain things that they may think \"good\" for them that in REALITY aren't good.    Parents have also been recognized as the authority in a child's life.  This isn't given by the state, this authority is God-given.  Yes, there are abuses to this authority, however, and in our society we have fought against these abuses.  However, the best answer is NOT to remove parental authority and invest that authority in the education system.  The re-defining of what a man is and what a woman is, is in direct conflict with the order of creation and will have vast consequences.  We are fooling ourselves if we think that a \"good\" response to help confused children is to affirm whatever they are believing about themselves.  I plead with lawmakers to remove this dangerous legislation from consideration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90831", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-20T08:05:00", "title": "What’s good for one is good for all", "text": "The teen years are so hard for all kids on some level. All kids are working hard to fit in and be accepted.  Shouldn’t we make that as easy as possible for all. Even many of our kids are accepting and open to transgender and the LGBTQ community. Isn’t it time we follow their lead and accept EVERYONE for who they are whether we agree or not?  It’s not about whether we agree on the issue, it’s about creating a safe and fair environment so ALL kids can feel safe and be true to who he/she/they are. Someone’s mental health impacts all of us!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90832", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-20T08:07:00", "title": "Adamantly Opposed.", "text": "Leave the existing restrooms and policies in place and have one or two TG restrooms installed for those who are confused. A little common sense please. Also might consider a special education class for the confused until they grow out of their delusions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90833", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-20T08:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90834", "author": "Martin Mawyer", "date": "2021-01-20T09:15:00", "title": "Model polices are clearly unconstitutional", "text": "The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools are clearly unconstitutional, both in regards to student and staff Free Speech and Religious Freedom rights. Citing and punishing students for \"harassment\" for \"the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with [transgender] identity\" is a violation of a student's Free Speech rights. Demanding that \"a school staff member agrees to abide by and uphold their school board's policies and procedures\" regarding the use of pronoun names found objectionable due to religious conscience violates Article VI of the federal Constitution that specifies that \"no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90835", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-20T09:48:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I strongly oppose this proposed policy. It's anti-science and anti-common sense! It will harm our children. I definitely will be voting against all those who are behind this foolish policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90836", "author": "Concerned Virginia resident", "date": "2021-01-20T09:57:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "Strongly Support! Let's support all our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90837", "author": "Adrienne Dent", "date": "2021-01-20T10:11:00", "title": "support", "text": "As a mother, former teacher, wife of a teacher and committed community member, I support protections for non-binary, gender non-conforming, trans students. Every student needs to feel safe to learn and thrive. Please support these students and families by providing a safe learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90838", "author": "Teri Minami, Educator", "date": "2021-01-20T10:12:00", "title": "In Support to treat all students as human beings and citizens", "text": "As an educator in the public school system, I see first hand the affect on transgender, non-binary & queer students by not having policies stated. There is a general lack of treatment as  human beings for basic needs such as safety and sanitation which directly affects learning and self esteem. Without guiding documents, bias interferes with the treatment of students as human beings. This is seen historically when the issue at hand is replaced with the issue at the time. I hear the stories of how transgender and non-binary students are treated by the students themselves. It is heartbreaking to see how they face animosity and adversity so early in their lives. Between being a sponsor of the school's GSA and being the president of the local PFLAG chapter, I hear how students are in need of support because of a lack from the schools overall. Safe places and safe people have to be identified and sought after to make it through the education system. Isn't education of information supposed to be the forefront and socialization secondary as students maneuver through public schools? The greatest tool in life is being informed - we create our best opinions from information. With information people can have civil discourse without agreement. There isn't the ask to agree with gender differences; there is the ask to treat one another with civility and humanity. The most vulnerable are our students and they are taught civility and humanity by the actions of adults. Guiding documents will show how human beings should be treated regardless of differences. Our differences are what makes this country so lovely."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90839", "author": "Jennisse Silvestri", "date": "2021-01-20T10:26:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I cringe at the fact that the definition of transgender in the medical field is not someone that has undergone the physical changes but is just someone that has been declared by a Psychiatrist to be transgender because of extensive phsychiatric treatment. This concerns me because this would expose our children to see member with opposite sexual parts naked in a locker room. I cringe because this could be my son or daughter. Who regardless of social standards would feel totally violated and uncomfortable. Please help us guard the eyes of our children. Guard their minds and eyes from seeing things they should not be expose to until they are mature. If that. I could argue that this is a form of child pornotraphy sent to children. I cannot express how concerning it is for me to find myself in this state, where our nation and our people have come to such lack of logic. That one can decide in one's mind, though evidence to the contrary that we are what we were not born to be.  What would our civilization come to if we don't have women and men to procreate. Our human race cannot continue to exist if we don't have women and men coming together. To think that anything else is natural is illogical."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90840", "author": "Rick", "date": "2021-01-20T10:31:00", "title": "New Guidance", "text": "This is very concerning.  The public schools an government do not have the right to force these type of rules on parents.  Kids should never keep things from their parents and nobody should encourage that to happen.  Also, what happened to the basic understanding that a male is a male and a female is a female. You cannot change what God has created."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90841", "author": "Katherine Corl", "date": "2021-01-20T10:40:00", "title": "In full support", "text": "In full support of an inclusive, safe environment for ALL students. Katherine Corl, School Counselor in-training"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90842", "author": "Concerned Grandmother", "date": "2021-01-20T10:47:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "A school's responsibility is to educate students and prepare them to be productive members of society.  It is NOT a school's responsibility to promote alternate lifestyles and to interfere with parental rights.  The majority of students that accept themselves and their gender at birth should not have to share bathrooms and locker room facilities with those that are gender confused.  Providing separate facilities for gender confused individuals is not harassment but accommodation.  There are more provisions of this policy that I vehemently oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90843", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-20T11:02:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "While I feel sorry for the youth struggling with gender identity, this is so very confusing to children who are not struggling. We can not discount biology. Surely there are supports and services we can provide, but ignoring, even trying to erase, the differences between males and females is harmful to our society. Please reconsider this action."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90844", "author": "Josh K.", "date": "2021-01-20T11:40:00", "title": "Commentary on the Proposed VA Transgender Policy", "text": "I oppose this proposed guidance as it manipulates the language and reality in affirming transgenderism in our children. Where we share common ground is the anti-bullying piece of this document: no child should be subject to bullying defined as behavior that, “seeks to harm, intimidate, or coerce someone perceived as vulnerable” (Oxford dictionary). Inevitably, bullying has the potential to occur and occurs regularly in any school environment, and teachers and administrators need to exercise prudent and just discipline to stop bullying and rebuke offenders.  Children may suffer from gender dysphoria, just like suffering from anorexia, depression, obesity, speech delays or various other conditions, but none are cause for bullying. I would greatly appreciate if this document identified additional tools for teachers and administrators to use to combat real bullying and other externalizing behavior issues, particularly in cooperation with parents, to identify, challenge, and remediate bully behavior. My children are raised to be observant and recognize reality from falsehood, namely distinct use of language and scientifically observed reality. This proposed guidance manipulates the language and circumvents science in affirming gender dysphoria and I fear that my children would be rebuked and may be bullied into affirming false reality regarding one’s human nature under this guidance. Transgenderism, or the condition where persons suffer from gender dysphoria (American Psychological Association (APA) definition), is not approached appropriately in this document. This guidance also blatantly conflicts with Virginia sexual assault and harassment policy defined as: Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. [6] Sexual harassment of a student can deny or limit, on the basis of sex, the student's ability to participate in or to receive benefits, services, or opportunities in the school's program. Sexual harassment of students is, therefore, a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX under the circumstances described in this guidance. (ed.gov Sexual Harassment Guide). I have sons and a daughter, and the proposed policy in this document that eliminates the distinction of male and female facilities, particularly restrooms and locker rooms, is horrid and sets the stage for unwelcome interactions to meet the threshold of the Department of Education’s definition of sexual harassment. The proposed guidance also directly states, “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” How can you possibly expect to keep children safe from sexual assault and harassment with this type of policy? If a biological male enters a female locker room and exposes his genitalia to the females in the room, maliciously or casually, that is sexual harassment. My daughter does not deserve to be exposed to male genitalia in a public school locker room and doing so destroys innocence and opens the door to significant anxiety. The vice versa of females in male locker rooms holds as well. This policy has the potential to drive a wedge between students and their parents as well. The following excerpt is terrifying: If a student is not ready or able to safely share with their family about their transgender status, this should be respected. There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity, and school staff should work with students to help them share the information with their family when they are ready to do so. (proposed document p. 12) The family of the child bears complete responsibility for the child. Engaging with the parents regarding anything regarding the physical or mental health of the child is paramount to getting real help for the child. Later in the document, the proposed policy indicates that school administrators need to engage with parents to determine the best course of action for the child, but how can this occur if the parents are not even aware? Imagine if other conditions were treated the same way: anorexia, bulimia, self-mutilation, or substance abuse to name a few. Trust between the school and parents is diminished if these policies are enacted. The school administration has the potential of encouraging a “double life” for the child, delaying help and not activating an authentic support base at home. There is significant inconsistency in the rationale of indulging a student’s gender dysphoria with other trans-X movements. Rachel Dolezal, the former leader of the Spokane, Washington chapter of the NAACP, identified as a black woman, despite having been born of white parents and identifying as “transracial.” Public outcry, bullying, and controversy over her “cultural appropriation” forced her to resign and destroyed her academic career. Is this really much different than gender dysphoria? Science observes that people have a distinct biological sex (XX or XY Chromosome, with mutations such as Turner’s syndrome (X), Klinefelters (XXY or XXXY), or Jacob’s syndrome (XYY)) whereas race is much less distinct (I am ¼ Japanese and ¼ Ukrainian and 1/256 Cherokee in addition to others). What is the threshold for determining someone’s race outside of arbitrary guidelines? If it was so wrong for Rachel Dolezal to identify with a race she was not born into by an arbitrary standard, then surely appropriating another sex is just as wrong? I may be 1/256 Cherokee, buy I cannot be 1/256 woman. If appropriating race is not okay, then appropriating sex is worse because of how discrete sex is categorized by science. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are serious conditions especially plaguing teenage women (source: APA) These disorders devastate the body with physical problems including anemia, constipation, osteoporosis, and damage to the heart and brain (APA). Similar to gender dysphoria, those afflicted truly believe that they are overweight and need to indulge in unhealthy practices to reduce their weight. Just as we would never affirm a person suffering from anorexia nervosa by withholding food or encouraging them to induce vomiting, we should also never affirm a child suffering from gender dysphoria by encouraging practices that conflict with their biological sex, such as the use of opposite sex pronouns. These practices only serve to confuse the child about their biological sex. Any child, whether suffering from anorexia or gender dysphoria, deserves to be treated with respect, dignity and compassion without lying to them. Body Identity Integrity Disorder (BIIDs), a real and tragic disorder involving “trans-abled” people that truly believe that while fully abled, believe they are disabled and have an intense desire to adapt their body to a mentally perceived image (National Institutes of Health (NIH)). A real-life example, Jewel Shuping, suffered from BIIDs, wanted to be blind from childhood, and pretended to be blind from an early age. Being proficient in Braille by age 20, she blinded herself by age 21 with the aid of a psychologist. This is a travesty: this woman suffered from very real confusion about a natural faculty (sight) but was indulged and literally blinded by a mental health professional instead of receiving the help she desperately needed.  Where is the outrage? The psychologist lied to her by affirming their desire to be blind without affirming their actual faculty of sight, causing serious harm and irreversible harm. Affirming gender dysphoria, like eating disorders and body identity integrity disorder, harm afflicted people as evidenced by the National LGBTQ task force where transgender people are 33 times more likely to commit suicide. Encouraging “treatments” such as hormone therapy to manipulate one’s natural bodily hormones carries with it dangerous and unhealthy side effects such as blood clots, high lipid levels in the blood, infertility, high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated liver function tests, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, weight gain and worsening of an underlying manic or psychotic condition (source: Mayo Clinic). There is nuance between condemning and indulging transgender people that both affirms their human dignity in a loving and caring way while affirming science in guiding them toward the truth of their being. Statistical science shows that an overwhelming majority, up to 94%, desist and eventually “grow out of” the desire to be transgender (PsyPost, “How many transgender kids grow up to stay trans”).   As adults, we can recognize sincere questions from our children while prudently guide them toward scientific truth to affirm their dignity, first, then the science of their distinct sex as male or female according to their chromosomal and anatomical state. This is not an “either/or” challenge, but rather a “both/and” challenge: we need to BOTH assert compassion for the dignity of our students in a loving and caring way AND assert scientific biological truth to aid them in understanding their physical body, without condescension and bullying. This proposed guidance leads students into significant danger by manipulating established language and scientific reality of the human body and does the opposite of charity and compassion: by lying to students rather than affirming the truth helping students understand this dysphoria. It is wrong to lie to anyone, especially our children who literally look up to us for guidance and truth. The proposed guidance is inconsistent with asserting the truth of one’s biological and scientifically identified body as it affirms a lie that is destructive to the child: that you are not what reality shows you are. I appreciate the VDE’s attempt to provide guidance on bullying and hope you can give administrators and teachers better tools to identify and circumvent actual bullying in our schools. However, I strongly disagree with the guidance in affirming transgender ideology in our students which contradicts truth and science, which is something that we rely on our schools to teach in the classroom. It also sets a dangerous precedent of breeding mistrust between schools and parents and creating an environment where sexual harassment and assault more likely. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90845", "author": "Lifelong teacher and professor", "date": "2021-01-20T11:50:00", "title": "Abhorrent proposal", "text": "Draconian regulations foster fearful families; trust parents to love their children without governmental intimidation.  Common locker and restrooms would cruelly create emotional distress for innumerable youngsters.  Support judgment of dedicated local school professionals who know and care for individual students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90846", "author": "Julie Slack", "date": "2021-01-20T11:52:00", "title": "Supported", "text": "In full support of an inclusive, safe environment for ALL students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90847", "author": "Maggie Williams, Parent", "date": "2021-01-20T11:54:00", "title": "I strongly support a non-discriminitory environment where all children feel safe and enjoy equality.", "text": "I strongly agree with and support the equal rights and inclusion of all students to include transgender youth. They deserve to feel safe and embraced in their learning environment,  as they should everywhere. Hate has no place in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90848", "author": "Jeff Mitchell", "date": "2021-01-20T11:59:00", "title": "Adamently Opposed", "text": "This move by the VDOE is not motivated by medical evidence but by a leftist political agenda. It severely tramples the constitutional rights of faculty, staff, and students while heartlessly encouraging transgender students to embrace a false view of themselves. It undermines parental rights and will siphon away valuable energy and resources that could be utilized to provide an education that will help our students become responsible and informed citizens in the the 21st century. True compassion for transgender students should involve counseling to help them embrace their biological sex. Anything less is cruel and only serves to further a view of human sexuality that is false and destructive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90849", "author": "Ken", "date": "2021-01-20T12:29:00", "title": "OPPOSED!!", "text": "No support for a one-sided policy.......that is ruling by FIAT.   Where is the accomodation for differences of belief and gender?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90850", "author": "Krista Hatch", "date": "2021-01-20T13:10:00", "title": "Reckless Policy", "text": "The draft Transgender policy being considered by Virginia schools is reckless and poses a grave threat to school staff and parents’ rights and to the privacy and protection of fellow students who identify with the gender assigned to them at birth. The first major issue I have with the draft policy is that schools are able to counsel and advise students regarding their sexual identity without the consent or even knowledge of the parents. This deprives parents of their right and responsibility to counsel with and advise and protect their children. Furthermore, if parents are unsupportive of the minor child’s desire to change their sexual identity, the school can involve Child Protective Services. The safeguards in the policy that protect against frivolous involvement by CPS are vague, at best. A school staff member can alert CPS if they become aware of the child being “at risk” for abuse or neglect at home because of their sexual identity. This could be something as simple as a conversation initiated by a parent to discuss the child’s reasoning behind them wanting to change their sexual identity, which could be construed as “bullying” or “harassment.” The second major issue I have is that this policy allows a child to change their sexual identity to gain access to locker or bathroom facilities. This allows to students to take advantage of the fact that they can enter opposite-sex bathrooms and locker areas at will, and staff/teachers are not allowed to question them for fear of disciplinary action. School officials are also not allowed to inform parents that an opposite-sex student used the same facilities as their child. This is a gross invasion of the privacy of the student who is appropriately using his or her gender-assigned facilities, and the parents of said child are not informed or allowed any sort of recourse. This is a bad policy that really is aimed at eroding parents’ rights, especially the rights of religious parents who fundamentally disagree with the idea that you can change your God-given sexual identity. There are other ways to protect Transgender students from discrimination and bullying without violating parents’ rights and infringing on the privacy of fellow students. Go back to the drawing board!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90851", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-20T13:52:00", "title": "Opposed to this Guidance", "text": "I am opposed to the VDOE's proposed guidance on LGBTQ students. The problem is this guidance goes beyond protecting students experiencing gender dysphoria, and instead seeks to normalize/encourage gender dysphoria. This impacts not just the student dealing with gender dysphoria, but also everyone else at the school: other students, teachers, and administrators. The science on gender dysphoria is far from a conclusive or or settled matter. Many studies have shown that the majority of adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria no longer experience it as they reach the teen years or adulthood. Therefore, it is questionable why guidance that seeks to affirm their dysphoria has been proposed. It also goes against common sense that someone could identify as a different sex any more than they could identify as a different race or species. While, undoubtedly, people do experience gender dysphoria, we should seek to provide the necessary support to these students to deal with such an experience, rather than forcing everyone else to live in a world where truth and reality is subjective. The purpose of schools is to educate, we should not be lying to students that they can be a boy or girl or anything in between regardless of what their sex is. We do not teach our students the world is flat, the moon landing was faked, or 2+2=5. To do so would be a lie, and potentially damaging and dangerous to their development. To teach students they can choose to be a boy or girl is no less damaging. Furthermore, this guidance affects all students and staff, not just those experiencing gender dysphoria. The document says the guidance provided for \"activities and events\" does not apply to athletics. But it then goes on to state that the policies developed for athletics should be \"consistent with\" the guidance for activities and events. So the document seems to be contradictory. Boys and girls compete in sports separately because we know boys and girls are built differently, and are not physically equal to each other. That allows each sex a level playing field. Allowing a physical boy who identifies as a girl to compete in sports against other girls gives that student a competitive advantage, and also possibly takes away a spot on the team from a girl who would otherwise be allowed to play. It actually undermines title IX. Everyone who interacts with these students are now forced to accept their gender dysphoria as objective truth under this guidance, which it is not. Otherwise, a student, teacher, or administrator will likely be found guilty of discrimination. Students experiencing gender dysphoria deserve an education, and deserve support as they deal with the gender dysphoria. They should not be bullied. It is right to put into place guidance that protects them and creates a supportive environment for them. However, it should not go overboard and seek to distort reality by forcing everyone else to acknowledge, affirm, and accept that these students can be a gender that does not match their sex. To use a metaphor, people should not be punished for refusing to accept that 2+2=5. Furthermore, this guidance seems to have been put forth by people with an agenda based on what is not discussed. Page 8 states: \"For many people, their gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. For others, their internalized gender identity does not necessarily correspond to the sex assigned at birth, where the gender identity may be one in a range such as transgender, nonbinary, or gender-expansive. Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six (Lamb & Lerner, 2015). In 2020, the American Psychological Association (APA) and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) declared in a resolution that “all persons, including children and adolescents who are diverse in their sexuality and gender identities, expression, and/or presentation, have the inherent human right to equal opportunity and a physically and psychologically safe environment within all institutions.” The American Academy of Pediatrics (2018) also acknowledged that, “variations in gender identity and expression are normal aspects of human diversity.”\" However, no contrary viewpoint, that gender dysphoria is not an innate characteristic that most children never declare, is presented. The VDOE should scrap this proposed guidance and write new guidance. The guidance should seek to support students experiencing gender dysphoria without encroaching on the rights of others to reject the idea of gender fluidity as normal. The guidance should recognize gender dysphoria exists for some students without punishing those who do not accept gender fluidity as settled science. I suggest the VDOE also include contributors (psychologists, doctors, scientists, educators) in creating guidance who are have done research with gender dysphoria, but that do not support that affirming students in their dysphoria is best for them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90852", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-20T14:03:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Transgender children don’t want to be treated differently and have attention brought on to them.    Encouraging this discussion will encourage early exploration which will only result in reputations and ridicule to be dished out in an unfair situation.   At least in college, when children are of adult age, the exploring is more accepted.   This is overstepping the lines of parenting and the separation between church and state education.   Keep it to the curriculum.  All students win then."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90853", "author": "Reggie Remy", "date": "2021-01-20T14:55:00", "title": "Opposed to this appalling policy. Parents are parents for a reason. We know what’s best!!!", "text": "I cannot begin to express my concern and disgust for the audacity of the BOE to come up with this. The parents that agree with this cannot truly understand the damage this will cause in the family dynamics even the families that support this. We as parents should be the 1st to know what’s going in our children’s lives and when there is a diversion of this it undermines the authority of parents which is dangerous and directly harmful to the children. This will put them in harms way bc their parents cannot protect them if they are out of the information loop. Essentially, This is trash for lack of better words."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90854", "author": "Joe", "date": "2021-01-20T15:10:00", "title": "Divisive, anti-science and extreme.  Compromise idea.", "text": "Adolescence is a tumultuous time, physically, emotionally and behaviorally.  Scientific MRI studies in the last 20 years have established “..the brain undergoes a “rewiring” process that is not complete until approximately 25 years of age.” (in “Maturation of the Adolescent Brain”, Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat . 2013; 9: 449–461).  “Longitudinal neuroimaging studies demonstrate that the adolescent brain continues to mature well into the 20s.” (in “Adolescent Maturity and the Brain: The Promise and Pitfalls of Neuroscience Research in Adolescent Health Policy.”, J Adolesc Health. 2009 Sep; 45(3): 216–221.) This scientific fact is borne out in various public policies:  Minimum voting age is 18 years, military enlistment is 17-18,  car rental age is 21.  It is extremely damaging to promote any side of the gender dysphoria during the adolescent years.  It is much more helpful, scientific and compassionate to support an adolescent questioning gender identity with comprehensive counseling, and proper constructs and procedures to prevent their discrimination yet protect the rights of the rest of the school population.   Parental rights of the students must be respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90855", "author": "RAM", "date": "2021-01-20T15:13:00", "title": "Totally Disagree With VDOE Transgender Policies", "text": "I do not approve of or agree with the proposed VDOE guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female in an attempt to indoctrinate our school children. Most of this language suggests schools will be permitted, and maybe even encouraged, to help students explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing about it? Government agencies, or public school systems should not be interfering with parental duties in the handling of their own children. VDOE is proposing very troubling policies to force students, faculty, and administrators to comply with empirically false views of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. Not to mention, that students, faculty and administrators are not medical professionals and are totally unqualified to asses or guide students struggling with identity issues. The proposed policies suggest parents can no longer parent their children, and that children are being manipulated to disavowing parents' teachings and value systems. Withholding personal information from parents is tantamount to deception. It undermines parts and their teaching. Using restrooms of perceived gender rather than birth gender distorts reality. Perhaps establishing single neutral bathrooms could alleviate the circumstances of using bathrooms based on perceptions rather than reality. Finally, these policies are in direct conflict with many religious teachings and beliefs where non-gender and transgender ideologies are not accepted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90856", "author": "Lindsay", "date": "2021-01-20T15:15:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Strongly opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90857", "author": "Katelyn Wright", "date": "2021-01-20T15:34:00", "title": "Oppose Gender neutral language, bathrooms and literature. Bathrooms MUST be separated by Gender.", "text": "You cannot safely create a gender neutral environment! It will stunt developmental growth for all children. Girls need separate bathrooms from boys and if you allow children to flop gender- you are opening door to sexual harassment & crime. This will open door for lawsuits against schools.  This also impeaches upon freedom of religion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90858", "author": "Randy d", "date": "2021-01-20T15:57:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "This is something that should never be taught to children. Also parents should have the decision of whether or not they expose their child to these views..I k ow I do not want my child taught this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90859", "author": "Jennifer Miller", "date": "2021-01-20T16:16:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I believe House bill 145 and Senate Bill 161 is reckless and will cause damage to our students, families, and school system. We are also allowing lawmakers to undermine parents as well as put teachers/school staff in positions they should not be in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90860", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-20T16:45:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90861", "author": "Theresa Branch", "date": "2021-01-20T17:05:00", "title": "Respect all but strongly oppose", "text": "Each student deserves to be treated with respect and dignity but this will be a dumpster fire for the majority of students, especially women. We are going backwards in women's rights at an alarming pace. As a mother of 6 daughters I strongly object to these transgender policies! I have heard many, many conversations between my girls and their friends over the years. Girls are getting UTIs from avoiding the bathroom during school even without this insanity going forward. Our children deserve better than this! As for pronouns, just call everyone by their last names and be done with it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90862", "author": "Monica Blank", "date": "2021-01-20T18:25:00", "title": "Opposed!  Where are the protections for the vast majority of the students??", "text": "This document does not afford protection to the vast majority of students.  Please reconsider!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90863", "author": "Robert Rigby", "date": "2021-01-20T18:53:00", "title": "Support from the federal government for local policies for transgender students", "text": "[President Biden] also said he would reinstate federal guidance, issued by Obama and revoked by Trump, ensuring that transgender students can have access to sports, restrooms and locker rooms in accordance with their gender identity.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/biden-day-one-agenda/2021/01/16/71540bde-576b-11eb-a931-5b162d0d033d_story.html?fbclid=IwAR0BzmXAvOuh_Jc7rle3z-LlGFlKi7Qq4zwww0KHU61Ql-nCwN7rTwHi3no"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90864", "author": "DJ", "date": "2021-01-20T19:18:00", "title": "I strongly oppose! transgenders need to have their own bathrooms with a ? God made Man and Woman!", "text": "I strongly oppose. God made Man and Woman. God doesn’t make mistakes! This also posses a safety risk as you could potentially have a young “girl” in with a bunch of young men. This is a horrible idea and a waste of people’s time to even be discussing. It you all feel you need to do something to accept others that don’t call them selfs either a boy or a girl then create jobs and install there own bathrooms and locker rooms. You can put a ? on the door for those that don’t know."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90865", "author": "Clare", "date": "2021-01-20T20:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "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. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. 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 Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90866", "author": "AP Creel", "date": "2021-01-20T20:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "Strongly Oppose! We are all created either male or female.  This is a scientific fact. Anyone who deviates from this is greatly confused or misguided. Don't expect the rest of us to jump on that crazy train. It is immoral to suggest to a child that they are not what their gender is. It is child abuse to sexualize children! The government becomes immoral when it forces the overwhelming majority of its citizens to embrace immoral and perverse agendas and lies. Will those who pass these laws, let their daughters use the bathroom with boys and vice versa?? I bet not. So don't expect us to."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90867", "author": "Mr. James Helberg", "date": "2021-01-20T20:31:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "\"After legislating gender, if a dude pretends to be a woman, you are required to pretend with him.\"  This from Dave Ramsey. Has everyone gone nuts?  Saying I am a milk cow does not make me one.  Saying I am a girl does not make me one. Do any of you really believe that a man is a woman because he thinks he is or says he is?  Or the opposite?  Certainly there are people who think this to be true; that is sad and worthy of consideration and treatment and even, to a limited degree, even accommodation.  However, forcing everyone to pretend along with them is a lot sadder and is not worthy of consideration or accommodation.  It is just plain stupid."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90868", "author": "PERSECUTED BY \"PROGRESS\"", "date": "2021-01-20T20:35:00", "title": "LIVE NOT BY LIES!!!", "text": "Gender cannot be altered: Any law which insists otherwise is tantamount to a state-mandated article of religious dogma given that there is no evidence for this assertion of gender shape-shifting. GEN der pertains to the mechanism by which GEN etic material is passed through healthy GEN itals (ideally in the context of the GEN erous act of a man/husband/ GEN tlemen (this would be the sperm-wielder for those of you who are confused) coming together with a woman/wife/lady (this would be the egg-wielder for those of you who are deceived) to GEN erate the next GEN eration of our society, nay, our vary civilization. No one has the \"right\" to adulterate the foundational truths which under-gird a functional civilization. LIVE NOT BY LIES! Don't sew seeds of chaos and anarchy.  Choose truth.  Choose goodness.  Choose beauty.  Choose reality.  For the love of God, choose what is right, and do it now before it's too late to recover this sinking ship."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90869", "author": "Bitter Clinger to Truth", "date": "2021-01-20T20:52:00", "title": "Vote No to Insanity", "text": "Please refer to me by the pronoun \"There is no such thing as Transgenderism\"."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90870", "author": "Concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-20T21:02:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "This proposal is anti-science, and anti-nature.  With all due respect to those who struggle with sex identity as distinct from biological sex, there is a truth to the matter and ignoring this truth will bring self-inflicted harm to those engaged in denying it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90871", "author": "Proud Parent", "date": "2021-01-20T22:48:00", "title": "I fully support Trans Youth!", "text": "I have witnessed first hand what happens when schools don’t know how to treat and respond to Transgender students.  My child was verbally harassed daily. The bullies were never punished.  This was just the beginning of our troubles.  The school district wouldn’t take some of our legal documentation provided for record changes.  I felt the Principle’s response to students harassing my child actually reinforced the harassment. In the end we had to change schools for the safety of my child.    The Model Policies are very important for schools to have a uniform understanding on how to treat and support Transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90872", "author": "Christine G.", "date": "2021-01-20T22:50:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed.", "text": "It is wrong to FORCE teachers or students who do not believe in the ability change ones sex/gender to use pronouns that they inherently disagree with. Although kindness is to be shown to every human being, the teacher or student can refer to someone by their first or last name, not using pronouns. This way, those of us who hold strong religious or scientific beliefs/facts in only two sexes/genders, are not forced to go against what we hold sacred. By only using the person's first or last name, teachers and/or students are showing the individual respect while still keeping their personal beliefs.  We all have rights in this Country and you can't take away our rights just because you have a different opinion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90873", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-20T23:02:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY oppose this infringement of parental rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90874", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-20T23:16:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed.  My child's rights are being trampled", "text": "There is no changing ones sex/gender.  Man or woman, boy or girl. That's it. No matter what someone does on the outside to change their appearance, it does not change who they are on the inside...down to DNA and skeletal structures.  Can't be done...sorry. God created man and woman. Done. You can't change that just because it's 2021. God did not put an expiration date on His teachings. Respect the student, of course.  We all deserve kindness and love. But allow the person to be called by their name instead of others being forced to use a pronoun they know is wrong.  By forcing this on students - along with permitting transgender students to use whichever restroom or changing room they choose - is just going to create problems for everyone.  Use a private bath or changing room. Creating punishments for teachers and students is just going to create an environment of resentment and many more problems for everyone involved. Think strongly before acting on this. Allow the use of first and/or last names to be acceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90875", "author": "Concerned Resident", "date": "2021-01-20T23:53:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Strongly oppose proposed transgender policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90876", "author": "N/A", "date": "2021-01-21T00:26:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "-this is child abuse"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90877", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T01:07:00", "title": "Just because President Childsniffer is now president doesn't mean VDOE can join him in his pedo crap", "text": "Just because President Childsniffer is now president doesn't mean VDOE can join him in his pedo crap. Just because the president is a kiddie piddler, a nonce, a child rapist, doesn't give you the right to mandate pedophilic, pedosadist policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90878", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T01:13:00", "title": "VDOE should fire everyone behind these policy proposals - they are obviously sexual deviants", "text": "VDOE should fire everyone behind these policy proposals - they are obviously sexual deviants who desire to sexual abuse children. These policies are grooming policies. They want these policies so that they can fondle and rape your children. These people are evil. THEY ARE PEDOPHILES. THEY SHOULD NOT WORK IN EDUCATION. FIRE THEM!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90879", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T01:28:00", "title": "We elected Ralph \"Kill the Babies\" Northram to Governor, now he wants them all to be sexually abused", "text": "We elected Ralph \"Kill the Babies\" Northram to Governor, now he wants them all to be sexually abused too. He's probably doing both in the Governor's palace right now. Yes, gotta make the government make sure all the kids get sexually abused with policies like this. Now that we have a child rapist as president, they are pushing for making sure all the kids get sexually abused. That's what these policies are about. VDOE just wants to take your children and rape them. That's what all the bureaucrats want to do. They are sick, vile, disgusting, people, and they should not be allowed to continue as 'civil servants.' These people really just want to rape children and that's why they are doing all these grooming policies. They want child brothels at every street corner. They want eunach boys to shove their members in. That's what these deviants want. That's why they are pushing this transgender nonsense. These people are filled with hate and want to rape your children to death and mutilate their genitals. That's what these policies are ultimately about. That's the world they are trying to create. They should be opposed at every level and in every way possible. These people are evil, vile and disgusting and they want to rape children because they are sick and twisted like that. And all you people supporting these sick sadistic policies are either equally evil or absolute lunatics who don't know what's going on."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90880", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T01:32:00", "title": "Dr. Samantha Hollins, shame on you, you support pedos, you should be fired, issue a formal apology.", "text": "Dr. Samantha Hollins, shame on you, you support pedos, you should be fired, issue a formal apology for this sick and disgusting model policy you have here."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90881", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T01:33:00", "title": "Shannon McKay, shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals", "text": "Shannon McKay, shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90882", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T01:34:00", "title": "Emily Webb shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals", "text": "Emily Webb shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90883", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T01:34:00", "title": "Emily Sproul shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals", "text": "Emily Sproul shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90884", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T01:35:00", "title": "Vee Lamneck shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals", "text": "Vee Lamneck shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90885", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T01:35:00", "title": "Ted Lewis shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals", "text": "Ted Lewis shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90886", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T01:37:00", "title": "Darrell Sampson  shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals", "text": "Darrell Sampson shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90887", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T01:37:00", "title": "Joseph Wharff shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals", "text": "Joseph Wharff shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90888", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T01:38:00", "title": "Rebecca Askew shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals", "text": "Rebecca Askew shame on you for your pedosadistic policy proposals"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90889", "author": "Concerned Virginia Citizens", "date": "2021-01-21T02:45:00", "title": "Shame on you Senator Jill Vogel", "text": "This is unthinkable, that the government would potentially usurp a parent's authority or influence over their child(ren).  What were you thinking?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90890", "author": "Loving Parents", "date": "2021-01-21T03:06:00", "title": "Perversion at its worse. Psychopaths at best.", "text": "What is wrong with these people? Government workers are the lowest possible individuals in our society. These compromised individuals think they can raise and influence our children emotional needs?  What happened to teaching reading , writing and arithmetic? School staff are incompetent in the basic skills they are hired to do so they deflect and focus my children sexuality. Really?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90891", "author": "Strongly oppose", "date": "2021-01-21T03:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is bad policy. Horrible from the beginning. There are two sexes only, male and female. There is no evidence otherwise. Just misguided cognitions of people repurposing their supernatural belief systems on others.  Unevolved thinking and uncontrolled emotions working in overtime."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90892", "author": "Opposed", "date": "2021-01-21T07:50:00", "title": "Toxic and pernicious to our children and society", "text": "Opposed. This is terrible formulation of policy. All reference material used in the formulation of this policy were one sided in favor of the transgender delusion.  Parents and adults should remain firmly grounded in reality and evidence based facts. There are only two genders. But as children flirt with other ideas and values they should know that parents and adults remain stable and emotionally grounded. Traveling on this adolescent adventure with your children is toxic and pernicious for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90893", "author": "Paulette McElwain, CEO, Virginia League for Planned Parenthood", "date": "2021-01-21T08:12:00", "title": "Protect trans youth", "text": "The Virginia League for Planned Parenthood stands in full support of legislation to protect the health and well being of all students in Virginia schools. We know that transgender students are more likely to experience harassment, bullying, and violence at their schools due to their gender identity. This must change and policies must be implemented in schools to allow all students to grow and thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90894", "author": "Oppose", "date": "2021-01-21T08:45:00", "title": "Reject", "text": "The implication that parents are doing violence against their own children if they connect sex and gender is utterly anti-evidentiary. Sex and gender are interconnected. For nearly every human being born, biological sex will correspond with genital development in the womb. And gender, contrary to the idiotic, pseudoscientific paganism of the gender theory set, is not some free-floating set of biases we bring to the table. Males and females have different qualities in a variety of functions, attitudes, desires and capabilities. In every human culture — indeed, in every mammalian species — meaningful distinctions between male and female remain. To reduce children to genderless unicorns simply awaiting hormonal guidance from within piles absurdity upon absurdity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90895", "author": "BMC", "date": "2021-01-21T09:17:00", "title": "STOP this blatant indoctrination and HELP the confused kids who need counseling.", "text": "How can anyone support this legislation in good conscience?  NO WAY does this belong in our society, and certainly not in our taxpayer funded schools.  Stop this nonsense and actually help the poor kids who are gender confused, rather than promote the fantasy and confusion, for which data is clearly mounting results in high young adult suicide rates."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90896", "author": "Barbara", "date": "2021-01-21T09:19:00", "title": "Drain the VDOE swamp", "text": "It clearly takes more than one presidential term to drain the swamp at the Federal and State levels.  Let's get rid of these fools who are proposing such damaging garbage to our children and society, removing the rights of those to object who have good reason."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90897", "author": "Louise H Werner", "date": "2021-01-21T09:32:00", "title": "LBGT Youth", "text": "As a grandparent and a person of the faith community we in the Commonwealth of Virginia must continue to take the lead in recognition and special needs- emotional/ social of this population Being a youth at anytime is rough but especially in this time of Covid19 we must provide the support to the youth and family that they need"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90898", "author": "Cassaundra Coleman", "date": "2021-01-21T09:39:00", "title": "Reject", "text": "Dear Sir or Madam: The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children.  Please reject HB 145 and SB 161. Our children in elementary, middle, and high school have more important things to worry about than their gender. And it goes against a parent's right to lead and guide their own children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90899", "author": "Greg Ballengee", "date": "2021-01-21T09:43:00", "title": "Transgender Students", "text": "There are 2 genders....male and female. Gender is genetically determined , upon egg fertilization by the sperm. Genetic gender determination DOES NOT CHANGE ! That is GOD's policy, and cannot be changed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90900", "author": "Virginia Resident", "date": "2021-01-21T09:43:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public School", "text": "RE: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools (Model Policies) Please do not pass this legislation of “Model policies” for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia’s Public Schools.  This policy will have a negative impact on our society. There are ample studies that conclude that children and adolescents do not have the cognitive, psychological, emotional, and moral developmental capacity to determine their gender identities. Parents should be involved in any life-changing moments of their child. Perhaps a forum could be developed to help a child discuss these issues with their parents. A concerned citizen"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90901", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-21T09:48:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "strongly opposed! God made man and woman, clearly stated in the Bible. Give them a confused bathroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90902", "author": "Max Smith", "date": "2021-01-21T09:55:00", "title": "Support of Model Policies Regarding Treatment of Transgendered Students", "text": "As a high school administrator, I strongly support the model policies regarding treatment of transgendered students.  These changes to school policy and culture are long overdue in order to promote an inclusive environment in public education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90903", "author": "Norah L Jones", "date": "2021-01-21T10:05:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students - comment", "text": "I am a forty-year educator in public middle and high schools. It is critically important for the well-being and education of all children that they be provided a \"safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment.\" Pre-eminently among this learning environment issues is the nature of the identity of the student from the student's own perspective and practice, not the perspective of the school administration. The issue of identity, access, rights, and participation go far beyond such aspects as bathroom use, of course. However, since opponents of rights measures turn to bathroom issues, we must address them. Schools have many procedures in place to ensure the safety and physical and emotional comfort of our students. Students cannot just go where they please and do what they please, and bathrooms are among the areas of greatest focus. Boys (and girls, for that matter) cannot just go where they please; if there is any harassment anywhere, teachers and administrators are on it to stop it immediately and ensure it does not happen again. To continue following the most common false scenario presented, that boys will have \"unfettered right\" to enter the girls' bathrooms: the issue here is identity, not whim. Schools do not allow any student unfettered right to do anything, and schools are also thoroughly engaged with minors with regard to their consistent, self-proclaimed but also fully-lived identity. A boy who decided to \"give it a try\" going into the girls' rooms would be reported by the girls, disciplined by the administration, and - frankly - have a lot more to explain to his peers about his supposed identity than any rule book would require. To be more succinct: we are not that naive, and we have procedures in place to prevent such false equivalencies. In the meantime, in real classrooms, schools, and bathrooms, transgender youth (in particular boys) suffer real emotional and physical abuse by those who bully them in those bathrooms with which adults have forced them to identify. The trauma of identity is already deep enough; to add the truly unbearable load of further abuse by those peers who are intolerant of non-norm behavior is cruel and dangerous. It leads certainly to an environment in which the transgender child cannot concentrate on learning; in horrifying cases all too common, to self-destructive behaviors. We must, as a country which proclaims its dedication to freedom to at the very least allow individuals the freedom to discover and live their own identity. We in the schools are prepared to support and protect all children, both as they learn who they are and as they learn whom others are, and how to treat them with dignity and respect. Let's begin with our laws backing up what we say we believe in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96341", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:13:00", "title": "Transgender dictate", "text": "My children are being raised to be accepting, but my values do not get overridden by liberal, godless dictates. Strongly opppse!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96342", "author": "RLR", "date": "2021-02-03T20:13:00", "title": "STOP THIS NOW", "text": "As an educator sincerely concerned for the welfare of all children, I cannot support this bill in any way. Not only is it detrimental to the mental health of all children (trans, not and undecided)  bringing serious crisis to our most impressionable, but it also contributes to the ever-increasing confusion children in our society are having forced upon them. If this is passed, America and its most precious resource, our children, will be dealt a blow from which future generations will not recover."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96343", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T20:13:00", "title": "I oppose this legislation", "text": "I do not want anatomical boys in anatomical girls bathrooms/locker rooms or vice versa.  I feel if kids are able to choose whatever gender they want, it is inviting alot of trouble.  There is a huge loophole in your legislation that invites those with mal intent to take advantage.  Bullying, rape, teen pregnancy, and the list goes on.....  We have separate bathrooms for safety and privacy.  You can not remove the rights, privacy and safety of the majority for the \"hurt feelings of a few.  There needs to remain bathrooms that are anatomically specific so kids that prefer to identify with their born anatomical gender (the majority) can feel safe knowing there are boundaries to areas where they are physically vunerable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96344", "author": "Jen", "date": "2021-02-03T20:15:00", "title": "Transgender bathrooms", "text": "Strongly disagree! Bring bibles back to school! God help us all!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96345", "author": "Lynn", "date": "2021-02-03T20:15:00", "title": "House Bill 145 - Senate Bill 161 Transgender In Schools", "text": "I very strongly oppose the proposal transgender polices. It violates my rights as a parent and the rights of my child. It is not appropriate to have a boy changing in a girls locker room or using a girls bathroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96346", "author": "Siena", "date": "2021-02-03T20:15:00", "title": "full support of equal rights for students", "text": "The issues addressed by the proposed policies are not questions of 'special treatment' or 'preference', as some opposing comments on this forum state. What is at stake in these policies is a basic issue of human rights: the right of students to access public education without having to sacrifice their identity, or their safety. In considering this policy, it is also important to think of what not passing this legislation means. The alternative to ratifying this document is not a neutral stance, it is an active choice to discriminate against and marginalize students on the basis of gender. The importance of this policy extends beyond its direct effect on the inclusion and well-being of transgender students. Public schools are where most kids learn the social skills, values, and practices that come to define and shape their adult selves. Passing this policy would be a meaningful step towards developing learning environments that model acceptance, allyship, and compassion, not just for trans students but for all members of the community. For these reasons, as well as those that have been listed by other contributors, I am in full support of this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96347", "author": "Courtney Fox", "date": "2021-02-03T20:16:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students because students who feel safe and are validated at school learn more and can better contribute to their communities and careers. As a graduate of Virginia public schools who has worked directly with Charlottesville City students, I can speak first-hand to the importance of safe and welcoming classrooms. Young people who don’t feel safe at home often need school to be a warm and supportive environment - these Model Policies are an important step to ensuring that can happen for trans and nonbinary students in the Commonwealth of Virginia. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Courtney Fox"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96348", "author": "Concerned Mother", "date": "2021-02-03T20:16:00", "title": "Strongly Against This Bill", "text": "I am strongly against this bill. This is not right at all and one of the many issues with this world today. Do not pass this bill!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96349", "author": "Terry Coble", "date": "2021-02-03T20:16:00", "title": "Model policies for the treatment of transgender students in public schools", "text": "Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96350", "author": "Larry Hartman", "date": "2021-02-03T20:17:00", "title": "Absolutely not - totally against.", "text": "No! Absolutely not."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96351", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-02-03T20:17:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "I strongly oppose this proposal which seeks to eradicate any biological distinction between male and female, subverts parental rights and responsibilities, and threatens to punish those who cannot in good conscience acquiesce to this moral insanity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96352", "author": "Bob Finney", "date": "2021-02-03T20:17:00", "title": "No!", "text": "Strongly Disagree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96353", "author": "Concerned father", "date": "2021-02-03T20:18:00", "title": "Strongly against", "text": "This is completely wrong. Please use your moral compass and correct judgment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96354", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:18:00", "title": "No from Vinton Va", "text": "Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96355", "author": "Shannon", "date": "2021-02-03T20:18:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "strongly disagree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96356", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:18:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "shaye Strongly against it and it is hurting my children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96357", "author": "Christina", "date": "2021-02-03T20:19:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "This is not safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96358", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:19:00", "title": "Very Concerned Parent - Oppose", "text": "Very concerned and frustrated parent in FCPS. This is complete overreach by the state. There are multiple ways to protect transgender students without 99% of the ideas listed here.  The last year has completely exposed how little you care about students and education and showed how very agenda driven everything is. The loyalty is certainly not with any children or their families. To say I am shocked and disappointed with VA and FCPS is an complete understatement. These guidelines are not about protecting transgender students, or anyone really. This is a power grab. We simply won't be sticking around to find out how much further you can go. Like many of our friends with kids have already done this year, we'll move out of state if this continues. Please just stop. Its getting to be too much and ridiculous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96359", "author": "Jack Evans", "date": "2021-02-03T20:19:00", "title": "Totally Against this!", "text": "Not in favor!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96360", "author": "Dandy V", "date": "2021-02-03T20:19:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Protect trans kids. Trans people aren't dangerous, and the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools would be very helpful for normalizing the existence of trans people and especially trans kids. Being trans is real, and it's very important to let trans people be who they want to be. As a trans person I truly just want to be able to be myself without being scared for my safety, and that doesn't hurt anyone. Please support trans students. I want them to be able to grow up in environments that allow them to explore their identities safely."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96361", "author": "Garrett", "date": "2021-02-03T20:20:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Unconstitutional"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96362", "author": "Virginia Teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T20:20:00", "title": "In favor of students making their own choices", "text": "Most opposition to this movement comes from a religious perspective and that cannot affect our school policies. We must have policies against transgender discrimination in our schools. A person's gender expression should be their own choice and school policies should allow trans boys to be treated as boys and trans girls to be treated as the girls they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96363", "author": "Rick Kiser", "date": "2021-02-03T20:20:00", "title": "Not in Favor", "text": "Strongly against it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96364", "author": "P Chase", "date": "2021-02-03T20:20:00", "title": "My Right to Decide, not Yours!", "text": "Certainly all students have the right to feel comfortable in school, but your mission is to educate students in academic matters.  Matters regarding sexual orientation and preference fall under the domain of the child's parent(s).  The vast majority of students do know their sexual orientation, and their rights to privacy may not be overridden for the benefit of a few. Respect should be given to all. I object to this proposal. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96365", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:20:00", "title": "Whole-heartedly disagree", "text": "Such policies actually support no one. What you are doing actually creates an uncomfortable environment and can lead to resentment on all sides as well as endangerment. If you wish to help these children, then supply transgender facilities separate from male and female facilities. Then anyone who wishes can use those without taking away another student's rights. In essence you are taking another's freedom and violating it, all the while claiming you are being inclusive.  This is not inclusion. This is violation and dictation.  Also, the government did not birth these children, it is not their responsibility to raise them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96366", "author": "Cooper", "date": "2021-02-03T20:21:00", "title": "Totally Against", "text": "I could put a lot of things but i am totally against it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96367", "author": "Tracey Woolard", "date": "2021-02-03T20:22:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this guidance for safety and inclusion of our transgender and non-binary students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96368", "author": "Kelly Kiser", "date": "2021-02-03T20:22:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Not in favor at all!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96369", "author": "Johnna Sachse", "date": "2021-02-03T20:22:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!!", "text": "Children should ONLY be allowed to use the bathrooms and locker rooms with others that share their biologically born sex.  To allow otherwise completely violates the rights, psychological  and physical security of the major majority of the student body."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96370", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:22:00", "title": "FULL SUPPORT!", "text": "Trans liberation is human rights. Equal treatment among all students is IMPERATIVE for a safe learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96371", "author": "Pauline Hurt", "date": "2021-02-03T20:23:00", "title": "Not in Favor", "text": "Strongly oppose this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96372", "author": "Elaine", "date": "2021-02-03T20:23:00", "title": "Support for Model Treatment for Transgender Students", "text": "I am writing in support of this to protect youth who are transgender.  They have a hard enough time in school without putting up with outdated attitudes.  All students should be treated equally."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96373", "author": "Terry Coble", "date": "2021-02-03T20:23:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "A person’s gender is determined at conception! Just because a person disagrees with God’s creation of their sex does not mean that they should be treated any differently!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96374", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:23:00", "title": "STRONGLY oppossed", "text": "The transgender ideology encourages small children, ESPECIALLY homosexual children who often live in a homophobic environment and believe that they could only love the same sex if they change their gender, to mutilate themselves. The best thing you can do to \"protect transgender kids\" is to prevent them from falling into this, prevent them from mutilating themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96375", "author": "Elizabeth Jenkins", "date": "2021-02-03T20:23:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I support any anti-bullying measures regarding Transgender children, but I DO NOT support not telling parents, referring parents to CPS if they do not fully get on board with their child’s transition, the whole bathroom/locker room thing, etc.  Transgender individuals should be viewed with complete  acceptance, but the schools should not interfere in the parent/child relationship and should not allow people who say they identify with another sex be treated as that sex.   Let’s follow the science called biology.  Everyone is born with chromosomes making them male or female.   Nothing is going to change that.  Express yourselves however you want or - be a masculine female or an effeminate male, dress the part of you like, but at the end of the day you either have XX chromosomes or XY.  Use that pronoun, use that bathroom, compete with others who have the same chromosomes as you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96376", "author": "Lian Bily", "date": "2021-02-03T20:24:00", "title": "Basic Human Rights Are Not A Lot Ask For", "text": "Please consider expanding the “rights” of trans youth to include the ability to use the bathroom that affirms their gender. I can’t believe this is even up for discussion in 2021, but of course it is sigh. I have hope that the majority of our representatives will recognize how important the ability to use the correct restroom is to trans kids; to deny them this basic right would be one more system telling them they don’t belong in public spaces and can’t live freely as themselves. I fully support any and all efforts to permanantly secure these rights and hope our elected officials consider how their kids would feel were they in the same boat."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96377", "author": "Concerned Teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T20:24:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth", "text": "As a secondary teacher, I see the discrimination against trans students firsthand. Many school policies cause irreparable emotional damage to trans students. We MUST provide a safe environment for ALL students and treat students with respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96378", "author": "Brenda Hale", "date": "2021-02-03T20:24:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I want to keep it like God created it... Male and Female."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96379", "author": "Mike", "date": "2021-02-03T20:24:00", "title": "I support protecting children", "text": "Full support for this policy. No support for the people that don't believe in protecting children. They're the ones who are sick and don't want to protect our students here in VA. They claim to be for a God that is good and created everything in His image but refuse to understand that every child, male, female and everything in between. Please review the science. Please review your religion. Please remember that there are more religions than Christianity in this country and also, review the first article of the US Constitution regarding separation of church and state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96380", "author": "K Sheets", "date": "2021-02-03T20:25:00", "title": "Protect ALL Children not just a few", "text": "Parents nor their underage children should be making decisions about gender! There is no decision to be made. The confused state of a child or parent should not be forced upon other children. ...what is right is wrong and what is wrong is right these days and we all will suffer for it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96381", "author": "EJCostello", "date": "2021-02-03T20:25:00", "title": "treatment of transgenders", "text": "Follow the science.  DNA science tells us the sex of a person.  When the person's mind does not agree with scientific facts, the person needs psychological counseling."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96382", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:25:00", "title": "I support, here's why you should too!", "text": "I strongly support this initiative. All school children deserve to be treated respectfully and with consideration, regardless of age, gender identity, or gender expression. This can only foster better learning. I have a response for those that oppose. Those that oppose have a few reasons. 1. Trans women in bathrooms and changing rooms will endanger young cis girls. This has been addressed time and time again in public restrooms as being a non issue, why would it be any different in high school? Also stalls offer plenty of privacy. 2. If you're born male, you are a man and if you are born female, you are a woman. This has been disproved by scientist and the average person is not more qualified than scientists and peer reviewed research to make this type of statement. 3. It goes against the Bible! First off, seperation of church and state is essential and secondly, \"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”  (Galatians 3:28). Lastly 4. You are taking away my right as a parent in how I raise my child. As many have mentioned, that is what other options like home schooling are for. No one if infringeing on your rights by fostering an inclusive learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96383", "author": "Charlie Hale", "date": "2021-02-03T20:25:00", "title": "Strongly Against", "text": "Certainly Opposed to this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96384", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:25:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I absolutely support the guidance document. I think it will help foster education and gender inclusion in a school setting. Please don't cave in to those ignorant folks who complain about bathrooms; there is no factual basis to that argument. Support trans kids -- they are just as important as cis kids, and they are at higher risk for  suicide, addiction, running away. They deserve better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96385", "author": "Virginia Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T20:27:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Regarding the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students - I strongly oppose this. All of this. It is subjective and completely removes parents from things that involve their children, their children’s safety and mental well being."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96386", "author": "Beverly Purves", "date": "2021-02-03T20:27:00", "title": "Strongly Against", "text": "I have granddaughters in school and this scares me!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96387", "author": "Doris Tice", "date": "2021-02-03T20:27:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "No comments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96388", "author": "Francois Paisant", "date": "2021-02-03T20:28:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "All the people opposing don't truly know how it feels to be an outcast. Trans kids should all have the same protections that everyone else deserves and this is the first step towards the end of their wrongful discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96389", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:28:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "My stepdaughter is almost 16 and recently realized they are non-binary. They've been through so much with their parents divorce and now my divorce from their father. They already struggled with depression and anxiety, and as they are discovering themself, I want them to be able to do so as safely as possible. They were previously bullied, and I want any and all protections there can be in place for them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96390", "author": "Simon Zagata", "date": "2021-02-03T20:28:00", "title": "I support the guidance", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96391", "author": "Coach Morris", "date": "2021-02-03T20:29:00", "title": "This bill will save lives!", "text": "As a public school high school coach for over 15 years of both girls and boys sports, I fully support this bill. My heart breaks when I read a lot of the other comments and all the ignorance that surrounds this issue.  Students need love and support, especially those who feel different, and are looked at as different by society. I feel any argument against this bill would be an argument copied and pasted from arguments against allowing African American's to be treated as equal, to allow white students and black students to date and eventually marry, to allow students who are homosexual to god-forbid use the bathroom with other students.  For a student to come out as transgender, is more difficult and braver than anything these negative commenters have ever done in their life.  They aren't risking all the horrible things they will be subjected to by these negative commenters so they can go into a different bathroom.  They are risking it all because they have to be true to themselves.  Please support our students, all of our students! Be on the right side of history."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96392", "author": "Samantha", "date": "2021-02-03T20:29:00", "title": "100% fully support", "text": "Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96393", "author": "Jerry Tice", "date": "2021-02-03T20:29:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "It goes against all common sense. I don’t have children that is school age now but i do have grandchildren. I will pay for them to go to christian school personally if this goes through."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96394", "author": "CONCERNED CITIZEN", "date": "2021-02-03T20:29:00", "title": "NO NO NO", "text": "THIS IS TERRIFYING TO ME AS A VICTIM OF RAPE BY A CROSSDRESSING MALE SELF IDENTIFIED WOMEN IN A SCHOOL BATHROOM. IT WILL! HAPPEN! TO YOUR KID! IF YOU LET THIS LAW PASS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96395", "author": "MVS", "date": "2021-02-03T20:30:00", "title": "Full Support", "text": "I am in full support of this Bill. ALL students, including Trans students deserve to feel safe, protected, and equal. Students can only thrive in an environment which supports them fully and wholly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96396", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-02-03T20:30:00", "title": "Advocate for equality and inclusion", "text": "Transgender students need support, starting at the youngest age possible! The earlier we display to our youth that transgender people are people who deserve respect, the sooner it will be normalized (as it should be!). This is not impacting students who are not transgender and it is not promoting students to change but rather it is a way to demonstrate respect and support for those who are going through the process of changing. I support! This can make for a bettter tomorrow and a more inclusive generation! - This is coming from a straight, cisgender, college aged female who believes in basic human rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96397", "author": "Shirley Lester", "date": "2021-02-03T20:31:00", "title": "I am strongly opposed", "text": "Against this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96398", "author": "A huge supporter!! Sam", "date": "2021-02-03T20:31:00", "title": "Strongly support inclusion and safety of children", "text": "Children should feel included and supported in schools as this is where they are most of the time, they should feel safe as well so providing protection to these students allow them to express themselves regardless age. Yes I see how bathrooms could be an issues to handle however everything has a start. As someone who has faced discrimination based on my ethnicity, I would not want to wish this upon anyone who has a different cultural background, sexual orientation, religion, etc. Protect the children and give them the safe environment they have the right to have! Next step to a more inclusive environment!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96399", "author": "Va Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T20:31:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "So much evil within our country. To think that we would allow a child to decide that they should choose their sexual orientation and then allow them to enter into locker rooms with opposite sex also teachers of the opposite sex.. we are asking for trouble. What makes it ok for a teacher, for example a male to be in a locker room with a child(ren) that are female that identify as male.. does the teacher become a sex offender???? This is ridiculous.. our tax dollars are being spent on the wrong things."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96400", "author": "Katie - A Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T20:32:00", "title": "Strongly oppose - find another solution", "text": "I am concerned at the scope of this action/policy. We need to find a way to encourage and love EVERYONE, and that includes those who are both for and against the sexual identity movement. I'm concerned that these policies take away student privacy, encourage questioning about one's own identity, and prevent a true change of heart. First, I'm struck by the tone and reach of these policies. They seem very punitive rather than encouraging. When did we stop talking to each other and encouraging mutual respect?  Now it seems we write policies to penalize people for having differences of opinion. We replace teaching each other how to be respectful, courteous and loving with policies that force people to fall in line.  You simply cannot change the heart through overbearing policy. I'm concerned that this is an attempt to normalize transgender when this situation is not at all normal. Many kids need to work through a period of sexual questioning before they are comfortable in their own bodies. It's part of growing up and maturing. Those who are older and make the choice to transition can certainly make that choice, but this is not something that should be actively encouraged and pushed on to our children. I'm concerned about the privacy issues as well. I certainly don't want my children sharing bathrooms with people of the opposite sex just because they claim they identify as the same sex. People (kids) will take advantage of ambiguous gender boundaries, and it will be difficult to discern who's faking it and who is not. I'm in favor of fully transitioned people using the same bathroom as the sex they've transitioned into. That makes sense. But until then, keep bathrooms and sleeping arrangements, etc. separate to protect the privacy of others. I feel like you all are doing this to accommodate a few at the cost of the majority of students who identify simply as male/female. Unfortunately those students will end up being shamed for their own identity and penalized for not using all the correct identifying terms. In addition, you are undermining the parents' relationship with their children. Parents should be having these conversations with their kids, not the school. The school needs to immediately inform a parent if any student expresses sexual identity questioning or a desire to transition. Perhaps with that notification, the school can help guide parents to resources that would help the discussion, but the parents need to be the main voice to the child here. Not the school. This is a VERY slippery slope. I am in favor of finding some solution to ensure that people who feel the need to transition are embraced with love. But I am not in favor of any of these actions, and I fervently oppose adopting this policy. Finally, I close by saying that you all need to focus more on teaching our students than this type of initiative. Please do your jobs!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96401", "author": "June Dovel", "date": "2021-02-03T20:32:00", "title": "No,No,No", "text": "I strongly disagree with these policies, kids need to be kids!!! If you want to accommodate, that’s one thing,but putting to much on children,and to much at risk, to much can and will go wrong with this policy, Remember we are the parents let’s act like it,teach at home,  I vote NO it’s morally and ethical wrong on so many levels."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96402", "author": "Victoria Latimer", "date": "2021-02-03T20:32:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As a Virginia educator, I strongly support the protection and equal treatment of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96403", "author": "TSDC", "date": "2021-02-03T20:33:00", "title": "Protect trans kids", "text": "I strongly support any guidelines that help to protect Virginia’s trans and nonbinary kids. These children are especially vulnerable to bullying, violence, abuse and hate (see some of the Opposed comments on this bill) and they need help just to stay alive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96404", "author": "J R", "date": "2021-02-03T20:33:00", "title": "I support this policy", "text": "As a genderqueer Virginian, I support this policy to make the lives of trans kids easier."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96405", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:33:00", "title": "this is anti science", "text": "basic biology tells us that if a person has an xx , they are female. if they have xy, they are male. no ammount of mutilation or hormones will change this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96406", "author": "MDB", "date": "2021-02-03T20:33:00", "title": "God help us oppose these radical and tyrannical mandates", "text": "God help us oppose these radical and tyrannical mandates, and watch over this country, all our teachers, all our children, all our political leaders, and all those opposed and in favor of this mandate.  Draw us closer to yourself, Lord, and help us to have the courage to love as you love.  Amen."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96407", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:34:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill. This allows school personnel to insert themselves into the life of a child and drive a wedge between them and the parent. Not using correct pronouns is not violence and should not be a reason to contact Child Protective Services. Also, I do not want boys to be allowed to enter a girls bathroom without being stopped. This opens the door to all kinds of issues. If there is a transgender kid and they would prefer a different bathroom, give them access to a completely separate private bathroom. They should NOT under any circumstances enter the bathroom of the opposite sex. This will protect all parties. Another consideration is if a female who feels they are a boy enters the boys bathroom could be hurt by the biological males. They need to be protected as well and should use a separate bathroom if they do not want to enter the girls bathroom. All this to say, is the transgender conversation should happen at home with parents and should not be influenced by school personnel AND all parties (females, males and transgenders) should be and feel protected in school bathrooms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96408", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:34:00", "title": "STRONGLY AGAINST THIS", "text": "TRANSGENDERS ARE PEDOPHILES OBSESSED WITH MUTILATING THE GENITALIA OF CHILDREN"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96409", "author": "Casey Butler, LGBT Life Center", "date": "2021-02-03T20:35:00", "title": "Support", "text": "According to the Trevor Project's 2020 LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health Survey, the largest of its kind, more than 50% of transgender and non-binary youth have seriously considered attempting suicide within the past year, over 60% have engaged in self-harm within the past year, and over 75% have experienced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder within the past two weeks.  When it comes to protective factors, studies show that LGBTQ+ youth who attend schools with a Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and anti-bullying policies, who can use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity, and who have their chosen name and pronouns respected report better mental health outcomes (up to 50% decrease in suicidal ideation).  These findings are consistent with the abundant social science research out there that substantiates the need to create and adopt policy guidelines like the ones we are presented with today--ones that celebrate gender diversity instead of stifling it. In my work with transgender and non-binary youth, I often hear accounts of experiences with hostile teachers, administrators, and counselors.  It infuriates and saddens me that, instead of affirming the identities of an already marginalized and vulnerable group, many adults in our education system are fighting for the right to discriminate against them.  The bullies in our kids' lives sometimes turn out to be the very adults who are supposed to be educating, guiding, and protecting them.  We must have policies in place that hold all school districts accountable to the same standards of equity and inclusion so that all young people can get an education while being their authentic selves.  This will also help ensure that rural youth can enjoy the same protections and supportive environments as urban youth. These guidelines will not only actively foster inclusive environments for transgender and non-binary students, but they will also provide binary, cisgender people (adults and youth alike) with meaningful opportunities to examine and discuss their own privileges related to gender identity and expression.  I strongly support these guidelines as a non-profit professional who works with youth at an LGBTQ+ center in Virginia, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, as an academic with a graduate degree in gender and sexuality, and as an activist who has fought and organized for LGBTQ+ liberation for the past two decades."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96410", "author": "Elizabeth Hanley", "date": "2021-02-03T20:35:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "As a parent of children in Virginia's public schools, I strongly support these policies. I can't imagine how much better my life would have been with such policies in place. I am so, so glad my children are growing up in a time when they and their peers can exist as themselves. We must ensure that all children are safe and supported in school so that they can receive an equitable education. We cannot allow discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and schools should be a place where children are safe from the bias expressed in some of these comments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96411", "author": "Susan adcock", "date": "2021-02-03T20:35:00", "title": "Transgender document", "text": "Oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96412", "author": "Katharine Gorka", "date": "2021-02-03T20:35:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Teachers and school administrators should not usurp the role of parents. Excluding parents from the lives of their children, even where difficult issues are involved, is not in the best interests of the child in the long run."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96413", "author": "Ralph Davis", "date": "2021-02-03T20:36:00", "title": "Strongest Oppose!", "text": "Gender dysphoria is clearly mental illness.  It should no more be accommodated than of a student who thinks he's a fried egg.   We don't give frying pans to persons who think they are eggs....  We should definitely not encourage delusions to those with XX chromosomes to pretend they are men, nor those with XY chromosomes to pretend they are women.  The state has no duty at all to go along with personal delusions of a very few people, rather it does have a duty to protect children...  The state also has a duty to protect women's sports--from biological men, who seek unfair advantage."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96414", "author": "Therese", "date": "2021-02-03T20:36:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "The proposed policy is highly offensive. Gender is biological, not self-determined."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96415", "author": "Rian Morrison", "date": "2021-02-03T20:37:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights.", "text": "All transgender children deserve to feel safe and accepted in public spaces."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96416", "author": "Alex Walker", "date": "2021-02-03T20:37:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support policies being developed so that transgender students can feel safe and accepted in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96417", "author": "B Vinson", "date": "2021-02-03T20:37:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY", "text": "As a member of the LGBTQ+ Community I am tired of seeing my transgender friends and family be discriminated against. There should be rules set in place to protect them. They are humans just like you and I. There should be no question whether they have protection or not. I 100% support this, TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96418", "author": "Teresa Saul", "date": "2021-02-03T20:37:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I do not think this is a wise decision and I strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96419", "author": "Shannon H.", "date": "2021-02-03T20:37:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "No one should be prevented from getting a quality education because they are fearful of teasing and bullying. Overwhelmingly, transgender/non-binary kids are the subjects of this bullying. I strongly support any legislation that will afford them the protections they need for their mental and physical well-being while they pursue their education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96420", "author": "Andrew Voight", "date": "2021-02-03T20:38:00", "title": "Strong support for implementation of these policies", "text": "The good, evidence-based measures recommended by this document have my strong support for implementation. The support these policies provide for transgender students is critical and comes bitterly late -- but better late than never. They are necessary if we take seriously our duty to treat all people as created equal, including transgender children. Please implement them broadly and post-haste. And as Jesus Christ would say to the horrific negative comments posted here: \"Let the kids take a in peace, God damn.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96421", "author": "Jacob", "date": "2021-02-03T20:38:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As it is now, transgender students face a myriad of issues in school, such as harassment by students and inadequately developed resource programs. As a student myself, I have seen the struggles my friends encounter daily. Since many staff may not now how to properly treat or interact with a transgender student, I believe that model policy is absolutely necessary in helping improve the treatment of these children in schools. Trans students, and every student in general, deserve an education that is enjoyable and free of harassment. It is difficult to develop a love of learning if your place of learning is not a welcoming environment for you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96422", "author": "Concerned Parent of 8 adorable cats", "date": "2021-02-03T20:38:00", "title": "Whats next? Allowing Women to Vote?!", "text": "Who would want to support these children risking life and death to live their truth?  What's next? You're gonna tell me its safe to allow women to vote? That we should allow blacks in our schools? I'm scared I tell you.  Who knows what would happen!  Should we just allow people to marry animals?  That's what you're saying right? Thats what's gonna happen!  If you tell me that the public school system is allowing an openly gay student to use the bathroom with straight students, you might as well know that everyone in that bathroom is coming out gay!  This is not what God intended.  White-Jesus would be rolling in his tomb right now if he hadn't died for all the sins of our good white Christian men to allow this ridiculous act of unconditional love.  I say we stop this now and bring back conditional-only love for our students in our schools.  Bring it back! Bring it back! Bring it back!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96423", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:38:00", "title": "Transgender students in VA schools", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96424", "author": "Lana Zay", "date": "2021-02-03T20:39:00", "title": "STRONGLY Oppose", "text": "JUST Stop with this nonsense! When is it going to end? You all know this isn't about changing their gender. It's more about what happened to this poor kid what he or she went through. You need to work with their soul not body parts! And make them more confused.  This will lead kids to depression and suicide??. Please stop in Jesus name and turn to him he can help ask him he'll answer. GOD LOVES Avery One of You. But he hates sin that you want to make it legal in Schools. If God  against it then I'm ?? % Oppose. GOD BLESS America and Forgive her sins ??"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96425", "author": "Ann Murdoch", "date": "2021-02-03T20:39:00", "title": "I Support the Virginia Department of Education Model Policies.", "text": "I support the Virginia Department of Education model policies. As a transgender Virginian, I know first hand how important it is for students to live safely in their authentic gender. Data from the National Center for Transgender Equality and other researchers show that the ability of transgender people to live in thier authentic gender is a powerful protection against suicide. But those same researchers have amply documented the heartbreaking effects of violence and discrimination directed against transgender people, especially in schools. All children have the right to an education in a safe environment. These policies are an important element in fufilling that right."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96426", "author": "Bonita Becker", "date": "2021-02-03T20:39:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "This will save lives!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96427", "author": "Bruce", "date": "2021-02-03T20:39:00", "title": "Totally Oppose", "text": "Totally oppose this document and its \"guidance\"."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96428", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:40:00", "title": "Oppose - and the bathroom is the LEAST of my concern", "text": "Its everything else. Removing parents rights, forcing language, and so on... Stop. How about you open school normally first."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96429", "author": "concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T20:40:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "It is unfortunate many in our state do not realize the government shall make no law respecting an establishment of a religion, or prohibiting the free exercize thereof...if the reason to not endorse this legislation is based on religion, it can not stand.  Attending school with a transperson does not infringe on the religious rights of the cis person.  If this is a matter of competing in sports, or using restrooms, I suggest constituents educate themselves. Trans people are NOT trying to sneak into a bathroom to rape members of the opposite sex.  They are not trying to outsmart school sports to compete at an unfair advantage.  They are trying to be who they truly feel they are without bullying, attack, or exclusion.  Most kids are savvy enough to know a trans kid in the bathroom versus a predator.  This idea that a young CIS man can't follow a young woman into the restroom during class when halls are empty and then rape her is naive.  It can happen, and shaming trans kids won't stop it from happening.  Let us value kids and their lives and try to prevent transphobia.  Sex education is taught in schools, not just reading writing and 'rithmatic.  Lets not pretend those are things learned exclusively at home."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96430", "author": "Susan adcock", "date": "2021-02-03T20:40:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96431", "author": "Concerned citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T20:40:00", "title": "NO NO NO", "text": "ABSOLUTELY NOT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96432", "author": "Donald Thorne", "date": "2021-02-03T20:40:00", "title": "Strongly opposed ,school system should not engage in social issues", "text": "School should be academic ,reading ,writing etc,social and political agendas have no place in education system.its solely should stick to education ,if there has to be a bathroom it should be separate from others or it's discrimination against herto- sexual and those of Christian faith."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96433", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:40:00", "title": "Everyone deserves a safe learning environment.", "text": "Everyone deserves a safe learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96434", "author": "Michael Heard Snow", "date": "2021-02-03T20:40:00", "title": "Support of Inclusive GuidanceI support the guidance", "text": "I support the guidance. Trans and non-binary students should be treated equally and with respect in public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96435", "author": "Justin Yost", "date": "2021-02-03T20:40:00", "title": "Rejecting trans people alienates LGBT+ people and allies", "text": "It's a verifiable fact that bullying and lack of support increase suicide rates for all LGBT+ youth. Anything that helps marginalized people feel safe and supported will benefit society at large. Trans people don't want special treatment, they want the same respect afforded to cis people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96436", "author": "Christopher J Griffin", "date": "2021-02-03T20:40:00", "title": "Full support for trans students!", "text": "I recently graduated from a Philadelphia highschool, so I know first hand that many students still have backwards hateful views of trans people. Guidelines like these are the beginning of making the lives of trans students more bearable. Our country's schools should work to create and promote progressive thinking and the first step is to treat trans people like people. It isn't immoral, it doesn't promote sexual assault, it simply states that we should do the bare minimum and treat these living breathing people as people. Support trans students now and forever."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96437", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:43:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "I am writing to express support for these policies. As a high school student in the 1990's, my life was changed by a health teacher who taught us that both gender and sexual orientation exist on (different) spectrums, and that most people are somewhere in the middle. It was the only support I received as a queer, nonbinary person in my entire education, and it is the most important thing I ever learned in school. This important policy will remind trans students that they are perfect as they are, and supported, despite what other discrimination and bullying they might face."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96438", "author": "Deidra Fraser, parent in VA", "date": "2021-02-03T20:43:00", "title": "This is the opposite of protecting the children!!! Vote NO!!!", "text": "This exposes all students to exploitation by all students, total lack of privacy, total lack of responsibility in behavior and dress in what is supposed to be a learning environment and is illegal in violating a parents right to information about their children. This law will create more confusion and sexualize our children when they should be learning about reading, writing and arithmetic and science. This agenda has no place in schools. It is a private matter for families to handle. It violates religious freedom, the entire reason many people immigrate here in the first place, and forces the religion of transgenderism on innocent children and young people who haven’t even a need to be thinking about those topics yet! STOP SEXUALIZING CHILDREN!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96439", "author": "Jessie Hart", "date": "2021-02-03T20:43:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "I strongly support this call for equality. Trans rights are human rights. All schools have a responsibility to ensure a safe experience for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96441", "author": "Ashley Austin", "date": "2021-02-03T20:44:00", "title": "Disagree", "text": "I disagree with the proposal. School is meant to educate children on core subjects, and not to impose opinions and more regulations on families and educational staff.  The subject of gender preference is  subjective  topic, which doesn't belong in a public school setting.  It is distracting from true education and violates the separation of church and state in  schools. These are social issues that are for parents to educate their children on, not the schools.  It would be better to spend the funding and time on improving the level of math , science, geography, history, true language arts, music, and PE in our schools to make our children more competitive in the world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96842", "author": "Angela Pitsakis", "date": "2021-02-03T22:19:00", "title": "In support", "text": "I strongly support these measures. Trans equality now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96843", "author": "Chris", "date": "2021-02-03T22:19:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "You job as elected officials is to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Exposing young girls and young women to biological men in bathrooms, dressing rooms and locker rooms is the opposite of that and opens them to the abuse of having to see biological men's naked bodies at very least, and rape and sexual assault at the worst. Do the right thing and don't pass this policy. God is watching and will hold you accountable for your actions here."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96844", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:19:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "While I believe that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity, this policy seems to be one sided, not taking into account the responsibility of parents in raising children. I think a better policy could be produced if other voices were included in the process."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96845", "author": "Caren Scott", "date": "2021-02-03T22:20:00", "title": "K-12 Educator Very Strongly Supports", "text": "As an educator, I definitively believe that it is cruel and psychologically damaging to deny elementary and secondary students the ability to define and express their identity during their pivotal developmental years. My niece deserves to feel safe in her own skin, regardless of what anatomical features she possesses. Trans or cisgender, it should not matter. All children deserve to experience safe and nurturing environments as they grow up."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96846", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-02-03T22:20:00", "title": "Strongly support trans and gnc people!", "text": "I strongly support transgender and gender non confirming kids, teens and adults!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96847", "author": "B Carper", "date": "2021-02-03T22:21:00", "title": "VDOE/transgender policies", "text": "Strongly oppose political exploitation of ALL of our children, including transgender. Stop overstepping your  boundaries. VDOE is for Math, Language, etc. Not parenting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96848", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:21:00", "title": "Concerned", "text": "this is something that should not be brought to the school place! Having a bathroom that says other.. sure. Having children removed from homes ABSURD."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96849", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:21:00", "title": "Protect trans kids", "text": "Trans kids are so vulnerable already. It is our job as a community to make sure our children can thrive in safe environments"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96850", "author": "Tatyana  Shokov", "date": "2021-02-03T22:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Do not support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96851", "author": "Marie Lefebvre", "date": "2021-02-03T22:22:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree", "text": "Please affirm natural gender roles in the traditional use of proper grammar. Protect our children from potential dangers in bathrooms by having girls, boys and whatever’s. Girls, who want to be girls should be able to use a girl’s bathroom without being infringed upon by a male, who thinks he’s a girl. It’s a violation of her privacy and security. Please protect our girls!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96852", "author": "Todd Martin", "date": "2021-02-03T22:22:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am in support of the new guidance for transgender protections. We need to support all of our students and be inclusive and understanding."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96853", "author": "John Java", "date": "2021-02-03T22:22:00", "title": "If 99% oppose and 1% approve, who will you listen to?", "text": "Are you really going to do what’s in the best interest for society? In your mind you think you are but in reality you are sending this state further into the abyss with the ramming of a radical agenda down the throats of citizens who oppose your madness. What about the science? There are XX and XY that make us females and males. Anything else, is a mental illness. That’s science! Trust it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96854", "author": "Anynomous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:23:00", "title": "School is an Infrastructure of Learning  not Care Facility", "text": "Biological Female is Protected Class needing separate Facility/Team as appropriate. Biological Male Facility/Team can Accommodate non-binary. School should get out of Sex Education because Infrastructure/Facility is not Family."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96855", "author": "L Alvarado", "date": "2021-02-03T22:23:00", "title": "Full support of the policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I am in full support of the Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. It is imperative every child attending a Virginia public schools is protected and treated with respect as an individual. Transgender children are vulnerable a target of harrasment and discrimination, we must ensure schools remain a safe environment for them. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96856", "author": "Love all people", "date": "2021-02-03T22:23:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "This would be unsafe. Boundaries are established to maintain order for safety purposes. Allowing children to change who they are daily can create confusion not only for others, but for them as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96857", "author": "Mark", "date": "2021-02-03T22:23:00", "title": "Transgender school issue", "text": "Strongly oppose this, need to get back to education, sexual identity needs to be addressed at home and not be a distraction to the learning process."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96858", "author": "Teresa", "date": "2021-02-03T22:23:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "God created a man and a woman not a transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96859", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:24:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. Transgender kids deserve the same rights and support as all other children in public school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96860", "author": "Sarah", "date": "2021-02-03T22:25:00", "title": "completely OPPOSED", "text": "I am completely opposed to this proposal for numerous reasons.  I work with refugee children (East African and Middle Eastern) whose parents would be appalled if their children were to experience this in school and yet they would have no idea that it is occurring.  Thus, I speak up for them. It takes the rights of parents to teach and shape their children away from them and gives it to the public schools and thus government.  It does NOT protect the vulnerable (our children) and instead opens them up to harm by encouraging them to question and make decisions in secret.  Further it opens up much opportunity for sexual abuse especially for girls/young woman as boys would be able to be in the locker rooms and bathrooms.  At a stage in life that young people are self-conscious and vulnerable, this is anxiety producing at minimum and inviting/producing physical harm at its worst. This proposal also does not allow for religious freedom.  Instead it will incriminate loving parents desire their kids to know and understand their gender as boys or girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96861", "author": "Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T22:25:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96862", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:26:00", "title": "I strongly support the passage of this bill. Protect our trans youth.", "text": "I strongly support the passage of this bill. Anything less than equal protections for all students is unconscionable. Treating trans people with respect and dignity saves lives. Discriminating against them leads to poor mental, physical and emotional health outcomes and in many cases leads to suicide or self-harm. It also sends a message that violence against trans people is deemed acceptable by our schools and by our government. Do the right thing and protect your constituents. Put it in writing and demand justice for our most vulnerable populations. Nondiscrimination legislation shouldn't be a partisan issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96863", "author": "KV", "date": "2021-02-03T22:26:00", "title": "VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED!!!!", "text": "As a mom and former public school employee, I am vehemently opposed to this guidance!! The VDOE is way overstepping their bounds. Get back to the business of educating our children in Math, English/Reading, Science, and True History so they can be competitive in the world instead of catering to a miniscule percentage of the population!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96864", "author": "Adena Dannouf, Unitarian Universalist Community Church", "date": "2021-02-03T22:26:00", "title": "Protect Trans Kids", "text": "It is important that our government do everything in its power to protect the vulnerable, and this includes trans children. The suicide and homelessness rates among LGBT+ youth are significantly higher than their peers, and one way to begin to deal with that crisis is for students to feel supported in school. No child should feel unsupported for being who they are, and there is no harm to the school or ANYONE really, to support the identities of these students. Just as it is important to support those with particular physical and learning needs, it is important to support our trans children and youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96865", "author": "Father of transgender student", "date": "2021-02-03T22:26:00", "title": "Strongly support for my Newport News student", "text": "I am the parent of three children in Newport News public schools, one of whom identifies as transgender. I am very supportive of these policies to provide consistent guidance to schools. We have already experienced the challenges and stress that comes from inconsistent guidance as we previously lived in York county, which did not have supportive policies in place. Trans students are some of the most vulnerable students and anything we can do to better support their education and development is well worth it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96866", "author": "Chris Hauth", "date": "2021-02-03T22:27:00", "title": "Supporting Trans Rights as Human Rights", "text": "Human beings are human beings with, in America, unalienable rights. To classify any human as ‘other’ as ‘not of us’ has been used as an excuse for discrimination since our founding and it’s past time it stopped."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96867", "author": "Paula - a grandparent", "date": "2021-02-03T22:27:00", "title": "Gender Pronouns", "text": "Strongly disagree with the proposal to eliminate the usage of the standard pronouns for children.  Let these decisions be made by the students when they are older.  The majority of students have been reared in a home with the nomenclatures that people have used for centuries in the world.  The agenda for elementary children should be reading, writing, and arithmetic."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96869", "author": "Dave", "date": "2021-02-03T22:27:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!", "text": "Stop imposing your will and indoctrination  of the developing mind of a child. It's not natural and you all know it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96868", "author": "Cathy", "date": "2021-02-03T22:27:00", "title": "How can we teach youth order if they can change who they are whenever they choose? Oppose", "text": "This should not be something children have to deal with in school"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96870", "author": "A Caring Educator", "date": "2021-02-03T22:27:00", "title": "Please support transgender individuals receiving and/or providing public school services", "text": "Please support transgender and gender non conforming students, guardians, parents, and educator with policies that combat the hatred and misunderstanding that so many people share regarding policies that would protect these individuals. Many do not feel safe and whether people want to recognize these people are not, they do exist. Please help me protect them and help them be able to protect themselves. Best"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96871", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:28:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Please do not support. My family strongly opposes"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96872", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:28:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "My tax dollars should not be used to support pushing the gender identity agenda among the citizens of Virginia.  There aren’t even accommodations for those who don’t want to participate in this - I thought I live in a democracy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96873", "author": "Grace", "date": "2021-02-03T22:28:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Teaching children about transgender people and leftist ideology is just indoctrinating children to have messed up ideas about what reality is. We should be teaching children history, math, science;  just basic education. We cannot allow teachers to teach children that men can be women and women can be men. It’s absurd at the highest level. What world are we in?! If we don’t stop bowing and bending the knee to these crazy lefties, we will never win. We cannot relinquish our country, morals, and future to this stuff. Stand up for truth. This is immoral."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96874", "author": "Debra Ann", "date": "2021-02-03T22:30:00", "title": "Absolutely Not", "text": "These guidelines are absolutely inappropriate and are not supported."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96875", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:30:00", "title": "Please don’t", "text": "oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96876", "author": "German Martínez", "date": "2021-02-03T22:31:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "As a parent of school age kids I strongly oppose this mesure. Kids have the right to be in bathrooms with peers of the same biological sec. I am not questioning transgendered people I question the fact they are trying to impose their behavior and their life choices in others that do not share their beliefs"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96877", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:31:00", "title": "Support trans students", "text": "Support trans students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96878", "author": "Em", "date": "2021-02-03T22:31:00", "title": "Strongly Agree: Protect Trans Kids", "text": "Trans people are people — period. We must protect trans kids. They are deserving of respect, care, and non discriminatory practices. Children must feel comfortable and a sense of belonging when they are in school. It’s important for trans students to experience belonging just like any student, especially when they are clearly met with discriminatory attitudes by people who think someone else’s gender identity is a threat. From a teacher: trans people are not a threat. I strongly support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96879", "author": "Jennifer Powers", "date": "2021-02-03T22:32:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policies", "text": "Completely OPPOSE transgender policies in PUBLIC schools!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96880", "author": "Nadezhda Bondareva", "date": "2021-02-03T22:32:00", "title": "Against transgender children going to bathroom in school", "text": "Against transgender children going to bathroom in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96881", "author": "Phillip Haven Stump", "date": "2021-02-03T22:33:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I strongly support the model policies as stated. Please do not weaken the protections provided for transgender students as stated in these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96882", "author": "Erim", "date": "2021-02-03T22:34:00", "title": "Strong support!!", "text": "Trans and gnc students deserve equality and understanding in our schools as they do in every aspect of life. Neglecting to do so would be a monumental failure of our education system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96883", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:34:00", "title": "Strongly support protecting trans youth!", "text": "We must protect trans youth! Trans people are disproportionately affected by violent crimes. Reprehensible when we have the ability to extend protections and don’t."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96884", "author": "Christina", "date": "2021-02-03T22:34:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools)", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96885", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:35:00", "title": "Yes for Anti-Bullying. HARD NO for infringing on others rights.", "text": "Anti-bullying policy is fantastic and should stay. Students should learn to respect one another...All. Students. Including those that want to identify as transgender. Some of these policies outlined are basically saying that this small minority of students rights matter more than the VAST majority of non-transgender students. These rules would impose a threat to personal beliefs, religious rights, open the doors to harassment, sexual assault, lawsuits, etc. These are not rules of equality. Quite the opposite.  And I am 100% confident that they will do more harm than good. Keep the anti-bullying, do NOT push for COMPLETE inequality in the name of equality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96886", "author": "K. Mckinney", "date": "2021-02-03T22:35:00", "title": "Transgender Polices", "text": "I want to start by saying, I relize the position that you are put in is not an easy one. It's easy for us to come on here and tell you what to do without being in your position and for that I respect the members who must make these decisions. I understand that people have the right to identify as they choose no matter any of our opinions and even if what they identify is not supported by scientific evidence...its their right. It's also the right of the children going to public schools to be safe and have a smooth education. Having girls and boys using the same bathrooms is completely opening up the schools to tons of legal issues and safety concerns. If we want to accommodate transgender students then we need to have single person restrooms where they can go and be safe. Pro nouns change often and though I understand the need to not bullie an individual it is unfair and not ok to force other students to call a person as something they are not. Especially in younger age groups this will cause even more issues with gender identiy. If people want to call them by their choosen pronoun awesome but it should not be forced its a developmental disadvantage to children who are calling them by their correct Biological term. Also patents 110% need to be informed if their child is identifying as transgender for many reasons one being so the child can be given the recores they need and can be safe. How many children who suffer from gender identity issues kill themselves because and the people around them had no idea they where dealing with it. This is not an issue the school should be so involved with. If you are trans ok cool let people know your choosen pro noun use a bathroom in a safe place such a nurse office or a one stall bathroom, or the one of your biological sex. Schools are for education not for pushing gender disorders."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96887", "author": "Educator and Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T22:35:00", "title": "Educator Strongly opposes", "text": "As an educator and APS parent I oppose the policies put forth by the VDOE. These policies do not take child growth and development into consideration and place school ahead of family relationships. Among my many concerns are the following: -As children grow they are constantly trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in. Placing a label on students that can forever impact their future is wrong. Children should be allowed to question and wrestle with their identities without having to choose pronouns, or take any public action. -Parents are the most important people in a child’s life; it is their role to parent, not the role of the school. The role of a parent cannot be replaced. It is not the job of the school to decide what parents should or shouldn’t support. It is not the job of a school to decide what is right or wrong for a given family. It is normal for parents and children to disagree at times. It is normal for parents to have to guide a child, advise for or against something, to set rules, and to set expectations. It is not the role of a school to hold secrets from families and to drive a wedge in family relationships. -As an elementary school teacher I have had the whole gamut when it comes to family types, student backgrounds, faith, language and ability levels. I love all of my students and strive to make my classroom a place where each child is seen and loved. Children wrestle, flourish, learn and grow throughout the school year, this is normal and should be allowed to happen without the need for a label, name, or special group. -As a teacher it is my job to teach and to find ways to help all of my students to demonstrate their learning. As for the child’s role it should be to learn and grow, and to wrestle with hard questions as they do so. It is not the school’s role to push for quick fixes and/or labels, that could forever alter the life of a child or a child’s role to make such decisions without their parents’ involvement."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96888", "author": "HP", "date": "2021-02-03T22:35:00", "title": "Totally oppose. Goes against science psychiatry", "text": "it takes years for children to understand who they are. Kids today are immediately fed disinformation on why they don’t fit in. They may gravitate to thinking they are the wrong sex, but they mostly are having difficulty fitting in. Picking pronouns and suggesting that a gender was “assigned” to them does not help them with their issues. It is destructive for them to think that simply changing their gender will solve their problems."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96889", "author": "Marion Claire Stump", "date": "2021-02-03T22:36:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I wholeheartedly support the proposed policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96890", "author": "Sherri", "date": "2021-02-03T22:36:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!", "text": "This would be terribly damaging to children in every way, and would negatively impact their psychological/mental health and well-being.  Parents should be the ones teaching about moral issues, and teachers should be educating, not indoctrinating.  Please just say NO!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96891", "author": "Bobbie Saye", "date": "2021-02-03T22:36:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "Transgender children deserve to be treated with dignity and respect just like all children. I honestly don't know why it's it's so difficult."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96892", "author": "Ashley Meads", "date": "2021-02-03T22:36:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 words It is the school’s responsibility to educate our children academically. Please protect the privacy, modesty and dignity of these innocent children by keeping bathrooms and locker rooms separate. If a child has an issue with that then a private room should be provided. Please leave parents and families to handle the responsibility of dealing with issues of sexuality and let the school teach kids to read. Pay attention to the literacy problem we have in this country and start with that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96893", "author": "Anna Bondaruk", "date": "2021-02-03T22:37:00", "title": "Do not consent", "text": "This is taking away rights from some while empowering others. How about keeping Male, Female bathrooms and changing rooms AND adding a Miscellaneous or Other. I think the costs of that would be much less than dealing with liabilities and other reprecautions of this proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96894", "author": "F Downs", "date": "2021-02-03T22:37:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!I", "text": "I am strongly opposed to transgenders being allowed to enter girls restrooms or exercise classes.   They should use the facilities provided for their birth gender, period. Doing otherwise creates a safety hazard for young girls, not to mention confusion and stress in addition to the normal stresses of growing up.  Keep the schools out of this rulemaking. Keep freedom of religion in schools as well. No transgender education for students should be allowed.  Leave the sexual education to parents!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96895", "author": "Mike Cummins", "date": "2021-02-03T22:37:00", "title": "Reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools", "text": "Reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools as they are harmful to children and undermine the rights of parents and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96896", "author": "Danie Kozlov", "date": "2021-02-03T22:37:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "Absolutely not!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96897", "author": "Karen k", "date": "2021-02-03T22:37:00", "title": "Protect trans kids", "text": "We are talking about the safety of children which shouldn’t even be up for discussion. Protect all children...especially the vulnerable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96898", "author": "Tarah", "date": "2021-02-03T22:39:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "These policies do not protect the rights of ALL students, the teachers and administrators and the parents.  Please don’t do this to our children. A concerned parent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96899", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:39:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAGREE!", "text": "I can’t wait to vote the idiots in Richmond out of office. Loudoun County school board as well!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96900", "author": "Kasey Terrill", "date": "2021-02-03T22:40:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "Let's set a good example of acceptance and inclusion for our children through our policies. Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96901", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:40:00", "title": "Negative", "text": "Oppose 100%"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96902", "author": "Kevin", "date": "2021-02-03T22:41:00", "title": "Vehemently Disagree", "text": "I strongly disagree with this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96903", "author": "Strongly oppose", "date": "2021-02-03T22:41:00", "title": "Save our kids from this crazy idea!", "text": "We need to be protecting the innocent children!  Kids need to be able to go to school and focus on learning alone.  This would create identity issues for kids who are exposed to this ludicrous ideology.  Please say no and oppose this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96904", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:41:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed T", "text": "This policy is abhorrent in principle and in direct opposition to SCIENCE. Boys should not be allowed to be in the same private spaces or in female sports. This is a recipe for abuse and unfair athletic outcomes. One's biology(male/female) dictates which facilities to use and what sports to pursue. Not how one chooses to identify at any given moment in time. This policy is not fair to nor supportive of non-trans females. It places young females in uncomfortable situations that is not acceptable. It ignores the rights of those that are not following this destructive trans narrative."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96905", "author": "S. Hansen", "date": "2021-02-03T22:41:00", "title": "All kids should be treated with dignity and respect", "text": "Transgender kids are at risk for anxiety, depression and suicide. They need to be protected and treated with care"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96906", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:41:00", "title": "I oppose the new transgender guidance!", "text": "The guidelines are anti science and highly subjective and should be discarded."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96907", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:41:00", "title": "Thank You", "text": "Thank you for putting together comprehensive guidelines to implement this important law to provide safe, inclusive spaces for children and adolescents growing up in Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96908", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:41:00", "title": "Completely Opposed", "text": "I am 100% opposed to this policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96909", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:42:00", "title": "Support and needed.", "text": "When we show students groups are protected, they know all students will be protected. Students need to see that when one group does not have equal rights, not only do they not have equal rights, but they suffer as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96910", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:42:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree", "text": "I strongly disagree with this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96912", "author": "PK Kelly", "date": "2021-02-03T22:42:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Of course we should support trans kids, why is this even in question?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96911", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T22:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I cannot believe this has even gotten this far to even be considered to be talked about and forced upon impressionable children. It’s absolutely appalling and shocking. What has this country come to? Where is the protection for our children? Where are the morals?  We have a right to say what is imposed upon our children! When did we start calling wrong right and right wrong? Who is coming up with these extreme proposals? Why is it even being considered? Strongly oppose!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96913", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:42:00", "title": "Opposed to the proposed draft of transgender policies.", "text": "With our tax dollars, FCPS wants to: Force Christian to use false pronouns, or face discipline. No person should be forced to swear or affirm the monstrous falsehood that children can be born in the wrong body. No Christian should be forced to deny God's purposeful design of male and female -- that's a denial of God Himself! This is a radical violation of religious freedom and freedom of conscience. Secretly affirm and facilitate a child's gender \"transition\" while at school! No notice to parents! This puts school administrators between a suffering child and his mother. This is designed to make children distrust and fear their parents. This is child abuse. Parents who don't \"affirm\" that their child is in the wrong body can be reported to Child Protective Services! It's Nazi time . There are NO accommodations for religious families who do not want to participate in this. There are NO exceptions for religious or conscientious objections. We require that religious rights and deeply held beliefs be respected. We are concerned about a redefinition of reproductive organs as \"a cluster of physical and anatomical features\" ... how will this apply to sexual assault? Will we not recategorize sexual assault  as simply assault since that area of the human anatomy is considered only to be a cluster of physical and anatomical features no more prone to trauma than any other set of organs?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96914", "author": "Kate", "date": "2021-02-03T22:42:00", "title": "Oppose New Transgender/Binary policy", "text": "Bullying of any student should never be tolerated, however special accommodations, rules, policies for this special group should not even be considered. This is an issue best handled at home and should not be forced on the majority of students. Public schools should focus a traditional education, not social issues that are currently the fad. If Virginia chooses to incorporate these policies, tax payers should be offered an option to send their children or grandchildren to a school that teaches their chosen morals and beliefs. I strongly oppose these new recommendations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96915", "author": "AMPM", "date": "2021-02-03T22:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose VDOE transgender guidelines", "text": "These guidelines will not help to alleviate discrimination women will no longer have a voice in sports. How long have our voices been silenced? How hard have young girls worked to succeed athletically, won college scholarships etc. all Thai will be gone. Gone. Gone. Shame on you for wanting to silence women. if someone wishes to identify as a gender other than their biological sex that’s their right; however, they should Compete in their biological sex category. They should not be discriminated for competing with boys even though they “identify as a different gender”. It’s unfair to allow biological boys to Compete with biological girls. There’s plenty of science to back this It would be helpful to review all science and research to show this new “experiment” with youth will psychologically help children who identify as trans. The current science and research does not appear to support these guidelines but rather suggest a global “experiment” with our youth, which should not be permitted. Parents have the right to guide their children and the schools have no right to take away my right as a parent to nurture and educate my child. I will always teach my children to love and respect everyone, as we are all children of God, and to respect their freedom, but I will never allow someone to steal and usurp my right as a parent to care for and educate kindly approach this matter in a different way... there are other healthy and helpful Ways. these guidelines will do great harm To all children, even those who identify as trans"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96916", "author": "Jason H.", "date": "2021-02-03T22:42:00", "title": "It's a good start", "text": "My oldest child is transgender. I did not expect or anticipate this and was not particularly well-prepared for it. Over the course of a year or so, she began to articulate her identity, expressing it first through hairstyle and clothing. We talked a lot about how you shouldn’t have to change yourself just because of what other people think about you. By fourth grade, she had learned what the word transgender meant and was certain that it described her. Nobody told her to be this way. Nobody forced an ideology on her. She told me who she was, and I accepted it. Our friends and family have overwhelmingly been advocates for her. I know we are fortunate for that. The two biggest challenges we’ve faced so far were related to public school. Her classmates mostly responded within a range from indifference to enthusiastic support. But when she first started openly using her transgender identity, a few of the students on her bus argued with each other about whether she was really a boy or a girl, as if she had no say in the matter herself. I don’t know if this was outright bullying or earnest confusion, but I do know it was humiliating for her regardless. At her request, we drove her to school for a week or two until she felt comfortable taking the bus again. In the meantime, her classmates and teacher helped normalize the situation and before long it became a non-issue, even on the bus. Earlier, my daughter, my spouse and I had met with the school. Everyone—the teacher, the guidance counselor, the administrator—was helpful and accommodating. We discussed bathrooms and school identification records. The only problem was that we were all in uncharted territory together. No one seemed familiar with how exactly the school policies should apply to our situation. This surprised me. Surely my daughter couldn’t be the first openly transgender student in her school. I couldn’t help but think how others had likely struggled silently on their own before her, in that very same school. Or how many others in different schools might fare if their school administrators weren’t quite so open and willing to figure things out together. These policies will help families and educators navigate the considerations of transgender students like my daughter, and make these discussions and choices easier for everyone. They will help reduce the harm done to transgender students in the absence of such guidelines. Much of the opposition to these model policies seems to be based on the incorrect assumption that schools will be forced to teach students about gender identities. Or that the privacy of cisgendered students will somehow be violated. (I would hope we can agree that no students should be violating each other’s privacy at all, regardless of their respective genders!) In reality, these policies represent a minimum set of guidelines to ensure that transgender students will not be excluded from participating fully in public schools. We need this. Because at the end of the day, transgender girls are girls, transgender boys are boys, and every LGBTQ+ student is a student. And public schools are for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96917", "author": "LP Schneider", "date": "2021-02-03T22:42:00", "title": "Support need for physical/emotional safety for all/Disagree with application", "text": "RE: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. My comments are as follows: In general, I would strongly support that all person, regardless of their gender preferences, be treated with respect, kindness and afforded all opportunity to learn in an a physically and emotionally safe environment.  No one should live in fear. I do not support how VA proposes to apply these goals. A first concern has to do with bathroom access.  I have a 16 year old cis gender son.  I care about his wellbeing and others like him who would struggle with using an open bathroom or locker room with someone who is not similarly cisgender male.  Their discomfort matters too.  I hope this policy, without having read it, addresses the need for private changing areas. Other issues include taking disciplinary actions against anyone who fails to use the student's preferred pronoun.  This sounds draconian.  It will work itself out in time without using fear tactics.  It will take time for people to adjust but we all will.  Panic and shame over miss identifying someone is counterproductive and destructive to any person especially ones like my child has special emotional and social challenges and is covered by and IEP who struggle already with emotional regulation.  Living in fear or shame about using the wrong pronoun is not emotionally healthy for anyone.  Asking people to use the preferred gender out of kindness will work.  Most students will comply and make the adjustment if done injecting fear.  Solutions short of disciplinary actions will address most of the rest. Not requiring parental notification about gender identity issues with their child is not in the best interests of the child.  Parents know their children better than anyone.  Scientific studies have shown some children work their gender issues out in time without medical intervention.  Parents know best if this is a valid issue or if it's just some current social trend.  There is already evidence of this societal/peer pressure as a motivator not real gender identify issues.  It's a serious matter to take medical steps to change gender.  It's a difficult issue no matter what.  It should be done only when fully informed.  The parent, who knows their child best, has to be part of the equation. Not allowing any questioning of anyone entering a restroom.  How does this protect against predators?  This policy prevents administrators and teachers from protecting students.   It makes them afraid to intervene when they have serious concerns.  This is diametrically opposite to providing a physically and emotionally safe environment. It is not acceptable to assume that \"non support\" or helping a child to sort out their gender identity by parents constitutes \"abuse.\"  No one loves their child more than a parent.  No one wants their child's happiness better than a parent.  Allowing a child whose brain is still forming (whose executive functioning, judgement and reasoning skills are still biologically and scientifically documented to be still under development) to make profound life changing decisions without the involvement and counsel of their parents, the ones who love them most, is morally wrong. I have a child who is ADHD.  Support for my child's special challenges by the Arlington County Public School system was abysmal.  We had to move away.  The school did not care for my child as much as I did.  I was constantly having to advocate for him.  The incompetence and disregard for him was extraordinary.  I have no confidence in any institution, other than a family, to care for my child as much as a parent would.  While I have encountered caring teachers and staff members, this is not universal and in some cases seriously lacking and surely did not last beyond the time in that school.  Given the vast numbers of children in the schools and overall in the state, the government is not able to give my child the depth of love and attention they need.  That is the purpose of the family.  That is why the family exists...to care for the child, moment by moment, day by day for a lifetime.  Try as it might, a school cannot do that.  It doesn't have enough people, enough money or enough information.  A family never loses care for their child...never and for this reason should never be cut out of the equation. Finally, I just learned about this policy today.  I follow the news but was only made aware of this policy through a friend.  Watching the video conference reveals strong predisposition for seeking positive feedback so that the guidance can be implemented.  This creates a cause to distrust your commitment to ensuring all voices are heard.  It conveys a predisposition to seeking and ensuring only positive feedback.  This calls into question whether VA made aggressive efforts to ensure affected communities knew about this policy with adequate time to consider and make comment.  I had only a few hours to listen to the video conference, skim other comments and draft up a response.   I think your efforts to get the word out where marginal and based on my earlier comment, I suspect targeted to those audiences that would give you positive feedback so you can say, \"Most of the comments were favorable.\"  Perhaps this is not the case but all appearances say otherwise.  This is contrary to the highest principles of good public administration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96918", "author": "Freddie", "date": "2021-02-03T22:43:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this for a variety of reasons according to my Catholic/Christian faith.  Let me first say I am always in support of anti-harrassment and anti-discrimination policies however this crosses a line which certainly is incompatible with my faith and beliefs and I am certain this hold for those others with similar morals and values.  Let me begin: 1) I do not believe that students under the age of 18 are capable of making decisions regarding gender expression of sexual identity.  If they are/would be capable, then the voting age should be lowered as well.  Making such a decision is just as important as making a decision on a candidate to represent them to form the rules of our land 2) I disagree that parents should/would be punished for encouraging children to embrace their God given sex.  Believe it or not, there is a higher power responsible for our being and everything around us.  That entity knows best and for us to decide/choose otherwise is to say we are above our Creator.  Who knows best?  Us or our Creator? 3) I do not agree that anyone can choose their gender at any time?  Do any of you seriously remember what it is like growing up in middle/high school?   Just imagine any boy or girl who would fake their gender just to be able to go in the same bathroom/locker room and then participate in various sexual activities. Maybe this is our answer to the declining American population, NOT!!!! 4) I disagree that all students should be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose? Do I really have to explain to you what any boy/girl couple would do just to have the opportunity to be together during school hours? Especially those crazy, raging, pre-pubescent kids? 5) I disagree with a gender neutral dress code standard. No girl should be allowed to take their top off and compete in swimming activities, even if they claim to be a boy. 6) I disagree that parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.\" So a 6 year old violates these policies, their parent's will not be notified? If you do not see anything wrong with that, please seek help. 7) Overall, I believe these proposed policies will violate those people of religious faiths and beliefs. I want to re-affirm that I am anti-discrimination and anti-harassement. I also believe we already have such policies in place to protect transgender individuals so this bill is unnecessary. If one still agrees with this bill, then let me urge you to read more deeply.  Do you think it is right for a government entity to be able to administer drugs/medication to your child, aged 5 or older, to change their sex without YOUR consent and knowledge?  Let that sink in..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96919", "author": "Eric V", "date": "2021-02-03T22:43:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Ok"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96920", "author": "Rochelle", "date": "2021-02-03T22:43:00", "title": "Trans Kids Deserve Equal Rights, Support", "text": "I support trans people having the right to use the restroom without harassment or discrimination. Every human deserves the right to use the restroom without harassment. It is the decent, humane, and just thing to do. Trans people use the restroom all the time without hurting anyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96921", "author": "Rose Tan", "date": "2021-02-03T22:44:00", "title": "I do Not consent to this! It’s a hard pass!", "text": "I do not believe we should be teaching kids this, god gave us two genders weather you like it or not. What they decide to do is up to them. STOP pushing their ideology on others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96922", "author": "Kate Vinson", "date": "2021-02-03T22:44:00", "title": "This issue is not for schools, this is a parent /family issue for home.", "text": "This issue is not for schools, this is a parent /family issue for home. The burden on schools is to only teach the basic academic  subjects for an education. It is not the jobs of strangers to guide decisions of developing minds that are not your own personal children. The schools are to teach. Mom, Dad, and immediate family are the ones who raise up our God given children. It appears to be exploiting all school children by allowing or encouraging any peer /child   to behave in ways that encourage exploitation. Schools are to teach. Spiritual, physical and mental health issues are for the parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96923", "author": "Amy", "date": "2021-02-03T22:44:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This policy breaks the parent- teacher partnership that so many schools claim to have. It does nothing to help a child’s mental health; rather, it is detrimental. It dismisses the parents who have raised this child. This policy also assumes that the school personnel has a more vested interest in my child that I do as a parent. That assumption is incredibly inaccurate. When a child leaves the school system, she/he will always have family. The schools should not put a wedge in that relationship. Major life decisions (such as repeating a grade, holding back for a “gift of time” to delay kindergarten, and any  conversation about gender) should always be in the parents’ hands— not the schools! Family will always be part of that child; the school system is only part for a few years of her/his life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96924", "author": "Bri Manzano", "date": "2021-02-03T22:45:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS - STRONG SUPPORT", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. These measures are minimum basic rights and protections that will SAVE LIVES. I know this is the south but the amount of hate and transphobic vitriol displayed by our community in these comments is disgusting, terrifying, and deeply saddening. Why do so many people hold such evil views? Protect and support our trans students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96925", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:45:00", "title": "Transgender policy in Va public schools", "text": "I do not agree with the proposed transgender policies for Va. schools but this does not mean that I don’t care deeply for families and children who are struggling with this issue.  I am a mother and have worked as a teacher in a private school. The public schools are not the place to facilitate help for a very complex issue.  Public school teachers are often overwhelmed and stressed with many challenges and the suggestions of these policies would only make life more difficult in the classroom.  Calling a child the wrong “preferred pronoun”  could be described as “harassment or discrimination.”  Parental rights and privacy could be ignored by the school staff who try to help children explore their gender expression.  This is not the role of the public school. Studies show that most young children who are not exposed to suggestions of changing their gender ID,  learn to accept their biological sex by the end of puberty.  Children should be protected from social media, movies and TV that suggest such concepts are possible....of being able to change one’s gender.  The vulnerability of a child with autism or ADHD can be a factor as well. The public school systems will have to change their high school biology textbooks.  Science matters and science proves that one can not change your biological sex assigned at birth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96926", "author": "Rachel Selby-Penczak", "date": "2021-02-03T22:45:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance for trans student policies and protections"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96927", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:45:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy for a myriad of reasons.  I will note several. All students should be treated with respect.  However, this policy goes well beyond preventing transgender students from being bullied to forcing teachers, students, and parents to accommodate behaviors and world views that conflict with their own strongly held convictions and religious beliefs.  I also firmly believe this policy will open the door to an increase of sexual harassment and exploitation, especially of girls. The education of children is primarily the responsibility of the parents.  Failure to communicate with parents, especially about issues such as gender identity undermines the responsibility and rights of the parents to teach their children academically, socially, morally, and spiritually and breaks down trust within family relationships. Most importantly, transgenderism runs counter to God's created order as described in His Word, the Bible, and therefore should not be encouraged."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96928", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:46:00", "title": "Parent", "text": "Coming in with a strong PASS not a matter for schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96929", "author": "KColby", "date": "2021-02-03T22:46:00", "title": "Opposed to Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools", "text": "All human beings should be treated with respect. Respect requires that adults refrain from harming children by intentionally confusing them as to whether they are male or female. As a matter of science, every person is either male or female; and it is important that children are affirmed in their biological sex, not taught that it is fluid or a matter of choice. Many things are a matter of choice. Whether a person defies sex stereotypes as to career choices or child-bearing choices represent true and important choices. But one's sex is not a matter of choice. Our chromosomes determine our sex and program our bodies to develop accordingly throughout our lives. To teach a child that she might be male, or he might be female, harms the child emotionally, mentally, and physically. The recent social construct that there is a difference between sex and gender is detrimental to the healthy development of a child at all stages of development. Hormone therapy causes devastating and permanent harm to a child or adolescent. In the not-distant future, this brief period during which educational \"experts\" promoted a severely harmful ideology will rightly be viewed as an extreme form of child abuse that left far too many young victims permanently harmed. Virginia should choose the wise course, which is to let other states experiment with this harmful ideology and observe the results. In a decade, scientific data undoubtedly will show that this ideology inflicted needless and grave suffering on too many children. If adopted, these model policies will expose Virginia school officials to lawsuits by former students, who as adults will want to hold accountable those who foisted a harmful ideology on them when they were too young to understand the permanent harm they were doing to themselves by undergoing hormone therapy or endless surgeries. Finally, calling these policies \"model\" policies is deceptive and a misrepresentation unworthy of public servants. A \"model\" policy is a policy that is optional. These \"model\" policies expressly require that school districts adopt them or more extreme policies. These \"model\" policies coerce school districts into adopting these policies whether or not the elected school board members think these policies harm the children in their districts. Please reject these \"model\" policies. Generations of Virginia's children will thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96930", "author": "Nadine Mullins parent", "date": "2021-02-03T22:46:00", "title": "Strongly stand against this! Not morally acceptable!", "text": "strongly stand against this! I will not feel safe with my child going to a public school system like this! Please don’t do this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96931", "author": "Megan", "date": "2021-02-03T22:47:00", "title": "Strongly Agree", "text": "We need to provide a safe place for everyone to learn and grow in, and this is a step in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96932", "author": "Dai’Dieon Colmore, Lynchburg Students RISE", "date": "2021-02-03T22:47:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans students in elementary and secondary schools deserve to be treated the same as trans high school students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96933", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:49:00", "title": "Support All Students", "text": "There is no evidence that allowing transgender students choose which bathroom to use is in any way damaging or unsafe for any student. There is, however, plenty of evidence to show that transgender students are very much susceptible to harm when they are NOT allowed to choose. At my children’s elementary school, there are two bathrooms marked as being available for ANYONE to use. These are the most convenient restrooms for students with disabilities, students with IBS, adults visiting the building, and yes, transgender students. Basically, anyone not comfortable using one of the large public restrooms in the building. These restrooms accommodate one person at a time. This shouldn’t even be an issue. With the bullying and suicide rates of students in the LGBTQ, and particularly the transgender community, being seven times that of their peers, it would seem maximizing support and safety for ALL students would be a no-brainer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96934", "author": "Glenda Walter", "date": "2021-02-03T22:51:00", "title": "As a parent and educator, strongly support! All students deserve to be accepted and protected!", "text": "As a parent of a transgender child and educator, I strongly support these policies. All students deserve to be accepted, protected, and valued. Too many are responding out of rigid beliefs and fear but the harm is truly only being felt by the trans youth themselves. We don’t have to agree with or understand someone’s perspectives or experiences to still value treating them with dignity and their safety. Schools should be a safe place for ALL students. Safety includes being able to be themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96935", "author": "Greta", "date": "2021-02-03T22:51:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Our children are born male or female, it’s science! It is a shame in this society that parents can not be trusted to raise their children in the way they seem fit. Please do not push an agenda children that is unhealthy for the students. If this is going to be required it should also be required for students to take a bible class."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96936", "author": "Tatyana Perez", "date": "2021-02-03T22:51:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "We need to help our children to get up when they are falling!!!! Who if it’s not an adults (us parents, grandparents and so on) responsible for children to guide them to teach them and instruct them so they would not go screw minded!!! \"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.\" Proverbs 22:6"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96937", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:51:00", "title": "As an elementary school teacher  I STRONGLY oppose these policies!!", "text": "As an elementary school teacher, I STRONGLY oppose these policies!!!  There is enough confusion going on around these kids without adding this into their school day.  Or ours!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96938", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:51:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96939", "author": "Christina", "date": "2021-02-03T22:52:00", "title": "Support for All Students  & Families", "text": "You have the right to be treated according to your gender identity . I don't want people being treated over color, gender, or their beliefs in a space that should be safe for all students. Time to move forward and start arguing about other issues not how to keep holding other people down. Title IX is a federal law that makes sex discrimination illegal in most schools. Most courts who have looked at the issue have said that this includes discrimination against someone because they are transgender or because they don’t meet gender-related stereotypes or expectations. Several other federal and state laws also protect transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96940", "author": "Dustin Kephart", "date": "2021-02-03T22:52:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "If these policies are passed, my children will not be attending public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96941", "author": "Rebecca Shepard", "date": "2021-02-03T22:52:00", "title": "Oppose Transgenderism being Pushed - Respect children please", "text": "We learned decades ago from the feminist movement that children do not have to play with gender sterotypical toys.  Now at this point, if a boy plays with \"girl\" toys or the reverse, that child is at risk for being pushed into transgenderism. We need to listen to the voices of those who have chosen to detransition.  They are telling us of their regrets.  One woman with a deep voice (from the hormones meds I am assuming) stated how her body dysmophia changed toward a positive outlook once she started running not with living a trans life.  I have attended a Planned Parenthood training.  I have spoken to high school students on STDs, and sexuality. We are doing them a disservice by encouraging them to be intolerant of each person that will not change pronouns at their whim.  And we have not long lasting research on what happens as older adults when they were put on hormone suspenders early in life.  When we push transgenderism, we increased the pressure students internalize as we tell them not to embrace the gender of their body and we encourage body dysmophia.  Listen to the voices of those who have detransitioned and wish that adults would not celebrate their coming gender bending but would have encouraged gender embracement.  We know that one out of 8 women has breast cancer.  Many of these breast cancers are estrogen driven.  What hormone related cancers are we exposing our children to?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95941", "author": "Sarah Jones", "date": "2021-02-03T17:13:00", "title": "Please do not ignore parental rights", "text": "As a mother of 6 children all in Virginia public schools, I am appalled that the Department would put such a wedge between parents and their children.  Saying that \"schools should help make decisions about gender identity without the parents being informed\" is an outright attack on the family unit.  The family unit which is the foundation of society, and the provider of stable tax dollars used to fund your schools.   While every single human being has innate dignity and worth, your approach to achieving \"equality\" it is inappropriate.   Children should be affirmed in ways that uplift the beauty of their body, and not at the cost of dismantling the truth and goodness of human sexuality.  This \"Guidance\" only fortifies regressive, sexist stereotypes by enshrining the notion that subjective feelings and preferences (like hobbies, attire, emotional patterns, or style of interaction) are what define a man or a woman.  What an insult.  Many sex specific environments have cultivated support, growth and success among women and men- which is tremendously vital during the developmental years of a child's life.  This guidance document is NOT what Virginians want."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95942", "author": "Charlie Nope", "date": "2021-02-03T17:13:00", "title": "support. lets go boyes", "text": "So ummmmm why wouldn't you support trans kids??? Neglecting them and going against them messes them up mentally and that's just not good dudes!! I don't care about your religious or political beliefs, they may be important to you but that's no excuse to berate and invalidate trans students!! \"yOuRE jUST ConFUsInG OuR ChiLDREn\" We're not ing dumb Melissa. \"iTS a MEnTaL IllNEsS!!!!\" Be quiet, Diana. \"GOD DIDN'T MAKE YOU THIS WAY!!!!!!!!\" Coming from a religious person, if God loves everyone so much, then why do you say that trans people will go to hell just for being trans?? Everyone should be treated equally. And nobody is forcing this into your children, they're just making the environment safer for trans people who need safety. from a trans person :]"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95943", "author": "Virginia voter", "date": "2021-02-03T17:15:00", "title": "I vehemently oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95944", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:15:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Guidelines", "text": "VDOE as you know a teacher’s job is very difficult. It is totally discriminatory to take away the rights of teachers and other students by insisting that using the given name of a child instead of a name or pronoun a child chooses on any given day is harassment.  To say the child’s name is not harassment or discrimination. People are not mind readers and most people do not photographic memories.  Schools do not have the right to take away parents authority over their children.  This is what is done in communist or socialist countries were no one is free.  Many children are confused about their gender when they are young. Most outgrow the confusion naturally. Children do not need school personnel causing more confusion in their lives by going behind their parents back and teaching them about sexual identity. Gender identity is not subjective and to say it is only causes confusion in a child. How can parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex be abuse or neglect?   Parents want what is best for their children. They know their children better than any school personnel. To allow a child access to bathrooms or a locker room on any day based on the whim of the child’s sexual identity for that day takes away the other children’s right to privacy and will ultimately lead to sexual abuse. Parents should always be involved in any interrogation of their child by school officials. Parents have the God given right to know what their children are being taught. These ideas should never be school policies. These policies will inter with a teacher’s ability teach and educate the children. These policies will cause teachers and students unfair treatment by school official and administrators. None of these policies are good for our children or Virginia. They will do more harm than good even to the students they are supposed to help."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95945", "author": "Concerned grandparent", "date": "2021-02-03T17:16:00", "title": "OPPOSED STRONGLY", "text": "Keep it out of schools!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95946", "author": "Dr. Paul S. Julienne (retired)", "date": "2021-02-03T17:16:00", "title": "Concerns about scientific accuracy", "text": "While I surely support compassion and appropriate care for children who experience various kinds of gender dysphoria (e.g., https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gender-dysphoria/symptoms-causes/syc-20475255 ), I wish to register concern about the proposed model policy document.  It strikes me as a well-intentioned but misguided overreaction.  As a professional scientist, I would hope that before taking actions that seem to defy common sense (such as allowing boys and girls of school age to mix in bathrooms or even overnight accommodations according to self-selection criteria that can not be criticized), one would at least seek to have a model policy based on sound and noncontroversial science.  We are not at that point yet. Why do I say that this document and part of its reasoning are based on statements or principles that are not scientifically proven?  For example, the document asserts “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six.”  This is not an uncontroversial scientific fact.  Rather, studies show that children who exhibit gender dysphoria will normally resolve that according to their sex assigned at birth in the majority of cases by the time of puberty.  This is stated, for example,  by Dr. Stephen Stathis, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Children’s Health Hospital, Queensland, Australia, in this article, https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/blog-gender-dysphoria-in-children-and-adolescents-is-not-a-phase/ .  The approach explained by Dr. Stathis and used in Queensland recognizes both the seriousness and the complexity of the problem and the need for a compassionate and scientifically and practically sound response to children who are affected by various gender-related situations.  No one solution suits all. Furthermore, a 2018 article [Littman L (2018) Parent reports of adolescents and young adults perceived to show signs of a rapid onset of gender dysphoria. PLoS ONE 13(8): e0202330. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0202330, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0202330 ] speaks of “… the possibility of a potential new subcategory of gender dysphoria (referred to as rapid-onset gender dysphoria) that has not yet been clinically validated and the possibility of social influences and maladaptive coping mechanisms. Parent-child conflict may also explain some of the findings. More research that includes data collection from AYAs, parents, clinicians, and third party informants is needed to further explore the roles of social influence, maladaptive coping mechanisms, parental approaches, and family dynamics in the development and duration of gender dysphoria in adolescents and young adults.” Another 2018 article states “virtually nothing is known regarding adolescent-onset GD [gender dysphoria], its progression and factors that influence the completion of the developmental tasks of adolescence among young people with GD and/or transgender identity.” (Kaltiala-Heino R, Bergman H, Työläjärvi M, Frisén L. Gender dysphoria in adolescence: current perspectives. Adolesc Health Med Ther . 2018;9:31-41.  Published 2018 Mar 2. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S135432, available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5841333/ ) Gender and its dysphoria are very complex matters about which the science is not yet settled (the science in any case can not settle the inevitable philosophical questions concerning the very meaning of the terms themselves).  In particular, it is not clear to me that it is wisest that the child should be the one allowed to make the determination about gender identity.  Children are continually interacting in a variety of ways with other children, adults, family, teachers, and professionals.  This is a complex matrix in which children are situated, and identity is an emergent phenomenon arising from such a complex set of interactions. More than the child is involved in making this determination. If I were to try to identify the most significant problem with the present document, it focuses too much on the particular child who has special needs with respect to gender issues and fails to account for the ways others need to be taken into account in dealing with that child’s issues.  I for one would have a problem in Virginia being a teacher in a public school under these guidelines since they defy common sense and I would have to be very critical of them, as stated above (but I have never been such a teacher).  I see these policies as potentially quite harmful to other children or to parents who do not agree with the principle of “fixing” a complex problem by an educational policy.  Yes, I do support the need for special care and compassionate treatment of children who experience any kind of gender dysphoria.  But the “cure” may be worse than the “problem.”  Consequently, I hope the Virginia Department of Education will truly listen to voices that do not share their perspective on these matters and revise this policy document accordingly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95947", "author": "Kathleen L.", "date": "2021-02-03T17:17:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose The Virginia Department of Education Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools (Model Policies). The Model Policies not only contradict science and reason, as well as the teachings of many religious faiths, the Policies fail to consider the role of parents as the primary educators of their children. The Policies flagrantly contradict the Virginia Department of Education and the Board of Education's stated beliefs \"that families and schools working in collaboration can create meaningful relationships that lead to significant gains in student achievement and success. We strongly encourage local school officials to develop plans and policies to enhance family engagement in their children's school, lives, and in the education community...\" The Model Policies also contradict the Fairfax County Public School system's  \"BELIEFS\" which state: \"The Dynamic and supportive partnerships among students, parents, educators, and the community are critical to meet student needs and provide enriching experiences\" and \"Families play a fundamental role in their children's education.\" Please uphold the critical and most basic relationship between parents and their children and reject the Model Policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95948", "author": "Kenan Potter", "date": "2021-02-03T17:17:00", "title": "Absolutely, strongly, enthusiastically, SUPPORT", "text": "I support these proposals in their ENTIRETY. Children need support, or they cannot excel. Absolutely appalled at many of these hateful comments. This hatred has absolutely no place in our schools. As the twin of a transgender brother who is now an EMT out there saving EVERYONE'S lives no matter their identity - I saw close at hand how hurtful, how absolutely debilitating hatred in school was to his education. The protections in place today are not enough. We NEED these proposals NOW. We needed them yesterday. These policies, followed by the school system, will show transgender students' classmates how to be OPEN MINDED, LOVING, ACCEPTING, SUPPORTIVE allies, adults, PEOPLE. How dare these commenters suggest that these policies will pollute children's minds. We absolutely must support every child if we want any to succeed. I give my full support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95949", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:17:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans kids must be protected as the they have little to no protections as it stands right now. It’s the responsibility of adults to protect children and especially the responsibility of those who hold any sort of office to protect their LGBT+ citizens, trans people often being the most often harmed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95950", "author": "Betsy", "date": "2021-02-03T17:17:00", "title": "Trans youth need community & school support", "text": "It is imperative that students of every gender identity have the support of their schools and communities in their formative years.  The ways that students are treated not just by their classmates, but by their teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, and even parent teacher aides show how they can expect to be treated in the adult world.  There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever favoring the opinion that inclusion of trans students in sports has a negative effect on any of their fellow teammates.  There is no evidence favoring the lies that treating trans students with a greater dignity than they’ve been offered historically will have any negative effect on their classmates.  I am strongly and passionately in favor of these guidelines, and ask that you consider the quality of life you really want these students to have in these years that will mark their relationship to society for life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95951", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:18:00", "title": "VA. Dept. Of Transgender Education's Transgender Policies", "text": "I cannot believe that you are even considering such a policy. Whether a child is born Male or Female is obvious. And you are WAY overstepping your boundaries to have the schools counseling with students without the parents consent. I am TOTALLY AGAINST ANY PARTS OF IT!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95952", "author": "Ron Brown", "date": "2021-02-03T17:18:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "strongly disagree.  We cannot keep making exceptions for  every exceptional problem.  It is not right to have students choosing which bathroom they would like to use.  This would lead to more bullying etc.  if a male feels like a female use the men’s room until mature.  If they then would like to become female go through the surgery etc.  same for females.  This transgender thing is way out of touch with reality.  Men play men’s games and women play their games.  Men should dress as men and the same for women.  This idea has destroyed Boy Scouts.  May God help us. This is nuts."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95953", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:18:00", "title": "FULL SUPPORT!", "text": "All students deserve to the right to identify and express themselves as they feel, and for that identity to be respected. Trans and non-binary kids deserve love and respect, and people who think that allowing them to be supported means threatening the safety of cisgender students is completely off base and factually incorrect. Trans and non-binary students are not the ones putting others' safety at risk- THEY are the ones who are overwhelingly targeted and at increased risk for violence victimization, substance abuse, suicide risk, and sexual risk than their cisgender classmates because of the stigma and transphobic culture of our society. Allow students to be equally accepted and embraced and feel safe at your school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95954", "author": "Michael Doering", "date": "2021-02-03T17:18:00", "title": "Virginia Dept of Education Transgender policies.", "text": "I strongly OPPOSE these draft policies for treatment of transgender students.  This is another attack on traditional Judeo/Christian values and beliefs.  It is also another attack on the family. These policies intentionally remove parents from the part they play in nurturing their own children.  The thought of allowing males to be present in the same changing facilities as girls  and young women will invite all forms of sexual violations .  As a parent of two girls, I believe this is a bad idea. The proposed policies provide no exceptions for parents who find them abhorrent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95955", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:19:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "Enough already! Every day brings something more absurd than yesterday to the table.  God help us and protect our children from all evil ??"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95956", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T17:19:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to transgender curriculum being added in K-12 schools. Students, especially at the elementary level and middle school, are very impressionable and are trusting of those who teach them. I believe this will do more harm than good, and it will not create the loving environment you envision. Children should be allowed to be children without an agenda and being forced to decide. Humans can only be two genders, and science (DNA) confirms this. Parents should be informed with any concerns that take place in the schools as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95957", "author": "Alice", "date": "2021-02-03T17:20:00", "title": "Policy on transgender students", "text": "Please do not ignore the crucial role parents play.  To identify parents who oppose the transgender identity as abusive is shameful.  It’s amazing to me for how small the actual population of transgender individuals there are, how the majority of non transgender individuals must bow to them.  God made us male and female.  We are never told in the Bible that we can choose whatever sex we want.  So to exclude parents and the important role they play in their children’s lives is blatantly wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95958", "author": "William", "date": "2021-02-03T17:20:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!", "text": "Let the parents  raise their children, not the state!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95959", "author": "Charles Carnahan", "date": "2021-02-03T17:21:00", "title": "Support for protections and guidelines for transgender students.", "text": "Protections and guidelines for schools in regards to transgender youth protect transgender students from discriminatory,  penal, or hateful treatment. Additionally, providing a welcoming education setting for transgender students benefits the students themselves, but also aids in creating a more equitable and open learning environment for all students. I support the guidelines for transgender students and think they would provide great benefit to schools, school divisions, and school communities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95960", "author": "Michelle", "date": "2021-02-03T17:21:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose transgenders(born male) using female bathrooms, locker rooms, showers and in sports. Violence and rape will increase and unfair advantage in sports.  Virginia should be ashamed!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95961", "author": "Lee Hepner", "date": "2021-02-03T17:21:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I dont agree with any type of special treatment for transgenders. School is about getting an education, everything else is a bonus."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95962", "author": "Mary Butler - Mother of two FCPS students", "date": "2021-02-03T17:22:00", "title": "Vehemently OPPOSE!!!", "text": "This is the most insane and ridiculous thing I have ever heard. This is awful!  This is a disorder that needs to be treated by qualified professionals not an opportunity to push a particular agenda. I consider this child abuse in the worst way. I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS TRAVESTY YOU ARE TRYING TO INFLICT ON OUR CHILDREN. I am concerned and strongly believe everyone should remove their children from FCPS. This is shameful.  Sick."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95963", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:23:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Denying protections to a vulnerable group of people will do nothing to create a safe learning environment for all students. Every individual has the right to be who they are. Attempts to discriminate won't change that. All children should feel safe and respected when they are at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95964", "author": "Brad", "date": "2021-02-03T17:23:00", "title": "Disgusting.  No way!  what sick mid came up with this.", "text": "When is our congress going to show some leadership.  We have a problem with sex crimes now. This will only make it worst.  Next thing you know the make teachers will want to shower with the female students.   What sick mind came up with this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95965", "author": "Cheryl Buford", "date": "2021-02-03T17:24:00", "title": "For the well-being of students and families I oppose this guidance", "text": "Because I care that every student be treated with respect and that the role of parents should be strengthened, I must oppose this guidance. While it claims to be “evidence-based,” the guidance draws “evidence” from advocacy groups who have politicized the research outcomes and recommendations. Furthermore, this policy will obliterate girls’ sports."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95966", "author": "Stefanie C.", "date": "2021-02-03T17:24:00", "title": "Support transgender students!", "text": "This is an important step to encouraging a \"positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students.\" We should be removing the barriers that make it harder for people to receive a proper education, live and exist. Protect and support transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95967", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:25:00", "title": "An unconditional NO!!!!", "text": "There are so many reasons to be against this transgender legislation. I firmly believe parents have the ultimate say in their children’s upbringing and so much of this legislation is laser focused on usurping parental rights and authority with their children. To the allowing of anyone, according to their gender identity, to use restrooms and changing rooms: To begin with, the very idea that a gender confused adolescent is the one driving this vehicle is terrifying. They cannot so much as vote until they’re 18 but they CAN decide to subjectively identify themselves differently than their anatomy identifies them—and everyone else is to be subject to that???? In whatever state of undress they happen to be??? And that’s okay?!?! To compound matters, not notifying parents that their daughter is sharing a changing facility with a biological male is as dangerous as it is wrong. If my daughter is abused by another student who identifies as a female but is biologically male, I would hold  the school 100% responsible—99% of parents would do the same. Beyond that, why in the world should a vulnerable teenaged girl  be subject to a young man who subjectively claims to share her gender—no! and that schools are forbidden from advising me, as the parent,  that this is taking place?! In what universe?? And that these policies allow for no exceptions based on religious faith and strongly held beliefs is WRONG. To those of a strong faith, it is clear that these laws are diametrically opposed to all we believe and how we are raising our children—and to remove our right to continue to raise our children as we see fit and according to Biblical mandates is utterly reprehensible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95968", "author": "E. Halliday", "date": "2021-02-03T17:25:00", "title": "Former resident thrilled to see these policies!", "text": "As a former resident of Virginia it warms my heart to see such an inclusive bill! Transgender and gender non-conforming children can have such a tough time in school. Policies like these will help schools become a safe learning environment for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95969", "author": "Justina Hall", "date": "2021-02-03T17:26:00", "title": "Policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia’s public schools", "text": "As a Black non-binary person with experience working alongside trans and non-binary youth, dealing with bullying from both other students and administration is a pretty hot topic. There’s only so much “ignoring” a person can do, and having to deal with that everyday takes an emotional toll. It’s worse when policies aren’t on their side, as they feel like there’s no true protections, no true safe spaces in their schools. Supporting this guidance would create a welcoming environment for everyone to thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95970", "author": "Shelby Hancock", "date": "2021-02-03T17:26:00", "title": "Strongly support advocacy for ALL people in schools! Great step forward!", "text": "All groups, especially CHILDREN, deserve protection and acceptance. This is a great step forward for teaching tolerance and open-mindedness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95971", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:26:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95972", "author": "Kristie, Mom, Educator", "date": "2021-02-03T17:27:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "As a mother and someone who has taught all ages in public schools, private school, and homeschooling, I have some serious concerns. I don’t want students who are already struggling with who they are to be treated poorly, but this has many serious issues. I really don’t even know where to start. Even something as simple as not allowing teachers to direct any students to the correct restroom, is absurd. I’ve had to politely call out students many times from going in the wrong restroom, not because they had gender confusion, but because they simply weren’t paying attention. It simply saves kids from embarrassment. This shouldn’t be against the rules. And if a student is really having gender issues most schools have at least one extra restroom that’s not gender specific that could be used without having to send a biological boy into the girls’ restroom or vice versa. And pronouns... Young children are just learning correct pronoun usage. I’ve listened to little ones use the wrong pronouns, not on purpose, but because they are just learning. Let’s not confuse that and hand out punishments. Let’s have some room for some common sense. And sports... more absurdity. Where are the feminists? Girl’s sports have been fought for long and hard, so are we just going to mess that up now? And one of the most disconcerting issues of all, the issue of parental rights. Parents are responsible for their children and their moral upbringing, not the state. The fact that the state is trying to use policy to keep parents out of the decisions about their own children’s upbringing is criminal. Surely, there are people smart enough to figure out policy to protect a small vulnerable population without squelching parental rights and the rights of other students! Again, where is the common sense?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95973", "author": "Pam Rohr", "date": "2021-02-03T17:27:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is a very dangerous precedent.  God made us male and female, it's the society that has confused people and children.  Please do not do this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95974", "author": "Taylor Burleson", "date": "2021-02-03T17:27:00", "title": "I support the rights of transgender students!", "text": "This is an important step to encouraging a \"positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students.\" We should be removing the barriers that make it harder for people to receive a proper education, live and exist. Protect and support transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95975", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:27:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "The suicide rate for Transgender children is high when we do not accept them as equal to other children. To not make strides in this area, now that we know this, is to have blood on our hands."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95976", "author": "Carolyn", "date": "2021-02-03T17:27:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Strongly oppose!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95977", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:28:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the State taking it upon itself  to sexualize children under the pretext of education. It is highly inappropriate to undermine parent's rights and religious beliefs to assess their own children's unique level of understandings and innocence."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95978", "author": "James C", "date": "2021-02-03T17:29:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I'm seeing a lot of people saying they don't support this policy, but am I the only one who read the statistics about transgender teens and how often they are bullied and threatened and how often they are depressed and anxious due to how people treat them? I feel like many of you just wish they didn't exist or wish they just weren't trans, as if they have a choice about how they see themselves. There's no fascist agenda here, just asking people to accept that some people are different from you. I have a feeling where the \"73% of trans teens reporting experiences of verbal threats\" comes from seeing some of the comments on here. FYI: I am a cis-gendered man but I have met multiple trans people in the course of my job and they were some of the most loving, loyal people I have ever met. While I hope this encourages people to stop and think, I know this will probably not reach the people who believe differently so let me also say that I support those of you who are trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, etc. Love you all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95979", "author": "Sarah Rowe", "date": "2021-02-03T17:30:00", "title": "Strongly support!!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights, and trans students deserve to feel safe and validated in their schools. Giving in to hateful and ignorant voices will only prolong their influence in public dialogue despite the fact that trans people aren’t going anywhere. Virginia needs to stand up to protect all its inhabitants and to show its support for our most vulnerable populations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95980", "author": "RJ Hall", "date": "2021-02-03T17:30:00", "title": "Stop the Madness, including this Ill-Conceived & Dangerous Policy", "text": "Every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into the mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push the involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. It encourages schools to implement across-the-board promotion of the concept that gender is “viewed as a gender spectrum” and can be “something in between or outside the male/female binary.” It declares that sex is arbitrarily “assigned” to babies at birth, rather than an intrinsic part of their biological design. This policy is \"anti-science.\" Accordingly, it is a scientifically-false statement that people are just arbitrarily “assigned” a gender when they’re born—sort of like affixing a branding label to them at the store. The policy totally divorces gender instruction from any reality whatsoever in basic DNA science and biology. It’s also important to note that the proposed policy makes clear that the Virginia Department of Education wants this radical thinking reflected in every operational part of the school—even advocating for schools to incorporate “educational content that is transgender affirming into the general education curriculum, such as history, literature and science.” The policy encourages schools to outright deceive parents: It says schools should “respect” students if they don’t want their parents to know about their new transgender identity. The suggested plan for implementing this “respect”— and the policy specifically spells this out—is that, in cases where parents are not embracing or facilitating their child adopting a new gender identity (like using a new name, pronoun, etc.), then teachers can use the child’s new identity at school, but in the presence of the parent use the original legal name and so forth. According to this policy, schools must allow boys identifying as girls, for instance, to use the girls’ bathrooms or change in female locker rooms—and this can all be done without ever notifying parents. Sadly, no one ever talks about the harm done to very young girls, for example, who feel powerless to expect physical privacy in the presence of biological males—not to mention young men who don’t want to change in front of biological girls. The proposed policy is both dangerous and lacking any basis in science and logic. But, this is what we get when the progressive ideologues are charged with managing education and teaching our children. This policy is an abomination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95981", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:31:00", "title": "Support Women’s Rights by Opposing This", "text": "If a man who thinks he is a woman can come into a women’s locker room, this is a violation of a woman’s privacy. If a man who thinks he is a woman can play in women’s sports and win because he is stronger and bigger then this is a man imposing his world view onto woman."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95982", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:31:00", "title": "I’m favor! Trans rights are human rights!", "text": "Children are always learning and growing. So teaching them from now will allow the youth to learn and be curious so that our future will have less hate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95983", "author": "Regina Phelange", "date": "2021-02-03T17:31:00", "title": "I support this policy", "text": "Transgender students are not a threat to anyone and deserve to live and learn in a safe, supportive environment, same as everyone else. Rather, policies are needed to protect transgender students from discrimination and harassment from fellow students and even teachers and parents who misunderstand the issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95984", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:31:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "All children, especially those whose gender identities don’t match with their assigned gender at birth, should be provided the safe space, resources, and social support to thrive and receive an inclusive and impartial education and experience like the rest."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95985", "author": "Meghan", "date": "2021-02-03T17:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!!!", "text": "Trans rights are human right and DO NOT deserve to be discriminated against, especially in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95986", "author": "Veronica", "date": "2021-02-03T17:31:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "There are only two genders and they are determined by one's biology. Suggesting anything else is child abuse and denies scientific fact."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95987", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:32:00", "title": "Strongly support measures to protect trans youth", "text": "Trans youth are at disproportionately high risk for depression and suicide. Human Rights campaign reports place suicide attempt rates between 29.9% and 50%, depending on the gender of the respondent. A supportive community makes a massive difference in the emotional health of trans students, and that starts at the bottom with having their basic rights respected. If Virginia believes in the potential success of all students in its school systems, it should begin by ensuring all students have the right to be respected for their gender and presentation. Trans youth are far more at risk than they are a risk to anyone else. Since they are legally required to attend school, it should be a place where they are protected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95988", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-02-03T17:32:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the proposed policies to create school environments where all students - including those are transgender - are safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95989", "author": "Ron Rohr", "date": "2021-02-03T17:33:00", "title": "Absurd and evil", "text": "We are created by our creator male and female. He (God - our creator) makes the rules not the Education Dept. This regulation, if instituted, will create further division within our nation. It would be an atrocity. God will not be mocked. This is evil."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95990", "author": "Reina", "date": "2021-02-03T17:33:00", "title": "In strong support of trans youth", "text": "Transgender youth are experiencing violence and homelessness at higher rates than their cisgender peers, and are at higher risk of suicide as well -- I've seen this for myself when working with survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. If we're serious about investing in our future and creating safer communities, that means supporting the most vulnerable among us, such as trans youth of color. As a person who is committed to public safety, I strongly support legislation to promote the health and well-being of transgender youth in learning environments and beyond."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95991", "author": "Kev B Hogarty", "date": "2021-02-03T17:34:00", "title": "Trans", "text": "Let kids be themselves. Their bodies are none of your business."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95992", "author": "Satan", "date": "2021-02-03T17:35:00", "title": "Satan Strongly Supports", "text": "As the prince of darkness, I always love when children are abused (if I can't have their mother butcher them in the womb).  So of course, I STRONGLY support this measure by the Virginia government, which of course I control.  My demons told me: \"Don't use Ralph Northam! What good is that idiot?\"  They obviously forgot that I used Miley Cyrus AS A SINGER! Seriously though, please keep horrifically abusing your children and rejecting the Lord.  I so do love to see the suffering of your idiocy and how you destroy yourselves.  Keep Virginia blue!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95993", "author": "Melinda M", "date": "2021-02-03T17:35:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT FOR A BETTER SCHOOL COMMUNITY", "text": "This is in response to the transgender policy for VA Public schools: Honestly it’s just disgraceful how many of these commenters are so wrongly misinformed of who transgender students are and the struggles they go through. In no way will a rule like this endanger your ‘straight’ students lives, it will only help create and put it place a policy that better supports these students maneuver the struggles of understanding their own sexuality while they are already most likely dealing with ostracizing by their peer and school community. Please pass this policy so that every student an an equal opportunity to a safe and fair education. Putting policies in place to help transgender students will not only help those students but create an overall more understanding, empathetic and safe environment for the school as a whole. Places of education should be for learning but also for molding students into citizens who can learn to accept and embrace differences which are what make our country so great."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95994", "author": "Dylan", "date": "2021-02-03T17:35:00", "title": "Support amendment", "text": "Support amendment"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95995", "author": "Shannon", "date": "2021-02-03T17:35:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE!", "text": "Strongly oppose, God help us!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95996", "author": "Mary Beth Style, MSW", "date": "2021-02-03T17:36:00", "title": "Look at ALL THE DATA, not just one sided studies included in the Model Policies re: transgender", "text": "Few issues have been silenced as effectively as policies related to \"gender theory\" through bullying, censorship, and \"cancelling\".  This bully lobby has been successful at banning so-called \"conversion therapy\" but it is reliant on faulty, limited information and does not include details of professional treatment for persons seeking relief from very real trauma.  This limited, and therefore, erroneous information is the basis for the recommendations for VDOE's Model Policies.  Significant information is available for anyone who would do an even cursory review of the literature.  But a good place to start would be to read: We've been erased by Victorian politicians » MercatorNet"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95997", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:36:00", "title": "Do not Support this at all", "text": "Absolutely do NOT support this. This is wrong on so many levels"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95998", "author": "Sarah Creel", "date": "2021-02-03T17:37:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95999", "author": "PLEASE CLICK ON THIS", "date": "2021-02-03T17:37:00", "title": "POGGGGGG", "text": "YOOOOO Anyone who supports this is POGGGGGGG!!!! Anyone who denies this is against equal rights. I don't think anyone wants segregation, but there are valid fears. However, I think the benefits MASSIVELY outweigh the downsides. And to all of you saying that \"It'll change their lives forever\" are wrong. they can change back to being cis males/females if they choose. If not, good for them. They found who they really are. If they do, good for them. They experimented, and found who they are. cis males/females. It's ABSURD that this is even being debated. Here's an informational YouTube video explaining why it is good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96000", "author": "UR4Truth", "date": "2021-02-03T17:38:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "We desire equal rights for all of humanity. Children are still under the supervision of their parents. Stay our of our families. Stay our of our choice of religion. Stop trying to make everyone universal. Each child is unique. Are you also going to pass laws for helping children who want to play a violin? Of course not. Allow local communities to meet the needs of it's people. This needs to be a case by case situation. Allow provisions for single bathroom and facilities. You can't put everyone into a pigeon hole. This supports trans-humanism. Should we add AI to this bill, too? I appreciate that a few individuals may have a transgender consideration; however, you are now putting everyone else at risk and in embarrassing situations by assuming that we have to protect this small percentage. What about all the children who have not made this election? What about their privacy? What about their rights? What about the cost? Children up thru around 14/15 of age go back and forth with many different ideas and insecurities. It is not up to the state to encourage and support the personal choices of an individual. Personal choices require personal responsibility. You know like: EVERYONE NEEDS TO WEAR A MASK AND HOME SCHOOL AND STAY ON HOME ARREST UNTIL WE THE GOV'T DECIDE WHAT'S BEST. Remember \"WE THE PEOPLE\" are your employers. We actually pay your salaries and give you the opportunity to serve with liberty and justice for ALL ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96001", "author": "Medical Doctor and Mom", "date": "2021-02-03T17:38:00", "title": "OPPOSE strongly, medical science does not support, antibullying already in place", "text": "As a medical doctor, mom of 4 and military wife,  I strongly oppose this transgender policy.  There is already antibullying in place.  You will muddy the waters and minimize bullying in general.  You will open the door to other worse events like violence and rape and confusion.  There is no reputable medical  evidence to support this measure.  You will be creating issues you cannot foresee and damage many a child in the process.  I took an oath to do no harm and this will harm!! Opposed!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96002", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:38:00", "title": "How is this “protecting the youth” it’s NOT. It’s wrong on so many levels !", "text": "This is wrong on so many levels and should not be allowed. Keep the 2 genders in their own separate bathrooms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96003", "author": "Ngiste Abebe", "date": "2021-02-03T17:39:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I'm writing in support of any effort to make transgender students feel more included and safe in their schools. Feeling safe at school is critical for students to learn successfully. It can be hard for school administrators and teachers to under, and establishing policies to equip school administrators with clear and consistent guidelines will help them ensure every student feels safe and valued so that they can focus on learning while at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96004", "author": "concerned citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T17:39:00", "title": "Seek to love your neighbor - oppose this policy", "text": "Affirming something that is hurtful to my neighbor is not loving. This ideology goes directly against all we have known to be true of child psychology for the last century. There are hundreds of decisions we believe children are incapable of making with any level of informed maturity. we have deep understanding of how children’s minds process new information, discovery, and comprehension. Why on earth would we ever conclude a child to be an expert on the truth of what they are experiencing as it relates to their human identity? children feel many things. It is abusive for adults to steer a child into an understanding of gender and sexuality that is a mega minority amongst adults. As a community we will learn this lesson the hard way. Policies like this and the loud voices that support them should be held accountable for each LGBTQ suicide in the next two decades. which will, and already are, on the increase. Nobody desires anybody to be bullied. That is not the issue. Each child should receive an education. That is not the issue. No child should be used as a tool buy an adult to advance a novel social agenda. I’m grieved at the depth of pain and consequence that is on the horizon."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96005", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:40:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support the proposed protections. All people deserve protections, no matter their gender or gender expression. Students deserve to feel safe in their schools and be protected from bigotry, bullying, and harm."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96006", "author": "Maria", "date": "2021-02-03T17:40:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Please leave your agenda at home, Lawmakers.  The government-funded school system should not be promoting an agenda that is contrary to the laws of God and nature. Virginia children should not be exposed to teaching that leads them to question their gender identity. Children are not in school to celebrate their identity. They are going to school to learn the essential skills to move into adulthood, and to prepare to work and provide for themselves and their future families.  Life skills are important to teach, as well as the teaching of ethics. If instruction in morality cannot be given because of \"separation of church and state,\" how can you justify teaching something as personal as how one identifies themselves with regard to gender.  Alternative lifestyle instruction has no place in the educational system.  Perhaps you should consider teaching children how to protect themselves from human predators who would steal their innocence, and perhaps their very lives, if they think they can get away with it. And while I'm commenting, let me be clear, any child harmed by your educational policies should have every means of legal redress for harm incurred under your laws passed in the Va House and Senate. My lawsuit, should my child be harmed, would include each one of you by name. Again, I repeat, leave your personal agendas at home, Lawmakers. You have no right to push your personal agenda in Virginia's schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96007", "author": "Helen Bard-Sobola", "date": "2021-02-03T17:41:00", "title": "Protective legislation for Trans and non-binary students", "text": "I'm writing to support protections for transgender and non-binary students in all of Virginia's public schools. These students deserve a safe place to learn and succeed, and protections will help facilitate a positive learning environment for everyone. Thank you, Helen Bard-Sobola Arlington, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96008", "author": "Anonymous & Frustrated", "date": "2021-02-03T17:41:00", "title": "Transgender Proposals:  Strong NO!", "text": "The current proposals involving transgender students flies in the face of common sense and totally ignores the rights of the students who identify with their God given gender.  To allow students to whimsically select which gender they relate to, and then to use bathroom facilities, locker rooms, and (not mentioned yet but it's coming ... to allow those same individuals the opportunity to athletically compete against their opposite sex) clearly tips the scale of justice in the favor of the transgender student and ignores the rights and interests of the straight student. As an administrator in a public school environment,  the logistical nightmare of adhering to these self-interest proposals is insurmountable. Since when are educators evaluated on the merits of their transgender sensitivities?  Students in today's academic climate have a difficult time meeting the state standards imposed by the Standards of Learning (which is another matter all unto itself).  Just check out the results of the English 11 EOC Writing scores over the last several years!  Write persuasively the VDOE commands, and now you want to impose politically correct \"pronouns\" to the confusion?  Students today have a hard enough time writing a complete sentence which is grammatically correct and free from spelling, syntax, subject-verb agreement, and capitalization errors ... and now the VDOE wants to impose yet another layer on top of those expectations and punish those who just can't seem to remember the correct pronoun to use now (teachers and students alike)! Stop the madness.  Stop catering the very narrow minded special interests and start looking out for the good of the general public, students, administrators, and teachers in the school systems.  Use common sense and vote \"No!\"  We have bigger fish to fry!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96009", "author": "Molly Shapiro", "date": "2021-02-03T17:41:00", "title": "Support for Trans Youth Policy", "text": "I am in complete support of this policy proposal. It seems to support both the actual youth living in VA but also the studies nationally that show how safe spaces can benefit queer youth. I think this program could set an awesome example for schools in states everywhere."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96010", "author": "Chris Rasnick", "date": "2021-02-03T17:41:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "The evidence is overwhelming. Trans people, especially trans youth need to be protected from incessant hate that’s become abundantly apparent even in this forum."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96011", "author": "Advocate", "date": "2021-02-03T17:42:00", "title": "Strongly support protecting trans youth!", "text": "I strongly support trans youth and any measure which will help protect and include them in school activities in a way that is respectful, accepting, and that helps foster further understanding and tolerance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96012", "author": "Parent in Loudoun County, Virginia", "date": "2021-02-03T17:43:00", "title": "The Ungodly Grooming of Children to be Exploited by the Sick and Evil", "text": "The movement to sexualize our children by the State must be stopped! School curricula and popular culture are leading our children into sexual confusion and warped ideas of personal identity. Progress in the wrong direction is not something to celebrate—especially when it goes against the Natural Order of Creation or even the established facts of science."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96013", "author": "Amy K Shepherd", "date": "2021-02-03T17:43:00", "title": "YES to safe, supportive, and non-discriminatory schools", "text": "This bill is critically important to protect the equal rights of some of our most vulnerable youth.  The message sent by the state, the legislature, school boards, school administration, and teachers is what will be received by all students.  That should be a message of support for student development, choice, safety, and a non-discriminatory learning environment and community. There is real harm to transgender students from negative messages we send, and no evidence of harm for inclusive and supportive policies.  Do the right thing and pass this bill. Amy Shepherd Arlington, VA (mom to 3 public school students)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96014", "author": "Raine Lewis", "date": "2021-02-03T17:43:00", "title": "*Strongly* support", "text": "Trans and non-binary people have always and will always be a part of society, and they are just as deserving of human rights and dignity as everyone else is. Plugging your ears and pretending that trans kids don't exist, or worse, actively attacking them or trying to force them to conform to what you believe they should be, is abusive. Supporting them is the only good and moral option."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96015", "author": "Laura Bryant Hanford, mother of FCPS students", "date": "2021-02-03T17:44:00", "title": "Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students--Oppose", "text": "While I agree wholeheartedly with the goal of protecting all students, I strongly oppose the Model Policy as currently formulated.  Its ambiguous terminology and definitions, unacceptably vague legal terms, and sweeping assertion of school authority, jeopardize the safety and privacy of both students and staff. Generally, the Policy: 1) gives unprecedented and illegal power to schools to intervene between parents, students and medical providers; 2) jeopardizes the safety of girls in particular by removing all legal recourse to abuse of privacy in places where they have the legal right to emotionally and physically secure facilities such as restrooms, lockers and overnight accommodations, and 3) places an untenable burden on staff and students who have philosophical, scientific or religious objections to claims by other students and to the ideological and scientific assertions of the Model Policy. 1)  The Policy explicitly allows schools to conceal from parents consultations with minors (p.12). Such intentional secrecy is both illegal and tremendously harmful to students and families.  School staff at best have a highly limited awareness of the student's needs and circumstances, and are in no position to unilaterally determine the best interests of the student.  To intervene intentionally, in secret, on such a sensitive topic is prejudicial, wrong, and illegal. Relatedly, the provisions of p. 13 are unacceptably broad and vague, and grant inappropriate and dangerously broad authority to the school for decisions it is not qualified to make.  Parents, not the school, are best suited to provide support and make medical decisions for their child.  To equate questions of how to handle a student's request for name or pronoun changes with child abuse--as this language broadly does--puts the best interests and health of the child at great risk and usurps the ability and rights of parents to care for that child. It is not the place of the school board, or staff, who have but a momentary glimpse into the child's psyche, circumstances, needs and health, to intervene in ways that can have lasting adverse psychological impact on the student, including by damaging the fabric of family relationships.  These provisions of secrecy are both illegal and harmful, and they are absolutely unacceptable. 2) In seeking to provide safety and prevent \"emotional harm\" for transgender students (p. 16, 17, 18) the Policy puts a far greater number of students at risk of physical and emotional harm, by removing any ability to protect designated female spaces. Any male can access protected female spaces and inflict harm, with no ability on the part of students or staff to question the student/staff, as the Policy bars staff and students alike from confronting students upon entrance to facilities.  Decades of privacy provisions designed to protect women and girls are removed, giving any intruder with ill intent full access to young girls.  This provision will lead inevitably to abuse and assault, and nowhere in this Policy is protection provided. Such tragic abuse will rightfully lead to lawsuits and damages against the school that actively opened the door to assault. This policy must be altered BEFORE girls and women are irreparably harmed by those who will abuse it. There is no emotional harm to transgender students if gender neutral bathrooms are accessible, and female spaces are protected. Until the safety of half the student population can be assured, the policy cannot place the safety of a few over the safety of the many. Relatedly, the Policy denies parents and students the right to know if their child will be sharing lockers, facilities or overnight accommodations with a student of the opposite biological sex.  The Policy provides no means of ensuring the child's safety from abuse of this provision, and harms the entire student body by placing the claims of a few students prejudicially above the safety of all the others.  The Policy must find a way of accommodating the safety of students, particularly of girls, and must be modified accordingly.  The policy gives transgender students the right to any accommodation, while stripping the rest of the student population of the presumptive right to emotional and physical safety and requiring the majority, not a tiny minority, to affirmatively request exceptions for lodging and facilities. 3)  The Policy provides no protections for staff or students who have objections of conscience, science or religion to unquestioning affirmation of gender identity over biological sex.  Further, the training, terminology, phrasing and resources are entirely one-sided in the perspectives presented.  Gender identity and transition are developing medical fields, and the resources cited largely rely on a handful of advocacy groups and small numbers of medical professionals who have authored policy papers for associations, often heavily funded by advocacy groups. There are countless medical professionals and scientists who do not support unexamined gender identity affirmation, and the science is not one-sided as presented in this Policy explanation. This Policy relies primarily on advocacy groups and makes no provision for staff, students and families who may choose to respectfully disagree with the philosophical, ideological, and scientific claims asserted by this Policy.  Whether such objections are scientific, philosophical, or religious, they cannot simply be subverted wholesale by the school or students, particularly if there are consequences or damages involved in expressing such objections. This is particularly the case as the definitions are so vague as to be nearly meaningless, and therefore open to abuse.  To cite but one example, the discussion of Student Identification on page 12 describes a student as transgender if there is \"more than a casual declaration of gender, but...not necessarily requir[ing] any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity\".  This phrase has no clear or defined legal meaning and yet is used as a standard for identification, and possibly claims of abuse or discrimination, and punitive action. This Policy should not be put forward under any circumstances until appropriate provision is made for the the rights of staff and students who have objections of conscience and/or religion to the ideological or scientific claims (in part or in whole) of gender identity. It is clear from both the Policy itself, and the resources and references provided, that this Model Policy was developed from a unilateral perspective, without involving any stakeholders other than the advocacy and position papers representing the claims of transgender and advocacy groups.  The Policy should be put on hold until participation of stakeholders across scientific, philosophical and religious perspectives can demonstrably be shown to have occurred.  To ensure that the needs of all students are met, this process must particularly include parents and families drawn from broader student populations, beyond the families of transgender students only. In sum, this Model Policy usurps parental, staff and student rights, creates vague and ambiguous standards that may be abused, and strips away physical and emotional protections for women and girls.  While the goal of ensuring the mental and physical health and safety of transgender students is laudable, this iteration of a Model Policy is absolutely unacceptable as written, and will perpetrate real harm in the name of doing good."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96016", "author": "Sophia Papelino", "date": "2021-02-03T17:44:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a non-binary parent of a 5th grader, it is incredibly important to me to see trans kids supported more by the school system. Childhood is already such a confusing time to learn who you are, it shouldn't be any more difficult for trans kids than anyone else. Starting the support young makes such a big difference for the rest of their lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96017", "author": "KF", "date": "2021-02-03T17:44:00", "title": "“Protecting Trans kids” doesn’t mean anyone is forcing your kids to be trans", "text": "I’m genuinely confused by the outpouring of indignation about children being FORCED to switch genders, since that is not what’s happening? This is about protecting and supporting children who identify as trans or non binary. It is not about stripping away parental rights, or forcing/encouraging children to change genders. LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high levels of bullying and depression specifically because they often have no support. Many people seem to think that this is a “choice” (it isn’t) for trans kids. If that’s the case, then obviously you should support putting an infrastructure in place with counseling and resources that allow a child to understand and make informed decisions about what they’re experiencing. Again, these are children. Sad to see that so many people’s bigotry is so deeply ingrained that they’re willing to allow a child to suffer, rather than attempt any modicum of understanding. That said, trained staff should be handling these matters, not teachers who are already overworked and underpaid."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96018", "author": "Rachel Brown", "date": "2021-02-03T17:44:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "It is our responsibility as educators to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students. Unfortunately, we know (from data and more importantly young people themselves) that this is not currently the reality in all Virginia schools. Far too many of our trans and nonbinary youth report feeling unsafe at school, and we must do everything in our power to respond to the discrimination and violence taking place. It is our duty to ensure all of our students are able to thrive, and these policies are a crucial step in that direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96019", "author": "Robin McNamara", "date": "2021-02-03T17:45:00", "title": "Strongly agree", "text": "Strongly agree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96020", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:45:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "This is wrong on so many levels.  Keeping parents in the dark is a lawsuit waiting to happen! Being  transgender is becoming trendy and is a mental health issue.  It should not be forced by the government on to students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96021", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:45:00", "title": "Nope", "text": "No no no no no!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96022", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:46:00", "title": "trans rights are human rights", "text": "Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people, Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law, Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations, Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co?operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge, Now, therefore, The General Assembly Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96023", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:46:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "These proposed protections are necessary and a bare minimum. Let people express their gender identity and feel comfortable and safe in their schools. Respect people's pronouns and identities. There is absolutely no harm done in allowing people to be themselves. Please protect trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96024", "author": "Shanthi Ramesh", "date": "2021-02-03T17:46:00", "title": "In support of this important legislation", "text": "As a physician I know firsthand the life long impacts that transgender youth face due to bullying and violence. School should be a safe place for all youth to thrive and grow. I fully support this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96025", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:47:00", "title": "Support protection of Trans rights", "text": "as a teacher I see firsthand how important it is for students to feel they are seen, heard, and cared for. There is no point in trying to deny or fight the notion anymore that there are people who identify as trans and will continue to do so. I continuing to deny acknowledgment and protection of this group, we are perpetuating a state that has been a time and again in education. It is imperative that we make the students feel safe, supported, and heard by offering them protections that are clearly desperately needed. We have an opportunity to address this now, rather than allowing it to be another case of Virginia falling behind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96026", "author": "Lori", "date": "2021-02-03T17:47:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am very opposed to this proposal on many fronts. Parents, not the government and not teachers, are responsible for raising their children.  Parents should have a voice in what their children are taught or exposed to. Many of these proposed changes can put children in potentially harmful situations. in addition, I am a Christianand do not support the belief that gender is decided upon by the individual, and subject to change on a whim."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96027", "author": "A. Chambers", "date": "2021-02-03T17:47:00", "title": "Support for ALL of our children", "text": "I support this measure. It’s important that we provide a safe place for children no matter how they identify. I’d want to know that my son was protected at school no matter what."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96028", "author": "Adam", "date": "2021-02-03T17:48:00", "title": "Transgender Policy in Schools", "text": "I start with saying all people deserve respect and love & basic human rights no matter how they identify. Now to my issue: Transgender used to be called \"Gender Dysphoria\" which is a mental issue. We are born biological male or female. To teach that this is normal and that kids can decide which gender they are is dangerous. The attempted suicide rate for the Transgender population being 45% or higher should tell us that. This isn't because of bullying, you can look at different communities where bullying is higher and the suicide rate is substantially less. So if bullying is not the issue we go back to medical mental issue. To have boys in girls restrooms and vice versa because of how they identify or how their parents/society tells them to identify is dangerous and unacceptable.  If anyone really cared about the issue they would look at the root cause and really do some good, but it seems in our current climate this kind of talk is \"Hate Speech\". This doesn't even cover the males who identify as females playing female sports and dominating. How is that fair to our daughters/women out there putting the work in? This type of legislation is dangerous and opens the doors to many more problems ranging from criminal acts to completely diminishing 'women's rights'. Now lets talk about the same scenario and restrooms/locker rooms.  I shouldn't have to explain why we have female and male restrooms and it has nothing to do with how you identify but your biology.  Ending, everyone deserves to be loved and is created with purpose, but real, true love is sometimes not easy. If you love someone, you tell them when something is wrong and you get them help. Instead, it is my fear that this type of legislation amplifies the problem by pandering to things that aren't true just because it might make you or them feel good."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96029", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:49:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT of trans youth", "text": "The evidence and science is extremely clear, trans youth needs protection and to be treated properly. Anyone against it is delusional and morally incoherent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96030", "author": "Isaiah", "date": "2021-02-03T17:49:00", "title": "STRONGLY approve", "text": "We need to keep individuals safe in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96031", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:50:00", "title": "trans rights are human rights", "text": "i’ve known that i’m gay since birth. gay and trans kids have existed, continue to exist, and will always exist. you must do everything you can to protect them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96032", "author": "Katie Cecilio", "date": "2021-02-03T17:51:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Protect trans and nonbinary students in Virginia! Pass this measure!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96033", "author": "Christine", "date": "2021-02-03T17:51:00", "title": "Oppose transgenders in biologically opposite gender sports, locker rooms, showers", "text": "It is inappropriate for schools to call CPS because parents of a transgender student are not affirming of their child's transgender status. The schools' role is not to enforce LGBT status in families. Biological males should not be allowed to compete in women's sports.? Males are generally taller and stronger which gives them a competitive edge in most sports. Females are at risk of injury from the stronger males. It is wrong to make the majority of students uncomfortable in bathrooms, showers,  and locker rooms because a transgender does not like his or her biological characteristics."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96034", "author": "Kathy", "date": "2021-02-03T17:51:00", "title": "Parental Priority", "text": "Parents must always be consulted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96035", "author": "William Hill", "date": "2021-02-03T17:53:00", "title": "No Way", "text": "This is an area the schools should not be involved in!  This is a family matter, and I for one do not want my normal kids being forced to share a bathroom or locker room with somebody of the opposite biological sex because they wish to pretend to be something that they are not."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96036", "author": "Shirley Albertson Owens", "date": "2021-02-03T17:54:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Human rights must never be blocked or censored.  I think opposition to transgender acceptance has its roots in fear and fundamental misunderstanding.  We need to move forward to educate each other and do our best to defend the safety and civil rights of all transgender young people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96037", "author": "Dani Butler", "date": "2021-02-03T17:54:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Guidance is so over needed for students in common wealth schools.  It is unfortunate that we need standards, but is a need that the new law addresses. Without the guidance many students may face prejudice and hate unnecessarily. Dani Butler Fredericksburg, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96038", "author": "Peasant000001", "date": "2021-02-03T17:55:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Forward:  Maybe our elected officials could stop bullying first??? Science is real.  Right?  Or is science convenient?  If you have a penis, your are male.  If you have a vagina, you are female.  This determines what bathroom to use.  We already have anti bullying policies in place.  If you want to identify as a different gender, that's ok.  My children are taught to not bully or make fun and to accept.  They already have experience with this now in high school and there have been no issues.  You all are making this out to be a bigger problem than it is.  DO NOT TAKE YOUR PENIS INTO MY DAUGHTER'S BATHROOM!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96039", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:55:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "Support the LGBTQ+ community and its youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96040", "author": "Patty (parent of three children in Virginia public schools, physician)", "date": "2021-02-03T17:55:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support the document entitled \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students.\" I hope the decision-makers understand that these are real children, actual students, and denying their existence (as some other commenters have done) is asinine. I am a pediatric physician and also parent to 3 VA public school students. I feel that any transgender student has the same right as my cis-gendered children to feel safe, valued, and protected at school. I have witnessed the mental health crises that arise when a transgender child is bullied and denied basic rights. This policy aims to create a learning environment that will protect those who are the most vulnerable in terms of depression and suicidal ideation (for sobering scientific facts about this truth, here is a great resource: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/LGBTQ_MentalHealth_OnePager.pdf ). I entrust these decisions to be made by the experts who wrote this policy - psychologists, school counselors, lifelong educators, healthcare providers - and not random people driven by religious zealotry and fear who have made comments opposing this policy. I am also Christian and I know of many religious and spiritual people who believe in tolerance and the value of all humans, including transgender students. Thank you for reading my comment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95440", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:19:00", "title": "Strongly apposed", "text": "absolutely not."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95441", "author": "Amelie Langan", "date": "2021-02-03T13:19:00", "title": "Full Support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!", "text": "I am a middle school student in Richmond Public Schools and I support this policy because I believe that all students deserve to feel safe and don’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable. Discrimination against trans students is harmful and should not be a part of our schools. Safe schools for everyone!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95442", "author": "Phil Mackall", "date": "2021-02-03T13:20:00", "title": "Equal Protection for Trans/Non-Binary Students!", "text": "I'm writing to support equal protections for transgender and non-binary students in all of Virginia's public schools. These students deserve a safe place to learn and succeed.  These protections will help facilitate a positive learning environment for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95443", "author": "Nicole", "date": "2021-02-03T13:20:00", "title": "Strongly support!!!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95444", "author": "Carmen", "date": "2021-02-03T13:20:00", "title": "K-12 Teacher and Mom Who FULLY Supports This Guidance!!", "text": "As an educator in public schools and mother to a school-aged child, I fully support lifting up vulnerable youth. In my experience, teaching young people about the immeasurable diversity of the world is not harmful. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, but we should agree to protect ALL students and not discriminate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95445", "author": "Amber", "date": "2021-02-03T13:21:00", "title": "I oppose!", "text": "My family and I strongly oppose! This is outrageous!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95446", "author": "Katia Graf", "date": "2021-02-03T13:21:00", "title": "I support", "text": "\"I support the model policy protecting transgender students.”"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95447", "author": "Michael Avila", "date": "2021-02-03T13:21:00", "title": "In support of this document:", "text": "The protection of transgender students in schools is a must. Every student deserves the right to be treated fairly and to be protected by their school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95448", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Strongly support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95449", "author": "Adria Williams", "date": "2021-02-03T13:25:00", "title": "In Support", "text": "I am in support of trans rights in Virginia"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95450", "author": "amber k", "date": "2021-02-03T13:26:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "I strongly oppose, it is an outrage, I will not send my children to public school if this is passed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95451", "author": "Jasmine", "date": "2021-02-03T13:27:00", "title": "Finally!", "text": "Finally! This bill represents an important step towards making Virginia more welcoming and inclusive of all. Transgender and non-binary students thrive when they are able to live their preferred gender identity and shouldn't have to worry about their own safety at school. This is about basic human rights here!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95452", "author": "Shane", "date": "2021-02-03T13:28:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I support ours students, or any person for that after, being allowed to be their true selves. Students should be able to learn without judgement or discrimination. Keep places of learning supportive and encouraging."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95453", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:28:00", "title": "STRONGLY STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "OUTRAGEOUS, WILL NOT SEND MY CHILDREN TO PUBLIC SHCOOLS IF THIS IS PASSED"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95454", "author": "ASB", "date": "2021-02-03T13:29:00", "title": "Adoption of transgender policies in VA public schools", "text": "Strongly oppose transgender policies being adopted in VA public schools.  Confusing standards just promote more confusion.  One's sex is not simply a matter of what one wills it to be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95455", "author": "Kelly Carruthers", "date": "2021-02-03T13:30:00", "title": "Protections for Transgender Youth and all students in VA schools", "text": "Good Afternoon, I am writing to support protections for transgender and non-binary youth in all of Virginia's public schools.  Students deserve a safe place to learn and succeed.  Protections will help facilitate a positive learning environment for all. I am a veteran educator for over twenty-five years.  As a school counselor I have worked with transgender students and their families on inclusion and safety issues.  The Commonwealth of Virginia must protect every student who walks into a school building ready, willing, and able to learn.  It is our duty to serve everyone. Please do what you can to protect all LGBT student under the care of the entire Virginia public education system.  It is the right thing to do! Thank you for your time, Kelly Carruthers, NBCT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95456", "author": "elliott", "date": "2021-02-03T13:30:00", "title": "SUPPORT TRANS KIDS! ??????", "text": "it's time to put policies into place to protect and support trans kids so they can live happy and healthy lives! allowing trans youth to express who they are freely with appropriate guidance could absolutely save lives! let's work together to make this happen!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95457", "author": "Kaitlyn Rohan", "date": "2021-02-03T13:31:00", "title": "Not in support of this bill", "text": "Not in support of this Bil"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95458", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:31:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Opposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95459", "author": "Lara Kobell", "date": "2021-02-03T13:32:00", "title": "NO!", "text": "This goes against so many rights it’s unbelievable. Parents should ALWAYS have a say on what their child is exposed to/not exposed to. It is NOT the school’s responsibility or right to force beliefs or values on children, period. This has gotten out of hand. If this law passes I will be taking my child out of the school system and either pursuing homeschool or private school. I’m sure many will do the same thing which will then only hurt the school system as they will lose funding."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95461", "author": "Matt Morse", "date": "2021-02-03T13:32:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.  I believe it is not appropriate to bring the subject of one’s sexuality into open discussion in school.  I feel this would violate the norms of my faith and expose my children to influences that would only serve to confuse them.  While I am sensitive to the plight of those individuals who may struggle with their gender identity or sexual orientation, I don’t feel that it applies to enough students where it needs to become a focal point of education.  I am also concerned that such an effort may take the form of “recruitment” toward certain gender and sexuality ambivalence that are mere steps in the typical evolution of self identity in childhood and adolescence, and may have the tendency to arrest that development if children are encouraged to identify in a non-binary way because it is “new,” “cool,” or “rebellious.”  I think if you start doing this, you are going to do more harm than good.  How about better drug abuse prevention efforts?  Can we not spend our resources and time in a direction that really needs it, or are we more interested in serving the needs of the few over the needs of the many?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95460", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:32:00", "title": "Strongly oppose for so many reasons", "text": "I am strongly opposed to allowing any type of transgender actions to be allowed in the school. Boys should not be allowed in females bathrooms or locker rooms, as well as girls should not be allowed in boys locker rooms or bathrooms, no matter which gender the child identifies with. Girls should DEFINITELY not be allowed to go Topless. All of these actions could most definitely could cause sexual misconduct. Boys allowed to wear skirts and dressing as girls is an open invitation for bullying, as well as girls dressing as boys. Allowing these kinds of behaviors in schools will most certainly cause a lot of confusion for many kids with their sexual identities. This is absolutely not ok!!! If these new policies are allowed in schools certainly many kids will be going to private schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95462", "author": "Charlie H", "date": "2021-02-03T13:32:00", "title": "Strongly support; trans students have a right to a fulfilling and safe education", "text": "This is a great policy and should serve as a model for other schools and school districts. Transgender students, nonbinary students, and LGBTQ+ students deserve to feel affirmed in their identity. Schools are made to serve all students, and having policies such as these lay the groundwork for that support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95463", "author": "Jenny S", "date": "2021-02-03T13:33:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "As a loving sister of a gender non-binary person, I believe these regulations are an important step in making our schools accessible and welcoming spaces for all. School can be hard enough without state-supported harassment for your gender identity - creating and affirming space for all is consistent with the learning and development goals in Virginia's school system. I commend the Department of Education for the open and inclusive process in creating this guidance and strongly support these changes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95464", "author": "Nick Pate", "date": "2021-02-03T13:33:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!! Stick to Teaching Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic!!!", "text": "Strongly Oppose!!! Stick to Teaching Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic!!! This is complete insanity!  You should all be ashamed of yourselves!!! VDOE has become the Department of No Education!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95465", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:33:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support this well-researched and evidence-based proposal. Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environments. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health. As public entities entrusted with student safety, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95466", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:34:00", "title": "I strongly oppose", "text": "Transgender School Policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95467", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:34:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I strongly support this proposal which would protect some of our most vulnerable students. Transgender youth are at high risk of suicide and instituting school protections promises to reduce that, as well as increase school attendance and academic achievement. Protect trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95468", "author": "Melissa Large", "date": "2021-02-03T13:35:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "As a mother and grandmother I strongly oppose this. As a woman I would not want a man in the restroom with me nor a boy in the restroom with my daughters and granddaughter. There is enough child porn in the world without encouraging it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95469", "author": "Mary Oates", "date": "2021-02-03T13:36:00", "title": "transgender student policies", "text": "This is disgusting.  This needs to stop.  These policies are wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95470", "author": "Ruth", "date": "2021-02-03T13:37:00", "title": "TransGender indoctrination", "text": "Strongly OPPOSE for many reasons!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95471", "author": "Cassandra Miller", "date": "2021-02-03T13:38:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I am writing to strongly appose this legislation. My children are not legal adults; they are my dependents and as such I 100% have a right to know if they are exploring a change in their sexuality. This undermines our role as parents and also as a Catholic family. Gender identity is not a legal and political issue but a human, fundamental issue and one that the church has a strong opinion about. If faculty and staff at a school are allowed to let students wear hijabs and be exempt from celebrations involving different cultures or faiths, why are Christian students not allowed to be exempt from adhering to this law? If you are going to say that it is up to the family to practice those beliefs and to keep those beliefs at home, then you are contradicting your earlier statement about keeping parents out of the loop. How can we discuss these matters with our children if we do not know what they are choosing at school? If a child is allowed to be an athiest or to choose his/her own gender without risk of being taken out of his/her home, I also do not see why we must have a removal of science by threat in this law as well. The familial structure is now at risk in an already fragile time period. If you are worried about acceptance and tolerance at the family level, then this new policy should be worded differently to include mandatory counseling services as needed and not simply \"parents will not know and will lose their child.\" This is infuriating and frightening. My children will not be bullied into a belief system that does not uphold their Christian values and I would never ask that of a non-Christian family either."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95472", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-02-03T13:38:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "I am in strong support of this initiative. Some of the previous comments alone are reason to provide safety and understanding to ALL children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95473", "author": "Erica Game", "date": "2021-02-03T13:38:00", "title": "Rights", "text": "Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights ) Act, 2019 It protects transgender individuals against discrimination in education, employment and healthcare. It recognizes the gender identity of the individual, and there are provisions in the law for a certificate to be issued with their new gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95474", "author": "Father of three kids", "date": "2021-02-03T13:38:00", "title": "Strongly opposed!!!", "text": "Will not send my children to public school!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95475", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:39:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Too many safety issues for children since there can be people that will abuse this if you pass it. Transgenderism is a mental illness that should be addressed medically not by the DOE or the government. Kids can change their minds about this since their brains aren't fully developed until the age of 25. Plus, being woke is a trend that some people want to hop onto but in the end you're going to hurt the children or even yourself. Please, use common sense not wokeness for the children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95476", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:39:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95477", "author": "Caito Hankinson, Teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T13:39:00", "title": "Support Trans Students", "text": "Our students are identifying as trans in elementary school. We need to keep them safe, keep them happy, keep them feeling good about themselves. Some of the people opposing this are not coming from a place of seeing the whole child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95478", "author": "Darrell H", "date": "2021-02-03T13:40:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this proposed legislation.  My top concerns include: As a parent, it is my job to nurture my children and facilitate the development, growth, and well-being of my children.  As such, it is completely unconscionable that decisions as serious as gender identity would be handled without either parental knowledge or parental consent of school-aged children.  Schools require parental consent for activities as simple as field trips and participation in sports.  In no way should the school be allowed to help minors make decisions as serious as gender identity without informed parental guidance and consent. The draft policy stipulates that potential incidents of discrimination, harassment, or bullying would not be brought to a parents’ attention unless they are not resolved “at the school level.”  This is counter to any other conduct of disciplinary action in schools, for example in-class behavior issues, attendance, etc where parents are informed and are allowed to care for their children as appropriate.  Removal of parents from the resolution of these situations could harm parent-child relationships and force minors to make decisions without the advice of their legal guardians. As a parent of daughters, I am also particularly concerned about provisions that would allow the use of bathrooms and locker rooms by either gender with no notice or means for parents or even school officials to defend my daughters against individuals who would abuse such a system in a predatory manner, to the potential harm of the health and well-being of my daughters and the daughters of other parents. As written, there is no consideration for religious or ideological views that vary from this proposed legislation.  As parents, we have the constitutional right to exercise religious freedom free from government persecution, and that includes in how we care for and raise our children.  We have the ability to opt in and out of any number of school programs based on religious or philosophical views, why is this topic different?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95479", "author": "Holly Jones", "date": "2021-02-03T13:40:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I absolutely support this. I am a mental health clinician and have an obligation to protect children no matter their identity. I believe this will allow those who are transgender to feel more respected, and it will not infringe on the rights of other students. Being transgender or questioning your identity/sexuality does not make you more likely to have problematic or sexualized behaviors at school. We should support all students to be their most authentic selves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95480", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:40:00", "title": "Strongly support!!", "text": "Strongly support!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95481", "author": "Ali D", "date": "2021-02-03T13:40:00", "title": "Absolute Support", "text": "It is well past time for these kinds of changes to take place. All students deserve to feel safe being who they are in a school setting. Trans lives are valid and need to be protected in policy!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95482", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:40:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans and non-binary kids are far too often excluded and left behind. They deserve to feel safe and validated EVERYWHERE and school is an environment where acceptance and fair treatment can be fully implemented."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95483", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:41:00", "title": "Oppose the VDOE model policy for treatment of transgender students", "text": "I oppose the VDOE model policies for the treatment of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95484", "author": "Ariel Beccia", "date": "2021-02-03T13:41:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "I am writing in strong support of this bill, which will help ensure the safety and well-being of trans and non-binary students in Virginia's public school system. Protection against bullying, harassment, discrimination, and victimization is a basic human right."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95485", "author": "Freedom", "date": "2021-02-03T13:41:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSED, this is a disgrace to humanity that we would remove dignity from the family unit that these schools are built to support.  This will result in a collapse of the public education system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95486", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:41:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Strongly opposed! This is sheer lunacy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95487", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:41:00", "title": "I strongly oppose to this!!", "text": "I strongly oppose to this because I would not like to use the bathroom at school and have a man walk in. Transgenders should not be allowed to do this! I would not like my children sharing a woman’s bathroom with men. Same goes for sports at schools as well. Transgender men should not be allowed to participate in women sports, and transgender women should not be allowed to participate in men’s"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95488", "author": "James Anderson", "date": "2021-02-03T13:41:00", "title": "Excellent Step Forward!", "text": "This is a very heartening to read and I am proud to be a Virginia alumnus and to have my kids currently enrolled in Virginia schools. Education is about more than what textbooks say and its more than how to solve equations. Education is also about learning how to be a good citizen and I'm happy to see that this will now involve recognizing the gender identity of the students, not only so that they can feel accepted and supported, but also so that their cisgender classmates are exposed at an early age to classmates whose gender identity isn't the same as their own and that that's not weird or scary. It's just different. I heartily support these guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95489", "author": "Amanda Pierce", "date": "2021-02-03T13:42:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I am in strong support of equality and protections for trans, non binary, gender non confirming youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95490", "author": "Laura", "date": "2021-02-03T13:42:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT!", "text": "I strongly support this initiative! Supporting children includes supporting trans children. We need to protect our communities kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95491", "author": "Another concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T13:43:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I do not agree that the public schools should have the right to enter into gender issues with children. This should be a parents job with their own children. The schools job is to educate children in History, math, science, English, and the arts, and should not dictate what teachers need to teach concerning sexual issues. The problem our schools are facing is not because of gender issues, but lack in teaching the core courses and leaving everything else to parents. The government need to stay out of what are parental rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95492", "author": "Vicki Kaylor", "date": "2021-02-03T13:43:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I do not agree with this at all. I oppose this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95493", "author": "A parent", "date": "2021-02-03T13:43:00", "title": "OPPOSE!", "text": "I do not support this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95494", "author": "Nora", "date": "2021-02-03T13:44:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I support the policies outlined in the proposal. It is imperative that Virginia's public schools be clear and unwavering in their promise to protect LGBTQ+ students. We must advocate for trans and non-binary students not only as a safety and equity issue, but because children will be looking at the example we set. We must do right by all of them. By not being explicit in our promise to protect students, by allowing our educators to be bullied and swayed by narrow-minded parents and public servants, we will only perpetuate discrimination and violence, and fail all students as a result."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95495", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:44:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPSE AND WILL REMOVE MY KIDS FROM SCHOOL SYSTEM", "text": "STRONGLY OPPSE AND WILL REMOVE MY KIDS FROM SCHOOL SYSTEM"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95496", "author": "Mother  of five children", "date": "2021-02-03T13:44:00", "title": "Vote NO!", "text": "Vote NO, because I want to protect my children ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95497", "author": "Daniel Spencer", "date": "2021-02-03T13:46:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "Several studies have shown the overall quality of life (not to mention significantly reduced suicide risk) of transgender children who are able to present and reflect their actual gender, and this would help immensely with recognition and improvements, not to mention that it would help cisgender students in seeing transgender students as just a different person; not anything negative to be scared or worried about. Acknowledging and support transgender students in their identity will help to improve the lives of all students, and to reduce bigotry by increasing education about gender identities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95498", "author": "M. mcmahon", "date": "2021-02-03T13:46:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill. It is not the government’s, or in this case, the school’s, job to tell us what to believe or how to live."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95499", "author": "Adielle Rivera", "date": "2021-02-03T13:46:00", "title": "Highly Oppose!! From the Hispanic Community", "text": "To whom this may concern, Please do not support this bill. I am highly opposed to this bill as it gives more power to teachers than to the child’s very own parents. This will bring si un confusion to children’s minds and is in no way healthy. I oppose this bill in the strongest possible way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95500", "author": "Peter Rohan", "date": "2021-02-03T13:46:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this. This should be considered child abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95501", "author": "Julia", "date": "2021-02-03T13:47:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools", "text": "Strongly Oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95502", "author": "Rowen, I Am Me Mentors Tutoring & Curriculum Development Cooperative", "date": "2021-02-03T13:47:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!", "text": "I strongly support this well-researched and evidence-based proposal. Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environments. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health. As public entities entrusted with student safety, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments. As a transgender educator who went through public schools in Texas, this type of guidance would have been life changing for my own personal growth and development. This does nothing but support marginalized students and does not negatively impact any other groups as many of the other comments suggest/imply it would!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95503", "author": "Beth", "date": "2021-02-03T13:47:00", "title": "Support! TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. Anyone opposing this is cold hearted and ignorant.", "text": "I strongly support this, as should everyone with an ounce of empathy and intelligence. Unfortunately there will be cold hearted, ignorant people in every generation. The transgender community has faced some of the worst, most violent oppression of our time. It’s time we do something about it. Anyone commenting their lack of support needs to take a good look in the mirror. People like you are the villain in these stories. You want to harm and oppress innocent people, people who have done nothing to you. You should be ashamed of yourselves. I can only hope your children grow up to be better people than you, despite the poor example you’ve set for them. Love will always win."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95504", "author": "Marc DeFrancis", "date": "2021-02-03T13:48:00", "title": "VDOE Trans and Non-Binary Student Protections", "text": "I am writing to urge passage of protections for our transgender and nonbinary students across Virginia. The moral issue is fairly simple: Trans and nonbinary students don't \"choose\" their gender any more than they choose their race or ethnicity; they discover as they age what gender identity is natural for them. It is always wrong to single out a child for separate treatment, segregated schooling, or second-class status based on a non-chosen characteristic. Trans and binary kids need access to restrooms like any other human beings, and they deserve full participation in sports, gym class, and everything else we taxpayers pay for so our children and our neighbors' children can thrive and learn. Therefore, it only makes sense to allow these kids, like all kids, to use the restrooms that correspond to their gender identity; to do otherwise is to subject them to endless harassment. Even if this issue is new to many educators and voters, many of whom have no transgender friends or neighbors or coworkers, that is no reason to deny its seriousness to the small minority among us who live with their transgender identity every day, including the children in three families I happen to know through my neighborhood and church. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95505", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:49:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "Strongly Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95506", "author": "Emily Zieff", "date": "2021-02-03T13:49:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95507", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:50:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Leave politics outside the school. Teach manners, reading, writing, math and history."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95508", "author": "Amanda Gould", "date": "2021-02-03T13:50:00", "title": "Strong support: this will save trans youth's lives", "text": "I want to voice my strong support for this guidance document. The Trevor Project has done comprehensive studies show that LGBTQ youth are 40% less likely to commit suicide if they have one supportive adult in their life. They also show episode of LGBT victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment or abuse, increases the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times on average. Training and equipping schools to be able to provide the support, resources, and protection for trans students will literally save lives. It does not hurt anyone to protect trans youth. It does, however, hurt and can even potentially kill trans youth to not create supportive and safe environments for them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95509", "author": "Priscilla Anderson", "date": "2021-02-03T13:50:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "STRONGLY oppose transgender policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95510", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:51:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This goes way beyond trying to help transgendered students feel included. I agree that no one should be put down or bullied for any reason. But this? This is outrageous! You are saying that an 18 year old male can walk into a girl's bathroom, without question, where my 14/15 year old daughter could be changing/using the restroom unsupervised. How is the safe? This is crossing way over the line of indoctrination. Yes, many students are questioning who they are in their teenage years, but it is not the school's job to tell them who they are. Parents know their children, it is their job to parent. It is not the school's job to help a confused young person explore their gender identity. And where does it stop? The law states that these students may not identify as male or female? What will the school say to them? Tell them they can be anything they choose that day? Ridiculous! Our schools need to protect ALL students. This law is protecting the few while putting many at risk. NO, I am not saying that transgendered students are violent sex offenders, I am saying that once young people understand what they can get away with under this law, that there will be innocent students hurt. By all means, train your guidance counselors, principals, gym coaches, athletic trainers, teachers, etc., what to do and how to guide students who reach out to them. But this is taking it TOO FAR!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95511", "author": "Susan Migliore", "date": "2021-02-03T13:51:00", "title": "OPPOSE - VERY PROBLEMATIC", "text": "While well  intentioned, these proposed policies are extremely problematic. They articulate views - such as the view that \"Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic\" - that are unproven and 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. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, gender dysphoria prevalence accounts to 0.005-0.014% of the population for biological males and 0.002-0.003% for biological females. There are few studies examining adult outcomes for children who present as transgender, and those few studies indicate that more than 2/3rds of pre-pubescent children who present as transgender eventually drop their trans identity and desist to their biological sex. Given that there are no objective or reliable methods to differentiate between temporary or mistaken transgender identities and persistent ones, schools should not be promoting the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to engage in sometimes irreversible \"gender transitions.\" In the laudable desire to provide support to the small percentage of students with Gender Dysphoria, the school system cannot disregard the health and welfare of all other students. 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. Finally, the model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children and have the potential to pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95512", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:52:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!!", "text": "I do not support this! My child SHOULD Not be forced to call a he a she and vice versa. We are a Christian family and do not support this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95513", "author": "God", "date": "2021-02-03T13:53:00", "title": "Jesus ChristII", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS TRAVESTY YOU ARE TRYING TO INFLICT ON OUR CHILDREN."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95514", "author": "Amber G", "date": "2021-02-03T13:53:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is ridiculous! As a parent and educator I am devastated that this would even be considered. It's unacceptable to think that a teacher can correctly associate a students gender from one day to the next. Am I supposed to ask each student as they enter my room what gender they are identifying with for the day or take a poll at the beginning of every class? I am really starting to get confused as to what my role as a teacher is. Is it to teach the extensive content that has been laid out for me and that ultimately determines my worth as a teacher for those that teach SOLs or to forego that curriculum and spend my class time talking about feelings and sexual orientation?  Biologically speaking there are two genders, sexual identification is not something that the public school system should be able to actively \"teach\" to my or anyone else's child. Young children are very easily influenced by Hollywood \"trends\" which often has nothing to do with how they truly feel or identify, but rather what they can do to draw attention to themselves. Does no one see an issue with students of the opposite sex using the same restroom? Is a young man trying to sneak a peek at the opposite sex going to be excused for his actions simply because he decided to identify as female for the day.  Individuals that are actually in the school would know that this is a very real possibility. And we also know that nothing would happen to this child because taking responsibility for your actions are wrong.   That is not something that I as a parent is comfortable with. I don't want any member of the opposite sex using the same bathroom as my son or daughter. This is a very slippery slope indeed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95515", "author": "Priscilla Anderson", "date": "2021-02-03T13:54:00", "title": "STRONGLY oppose transgender policies", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95516", "author": "BRB", "date": "2021-02-03T13:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the Transgender School Policy. Our schools need to get back to the basics and teach their subjects."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95517", "author": "Loretta", "date": "2021-02-03T13:55:00", "title": "Child abuse", "text": "I am a concerned citizen, military spouse & mother. It is concerning that the school boards would even consider this to pass. Implementing this would be a threat to the mental health of our children in our schools. It is considered child abuse and neglect from the board of education. It goes against our children’s civil rights. Our children should be cared for not subjects of social experiments. This bill is a threat to my children and we as parents have the right to stop education board on applying political issues into their system, it is against the law and they should stick to teaching the ABC’s this is easily proven to be child abuse! I am sure they will think carefully."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95518", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T13:56:00", "title": "Hey sheople!", "text": "Opposed - Parenting minors is the right of the parents, not the school or government. Wake up!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95519", "author": "Elizabeth Boskey, PhD.", "date": "2021-02-03T13:56:00", "title": "Evidence based, comprehensive, clear", "text": "As a researcher who works in the field of gender affirming care for young adults, I was pleased to see this thoughtful, evidence-based proposal for how schools can support gender diverse youth. Youth who have access to supportive environments, safe environments, and environments where they know they can access support in times of crisis are more likely to be able to thrive. For some youth who do not have parental support, school can be the only safe place for them to be themselves. For others, school is a part of living a whole and healthy life. This protocol is clear and comprehensive. It addresses the needs of both gender diverse and cisgender students by seeking to eliminate gender-related barriers to successful education. I strongly support the implementation of this policy and believe it could be a model policy for other state boards of education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95520", "author": "OPPOSE IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST", "date": "2021-02-03T13:56:00", "title": "THIS WILL END PUBLIC SCHOOLS AS WE KNOW IT! STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!YOU", "text": "You all had better not even think about bringing this disgusting evil to our schools or we will all take our children out!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95521", "author": "Tari Foltz", "date": "2021-02-03T13:57:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "This is way overstepping parental rights.  This is pure evil. The words “sexual preference” and “CHILD” should never even be used in the same context.  Strongly, strongly, strongly opposed.  Children need to be allowed to be CHILDREN."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95522", "author": "Deb", "date": "2021-02-03T13:57:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "Absolutely support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95523", "author": "Catherine Alvarez", "date": "2021-02-03T13:57:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this bill to protect trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95524", "author": "Kelly Alexis", "date": "2021-02-03T13:57:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I support the guidance. Thank you, Kelly Alexis"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95525", "author": "Bertha Washington", "date": "2021-02-03T13:58:00", "title": "Transgender rights are human rights!", "text": "Please support t ransgender rights! Transgenders deserve to be protected as any other person. What is done as an educational institution will impart how children behave toward others as adults. What will we teach?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95526", "author": "Bernie mcgrew", "date": "2021-02-03T13:58:00", "title": "Strongly Support the trans kids", "text": "I strongly support the protection of trans kids in school. These kids need it . You have no idea what it’s like because you are not in there shoes. EVERY person is different so we should let them feel comfortable with who they are. And not worried what’s gonna happen next. How  is anyone going to learn  while stressed. Think about it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95527", "author": "Abigail McDonnell", "date": "2021-02-03T14:00:00", "title": "I support all LGBTQ+ rights, trans included", "text": "I support any and all legislature that supports and protects LGBTQ+ children and adults. Everyone deserves to feel and be safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95528", "author": "Sierra Carrillo", "date": "2021-02-03T14:00:00", "title": "SUPPORT!!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights, let kids be who they are in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95529", "author": "Stephanie", "date": "2021-02-03T14:01:00", "title": "In Support of Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "As a science educator, I am in full support of the guidelines developed in support of transgender students. It is the job of teachers to ensure a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students. Teachers have the power to either create a safe space in their classrooms or a hostile and alienating space for trans and gender-nonconforming students. As stated in the policy document, \"a 2019 national survey by GLSEN found that 84 percent of transgender youth feel unsafe at school.\" A study from the American Academy of Pediatrics (Toomey et al., 2018) found over 50% of trans* male participants and almost 30% of trans* female participants had attempted suicide at some point in their lives. These rates compare to around 9% for cisgender boys and girls. This is a pretty clear indicator that trans* students feel unsafe either at school or at home. I should add as someone who studied molecular biology and genetics, biological sex is way more complex than simply X and Y chromosomes and secondary sex characteristics, and has nothing to do with gender (a self-concept) or sexuality (to whom someone finds attraction). For anyone who is curious about the distinction between these concepts, you may find this site informative: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-hostos-child-development-education/chapter/defining-sex-gender-and-sexuality/"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95530", "author": "Gen", "date": "2021-02-03T14:03:00", "title": "Strongly oppose! To give ppl no choice is not american!", "text": "To not give ppl the choice and to pull children from their loving homes because a parent does not want to do this. That is very wrong a d an abuse of power. Disgusting bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95531", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose these policies being considered by our Department of Education. This is a gross overstep of the schools authority to govern our children. Our children are sent to school for education... it is the parent/ guardian/ family's right to counsel, guide and support our children in these more personal areas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95532", "author": "Wil G.", "date": "2021-02-03T14:05:00", "title": "Mental illness needs to be treated not celebrated.", "text": "The school house is not a place where mental illness should be pushed as something that is celebrated or accepted. It should be treated with care which does not mean allowing boys in girls rooms or girls in boys rooms. As adults, you need take a stand and acknowledge to the young people who look to you for guidance, that gender is not something that you can change, it is something that you are born with. Acceptance of reality is vital to mental well-being and teaching that gender is fluid and changeable is not only wrong on many levels, it is dangerous and in many cases, lethal. This is not a subject to which you should bow to the PC police, children are much more important than the temporary and fickle approval of the mob. Rather, you should teach the children the actual truths of biology, proven by science, not the science of feelings to which the transgender ideology belongs. You should be encouraging parents to have this conversation with their children and realize that it is not the place of the public school system to push a social agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95533", "author": "Mari West", "date": "2021-02-03T14:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "DOE’s role is to teach our children abc’s and 123’s.  It’s parents responsibilities to raise the children as they see fit to their beliefs, values and morals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95534", "author": "Chrys G", "date": "2021-02-03T14:05:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support the guidance to trans children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95535", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:06:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this Transgender Policy that is being drafted by the Virginia Department of Education. What kind of society are you trying to form? An Animal Kingdom?? Leave it to parents to teach their children right from wrong. What is moral and what is immoral. This is not a dictatorship society where you force your opinions and beliefs on everybody else and make it a Rule. Even the world dictators never dreamed of such a ruthless, unthinkable rule. A child's mind is not a game to be played with. Wake up Virginia. Wake up America."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95536", "author": "Addie", "date": "2021-02-03T14:06:00", "title": "YES! STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "This document was clearly well thought out and researched. This is the direction we need to be moving and has SO many upsides in terms of safety. Giving children ample space and resources to figure out who they are with support along the way is the best thing we can do for them. I am really disgusted by the opposing comments and I ask all of you to think about your children’s well beings and freedom of expression more than your weird dated preconceived ideas about gender. Grow up."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95537", "author": "Amanda R", "date": "2021-02-03T14:07:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "We need to protect our children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95538", "author": "Lizz", "date": "2021-02-03T14:08:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "SUPPORT TRANS KIDS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95539", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:08:00", "title": "Transgender boy in boys bathroom next ends up pregnant LGBTQ?", "text": "Oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91408", "author": "Jennifer Bishop", "date": "2021-01-25T15:52:00", "title": "I Support the Guidance Document", "text": "Respecting and supporting our most marginalized students and community members is the most powerful way to show our character and model for all students what respect and inclusion really mean. As an educator, I know how vital this guidance is for trans, non-binary and gender non-comforting students and also the positive example it sets for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91410", "author": "Emily Zeanah Shelton", "date": "2021-01-25T16:36:00", "title": "VA Dept of Education guidance documents re: supporting transgender kids in public schools", "text": "Our schools should model an equitable, caring, student-centered approach to addressing the diverse needs of our students. To this end, as a mental health professional and a parent of a soon-to-be kindergartner in Virginia public schools, I wholeheartedly support trans-affirming guidance and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91411", "author": "Jess D", "date": "2021-01-25T16:47:00", "title": "Strongly Support Guidance Document", "text": "As a mental health worker in the community, I have come in contact with many young people who are impacted by lack of policy in the school system to protect their personhood and whose mental health and academic success have suffered greatly due to lack of support and enduring discrimination.  Transgender students are at a higher suicide risk than their peers, and often experience harassment that can have long-term consequences on their mental and emotional well-being.  This document ensures a safer environment for young people to learn and to diminish traumatic experience within the school system.  It is informed by medical and psychiatric expertise, not individuals in the community who fear what they do not, or will not, understand.  This is an important distinction when determining best action-- do we want to pursue action based in evidence or action based in fear? My hope is that most of us want our children to grow and learn in environments that foster inclusion and safety. This document is a step in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91412", "author": "Robin LeGallo, MD", "date": "2021-01-25T16:47:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "This is a must in my mind as a parent, educator, physician and cisgender heterosexual woman.  This is evidence based, allows us all to meet our potential and saves lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91413", "author": "David Schwind", "date": "2021-01-25T16:50:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools VDOE 22.1-23-3", "text": "Oppose I am a husband, father, grandfather.  I believe firmly in compassion and understanding but: Unless emancipated, parents and legal guardians are the ones legally responsible for their children’s actions and formation. Students, minors under the age of 18, are the legal responsibility of the parents and/or legal guardians, not the VDOE, not the teacher’s union, not the public-school teacher, the aid, assistant and so on. By definition a minor has no legal rights The school does a serious injustice, without providing parental legal recourse, to the parents when the school shelters, from the parents, any and all activities that occur while in the school’s care that “they” the school deem necessary (Pre-K through Senior year) The school creates undue stress and confusion to the majority of students, our children, who are taught and understand the biological, physiological, physical fact-based sciences and differences between a male and female.  VDOE are you demanding that our children and ourselves “pretend” that a biological male is a female, and/or a biological female is a male?  The Emperor’s New Clothes Females are typically physically weaker than males The school will create a biased environment against biological female students by forcing them to athletically compete against biological males in the same arena The school will create an unsafe environment for those student athletes and others females in the locker and restroom settings, especially while attending to personal hygiene matters such as: changing, showering and relieving themselves. During these times, vulnerable female students are out of the public view, away from the general student population and at a greater risk from being the object of a physically stronger biological male(s) who may have ill intent and motives. By moving in this direction the school is totally ignoring the physical, emotional and behavioral responses that occur in puberty and human sexual development between males and females. If this VDOE Transgender agenda is truly the path the VDOE decides to take, including all the forthcoming law suits to be paid for by the taxpayers, as reasonable consideration, I demand that simultaneously with any such approval, Parent-Student Vouchers are included.  This will allow those parents and legal guardians to reclaim their responsibility and take their child’s educational formation somewhere else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91414", "author": "John Newton", "date": "2021-01-25T17:04:00", "title": "Oppose transgender and opposite sex using same bathrooms.", "text": "Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91415", "author": "A Mom", "date": "2021-01-25T17:20:00", "title": "Mental doesn’t change physical - OPPOSE!", "text": "We all know males and females are anatomically different. Sex specific facilities and activities were created because of these physical differences. We are defined as male and female within every cell in our bodies, which cannot be changed with hormones and outward appearances. Also, \"feelings\" of boys and girls are not binary. Why are we teaching children these falsehoods? We should teach children to love themselves and be accepting of others. We should not force or encourage these children to make harmful and irreversible physical changes to their bodies in an attempt to achieve the unobtainable.  This policy will only add to this harm. Let us refocus our schools back on education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91416", "author": "Caitlin", "date": "2021-01-25T17:24:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Protecting our most vulnerable children is paramount - protections for trans and non-binary students are crucial and should already be the law of the land. Good job, VA."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91417", "author": "Father of 2", "date": "2021-01-25T17:25:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose the transgender ideology being pushed upon our children in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91418", "author": "Dr, Robert V. Heffern", "date": "2021-01-25T17:28:00", "title": "Retired School Administrator and Grandfather is Opposed", "text": "As a retired school administrator with forty-one years of service in the public schools of Virginia, Ohio, and North Carolina, and as a grandfather of three children currently enrolled in Virginia public schools, I oppose many of the policies of this proposed model. That they would encourage and enable school personnel to take actions without parental knowledge and consent undermines the public’s trust in the schools. They are in stark opposition to the historic rights of parents to nurture and guide their children as they see fit in a free society. Furthermore, when school personnel are put in the position of accepting and affirming thoughts and actions presented to them by inexperienced students who are frequently susceptible to the suggestions of peers and the media, they would find themselves in the untenable and uncomfortable position of cooperating with this immaturity. Disruptions to the orderly instruction and operation of the school could be endless once students find they can get adults’ full attention regarding gender-based concerns and complaints. Schools already have effective anti-bullying and other disciplinary policies in place, and they have trained professionals to assist students and their families with coping with genuine issues of gender dysphoria as well as other health matters. Lastly, there is no protection for the school personnel whose religious beliefs are in opposition to the current popular ideologies that have brought on this focus on transgenderism. This may have an unintended consequence of forcing many people of faith to leave public school service. Or is that an intended consequence?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91419", "author": "Dan", "date": "2021-01-25T17:38:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose draft policies on Transgender guidelines", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. Good anti bullying laws are already in place. The unacceptable thing with this new, proposed policy is that it goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence. It is unwise and irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting. Also The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. This interjects chaos in the school system. Most distressing is that these policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. This is an infringement on parents/ teacher rights and their religious freedom. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. Respectfully PLEASE do not adopt. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91420", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T17:44:00", "title": "Support of transgender youth", "text": "I fully support the proposed document. Although currently retired, I have cared for these youngsters for years.  They need appropriate support from family, friends, medical personnel and especially school where they spend much of their lives.  There is more and more scientific evidence that there is a medical/biological basis for their \"difference\".  It is not a matter of \"choice\", much as skin color is not a choice.."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91421", "author": "PS", "date": "2021-01-25T17:47:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE proposed guidelines", "text": "1.  It is absurd to force school children to know on any given day whether a fellow classmate identifies as a girl or a boy and to force them to use the proper pronoun.  Where is the common sense?  I personally know of a child who was brought to the principal's office because he didn't know. 2.  It is not up to schools to help a child determine their sexual identity, but strictly the parents. 3.  It is a horrendous idea to think that a boy would be in the girl's bathroom and locker rooms.  I can only imagine how damaging this will be to middle and high schoolers - all ages, for that matter.  Have some common courtesy and respect the wishes of the majority who prefer that bathrooms and locker rooms not be mixed. 4.  Where will it ever end?  One day he's a boy, next day he's a girl...I wish as much would go into our children's education as the state is putting into trying to fundamentally transform our children and their sexual identity.  Stay out of it!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91422", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T17:48:00", "title": "Support of transgender youth", "text": "I fully support the proposed document. Although currently retired, I have cared for these youngsters for years.  They need appropriate support from family, friends, medical personnel and especially school where they spend much of their lives.  There is more and more scientific evidence that there is a medical/biological basis for their \"difference\".  It is not a matter of \"choice\", much as skin color is not a choice. I apologize for duplication but forgot to sign my name. Reuben Rohn, MD"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91423", "author": "Laney Parrott", "date": "2021-01-25T18:10:00", "title": "Strongly agree to protect trans youth", "text": "Protect trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91424", "author": "Katharine", "date": "2021-01-25T18:13:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91425", "author": "Thomas Jamara", "date": "2021-01-25T18:18:00", "title": "Opposed (Reason: Worldview / Safety)", "text": "Based on my foundation in the Bible and faith in Jesus Christ, I cannot support these policies. Worldview - this policy imposes a specific agenda on teachers, parents and students and is not inclusive for those who have other religious worldviews.  Imposing a policy that directly contradicts the belief of a child who adheres to a Biblical worldview forces them to accept an agenda against their morals .  To advance it further and declare that the non compliant student is engaging in harassment, is a direct attack on the student's belief system.  There is only one truth when it comes to gender and that is founded on the authority of our creator (Genesis 1:27), otherwise gender is subjective, which engages fallacious reasoning. Safety - if bathrooms are open to all, this will give more possibilities for bullying to occur and those with the intent of maliciously taking advantage of the open bathroom policy will abuse it if given the opportunity.  I realize bullying still occurs in gender specific bathrooms however, declaring gender subjective in relation to school bathrooms, opens up more possibilities for a child to be abused/bullied , which is the opposite direction of the goal in having safer schools. I sincerely thank you for the opportunity to voice my thoughts."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91426", "author": "Chris Noll", "date": "2021-01-25T18:20:00", "title": "No to Brainwashing our Children", "text": "The hypocrisy here cannot be ignored. On the one hand, it's okay to say that COVID-19 is based in science and anyone who doesn't believe it is ignorant, but on the other hand, gender which is also based in science (determined by your DNA) should not be accepted as \"real\"? The number of persons who support this policy, although thank goodness still in the minority, prove that brainwashing has occurred.  Each of us is born with a sexual organ, and each person should use the bathroom that goes with what is between one's legs or these very confusing policies created by very confused persons will only serve to confuse our children.  There is enough out there (internet and media) fighting against our children's success and ability to contribute meaningfully to society.  Please don't be fooled (brainwashed) by these radical few."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91427", "author": "Nicole Spangenberg, MSW student", "date": "2021-01-25T18:43:00", "title": "support for nonbinary, trans, two spirit, and genderqueer youth", "text": "Support for nonbinary, trans, two spirit, and genderqueer youth, and those who my language does not cover. Young social worker here. Identity is powerful! Existing in a world that does not value your identity the same because of who or how you exist is a hard and dangerous existence. You deserve better. We're all doing the best we can with what we have. Everyone deserves to be treated as a human with unique value and worth. Everyone. I believe in you just as you are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91428", "author": "Rachel Lescher", "date": "2021-01-25T19:04:00", "title": "Strong support of this guidance document (Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students i", "text": "It is imperative to the health of children to provide them with a supportive and affirming environment in which to learn, play, and interact with others. Denying a child's right to be who they are causes serious harm and multiple well-designed research studies have shown that affirming a child's self-stated gender identity can allow for improvements in mental health, physical health, and social well-being that can last beyond childhood. There is also data showing that denying or trying to force a child to change their gender identity can be harmful and may result in increase in depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and challenges with education, housing, and medical care, among other problems. This guidance seeks to provide a safe environment in which transgender children and all children can learn, free of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. I strongly support this guidance document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91429", "author": "Denise Dicks", "date": "2021-01-25T19:52:00", "title": "Completely Misguided Policy", "text": "Do not approve this completely misguided policy. In your effort to protect children you are causing far more harm than good."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91430", "author": "A. Gallivan, RN BSN", "date": "2021-01-25T19:53:00", "title": "Oppose: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "OPPOSE!! Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91431", "author": "Nicole M Thonet", "date": "2021-01-25T20:10:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a Catholic parent, I unequivocally support this guidance. My dearest friends have a child who is transgender, and they have suffered bullying in school and insensitivity from administrators regarding issues regarding bathroom usage and physical education.  If it was not for their supportive parents I cannot imagine what their life would be like.  We must make sure they are safe and welcomed at their school. All of God's children deserve to have happy and successful lives and a school and education system that supports that goal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91432", "author": "Pamela Auble (she/her)", "date": "2021-01-25T20:19:00", "title": "I Strongly Support the Guidance", "text": "Thank you for releasing the updated Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools . When my son came out as trans last summer, we were relieved that FCPS had a gender policy in place that covered most of our concerns. We were left, however, with our son's birth name still in place after we were informed that the district could not change his name without a new birth certificate or court order. At that time, he had just started on his gender journey; we were nowhere near making legal changes. As all instruction so far this year is virtual, he is confronted with his deadname multiple times a day: in BBCU chat; in assessments; in attendance records; in Google Classroom. Every time he posts a comment, he is misgendered. Every time we receive mail from the school district, he is misgendered. Every time he logs in to school, he is misgendered. Having a \"preferred name\" field as the primary First Name indicator would not only affirm trans voices; it would also allow those cisgender students who go by nicknames or middle names to affirm their own identities. I appreciate all of the hard work that you have put into this document for the benefit of Virginia’s transgender (et al) students. I strongly support the Guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91433", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T20:31:00", "title": "Transgender Mandate", "text": "I oppose this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91434", "author": "Courtney", "date": "2021-01-25T20:43:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91435", "author": "DN", "date": "2021-01-25T20:46:00", "title": "I wholeheartedly support the guidance.", "text": "I wholeheartedly support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91436", "author": "LORI PARSONS", "date": "2021-01-25T20:58:00", "title": "I SUPPORT LGBTQ RIGHTS", "text": "I SUPPORT LGBTQ RIGHTS, AND ASK THAT ALL RIGHTS BE EQUALLY EXTENDED TO THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91437", "author": "Madeline", "date": "2021-01-25T20:59:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As the mother of a prospective kindergartener this fall of 2021, it is legislation like this which makes allowing my son to benefit from the public schools in this area, sadly, unthinkable. It is the right of the parent to choose how and when they expose their children to topics regarding sexuality, and legislation such as this allows teachers and school officials to bypass the parent, enabling those who would think themselves a better judge to influence an extremely vulnerable and suggestible child in a fundamental way. This is not the same as a health class which parents may choose to keep their children home from, this is a change which would invite influence on a child’s fragile sense of self on a daily basis. I strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91438", "author": "Anne-Marie Grim", "date": "2021-01-25T21:02:00", "title": "Oppose policies that deceive and confuse children", "text": "How greatly our children would benefit if only the adults in their lives would assure them that each one of them is BEAUTIFULLY and WONDERFULLY made!  A gift from God!  No one is \"assigned\" a sex at birth! (This is a rather obvious lie - perpetuated by a very confused culture!) Every person conceived is born male or female.  Children should be encouraged to joyfully accept their biological sex - and to see that neither sex is \"superior\" to the other, but rather complementary!! Nature maintains a near perfect ratio of males to females!  What an incredible miracle! A child's understanding of the gift of their maleness or femaleness will evolve as they grow & especially as they observe healthy adult role models of both sexes in their lives. It is clear that children should use the bathroom that corresponds to their biological sex.  Males should not be in female locker rooms.  Females should not be in male locker rooms. If any child is getting bullied - for any reason - they can request permission to use a private bathroom. Males and Females are not the same. It is a tragedy that adults create policies that perpetuate confusion instead of providing children with truth about who they are!  We can do better!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91439", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T21:08:00", "title": "DON'T FORCE GENDER IDEOLOGY", "text": "Most of the people of the state believe gender is not whatever I say it is, as this is not even a logically sustainable way to live. By making gender mean anything at any time renders it completely meaningless. Stop confusing kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91440", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-25T21:11:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Christians are the target and any other religious groups. This policy creates a hostile enviroment for families, students and teachers/staff who hold deep religious belief."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91441", "author": "Concerned this isn’t about LGBTQ", "date": "2021-01-25T21:39:00", "title": "LGBTQ supporter BUT I OPPOSE gender confusion being forced on Kindergarten to 12 grade children!", "text": "Clearly this isn’t something LGBTQ is pushing for! This is an attempt for government to set up a way to slowly and methodically break up the family unit. Making school the place where kids go to ‘be themselves’ or whatever the school lets them be without ever telling the parents what’s going on. Why else would our education system want a Kindergarten girl to be in the bathroom and have a 5th grade boy come in the same restroom to use the facilities and not get in trouble for invading a young girls’ privacy because he’s able to say “nope! I identified as a girl today.” It’s so ludicrous that I can’t believe we’re at this crossroads, as a nation, as a state. Defend and protect our children! Stop using them for propaganda. And stop setting them up to be easily raped, hurt, feel embarrassed or have their privacy invaded. It’s disgusting!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91442", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T21:48:00", "title": "Wrong Choice - policies should focus on diversifying girls/boys activities rather than nullify gend.", "text": "Transgender individuals, or individuals diagnosed with GD, in developmental years, would be placed at unnecessary risk competing on opposite-gender sports teams. Students at this age should feel free and protected to express their preferred appearance, while competing on sports teams contingent with the anatomical makeup of their assigned sex and utilizing restroom facilities contingent with their assigned sex. These are formative developmental years for the establishment of gender, and according to various clinical studies, only one in seven children/adolescents that suffer from GD ultimately are diagnosed. Protect children through these confusing formative years by promoting full development of assigned gender, rather than now allowing for them to be treated as anatomically similar with the opposite gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91443", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T21:53:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose these gender confusion topics being used in our Virginia schools. This is not for a school system to teach."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91444", "author": "J.G.", "date": "2021-01-25T22:00:00", "title": "Truth", "text": "Imagination, feelings, expression - nothing is wrong with having these.  We all have them.  As kids, this is healthy.  In most cases, there is nothing wrong with our kids but the same cannot be said for our culture.  What we teach our kids and how we impact them matters.  How many of our kids are abused mentally, emotionally, physically or socially.  Some by their own families.  Sometimes by others.  What other factors or lack of thereof are missing?  Where are our adult role models.  Role models who can show our kids what it means to be a \"man\" or a \"woman\".  How to treat others with respect and dignity but able to stand up for what is right.  Where are the adults who can \"teach\" our kids right from wrong.  Without morality, nothing else matters and the essence of this is Truth.  We have to be able to know what is True and stand for what is right."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91445", "author": "Aurelia", "date": "2021-01-25T22:06:00", "title": "support - trans rights are human rights", "text": "We must allow trans youth to exercise their rights to bodily autonomy and freedom of self-identity. Support for trans youth is suicide prevention."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91446", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T22:09:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I don't think this is something that should be legislated. This is a medical issue that should be kept between the parents, minor and their doctor. Why should any gov't be involved in decisions a family makes with their child. Gov't should not be involved with any medical treatment between parent and child. Most parents care more for their child than a nameless gov't employee who has to follow some whim of the elected politician."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91447", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T22:31:00", "title": "Middle school teacher opposed.", "text": "It would appear that the authors of this document have spent very little time speaking to teachers who deal with these issues in school everyday. 'School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom' 'Allowing students to use the locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity' These two items put students at risk, particularly female (biologically) students.  The right of privacy of these students has been forgotten in favor of a few student with identity issues.  I respect the rights of transgender students and schools need to create facility accommodations to suit their needs. The rights of a few should not justify the taking away of rights for many. As teachers, we strive to have open, honest communication with parents. If you are asking us to deny natural parental rights, by not informing them of issues their child may be facing, then you are asking us to create an atmosphere of distrust between parents and schools. In the school where I work, we have students who have parents who are supportive of their child wanting to change their gender and others who feel that their child will probably grow out of this phase of adolescence.  We support both. The people who support this bill do not appear to realize that many of the items that are in it, are already implemented in school districts. Bullying and discrimination are always on the radar of teachers.  We are aware that our students will not learn in an environment where they do not feel safe.  But is anyone thinking of the safety of our daughters in the bathroom and the locker room?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91448", "author": "Boys are male and girls are female. Stop this insanity. PROTECT kids.", "date": "2021-01-25T22:37:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "You can say whatever you want, but our eyes, DNA, SCIENCE and conscience knows the TRUTH.  Do your job and PROTECT the children instead of telling them lies! The babies that are not murdered in their mothers wombs are born either male or female. They are then lied to to think they are something other than the obvious.  All children are curious and confused as they grow up, but need to be taught the TRUTH. Why are so many people suddenly buying this lie? Wake up America. Parents stand up for your kids and protect them from these lies. Becareful of what you vote for ... \"unity\" and all our Constitutional rights are being taken away because so many are educated by these lying people and they don't even know basic truth when it stares them in the eyes! Boys are male and girls are female. Stop this insanity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91449", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-25T22:51:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in VA's Public Sc", "text": "If you force people to use the pronouns that others choose, you risk forcing people to deny the truth of science (only 2 genders), to violate their own consciences, and to violate their religious views--and nothing is more central to our existence than our religious views (or non-religious views), for they govern our views of Truth, proper behavior in this life, and eternal existence in the next life.  oppose it! So much work has been done to ensure equal athletic opportunities for females.  Why would anyone seek to destroy that?  Allowing males to compete against females in physical activities/sports, especially when such unequal competition can have long-term consequences (e.g., university athletic scholarships), is wrong.  Oppose it! We have millennia-old moral values that have stood the test of time.  Why would anyone want to alter them?  Why should a male get to walk naked in a girls' locker room?  Why should a female get to go shirtless/topless ina sport/physical/athletic event where boys can go shirtless/topless?  This is not about \"equality;\" it's about morality, decency, and reducing the opportunity for sexual aggression, violation, and rape.  Oppose it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91450", "author": "Michelle Orengo-McFarlane MD", "date": "2021-01-25T22:57:00", "title": "I support this common sense guidance document", "text": "As a family physician who provides medical care to transgender and gender nonconforming people, the proposed guidance document strikes me as sensible and evidence based. LGBTQ+ youth and children, especially trans youth and children, suffer so much harm when their gender identities are rejected. Supporting them and listening to them has been shown to prevent this harm."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91451", "author": "Henry Polczer", "date": "2021-01-25T23:04:00", "title": "Absolutely OPPOSE this Harmful Policy", "text": "This proposed policy essentially mandates highly controversial and even harmful transgender affirming rules to be accepted and even facilitated within all K-12 school systems, effecting every student and faculty member.  There are SIGNIFICANT issues with the proposal that cause GRAVE concern for Parents and ALL taxpayers that must fund school systems that support policies that clearly go against Parental Authority, Basic Safety Concerns, Conscience and Biological Science. Here are just a few (of many) of the DISTURBING issues with this proposed policy of which EVERY PARENT should be 1) Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day - would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which BOTH FACULTY AND STUDENTS WOULD BE HELD TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION? (RULE IS RIFE WITH ARBITRARY and CAPRICIOUS JUDGEMENT) 2) Schools would be PROHIBITED FROM NOTIFYING PARENTS if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls.? (SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE...TELL ME THIS ISN'T A CONCERN FOR POTENTIAL SEXUAL ASSULT) 3) ALL students will be allowed to use ANY bathroom or locker room they choose, WITHOUT being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. (AGAIN, SAFETY AND POTENTIAL SEXUAL ASSAULT ISSUES) 4) SCHOOLS will be permitted to help a student explore, FACILITATE and make decisions regarding their GENDER EXPRESSION of sexual identity while at school, WITHOUT A PARENT EVEN KNOWING!? (HUGE OVER STEP OF STATE AUTHORITY) 5) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be AT RISK OF BEING REPORTED FOR CHILD ABUSE or neglect by the school. (PARENTS KNOW THEIR CHILDREN BEST AND WHY GIVEN LEGAL AUTHORITY TILL ADULT) Absolutely OPPOSE this harmful policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91452", "author": "Jimmy Candeto", "date": "2021-01-25T23:08:00", "title": "Strongly oppose these misguided and destructive policies for an educational environment.", "text": "These policies are misguided and destructive and therefore must be rejected. They place the State over the Parent as far as authority is concerned. Thoroughly repulsive and disgusting in every shape or form. Rid the State of such complete nonsense! Sincerely, Jimmy Candeto"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91453", "author": "Deirdre", "date": "2021-01-25T23:44:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "to not allow choice and to punish a natural development in children is not okay and should not even be something put into law. And this is discriminatory to those who would like the option to use a gender. And sexual abuse is on the rise and this does not allow for social safe guards to stay in place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91454", "author": "ANON", "date": "2021-01-26T00:00:00", "title": "Staff of public schools should not be required to implement compelled speech", "text": "To whom it may concern, I have a parent who worked as a school administrator in public schools and was compelled by law to let a boy use the girl's bathroom when parents asked if it was ok. He couldn't say no. You may say that this is the boy's right under federal law. That is quite flawed because then you are taking away the educator's rights to speak against that, which he cannot say no. So you're giving someone some (should I say undeserved \"right\" to not be offended) in order to take away another person's actual right to say no? If gender (and many more issues!) are simply a social construct then Gee, good news for criminals, they can now make up anything they want and put others at risk. Yes, it is a comparable situation. So, tell me, should a creepy person be allowed to enroll in your school (even though they are above 18) but they tell you they are 5? With this form of thinking you cannot and should not deny them that. They are 5 after all! Oh, fantastic, now they can use the same bathrooms as your students. Delightful! See where I am going with this? I can construct some fake world as far as I want with this form of thinking. Let's stop it while we are ahead and look at the issue as we should... black and white....In their anatomical and physiological makeup. You have that part I have this one. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91455", "author": "Lucy M Dartley", "date": "2021-01-26T00:20:00", "title": "trans gender mandates in public schools", "text": "The transgender mandates proposed for public schools is an outright affront to Religious freedom and cannot ever be tolerated. This is a serious issue and harms both parents and children.  Religious freedom is our right in America. How dare any elected official threaten parents and /or children , for exercising their right to refuse any and everything in this false idea that children may be born in the wrong body. It is not a fact. It is not the truth. Lucy Dartley Ashburn VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91456", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T00:26:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "Strongly oppose the immoral overreach."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91457", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T00:28:00", "title": "Strongly oppose the immoral overreach", "text": "Strongly oppose the immoral overreach"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91458", "author": "Victoria Staubly", "date": "2021-01-26T01:54:00", "title": "Supporting LGBT Youth", "text": "LGBT youth are the most likely to be bullied, and even discriminated against by faculty. We must support them, help them come to terms with their identity. Trying to force them to conform to someone else's idea of who they should be or love makes the world a sadder and more cruel place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91459", "author": "Dawn Arteaga", "date": "2021-01-26T06:29:00", "title": "I support the guidance", "text": "Thank you for giving space for gender nonconforming students to fully express who they are. This will help them bloom into more confident, secure, compassionate adults ready to make the world a stronger and more inclusive place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91460", "author": "Claire Russo", "date": "2021-01-26T07:15:00", "title": "All humans are created equal", "text": "i have seen first hand how important strong support from teachers is for children assuming a no comforting identity. I have seen unbelievable strength in children as they begin to understand who they are and need guidance and support from the most significant person in their daily life - their teacher and by default their school. I am proud of our state for drafting this legislation, equity is the foundation of our system of government and we must realize this as Virginians and Americans."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91461", "author": "Tom O'Dea", "date": "2021-01-26T07:29:00", "title": "Stop denying science", "text": "Gender is a fact of life.  To suggest otherwise is to deny biological science.  The proposed guidance will confuse children during their already challenging adolescent years and is particularly unfair to females who may be forced to compete against males in athletics.  The minority who struggle with their gender and their sexuality need to be helped, but not by denying the biological truth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91462", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T07:54:00", "title": "This will be a horror show!", "text": "The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91463", "author": "Paula O'Keefe", "date": "2021-01-26T08:21:00", "title": "Please oppose an unscientific assault on parents and children", "text": "To pretend that this is either compassionate or scientific is insulting to the intelligence of all Virginians.  This policy is nothing more than an attempt to usurp the role of a parent in raising their children, and to demonize and prosecute those who do not subscribe to the recent \"discovery\" of multiple genders and the rest of the politicized sexual agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91464", "author": "Rosanne", "date": "2021-01-26T08:45:00", "title": "Strongly oppose Model Policies for the treatment of transgender students in public schools.", "text": "Strongly oppose Model Policies for the treatment of transgender students in public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91465", "author": "Shannon", "date": "2021-01-26T08:47:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!", "text": "God help us!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91466", "author": "Becky Irving", "date": "2021-01-26T08:52:00", "title": "Gender confusion", "text": "I am opposed to this abusive policy which hinders not helps these poor confused children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91467", "author": "Susan F", "date": "2021-01-26T09:08:00", "title": "Treatment of transgender", "text": "Strongly oppose as a public school teacher.  This is nonsense that isn't backed up by science.  A boy is a boy and a girl is a girl based on biology.  You can't change this!! I can not imagine having the opposite sex in bathrooms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91468", "author": "Heidi BruMar, Casa BruMar Foundation", "date": "2021-01-26T09:15:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support these model policies. All children need to be protected in school, especially from adults they are supposed to be able to trust. School staff personnel are there to provide quality and equitable education to ALL students, no matter what. It is therefore appropriate that all staff should undergo training about how to handle children who are transitioning. I am not saying that ALL school staff personnel need to like it, but they need to move into the 21st century with the rest of us and understand this is (and always has been) a fact of life. School staff who choose to be ignorant and refuse to accept training or to be disrespectful of ANY child should be severely punished. School staff personnel are there to provide facts, education, and be understanding with the children in their care, not to allow their own personal opinions or feelings get in the way. These model policies are not overly burdensome to schools and they just make sense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91469", "author": "JoAnn Seapy", "date": "2021-01-26T09:31:00", "title": "This will cause fear and anxiety in our children", "text": "I would like to state that I find the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools harmful and dangerous to our children.  The fear and anxiety that this policy will produce in our children cannot be overstated. Just take, for example, the part where failure to use a student’s new preferred pronoun would be harassment and discrimination.  This is confusing to the child speaking and is unreasonable.  It would be challenging for an adult to consistently use the correct pronoun with a friend or colleague that is transgender.  (I know, because my favorite work colleague changed genders and, while I tried to be very careful to demonstrate respect at all times, on occasion the pronoun I had used for the previous year just slipped out.)  Can you imagine the nightmare this would present for a child trying to do the right thing?  Anyone with children and a heart can see the harm this does."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91470", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T09:42:00", "title": "Strongly Support to Affirm Our Most Vulnerable Children", "text": "I strongly support this so that we create a supportive and affirming environment for transgender children. These kids are often misunderstood by their families of origin and/or bullied at school. Transgender suicide rates are incredibly high, and that is especially true for transgender teens. We have to do better. This is one way we can start."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91471", "author": "Kristina Johnson", "date": "2021-01-26T09:44:00", "title": "Family Doc in Support of this Guidance", "text": "As a family physician, I support the model policies guidance for the treatment of transgender students because every student deserves a safe and inclusive learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91472", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T09:45:00", "title": "Concerned Educator and Virginia Resident- Please Oppose", "text": "While it is absolutely necessary to ensure that all students are treated with respect and kept safe from harm, the policies that are being proposed while supposedly lifting up our transgender children are potentially harmful for the transgender children, school staff and faculty, and other children in the school. The policy is harmful to transgender children and families.  While children are young, their minds are constantly changing and going through phases.  If a child goes through a phase where they would rather not stick to gender roles, there is no need to encourage them that that is their true identity.  I believe that the decision would be for the child in later life to address themselves or be addressed by the family.  Making permanent changes mentally and physically can be dangerous for young children.  It is also harmful to families of transgender children to withhold information about their child from them.  The parents are raising the child with the assistance of the school--not the other way around. The policy is also harmful to school staff and faculty.  It is very unnecessary to jump all the way to firing or harassment allegations for misuse of pronouns.  1) With a child, the idea of their pronouns may be a very fluid idea, constantly changing.  2) The policy would discriminate against staff that have religious beliefs that do not agree with transgender behavior.  While I do believe it is still the teacher's responsibility to teach, love, and respect all the children in their classroom, there are other ways to show respect than using opposite pronouns to address a child.  i.e.- use the child's preferred name. The policy is also harmful to other students as it freely allows children of the opposite biological gender into bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams.   It would be very uncomfortable for both students and their families to have students of the opposite biological gender dressing/undressing, using the bathroom in the same space as their student.  It allows for no privacy for anyone involved.  Also because transgender students would be allowed to use these private spaces without question, this opens the door for lack of privacy, abuse, and rape in private spaces with no questions asked.   I am also against biologically male students competing on female sports' teams.  It is obvious that once children reach a certain age the athletic differences between biological males and females becomes very different.  Allowing biological males onto girls' teams would take away from biological girls the ability to succeed in sports."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91473", "author": "RM", "date": "2021-01-26T09:49:00", "title": "Model Policy for treatment of Transgender Students in Public Schools", "text": "Strongly oppose Model Policies for treatment of transgender students.!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91474", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T09:51:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!", "text": "Strongly oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91475", "author": "Rev. Walter Clark", "date": "2021-01-26T09:52:00", "title": "Support for transgender students in VA Public schools", "text": "We have seem over the last year the importance of a safe school environment. We have closed many public schools in order to save the lives of students, teachers, staff and their families from the pandemic of COVID-19. We have taken extreme measure to ensure that lives are saved. We have shown through our actions that we truly value the lives of our students. That same care and intention needs to be made for all of our students, no matter their gender identity. The must be provided safe access to restrooms that match their identity. Teachers and staff must take measures to prevent bullying from other students and adequate counseling services must be made available to them. As a religious professional that works in a community with transgender teens, I can personally attest that they are just as valuable, just as loving and just as deserving of basic human dignity as any other teen. Galatians 3 : 28 states: \"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus\" It is a reminder that in the eyes of the creator, gender, race, or station are not what determines ones worth. We are all deserving of the same basic needs. Please ensure that our young people see that value being lived out in all of our institutions, especially their schools. Rev. Walter Clark Asst. Minister Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91476", "author": "Chelsea", "date": "2021-01-26T10:00:00", "title": "Concerned mother", "text": "I am deeply troubled with The Virginia Department of Education promoting gender confusion to school children.  The policies that could be enforced directly challenge a biblical perspective.  I am a product of HCPS and would love to send my children to receive a great public school education however if these policies are implemented we will be working harder, longer and more jobs to send them to private schools that support our beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91477", "author": "George Bowers", "date": "2021-01-26T10:06:00", "title": "Opposition to Proposed Transgender Education Policy", "text": "Dear Friends: I strongly oppose this proposed Transgender Education policy for many reasons.  Scientifically it is baseless as every human being either has two X chromosomes or an XY combination in every cell of their body.  Gender is obviously determined by genetics as well as physical morphology.  If we're going to follow the science, please be consistent. I also oppose it on scientific grounds that many studies have shown this type of social propaganda hurts students and can even lead to death by suicide.  In addition, to allow boys to use girls' restrooms is the most absurd suggestion ever put forth.  As a former teacher of 17 years in both the middle and high school grades, I can assure you that rapes and sexual assaults will skyrocket. I also oppose this on free speech grounds in that teachers who object to teaching such garbage will be either forced to do so or fired even as at least one VA teacher already has been for refusing to lie to a student by using the appropriate pronoun.  Really?  Are we that far off the tracks?  Apparently so.  I believe in respecting students and their rights regardless of their sexual orientation.  But teachers and parents also have rights that need to be protected. If a student is having questions regarding his or her gender, parents, counselors, pastors, etc are available.  It doesn't need to be force fed to every student in our schools paid for with my tax dollars.  Our students are already struggling academically in so many areas and need help in those subjects.  Let's use public education to help prepare them academically for the challenges they will face, not indoctrinate them socially.   Thank you for considering my submission."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91478", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T10:13:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I fully support this guidance. It is important to protect our most vulnerable children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91479", "author": "Jeremy Winslow", "date": "2021-01-26T10:14:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am in full support of the guidance. Transgender youth in Virginia find themselves homeless at a disproportionately high rate due to the hateful environments they end up raised in, both in the family and in school. Having the school systems be a place of support could change kids' lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91480", "author": "John Hash", "date": "2021-01-26T10:25:00", "title": "Don't teach our children that they are a mistake", "text": "Please carefully consider this decision. I have worked directly with young people for 15 years. I have no doubt this will HARM their self worth. We cannot teach children that what they were born as might not actually be what they are. It creates confusion in little minds, undermines their self-worth, and causes them to consider themselves some sort of mistake or (please excuses this term) freak. This sort of content does not belong in our schools or the minds of our children. We should not be seeking to \"grow them up\" faster, but rather preserve their innocent minds and teach them a meaningful and helpful education. Thank you for considering my opinions and for all your hard work. You don't have an easy job in this day and age."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91481", "author": "Susan Finlay", "date": "2021-01-26T10:55:00", "title": "Transgender policy not good for children", "text": "We do not need this law. Virginia already has a good anti-bullying law. Studies show that young children with gender confusion more often than not outgrow this confusion after going through puberty. Children are not knowledgeable or mature enough to choose to make irreversible changes to their bodies with drugs and surgery. Hormones are powerful drugs. They can cause osteoporosis and cancer. They cause irreversible changes in the body. They need the guidance of caring adults. Their parents should not be excluded from the decision making process. The parents should have the ultimate authority. They are liable for the health and safety of their children. This early prepubescent sexualization of our children amounts to grooming them for early sexual behavior. And telling them that gender is assigned at birth and has nothing to do with your physical body and your genes is ideological and anti-science. The homosexual lifestyle is not a healthy one. There are many cases of transgender regret. Suicide is higher among gender confused people and going through the surgical change does not fix the problem. Encouraging children to become transgenders is child abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91482", "author": "Proud Parent of a Trans Youth", "date": "2021-01-26T10:59:00", "title": "Fully Support the Transgender Student Policies", "text": "Transgender students need these protections.  My transgender child was verbally harassed at the school on a daily basis.  Neither the principal nor the student counselor stepped in despite our numerous requests.  We ended up having to transfer our child to a different school for safety reasons/concerns.  In addition, for almost three years I have been asking the school district to update my child's records based on legal documentation and they refuse. The Model Policies are very important and needed.  Schools across the state of Virginia must have a uniform understanding on how to treat and support Transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91483", "author": "Carol", "date": "2021-01-26T11:06:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this action.", "text": "Parents should be informed regarding their children. This kind of legislation is wrong and very detrimental to the health and well being of children and the family as a whole! Since when are children capable of making these kinds of decisions when they are still growing and developing? I strongly oppose this action!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91484", "author": "Christie Antoniewicz", "date": "2021-01-26T11:09:00", "title": "I support the guidance", "text": "As a society, we owe all children an education free from discrimination and harassment. These guidelines are an important step to ensuring transgender students receive the same treatment as everyone else in a classroom and are essential to the learning experience. I fully support the policies as outlined."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91485", "author": "Sydney Sylvester", "date": "2021-01-26T11:12:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As an educator, I can attest to how important it is for all students to feel safe in school. Protect and support transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91486", "author": "Tara Nicole", "date": "2021-01-26T11:26:00", "title": "Protect Trans Youth!", "text": "ALL children - including trans youth - deserve the chance to thrive in school. I am a mental health worker and psychology doctoral student, and I strongly support the guidance document. Trans kids are at elevated risk for depression, anxiety, bullying, and suicide. Help these kids get the support they need to flourish - the same support and protections cis kids have had all along."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91487", "author": "Future social worker, Taylor", "date": "2021-01-26T11:36:00", "title": "SUPPORT!!", "text": "Protect our children; they know themselves best."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91488", "author": "Casey Suliga", "date": "2021-01-26T11:50:00", "title": "Protect LGBTQ Youth", "text": "All humans are created equal and deserve to be treated as equals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91489", "author": "Heather Holman", "date": "2021-01-26T12:00:00", "title": "Protect Young Trans Lives", "text": "Transgender youth have some of the highest suicide rates of any demographic. As such, I strongly support these guidelines as a critical first step to ensure trans kids not only have access to critical resources for their unique circumstance, but as a stalwart against the rampant bullying and prejudice that they face in the school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91490", "author": "Emily Verellen Strom", "date": "2021-01-26T12:10:00", "title": "Protect trans children and families", "text": "I can't believe we are still having this conversation - all children deserve protection, safety, empathy and the same kind of love you would give any child.  Be a leader, Virginia.  Protect these beautiful children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91491", "author": "John Osterhout", "date": "2021-01-26T12:11:00", "title": "Support! This policy will save lives. All students deserve a safe supportive classroom.", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91492", "author": "JE", "date": "2021-01-26T12:39:00", "title": "My Taxes Shouldn't Go To Institutionalizing Psychological and Sexual Abuse - Policies are twisted.", "text": "It is very clear that these policies are constituted of psychological abuse and involve the institutionalization of sexual abuse against minors. These are pedophile proposals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91493", "author": "Laila Cooper, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist", "date": "2021-01-26T12:55:00", "title": "Full support!", "text": "As a clinical psychologist who has worked and currently works extensively with transgender, non-binary, and other gender-expansive adolescents and adults, I extend my full, adament, and urgent support for these model policies. The greatest current threat to our youth is their mental health, especially following the impact of covid on schooling.  For transgender (term used here inclusively) youth, school can be one of the most dysphoria-provoking and traumatic environments.  The experiences many transgender youth have in school are often related to (and at times the exclusive catalyst of) decades of anxiety, depression, dysphoria, and posttraumatic stress disorder.  These experiences most certainly affect their educational experience, learning, and later attainment. It is of utmost importance and, in fact necessity, that if we wish to reduce the inequities in educational attainment, earning power, and career promise of transgender individuals (as well as their quality of life!) we must offer a guide for more protective and inclusive policies in our schools. As a parent of three FCPS students, it is absolutely fundamental to me that my children receive a good education.  This INCLUDES making friends and being exposed to a variety of other children from different ethnic and racial groups, religions, abilities, and certainly children of all different genders and sexual orientations.  My children have been taught to be inclusive and also to be aware of discrimination that may occur and combat it.  For all children's benefit we need comprehensive policies for their protection and to encourage their learning."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91494", "author": "Harold Freeman", "date": "2021-01-26T13:11:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Please do not place any special favors and call it a discrimination if another does not agree with your policy or belief on transgender.  God created only Male and Female, so there is only two genders and that needs to be the way it stays. One could not get away with feeling that they want to go 65 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and it be discrimination if a police officer stops one and gives them a ticket.  Nor can one kill another because that is what they feel like at the time and it be ok. The only rules and laws that should be in place are the ones established by God in is word, the Bible. Thank you,"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91495", "author": "Bill Fogarty", "date": "2021-01-26T13:24:00", "title": "Strongly support these model policies", "text": "We need to support and love all our children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91496", "author": "Kathleen Gillette Mallard", "date": "2021-01-26T13:25:00", "title": "Help kids who are confused - don't allow them to mutilate themselves, e.g. cut off penis or breasts", "text": "It is now understood that the average child, adolescent, teenager, young adult does not reach full \"cognitive\" maturity until about 21 years of age.  In order to help young people grappling with gender disphoria, it would be best to not give them puberty blockers or allow them to mutilate their bodies until they are at least 22 years of age."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91497", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T13:25:00", "title": "Trangender Policies", "text": "Areas I have issues:\r\n“Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) \r\nThe definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender to exploit many situations. \r\n\r\n“School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13)identity” to exploit many situations. Will this mean that parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school? Will the schools report and government remove or jail parents that aren't affirming? That's giving power to an already over-reaching government.  \r\n\r\n“Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18)\r\n“School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) As a parent & adult, this is scary and unacceptable. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. This will be exploited with no way to reprimand. It will be humiliating for girls having to undress in front of another student that has different body parts. School staff should support the safety and welfare of all students, not just transgender. People with the same body parts should be together if they are undressing/changing clothes for gym/sports. We don't let young child go to Rated R movies with nudity why is it okay for this?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91498", "author": "Lucy, mother of a transgender child", "date": "2021-01-26T13:29:00", "title": "strongly support, with kindness for all", "text": "I didn't even know what transgender was until a few years ago, and certainly didn't understand. When my much loved child came out it certainly was an eye opener! My kid isn't doing this for attention (he would prefer to melt into the background and never be seen) and frequently wishes he could just have been born a boy so that his life would be easier. But he's a genuinely kind, good, brave kid, and he doesn't deserve to be afraid at school, and neither should other transgender kids. These policies are respectful and will save lives, and they are common sense and frankly good manners. We may not always understand others, but it is everyday courtesy to let people to use the names they choose, dress in clothes that have been deemed appropriate for all students, and have basic privacy over their own information. Ignoring these issues will not make them go away, and does not force anyone to change their beliefs, just allow others to the freedom to choose their own lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91499", "author": "Lori", "date": "2021-01-26T13:32:00", "title": "Protect our daughters' right to privacy! #METOO Strongly oppose this dangerous legislation!", "text": "There have got to be better ways to accommodate sexually confused children than these. It is dangerous and unconscionable to allow junior high and high school boys admission to any girls restroom or locker room at any time with no accountability. While your concern for the feelings of gender confused children are admirable, you are failing to consider the feelings of girls who have been, or are now silently suffering from ongoing sexual abuse or who are entrapped in trafficking. Allowing biological boys into their vulnerable spaces (such as restrooms and locker rooms) would cause great psychological and potentially physical harm to these girls. These reckless policies endanger our daughters. Remember #METOO! The school has no authority to keep gender identity issues that affect our children hidden from parents. These are OUR children and we must not be deceived and lied to about issues they face. The rights of gender confused children should not take precedence over the rights of girls/young women who are uncomfortable with biological males in their safe spaces. We can not place more burden on our already stressed and burdened teachers by threatening discrimination charges for not keeping up with ever changing pronouns for students. This legislation is unacceptable and dangerous.  Please re-think your proposed legislation. I STRONGLY OPPOSE this legislation!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91500", "author": "Marianne Baldwin", "date": "2021-01-26T13:40:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am writing in support of the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91501", "author": "A concerned mother", "date": "2021-01-26T13:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Please consider the dignity and innocence of our children. They should be affirmed and supported in the way that God created them. Our children must not be further confused by policies that are neither based on reality, nor scientifically proven. Thank you for your consideration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91502", "author": "Becky", "date": "2021-01-26T14:09:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91503", "author": "Concerned parent, tax-payer, and voter", "date": "2021-01-26T14:13:00", "title": "Protect our children.  Believe the science.  Stop the insanity.", "text": "I highly object to the ongoing attack on human life sciences and common sense.   Please do not support this ongoing attack."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91504", "author": "David A Glietz", "date": "2021-01-26T14:17:00", "title": "Strongly Support this Guidance", "text": "I strongly support this guidance document. All students in the Commonwealth deserve an education system that is welcoming and affirming of their gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91505", "author": "Bill Cammack", "date": "2021-01-26T14:20:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "All people deserve respect and compassion.  Teaching our children that 1+1=5, if they feel that it does, is neither respectful nor compassionate.  It is harmful.  How tragic that we would empower our schools to teach such things."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91506", "author": "Carol", "date": "2021-01-26T14:32:00", "title": "Transgender indoctrination", "text": "Strongly oppose this new legislation!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91507", "author": "Virginia Paganelli", "date": "2021-01-26T15:07:00", "title": "Transgender indoctrination", "text": "I strongly oppose this action.  Please return to sanity!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91508", "author": "Alanna Milstein", "date": "2021-01-26T15:08:00", "title": "Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity MUST be taught in Sex Ed", "text": "The concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity MUST be taught in sexual education classes. Like many of the other comments clearly show, we cannot count on parents to teach their children these concepts. Transgender kids in unsupportive households face incredible hardship, especially understanding their own identities when they have had no exposure to people like themselves. Trans teens and children must be given the language to describe themselves and the tools to understand their identities. Cisgender kids who are raised in bigoted households are taught bigotry and hatred towards their transgender peers, and are not taught the truth about what being trans actually means. Every child needs to be told that being trans is normal, acceptable, and scientifically valid."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94437", "author": "Zainab Barry", "date": "2021-02-02T21:31:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "Trans students deserve protection like any other marginalized groups. They are systemically oppressed, they are bullied, and they are ostracized. To deny them equal protection is prejudiced and transphobic. It’s that simple. Allowing them equal protection will not change the daily lives of students who are not trans. In fact, it will enhance the school environment because the schools will be able to foster a safe space that supports any and all marginalized people. It will allow trans students the confidence to be themselves, and that confidence will likely have a strong impact on their academic performance. It’s difficult to do well in school when you are ostracized and told you don’t matter. Ask any other marginalized person. Let me reiterate, denying these protections and being against these protections is transphobic . If you actually care about students, you’ll understand that this will not harm them; it will only benefit them and their classmates."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94438", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:32:00", "title": "Misguided; Oppose this policy", "text": "This policy will foment more confusion in young people who are looking for security and safe boundaries; the most personal and private aspect of a young person's life should not be fodder for public scrutiny on a daily basis at school.  Children and young people who are not confused about their identity will have confusion sown into their lives because of this policy. It should absolutely be opposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94439", "author": "Sarah T", "date": "2021-02-02T21:32:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "In short, The VDOE should be focusing on the basic subjects! We would like our children to learn the core subjects - Math, History, Science, Language Arts, Music, Art, Computer Skills, etc. It is not right for our children to be taught about social issues that go against their personal beliefs. There is no mention of exceptions or accomodations for students or staff who do not believe in these transgender pilicies. I am gravely concerned about the mental welfare of my children in the Virginia public school system. Let me be clear. As a woman of faith, a former teacher and a mother, if this passes ,i will not allow my children to attend public school. I believe you will see a large decrease in enrollment. Nearly 65% of the country is Christian. Christian parents strongly believe in the importance of teaching our children that faith comes first. Young minds are impressionable. Again, These proposed policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. I strongly urge the VDOE to not allow this. If the views of 65% of the population and the Christian faith have no place or voice in the public school system, then the wishes and accommodations for 0.3% of the transgender population should not either."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94440", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:32:00", "title": "Support the well-being of trans youth in schools", "text": "I fully support this guidance to promote the health and well-being of trans youth, who are often subject to bullying by not only students, but adults in their academic lives-- teachers, administrators and school board members. They have a right to an education free of harassment and one that acknowledges their humanity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94441", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:32:00", "title": "Destroying the children", "text": "Absolutely NO."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94442", "author": "Dawn Keplinger, concerned mom", "date": "2021-02-02T21:33:00", "title": "Virginia Department of Education Transgender policies", "text": "This policy forces everyone to comply, for the sake of a few students that “identify” or “are” transgender, with no exceptions.  There are people:  parents, teachers, staff, students, who would not agree with these policies, based on their understanding/study of scientific biological facts, religious teachings from various groups, or just their natural understanding of their own physical gender driven by their biological codes assigned before birth.  These policies that place vulnerable youngsters at the mercy of others can lead to so many harmful situations, even rape, abuse, and false accusations against parents who try to protect their youngsters (and rightfully so).  There will be false accusations against innocent students who are in school to LEARN, not be attacked on a daily basis if they do not conform to all these new, ever-changing standards, such as pronouns that can change daily!  How can anyone function well in such a hostile environment?  These policies are determined to incriminate anyone who disagrees, and it is definitely NOT the job of the DOE to be incriminating anyone.  Thank you for listening."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94443", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:34:00", "title": "TRANSGENDER SCHOOL POLICY", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE TRANSGENDER SCHOOL POLICY - Biblically there are only male & female. that's it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94444", "author": "Susan Shaffer", "date": "2021-02-02T21:34:00", "title": "Support Trans youth in public scools!", "text": "Trans youth need public school support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94445", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:35:00", "title": "GET TRANNIES OUT OF OUR SCHOOLS", "text": "GET TRANNIES OUT OF OUR SCHOOLS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94446", "author": "Judy Le", "date": "2021-02-02T21:35:00", "title": "Strong support of these model policies", "text": "I am in strong support of the model policy for transgender students, which allow for equitable treatment and education for all of our children. It is fair and legal and right."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94447", "author": "Luke R", "date": "2021-02-02T21:36:00", "title": "Vehemently opposed", "text": "This policy is diametrically opposed to the US Constitution. The policy is not normal, not healthy, and is in no way beneficial to growing children. What a pile of hot garbage, this is shameful."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94448", "author": "Ellen Clair Lamb", "date": "2021-02-02T21:36:00", "title": "Support for transgender youth in VA public schools", "text": "Public schools are responsible not only for the education of the children and young adults in their care, but also for their physical and mental well-being. That includes protecting young people from bullying and providing them a safe space to be who they are. Transgender children and young adults need support from their schools, not discrimination or shame. Gender identity is not a moral choice, and should not be treated that way. I expect schools to respect and protect all their students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94450", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:36:00", "title": "Do not agree with the logistics.", "text": "While I believe in protections for this marginalized class, I do not agree about the way this effort is being phrased. Separate bathroom and changing areas for everyone's comfort and privacy is a much better option. Too many things can go egregiously wrong in the current proposition.  As for participation in athletics and such,  the sane types of measures could prove more useful. For everyone's safety, please reconsider and make better accommodations for all. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94449", "author": "Sic Semper Tyrannis", "date": "2021-02-02T21:36:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As a parent, tax payer, business owner and job creator in the Commonwealth, I am vehemently opposed to this policy of strong arming  transgender indoctrination of students and the forced acceptance of the LGBT agenda. This proposition directly violates the Constitution, as well as the religious beliefs of Christians and practicing Catholics. I will not adhere to this policy, and you seem to forget that our tax dollars pay for your worthless lives, I suggest you stop pushing our limits of tolerance of your shenanigans."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94451", "author": "Zoey", "date": "2021-02-02T21:36:00", "title": "FULLY support trans rights! Every student deserves respect!", "text": "Every student, including trans students deserve to feel included and welcomed at their school. Policies need to adapt and change with the times to match today’s society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94452", "author": "Amber", "date": "2021-02-02T21:37:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose. Defend God’s Creation of Male & Female!!!", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policies. It is evidence of what a broken, sinful world we live in. We need Jesus. He can redeem those struggling with gender confusion. I stand up for my Christian faith and God’s design, that He intentionally creates us MALE or FEMALE, in His image. There are only two sexes. His Word is TRUE. The school has no place to teach my children unbiblical messages about their gender. I am very concerned with these proposed policies. Sexual brokenness is real. Our God is bigger. A better life is found in Christ, not in these new policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94453", "author": "A Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-02T21:38:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Please do not do this to our children. The proposed guidelines go against science, morality, common sense, conservative and even liberal principals. The propagation of a lie does not make it truth. Calling what is good evil and what is evil good, we are proposing persecution of the vast majority of students at the expense of lying to the very small minority. Where is the concern for Christian teachers and those whose conscience will not allow them to participate in this deceit? May God have mercy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94454", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:38:00", "title": "Please support this initiative!", "text": "i have watched so many transgender students struggle to make it through school, and that isn’t right. Everyone deserves the right to a education and the right to feel safe at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94455", "author": "Natalie Caputo", "date": "2021-02-02T21:38:00", "title": "Fully Support!!!!", "text": "I fully support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.  It is necessary to protect trans students and advance their well-being. Trans students are at an extreme risk of bullying, harassment, and prejudice. These policies will help alleviate this burden and protect these children from the senseless hate expressed by many people on this forum."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94456", "author": "Jackson Thomas", "date": "2021-02-02T21:39:00", "title": "Protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of Trans students in VA schools!", "text": "As a state for those who love, the bullying, harassment, and isolation of trans students is both a moral and mental health failure that we should strive to correct. Teaching students to love and accept their classmates for their identity is not only a worthwhile goal to create more earnest and welcoming learning environments, but also a direct step towards creating more empowered and compassionate global citizens which should be the number one priority of every VA school. The education system as it is needs to support trans students far more than it currently does, and I support all efforts to do so wholeheartedly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94457", "author": "Felicia Aldinger", "date": "2021-02-02T21:39:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this policy for our children and youth", "text": "I strongly oppose this dangerous policy of applying what impacts a minority of students onto all children and youth. It will cause great confusion on young, developing brains, and place a disproportionate emphasis on someone’s sex/gender instead of focusing on education. School is not the place to facilitate this agenda. This policy would give an exorbitant amount of control to school officials in shaping children’s values and beliefs that belong first in the family. This policy does not support or value family and parental guardianship. This policy also creates an unsafe environment for children physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Rather than supporting individual beliefs, it forces “ transgender ” ideology and policies onto all children without choice to participate or not. This dangerous policy will undoubtedly cause many families to question the safety of trusting and keeping our children in the public school system. Please protect our children, the integrity of public schools in Virginia, and our freedom to hold our own individual beliefs and values, and do not enact this policy. A concerned Virginia resident and mother, Felicia Aldinger"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94458", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:40:00", "title": "Mixed response", "text": "ALL children deserve a safe and comfortable learning environment. Guidelines that focus on preventing bullying, harassment, and discrimination make sense and should absolutely be supported. At the same time, I have serious concerns about wording in the proposed guidelines that would keep parents in the dark about a child's gender expression. Suspicion of abuse or neglect in such situations should be treated as they would in any other - by reporting them to social services. Absent those circumstances, however, parents have the right and responsibility to fulfill their role AS PARENTS in helping their children through their struggles and questions in life. Not informing parents that a child wishes to be called by another name, for example, flies in the face of parental rights. I also have concerns about this wording from the proposed guidelines: \" School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” Transgender girls are surely no threat to other girls in a locker room or restroom. However, abuse of this policy by a male student who knows that he can't be questioned upon entering a girls' bathroom/locker room, though likely to be rare, could be extremely threatening and even physically dangerous. And finally, I think serious consideration must be given to the fairness of transgender girls competing in girls' sports. Female athletes are at a biological disadvantage with regard to speed and strength, and these guidelines which aim to protect the rights of transgender students may at the same time infringe upon the rights of female athletes who seek fair competition."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94459", "author": "Daniel", "date": "2021-02-02T21:40:00", "title": "I strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly disagree with this. “So God created man in His own image, in the image created he him; male and female created he them.” Gen. 1:27"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94460", "author": "Lauren Donohue", "date": "2021-02-02T21:40:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I strongly oppose this being an issue that is strictly handled by the educational systems. The parents, as the primary educators of their children should be directly involved in this delicate issue. Children of all walks of life should be able to participate in school functions without the risk of segregation or harassment. By opening restrooms and locker rooms up to any child who chooses to identify a particular way for that particular day, also opens the door for cases of abuse and rape in any combination of gender orientation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94461", "author": "Erin", "date": "2021-02-02T21:41:00", "title": "Oppose completely!", "text": "Our children must be protected!   Having shared bathrooms and locker rooms leaves children so vulnerable to predators!   Thus out weighs the needs of transgender equality.  The fact that gender identity can only be defined by each person, and can change possibly frequently, means there is no way to set guidelines to protect them, or any person.  Please do not allow this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94462", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:41:00", "title": "No", "text": "I say absolutely not. I can agree that people have a their own rights and a voice but our public school system should not be used as a platform to push these choices.  We must protect the rights and safety of every child and not just a group of them!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94463", "author": "Jones Family", "date": "2021-02-02T21:41:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "We strongly oppose the The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly. The public educational system should focus on delivering consistent, high-quality instruction to all students within our state.  Education centered on promoting a societal belief or dogma should not be part of the state's educational curricula or goals.  Please focus on getting our children back to school and teaching them skills and subjects which will help them succeed personally and professionally in life.  Do not dictate to our families what to believe.  Stop trying to weaken and destroy the nuclear family with radical policies contrary to the faith of many people of faith."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94464", "author": "Jay", "date": "2021-02-02T21:41:00", "title": "Unequivocally OPPOSE", "text": "This goes AGAINST the nuclear family and values I stand for. A KID and Transgender shouldn’t even be a thing. These kids don’t even know what they want for dinner!! And people think they can make a decision that WILL affect the rest of their life?? They are KIDS!! This is ridiculous and ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94465", "author": "Concerned Mom", "date": "2021-02-02T21:41:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "As a Bible believing Christian I am strongly opposed to this. These policies are far from neutral and does not have EVERY child’s safety in mind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94466", "author": "Concerned citizen", "date": "2021-02-02T21:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!!", "text": "I strongly oppose this as both a mother and a public educator. I could not support this for the safety of my personal children or children under my care in a classroom. I could not agree to teach things that go against my person beliefs OR undermine the authority of the family. The implementation of this would be detrimental to the safety of our children, the quality of our education system as it will be hard to replace the thousands of teachers that will have no choice but to resign, and the family unit. Add a third bathroom if deciding on which bathroom to use is an issue. Teachers can explain why we need a third. By allowing this to pass, more harm will come than good. There are other ways to solve this problem that will not cause MORE harm to our already fragile education system, or jeopardize the safety of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94467", "author": "S. Young", "date": "2021-02-02T21:43:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support all measures to ensure the protection of transgender children in Virginia schools. Having gone through school here without these protections, I can confidently say they are necessary. I know there are people we've lost who might be alive today if they had gotten the support and protection they deserved when they needed it most. Please do not subject vulnerable children to the experiences I and others had. We face traumatizing, degrading, even fatal discrimination when we live openly, and transgender and gender-nonconforming kids need clear and readily available resources from knowledgable, trustworthy staff to help them weather it. Our state has repeatedly failed to respond quickly enough to threats to our children's wellbeing, and young people have suffered and died because of it. Do not let this be another instance of inaction. We have the resources to uplift our students; we should not be content to watch them fall."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94468", "author": "Mary Ann Bryant", "date": "2021-02-02T21:43:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94469", "author": "Kenneth Patricibee", "date": "2021-02-02T21:44:00", "title": "Full support of our students and these proposed policies", "text": "I am fully in support of updating our school policies to those proposed. They make the arguments much better than I could, but we need to show respect for all students and make sure we are not literally sacrificing them to some minor and temporary comfort of other students (or more likely, that of the parents)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94470", "author": "Pete W", "date": "2021-02-02T21:44:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this measure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94471", "author": "A Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-02T21:44:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans students have just as much right to a safe and supportive learning environment as any student. Please support them and support this bill"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94472", "author": "Lisa Moses", "date": "2021-02-02T21:46:00", "title": "Fully support Transgender Rights and equality", "text": "I fully support Transgender rights and equality for all students in VA schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94473", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:47:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94474", "author": "Daniel Pippert", "date": "2021-02-02T21:47:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "It is about time we are having these discussions. Just because we lack understanding doesn't mean transgender youth suffer daily. Education can be hard and we need to all work on understanding each other, and standing up for people's rights. I support the right of all individuals to pursue their life, liberty and happiness, especially in this moment I support transgender individuals"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94475", "author": "—", "date": "2021-02-02T21:48:00", "title": "Please read the Bible", "text": "If you were actually proper followers of Christianity you would realize this goes against everything we stand for. “So God created man in His own image, in the image created he him; male and female created he them.” Gen. 1:27"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94476", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T21:48:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "strongly oppose this! Not okay with the fact that the parent doesn’t have to be informed in this at all. Also how will other children be protected from harm from ANYONE being able to go into the same bathroom. A bill or predator can say one thing just to be able to get in the same bathroom as the person that want to harm! This doesn’t make our kids safe makes parents want to keep their kids at home."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94477", "author": "Cathy Ruse", "date": "2021-02-02T21:49:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "?I strongly oppose these model PLLC iris. They allow officials to force people to use false pronouns, or face discipline.  No person should be forced to swear or affirm the monstrous falsehood that children can be born in the wrong body. For Christians, that’s a forced denial of  God's purposeful design of male and female -- that's a denial of God Himself! This is a radical violation of religious freedom, freedom of conscience, and freedom of speech. Secretly affirming and facilitating a child's gender \"transition\" while at school puts school administrators between a suffering child and his mother. This is designed to make children distrust and fear their parents. This is child abuse. Parents who don't \"affirm\" that their child is in the wrong body can be reported to Child Protective Services? This is beyond offensive"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94478", "author": "A concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T21:49:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94479", "author": "Samuel Newby", "date": "2021-02-02T21:50:00", "title": "Strong support for trans rights!", "text": "I strongly support trans rights both in and out of schools, and Virginia should set an example for the country by supporting trans youth as best as it can."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94480", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T21:50:00", "title": "God says this is wrong.", "text": "The Word of God says that homosexuality is an abomination (Leviticus 18:22).  We are made in the image of God and in His likeness(Genesis 1:27).  Fearfully and wonderfully are we made (Psalm 139).  Men are men, women are women.  Each of us was made exactly what we are supposed to be.  God did not a mistake in making anyone.  Everything that the world is trying to teach our children is a lie.  It is SIN in the eyes of our holy God and creator.  The Bible says \"for the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord\" Roman 6:23.  Death is what we have earned but God sent his son Jesus Christ to pay our fine, He died for us on the cross to pay for our sins.  Yours and mine.  All who advocate these activities are forgiven if only you except Jesus as your Lord and savior, by faith and REPENT,  turn from sin and follow the Lord Jesus Christ and you will receive eternal life and be righteous in the sight of a holy God, through what Jesus Christ as done.  This is not \"hate speech\".  This is the truth.  Jesus said I am the Way, the TRUTH and the LIFE (John 14:6)  We all have the choice in what believe but \"as for me and my house we will serve the Lord\" Joshua 24:15. We as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ do not condone  these activies and beliefs and will not support any such teachings in the public school setting.  If such measures are passed that advocate these teachings, then we will be compelled by the Word of God seek our educational needs elsewhere. Thank you, God bless and we will pray for you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94481", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:51:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "I strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94483", "author": "Va. Resident", "date": "2021-02-02T21:53:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. It strips parental rights & religious freedoms; the very fabric of this nation.", "text": "Strongly oppose. It strips parental rights & religious freedoms; the very fabric of this nation. I strongly oppose this policy being recommended.  The policy violates parental rights, student rights, religious freedoms, encourages bullying of those who do not identify with transgender ideology, and allow for an uninviting and confusing learning environment. Parents are primarily and foremost responsible for the upbringing, education, and care of their children. This is a fundamental liberty and right along with religious freedom.  These are rights are upheld by the Constitution and Supreme and Virginia Courts.  This troubling policy proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. This policy provides absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student, teacher, parent, or legal guardian whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Included in the policy are provisions that clearly violate these rights such as: “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) This will permit schools to help a student explore, facilitate, and make decisions about his or her sexual identity while at school without the permission of the child’s parents . “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. This violates parental rights and religious freedoms. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Essentially schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. This puts young girls who are growing and changing at risk of sexual harassment and bullying. This would also eliminate privacy and the safety of students. This would allow students to act as a member of the opposite sex, use of bathrooms and locker rooms of the opposite sex all without the knowledge of and permission of the student’s parents. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, nor will parents have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” [This is a clear violation of due process clause of the 5th amendment.] This violates parental rights and puts religious freedoms at risk."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94482", "author": "Leslie Q", "date": "2021-02-02T21:53:00", "title": "fully support! trans rights are human rights!", "text": "I fully support because trans rights are human rights and trans students deserve to feel safe and accepted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94484", "author": "Shocked parent", "date": "2021-02-02T21:54:00", "title": "Dramatic, Extreme policy", "text": "The fact this even was drafted in this manner is, quite frankly, unbelievable. It is a dramatic response to a much broader core problem of bullying, no matter gender, race, physical appearance, mental capabilities, disablility, etc. I'm amazed that we are giving the \"moral authority\" to adults in a position of power over our children in an environment that is already full of peer pressures, confusion, important developmental milestones, etc. Yet, the parent cannot make the same decisions for their own child? It seems counseling and a stronger influence on anti-bullying culture and zero tolerance policies would go much farther. These decisions could potentially open dangerous doors for ALL of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94485", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:54:00", "title": "Why these transgender policies should be denied", "text": "This is absolutely appalling!!! It seems that Transgender and LGBTQ is being shoved down the throats of our young people and adults. I wouldn't want my daughter having to share a bathroom with a boy that says he's a girl or vice versa. We're supposed to be protecting our children, and that isn't protecting them. If I were the school board members of any school district, I wouldn't want to stand before God one day and explain these disgusting policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94486", "author": "Carol Orchatis", "date": "2021-02-02T21:54:00", "title": "Transgenderism and homosexuality are abominations of God and have no place in our schools", "text": "Transgenderism and homosexuality are abominations of God and have no place in our schools Please pick up a bible once and a while. It will guide you in the proper direction since obviously you were not raised correctly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94487", "author": "Taylor", "date": "2021-02-02T21:54:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose what the state is trying to push into our school systems. Let our kids be kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94488", "author": "Alison", "date": "2021-02-02T21:54:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Will only create greater confusion in the already confusing years of adolescence! Undermines the parental role!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94489", "author": "D", "date": "2021-02-02T21:55:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Totally support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94490", "author": "Concerned Christian, Grand Parent.", "date": "2021-02-02T21:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. It strips parental rights & religious freedoms.", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy being recommended.  The policy violates parental rights, student rights, religious freedoms. Parents are primarily and foremost responsible for the upbringing, education, and care of their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94491", "author": "Scott Butler", "date": "2021-02-02T21:55:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this model policy.  It does not represent my Christian values and is not supported by science or common sense.  We should not be attempting to force others to violate their own religious beliefs, and we should not be contributing to the illness of transgenderism.  Instead we should be helping the students to understand they need help through counseling and that they will outgrow their gender confusion.  This policy will produce dangerous situations for our female students in bathrooms and locker rooms and will end women's sports.  This is very bad policy and very dangerous.  Thanks for hearing my comments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94492", "author": "Howard", "date": "2021-02-02T21:55:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I fully support this. Virginia students need to know the facts so they understand that being trans is normal and valid. Just like sex education allows students to be comfortable with their sexualities and be vigilant against sexual abuse, being educated on the existence of trans people prevents ignorance and stigmatization that can be life-saving for trans youth. Many young trans people face hatred, bigotry, and discrimination in society at large and even in their own homes. Having an environment of understanding and acceptance at school could make all the difference, which in some instances is the difference between life and death. Please make this regulation a reality. Trans rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94493", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:56:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill for numerous reasons...one of the biggest reasons being that this bill allows for sensitive, critical information to be knowingly kept from parents in certain cases. Since when is this okay?! Parents have a right to know what is happening with their child and be a part of the process. Parents know their children the best and need to be part of this process, whether they would disagree with their child being transgender or not. Also, the uncomfortableness that will ensue in many young girls, knowing that a boy could walk in the girl’s bathroom at any moment (namely a straight boy trying to get into the girl’s bathroom because now he knows he can and teachers can’t even stop him), is enough to make many girls not want to use the bathroom altogether. So then you’ll have a large majority nervous/uneasy about using the bathroom, instead of just that tiny minority of transgenders being nervous/uneasy to use the bathroom. Is this really a better solution? There must be a better way...like making a unisex bathroom, for ex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94494", "author": "Sam", "date": "2021-02-02T21:57:00", "title": "There's better policies to debate on", "text": "Look, I get it, but its sad that we need a policy to express this. its sad that we feel the need to cater to a small group. I get that everybody needs to be treated fairly. I will show the same kindness to you as you do to me. whether your gay or not. However, I strongly disagree with this policy for our school system. I think everybody is protected (or at least should be protected by anti-discrimination acts and policies already) but this is unnecessary and pointless. if anything, this just looks like a bill that, \"feels good to do\" it doesn't do anything for anybody and it just makes a small group of people feel good. If anything really, I would prefer this be left to the individual schools and let them make policies at their own level regarding this issue. let them come up with their own rules and guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94495", "author": "Lindsay Hess", "date": "2021-02-02T21:57:00", "title": "This saddens me", "text": "I cannot believe I am having to respond to such a ridiculous proposal for our “education system”. I will start with freedom to “explore sexuality” in school. Why is this even encouraged? School is a place to learn, make friends, and grow independence.  What is happening in the restrooms of our public schools????  There are frequent mentions of protection for our transgendered students, but there is not one sentence that describes the penalty for misuse of this new allowance. I’m fairly certain this will be abused by “curious” children who just want a glimpse into the opposite sex. Lastly, it states “ if parents attempt to affirm a student’s God-given birth sex, the school can contact Children’s Protective Services for neglect.”, which I should be happy that at least the policy maker(s) affirm there is a God, but how sad that we are at risk of losing our ability to parent our children and address the mental disorder they may have concerning who they are in this world, without having a fully developed brain. Our brains are fully matured at 32 years old, but sure, let’s allow impressionable children to make life changing decisions. Why not lower the drinking age? How about we let 12 year olds obtain a license. This is lunacy, this is infuriating, and this is an anti-Christ philosophy I will not subscribe or subject my children to."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94496", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:58:00", "title": "These model policies are a violation of my religion", "text": "Me, as well as any other self respecting Christian should realize that these models policies stand in direct contrast to basic biology, science, and the word of God"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94497", "author": "Jacqueline Landry", "date": "2021-02-02T21:59:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support the adoption of policies that protect the safety and well-being of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94498", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T21:59:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans students deserve protection at school. Trans students are no different than other students and deserve an educational space where they can feel safe for being who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94499", "author": "Joe P", "date": "2021-02-02T22:00:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them “mankind” on the day when they were created. Genesis 5:2."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94500", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:01:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. LGBTQ+ students deserve to feel safe and respected in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94501", "author": "Kathy Nelson", "date": "2021-02-02T22:03:00", "title": "No thank you!", "text": "I oppose this legislation. I believe this will ultimately be proven unconstitutional but I am not sure that we can wait that long. DO NOT enact this law. Children should have rights to their Christian views as well as parents. My children already face enough stressors without fearing the scrutiny of some over zealous administrator who thinks they are repressed when they simply believe in Biblical norms. My children are consistently kind to every type of person and do not offer judgment. Christ was kind to those “outcasts” but harsh with the whited sepulchers who offered traps to their followers rather than guidance and safety. People (including children) who have gender identity issues should be treated with kindness and understanding on a case by case basis WITHOUT foregoing the rights of other students to their basic safety and security. As the mother of three teenage girls, I would NOT feel comfortable with a teenage boy being allowed in their locker room even if he identified himself as a girl, biologically he remains a male and as such poses an avoidable risk to their safety. To enact this will be to trample upon the rights of myriad students to ensure that only a few “matter”. That should not be the purpose of Virginia education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94502", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:04:00", "title": "School", "text": "I strongly oppose. This is a matter that can be handled at home. This goes against mine and my family’s religion. This should not be shoved onto other people. This does not belong in the schools educational learning."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94503", "author": "N. D.", "date": "2021-02-02T22:05:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "It is antithetical to the principles of free speech to compel me or my children to use language in any way, much less to speak in such a way as to subvert obvious biological reality on every level. This is a meaningless gesture that will never hold up to challenge in the SCOTUS. If you as an organization spent half as much effort teaching kids to read and do math as you do trying to prove to... whom exactly?... how woke you are, 75% of Virginia public school alumni would be eligible for Ivy League admission on academic merits alone. My children are not your social experiment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94504", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:05:00", "title": "In support", "text": "In support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94505", "author": "John", "date": "2021-02-02T22:05:00", "title": "Against", "text": "We are pushing back against the credentialed experts who crafted this document.  5000 years of human history says there are two genders, male and female, that correspond to biological sex at birth.  Young folks who are confused or abused or seeking attention should be treated with kindness and compassion and directed to counseling.  Playing the game with the preferred pronouns is an attempt to normalize the abnormal. Do not adopt this guidance.  Throw the whole thing out.  Policies are already in place to address the needs of emotionally damaged children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94506", "author": "Scott Chico", "date": "2021-02-02T22:06:00", "title": "For the good of ALL our children, I oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation as I believe that it is rooted in false, pseudo science and it sets a very dangerous precedent in which the state has too much influence on the raising of our children and the family has too little.  Let me be clear: I do not support the bullying of any person for any reason. However, to deny biological fact and insist that all of society does the same does not equate to equality. It equates to collective ignorance. Beyond this (and more concerning), to assert that a child or a parent could be deemed abusive or guilty of harassment because they respectfully dissent from these views directly violates our society's foundation of free speech and the pursuit of personal and religious conviction. This is a place where the state's involvement sets a much more dangerous precedent for ALL than the state's silence. Thus, as my title suggests, for the love of ALL our children I strongly oppose this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94507", "author": "Chris", "date": "2021-02-02T22:06:00", "title": "strongly support, let’s do even more for trans students", "text": "strongly support, let’s do even more for trans students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94508", "author": "Joe", "date": "2021-02-02T22:06:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Follow the science.  XX chromosome equals female.  XY chromosome equals male.  Binary. God created each human in His image, irreplaceable, not repeatable, loved by Him."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94509", "author": "Derek Knight", "date": "2021-02-02T22:06:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Transgender schoolchildren absolutely need protection in schools from bullies and transphobic administrators, among other things. They should be able to participate in school life as fully as other students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94510", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:07:00", "title": "Strongly support.", "text": "It's the 21st century."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94511", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:08:00", "title": "Religion", "text": "Goes against our religion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94512", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:08:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "there are two sexes, male and female.  Any other information should be left for parents to teach."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94513", "author": "Katharine Herter", "date": "2021-02-02T22:08:00", "title": "Oppose for logical reasons; better legislation required", "text": "I oppose this measure. Virginia department of Education needs to provide much different legislation to provide for all students’ rights to be observed and protected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94514", "author": "Robert Magistri", "date": "2021-02-02T22:09:00", "title": "Urgently Support", "text": "Passing this law should be a no brainer, as trans-students are no different than normal students. They should have the same liberties and chances in life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94515", "author": "Christie Donovan", "date": "2021-02-02T22:09:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This is a violation of parental rights and religious freedoms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94516", "author": "Parent and Virginia resident", "date": "2021-02-02T22:09:00", "title": "Respect for individuals does not entail rejection of common sense, reason, or biology", "text": "I do not support a transgender policy of renouncing biology or rewriting language and redefining genders. We can respect and value individuals as well as exhibit kindness to those with whom we may not agree without rejecting common sense and foundational male/female biology. Redefining language and biology to fit transgender theories is unnecessary, and it is disrespectful and confusing to those who are not inclined or indoctrinated in the new transgender ideology. It is not the business of the state or school system to inculcate transgender ideas into the students, and it is also unreasonable to require teachers or other students to endure transgender behavior and terminology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94517", "author": "Sheryl", "date": "2021-02-02T22:09:00", "title": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This is DEMONIC!!  I Strongly Oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94518", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:10:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "Strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94519", "author": "Courtney", "date": "2021-02-02T22:10:00", "title": "Completely oppose.", "text": "This goes against God’s word. God  made man and woman, we don’t get to choose. Also, children should be taught to be respectful of everyone. We should not create divides in order to be inclusive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94520", "author": "Mark", "date": "2021-02-02T22:11:00", "title": "Full support for Transgender guidance", "text": "I fully support the transgender guidance. Education is the only way to build understanding and remove fear."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94521", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:11:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is a dangerous precedent to set for our children. Bullying is already a big problem in schools and now to allow students all access to any bathroom/locker room, there will be more problems that arise. Let's think creatively about bathrooms for the small amount of students who need something different and protect the majority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94522", "author": "Margaret Burke", "date": "2021-02-02T22:12:00", "title": "in support", "text": "I fully support the legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth. As all children do, these kids deserve our protection and support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94523", "author": "RScott", "date": "2021-02-02T22:12:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Keep guys: him/his Keep girl: her/hers Don't confuse these poor children. The role of the Government is very different from a parent's.  Parents have the right to intervene and help with their children's  personal lives.  Let parent's work with their own children. Do not plague the school with confusing policies that harass staff & families and bring great harm to the educational focus that schools should have! This is where kids learn about math, science, history, reading/writing. Get back to the the basics.  Drop the pronoun changes, locker room arrangements , etc.  Don't bring greater stress and anxiety upon children that are already face day to day life challenges.  These proposed policies are not helping, they are greatly hurting. Let kids be kids and get a solid education.   Let them work out their private affairs with their parents and professionals outside of the educational system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94524", "author": "Sarah Nelson", "date": "2021-02-02T22:13:00", "title": "Support costs nothing: I say yes", "text": "I have no comments to say other than 'I wish I had had this when I was a young student'"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94525", "author": "Jannesta Marshall", "date": "2021-02-02T22:13:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "I grew up in Northern Virginia and recently moved to California to start college- But as an LGBT+ Individual, I fully support this. Please protect LGBT+ kids. They deserve the world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94527", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Schools should be teaching the basic subjects and supporting student interests. They have no place in pushing ideology that undermines many family backgrounds, religious values, and overall well being of an impressionable CHILD. Shame on you VDOE for pushing this liberal agenda in our schools!! Totally unacceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94526", "author": "Elisabeth R", "date": "2021-02-02T22:14:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "This is absolutely ridiculous! I strongly oppose this and do not want this to pass!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94528", "author": "Jacqueline", "date": "2021-02-02T22:14:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "These proposed policies would do nothing but hurt our children... both those struggling with their gender identity and those who are not. A \"transgender\" child does not have the right to infringe on the rights and privacy of other students, and will not be \"helped\" by doing so. Rather, these policies feed the lies that our biological sex can be changed. We are male or female in every cell of our body. Furthermore, these proposed policies egregiously violate parents' rights.  Please OPPOSE these destructive proposals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94529", "author": "Hannah", "date": "2021-02-02T22:14:00", "title": "strongly support! TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "I fully support this document and it’s work to support trans students of the community"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94530", "author": "TJ Hindley", "date": "2021-02-02T22:15:00", "title": "Supporting LGBTQ+ Students", "text": "There is not a debate, question, or opinion on respecting a human child and protecting who they are. You either love your child/student or hate them. There should not be a debate on this issue, and if there is you should very much consider being on the only side. The right side of history, logic, compassion, love, and intelligence. The side that supports all children and provides the leadership and respect that us adults should be providing. The kind that will love a child no matter who they are, and help them flourish and discover who that person is in our education system. If you do not love a gay or a trans student, you just do not love any humans and thus should have no voice in the educational environment they grow up in. You lose your right to debate when you do not acknowledge universal truths. That student is still human and is entitled to all inalienable rights that each and everyone of us are. Those here who use religion as a means to justify hate, and seclusion really must not religious at all and thus have no argument. Do not let mob hate win, do not believe that there is a them and an us. That is false propaganda we should have learned to combat when it failed for Hitler and his Nazis over 70 years ago. Do not fall prey to loud majority of hate, they are dying off and will be remembered as ignorant at best and pure vile evil at worst. This is not a debate, it is a forgone conclusion. The future is accepting of all people. Ask yourself do you actually care about the future you will leave behind, or are you too afraid to say no the voice of hate and continue to allow it to hang on to it's last remaining breaths? Do not just ignore them, they have to be told no or they will never stop. Ignoring them is how we have gotten to where we are today. They actually think they have support from you, it's your turn to prove them wrong. For their sake, and the sake of our society's future."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94531", "author": "Grace", "date": "2021-02-02T22:15:00", "title": "This shouldn’t even be a debate. Obvious support.", "text": "All students should feel respected, safe, and supported at school, and that includes trans students. Limiting security for trans students will only increase risk for harm. Even holding this as a debate further harms students by allowing hateful rhetoric to be amplified. The Virginia Department of Education serves ALL students. Trans students are included in that. Do better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94532", "author": "Marlena Thorne", "date": "2021-02-02T22:15:00", "title": "Adamantly, strongly oppose.", "text": "Attn: Va school board I represent a majority of the South River School district in Rockbridge County when I say that I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. While trying to be more inclusive the result will be further exclusion & division. This will result in greater confusion to all children/teens. This is not a school board or school staff members responsibility. This is a parental responsibility to guide the child & discuss these matters with possible professional guidance at that said family’s discretion. This will put other kids at risk, in potentially dangerous situations that could be detrimental. Are you willing to put others at risk on your watch? Is that something your conscious can live with? This will cause more stress on the already hormonal & stressful childhood/teenage years.  It is NOT another child’s or staff member’s responsibility to determine what another person identifies with on any given day. Others should NOT be held responsible or reprimanded for the sexual identity confusion of another person. God does NOT make mistakes! The gender you are born with is in FACT your gender identity. For those who like scientific FACTS, it is very simple. Females have an XX pair of sex chromosomes, and males, an XY pair. Simple facts. I 100% strongly oppose Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94533", "author": "Skylar Hedgepeth", "date": "2021-02-02T22:17:00", "title": "What Would Jesus Actually Do?", "text": "Trans people are people.  Trans children are people.  To invalidate their identities is to invalidate their humanity.  Schools are meant to be places where each individual feels safe and honored.  School policies are meant to protect ALL students regardless of their identity.  We are talking about children. I support this set of guidelines because they protect children.  No one, no matter how young, should be forced to hide who they are out of fear of hatred and retaliation.  For those who wish to use religion and the Bible as excuses to put children in harm's way, as a person of faith I invite you to use the words of Jesus himself as your guide.  He says in Matthew 22 to love your neighbor as yourself.  Is telling a child that they are not meant to be the way that they are love?  I don't think so."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94534", "author": "Yvette Hopkins", "date": "2021-02-02T22:17:00", "title": "Trans Policy", "text": "I strongly support policies that enable trans and all students to  thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94535", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Protecting trans kids is suicide prevention. KEEP CHURCH OUT OF STATE! OPPOSING THIS IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94536", "author": "Rachel", "date": "2021-02-02T22:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY APPROVE", "text": "We need to be rid of transphobic and hateful language in our schools. So many students feel unsafe due to the language used in their educational buildings and teachers need to be taught to be aware of what is the correct language."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89898", "author": "Aimee Celio", "date": "2021-01-13T16:31:00", "title": "Reject transgender policies", "text": "Please reject any policies that promote or push transgender issues within public schools. MANY people hold very important religious beliefs relating to this issue. We can respect all, but not promote. Please leave these issues that concern Freedom of Religion to the parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89899", "author": "Calvin Mellor", "date": "2021-01-13T16:32:00", "title": "Trans Students Deserve Respect", "text": "All students, regardless of sexual orientation, sex, or gender identity, deserve respect and privacy. I strongly support this measure allowing transgender students to safely fully express their gender identity, and receive basic rights that have been hitherto denied to them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89900", "author": "Albert Taylor", "date": "2021-01-13T16:42:00", "title": "VA Dept of Education Transgender policy", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE YOUR insane efforts to confuse and bring mental and emotional harm to children.  What kind of \"educators\" would teach children their sexuality if fluid, and could be anything they think it might be.  You are sowing the seeds for a lifetime of emotional and mental confusion and distress."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89901", "author": "Penny Bonadonna", "date": "2021-01-13T16:42:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender policy", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the proposed transgender policy. This policy allows, indeed requires schools to deceive parents about their own children.  This is unconscionable.  Schools do not stand in a parental position to students.  It is your job to educate, not raise, present values or propagandize. This policy does not have the well being of children in mind.  It is a sop to the LGBTQ movement.  It encourages children to doubt their identity, leaving parents completely in the dark.  That is not your job! Parent s who would encourage their children to accept their (obvious) biological identity could be accused of child abuse.  This is completely unacceptable. This policy would allow biological males in private spaces with biological females and vice versa, again with no knowledge given to parents.  This takes no account of children who would be upset by this practice.  It leaves girls especially vulnerable to sexual abuse, harassment and intimidation. This policy requires the use of \"preferred pronouns,\" and failure to use them would be considered discriminatory or harassment.  This puts teachers and staff  in the untenable position of either supporting a ridiculous policy which does harm to children or violating their own conscience. There is no way to know what the consequences of this policy might be on vulnerable children.  Yet you propose to implement it anyway.  That is reckless disregard for the children you are supposed to be educating.  Please do not do this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89902", "author": "Dina K.", "date": "2021-01-13T16:43:00", "title": "if you don't support this you're a loser!! Protect and support trans kids!!!", "text": "This policy is so so so important for transgender kids. Trans rights are humans rights and trans kids deserve to feel safe expressing their gender identity in their environment. Why would you not care about trans kids? They are people too, are they not? Open your eyes and open your minds. To those that oppose, stop being bitter and being obsessive over children (who has no connection and nothing to do with you) and who they are. It's their lives. Not yours. Plus, you look odd caring so much about the business of youth. Are your own lives that boring that you feel the need to insert yourselves? Go and move out to a different state if this bugs you so much. Transphobes aren't welcome here anyways. It is also backed up by psychology that kids are able to understand their gender identity from a young age :)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89903", "author": "c.crabtree", "date": "2021-01-13T16:43:00", "title": "I Oppose", "text": "I believe that children of different sexes should not be in the same bathroom or shower rooms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89904", "author": "Elisabeth Townsend", "date": "2021-01-13T16:46:00", "title": "Preserve civil rights!", "text": "We must honor the dignity and worth of all people. People should be free to make decisions about their lives and express their views without fearing they will be bullied, punished, ostracized, or muzzled. Unfortunately, THIS BILL WILL NOT ACHIEVE THIS. It does NOT support transgender students, because it destroys the kind of society that protects freedom; it thwarts anyone who dares to question and goes beyond requesting tolerance to forcing approval, regardless of your own views, beliefs, choices, questions, or objections. It is a totalitarian move to wipe out dissent so one perspective can dominate culture, law, and social norms. It tramples on the civil rights of anyone not spouting the party line. The issue isn’t whether trans students are allowed to be who they are, it’s whether Americans are allowed to co-exist in society with differing viewpoints and still respect and support each other. This bill is shrouded in the language of caring for mistreated people, but its true purpose is to enforce strategic and systematic punishment (loss of career, income, social standing, and more) on anyone who dissents. We are already seeing the terrifying effects of belittling and dehumanizing anyone who doesn’t share “approved progressive” views (Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple making it impossible for those with opposing perspectives to even have a voice in society). We cannot allow this to happen in a microcosm on our campuses as well. If trans students want their voice to be heard, they MUST allow opposing voices to be heard as well, otherwise they become guilty of the very thing they want to abolish and are the source of the intolerance they decry. This bill won’t even allow people to remain silent. Respectfully opting out of the conversation is no longer an option. This bill demands people positively affirm ideas they oppose and actively express support for policies they do not believe in. It makes hypocrites of the transgender community (who demand their civil rights are honored while trampling on the rights of others) and of those who disagree (by forcing them to affirm things they don’t believe). This bill makes hypocrites of us all. Instead of muting people who have opposing views, we should invite healthy conversation in communities and encourage students to ask robust questions, demand well-researched answers, think for themselves, and express their views--even and ESPECIALLY when they differ with other views. We must teach civility at an early age by supporting the free and frank exchange of ideas in every corner of our communities. When businesses, laws, governments, parties, and social groups punish those who disagree with them, we have lost a unique and precious treasure—a country where everyone has a voice. EVERYONE. I STRONGLY urge opposition to this bill to preserve freedom and protect EVERYONE’S civil rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89905", "author": "Jamie Hunt", "date": "2021-01-13T17:27:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT! -An actual student of Biology, the Classics, and Common Sense", "text": "As a Biologist, it is ignorant to believe that gender and sex are the same thing.  No unbiased scientist [so a real scientist] can be transphobic.  There are innumerable sexes solely in the human species- XX, XY, XYY, XXY, X, XXX, and so many others.  You cannot care about women if you are transphobic- if you believe that the only thing that makes a woman a woman is her chromosomes or genitalia, then you are only identifying a woman by her genitalia. Women have suffered a social burden for one thousand years, and it is just that: social.  Gender has been complex for even longer.  The role of a woman, a man, or anyone in between, (as seen in the idea of a Two Spirited person) varies depending on the pre-colonial society. The origin of romance languages, Latin, and the society we framed our Democracy and ideals off of, had a complex understanding of gender.  The view of masculine ideas, feminine ideas, neutral ideas, and ideas that could have any and all gender resulted in the wonderful languages of Spanish, French, Portuguese, and so many more.  Not to mention that there are many individuals in the Ancient times who used different gendered adjectives that didn't agree with what they were assigned at birth! My point is, because gender is social and so complex and individualized, it is time that we recognize that people who don't fit in the Western-cookie-cut idea of gender are people, and that they are protected as individuals, and that their safety is preserved.  This guidance document is essential to the safety of our students, and if you think otherwise, I would kindly ask you to read a book WITHOUT trying to force your own ideas onto it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89906", "author": "Mary Ellen Fines", "date": "2021-01-13T17:35:00", "title": "Opening more doors than you can imagine", "text": "If counselors can counsel on it being 'ok', can't they give other options too?  Why does everything have to be ok? These students' brains are not developed yet.  They aren't old enough to vote.  Some aren't old enough to drive.  Yet if they want to change their entire life, it is ok to make that decision - without parent knowledge perhaps. Does the counseling include speaking to people who have changed and regret it as well as the \"positive\" that is stated? If a boy goes with the girls for Health class, then when will the boy learn about boy stuff that he should know about? I feel like a girl this week.  Hate my teacher.  Teacher didn't call me by my preferred pronoun.  Teacher in trouble. I feel like a boy this week.  Going to hang out in the boys bathroom, with my boyfriend. Teacher doing a fun quick game:  ok 'guys' on this side and 'girls' on this side.  Someone gets embarrassed.  Teacher gets in trouble for harassment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89907", "author": "Bri Avendano, VLPP", "date": "2021-01-13T17:45:00", "title": "Strong and Enthusiastic Support", "text": "As a queer person of colour who did their schooling in FCPS, this would be a huge step towards educational equity. Students deserve to feel safe and supported while learning, and be provided an opportunity to learn about people different about themselves. This would be a great model of teaching empathy and compassion in schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89908", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T17:50:00", "title": "Support!! Thank you!", "text": "As a parent of a transgender teen, I of course fully support any policy for giving my child a safe and supportive education.   I challenge all the opposers to consider if their child were transgender.   I truly believe all the opposition stems from not being educated on the issue.  Despite \"religious beliefs\" which are also uneducated,  we have to look at the safety and welfare of these unique children who feel trapped in the wrong body.  Suicide is real.  My child has had suicidal thoughts as well as several anxiety/panic attacks at school in gym class.  He has also been bullied in the bathroom of his assigned gender to thr point where he stopped using the bathroom at school altogether. These policies only seek to respect and support these children who are at particular risk of mental harm through not being supportive or inclusive.   It saddens me to the core that people don't value the mental health of my child. I for one think there needs to be a major campaign for educating about transgenderism."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89909", "author": "A. Goss", "date": "2021-01-13T18:26:00", "title": "Please OPPOSE this!", "text": "Please oppose this statewide transgender school policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89910", "author": "Tyler", "date": "2021-01-13T18:26:00", "title": "Support transgender kids", "text": "Support transgender kids. Show them respect and treat them with dignity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89911", "author": "Barbara Sherman", "date": "2021-01-13T18:29:00", "title": "Transgender issue", "text": "I disapprove of this radical push to eliminate differences between females and males and the brainwashing of our children and grandchildren. I believe we are created by our Creator and all children should be loved and cared for, but this radical movement is against all our Creator intended for us as revealed in Scripture."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89912", "author": "Farah S.", "date": "2021-01-13T18:54:00", "title": "Support trans kids!", "text": "Trans kids deserve to be respected and protected everywhere especially at school! it’s not fair to limit the basic rights of any child. If you oppose because of religious purposes, you should be reminded that the school environment is not supposed to be influenced by religion. State and religion are supposed to be separated and you do not have the right to force other people to follow the rules of your own religion. Refusing to protect the rights of any minority group is a human rights violation and you are an awful person if you do not actively try to protect minorities, especially minority children. Protect our trans children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89913", "author": "S Howard", "date": "2021-01-13T18:55:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "As the parent of a transgender teen, I STRONGLY support a change in policy.  Transgender people should NOT be discriminated against, and should be given the same basic rights as all others.  Without the proper support, these children will suffer greater anxiety, depression and risks of self-harm or suicide. There is a great need in our society for greater education when it comes to gender and sexuality issues."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89914", "author": "NancyG", "date": "2021-01-13T18:56:00", "title": "Adamantly oppose", "text": "Oppose. Undue burden on teachers and stripping parental rights. Use the money for teachers raises during this pandemic, not burdensome, repressing policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89915", "author": "Karen Solon", "date": "2021-01-13T19:07:00", "title": "SUPPORT Model Policy for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.", "text": "Over my lifetime (77 years next month), I have been blessed with opportunities to expand my understanding of human development and human nature, through both my formal education and my personal experience.  I was well into my adult life before I learned that one of my beloved high school teachers had suffered shame and humiliation from family members and local police, simply because he occasionally would be \"caught\" dressed as a woman.  It still breaks my heart to know he did not live to see the day when he would have found support from enlightened family members and friends. When I learned also that several high school friends had suffered enormously from the homophobic and transphobic culture in which we were raised, and that one had been suicidal, I felt morally compelled to re-examine all that I had been taught, or assumptions I had absorbed without examination.  That long and sometimes painful process enabled, finally, to reject the ignorance that had blinded me to the cruelty and injustice that prevented people I had known and cared about, from enjoying the respect and freedom they deserved.   In the early 1990s, I met and have remained friends with a number of transgender women, and recall fondly my acquaintance with several transgender men, all of whom found the courage and support to have lived proudly as members of the gender with which they identify.   I simply cannot imagine any of them having been forced to live otherwise. But I also came to understand the courage and the cost, as well as the joys and rewards,  of their respective decisions to live authentic lives.   My own life has been enriched by knowing them.  And it is clear to me that our community benefits from their talents and gifts.  I am convinced that NO ONE should be denied the opportunity to live authentically, and that those who would deny such an opportunity are misguided, to say the least. Knowing that there are many who will object to this Model Policy, and to the respect that it offers to ALL students, I can only hope that those with the power to implement the policy will do so with the courage and commitment that all human rights endeavors require.  And I will hope that in time, those who object will find, hopefully soon, that their misgivings were indeed unfounded. Thank you, Karen Solon"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89916", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T19:08:00", "title": "I LOVE THISSSS !", "text": "I think everyone should be able to express their sexuality without feeling judged, or unsafe. I , 100% support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89917", "author": "Mary Mack", "date": "2021-01-13T19:09:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Girls have a right to have use bathrooms and locker rooms with only biological girls and the same for boys.  Forcing a girl to use a bathroom or locker room with a biological male is sexual abuse.  Same for forcing a boy to use a bathroom or locker room with a biological girl."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89918", "author": "Onna McKlennon, School Bus Driver, Amherst County, Va.", "date": "2021-01-13T19:09:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools", "text": "I am a Transgender Woman who lives in Amherst County and who works for Amherst County Public Schools.  I transitioned male to female while employed as a school bus driver and I gratefully accepted the support of many of those around me.  I also received (and still receive) rejection by those who disagree with the decisions I have made and the steps I have taken.  Many others express no opinion and consider it my business (toleration is just as good as open support).  I have hopes that those who reject me will eventually also come to tolerate me.  I have spoken before the school board several times during public discussion of school board issues, in an effort to increase the board's knowledge of Transgender persons.  I have laid bare my experiences and opinions as well as studies offering insight into the stresses and struggles of Transgender students and their families.  I have great empathy toward Transgender students and fully support this comprehensive policy as written.  Nothing should be removed.  Local boards will be required to adopt policies as comprehensive as the state policy, and with this document as their guide, the results will be a school system where, with reasonable accommodations, all can live and learn in surroundings molded to protect everyone equally."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89919", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T19:10:00", "title": "YES", "text": "SUPPORT AND PROTECT TRANS KIDS WHO DESERVE ALL THE LOVE AND CARE AS THEIR CIS COUNTERPARTS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89920", "author": "JeanG", "date": "2021-01-13T19:12:00", "title": "NO! Absolutely no", "text": "This policy has no place in schools. Deceiving parents? Keeping information such as a boy who wants to be a girl is dressing in the girls locker room with your daughter? And if any student questions that they will be punished? And the poor teachers...what a heavy load to try and teach as it is and you want this load of rules to dominate everyone for a very, very, very few students? Help them but not by canceling the rights of 99.999 percent of students and having them walk in fear and insecurity. There are only two genders according to science and pushing this transgender message is misguiding and lying to a generation who is having their identity stolen."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89921", "author": "Karen G", "date": "2021-01-13T19:14:00", "title": "I FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "Any person who is part of the LGBTQ+ community should not be treated in any way that is unfair."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89922", "author": "Andrea Nichols", "date": "2021-01-13T19:18:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I wholeheartedly support the comprehensive set of policies that will protect transgender and nonbinary students from bullying in schools.  This is vital to students' safety and well-being and every student deserves an inclusive learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89923", "author": "B WOLF", "date": "2021-01-13T19:18:00", "title": "TEACHING ABOUT TRANSGENDER", "text": "STRONGLY DISAPPROVE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89924", "author": "Emily Christopher", "date": "2021-01-13T19:23:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "This is not a political issue. It’s a human rights issue. I STRONGLY support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89925", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T19:32:00", "title": "Does Not Protect Children From Predators", "text": "According to this policy, a biological male can identify as female at will and spend time in the girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms. See a problem here?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89926", "author": "C S. Young", "date": "2021-01-13T19:44:00", "title": "Opposed.", "text": "on several layers I am opposed to this. We are created male and female. 2.   Ask any medical professional when a baby is born, it takes a half a second to say if a baby is male or female. 3.  By teaching this you are setting our children up for failure.  Life is hard enough with real choices to be made. 4.   If a family chooses to raise their child this way I still disagree but that is their Choice, just as it is mine not too. 5. 5. To teach our children to deceive their parents is teaching them to deceive their future boss, their future spouse and their future family.  Without allegiance to the family you can trust no one. American Phychological  Association has stated that gender confusion is not a healthy option. By passing this you would only be promoting more confusion in the lives of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89927", "author": "Betsy V.", "date": "2021-01-13T19:47:00", "title": "Free and equal education free from discrimination", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89928", "author": "Emily Ngo", "date": "2021-01-13T19:56:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights!!!", "text": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89929", "author": "Gerard L Ulrich", "date": "2021-01-13T19:57:00", "title": "Oppose - follow what the General Assembly prescibed and respect privacy and dignity of all students", "text": "The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity The proposed policies articulate views go far beyond what the general assembly has prescribed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89930", "author": "Betsy V", "date": "2021-01-13T20:03:00", "title": "Free and equal education continued...", "text": "Children in the United States are guaranteed a free and equal education in the Constitution. Federal and state laws protect children from discrimination in public schools including discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity. I support this policy. This policy will facilitate the legal right of transgender children to an education free from discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89931", "author": "Michele Pugh", "date": "2021-01-13T20:35:00", "title": "Support for transgender student policy document", "text": "I would like to express my strong support for the proposed guidance document, \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools.\" The policies outlined in this document would promote an inclusive and respectful environment for transgender students in Virginia's public schools. In fact, several of the policy revisions, such as equitable dress codes and personal information protection, would benefit all students. Virginia's transgender students have a right to an education experience free from harassment and bullying, the same as cisgender students. The policies outlined in this guidance document not only ensure that the rights of transgender students are protected - they also promote a positive, inclusive learning environment. Thank you to the VDOE and the committee for your time developing a well researched and thoughtful policy document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89932", "author": "Brian", "date": "2021-01-13T20:36:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this", "text": "The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed.  Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students.  I would further say that these model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89933", "author": "Candis Anhalt", "date": "2021-01-13T20:40:00", "title": "Oppose HB145 and SB 161", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89934", "author": "Taryn Rosner", "date": "2021-01-13T20:45:00", "title": "Full support for policy that protects and supports transgender and gender noncomforming students", "text": "Thank you for putting forth policy that would protect students who are transgender and gender nonconforming. I attended Virginia public schools from kindergarten through high school graduation, and this policy would have made such a positive difference in the lives of my friends. I fully support policy that provides protection for students of all genders so that they can learn safely."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89935", "author": "G", "date": "2021-01-13T20:48:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender Policy", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. I am concerned for the safety of female students. I am concerned for students that in normal development have confusion about their sexuality will be guided down a path of lifetime suffering both physically and emotionally. And I am concerned for teachers who the state of Virginia is already having difficulty hiring. And I am concerned for parents who are having their rights taken away. These proposed guidelines are insane."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89936", "author": "Doris Dippel", "date": "2021-01-13T20:52:00", "title": "Concern for All Students", "text": "As a concerned Virginia citizen, I have reviewed the VDOE draft of the policy to fairly accommodate transgender students in our public schools. While I believe no student should be the object of negative criticism and ill-treatment, I do not think that positive discrimination benefits them, either. Some transgender students may not mind being partially or completely nude in front of binary students of their gender identity.  Many others will be more reticent to toilet, dress or shower in view of other students. To reduce emotional trauma for all students, I request that the policy require adequate numbers of single-person bath, shower and locker areas for use by transgender and binary students who desire privacy.  That is the kindest way to manage gender identity issues and the reduction of negative discrimination toward those students. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89937", "author": "K Patter", "date": "2021-01-13T21:07:00", "title": "Fully support all students, including transgender students", "text": "As a parent, I 100% support the guidance for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all. It is critical for all students in Virginia to be treated with respect when they are in the school environment. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89938", "author": "Lisa Mayer", "date": "2021-01-13T21:09:00", "title": "Parent and RN, strongly oppose this agenda", "text": "I strongly oppose the policies being proposed. Enforcing gender ideology in our schools infringes upon a parent's rights in raising and educating their children regarding sex and gender identity. Furthermore, protecting the bodily privacy and dignity of students is an obligation schools must uphold."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89939", "author": "Denny Daugherty", "date": "2021-01-13T21:11:00", "title": "Protect Everyone; Remember You are Government and Not an Advocacy Group", "text": "I write to urge that the model policies that you are developing pursuant to a legislative mandate be written in a manner to enable readers, but especially school boards, to trace to their source the assertions made. That request pertains equally to statements that purport to recite scientific facts, statements of law, and policy recommendations. I urge you to reconsider the inclusion of findings of advocacy organizations such as GLSEN. I also urge that you make it clear when a government agency is quoted, whether it is a Virginia, federal or some other government and the date of the quote. For example, assertions are attributed to an Office of Civil Rights without it being further identified or the date of the statement. The list of references recites a publication of such an office from 2001, but no date appears at the site of the quote. If dates were recited at the locations of specific quotes, readers may be on alert to check to see if there has been a change in science, law or policy in the intervening years. The subject addressed is a sensitive one and impacts not only sexual minority students, but their classmates and family members. I urge you to make recommendations that protect the privacy and modesty of both the students who are questioning their sex at birth as well as those who are not. Providing for the availability of individual one-room bathrooms and changing facilities protects the interests of all in privacy and modesty. In contradiction, however, the draft policy also gives priority to accommodating the interest of gender-fluid persons in using such facilities with others who do not share their gender at birth or anatomy. The failure to respect the privacy of the vast majority of students is the greatest failing of your recommendation. It is followed closely by your insistence that school personnel not question any student who decides at the time of entry into a bathroom or dressing room not selected previously. Numerous assertions are made about legal requirements in a very new and ill-defined area of the law without any concession of uncertainty. An official publication of the Commonwealth should clearly distinguish between established law, areas in which the applicable law is in dispute, and policy preferences. The failure of the current draft to do so suggests an intent to mislead local school boards into thinking it must do things that at present are matters in which local decisionmakers retain discretion. The current draft needs to be totally overhauled. It is an advocacy piece for one side of a very lively debate in our society. When it serves its purposes it describes gender identity as “innate” and when it does not, it is described as fluid or diverse. While urging that school personnel not force societal values on noncomforming students, It recommends that they intervene within families to promote support for gender transition. At times withholding of information from parents or colleges is advocated, while at others public discussion of very personal matters is promoted. Bullying should be punished and discouraged whatever its roots. But your message in that regard is muddled by treating as equivalent belittling of individuals and the use of pronouns that do not correspond to a student’s fleeting sense of gender identity. Capable faculty already face too much second guessing by administrators and parents to be subject to punishment or “reeducation” for not calling a student by a preferred pronoun such as “ze.” Are the recommended policies responding to actual problems found in your Department’s review of Virginia public schools? I submit that would be a more appropriate way to determine the scope of your report than your reliance on GLSEN or the California Safe Schools Coalition. I urge you to request from the General Assembly an extension of time for it to evaluate your product and only thereafter mandate that elected school boards have to adopt oolicies consistent with it. The legislation authorizing this project delegated an unconstitutional amount of discretion to this quasi-governmental group to bind elected school boards. It was premature to mandate that local school boards “adopt policies that are consistent with but may be more comprehensive than” the model policies before the contents of this document could be known."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89940", "author": "David Carpenter", "date": "2021-01-13T21:16:00", "title": "VDOE Insanity", "text": "Someone in the VDOE has bumped their head(s) to even consider such insanity to be implemented in Virginia 's schools. I foresee lots of class action suits before this is settled."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89941", "author": "In Support", "date": "2021-01-13T21:27:00", "title": "Support", "text": "This measure protects, supports, and student identities. I strongly am in support of it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89942", "author": "Robin Mays", "date": "2021-01-13T21:49:00", "title": "Parent's Rights", "text": "Schools have no right to decide what a parent should or shouldn't know about their own child/ren! Did the school hold things back from your parents? Did your children keep secrets from you and the school knew about it, but did nothing to inform you? I make this personal because it is personal. Some parents may hand their children over to schools to \"raise\" them as society wishes, but I would be willing to bet that more patents want to maintain their rights and be a part of every decision their child makes until they are 18. Are you representing Republican values or Democrat. It seems the GOP is scared to stand up to the Democrats. Please tell me you are not a Democrat in Republican clothes. Stand up to these awful schools and help parents keep their rights! Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89943", "author": "Amie K", "date": "2021-01-13T21:51:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose this proposal which gives school administrators and educators authority to indoctrinate children without the parent's consent.  Once again, government is overstepping it's boundaries in assuming they have the right to control how our children are to be raised.  Another ploy to undermine Christian beliefs and another bad decision that will contribute to the deterioration of our education system! I would have to question the integrity and quite frankly, the mental stability, of those individuals that think it is okay for a young girl or boy to be exposed to a member of the opposite sex in a place where she/he should feel safe and secure.  A child should not have to fear using the restroom or locker room.  Even more ludicrous, is the idea that a school would have the authority to hold parents accountable for not supporting their child's gender decisions.  Gender is not a decision that we need to make. God has already done that for us!! Where has this nation's common sense gone?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89944", "author": "Darrell Powell", "date": "2021-01-13T21:56:00", "title": "Transgenderism", "text": "The public schools removed Bible study from the classroom 60 years ago by espousing freedom from religion when the Constitution states, \"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.\" Now our government wants to tell us and the children what gender they are. My advice is that if your child is in a public school get them out. If you are a teacher in the public school find another job."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89945", "author": "Anne Marie Pecha", "date": "2021-01-13T22:19:00", "title": "I support transgender students and teachers", "text": "I support transgender students and teachers.  They need policies to protect them from ignorance and malice.  Please protect them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89946", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T22:26:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "I do not agree with the transgender policy. It places our children in dangerous situations and may confuse our kids as to their own identity!! What is this world coming too. We need God in our schools!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89947", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-13T22:37:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "This is wrong!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89948", "author": "Janet Matthews", "date": "2021-01-13T23:14:00", "title": "Transgender saftey", "text": "I am a grandmother of a transgender, I watched and listened for many years the struggles they had living life of who they were, from middle school through high school. The bully's, the name calling, the misunderstanding of who this person really was. The teachers who didn't intervene, the parents who didn't understand, the siblings that didn't get what this was all about. This was a human being with a loving heart, that only wanted to be who they felt they were. In the wrong body, not doing things to embarrass anyone only wanting to live their life free and happy. My grandchild just turned 18, they stopped going to school but continued their education through the GED program, safer, less anxiety, but socially withdrawn. There have been a handful that have stood by my grandchild through this process, myself included, it's been a long bumpy road. We need to make our schools safe, without bully's, and with teachers looking out for these kids not looking the other way. I support 100%. We need to make this a safe world for transgenders, free to learn, free to live, free to love."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89949", "author": "Jessica Moore", "date": "2021-01-13T23:28:00", "title": "Excellent Document - Some Points Need Minor Clarifications", "text": "This document is well-written and comprehensive, and I hope will support school divisions in developing policies that will protect transgender students. I have a few notes on specific sections below: Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination section * Please clarify that abusive and discriminatory behaviors towards a student should be defined as unacceptable and reportable, whether it comes from other students, staff, faculty, or school division administration. * Please require that policies and communications of the policy provide clear means of escalating reports of violations of the policy. * Please require policies to cover events taking place on school grounds, during school field trips and events, and using school communications or tools, in addition to defining which parties are barred from discriminatory and abusive behaviors. Student Privacy / Confidentiality section * Please make it clearer that the decision about whether to disclose gender identity, gender transition, and gender status resides solely with the student (and not with faculty, staff or administration). I believe that's intended here, but it is unclear, and could allow room for unsupportive individuals to out other individuals. * Please make clear that, while a student may request to transfer to a new school setting in order to ease gender transition, the school and the administration must not require it, and such an attempt to require or pressure a student to transfer would be deemed abusive. Access to Activities and Facilities section * Please broaden the definition of a \"single-gender activity or program\" to clarify whether schools may have non-competitive single-gender sports teams and competitive academic clubs, which are more common and complex example than single-gender chorus. Please clarify how school districts must support transgender students who wish to participate, when a gendered activity is deemed appropriate and allowable. Thank you for this excellent work.  May it help and support our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89950", "author": "Carol Taylor", "date": "2021-01-14T00:02:00", "title": "opposed to model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. This policy puts all employees at risk for disciplinary actions. It is not the role of a school to help a child explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity. Why do you want to remove parental rights and privileges? A student could claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. I am not in favor of mixed genders using the same restroom and / or locker facilities. This is not safe and eliminates privacy. This does not even make sense: “Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” It is the parent’s duty to raise their children and be involved in their lives. It is outside the scope of a school to revoke these rights and privileges of parents. The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. This policy directly conflicts with fundamental beliefs of chromosomal makeup."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89951", "author": "Angela", "date": "2021-01-14T00:55:00", "title": "So that's the science, the hard data. - NO", "text": "The frontal cortex, the decision-making part of the human brain, isn't developed until the mid-20s. That's why our government said our youth cannot operate a motor vehicle until six-teen, they are not allowed to vote until eighteen, drink at twenty-one, our youth can enlist in our armed forces at seventeen, only with parental consent. Do they want a tattoo, only at eighteen, or parental consent at sixteen. Our government recently changed the age to purchase cigarettes; now they must be twenty-one years old. Children have no ability to make choices like what gender they \"want\" to be this week. Besides, children with outward transgender influences has even less right to expose my child to the behavior. We do not participate in such behavior. We do treat everyone fairly, equally, and with love and compassion. However, exposing my son to traits that go against every moral compass for children is unthinkable. Yes, every child should have a bully-free education. But that's the main goal, education! However, this will set children that haven't had confusion up for confusion. Children that are steadfast in their community and faith to question society and humanity. I have a 6-year-old son; we are of the Christian faith. I, however, push hard for our family to love everyone . I remember growing up; one of my best friends was \"different.\" I would be outside riding horses and four-wheelers. He would be inside playing with my Barbies. I'll never forget the day he just stopped coming to school in middle school. I found out years later; his step-father tried to beat the gay out of him, again. His Mom sent him to Governor's school to make it stop. It was years before I saw him again. He had turned out to be an amazing artist, could play any instrument, and was an excellent ballet dancer. He is HIV positive, hates God, and changed his childhood name . I hold myself partially responsible even as a child for what happened. If policies like these had been in place, it would have destroyed him. He couldn't just go to school. The one place that his gender or gender preference wasn't even on the forefront because education was. He could immerse himself in knowledge and education. Learning to play the instruments and so forth. The school was his educational break from his nightmare. Public Schools should be about academic success and education. Not whose gender is what."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89952", "author": "Mara", "date": "2021-01-14T07:48:00", "title": "This can improve and even save lives.", "text": "These small changes can allow a transgender child the information and safety necessary to feel comfortable in their own existence. Being educated on transgender issues will not change whether someone is trans or not but it could help them find happiness, avoid depression and suicide, and educate others to prevent bullying. As far as bathrooms go, forcing a trans child to use the wrong bathroom can my them uncomfortable, make their peers uncomfortable, and lead to bullying and violence in a place frequently out of school staff's eyes. None of these regulations will make a child trans, or cause permanent changes to children; but they can prevent bullying, violence, depression, and suicide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89953", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T08:13:00", "title": "No way under God's grace this could happen", "text": "Anyone should totally disapprove of this radical push to eliminate differences between females and males and the brainwashing of our children and grandchildren."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89954", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T08:13:00", "title": "No way under God's grace this could happen", "text": "Anyone should totally disapprove of this radical push to eliminate differences between females and males and the brainwashing of our children and grandchildren."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89955", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T08:17:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the Model Policy. It is our moral imperative."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89956", "author": "Dana Cook", "date": "2021-01-14T08:18:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "I support the guidance as a parent, educator, friend, and human. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89957", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T08:24:00", "title": "a", "text": "I wholeheartedly support this policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89958", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T08:27:00", "title": "School Choice", "text": "I support the model policy because it is what is right. The comments in opposition are the same people who have been fighting for school choice. If you do not support the idea that our public schools support ALL of the public, regardless of your personal beliefs, then send your children to private school. Let the rest of the population who couldn't care less about what's between a child's legs educate them with compassion and strength, not fear and ignorance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89959", "author": "Karen Shufflebarger", "date": "2021-01-14T09:10:00", "title": "Model policies disregard role of parents", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89960", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T09:11:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose! When is this madness going to stop? There are only 2 genders...To believe otherwise you have a mental disorder...what is next?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89961", "author": "Christopher Chittum", "date": "2021-01-14T09:28:00", "title": "I support the proposed policies for treatment of transgender students in public schools", "text": "I support the proposed model policies for treatment of transgender students in public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89962", "author": "A concerned mom", "date": "2021-01-14T09:45:00", "title": "Concern for the Virginia Transgender School policy", "text": "This policy is a concern for me that parents would be intentionally withheld information that is important for their child's wellbeing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89963", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T09:48:00", "title": "Public school transgender policies", "text": "Y’all have completely lost your minds. Where are your core values of life and respect for this country."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89964", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T10:10:00", "title": "I support this policy fully.", "text": "This can help save lives! There’s nothin dangerous about accepting that LGBTQ+ people exist."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89965", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T10:12:00", "title": "I support this policy!!", "text": "Transgender students are full persons who are entitled to a fair education and treatment by their teachers and peers. I hugely support this policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89966", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T10:21:00", "title": "No - respect parents rights to teach their children morals - don't confuse impressionable kids", "text": "You should not disregard the role of parents in public education.  Children's brains aren't sufficiently developed to be making such a decision at that age, and they are too impressionable for the school to be preaching to them that biological features don't matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89967", "author": "A concerned mom", "date": "2021-01-14T10:30:00", "title": "transgender policy in schools", "text": "I oppose this policy, it confuses children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89968", "author": "Diane Howard", "date": "2021-01-14T10:31:00", "title": "Support ALL students. Support ALL people.", "text": "Treat others the way you would like others to treat you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89969", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-01-14T10:51:00", "title": "I do not support VDOE Proposed New Policies", "text": "I do not support Virginia Department of Education’s proposed new LGBTQ policies (ie allowing biological men in girls dressing rooms, punishing teachers if they refer to a female student as “she,” reporting parents to CPS if they don’t “support” gender confusion and cross-sx hormones, etc) in all public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89970", "author": "Jenna Gabriel, Virginia Commonwealth University", "date": "2021-01-14T11:17:00", "title": "In Support of our Trans and Non-Binary Students", "text": "Good morning, I'm writing in support of the proposed Model Policies for protection and affirmation of Virginia's trans and non-binary students. I have worked in education for over a decade, supporting students and teachers in ensuring all students--including and especially those most marginalized by discriminatory policies--have access to learning experiences that enable them to thrive. These polices advance the rights of our transgender and non-binary students to an education that affirms their identities and supports their success. It is an issue of safety, of equity, and of human and civil rights. I urge you to adopt these policies and appreciate your consideration of this matter. In Solidarity, Jenna Gabriel, EdM"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89971", "author": "B Reibel", "date": "2021-01-14T11:32:00", "title": "I do not agree with the proposed transgender guidelines.", "text": "I do not agree or approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinction between male and female and the indoctrination of our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89972", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T11:34:00", "title": "Gender Dysphoria", "text": "This Bill should not pass into law. Gender Dysphoria is a serious mental health disorder in the family of reality incongruence disorders. Gender Dysphoria patients are at risk of suicide approximately 5 times that of the general public. No nation or public policy has been able to appreciably reduce that suicide risk through any means other than cognitive behavior therapy. This Bill becoming law would harm sufferers by creating an environment that subverts their recognition of a reason to seek professional therapy. All mental health therapy requires the recognition of the need for therapy and the active participation in therapy. This Bill would encourage patients to continue in their state of reality incongruence. Ultimately, this will leave sufferers of Gender Dysphoria untreated for the anxiety caused by this mental health disorder- and, thus, suicides rates will remain high in this population. Policies encouraging understanding care and concern for this demographic while encouraging the only known therapy by professionals can be implemented without this type of legislation. I greatly oppose the provisions which parents disagreeing with legislated policy being guilty of “abuse” and referred to CPS. Teachers jobs are difficult enough. I oppose the legal requirement and penalties associated to keep track of “gender fluid” preferences of each student. I find it difficult to believe that the provision allowing opposite sex locker room use will not be misused by teenagers of nefarious or malicious intent. this is an ill conceived bill that"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89973", "author": "Parent of School aged kids", "date": "2021-01-14T11:38:00", "title": "Do NOT support this nonsense!", "text": "I am completely appalled at the lack of intelligence involved in the writing of this bill and the consideration and rights of the other 99% of society. My husband and I are products of the public school system from two different counties in separate parts of Virginia. I could have never imagined such nonsense would even be considered, much less be made law. Since when do the rights of my children, under 18 years old, trump my responsibilities and rights as their parent? My kids need a permission form to walk to a play across the street from their school, but you want to be able to talk to them and encourage them in their quest to define their own sexuality that affects their entire life without my knowledge or permission. It is MY job to teach MY children right and wrong, sex-ed and the like, and what God's standard for living is, NOT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. The school system's job is to teach my kids how to read, write, do math, learn history as it is written (not-rewrite it to your comfort-level) explore arts, and provide an opportunity to express their interests in music, art, sports, agriculture, etc. Morality is taught at home. Sexuality is taught at home. It is not developmentally appropriate to teach elementary children these very complex subjects. My son changes his favorite color from one day to the next, but society wants me to believe that he is capable of deciding his sexuality at 8 years old???!!! I don't think so. Why don't you include the statistics of the increased suicide rate among transgenders when they regret changing their entire lives and appearance around? And where do they go for help to reverse-transition?? Nowhere because that is now forbidden and considered abuse! How backward could you be? Women have worked for years to have their own sports and now society says that it's okay for a man to participate and take top awards; the men are physically, biologically different in ways that allow them to outcompete with women. Is that fair? What is not fair is allowing this nonsense to perpetuated as normal and the discussion to be encouraged starting at the elementary level, AND to refuse to include their own parents on such a life-altering topic. As a former educator, you have set a stressed system up for failure. Shame on you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89974", "author": "Angela Yates", "date": "2021-01-14T11:45:00", "title": "Adamantly oppose the new transgender guidelines", "text": "I am horrified to see the proposed guidelines for Va public schools regarding treatment of transgender students. I positively will not change my morals or moral teaching to my children to accommodate a few students. I will not make my children think this is ok, or is a choice. God gave each and every person a sex. That is not optional. I will not tolerate a boy being in the girls bathroom or locker room with my daughters."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89975", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T12:05:00", "title": "Inclusion", "text": "I support inclusion for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89976", "author": "Concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-14T12:17:00", "title": "Oppose DOE Transgender Policies", "text": "Opposed! This is govt. overreach- govt. telling us how to think.  Protect parental rights, protect our kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89977", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T12:19:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89978", "author": "Kirsten Salonga", "date": "2021-01-14T12:20:00", "title": "I strongly support the Model Policy", "text": "Our responsibility is to love and accept our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89979", "author": "Nancy McCarthy", "date": "2021-01-14T12:22:00", "title": "I support this policy", "text": "We must support ALL students  in our schools and this includes our transgender, non-binary and gender expansive students. I support this guidance because I want my children and all of their friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for EVERYONE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89980", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T12:24:00", "title": "I support the Model Policy.", "text": "I support the Model Policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89981", "author": "Concerned in Virginia", "date": "2021-01-14T12:35:00", "title": "Oppose strongly,  parents remove children and homeschool", "text": "Strongly opposed to any transgender policy. All parents know what's best for their children. Stay out of Parental responsibility and don't use the children as a power tool for yourselves. I will recommend to all of my friends that they should remove their children and put them in a Christian School and or homeschool"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89982", "author": "Concerned Physician and Grandparent", "date": "2021-01-14T12:57:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Policy on Transgender Students", "text": "There are multiple reasons to oppose this policy. Most concerning, there is no scientific or objective way for someone to define gender as proposed in this policy.  The policy is defining gender based on an individual's personal feelings or preferences at any given moment.  Feelings are quite variable and can change frequently in children and are subject to all kinds of external and peer pressures.  In contrast, one's biological sex is objective and can be confirmed scientifically.  Available prospective data suggest that most children who express a desire for a gender different than their sex defined at birth will identify and adopt their biological sex by the time they are adults.  Moreover, the US Constitution guarantees religious freedom that permits parents to provide religious and moral instruction to their children.  It also protects the religious freedoms of students. This policy interferes with parental rights and the religious freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. Specific concerns include: Failure to use a student's new \"preferred pronouns,\" which could change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar, would be classified as harassment and discrimination.  Both faculty and other students would be subject to disciplinary action.  Schools will be permitted to help a student, explore and make decisions regarding gender expression while at school without a parent even knowing. Since gender is such a fluid concept, without any scientific or objective measure, nothing will prevent a student from changing their gender identity to exploit specific situations. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their biological sex due their religious beliefs or their recognition that children can go through a phase of thinking or preferring a gender that is different than their biological sex, but will later affirm it as adults.  Administrators and teachers will not be able to validate a student's biological sex. Knowledge of a student's biological sex can a very important aspect of assessing and providing appropriate interventions to optimize student learning and health. Parents will not be notified if a biological male student was using the same changing facility as their daughter.  All students will be allowed to use any bathroom locker room they choose, eliminating privacy and safety concerns of students who may be partly or completely undressed.  The lack of sex-specific dress codes will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting biological boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can, such as swimming activities or playing team sports. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child's behalf, unless the complaints are not resolved at the school level. The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology, sociology, and psychology prevents them from being able to go along with the concepts of gender identity that underlie this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89983", "author": "Yahya Yaziji", "date": "2021-01-14T13:12:00", "title": "SUPPORT:", "text": "I support VA trans youth!!! all equal under the law."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89984", "author": "B Landrum", "date": "2021-01-14T13:24:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I believe such a proposition as this will cause more harm than good for children and leave long lasting physical, emotional, and psychological damage. It is also against the beliefs of many people of faith who should not have to be forced into going along with things that are totally against their conscience. God made them male and female."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89985", "author": "A decent human", "date": "2021-01-14T13:26:00", "title": "I 1000000% support the safety of transgender students", "text": "I hope none of the transgender students are unfortunate enough to have to live with the transphobic parents in these comments. Support for the students identities and safety is absolutely CRUCIAL, especially in a world filled with so much hatred and malice as it is. In addition, statistically, your child is more likely to be harrased or assaulted by a family member than a transgender person, so anyone here crying that their child is going to be attacked should focus on evaluating their own family problems first. I hope any transphobes in these comments grow out of their ignorance, and learn not to look at people with hatred for being themselves and not hurting others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89986", "author": "Infuriated father", "date": "2021-01-14T13:41:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "This Guidance is garbage. This is allowing the school system to make choices with no parental consent or input about their own child and sets a dangerous precedence going forward. Furthermore, as a dad of both a boy and a girl, I do not want my children going to the bathroom and having another gender in there with them.  I'm certain that if you include vouchers for school choice as a part of this nonsense, the public school system across the state would collapse within 5 years.  The path to being inclusive has to be the parents and the schools working together, not having the schools be nothing more than a dictator."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89987", "author": "Fairfax County resident", "date": "2021-01-14T13:41:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this legislation", "text": "While seemingly benign, this legislation undermined the very core unit of our society...the family.  The school board should be focusing all of their attention and time on better educating our youth especially in this unprecedented times.  Because of this I strongly oppose it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89988", "author": "A M L", "date": "2021-01-14T13:42:00", "title": "Keep up the good work!", "text": "I support this policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89989", "author": "LUEHRS FAMILY", "date": "2021-01-14T13:47:00", "title": "PLEASE VOTE NO", "text": "This transgender thing has gone on long enough.  How about working on better our education to our kids in math and science.  We are so far behind the rest of the world that it makes my head spin with all this political l non since that you folks think so important.  Focus ladies and gentleman why you are there.  Education, Education Education. Jim Luehrs Reston, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89990", "author": "KIMBERLY A CYNKAR", "date": "2021-01-14T13:50:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89991", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-01-14T13:50:00", "title": "I do not support", "text": "I think it is very dangerous to expose children to the option of picking their gender. There are many studies that show Gender Dysphoria as a mental illness brought on by a traumatic experience. I don’t think we should be forcing that upon children who don’t have the ability to process that kind of information yet. This kind of a topic should be brought up in a psychology class in perhaps high school, not elementary."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89992", "author": "Jennifer Sypal", "date": "2021-01-14T13:50:00", "title": "Please vote NO.", "text": "Please vote NO.  This is an infringement on people's rights by not containing a religious exemption.  Also these rules violate natural law and what we have known about biological for millenia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89993", "author": "A Parent", "date": "2021-01-14T13:51:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "As a parent and taxpayer I oppose this legislation. It places school employees between parent and child and acts as though teachers, administrators or school employees better know the needs of a child. The PARENT knows their child best and has their best interests in mind. Stop government interference into families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89994", "author": "Very concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-14T13:52:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "Strongly oppose this transgender mandate!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89995", "author": "Ken E Pittman", "date": "2021-01-14T13:54:00", "title": "Overreach", "text": "Overreach For the Department of Education of Virginia thinks that gender is not 'assigned' at birth is far overreaching!!   That is extremely unscientific and beyond healthy innovation. Moreover the proposal is outrageous that any student being seen to have questions about sexuality will be considered someone to protect from their own parents or family or guardians. Your proposal to mandate such policy state wide is an overreach of any semblance of your place to teach Virginia students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89996", "author": "Jenny Betten", "date": "2021-01-14T13:55:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "I support the proposed policy. ALL students should feel safe and comfortable at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89997", "author": "Sarah Moss", "date": "2021-01-14T13:56:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "I oppose this measure in its entirety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90402", "author": "Christine salladaO", "date": "2021-01-16T16:04:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender policies", "text": "Public schools have overstepped the boundaries of what is called education.  I highly suggested returning to the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics, so that we have functioning and literate students. Social engineering has no place in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90403", "author": "Christine Sallada", "date": "2021-01-16T16:06:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender policies", "text": "Public schools have overstepped the boundaries of what is called education.  I highly suggested returning to the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics, so that we have functioning and literate students. Social engineering has no place in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90404", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T16:10:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed - Be Fair to Everyone", "text": "Why would anyone think it important, or even necessary, to allow boys to use the girls bathroom just to acknowledge how they identify? Would it hurt their feelings if they used the boys room? These kids should be taught to respect the feelings of other people, too. How sad for them that they are being indulged, coddled, and led to believe that they are entitled to special attention and treatment. Talk about abuse! Wouldn't the logical solution be to simply designate a bathroom for transgenders (or build another one)? A girls bathroom would respect girls who identify as girls, a boys bathroom would respect boys who identify as boys, and a transgender bathroom would respect those who identify however they want to be identified. Do what is FAIR for everyone. To do otherwise would be showing partiality to some and failing to acknowledge those who see this as a moral issue. You can't tell them they are wrong and force your belief on them. You must be willing to compromise and look for ways to respect the feelings and rights of EVERYONE. There should be no policy respecting the selfishness of transgenderism - the Golden Rule should suffice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90405", "author": "Mr. Stephen Piscitelli", "date": "2021-01-16T16:17:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose New Policies", "text": "I strongly oppose the new policies of reeducation of children in fairfax county schools to favor transgenderism. It smacks of communist strategy of the state interfering with parental authority by separating children from their parents and brainwashing them. No! Not okay! These policies are divisive and discriminate against poor parents who have a duty to protect their children from corruption yet send their children to the county school in good faith trusting the government to respect their free speech rights and their personal morality which opposes such policies as base and unseemly. Do not implement these disgusting policies. Avoid the backlash from the majority of our good faith loving citizens who are the stable force of our commonwealth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90406", "author": "Mindy Fellows", "date": "2021-01-16T16:22:00", "title": "This is insane.  Do not do this.", "text": "This is a private matter between parents and their children.  You are not raising them so don't interfere where you are not needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90407", "author": "Ann Ferraro", "date": "2021-01-16T16:25:00", "title": "Oppose \"transgender\" policies", "text": "Please follow the science. Every student has been created either male or female. And no, sex is not \"assigned at birth\". Anyone who has gender dysphoria should be treated by a professional to reconcile their feelings with their biology. You do a grave disservice to everyone by requiring society at large to pretend that males are females and that females are males.  Have you ever read The Emporer's New Clothes ? \"Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions.\" G.K. Chesterson “Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions.”"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90408", "author": "Margaret Quesinberry", "date": "2021-01-16T16:26:00", "title": "Parental rights", "text": "This is a comment in reference to keeping information hidden from parents when children \"decide to transgender\" at school.  To not allow the parents to know what their child is dealing with is deception.  If the child was physically sick the teacher or principal would call the parent.  If a teacher suspected child abuse it would be reported.  There is nothing right about concealing something so important to a child's parents and \"going along\" with the child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90409", "author": "Leah", "date": "2021-01-16T16:32:00", "title": "I don’t approve", "text": "This movement is a way for the government to make something un-Biblical and shove it down our throats. Not everyone e elite es that this move meant is for everyone. It goes against what the God said in the Bible!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90410", "author": "Andrew Dart", "date": "2021-01-16T16:32:00", "title": "Abominble", "text": "Horrible!  This type of sodomy promoting school policy is exactly why God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire from heaven.  We had 5 children and this is one main reason why we never sent them to a government run school.   Jesus said in Luke 17: 29, \"In the day Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all\".  Repent if you can.  God exists and WOE to those who corrupt children with their filth. Andrew and Jeanne Dart"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90411", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T16:41:00", "title": "Against this proposal, for mutual respect", "text": "As a parent, I find this completely unacceptable. The psychological challenges that accompany transgender identification require family support. If a child chooses to identify this way, it is not for the school to withhold this information from the parent. Honestly, it's not a small decision, so I can't imagine parents wouldn't already know? Isn't it in the best interest of the child if they can work with teachers and administration to properly support their children? As far as the bathroom issue, a third, non-gendered, lockable individual bathroom and locker room should suffice. You are talking about a very small portion of the population at each school. Leave the boys' bathroom for boys born and identifying as boys and the girls' bathroom for girls born and identifying as girls. If this is a proposal advocating equal rights, and respect for all, then respect the parents of these minor children and the personal space of the cisgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90412", "author": "Chad Sims", "date": "2021-01-16T16:45:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed to Transgender Policy changes", "text": "The school should not take the parent out of the discussion related to any questions about sexuality. Children are already facing some changes with the hormones and changed to their body and encouragement from the school that their biological sex is not correct is wrong and not the responsibility of the school to discuss with the students. Also the idea of allowing a boy into the changing room of the girls locker room is wrong. Little girls using the same restroom of biological little boys is wrong and should not be an option in any situation. Children could be going through questions about their body and it is not abuse for a parent to explain the differences without the fear of abuse charges from the school for not supporting children's sexuality questions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90413", "author": "Rob", "date": "2021-01-16T16:45:00", "title": "Very Strongly Oppose", "text": "This draft policy put these children in harm’s way rather than protecting them by potentially assisting them in a transgender direction that they are too young to understand and that cannot be reversed.  Common sense tells us that children should not drive a car, drink alcohol, smoke weed, vote, or decide on medical procedures.  Why should gender selection be a child’s decision? No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students not just the less than .5% of the population. This policy completely undermines the authority of parents and gives schools and teachers jurisdiction in an area that is not theirs to control. Teachers will be at risk of prosecution since it seems it would be impossible to maintain a student’s gender preferences confidentially while the student uses any gender bathroom or locker room they prefer? The draft model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The document ignores the scientific, medical evidence of biology and also the known long-term negative outcomes for the individuals that realize they have made a mistake."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90414", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-16T16:49:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed to Transgender Policy changes", "text": "The school should not take the parent out of the discussion related to any questions about sexuality. Children are already facing some changes with the hormones and changed to their body and encouragement from the school that their biological sex is not correct is wrong and not the responsibility of the school to discuss with the students. Also the idea of allowing a boy into the changing room of the girls locker room is wrong. Little girls using the same restroom of biological little boys is wrong and should not be an option in any situation. Children could be going through questions about their body and it is not abuse for a parent to explain the differences without the fear of abuse charges from the school for not supporting children's sexuality questions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90415", "author": "An Appalled Parent", "date": "2021-01-16T16:54:00", "title": "Gender Identity", "text": "Mandating these gender identity policies override a person’s right to choose.  The policies do not allow for objections or other viewpoints.  Rather than allowing for more ‘freedom” there will be less for all.  Girls deciding to remain female will face unfair competition in varsity sports from males claiming to be female.  And you will be giving a green light invitation to sex predators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90416", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T16:56:00", "title": "Opposition to this policy IS NOT equivalent to disrespect of student with gender dysphoria", "text": "No one disputes that all students should be treated with respect. Gender dysphoria is a mental illness. Changing policies to disguise the mental illness of gender dysphoria is an abject disservice to absolutely everyone. Policies should provide real treatment for the condition, not the pasting the band-aids of pronouns, bathrooms and locker rooms, etc."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90417", "author": "Rita Lowder", "date": "2021-01-16T16:56:00", "title": "Proposed Policies regarding Transgender Indoctrination", "text": "I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90418", "author": "Faith slabaugh", "date": "2021-01-16T16:58:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose LGBT education", "text": "We strongly oppose the new guidelines being considered for LGBT education you will lose good teachers- ridiculous that they have to constantly remember a whim of a student who will use it to manipulate teachers they don’t like and create general havoc. you will loose students as parents choose alternative education opportunities. we do not approve!!!!  There is a point where freedom becomes tyranny!! Faith Slabaugh"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90419", "author": "Concerned VA Parents", "date": "2021-01-16T16:58:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed to policy - transgender", "text": "The school should not take the parent out of the discussion related to any questions about sexuality. The idea of allowing a boy into the changing room of the girls locker room is wrong. Children could be going through questions about their body and it is not abuse for a parent to explain the differences without the fear of abuse charges from the state and the school reporting parents for not supporting children's sexuality questions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90420", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T17:00:00", "title": "Very strongly oppose proposed rules for HB 145 & SB161", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90421", "author": "Virginia Citizen, Parent, and Ally", "date": "2021-01-16T17:01:00", "title": "Strongly Support!!", "text": "These guidelines are a critical step to providing a safe and supportive environment for children coming to terms with their gender identity.  Seeing the number of comments that seek to condemn trans youth (and adults) only reinforces the urgent need for sound policies in the face of such bigotry.  Having watched several of my children’s friends work through the process of resolving their gender identity, I have seen first hand how a supportive environment is critical for their mental and physical health.  Even in a supportive environment the journey of a transgender person is challenging and fraught.  We owe it to ALL of our children in the Commonwealth to ensure they are each valued for who they are.  These guidelines are a critical first step towards building a supportive environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90422", "author": "Anonymous VA parent", "date": "2021-01-16T17:02:00", "title": "Opposed to policy", "text": "These policy changes are not inline with the rights and responsibilities of parents. The school should not take the parent out of the discussion related to any questions children have about sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90423", "author": "Rebecca Burner", "date": "2021-01-16T17:08:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this law.  All young people should be protected & treated with respect especially while in school.  Studies have shown that young people are more apt to learn when they can be their authentic selves, without worry of being bullied and/or ridiculed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90424", "author": "Concerned Parents", "date": "2021-01-16T17:08:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender policy", "text": "Disagree with all aspects of this policy. There is a very small amount of transgender population and I would bet this drastic policy change is to accommodate less than 5% of all children in VA. Even considering this is ridiculous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90425", "author": "Bruno J. Cornelio Jr", "date": "2021-01-16T17:09:00", "title": "Vote no transgender mandate in the FCPS", "text": "A parent child/student relationship is direct with family values shared in the home. The state (FCPS) must not insert itself between parents and their children. This has been increasing since the introduction of Sex Ed in the 1990's. Sex Ed has now mutated into Gender Studies. Science tells us that there are two and only two sexes; Male (XY) and Female (XX). Follow the science. Vote no on gender dysphoria."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90426", "author": "Anonymous parent", "date": "2021-01-16T17:19:00", "title": "Against Transgender changes: .39% population (point 39%)", "text": "According to American Journal of public health 2016 study less then .39% of the adult population is going to completely disrupt the Virginia school system. \"The estimated proportion of transgender individuals based on surveys that categorized transgender as gender identity was 0.39% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.16, 0.62; I 2 = 99.8%; k = 13)\" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5227946/"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90427", "author": "Jeffery Cleveland", "date": "2021-01-16T17:42:00", "title": "Very Strongly Oppose - The state does NOT belong between parents and their children", "text": "I strongly oppose these transgender mandates for our public schools. The assumption in these mandates that children need to be protected from their parents by school personnel is seriously flawed. The fact that these mandates make no accommodations for the religious freedoms of Virginia citizens is truly disturbing. Organizations that have been chartered to educate students about reading, writing and arithmetic should do a much better job in that area before branching out into areas beyond their charter. This feels very Orwellian."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90428", "author": "Glenn Randolph", "date": "2021-01-16T17:45:00", "title": "Opposed to this guidance", "text": "Criminalizing discourse is a foolish endeavor.  Since gender identity cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90430", "author": "Cathy", "date": "2021-01-16T18:07:00", "title": "Strongly oppose these transgender policies", "text": "These policies are designed to usurp a parent's authority and right to teach their own children about sex.  Issues regarding sex should be handled at home especially through elementary school and the parents should always be informed about any decisions their child makes while at school.  Under these policies, a parent may find themselves accused of child abuse if they encourage their child to embrace their biological sex. These policies are also dangerous!  If a biological boy wants to use the girls bathroom, he is allowed to do that and schools are not obligated to let parents know!  At what age is this appropriate?  In fact, under these policies all students can use any bathroom they would like.  This will be a nightmare for most schools creating more problem than it solves. Students with gender disphoria should have the support and help that they need.  Schools can be a wonderful resource for students, but should never be allowed to take a parent's rightful place in teaching their children about sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90431", "author": "Theresa F. Cornelio", "date": "2021-01-16T18:12:00", "title": "Stop transgender confusion in FCPS", "text": "We moved to Fairfax county in the 1980's because of the public schools. I would not place my children in the FCPS today. Forcing children into gender dysphoria is wrong. The schools/state has no place inserting itself btw students and their parents. Stop it. Vote No!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90432", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T18:12:00", "title": "Satanic Policy Proposals that Exist to force children to be groomed and abused.", "text": "Stop the evil proposals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90433", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-01-16T18:29:00", "title": "Strongly oppose new transgender mandate", "text": "Not only do I oppose the policy, but I deeply troubled that the county is allowing parents to be reported to CPS and that the school is keeping secrets from parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90434", "author": "Ken Osterlund", "date": "2021-01-16T18:33:00", "title": "Education and Pronouns", "text": "Let's stop this pronoun nonsense.  Virginia needs to start teaching kids useful subjects and get the schools opened, proper maintenance, and improved HVAC systems."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90435", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T18:39:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this. This is terrible indoctrination  of our students. Not to mention, parents, first and foremost, have the right to know what is going on with their child in school. This directly cuts out parents rights and information. It is not the place of the school to go around the parent. Kids brains aren’t fully mentally developed until well into their 20s. To call CPS over a parent not wanting to scar or abuse their child with gender transformations is absurd. Hell to the no with this motion. You all are completely insane."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90436", "author": "Mrs. Rose Ellen Ray", "date": "2021-01-16T18:43:00", "title": "Oppose proposed transgender policy", "text": "There are many problems with these policies.  They are too extreme.  I oppose their use with especially young children, who are too young to understand what it means to be a different gender.  This is child abuse.  I recall reading about a young girl who wanted to be a boy.  Why?  She revealed she hoped to please her parents who had wanted a boy.  Great Britain, ahead of us in this movement, seems to be having regrets. There should be punishment for students who pretend to be a transgender to gain an advantage in sports, academics, to challenge a teacher, to see girls undress.  Teachers should not be permitted to promote transgenderism.  Teachers are influential adults in children's lives.  They should not encourage or affirm transgenderism.  How many children who change their gender change it back when adults?  Is it about 80%?  You are opening a Pandora's Box. I studied education at Radford with honors many years ago.  I would never consider teaching today with such inappropriate mandates.  You will prevent many gifted students from seeking such a career that is not centered around academics. I think you need to be concerned about Virginia's children's academics, not gender change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90437", "author": "Concerned VA resident", "date": "2021-01-16T19:33:00", "title": "Very Strongly Oppose", "text": "Department of Education Guidance Document Change: 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. Previous Comment Next Comment Back to List of Comments 1/16/21  4:45 pm Commenter: Very Concerned VA RESIDENT Very Strongly Oppose This draft policy put these children in harm’s way rather than protecting them by potentially assisting them in a transgender direction that they are too young to understand and that cannot be reversed.  Common sense tells us that children should not drive a car, drink alcohol, smoke weed, vote, or decide on medical procedures.  Why should gender selection be a child’s decision? No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students not just the less than .5% of the population. This policy completely undermines the authority of parents and gives schools and teachers jurisdiction in an area that is not theirs to control. Teachers will be at risk of prosecution since it seems it would be impossible to maintain a student’s gender preferences confidentially while the student uses any gender bathroom or locker room they prefer? The draft model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The document ignores the scientific, medical evidence of biology and also the known long-term negative outcomes for the individuals that realize they have made a mistake."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90438", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-01-16T19:41:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender policy", "text": "Boys are created boys and girls are created girls. Keep them separate!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90439", "author": "Dory Filatov", "date": "2021-01-16T20:00:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSED to these transgender guidelines", "text": "I would like to express my strong opposition to these new guidelines. Please oppose this harmful legislation. Sincerely, Dory Filatov"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90440", "author": "Dawn", "date": "2021-01-16T20:01:00", "title": "Transgender Indoctrination", "text": "Please stop the madness of normalizing aberrant behavior.  This agenda is anti-science as your gender is your sex and your sex is determined by your chromosomes.  Children are minors and they are not in a position to make these decisions, but they are impressionable and the push of the LGBTQ etc agenda negatively affects their ability to navigate their childhood in a normal and healthy manner.  Schools need to focus on education not indoctrination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90441", "author": "ANNE REISER", "date": "2021-01-16T20:11:00", "title": "perversion", "text": "THERE ARE 2 BIOLOGICAL  SEXES; THIS IS A FACT. PARENTS ARE A CHILD's PRIMARY EDUCATORS. AMERICANS REJECT THE AGENDA OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO INDOCTRINATE INNOCENT CHILDREN WITH PROPAGANDA! STOP promoting radical transgender ideology and undermining the role of parents in the raising of their children. STOP partnering with pro-homosexuality and pro-transgenderism organizations, including Side by Side, the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, Equality Virginia and He She Ze & We aiming to pervert innocent children and promote mutilation of children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90442", "author": "Rebecca Durfee", "date": "2021-01-16T20:25:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "I am very impressed with the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students. As both a parent of children who will attend school in Virginia, and as a friend and family member of several in the transgender community, I think this policy would benefit both cisgendered and transgender students alike. Transgender students are at much higher risk for bullying, suicide, and other emotional traumas, and this policy could very literally save lives. I look forward to bringing my children into a school district that values the gender identities and emotional health of its students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90443", "author": "Robert and Merlene Mallory", "date": "2021-01-16T20:33:00", "title": "School \"Transgender\" Policies", "text": "We are in opposition to the draft model policies set forth by the Virginia Department of Education.  An individual's gender is determined at conception by their creator, and is not subject to human manipulation or change.  Attempts to reverse these God given genders will result in lasting physical, emotional, and mental harm.  Children and young people do not have the mental maturity to understand the consequences and make these radical life changing decisions.  It is wrong for the our education organizations to encourage the child in making these decisions.  The policies set forth by this document does encourage children to do this and discourages them from discussing and being accountable to their parents.  This is the responsibility of the parents to teach, train, and make these decisions regarding their child's welfare.  The parent does have the right to discourage the child from altering their birth gender without government interference.  These policies will allow biological males to utilize female restrooms and locker facilities which could cause sexual abuse, fear and trauma for these females.  This policy forces one view of human sexuality on others whose differing views and faith does not agree with this policy.  The government does not have the right to take away this freedom of thought, speech, and belief from the parents, teachers and student."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90444", "author": "Francesca Taylor", "date": "2021-01-16T20:37:00", "title": "Follow the Science NOT the Political Indoctrination", "text": "\"Gender: A set of social, psychological, and emotional traits that classify an individual as typically masculine or feminine, although the social construct of gender may be more diverse across a continuum rather than as a binary system.\" The definition above is from your Draft Guidelines. In NO universe is this the definition of gender. None. Nada. Never. Gender is a reference to Biology. If you have 2 X chromosomes you are female. If you have an X and a Y you are male. If you are having a hard time deciding what you are, look where the pee comes out. If you are deformed (either congenitally or accidentally) a compassionate society will pity you, but reality must not be deformed to \"normalize\" you. This Draft is offensive from page one. Chuck it. Forget it. Virginia public schools urgently need to deal with bullying, violence, crime, drugs, and TEACHING THE BASICS! Math competency and English competency MUST take priority over \"political correctness indoctrination. Virginia schools aren't graduating enough kids with competence in basic Biology with just the 2 real genders - focus on that first!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90445", "author": "Alex", "date": "2021-01-16T20:37:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "It is unconstitutional for state government to dictate morality, period.  Defining what genders are or are not is outside of competence of the government.  Plus these proposals are very vague on multiple instances.  Many items aren't even defined, but delegated to \"school divisions\" to ultimately define.  To support this would mean to give up the responsibility for what is being proposed here."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90446", "author": "Olivia Wolfenden", "date": "2021-01-16T21:03:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this bill as a former student of VBCPS, future clinical mental health counselor, and advocate for TGNC individuals. School is meant to be a safe and supportive environment to foster the growth, individuation, and education of all students. It is our responsibility and duty to prevent and heal past, current, and future gender-based traumatization. TGNC students pose no threat to other students by being given access to their human rights and are only harmed by the discriminatory policies that prevent basic interaction, integration, and self development. TGNC students can and do thrive when given an environment which supports and protects them just as their cisgender peers are given. I truly hope these policies will be given the overwhelming support they deserve, and transgender and gender nonconforming youth will have their identities nurtured and rights protected with a safe, inclusive learning and social environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90447", "author": "Carol Nylander", "date": "2021-01-16T21:06:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to schools creating Transgender confusion", "text": "Simple biology proves there are only two genders. Experimentation with multiple pseudo genders, especially at a young age could lead to life long confusion and psychological damage. Parents should not me excluded from the discussion if the child thinks it belongs to a gender other than the one it was born with. If schools humors the child at school and does not inform the parents they won't be aware of the root of any behavioral or psychological struggles the child is having or where to begin to assist. Biological girls should not be subjected to biological males in the same dressing rooms.This is all wrong on so many levels."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90448", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T21:12:00", "title": "Unamerican proposals.", "text": "These proposals are unamerican. Such abusive policy proposals are downright treasonous. Might as well pass a bill requiring children to be raped - wait, that's what you are doing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90449", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T21:18:00", "title": "Fire those behind these proposals", "text": "They are sick and sadistic and shouldn't be employed in education"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90450", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T21:20:00", "title": "Stop Trying to Commit Institutional Sexual Abuse of Children", "text": "Stop Trying to Commit Institutional Sexual Abuse of Children. Your policy proposals should be abandoned forever and those behind the proposals should resign."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90451", "author": "peter mcauliff", "date": "2021-01-16T21:28:00", "title": "Opposed/ James Monroe Alumni", "text": "To whom it may concern, I am a graduate (2012) of James Monroe High School. I strongly oppose this policy. What if a boy claims to be a girl in order to have access to the girls bathroom/ locker rooms for his own sexual pleasure? What if a child does not want their parent to know they are a transgender, and ends up telling a teacher, and then harms themselves, or even commits suicide? Are their parents going to know then? This policy does nothing but undermines parents and their rights to guide and raise their children. It is a prime example of government overreach for the sake of control. As a school teacher myself, I cannot believe how many potential liabilities can come from this for your public schools. I also am dumbfounded in how it claims to put kids first. Gender Dysphoria is a serious mental health problem in our society today. This policy would only encourage a mental disorder in our youth, when they already have a lot of pressure and things to work through as being a teenager. If you really want to make an inclusive environment, then coming up with a mental health plan to help kids through the pain and suffering they already have with this disorder, would be a start. If you implement this policy you are going to lose a lot of people from the public schools. Many people have already left Fair Fax County public schools, Do you want more losses?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90452", "author": "Klem Kadiddlehopper", "date": "2021-01-16T21:32:00", "title": "Brilliant Fools", "text": "Transgenderism is an abhorrent abnormality. Stop trying to make it ok. Find another cause....like helping indigents, or St Judes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90453", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T22:08:00", "title": "No!!!", "text": "DO NOT force every child to adhere to transgender beliefs! My daughter will NOT be subject to this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90454", "author": "Very Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-16T22:20:00", "title": "Do not pass this evil proposal!", "text": "This proposal should not be passed in any public or private schools. Transgendersm introduced at early stage confuses developing minds, it puts the safety of our children at risk. This gives a free entrance by an abuser who pretends to be a transgender to gain a free access to women’s lockers/bathrooms and involve in sexual misconduct or other inappropriate behavior (free pornography). This very proposal puts the safety of one group at greater risk (girls and boys) under the pretense of protecting another group (transgender). Children in elementary,  middle or high school are very much children and should be protected and treated as such. No exception!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90455", "author": "Antonio E. Esteve", "date": "2021-01-16T22:33:00", "title": "NO HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA", "text": "Antonio This is no longer a democracy.  These rules must be presented to the parents and voted upon.  You have no right to force this on my children.  I will not send any of my children or grandchildren to public schools, if any of these rules are passed.  If I have to, I will move to another State.  God bless you.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90456", "author": "vito Florimote", "date": "2021-01-16T22:33:00", "title": "transgender mandate", "text": "I oppose the transgender mandate and am politically focused to unseat whomever conceived this evil proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90457", "author": "Debbie", "date": "2021-01-16T22:39:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools)", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90458", "author": "Laurie L", "date": "2021-01-16T22:44:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I support this completely. All kids deserve respect and a safe space the be themselves without fear of persecution or discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90459", "author": "Dianne Gallant", "date": "2021-01-16T22:46:00", "title": "transgender mandate", "text": "Once again, this favors the so called rights of one group while trampling on the rights of others.  I vote, kill the bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90460", "author": "Rosaria Crawford", "date": "2021-01-16T23:04:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Schools are not qualified and do not have the resources to make judgments about the diagnosis and treatment of children/adolescents who present themselves as transgendered."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90461", "author": "Concerned Virginian", "date": "2021-01-16T23:07:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose these changes. While we should show respect and kindness to all students, these changes go too far and do not respect the parents, families, students, teachers, and employees who do not agree with these constructs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90462", "author": "Maria", "date": "2021-01-16T23:10:00", "title": "Transgender policy model", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!! How are teachers and schools qualified to help a student make this kind of decision? I’m trained and licensed in psychology and even then there is a process in helping a person determine this kind of life changing decision. Certainly a teacher or guidance counselor IS NOT QUALIFIED to do so. This is also taking away parental involvement and consent and encouraging kids to make very important life changing decisions without their parents. That is Dangerous!!! This  is also jeopardizing the safety of girls in bathrooms. How do you plan to keep them safe if any boy can walk in without being stopped especially in middle and high school? This mandate should propose separate bathrooms for those who identify with another gender not the use of the same bathrooms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90463", "author": "Concerned VA HS Student", "date": "2021-01-16T23:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this", "text": "This is something that shouldnt be promoted and this policy should be done away with"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90464", "author": "A. Smith", "date": "2021-01-16T23:25:00", "title": "Social Experimentation on Children/Violation of Privacy/Ignoring true mental health needs", "text": "I am deeply opposed to these transgender policies due to their social experimentation on children; violations of the basic right to privacy; and their inability to actually help the small number of children legitimately suffering with gender dysphoria and their mental health concerns. My husband and I were a part of this lengthy debate in 2017 when PWC school board ignored hundreds of concerned parents and rushed a vote to include gender identity and sexual orientation as a protected class. On first glance, this seems like a compassionate measure, but upon deeper inspection there are serious and disturbing ramifications of this policy and the policies you are promoting now. A primary concern is privacy. After the #Metoo movement, you would think that girls' and young women's right to privacy would be respected, but instead they are being shut out of safe changing spaces and bathroom facilities. A PWC school board member in 2017 responded to my concerns about bathroom/locker room privacy saying that it didn't matter because \"boys were already gaining access to girls restrooms for sex\" during school hours. When I asked about the short and long term consequences of these rushed policies, the same board member said \"I'll be off the board by then.\" It's clear from my interactions with the PWC school board that Virginia public schools cannot even enforce basic codes of conduct and safety and that prior to 2017 thay were repeatedly failing at enforcing decent and respectful behavior between students. This sad reality is not going to improve with these ill advised transgender policies but only become more chaotic and ridiculous. There is a very small percentage of children who actually experience gender dysphoria, and yet the DOE wants to encourage the ENTIRE student population, beginning in kindergarten, to experience and promote transgenderism. You will obscure the actual students who need help, while confusing the biological reality of thousands of MINORS. You also want to destroy or undermine legitimate parental authority, responsibility, and protection for their children. Have you forgotten who has given you the authority to teach and keep our children safe during school hours and activities? YOU ARE GIVEN PERMISSION TO EDUCATE CHILDREN FROM THE AUTHORITY AND AGREEMENT OF PARENTS. Virginia schools have no right to undermine a parent's primary and essential right to know what occurs to their child during school and their fundamental right to raise, guide, and protect them! For a child struggling with their biological sex/gender identity, there can be many reasons for the outward expression of transgenderism. It can be a reg flag for abuse; unstable home life; serious illness or death in the family; domestic violence; neglect; other trauma or major life event. How can assigning a random pronoun of choice ever meet the mental health needs of children with gender dysphoria or their common comorbid illnesses of depression, phobia, and adjustment disorders? This is a mental health crisis that requires real care, NOT transgender activism. You have developed these policies listening to a lobbying movement that makes up less than .5 percent of the population. These policies are about undermining legitimate parent authority and social experimentation on our children. Please reject this disturbing trend of rejecting biological reality that leads to horrible pharmaceutical drugs and horrific surgeries on children. Will the DOE take ownership for the inevitable course you are promoting when it includes breast binding, breast amputation, puberty blocking drugs, sterility, amputation of reproductive organs? Will you be ready for the harassment lawsuits and other lawsuits that will follow from the mental and physical harm from your endorsement and promotion of transgenderism? You must oppose adopting these extreme policies and this blatant movement of social experimentation on Virginia's children. You will continue to see an exodus by families from your public schools and you will be making the case for taxpayers to object and oppose their tax dollars being used to fund these school policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90465", "author": "Annonymous", "date": "2021-01-16T23:43:00", "title": "Oppose.", "text": "schools should concern themselves with education, not with social engineering. Schools should concern themselves with education, not with social engineering."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90466", "author": "Kristy Corbin", "date": "2021-01-17T00:02:00", "title": "I support keeping Trans students safe", "text": "I support this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90467", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T01:06:00", "title": "These policies abuse so-called 'trans' students too.", "text": "People claiming that these policy proposals will protect 'so-called' trans students are delusional or sex offenders."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90468", "author": "David Tauler Recommended Standard, p.13", "date": "2021-01-17T01:36:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose: The Proposed Policy Is Antiscience and Potentially Medically Harmful to Children", "text": "When a biological male has surgery to transition his gender, he does not become female. He becomes a handicapped male. Likewise, when a biological female has surgery to transition her gender, she does not become male. She becomes a handicapped female. This proposed policy would force school officials to defend a minor's decision to mutilate his or her own body with the amputations done in sex reassignment surgery. Please consider the absurdity of this policy with the following scenario. If a biologically male student were to go to his school counselor and say that he believes he should have his hand surgically amputated, the counselor would likely diagnose him with body integrity identity disorder and intervene to get the student mental help before the student could take steps toward self-mutilation. However, if the same student were to go to his school counselor and say that he believes he should have his penis surgically removed, under this policy, the counselor would be forced to affirm this student's desire and defend this student from anyone who would try to dissuade him away from self-mutilation, potentially including the student's parents. Depending on how Recommended Standard, p.13, of this policy is interpreted, parents who do not affirm their child's expression of gender identity could be reported Child Protective Services. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming...Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Please rescind the purposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90469", "author": "Kasey Buckland", "date": "2021-01-17T07:31:00", "title": "Our family supports this!", "text": "Our family supports this. So thankful you are creating safe spaces for these beautiful trans children. Good job!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90470", "author": "Mandy", "date": "2021-01-17T07:47:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy. It is not fair to the children or the teachers. School is a place to learn academics not theory on genders. This is a slippery slope allowing opposite genders to go into bathrooms and locker rooms together. This will eventual fail with a child being taken advantage of sexually. More parents will pull their children from public school and the public school will start to loose their funding. This is a very bad idea."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90471", "author": "Penny Brown", "date": "2021-01-17T08:02:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Schools should concern themselves with academics instead of social engineering and undermining parental authority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90472", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T08:20:00", "title": "So sad", "text": "What ever happened to the science?  Why do schools need to be involved?  What kind of treatment will these kids receive when a kid with a penis goes into the girls locker room or a kid with a vagina goes into the boys locker room?  There’s a psychological problem called gender dysphoria.  We should help these poor kids, but having all these rules shoved down our throats isn’t the way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90473", "author": "Richard Durand", "date": "2021-01-17T08:34:00", "title": "Opposed - Very concerned parent & citizen", "text": "I agree that our children need a school environment that ensures the safety, security and a conducive learning environment for All children.   But these troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with views of sex and gender, that might directly conflict with their own fundamental beliefs and understanding.   They will also infringe on the rights of a potentially much larger group of students, faculty and parents than the group they believe they are trying to protect.   It’s seems more like an agenda or ideology is being pushed, rather than thoughtful, measured policy in the best interest of the entire school community   The VDOE went way, way too far and needs to scrap this entirely and go back to the drawing board, that is if the current policies are not effective  - and I am not sure that they are not."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90474", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T08:38:00", "title": "Absolute Support for Proposal", "text": "Absolute support for \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools\".  This is an important step toward equality policy where all citizens of the state are treated equally, regardless of their sexual identity. This will serve as a model for the nation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90475", "author": "VA Parent", "date": "2021-01-17T08:44:00", "title": "I Support this Model Proposal! Treat all Citizens Equally", "text": "Very grateful for this model proposal. It will ensure a save learning environment for all our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90476", "author": "Bill Anderson", "date": "2021-01-17T08:46:00", "title": "Guidance Document", "text": "Satan is very proud."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90477", "author": "Parent of Trans student in VA", "date": "2021-01-17T08:46:00", "title": "We Support this Proposal. Critical for Safe Learning Environment for ALL Students", "text": "We Support this Proposal; it is critical policy to provide a Safe Learning Environment for ALL Students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90478", "author": "Frederick Nagle", "date": "2021-01-17T08:47:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is child abuse, and there is no need to actively promote gender dysphoria to our impressionable youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90479", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T08:49:00", "title": "Satan is quite pleased", "text": "Satan is very proud."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90480", "author": "Supportive VA Parent", "date": "2021-01-17T08:58:00", "title": "Support: When you are accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.", "text": "This proposal stops oppressing students based on their gender identity and rights the learning environment so that it is safe for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90481", "author": "Keith", "date": "2021-01-17T09:37:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed and Concerned", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this policy and concerned if it is implemented. First, it places the Department of Education in a position of greater authority than parents. Parents are primarily responsible for raising their children and have a greater insight into their children’s lives than a school administrator or teacher ever can. No government agency should have that level of authority in a child’s life when parents are involved. Secondly, this policy can be abused. It can be abused by children who wish to cause problems for teachers or administrators by deciding in a moment to change their preferred pronoun. It can be abused by children who wish to cause members of the opposite biological sex discomfort by using the same facilities, or be used as an opportunity for voyeurism. It can be abused by teachers and administrators who want to push an agenda and encourage children to explore gender identity when the child or the parents may not wish to do so or when the child is exploring gender identity in a safe home environment. Thirdly, parents or children who follow a faith which does not view gender identity in the same way as the policy (and as the government) will be forced to conform to this policy and abdicate walking in accordance with their faith. The argument will be made that religion is separate from government based education. I submit this is not a separation of religion from schools, but rather government forcing anyone with a faith objection to separate from their faith while in a school environment. This is an infringement of the First Amendment right to practice religion without interference from the government. This policy is part of an agenda. Instead of thinking through the potential impacts to children and families those with an agenda to push are rushing headlong into making unwarranted changes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90482", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T10:02:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I oppose transgender education as it is anti-education and anti-child.  Teaching kids that X and Y chromosomes are irrelevant is a return to the dark ages.  This turn from science also ignores the many studies showing the destruction caused by pursuing transgenderism - a violation of our natural design. If an anti-science agenda is pursued, Virginia's schools will be another step down the road of being centers for indoctrination rather than education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90483", "author": "Liam Converse", "date": "2021-01-17T10:05:00", "title": "The oligarchs want the schools to train kids into being sterile, docile wage slaves.", "text": "This is wrong and tantamount to child abuse.  LGBTQ+ is pushed by oligarchical interest as a way to decrease the population and to essentially enslave them to their own passions, thus producing docile wage slaves.  The number of young kids that identity as non-heterosexual has increased in proportion to the amount of this type of indoctrination they receive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90484", "author": "Barbara", "date": "2021-01-17T10:07:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Allowing children to make big decisions about their life, before their brains are fully developed, is child abuse.  Please do the research on what is happening here - children that are trying to find themselves and getting sucked into the welcoming arms of this phenomenon and this is not the solution. Let's work with these kids to find out what the root of the issue is.  Please do not pass."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90485", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T10:10:00", "title": "New Transgender Policies", "text": "Strongly OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90486", "author": "Virginia parent", "date": "2021-01-17T10:19:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the guidance document. “Schools should help students make decisions regarding “gender identity” without parents being informed”.  SO, the state knows what is best for minors and NOT parents?  How can any individual feel this is accurate. Parents are ultimately responsible for their children. Therefore it is between children and parents to make these decisions. No state organization should be given the power and responsibility that belong to parents. This is a democracy, not a dictatorship Secondly, allowing children to use any bathroom is unsafe. Any boy can pretend to identify as a girl. Then use the girl’s bathroom to harass or assault a girl. I’m shocked that anyone would propose this document. These people apparently have not worked with children or understand the importance of the neutral family and their rights and responsibilities. I strongly oppose this bill!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90487", "author": "A sad Roman Catholic American", "date": "2021-01-17T10:27:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender guidance curriculum", "text": "Strongly Disagree."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90488", "author": "Concerned parent of four", "date": "2021-01-17T10:31:00", "title": "MOST STRONGLY opposed as a very concerned father of four!!", "text": "Most strongly opposed to this suggestion for our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90489", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T10:40:00", "title": "Public School  Transgender \"reeducation\"", "text": "Virginia public schools shall not be allowed to replace parent's responsibilities with radical political \"reeducation camps\" ideology (transgender) that imposes the will of strident narrow minded unaccountable radicals on our young developing minds."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90490", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T10:51:00", "title": "Use the school system to educate, NOT indoctrinate (oppose)", "text": "Stop using pseudo-science and threats to push this agenda of sexualizing our children.  Colleges and universities are already having to re-teach basic concepts that students should have learned in high school.  How about providing students a classical education so they can become productive members of society and *learn to think for themselves*??"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90491", "author": "Concerned in Loudoun", "date": "2021-01-17T10:51:00", "title": "Oppose, modify existing laws if necessary.", "text": "The best way to protect our children is not to single them out.  If anything, amend an existing law so bulling in all forms is handled equally.  Also, teachers and administration have entirely to much on their plates as it is."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90492", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T11:08:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "As a parent of both a male and female public school student I oppose this. My main concern is the sharing of the dressing room. I feel this proposal presents an opportunity for abuse, for both those who are in transition and those whose biological makeup isnt in question. If these guidelines are pushed through separate dressing areas must be created."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90493", "author": "Citizen", "date": "2021-01-17T11:13:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "We must teach our children science and not social fantasy. We are not \"assigned\" a sex. Biology presents it as fact and we can not will it otherwise. We do our children a disservice by promoting confusion on simple fact. Stop it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90494", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T11:25:00", "title": "We support compassionate and inclusive schools", "text": "It is quite sad to read some of the fear-based comments naming \"child abuse\", ethics, and parental rights as arguments against this bill. None of that is threatened by respecting children, and expecting children to respect each others' rights, while requiring a safe environment. We support caring, inclusive school communities where learning is focused and effective. If anyone feels threatened or marginalized that hinders the purpose of the educational environment. No child should be bullied, and all children should feel safe to learn among peers.  Our school days always began with friendly greetings from amazing staff. We appreciate all of the wonderful teachers and administrators who are dedicated to teaching, and helping to promote life-affirming self esteem."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90495", "author": "Christopher Manion", "date": "2021-01-17T11:45:00", "title": "Please allow families, not school bureaucrats, to guide the moral lives of their children", "text": "This policy intrudes on the rights of parents, families, and communities in the name of Big Brother. I firmly request that you reject it. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90496", "author": "carol j horner", "date": "2021-01-17T12:19:00", "title": "LGBTQ", "text": "Please give LGBTQ students understanding and welcome them into all educational activities. OUr nation will be stronger if we can all come together and respect one another without judgement. All people deserve to be educated."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90497", "author": "Concerned Virginia resident", "date": "2021-01-17T12:27:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As a Virginia resident, I strongly oppose these dangerous, misguided policies. Children will be harmed, not helped, by implementing what is proposed. Virginia students should not be subject to the state's warped view of reality, nor should the state strip parents of their right to raise their own children. These policies are dangerous and should be opposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90498", "author": "David Clark, Midlothian Friends Meeting", "date": "2021-01-17T12:36:00", "title": "Support our LGTBQ students", "text": "I speak in support of the proposed regulations supporting our LGTBQ students in public schools. Those who protest speak out of anger and fear, which will not be satisfied even if the regulations do appear. I know that these students feel uncomfortable and fearful in our schools, which hinders learning and their mental and emotional growth. It's also contrary to the stated goal of Chesterfield County to prepare students to \"adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world\". Certainly our nation's recent acceptance of the LGTBQ community is an example of that rapidly changing world. These regulations would protect those who need protecting without harming the rest of us, and they should be adapted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90499", "author": "Judy Carosella", "date": "2021-01-17T12:53:00", "title": "OPPOSED.", "text": "Opposed to the Document.   It supports and promotes a lie and encourages discrimination. I believe only the Truth can set You Free."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90500", "author": "Roberto Silva", "date": "2021-01-17T12:58:00", "title": "OPOSED", "text": "This is complete INSANITY!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90501", "author": "Catholic Mother of 3", "date": "2021-01-17T13:10:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this bill", "text": "Strongly oppose ! A concerned parent not only for our kids but children everywhere ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90502", "author": "Martin Keller", "date": "2021-01-17T14:03:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose this proposed ruling", "text": "Mandatory sharing of bathrooms, showers and locker rooms with opposite biological sex should not be allowed. Schools should respect and protect the privacy of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91914", "author": "D. Joseph", "date": "2021-01-28T14:21:00", "title": "Where is protection for cos-gendered females?", "text": "Under the proposed policy, there is no protection of biological females in restroom or changing facilities. The science is unsettled on this, there is no reason to rush so that public schools can be”woke”."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91915", "author": "Lisa Dowell", "date": "2021-01-28T14:25:00", "title": "SUPPORT - All students deserve an education free from discrimination", "text": "There isn't much to debate when considering the education of Virginia youth. All students deserve an education free from discrimination and harassment. The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools ensure a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment for students. As a parent, I expect all students to have access to such an environment. I am fully in support of the Model Policies. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91916", "author": "Joanne", "date": "2021-01-28T14:26:00", "title": "Objections to Draft Model Policies", "text": "“There is definitely no science to suggest there are more than two genders.”Dr. Debra Soh I believe Virginia can the uphold equal rights of all students without the excesses of the proposed unscientific policies.   I strongly oppose these policies, which are obviously written by activists who are promoting their own orthodoxy and who want to gain power and influence by forcing it on the rest of Virginia.  And perhaps they stand to gain monetarily as well. Compelled speech in a government-run establishment, as in the case of demanding preferred pronouns in schools, (p12) is a violation of our rights under the first amendment.  The State wants an allegiance to the new orthodoxy and I do not consent.  People must not be forced to use certain words; it has to be a matter of free will.   Manners are a choice and mistakes are by accident.  You cannot compel spoken words.    A student has a right to request that a pronoun or name be used.  Others have a right to freely exercise language within the free speech framework. Parental rights must be respected by the government's schools.   Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children.  It is insulting that a school would keep secrets from parents. (p12, 13)  This is government overreach to the extreme and constitutes a severe breach of trust.  Parents are first and foremost responsible for their child's upbringing.  In particular, I worry about special needs children and activists grooming them in the schools.  This is a danger and I don't see any protections for them in this document. The obsession with gender identity and intersectionality is a dangerous game that activists are playing at the expense of children and families. (p6) Children need to be children and not have their worldviews conditioned by an unscientific critical theory culture that some elites have embraced and want to spread.   Children deserve a childhood based in reality, not theory.  Untested theory that is used to break down the natural binary gender division is unhealthy for society.  The natural world should be a model here. This document talks about bullying and transgender children but uses statistics for self-reported LGBTQ+ students.  (p9) That is not good science because it lumps all groups together and there is not even an idea of how many students in VA view themselves as transgender.  Activists have done the research so it is not neutral in the way a real scientific study should be done.  Activists are essentially bullying the Virginia Department of Education to adopt their orthodoxy.  I reject their orthodoxy while upholding the right of all students to be treated with respect because they are human beings (and in my belief, made in the image of God).  No one should be bullied and that is already built into school policies. With regards to restrooms, I believe that the privacy, safety, and modesty of the larger group should be preserved.  (p18) It goes against all common sense to make a restroom/locker room/showers concession when other alternatives are available.  Each person's dignity should be upheld, including those of the larger group.  You cannot erase women and girls when you adopt a pro-transgender student agenda. That seems to be happening more and more lately. The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the transgender ideology and policies.  I do not and will not accept this post-modernist view of the world.  I do not want this world-view imposed on my community by taxpayer-funded schools. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, staff and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs.  This becomes totalitarian. By conditioning children to believe a false reality, that they can choose their gender, that little children should question how they are made and how they should look, you are sowing seeds of destruction.  You are not promoting the common good, which is something the government should take very seriously.  I will not live by lies, nor uphold them. I certainly do not want to fund them. Who will benefit the most from these policies?  The organizations that will win professional development contracts from Virginia public schools will hit the jackpot. (p18)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91917", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T14:26:00", "title": "Strongly, strongly support", "text": "Gender is a social construct that is not restricted by biology, and people should be able to use the bathroom that is right for their own gender - this includes gender neutral bathrooms that non-binary students can feel safe using and anyone can use if they don’t feel safe in the other bathrooms. Nobody is going to pretend to be transgender and face all that discrimination and go through all that effort just to be able to be closer to a stall where people of a different biological sex are peeing - this is not a danger to cis women. On the other hand, refusing to allow trans people into the gender-appropriate bathroom does harm them, due both to having to not use the bathroom for the whole day, which causes medical complications, and the high risk of suicide in the trans community stemming from cruel, ignorant disregard (like the rules currently surrounding bathrooms and the opinions appearing in a lot of these comments) for their legitimate gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91918", "author": "Carol Cooper", "date": "2021-01-28T14:27:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "Legislation to erase the differences between male and female are misguided. There is no question that biologically speaking, there are two genders, male and female. An infinitesimal percentage of people actually have some mixture of the two. Girls and women are female, and should have rights as females, such as dedicated bathrooms, locker rooms and sports. There are clear biological differences between the sexes which make it unfair for males to participate in female sports. A male who decides to call himself a female is NOT a female. Please do not vote for ANY measure which would seek to deny these biological (and Biblical) truths, and to brainwash our children with these inaccurate ideas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91919", "author": "Lisa Schumann", "date": "2021-01-28T14:29:00", "title": "Please vote against mandates that destroy girls sports, safety in locker rooms, etc.", "text": "Please vote against changes to school policy that would force teachers to allow genetic males to join girls teams.  Those girls will not be able to compete.  You will ruin sports!  Even Tulsi Gabbard agrees!  There are also concerns about the safety of girls with proposed changes.  Teachers shouldn’t be forced to keep Children’s experimental changes from parents.  This puts teachers in a very precarious position which they should never be put in!  It’s also not fair to parents who entrust you to keep them apprised of what is going on with their children.  Children not transitioning have a right to privacy that would be violated if you vote for the new proposed legislation.  You are also opening the state to lawsuits if a teacher refers to a child by their birth pronoun accidentally.  We do not need taxpayer money going to frivolous lawsuits.  It will not be fair to the teachers. Please vote against it for so many reasons!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91920", "author": "Elizabeth M.", "date": "2021-01-28T14:30:00", "title": "STRONLY OPPOSE", "text": "As a resident of Virginia and a mother of young children, I am appalled by the fact that government officials are attempting to put the safety and privacy of my children in great danger. Children never should be used as political pawns of any community. Government officials certainly do NOT have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and in turn jeopardize bodily privacy and safety of our children. Please take a stand to protect the lives, security and emotional well being of innocent young children who deserve better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91921", "author": "Elizabeth M.", "date": "2021-01-28T14:32:00", "title": "OPPOSE - Children Deserve Better", "text": "As a resident of Virginia and a mother of young children, I am appalled by the fact that government officials are attempting to put the safety and privacy of my children in great danger. Children never should be used as political pawns of any community. Government officials certainly do NOT have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and in turn jeopardize bodily privacy and safety of our children. Please take a stand to protect the lives, security and emotional well being of innocent young children who deserve better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91922", "author": "Vanessa", "date": "2021-01-28T14:36:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91923", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T14:40:00", "title": "I oppose the transgender policies", "text": "While I agree that courtesy and respect are due all students, I oppose the transgender policies proposed for Virginia's public schools. Gender is NOT distinct from biological sex. There is only male and female. A transgender identity is against the laws of nature and reason. Students of both sexes deserve the privacy dictated by their anatomy NOT their desire or thinking. These policies are confusing to, and potentially disruptive for ,younger children especially."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91924", "author": "Jane H", "date": "2021-01-28T14:56:00", "title": "Transgender policy in education", "text": "I strongly oppose the insertion and teaching of transgender politics into schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91925", "author": "Jamie Lockhart", "date": "2021-01-28T15:00:00", "title": "I support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth", "text": "I fully support legislation to protect the health and well being of all students in Virginia schools. We know that transgender students are more likely to experience harassment, bullying, and violence at their schools due to their gender identity. This must change and policies must be implemented in schools to allow all students to grow and thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91926", "author": "Everett Boone", "date": "2021-01-28T15:09:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "There are two genders, Male and Female. It is an abomination for the department of Education to consider otherwise. It is child abuse the support the transgender agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91927", "author": "SHIRLEY shepard", "date": "2021-01-28T15:10:00", "title": "Transgender policies - I strongly oppose the state's transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the schools teaching ANY transgender policy.  Let the kids be kids and stop trying to force this on them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91928", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T15:38:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE.", "text": "As a resident of Virginia and a mother of young children, I am appalled by the fact that government officials are attempting to put the safety and privacy of my children in great danger. Children never should be used as political pawns of any community. Government officials certainly do NOT have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and in turn jeopardize bodily privacy and safety of our children. Please take a stand to protect the lives, security and emotional well being of innocent young children who deserve better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91929", "author": "Leigh Eicher", "date": "2021-01-28T15:43:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a parent and allie of the LGBT community, I'm honored to support this guidance. My child is only 3 but I want her school to be progressive and support all students and have a policy and procedures needed  to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, and most especially our LGBT youth.  We can make sure they are safe and welcomed at their school. I want every child to have the same chance at a happy and successful life, and that starts with their education!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91930", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T15:47:00", "title": "oppose mandatory transgender study for childrenThi", "text": "This pushing of transgender study on children is ridiculous. It is totally un natural, sinful and not necessary. School is for learning things that will help them succeed in real life. why are we ranking homosexuality higher than anyother natural God created being?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91931", "author": "Thomas Cooper (Parent and grandparent)", "date": "2021-01-28T15:58:00", "title": "Opposition to Transgender Policies", "text": "Forcing transgender legislation down the throat of the public is unconscionable. Furthermore, statistical analysis identifies only 9.2 of 1,000,001 people identify as transgender. This is 0.00092% of the population! Instead, put much-needed emphasis on improving academic results --27th worldwide for a country that thinks it's so intelligent is the height of arrogance. Page 6 Definitions – “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” THIS 'DEFINITION' IS INCORRECT. FACTUALLY SPEAKING, A PERSON'S \"INTERNAL SENSE\" DOES NOT OVERRIDE THEIR PHYSICAL MAKE-UP, NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEY IMAGINE. SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS HAS PROVEN THAT , A 'MALE' REMAINS MALE (TESTOSTERONE), AND A 'FEMALE' REMAINS FEMALE (ESTROGEN), REGARDLESS OF THEIR 'INTERNAL SENSE'. HOWEVER, ONCE SURGERY IS PERFORMED TO MODIFY SEX ORGANS (AND RENDER THE INDIVIDUAL STERILE), A LIFETIME OF HORMONE THERAPY BECOMES NECESSARY TO TRY TO MIMIC THE INDIVIDUAL'S 'NEW' SEX. Page 10 – “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator … The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level .” A student could be investigated, and if resolved at the school level, a parent would not be notified. TWO ISSUES: (1) A PARENT MUST ALWAYS BE NOTIFIED. THE PARENT PAYS TAXES, SO THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR IS A DE FACTO EMPLOYEE OF EACH PARENT. (2) THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR MUST BE CERTIFIED BY A PROFESSIONAL PSYCHIATRIST IN TRANSGENDER PSYCHIATRY. Page 10 – “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” School staff and students would face disciplinary action. A REASON TO KEEP LEARNING VIRTUAL. Page 12 – “school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents .” UNACCEPTABLE -- PARENTAL AUTHORITY MUST NEVER BE IGNORED. Page 12 – “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity…” UNACCEPTABLE -- PARENTAL AUTHORITY MUST NEVER BE IGNORED. Page 13 – “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence .” UNACCEPTABLE -- DO NOT GIVE CREDENCE TO A CASE OF 'THE KING'S NEW CLOTHES'. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming,” and school personnel who suspects a child is at risk “ should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” UNACCEPTABLE -- THIS IS A SOCIALIST POLICY -- PARENTAL AUTHORITY IS PARAMOUNT. ONLY ARROGANCE AND POWER-HUNGRY BUREAUCRATS SUPPORT REMOVING CHILDREN FROM THEIR PARENTS -- YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED. IT IS THE  PARENTS' RIGHT, PREROGATIVE, PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY TO TEACH THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT SEXUALITY. Page 17 – “For any school program, event, or activity, including extra-curricular activities that are segregated by gender, (School Division) shall allow students to participate in a manner consistent with their gender identity.” “Athletic participation regulated by the Virginia High School League (VHSL) or another organization such as the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA), as well as middle school athletics, shall be in compliance with policies and rules outlined by those organizations.” OUTRAGEOUS. THIS WOULD NEGATE 49 YEARS OF TITLE IX PROTECTIONS OF GIRLS AND WOMENS ATHLETIC PROGRAMS, ROB GIRLS OF POSSIBLE ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS, AND ELIMINATE THEM FROM COMPETING IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AND OLYMPICS. INCREDIBLY STUPID. Page 18 – “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students .” “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” THIS WOULD ELIMINATE PRIVACY AND SAFETY IN THE USE OF BATHROOMS AND LOCKER ROOMS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91932", "author": "Victoria Poe", "date": "2021-01-28T16:03:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As a resident of Virginia and a mother of two young children, I am disgusted by the attempt government officials are making to put the safety and privacy of my children in great danger. Government officials certainly do NOT have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in ANY taxpayer funded schools and in turn jeopardize bodily privacy and safety of our children. Please take a stand to protect the lives, security and emotional well being of innocent young children who deserve better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91933", "author": "Monica", "date": "2021-01-28T16:03:00", "title": "I strong oppose this insane transgender policy!!", "text": "To think that this extremely dangerous and unscientific transgender Bill is ok is totally ludicrous. It is NOT the schools policy to teach any child about their sexual orientation much less try to encourage and indoctrinate them with this evilness. To say parents can get charged with child abuse or neglect because their children say that God made them either a boy or a girl is one of the scariest and most dangerous things I have ever heard. This bill will damage and confuse children beyond repair not to mention put innocent children’s lives in danger. If this bill passes I pray every parent and teacher with any moral and biblical convictions with pull their children and themselves out of public school immediately. I know mine will no longer go to public schools!! Do not pass this dangerous and sick policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91934", "author": "Tim Johnson", "date": "2021-01-28T16:07:00", "title": "Oppose - first step to \"transition counseling\" without parent involvement", "text": "Another good argument to reject the failure that is our public school system.  In California, schools are assisting in children's \"transitions\" without parental involvement.   This includes hormone blockers that devastate the normal development of our children.  Can't leave it up to the parents, the ones who love their children the most, to make these decisions.  It must be the enlightened State. Before you begin tweaking with our children's development and well-being, perhaps prove VA schools really do know best by achieving equity in the quality of education with countries that far outpace our own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91935", "author": "Barbara Lacey", "date": "2021-01-28T16:12:00", "title": "Opposition", "text": "I strongly oppose the gender \"education\" policy proposed by the VA Department of Education. It not only stands in opposition to the well-being of our students, but in clear opposition to God Himself!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91936", "author": "Rebecca", "date": "2021-01-28T16:22:00", "title": "I strongly oppose Transgender Policies in our schools.", "text": "I strongly oppose Transgender policies in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91937", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T16:26:00", "title": "boys are not girls and girls are not boys", "text": "Repeat after me:  Boys are boys and girls are girls; boys are not girls and girls are not boys. I am adamantly opposed to the current radical push to eliminate differences between girls and boys and the brainwashing of our children and grandchildren. Have you all lost your minds??"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91938", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T16:29:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I hope this committee will see through the noise of all of this hateful opposition in order to see the powerful stories of trans folk throughout the state whose lives would have been changed by this type of guidance. I would like to echo other transgender folks who have said this will save lives. Also, consider the fact that many in support are signing anonymously because we are that used to living in fear of retaliation or violence. What is the harm in passing this?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91939", "author": "Nancy B", "date": "2021-01-28T16:35:00", "title": "Strongly oppose any transgender policies in schools", "text": "Do not believe we need to change our natural laws for the few.  Nation founded on God, and God made man, man, and woman, woman."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91940", "author": "Katherine A.", "date": "2021-01-28T16:35:00", "title": "Safety of All Children", "text": "Trans youth are required to go to school, like all children, this is not an option and it is a state requirement to provide public school. With that knowledge, school is the #1 place where children are required to spend their time and therefore, it is our responsibility to protect them and we protect all children. Trans children (as evidence in the statistics below) are very vulnerable and it is mainly due to misunderstanding and assumptions. The bottom line is that they, like all children, deserve to have an education where they are supported. Their existence and recognition does not take away from the safety of any other children, it just includes them in the umbrella of benefits all children receive. This is not a matter of feelings, it is a matter of safety and health. 35% have attempted suicide within the past year (CDC, 2019); 61% are likely to feel less safe at school (GLSEN); 77% report being harassed (U.S. Transgender Survey, 2016); 24% report being physically assaulted (U.S. Transgender Survey, 2016); 13% sexual assault U.S. Transgender Survey, 2016). Recognize, honor, value, and respect trans children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91941", "author": "Tim", "date": "2021-01-28T16:40:00", "title": "Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "It is not the responsibility of schools to teach sexual education or sexual orientation.  It is the parent's responsibility. This policy encourages children to hide information from their parents, creating a family rift.  How is this good for our society. Allowing biological boys to change for PE in a girls locker room does not protect the girls. This policy is not thought out and is harmful to our community. I still have not heard a reasonable explanation how someone can biologically be a boy or girl but somehow really be the opposite.  Maybe you wish you were the other, but you can never really be the other no matter how many operation you have."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91942", "author": "Hudson Heinrich", "date": "2021-01-28T16:43:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "I almost killed myself more than once growing up LGBTQ+ because of the atmosphere in this state's public schools. If we are able to help children NOT feel like they want to kill themselves, I believe it's common sense to do so."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91943", "author": "Sharon", "date": "2021-01-28T16:45:00", "title": "Adamantly opposed to transgender policy in public schools!", "text": "This is a mental health issue that should be addressed by a mental health expert. If teachers were not forced to be teaching this sort of thing they could concentrate on actually teaching the basics.  Our educational system is in a shambles because of such nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91944", "author": "Dawn Custalow", "date": "2021-01-28T16:55:00", "title": "The turning upside down in our schools because of transgenderism", "text": "If I go live in another country, where my culture is not practiced by the people there, it doesn't mean I can't live in that country.  What it does mean is that I know that my culture may not be displayed and congratulated, and my ideas of my culture will most likely not be changing their ideas.  I can still be me and still be accepted into their society, but I understand it is not my place to turn their culture upside down and topple their customs and ways.  These ideas have parallel constructs within the topic of transgenderism.  Most people who are male and female from birth and live those related lifestyles are not opposed to others having a different sexuality.  But when those individuals and institutions who do not assent to the transgender lifestyles are assailed by those who want to change the cultural norm and majority, then it becomes problematic at best.  One case in point - biological males competing against girls in sports.  We have to say \"no\".  It's a vote FOR our girls.  In this area, hypocrisy is revealed by those who champion women in equitable salaries with men, etc., yet, they do not champion the young girls who have played sports all their lives.  Those girls who have worked hard for a college scholarship in their sport, only to have a person who identifies differently from their birth sex, take it all away from them.  How can this be championing women's rights?  Societies have customs, values and beliefs because of what the majority hold in common together.  US culture holds in common assigned sex at birth.  Pluralism holds a society together and pluralism should be the voice of reason in this situation regarding transgenders' appeals for rights in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91945", "author": "Donn Sunshine", "date": "2021-01-28T16:58:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I strongly oppose any transgender policies in our schools that allow for bathroom use or gender reference/education or physical education, etc. that differs from biological gender"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91946", "author": "Anthony", "date": "2021-01-28T17:01:00", "title": "Strongly support this movement", "text": "Strongly support any legislation that promotes equality in our schools.  This teaches our children acceptance of all people no matter what their differences are.  Just 50 years ago they where having the same conversation about allowing African Americans to go to school and use the same bathroom as their white neighbors.  I think we know what side history stands on when we look back at that, please be on the right side of history and choose to support equality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91947", "author": "Barbara", "date": "2021-01-28T17:02:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. (See statements about most kids outgrowing gender confusion in this Psychology Today article , as well as in this study and this one .)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91948", "author": "Ted Williams", "date": "2021-01-28T17:14:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender policies", "text": "I am very opposed to the transgender policies being forced on our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91949", "author": "Rev. Amy Russell", "date": "2021-01-28T17:18:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Please create a policy that will create a respectful and inclusive environment in schools.  In our church, we welcome and support LGBTQ students with love and respect so they can become strong, confident people who will support others.  We hope you will create"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91950", "author": "Tom", "date": "2021-01-28T17:18:00", "title": "1% Should Not Rock the 99%", "text": "The behavior of a tiny fraction of society which has never had moral acceptance through the millennia from Greco-Roman culture to the world cultures of today must be evaluated on the basis of that established moral code.   Transgenderism is outside the established social norm.  Policies for the ninety nine percent should not be enacted on the basis of the less than one percent but the less than one percent on the basis of the ninety nine percent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91951", "author": "Tim B", "date": "2021-01-28T17:29:00", "title": "I strongly OPPOSE the proposed Transgender policy for Public Schools.", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the proposed new Transgender policy for Virginia Public Schools.  It is not the state's job to help a student overcome any gender identity confusion that they may have.  That is between the student, their parents, and God.  And it is not right to allow boys in girls' locker rooms and restrooms, and vice-versa.  Please use some common sense and kill this proposed bull."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91952", "author": "Elizabeth M Drucker-Basch", "date": "2021-01-28T17:32:00", "title": "Full Support", "text": "I am glad whenever there is more inclusive language adopted by educational communities. Having a supportive, consistent approach across the Commonwealth seems like an important addition to ensure that every child has access to educational equity. My son's best friend is trans. I sincerely wish that there had been this much forethought as he went through his schooling. Unfortunately, he didn't graduate from high school, in part due to the challenges his transition presented at school. It has to be brutal to correct teachers every single year when they call roll and your name is your pre-transition name. I sincerely hope this helps lead to more understanding of the issues facing trans community and helps ease the way for the children coming along down the road. As adults, it is incumbent upon us to enrich all lives by creating inclusive communities that allow all people to thrive so that we can be positively influenced by the unique contributions of all members of our society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91953", "author": "concerned grandparent", "date": "2021-01-28T17:36:00", "title": "transgender policy for schools", "text": "Opposed to transgender policy for schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91954", "author": "Judge", "date": "2021-01-28T17:39:00", "title": "Deeply Misguided", "text": "Transgendered individuals or people who are confused in their minds, but their bodies clearly declare their gender. If you truly are concerned for them you would make free counseling available to these individuals. Johns Hopkins University was one of the first in the nation to open sex change facilities for transgendered individuals. They closed that facility in the 70s because doing psychological follow ups on their clients made them realize that they had wasted their time by chopping off perfectly good body parts. And that their clients were no better off after sex change operations than they were before. They concluded that doing a physical operation for some thing that’s a psychological problem is futile. Look it up. A major study from two Johns Hopkins University doctors a couple of years ago stated that “a woman trapped in a man’s body is not supported by scientific evidence”.  See the study And the new Atlantis special report on sexuality and gender, by Dr. Mayer and Dr. McHugh."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91955", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T17:47:00", "title": "The deep state sickness", "text": "I cannot believe that day after day I can be more surprised, appalled, disgusted and frantically searching for common sense in what is going on in our country and is now in full force due to Senator Biden and company. Boys are born boys, girls are born girls.  Nothing, no surgery, no ideas, no prayers can change that.  To suggest that a boy who feels like a girl can compete fairly in any athletic event is a disgrace to both sexes.  To allow boys to shower with girls under any circumstance is disgusting and should alarm all parents.  These people who feel \"different\" from their God given sex/gender at birth are a very small minority in our country and should be treated as such.  We don't bend to small minorities....we don't adjust our lives for the very small minority.....we don't impose unnatural ideas into our lives to protect the few.  We are all free to do as we please, but let's start with common sense. There are two genders period.  You are either one or the other.  It's not a choice. PERIOD."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91956", "author": "M. Wayne Jones", "date": "2021-01-28T17:53:00", "title": "Show some Respect for Most of Us!", "text": "This policy is abhorrent to most Virginians. Nothing else needs to be said. Unfortunately there are too many idiots in Richmond and in policy making positions in general that more must be said. This is a case where the 99.9% are being treated badly in a misguided attempt to mollify the activists for the 0.1% Yes there are people who believe they are a different sex. But, there are people who suffer from bulimia, and similar mental issues. But should we encourage people who believe they are too fat to go on fasts? Of course not. The exact issue is the case with transgendered people. You don't treat people by indulging them in activities that will not cure them or allow them to live with their problem. The proposed policy of allowing people of opposite biological sexes to use the same facilities in public school is misguided, and will only lead to more emotional pain for the transgendered as well as many others. This policy will also create a situation that invites sexual abuse of our children, and creates a potential playground for sexual predators. And, yes transgender people are sometimes serious sexual predators. Not only that, how do you propose to \"police\" the locker rooms. Men watching over the girl's locker rooms? Women looking over the men's locker rooms? I urge you to completely scrap this proposal and look for a program that can provide compassionate care for the transgendered people it purports to care for."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91957", "author": "David Dierberger", "date": "2021-01-28T18:10:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Policy", "text": "I am very much opposed to the transgender policies being forced on our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91958", "author": "Dr. Harold Diggs", "date": "2021-01-28T18:21:00", "title": "THIS is an Act of Violence", "text": "These absurd policies proposed by VDOE are totally unconstitutional and will force all students, faculty, and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs... AND prevents parents from having any awareness or knowledge of the atrocities foisted on their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91959", "author": "Carol Dugan", "date": "2021-01-28T18:32:00", "title": "Totally inappropriate our kids are not in school to learn your ideology", "text": "this is not education, this is ideological indoctrination, the parents do not want this, please stop"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91960", "author": "Guy B Holloway", "date": "2021-01-28T18:45:00", "title": "Transgender School Issue", "text": "The physiology more than the psychology helpfully answers this issue.  Chromosomes and science let's us know ones sex over 99% of the time.  It's really not difficult.  If someone sincerely thinks something is true, does that make it true?  Some peoples logic says yes.  Most observe that life does not really work this way. If we continue down this \"It must be true because I feel it, or I think it\", does this logic hold up when consistantly practiced in life?  Try asking your banker when you think you have plenty of money in the bank and they say you are overdrawn.  How does that pragmatically work?  What happens if this logic is forced upon the vast majority who do not embrace it?  Is it fair to run over and abuse their sincerely held thoughts and ideas?  Some say \"absolutely\"!  Think about life that is pursued on that basis. Noted and respected doctors who once preformed this surgery have stopped.  Why? Because of the psychological problems and long term issues they have observed after studying.  They lose money but gain peace of mind.   Yes some also disagree but more often than not this is because of other factors than long term positive functionality. To honor the significant majority who find the implications of transgender policy in our schools very problematic, and even a threat to their children, I am very much against tax payer subsidized policy supporting this unproven direction. Sincerely, Guy Holloway"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91961", "author": "Joya Clark", "date": "2021-01-28T18:47:00", "title": "Every kid deserves safe access to the bathroom", "text": "Trans kids are bullied at such high rates many don’t age out of their teenage years. every body deserves access to the bathroom. there is no evidence that trans kids using the bathroom of their choosing makes bathroom any more dangerous for cis kids. If trans kids don’t feel safe using the bathroom, they will avoid them. That is not healthy for their bodies, their mental/ emotional health, and it speaks poorly about the community as they are enforcing unnecessarily gender roles on toilets. Just let the kids pee. All gendered bathrooms with urinals stalled are becoming more of a norm- I would encourage y’all to do some research into such."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91962", "author": "A Williams", "date": "2021-01-28T18:48:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I strongly oppose any transgender policies in our schools that allow for bathroom use or gender reference/education or physical education, etc. that differs from biological gender"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91963", "author": "Julianna Remo, EVMS", "date": "2021-01-28T19:06:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Transgender rights are HUMAN RIGHTS. This is a brave, humane stance to take. This would protect transgender, intersex, and questioning students as well. This is a step toward a more equitable society. In every civil rights movement, conservative, oppressive groups of people have pushed against progress and against the expansion of civil rights. That is clear in the comments section here.  I ask our legislators to think of what legacy they would like to leave. Will you be remembered for upholding bigotry and enabling injustice toward a marginalized group? Or will you be remembered for championing an early step toward a fairer society?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91964", "author": "Anne", "date": "2021-01-28T19:06:00", "title": "It is important for people to use the bathroom concordant with their gender identity", "text": "People of all gender identities should be allowed to use the bathroom that most closely aligns with their gender identity and/or have the option for gender neutral restrooms. This will not only prevent the psychological harm and distress that can arise with having to use the bathroom of one’s assigned sex at birth, but it also prevents potentially unsafe environments for trans people, who may be subject to violence once they have been “outed” as trans due to having to use the bathroom aligned with their birth sex, even if it doesn’t align with their current presentation or genitals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91965", "author": "Ashley", "date": "2021-01-28T19:09:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans people, especially trans kids, have to deal with enough without having to worry about a basic human right like going to the bathroom. Let people pee where they please—it’s not as if anyone monitors who goes into a bathroom currently anyways"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91966", "author": "Concerned Women for America", "date": "2021-01-28T19:13:00", "title": "Follow the science", "text": "People are adamant about \"following the science\" on any number of issues and yet we equate a mental abnormality with the proven science of gender. Stop confusing children with this absurd notion that you can be anything you wish. I wish to be an omniscient angel but it is unlikely to happen!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91967", "author": "Jason", "date": "2021-01-28T19:18:00", "title": "Support Trans Students", "text": "We should be striving to ensure every student feels safe and accepted at school, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91968", "author": "Angela Z", "date": "2021-01-28T19:20:00", "title": "[Support] Equity in schools around gender ID is a must", "text": "Robust data exist to show that gender is not an unchangeable construct - in fact, many other cultures historically accept more than two genders or have more gender-neutral language, so one might say that American culture has yet to catch up. This would be a great first step to ensure that trans and gender diverse kids are safe, happy, and healthy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91969", "author": "Anna Cronin", "date": "2021-01-28T19:30:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "We must love one another with wide open arms. We care so much when a child commits suicide, yet we set back and judge and force our transgender brothers, sisters, children, friends fear showing their true colors. In order to fix our suicide rates in the youth of are community we must open our hearts!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91970", "author": "Merrill Milani", "date": "2021-01-28T19:30:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support the Model Policies for the treatment of Transgender students and I honestly do not understand the debate here.  Shouldn't all children be able to attend school, learn and thrive, in an inclusive, supportive environment? Shouldn't all children be able to feel safe when they go to school? Unfortunately because of our society, we have to carve out a special policy for our transgender students. Thank you for all of the contributors to this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91971", "author": "Kayla Iannarelli, Medical Student", "date": "2021-01-28T19:36:00", "title": "SUPPORT AND PROTECT OUR TRANSGENDER YOUTH", "text": "SUPPORT AND PROTECT OUR TRANSGENDER YOUTH"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91972", "author": "Charles", "date": "2021-01-28T19:41:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to the transgender school policy", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the transgender school policy.  These policies jeopordize the safety, well-being and mental health of all students.  They infringe on the rights of parents to know and fully care for their own children.  They impose a radical and extreme ideology on all schools and families, disregarding personal and religious freedoms guaranteed by our constitution."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91973", "author": "C", "date": "2021-01-28T19:54:00", "title": "No", "text": "I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. Gender Dysphoria should be treated as such.  It is irresponsible as well as reprehensible to accommodate, promote, celebrate or force such confusion on taxpayers and most certainly not on our children. This is not a matter of equality.  It is a matter of simple biology and healthy psychology.  This does not mean to ignore those who suffer or encourage maltreatment of those affected.  It means address the dysfunction as such and give help. These proposed policies do not help; they hinder and deceive... all at the expense of the children.   Our society can not survive if we are duped into promoting deception of nature.  Lord, have mercy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91974", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T20:00:00", "title": "Transgender propaganda", "text": "There would be no people alive to support this transgender propaganda, unless they would have been born of the union of a woman and a man."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91975", "author": "Doug Harshbarger", "date": "2021-01-28T20:01:00", "title": "Transgender School Policy", "text": "Schools are for education, not promoting political agendas and indoctrination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91976", "author": "Ariana Spiegel", "date": "2021-01-28T20:01:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT", "text": "According to the National School Climate Report , 86 percent of LGBTQ youth reported being harassed at school, compared to 27 percent of students overall. School years can be challenging for all students, yet those who identify as LGBTQ often face additional pressures or concerns. We need to have these guidelines in order to attempt to reduce this obvious inequity within our school system, with specific emphasis to address the disparities among trans* students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91977", "author": "Katherine Ward Jopling", "date": "2021-01-28T20:04:00", "title": "Strongly support this model policy", "text": "All of our students deserve to be seen, to be themselves, and to be safe. As an educator, I see first hand that young people in Virginia are far more ready to embrace each other's identities than those who fight for any particular policy. Let's listen to our students. When we catch up to them, we can get back to the business of educating. Ignoring the realities of our diverse culture and bending to the will of sameness only serves to undermine our academic authority. Protect and celebrate our students so they can be proud to have us as educators and mentors."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91978", "author": "stephen Renalds", "date": "2021-01-28T20:27:00", "title": "WEEP FOR OUR CHILDREN OVER THIS POLICY", "text": "GENDER: GOD'S GIFT FOR LIFE!     Translation:   We do not determine our own sex/gender - God does! When God made the first people he made them male and female - none other. When he finished his creation he said that it is good. There are only males and females who are natural descendants of the first pair. There will never be any other. And nothing that we can do to our minds or bodies can change that.  Rather, we are to ACCEPT and REJOICE in our God-given sex/gender. Suppose throughout all of history each generation had to decide what their sex/gender was for them. What chaos. What a burden of confusion.   For our schools to teach other than the natural, biological truth about our bodies is a travesty.  It amounts to mental and physical abuse.  If we pursue this foolishness, how long will it take to prove it is wrong? How many lives will be ruined? The day will come in which we wake up, with great regret. It will be like the blindness of previous generations who perpetuated the myth to view slaves as property and of only having value as workers.  DEFUND THE POLICE? No, DEFUND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION and DEFUND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY! Leave PARENTING to PARENTS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91979", "author": "Karen Oliver", "date": "2021-01-28T20:32:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Children", "text": "I strongly oppose the model policies for the treatment of transgender children in VA public schools. This does not mean to ignore those who suffer or encourage maltreatment of those affected. It means address the dysfunction and give help and love!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91980", "author": "Kimberly Quarforth", "date": "2021-01-28T20:34:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this. All children should feel safe and supported in school and I applaud the effort towards a more safe and inclusive learning environment for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91981", "author": "Sonia F Urbom", "date": "2021-01-28T20:42:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support the model policies.  I encourage our elected officials to do everything that they can to ensure that VA public schools provide a safe and welcoming environment for all children, regardless of their gender or sexual identity.   I want my children educated in an environment where they can feel secure, knowing that everyone's human rights will be protected.   Only in a safe environment can our children grow to respect themselves and others and develop the skills they need to be constructive citizens of our democracy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91982", "author": "Julia L Sayles", "date": "2021-01-28T20:53:00", "title": "Equal Accwss for Trans Youth", "text": "I stongly support all measures designed to assure Trans Youth equal access to public education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91983", "author": "Hannah Bender", "date": "2021-01-28T20:58:00", "title": "Strongly support!!", "text": "Children are children, and all humans are humans. We need to protect our kids and each other, regardless of gender identity. Also, there must be representation of trans voices when the guidelines are written!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91984", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T21:00:00", "title": "Equal Access Child Rape", "text": "Policy proposals = child rape. Policy proposals = child rapists. Policy supporters = child rape supporters. Deal with it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91985", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T21:03:00", "title": "If policies pass, then class action law suit.", "text": "Okay, everyone. When these s ram this through (just like they'll be ramming your children), we've got to suit them for all they are worth. Suit the VDOE and suit each individual behind it individually. These ers weaponize the law and then try to (and often succeed) in deplatforming the lawyers who would represent us. We'll do it to them. We'll take them out. We'll have them in court trying to defend their perverse child ing ways until they die."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91986", "author": "Educator", "date": "2021-01-28T21:03:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Do Not Codify Delusional Behavior", "text": "I Strongly Oppose Plesse Do Not Codify Support  Delusional Behavior"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91987", "author": "Geneva Park", "date": "2021-01-28T21:05:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose - Don't teach our children to hide behind labels - We are all equal", "text": "\"I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. The schools should be teaching reading, writing and arithmetic and let parents teach their children about these other sensitive issues.  All children should be respected and be able to learn without fear.  Children should not be identified by their sexual orientation but allowed to be known by who they are as a person.  Let's not teach children to hide behind these labels that serve only to further divide us. It is irresponsible as well as reprehensible to accommodate, promote, celebrate or force gender dysphoria on taxpayers and most certainly not on our children. This is not a matter of equality.  It is a matter of simple biology and healthy psychology.  This does not mean to ignore those who suffer or encourage maltreatment of those affected.  It means address the dysfunction as such and give help. These proposed policies do not help; they hinder and deceive... all at the expense of the children.   Our society can not survive if we are duped into promoting deception of nature.  Lord, have mercy.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91988", "author": "Alice Roddy", "date": "2021-01-28T21:06:00", "title": "No: Proposed policy an attack on speech and science", "text": "The proposed policy for the treatment of transgendered students is an attack on free speech and on science itself. It is totally ironic that these policies claim to protect some vulnerable people from bullying while in fact themselves bully anyone who follows the evidence of nature."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91989", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T21:12:00", "title": "Strongly", "text": "I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. Gender Dysphoria should be treated as such.  It is irresponsible as well as reprehensible to accommodate, promote, celebrate or force such confusion on taxpayers and most certainly not on our children. This is not a matter of equality.  It is a matter of simple biology and healthy psychology.  Follow the science. President Biden always says “I follow the science.” You should too. This does not mean to ignore those who suffer or encourage maltreatment of those affected.  It means address the dysfunction as such and give help. These proposed policies do not help; they hinder and deceive... all at the expense of the children.   Our society can not survive if we are duped into promoting deception of nature.  Lord, have mercy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91990", "author": "Wendy Katz", "date": "2021-01-28T21:18:00", "title": "Trans and Non-Binary Youth in Virginia Public Schools Deserve to Be Safe!", "text": "Trans and Non-Binary youth at Virginia Schools and using Virginia Community Services need to be kept safe and offered support.  It is the right of all American children and youth to receive a \"free and appropriate education\" under FAPE, and this includes trans and non-binary children and youth.  A person, who is misgendered, bullied, and forced to use facilities that do not conform with their identity are not in a safe comfortable space conducive to learning and growth.  Please keep in mind the equal rights of trans and non-binary children and youth to a safe productive space to learn. Thank you, Wendy Katz, MSW"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91991", "author": "Andrea", "date": "2021-01-28T21:35:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This bill completely oversteps parents. It is downright scary our government is putting into law that things going on with our children can be purposely kept from us. Complete government over reach. A child’s teacher is there to teach, not counsel a child on genders, or to use different names and pronouns and keep parents in the dark. No child should be bullied or discriminated against, that’s about all I agree with in this bill. Bathrooms/ locker rooms are separated by sex- sex isn’t ‘assigned’ it’s actual something called biology. Besides ignoring biology, this bill also ignores any other children’s rights and privacy. OPPOSE THIS BILL!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91992", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T21:39:00", "title": "Department of Education/ transgender policy", "text": "Strongly oppose the transgender policy for Virginia schools, K-12"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91993", "author": "Joshua Baumgardner", "date": "2021-01-28T21:49:00", "title": "I stand with Virginia Trans Youth", "text": "There is no more painful feeling of loneliness than being surrounded by others who vehemently oppose a trait of your very being that you have no control over. Trans youth are the most at-risk population in this country, and their needs both are valid and significant. Don't let these children down; Do what's right, and put the lives of our most vulnerable citizens ahead of the   hate that fills the hearts of their oppressors."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91994", "author": "Mrs. J.A. Ryskind", "date": "2021-01-28T22:00:00", "title": "Draft Policies for Transgender Students in Public Schools", "text": "That the VDOE —supposedly serious people —should be proposing to force a series of policies on the already heavily burdened public school system in the name of transgenderism would make a circus of our public schools.   Promoting and teaching  transgenderism has become a fad in recent years, but we may be very certain that public schools in China and India waste no time on it.  Any person in the VDOE advocating these policies should be fired. Our children whose time in school was wasted “transgendering” will be ill equipped to compete in the upcoming world economy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91995", "author": "Judy", "date": "2021-01-28T22:04:00", "title": "Strongly oppose Statewide Transgender Policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed Statewide Transgender Policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91996", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T22:05:00", "title": "Oppose Model Polocies for Tx of Transgender Students", "text": "\"I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. Gender Dysphoria should be treated as such.  It is irresponsible as well as reprehensible to accommodate, promote, celebrate or force such confusion on taxpayers and most certainly not on our children. This is not a matter of equality.  It is a matter of simple biology and healthy psychology.  This does not mean to ignore those who suffer or encourage maltreatment of those affected.  It means address the dysfunction as such and give help. These proposed policies do not help; they hinder and deceive... all at the expense of the children.   Our society can not survive if we are duped into promoting deception of nature."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91997", "author": "Stacy M.", "date": "2021-01-28T22:14:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE This bill is Completely government over reach. A teacher is not a counselor to children on genders, and should never keep parents in the dark. This bill ignores Basic biology, and it ignores other children’s rights and privacy. I OPPOSE THIS BILL!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91998", "author": "BIG BROTHER, HOW CAN I LOVE YOU MORE?", "date": "2021-01-28T22:24:00", "title": "PLEASE MAKE 1984 FICTION AGAIN...", "text": "Dear Oligarchic Overlords, Please impose your will over your humble subjects that we might learn to love big brother with all of our hearts, minds, and souls. \"War is Peace! Freedom is Slavery! Ignorance is Strength!\" Orwell, 1984"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91999", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T22:28:00", "title": "Propaganda Intended to Humiliate You", "text": "“Political correctness is communist propaganda writ small. In my study of communist societies, I came to the conclusion that the purpose of communist propaganda was not to persuade or convince, not to inform, but to humiliate; and therefore, the less it corresponded to reality the better. When people are forced to remain silent when they are being told the most obvious lies, or even worse when they are forced to repeat the lies themselves, they lose once and for all their sense of probity. To assent to obvious lies is in some small way to become evil oneself. One's standing to resist anything is thus eroded, and even destroyed. A society of emasculated liars is easy to control. I think if you examine political correctness, it has the same effect and is intended to.” ? Theodore Dalrymple"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92000", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T22:30:00", "title": "Giving Up On Virginia - Opposed", "text": "If this passes my children will not be attending public school at all cost!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92001", "author": "Mel Howard", "date": "2021-01-28T22:49:00", "title": "I stand with transgender youth and equality for all!!", "text": "Transgender and non-binary students in Virginia public schools deserve to have protection and safety while at school. I stand in support of vital protections for transgender and non-binary students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92002", "author": "Janet", "date": "2021-01-28T23:00:00", "title": "Can a leopard \"decide\" to be a zebra?", "text": "Jer. 13:23-- Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots?  Then may ye also do good that are accustomed to doing evil.  There will be a pay day for the evil of legislating transgender within the schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92003", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T23:04:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE RUINING the next generation of potential parents", "text": "I strongly oppose poisoning the minds of children to believe they can be what God has not made them.  Can we even make one hair on our head?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92004", "author": "S A", "date": "2021-01-28T23:08:00", "title": "This is an awful idea!", "text": "I guess I should not be surprised at the outrageous proposal created by the Department of Education, yet here I am.  It is beyond comprehension how something so utterly ridiculous would actually be thought reasonable.  How could it ever make sense to trample the rights of one group in order to advance the \"rights\" of another?  Could you really think of no other way to accommodate the needs of transgender individuals without taking away opportunities,  privacy, and free speech from everyone else?  You have no authority to compel me or anyone else to inhabit the alternate reality in which someone else resides.  This is complete nonsense!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92005", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-28T23:46:00", "title": "Trans Rights are human rights", "text": "Trans Rights are human rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92006", "author": "sharon", "date": "2021-01-29T00:09:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92007", "author": "Jackie Poe", "date": "2021-01-29T00:47:00", "title": "Transgender school policies", "text": "i am totally against transgender policies in public education in the state of Virginia. First of all a child isn’t capable of making a decision of changing his or her gender unless influenced by someone in the school system pushing this agenda. Parents always have rights above the state concerning what’s best for their kids. This is immoral and has zero basis of fact. The idea is to confuse our kids to believe they are something they not. This is a policy of government overreach again."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92008", "author": "D Cortes", "date": "2021-01-29T01:02:00", "title": "Strongly oppose the transgender school policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender school policy. Regardless of ones faith or lack of, biology dictates there are only two genders...male and female. Biology also dictates that one is born male or female based on DNA passed from the biological father ( a male). A person can decide they wholeheartedly feel like they are a fish, but that doesn't make them one biologically. This ideology does not belong in the schools where children are. As a grown woman I don't want to be forced to use a restroom or change in front of a man because that person identifies as female. But as an adult, I can choose to go elsewhere...our school-aged children stuck in school all day doesn't have that option. They should not be mandated to do so, nor should the government have a right to go against a parent's rights of faith and belief system to indoctrinate all students with this proposed policy. I am a voting citizen, and if you vote for the policy, you will NOT have my vote in the next election!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92009", "author": "Elijah L", "date": "2021-01-29T01:12:00", "title": "Being trans is already hard. Schools shouldn't make it harder. (Support)", "text": "Let me first say that there has never been any verifiable instance of a trans person being sexually predatory towards others in a bathroom. It has never happened once in US history. Next, let's remember that transitioning is hard. It is a time of extreme vulnerability, where a trans person experiences constant degradation, harassment, discrimination, and often violence from their family, colleagues, and strangers. No one pretends to be trans just for fun. It's an extremely traumatic experience, second only to the constant trauma of NOT transitioning and living a lie. Sexual predators don't need to pretend to be trans in order to assault others. If a predator wanted to walk into a bathroom and assault someone, they can. There is no reason they would open themselves up to the kind of ridicule and violence that comes with being openly trans, just so they could get into a certain bathroom. It's absurd. Trans people want to use the correct bathrooms for all the same reasons that YOU like to use bathrooms that correspond with YOUR gender. Namely, they want to pee and poop in peace. By god, just let them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92010", "author": "Brian Dillon", "date": "2021-01-29T02:35:00", "title": "Forget trans or cis, this is a logistics issue", "text": "we’re discussing this from political perspective and we lost sight of the real issue at hand. For a long time it has been the most comfortable and easiest thing to simply saying there are two bathrooms one for boys and one for girls in order to provide the most privacy and the least expectation of anything going amuck. Now we’re having to face a situation where people are not only taking surgical operations to make themselves different but simply verbally declaring an inclination that therefore is a political reality. That makes things incredibly more complex. So much so that we can’t simply create a different bathroom for every gender type, gender expression, Sexual orientation, dysphoria, or assigned sex. Not enough rooms in the whole school to make that many bathrooms. To my mind this could all be solved by simple logistical solutions. One of the things I read about in California it was a bathroom in a park designed to have individual stalls for maximum privacy without declaring a space to be gendered. In other words the stall itself becomes the gender specific bathroom. When I enter into that space it becomes my gender. When I leave it again it is no longer my gender. so how does this apply to us. To convert the bathrooms in any building public or private business or school to this kind of thinking takes a little bit of work. First the stalls themselves have to be supplied with decent closures for personal privacy and the ability to lock them securely against all intrusion. That means rebuilding bathrooms but it’s not a huge expense and it’s probably possible to do a lot of that at a minimal cost. If we can retrofit every business in America for Covid cough screens and other personal protections in a matter of weeks and months we can certainly retrofit bathrooms to provide necessary personal privacy. In fact once this start happening and people are building this I guarantee individual businesses will pop up producing the very products necessary to retrofit all bathrooms to a certain security standard. The next biggest problem is how to handle the spaces themselves. Thankfully that too is a solution that’s easily managed although this one is slightly more construction-based. To conserve on plumbing most male female bathrooms live back to back sharing a common wall and one which could easily be punched through to produce a single common space. Gender specific signs on the outside become unnecessary. Common activities like laying your book bag down being in your briefcase or purse washing your hands all happen in the non-gendered space. Anything more specific than that takes place in a completely private stall. there is still a couple of logistical hiccups. Urinals probably need to be removed and retrofitted with actual stalls. The fact that you can fit four urinals in the space or two stalls to accommodate  more people Will have a detrimental effect on number of people serviced in the men’s room whereas ladies rooms typically have longer lines. That is unfortunate reality of the situation. I think we will also run into more cases where parents will want to monitor the activity within the restroom more carefully because they know that there will be shared restrooms between genders all genders and even adults. Already many schools provide an adults only bathroom for this reason. as for locker rooms where disrobing is in fact a public event I don’t have a solution. I wasn’t very comfortable on dressing and re-dressing in front of other men when I was in high school and all the track team. Not changing out of my actual underwear between sporting events and school, between history class gym class and math class was a solution but not a particularly sanitary one. How does one then resolve the extended problem of a boy wearing women’s clothing walking into a locker space with boys not wearing women’s clothing and women wearing women’s clothing. My wife wasn’t comfortable showering in front of other women much less showering where men might see her. I am not sure I’m comfortable showering in front of other men. I made great efforts to shower and dress early in the morning or late in the dorms shower time just to take advantage of the single private shower stall out of the whole complex. I don’t know that there can be a solution to the efficient disrobing cleanliness and re-addressing of a massive number of people required for a team. But just saying that we shouldn’t be concerned or saying let the student claim the sex they want, those answers aren’t going to resolve anything either In short I think we can very easily arrange for anyone to use a bathroom with adequate privacy and security. I don’t think there’s a ready solution for locker rooms and sports. I don’t support the LGBTQ agenda but I do recognize the need for children to Use a rest room. Maybe with enough smart people you’ll come up with a locker room solution that I don’t currently have."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92011", "author": "David Graham", "date": "2021-01-29T03:39:00", "title": "Transgender school policy", "text": "I am opposed to any policy which promotes or normalizes transgender accomodations upon our children or society at large. Transgenderism is a form of mental illness and should be treated as such. Our schools should stick to their only legitimate purpose - that of educating children. They should not be the instrument or forum for radical liberal policies which attack traditional famly values."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92012", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T05:39:00", "title": "Don’t teach little children that lying is ok", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill. The government should never tell little children to lie to their parents, and teach them that this is ok and the right thing to do. This is further enforced by teachers being able to legally lie to parents about what is going on at school. Parents need to raise their children, and the government should not presume to know more about raising children than parents. Furthermore, this is going down a dangerous road to where the government can take control of anything by simply saying it is for our own good. A brief look through history shows why this is such a bad idea."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92013", "author": "Gail", "date": "2021-01-29T06:37:00", "title": "oppose transgender policy in schools", "text": "Please do NOT support the transgender guidelines in our public school system.  Our biological sex is not something that is altered by law and we are putting the safety of our children at risk when they share restrooms and locker rooms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92937", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T19:29:00", "title": "Disastrous - strongly oppose", "text": "Disastrous - strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92938", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-01T19:30:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed to CPS Involvement in Parenting", "text": "Schools should not be contacting CPS if parents disagree with a child’s choice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92939", "author": "Michael", "date": "2021-02-01T19:30:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "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. Sex is not “assigned” at birth.  It is generically determined at conception. The recurring use of the phrase “assigned at birth” in the proposed policy is objectively wrong and crosses over the line into propaganda and double-speak. The proposed policy gives transgender students privileges over and above those of other students, namely the right to use the bathrooms, shower facilities, overnight sleeping arrangements and locker rooms of their own choosing.  Other students are not given similar privileges. Our society has sex segregated facilities for many reasons, not the least of which is a respect for privacy.  Do members of the Virginia Department of Education really support making their young daughters disrobe in front of biological males? Local school boards already have non-discrimination policies in place to protect transgender students.  Such situations require tact and sensitivity to accommodate and protect everyone involved.  The proposed policy does none of that and should be discarded."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92940", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T19:31:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "For one, this is absolutely ridiculous. No teacher will tell/teach my child what gender they are/should be. Also, I will not be told as a parent what I can/cannot say to my child in regards to their “gender.” This will also take away from girl sports and open the door for sexual assault/rape rates to increase. None of this is ok! Not now and not in the future. By allowing this, you are basically stripping away all female sports and the opportunities that can come from playing high school sports."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92941", "author": "Sonya Stroop", "date": "2021-02-01T19:32:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy you are wanting to implement."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92942", "author": "Thomas Palumbo", "date": "2021-02-01T19:34:00", "title": "Opposition to transgender policies proposed by Virginia Department of Education", "text": "I oppose the transgender policies being proposed by the Virginia Department of Education. These policies disregard the role of parents in public education, and express views that are contrary to those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of such views, the VDOE goes far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. The model regulations infringe upon the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children, and could very well pit children against their parents. Schools should not be accommodating the particularly harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible \"gender transitions.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92943", "author": "Michelle Long", "date": "2021-02-01T19:37:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose...what we need to do is put religion back in schools!  Enough is enough with this craziness!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92944", "author": "R Hale", "date": "2021-02-01T19:38:00", "title": "Let Teachers Teach Education - Not Force to Undermine Parents", "text": "The forcing of the transgender agenda on schools is not needed.  Teachers have enough pressure to educate students on the fundamentals they need for learning.  They do not need to be forced to teach social agendas that they may or may not agree with.  I agree transgenders should be treated with respect and not subject to any bullying .  However, they do not need this sort of “protection” that takes more and more rights away from parents and teachers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92945", "author": "Nicky Long", "date": "2021-02-01T19:41:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "This is not something that needs to be taught in school!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92946", "author": "Diana Howell", "date": "2021-02-01T19:44:00", "title": "Opposition", "text": "I am extremely opposed to the government creating mandates for gender promotion in the public schools. Schools should never be enforcing such subjects that are so controversial and should be handled by parents. This is not education at all. It is forcing an agenda. We need to get back to learning basics, English, grammar, mathematics, science, reading and encourage reading, and subjects for basic life skills like economics, home economics, arts, music and vocational programs. Gender/sexuality programs that clearly promote differing opinions have absolutely no place in the education of children. Thank you,"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92947", "author": "Laurie Ann Derosha", "date": "2021-02-01T19:46:00", "title": "Strongly apposed", "text": "Strongly apposed, absolutely absurd."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92948", "author": "Jason", "date": "2021-02-01T19:47:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to the transgender policy proposal", "text": "i am strongly opposed to the transgender policies being proposed. Policy such as this have no place in our public school system and if implemented will open the door to a whole host of other problems"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92949", "author": "Jeffrey Combs", "date": "2021-02-01T19:47:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose", "text": "just because legislators want to pretend, that if a dude pretends to be a women, I am required to pretend with them. I’m sorry I can’t do that. This kind of legislation makes me also think all the legislators do is pretend and play games with their constituents lives"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92950", "author": "Nancy", "date": "2021-02-01T19:49:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "These guidelines are ridiculous. Students do not have the maturity to handle possible abuses. Privacy is very important in middle school and high school. Gone are the days when all parents taught their children to be respectful of others.  Unfortunately parents very often support their children no matter how extreme their ‘rule’ violations may be.  I am very much opposed to subjecting preteens and teenagers to not only having to deal with the possible bad behavior of bullies or other abusive peers but to also have another level of temptations of their own. Bathrooms and locker rooms need to be gender specific and dress codes do need to apply differently based on gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92951", "author": "Linda Fettes", "date": "2021-02-01T19:49:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "I can't believe this proposal!! We are going down the wrong path with these policies.  Parents have ultimate rights to determine what their children are being asked to accept in the shared bathroom, etc. At school.  Not to be notified when a child is confronted is overstepping a boundary.  Please register and take seriously this objection!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92952", "author": "Debbie", "date": "2021-02-01T19:49:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "I am strongly against the transgender policy that will negatively affect K-12 children in Virginia Schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92953", "author": "Lynn Redford", "date": "2021-02-01T19:50:00", "title": "Funding of Gender Promotion", "text": "Government  officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all tax payer funded schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92954", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T19:51:00", "title": "Transgender is not LGB", "text": "Transgender is not LGB. It is a mental dysphoria as accepted by the medical professionals. If you think it is LGB, then you also think being gay, lesbian or bisexual is a mental disorder. It is not. Transgender women are heterosexual men, often with a fetish, still with their biological male genitalia, who are preying on women and girls in their spaces. They are NOT SLEEPING WITH GAY MEN. The are preying on lesbians and heterosexual women. STOP this absurd pandering to the LGB community by including transgender. If you have doubts, go ask Bruce Jenner if he is gay? Ask Blaire White? You are swimming in woke-world ignorance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92955", "author": "Whitney R.", "date": "2021-02-01T19:53:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender agenda", "text": "To whom it may concern, I have read through the documents in relation to transgender education in Virginia’s public schools. I am appalled that the wants of the (very) few outweighs the needs of the many to be safe in the one place they spend the majority of their waking hours - school. The proposed policies open the door for more harm than good. I urge you to reconsider these proposals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92956", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T19:53:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "You people are nuts. You're either a male or a female, no in between. You're trying to change thousands of people's way of life and impose penalty towards them if they don't go along with it because a few can't decide what gender they wanna be from day to day. Y'all got some serious for brains and need to be stopped."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92957", "author": "Kristen", "date": "2021-02-01T19:53:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender policy", "text": "I want to write you to strongly encourage you to oppose any transgender policies in our schools. It is God who determines a person's gender, NOT the government. They can have \"equal rights\" without access to public bathrooms and locker rooms. This will cause another huge surge in the homeschool movement as many parents will not stand for this immorality. It is also not fair to allow boys to participate as girls on sports teams. Talk about pushing women's rights back 100 years! That is completely unfair to every female athlete. Please do what is right and the majority of Virginia residents want-NOT the vocal few."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92958", "author": "Suzanne a concerned citizen", "date": "2021-02-01T19:53:00", "title": "Opposed to the proposed model policies for the treatment of transgender students- HB 145 and SB 161", "text": "While I agree that all students should be made to feel welcome and accepted, my main concern with this draft model policy is that it leaves parents out of the informational loop at every level.   The proposal indicates parents will not be informed if a student has expressed to school officials the desire to be the opposite gender or use the opposite gender bathroom.    The proposal indicates parents won't be notified if a biological male uses the same changing facility as their daughter and vice versa.  What about the privacy and safety of the nontransgender child?  The fact that disciplinary action will be taken if a student or teacher does not use the child's desired pronoun.  Where does that leave the parent who has no idea this has happened?  These bills may support the transgender child's rights, but it completely ignores all other students' and parents rights.   I ask you not to implement or enforce the proposed Model Policies for the treatment of Transgender students. Instead, I ask that you write a fair and equitable policy that includes all students and their parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92959", "author": "Amber", "date": "2021-02-01T19:56:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "These protections and policy are essential to protect transgender youth in our schools. This is suicide prevention! I am proud of this proposal and strongly support the policy as is! Protect our trans youth in Virginia!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92960", "author": "Jane", "date": "2021-02-01T19:59:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I want to write you to strongly encourage you to oppose any transgender policies in our schools. It is God who determines a person's gender, NOT the government. They can have \"equal rights\" without access to public bathrooms and locker rooms. This will cause another huge surge in the homeschool movement as many parents will not stand for this immorality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92961", "author": "Becky", "date": "2021-02-01T20:01:00", "title": "Opposed to the proposed Transgender model policies", "text": "This proposed legislation usurps the role of the parent and forces ideology inconsistent with many families onto students.  That is the main issue with this legislation at its core. My child is in school to be educated in the basic core subjects to prepare them for college and the workplace and not to be subjected to the cultural social issues du jour. In addition, as a parent of a teenage daughter, it is NOT appropriate to allow a biological male in the locker room or bathroom with her.  There are other accommodations that can made for the minority of students who need them.  We should not be asking for the majority of students to make uncomfortable accommodations just because it's the current social fad to cater to the vocal minority. Lastly, if what my student or a teacher believes that biological gender is the only truth and speaks to that truth by using the appropriate pronouns, penalizing them is an infringement on their first amendment rights of religion and/or of speech. This type of legislation seeks to stuff liberal ideology down the throats of those with differing opinions under the guise of \"inclusivity.\"  This legislation should NOT pass."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92962", "author": "Lynn Dommel", "date": "2021-02-01T20:04:00", "title": "Opposed to VDOE Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I strongly oppose the Virginia Department of Education Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. I think this is significant over reach by the department of education"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92963", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T20:04:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As a parent I feel very uncomfortable with my child going to the bathroom with anything other then their gender. This is just opening thing!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92964", "author": "Ellen", "date": "2021-02-01T20:07:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "STRONGLY  OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92965", "author": "Gail Esterman", "date": "2021-02-01T20:07:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Children who are vulnerable need adults ready to understand and advocate on their behalf, in schools, in the community, and in through the legal system. Denying the variety of human experience leads to shame, exclusion, and harm.  This is an opportunity to protect and shield young people from the negative and violent impulses of bullies and fear mongers.  We are all stronger when we act on the side of justice and equity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92966", "author": "Michael", "date": "2021-02-01T20:08:00", "title": "Strongly oppose promotion of transgender education and liberal sexual lifestyle", "text": "Strongly oppose promotion of transgender education and liberal sexual lifestyle"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92967", "author": "Amy", "date": "2021-02-01T20:09:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "As a parent of five boys, I strongly oppose the Transgender legislation policy being considered for Virginia schools.  Making broad policies related to our children's sexuality is NOT the job of the schools or teachers.  Making broad policies for a fraction of the school's population is ridiculous.  You cannot in good conscience believe that there won't be severe complications with boys and girls sharing bathrooms and locker rooms or having girls allowed to go topless if boys can????????  What are you monsters even thinking?  Our children are there to learn but ....  we all know how the schools have abandoned that after the last year we've had of only offering TWO days a week for these poor children.  I cannot express my disgust with the VA schools in one comment.  If you pass this legislation I'll be forced to homeschool my children and raise them in a Godly home that teaches REAL history and REAL life skills.  The government school system has become a tick sucking the life blood out of our children and making them unable to function in society as adults."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92968", "author": "Zack", "date": "2021-02-01T20:09:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Oppose! I can not believe the amount of people supporting this, even “Christian” people. You are either born as a male or a female.  You are about to cause a lot of issues for children and the parents of such children.  This is ridiculous"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92969", "author": "EMS", "date": "2021-02-01T20:10:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92970", "author": "Gemma Roberts", "date": "2021-02-01T20:10:00", "title": "Support and protect trans kids", "text": "Everyone deserves to feel safe and happy, transgender people are no exception. This community is already very vulnerable, Anything that can be done to support trans people, the youth in particular, has my full support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92971", "author": "Concerned", "date": "2021-02-01T20:12:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "i strongly oppose this bill for several reasons. I am the parent and MY children are my responsibility not a teacher’s or a counselor’s or principal that I am not able to choose to begin with.  I am not interested in their personal political view points or their idea of what is best for my child.  I think it is negligent and irresponsible on the part of the school to do things behind the parents back or against their wishes.  Their pay comes from the parents taxes not the child and I have never relinquished my duties or responsibility to a school employee or some politician. I do not approve of biological boys using girls bathrooms or vice versa.  Add a 3rd bathroom.  Bullying isn’t under control why add another component to it. At what point are you going to stop taking a woman’s right to privacy way!  At what point will you actually protect all children not just do knee jerk reactions to new situations  I think time would be better served by getting sex addicts and molesters out of the school system instead of giving them another Avenue to hurt children I pray for all children and their safety"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92972", "author": "Jenn", "date": "2021-02-01T20:13:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!!!!!", "text": "I think this is ridiculous and against parental rights. This only harms children and goes against what many people stand for. I do not want my daughter's in a bathroom with boys!!!! I do not feel this is right at all! Bathrooms should be kept the way they are. I see lots of sexual assults happening and a lot of people just not wanting their children to be in public's schools if this happens!! Your taking people rights away just to cater to one group. If anything have a gender neutral bathroom which is one stalled and anyone can use it. But to make it mandatory and to say it's abuse for parents to raise their children the way they choose is ridiculous!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92973", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T20:14:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSED"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92974", "author": "A parent", "date": "2021-02-01T20:14:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "Strongly oppose the model policies.  There has to be a better way to address this.  The model, as written, is grossly unfair to students who identify with their assigned gender and puts girls, in particular, in a more vulnerable position."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92975", "author": "Joe The Citizen", "date": "2021-02-01T20:15:00", "title": "Stop the insanity", "text": "i strongly oppose this bill for several reasons. I am the parent and MY children are my responsibility not a teacher’s or a counselor’s or principal that I am not able to choose to begin with.  I am not interested in their personal political view points or their idea of what is best for my child.  I think it is negligent and irresponsible on the part of the school to do things behind the parents back or against their wishes.  Their pay comes from the parents taxes not the child and I have never relinquished my duties or responsibility to a school employee or some politician. I do not approve of biological boys using girls bathrooms or vice versa.  Add a 3rd bathroom.  Bullying isn’t under control why add another component to it. At what point are you going to stop taking a woman’s right to privacy way!  At what point will you actually protect all children not just do knee jerk reactions to new situations  I think time would be better served by getting sex addicts and molesters out of the school system instead of giving them another Avenue to hurt children I pray for all children and their safety"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92976", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-01T20:18:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed to the transgender policy!!!", "text": "I am absolutely opposed to this transgender policy!!! Considering moving!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92977", "author": "Ellen", "date": "2021-02-01T20:20:00", "title": "oppose-as grandparent", "text": "as grandparent ---am concerned for the future of my grandchildren,life is tough enough for kids now without being subjected to these policies being added to the schools--and if this is not way of life for them then they should not have to endure this at school. It is a matter for families to handle --not the school"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92978", "author": "Virginia", "date": "2021-02-01T20:22:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance! Respect the dignity of every student."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92979", "author": "Dino Iganelli", "date": "2021-02-01T20:22:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Promoting Transexuality in School", "text": "It is a fact that boys cannot 'become' girls and girls cannot 'become' boys.  Gender is defined at the genetic, not cosmetic level. Promoting the alphabet soup of gender identity and expression, especially to impressionable school children, is akin to child abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92980", "author": "Eugene Brodetski", "date": "2021-02-01T20:23:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Stop social engineering."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92981", "author": "Ashley", "date": "2021-02-01T20:23:00", "title": "Very concerned and strongly opposed!!", "text": "I am 100% against this!! I am a mom to 2 young kids and this is very concerning to read about our school systems! I am 100% all for equality for all no matter how you see yourself-straight/bi/transgender/etc....and for fair treatment for everyone but this has gone to far!! HAS OUR SCHOOLS LOST THEIR MINDS!!! These issues should be discussed and handled at home with their parents... not in schools with teachers. Schools are for learning and teaching... not trying to convince our kids to become someone their not... especially behind their parents backs!!! The idea of having boys and girls changing together.. no matter the age... is very concerning and wrong!! And to top it off.... stating that its completely ok for girls to go topless during certain activities!!! Are y'all insane!!! Look at how many sexual predators are out they and that's just putting our daughters at even a higher risk. Not to mention how many pictures could be taken by these disgusting people of our daughters!! COME ON PEOPLE..... THIS IS SUCH A DISGRACE!! I have lost all faith in our school systems and that they are safe for our children anymore. If this passes and becomes rules.... my childern will not be a part of it!! They will be pulled from the schools and taught another way!! Thanks for failing our children. This world right now needs PRAYERS AND SO MANY OF THEM!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92982", "author": "K. Harris", "date": "2021-02-01T20:26:00", "title": "Anti-science, anti-logic", "text": "I will not subject my children to this indoctrination of anti-science, anti-logic, “inclusive” yet exclusive mentality. Stop wasting our time with proposals that hurt our student body and are using our students are experiments to lead in a progressive, intolerant movement."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92983", "author": "Chesterfield Resident", "date": "2021-02-01T20:26:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Indoctrinating our children in sexual behaviors in school, ESPECIALLY K-9, is sickening.  These are CHILDREN.  Let them be CHILDREN.  Male and Female CHILDREN.  Please ... for the sake of the CHILDREN."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92984", "author": "Thoughtful Supporter", "date": "2021-02-01T20:31:00", "title": "I Support!", "text": "I support treating transgendered students with all of the respect and humanity with which we should treat all students, so we can ensure they feel safe and supported at school.  And the dress code is excellent for all students. But I do think some commenters raised legitimate points: 1. bathrooms - it seems likely that transgendered students will get bullied in bathrooms, suggest providing unisex small bathrooms and changing areas for any student who wants to use them. 2. Assigned males at birth competing athletically against assigned females - I don't know the answer to this issue, but it clearly requires considered analysis to ensure fair outcomes for all athletes regardless of their assigned genders."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92985", "author": "Concerned DCJS", "date": "2021-02-01T20:32:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this insanity", "text": "I fully support peoples choice of sexual orientation but these policies jeopardize the safety of every student. If these are implemented as a current dcjs holder i will have no choice but to chaperone my daughter throughout the school to ensure she isn’t the victim of the countless sexual assaults that are bound to happen."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92986", "author": "Deborah Lemons", "date": "2021-02-01T20:32:00", "title": "strongly, adamantly oppose", "text": "I am extremely and adamantly opposed to such policies for our school and for our children.    This is an abomination and insult to God's design, plan, purpose and instruction for his human creation.   Neither sex nor gender (whatever title you choose) are fluid; it is a biological, scientific and spiritual fact that there are only two, created to support, compliment each other and procreate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92987", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T20:34:00", "title": "Get out of our kid's bathrooms!", "text": "You have no business at all telling our kids that they have to tolerate the opposite sex in their bathrooms, locker rooms, anywhere that is traditionally restricted to one sex.  Take your sick social experimentation elsewhere.  What is it with you leftist that you suddenly think you know better than human nature and all natural history?  People with gender identity issues need professional help, not accommodation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92988", "author": "Grandparent", "date": "2021-02-01T20:34:00", "title": "Save the kids", "text": "Please don’t do this to Virginia’s children. The principles in this proposition are ridiculous . We are basically conservative in this area. This would be brain washing indoctrination. We don’t want this for our children. It is forcing the beliefs of a very few on the masses. Leftist, liberal hogwash. You would be forcing good teachers to make a decision to leave teaching in public school or go against their own beliefs. This matter is best left to the parents. I don’t want boys or male teachers in the same  bathroom with my granddaughter. And girls able to go shirtless?  The “education” they are getting now is bad enough without adding this insanity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92989", "author": "Candy", "date": "2021-02-01T20:36:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "This is not what needs to be discussed at school.  Children need to learn to read write use math and etc.  We are focusing on everything but learning.  Bathrooms should be for the same sex.  This is creating a whole new problem if we are going to allow the opposite sex share a bathroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92990", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T20:36:00", "title": "Oppose this policy in its present form", "text": "As many have said in this forum, this proposed policy needs a lot of revisions.  In its present form, I would oppose this policy.  Provided below are the concerns and areas of proposed revision and consideration keyed to proposed policy section and page number. Acknowledgments, Page 3: While I appreciate the extent to which representation for the transgender population has been invited to provide input below, this acknowledgements page does not note participation by ANY organizations or individuals who may hold contrary views to those listed below who would also be qualified to provide input able to insure the generation of an equitable policy and subsequent application for ALL students, which would more fully achieve the objectives of SB 161 and HB 145 to foster environments of non-discrimination/ harrassment-free, as well as a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, including LGBTQ+ students. Such policies should not be generated in isolation from the larger community. If other groups were involved in the development of this policy, then their contributions should be acknowledged here also so that future readers may have the benefit of knowing who contributed to the policy’s formulation. Were the June 2020 advisory committee members identified in the acknowledgments section or was broader participation made than what was documented there? Enumeration of the stakeholders should be made explicitly for the benefit of future readers, for increased transparency and future development evolving from this policy. Terminology, Page 6: Please offer an example where gender expression is not related to a person’s gender identity when the choice of the individual expressing his/her/their gender. How an individual chooses to express themselves is a reflection of their identity. Please enumerate criteria for the establishment of such an expression when, according to this policy, gender fluidity is a permitted gender identity. Guiding Principle, Page 8: Is such a declarative statement regarding gender identity by a five to six year old binding and legally actionable?  Given the range of ages and maturity levels between five to eighteen years of age, seems the elements of this policy are too broadly applied without consideration of student maturity and long-lasting consequences in the interests of the student, for which the parents/guardians are responsible.  Also, how does this policy seek to balance the rights of LGBTQ+/non-binary individuals with the rights of cisgender, binary, heterosexual students so as to minimize social stigmatization for them also in the same manner as enumerated in this section? THROUGHOUT, specifically on pages 10 and 12: “Persistent” and “intentional” need to be defined as they pertain to the standards this policy seeks to establish. Given the potential gender fluidity due to identity, maturity, environment, etc. in conjunction with the developmental phase for persons under the age of 18, makes the perception of persistent and intentional behaviors subjective, and therefore, present the possibility of subjective and potentially capricious harassment accusations against individuals who are ignorant of the student’s preferred gender identity or otherwise limited from using preferred names and pronouns (e.g. teaching foreign languages which only possess binary pronouns for an individual that identifies as non-binary, addressing a cisgender, binary, heterosexual student's comments about a transgender student in order resolve and address both students' concerns, etc.) Student Privacy/Confidentiality, Page 11: How does this process work in an age of social media, where students are still LEARNING to communicate and convey ideas responsibly in social media platforms, which may concurrently be available to broader student, staff, and adult populations within the school’s community?  This policy doesn't even touch on the changing maturity levels of the student populations applicable under this policy. Student Privacy, Page 12: Who are the parties responsible for determining unsupportive families to the transgender students? What are the legal criteria by which families are deemed to be unsupportive? By what authority/authorities are these parties given the right to come between a student and his/her/hirs/their family? What forms of “family support” would qualify as warranting external action if a parent determined such support should be temporarily or permanently taken away from the student? Obviously losing housing should necessitate appropriate authorities, such as the Virginia Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services, intervening for the sake of the student; however, if this is the guiding premise for the policy actions school districts are to foster or build from, some of these areas of intervention need to be enumerated explicitly. Parents should have the primary perview to raise their children, with schools supporting parents in that mission. There needs to be a goal to work with the student to safely share their status with their family. We are doing our student population and families a disservice, if schools facilitate hiding students from their own families. Recommend clarifying this standard applies to notification of other students and other students’ parents, but does not apply to the transgender student’s parents. Student Identification, Page 12-13:  See comment on persistent and intentional. For the sake of those considering or presently employed with the school district, the paragraph needs to be clearer and space needs to be allowed for students, staff, and parents to ask questions and engage students evaluating their gender identity. \"Schools also should be prepared for genuinely innocent confusion or uncertainty that may come up from school staff and students.\" is the ONLY sentence in this entire policy which allows any accommodation for staff or students to engage in a PROCESS that could allow a student to evaluate their gender identify in a healthy manner. Recommend a formal process by which the student and/or parent may document the request to be addressed by an asserted name and/or pronoun. This gender status decision must be formal to provide transparency to all involved parties to be on notice and signify student/parent commitment to the stated gender identity. Additional substantiating documentation need not be required; however, documentation with local school districts should be readily available by both location and language for both students and families to indicate their preferred gender expression as a matter of record.  The school divisions' efforts to protect student privacy should not include privacy from said student's parents/guardians. Access to Activities and Facilities, Page 16: The notification guidance for parents is insufficient. Notification to parents of the policy application’s to overnight trips should be made for each and every individual overnight field trip. Additionally, ALL students’ expectations of privacy interests should be respected, not solely those of the student population explicitly identified by this policy. This policy, as written, does not allow for safety protections for students from individuals wishing to abuse this policy in order to harm students. Also parents or students who oppose this aspect of the policy are negatively impacted, if the student/parent chooses to withdraw from the overnight activity or overall program due to the administration or misadministration of this clause of the policy. Professional Development and Training, Pages 18-19: All of these components operate with the premise that a student’s LGBTQ+ status is permanent, fixed, and not open for discussion or engagement of alternative lifestyle statuses. While such a status may be true of adults, such is not equally applicable to those under 18, who are still under the guardianship of parents and/or appointed guardians and should be in a stage of life development that allows for exploration of views and perspectives. An LGBTQ+ status may be affirmed without completely excluding Cisgender and/or heterosexual components of professional development. The absence of such from this list of components indicates that solely LGBTQ+ culture is to be affirmed, which is not only untrue, it is also discriminatory against other Constitutionally protected religious and personal convictions.  Also what constitutes, \"an appropriate community member\"?  This clause seems like an opportunity to discriminate supportive, but challenging alternative viewpoints."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92991", "author": "Virginia Beach Resident", "date": "2021-02-01T20:37:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!  Not your place.", "text": "This is not inclusion, it is indoctrination.  It is also not the school’s place to override parents. Outrageous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92992", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-01T20:37:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Child protective services called on parents? Ridiculous!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92993", "author": "Sue", "date": "2021-02-01T20:38:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Please doNOT involve our children in discussions on gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92994", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T20:38:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Government does not hold the authority to dictate the biological sexuality of children. They do not have the standing to educate children on sexuality and transgenderism and to force this on children. It is not government’s nor the school’s responsibility to educate children and adults on sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92995", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-01T20:39:00", "title": "We're Failing our Young People", "text": "It is so disappointing to see that Virginia is following the political trend to introduce these harmful policies that prey on young people who are insecure and still maturing physically and emotionally.  We are failing our young people by encouraging increasing numbers of troubled teens to make these life-altering choices when  this biological issue truly affects a very small number of people.  We are also failing our young women by failing to protect their privacy in restrooms and changing areas and their ability to play sports again their biological peers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92996", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T20:40:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose...Your body parts you were born with tells you what sex you are!", "text": "Strongly Oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92997", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T20:41:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "God created man and woman, nothing else! Stop imposing anti-Christian beliefs on our children! It is tyrannical, diabolical, and wrong on all levels!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92998", "author": "Marquita", "date": "2021-02-01T20:41:00", "title": "This is RIDICULOUS! Strongly opposed", "text": "Are we going to ignore SCIENCE, which tells us what gender we are regardless of how we feel?!? Not only are you putting children in danger, you are destroying the fabric of society by introducing TERRIBLE confusion! This is absolutely ridiculous! Do women now need to worry about prostate cancer and men ovarian cancer?? Do we need a refresher that men need more base calories than women? That their metabolic needs are FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT?? As well as bone structure, muscle mass, hormonal differences, etc.?? Why in the world would you introduce teaching that just throws EVIDENCE out the window and puts people in legal jeopardy who accidentally offend someone by saying ‘he’ when on Tuesday it was ‘she’? This is discrimination at the highest level! As a black woman, it’s not right that anyone on any day can just claim this or change that. You’re not helping minorities and under privileged populations—you’re dissolving them and making it even harder to break the cycle of poverty. Women and people of color will no longer have protected status and have the opportunity to achieve equal pay or recognition. A male who can’t cut it in his own field can then claim to be a woman and take spots that belong to others who are actually female! We’re already behind the power curve and trying to change the cultural thinking about women and their role in society, and now a man can just step in, with all his privilege, background, and opportunities I didn’t have access to and take my spot because today he feels like a she?!? Really??"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92999", "author": "John McCullough", "date": "2021-02-01T20:43:00", "title": "Strongly oppose anti-science transgender agenda", "text": "Strongly oppose this effort. Science is science. There are only two genders... male and female. Calling oneself a female when a biological male is pretend. Getting sex change surgery does not change chromosomes. I do feel for people who have gender confusion. We should not be unkind. We should help them in the way we help all of those afflicted with addiction or mental illness. However, allowing boys to go into girls bathrooms or lockerooms (and vice versa) is wrong and minimizes the privacy of male and female children. If a transgender person wants to be called a certain name, that is up to them... until you try to indoctrinate our children with anti-science nonsense and forcing them to state that a girl can be a boy or vice versa. Again, we need to be kind but the truth matters and I will not allow our children to be told otherwise to suit a political agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93000", "author": "Mother of 2", "date": "2021-02-01T20:44:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose of the policies vdoe is trying to approve."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93001", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T20:45:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "As a mom whose 8 year son’s friend is gender non-conforming, I fully support equitable education for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93002", "author": "Lawrence D Chico", "date": "2021-02-01T20:49:00", "title": "I am absolutely opposed.", "text": "I oppose each one of these policies believing that they will result in dangerous and harmful outcomes for all who practice them.  These policies are an attempt to make personal identity a psychological choice when personal identity is a biological fact.  And though an individual can \"claim\" to identify as something he/she is not, he/she cannot change who they, in fact, are.  Gender is a God given gift, and no one can change who he/she has been created to be.  Any attempt to do so by man will only result in confusion, pain, sorrow, and diminished human flourishing because it is a direct act of rebellion against the sovereign, almighty God who is the creator and sustainer of all things."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93004", "author": "Shannon", "date": "2021-02-01T20:50:00", "title": "This is not the answer to children struggling with gender identity", "text": "This bill is not the answer to children struggling with gender identity.  While I believe these children should be shown compassion and love, promoting or pushing children towards embracing a different gender than their biology can have far reaching impact on their future mental and physical health.  For these and basic parenting rights, any bill that would promote removing parental involvement in such far-reaching decisions pertaining to their children should be opposed.  As a citizen of Virginia and a practicing nurse in this great state, I oppose this particular bill.  Thank you to all who work and serve those of us living in this beautiful state!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93003", "author": "William Wegert", "date": "2021-02-01T20:50:00", "title": "Science & Aesop both have something to say about this issue", "text": "In case Virginia's highest education officials have not been paying attention to current research, we now have incontrovertible and irrefutable scientific evidence that Darwinism and New-Darwinism utterly fail to explain the specified complexity of biological life.  Turns out that life is extremely much more complex than Darwin could have imagined in 1859.  Peer reviewed scientific literature speaks of the failure of Darwin to explain digital code found in DNA.  A word (the human genome) made up of 6 billion letters (nucleotides) simply does not arise by random mutations.  Of course, the popular press keeps the primary axiom alive because so much of our progressive social theory depends on Darwinism being true, that is, that we are highly evolved animals determining our own fate and making our own rules as we advance as a civilization.  Now that the lie has been put to Darwin's theory, we are left with few choices.  However, as painful as it might be for liberals to accept, intelligent design bubbles to the top as the most viable answer.   And, if that is the case, it behooves leaders to ask how we have been designed (hint:  as Male and Female) and to align social policy with that intelligence, an intelligence that far exceeds that of any one of us, including our elite social planners.  If we want students to find lasting fulfillment and inner peace, encourage them to consider the beauty of their design.  If we want to be politically correct, come up with a bunch of trendy new terms for gender classifications and then find bathrooms and locker rooms to accommodate each of them.  Wise Aesop had something to say about such foolishness way back in 600 BC, but maybe ancient wisdom is no longer taught in government schools.   His fable is called \"The Man, the Boy, and the Donkey.\"   And I save you the time to look it up by telling you his conclusion:  \"Please all and you will please none.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93005", "author": "Anonymous concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-01T20:50:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is absolutely the most obsurd thing I have ever seen and heard. Girls should not be in locations designated for boys and vice versa. A strong compromise would be a gender neutral bathroom and locker rooms. Risking the safety of others is not acceptable for one group of people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93006", "author": "Niki - parent", "date": "2021-02-01T20:55:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed!!!", "text": "I am very strongly opposed to the transgender guidelines for schools! They are NOT protecting a majority of students in the body of a school. Those who have faith based or conscience driven desires for modesty and privacy will be taken advantage of and abused- there is no outlet for their protection. If a student is not comfortable using either gender’s restrooms or locker rooms, they can/should be provided a separate facility to protect themselves against bullying, abuse, etc. What is being proposed is insanity, illogical, and will result is hurt and abuse to so very many more than it would help. It will strip the rights of children, parents, caretakers, teachers, faculty, etc. and will cause chaos, pain, and an incredible amount of injustice!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93007", "author": "Bramble Davidson", "date": "2021-02-01T20:56:00", "title": "Transgender stuff ridiculous", "text": "This self identity stuff has gone too far; its not hard to tell what sex a you are; God made male and female.  If I identify as a race car driver, that doesn't make me one - simple analogy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93008", "author": "Spencer", "date": "2021-02-01T21:00:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is a huge concern as a parent, with both a son and a daughter. Absolutely oppose this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93009", "author": "concerned citizen", "date": "2021-02-01T21:00:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "Save The Children from these satanic Pedophiles!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93010", "author": "Cathy", "date": "2021-02-01T21:02:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT", "text": "Which gender you are born with is permanent for life. Your bones do not lie. All discussion of the topic should be left to the parents, not the school systems or politicians. No agenda such as this should ever be forced on families and especially children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93011", "author": "Raghu", "date": "2021-02-01T21:03:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "Fully support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93012", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T21:04:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "In regards to page 12 of the policy, we are very upset about VDOE overextending their roles in giving power to school staff to manipulate a child's mind at any age. These policies are designed to help children hide aspects of their lives from their parents thus breaking down trust within the family. It is the parent's role and responsibility in their child's life to help walk them through life's challenges and decisions. VDOE has no right to take away the parent's involvement and dialogue in the well-being of their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93013", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T21:05:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Absolute madness"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93014", "author": "Laura Troxell", "date": "2021-02-01T21:07:00", "title": "Insane", "text": "What you are doing is insane. You are taking parental duties away from parents and you are putting our children and staff in a situation way they will be bullied and denied their rights! Stop this now"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93015", "author": "Freedom and Truth Lover!", "date": "2021-02-01T21:09:00", "title": "Biology Matters - There are only two sexes", "text": "We must not allow this to move forward! I support allowing someone to believe whatever they want 100%. Unfortunately facts matter. Biology matters! There are only two biological sexes. No matter how you attempt to redefine it there are still only two. Just because you believe something doesn't make it true. My words are not hateful, they are factual. What is hateful is forcing others to adhere to and perpetuate a lie. Again, freedom allows for anyone to believe and to live how they choose. Forcing others to believe what you believe is tyranny. The level of complexity being proposed is a nightmare for our teachers, school administration and students to navigate. Do not force our students, teachers and administration to follow these unrealistic expectations. Sincerely, Dan - a lover of freedom and truth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93016", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-01T21:10:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I do not agree."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93017", "author": "Joseph Forstall", "date": "2021-02-01T21:11:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT and if you care about the kids you would too", "text": "We must love and support the kids of Virginia. That means all kids. Failing to make this law hurts one of the most vulnerable groups of people. Trans and non binary kids need our support. We cant let hate win this one."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93018", "author": "Cheryl Boyd", "date": "2021-02-01T21:12:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE any changes or allowances that embrace transgenderism in public schools!!!", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE any changes or allowances to education or policies that embrace transgenderism in public schools!!! No child, especially elementary age, should be forced to learn about transgenderism by anyone. Public schools should not be considering policies or practices that suggests or even encourages the possibility that a child could identify something other than their biological gender. If a concern is raised, it should be private and very rare, addressed by the parents and doctors of the individual child. Likewise, school teachers should not be overriding and hiding any student issues, educational or otherwise, for any reason!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93019", "author": "Vince Ashley", "date": "2021-02-01T21:12:00", "title": "We Strongly Disagree", "text": "As a native Virginian I am deeply disturbed the VDOE has become involved in social experimentation. Its not the job of unelected bureaucrats to celebrate and normalize this type of behavior in our public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93020", "author": "Becky Bruning", "date": "2021-02-01T21:12:00", "title": "Strongly and vehemently OPPOSED", "text": "It is outrageous to waste energy, funding, time on a plan to address this when such a small percentage of teens have gender identity issues. The proposal states that all students should be free of harassment well what about the damage that will be done when a pervert decides to use the female restroom and my daughter is in there. What about my daughter’s wellbeing? being a teen can be a confusing time and what kids need is HELP when they’re questioning who and what God created them to be. This proposal is ENABLING the confusion amongst these youngsters. As someone else commented, we are endangering our youth. Your physical genitalia should determine the restroom you use. Period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93021", "author": "T J Wear", "date": "2021-02-01T21:13:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender Policy", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the adoption of this policy.  It will ruin the life of any transgender person it touches. Well thought out psych counseling is the better way to go.   There is no scientific basis for the approach being promoted here, as the purported studies being offered in its support and have been withdrawn, as they were severely flawed.   T J Wear"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93022", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T21:13:00", "title": "INSANE!!", "text": "This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard, this is not American. I understand you have children that needs to find their identity but you don’t do it in the school system. This is looking at a huge law suit.. Theses people have to be out of there mind and something seriously wrong with them to pass this. Just crazy!! what is our country coming too?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93023", "author": "Charles Perkins", "date": "2021-02-01T21:16:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose and yes, wake up and follow the true science, not junk science", "text": "All our children should be protected.  By passing these types of policies we are in effect, canceling the protections to be afforded to those who are not struggling with their gender at birth.  Those who are being convinced and pressured to become Transgender or Non-binary, are in fact being abused by those who encourage such behavioral and physical changes.  At what point will they be held accountable for such actions?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93024", "author": "Megan", "date": "2021-02-01T21:17:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "This policy violates parental rights. In no situation should secrets be kept between school personnel and children. Do not pass this bill!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93025", "author": "Hannah", "date": "2021-02-01T21:21:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Agenda", "text": "My husband and myself strongly oppose the transgender agenda proposed to the Virginia public school system. We have two children, one entering kindergarten in the fall, and will not send them to public school if any part of this proposal passes. Please hear the cries of Virginia parents and do NOT approve this agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93026", "author": "Tracy", "date": "2021-02-01T21:21:00", "title": "Suppot", "text": "All kids need love and acceptance as they grow into their most authentic selves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93027", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T21:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As one of Virginia's public school teachers, these guidelines are appalling and dangerous. To be required to keep vital information about their child's behavior at school a secret from parents - the ones who deserve this knowledge most - is absolutely wrong. Encouraging and approving of keeping these secrets from parents conveys a horrible practice for the student to carry on through their lives and lead into more and more self-destructive behaviors. As a Virginia born citizen, I'm appalled at this dangerous document of guidelines, all of them, for our children and our families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93028", "author": "Tracy", "date": "2021-02-01T21:24:00", "title": "Support!!", "text": "All kids need love and acceptance as they grow into their most authentic selves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93029", "author": "Karen Seay", "date": "2021-02-01T21:24:00", "title": "Virginia Transgender School Policy", "text": "As a grandmother, I am appalled at the proposed Virginia transgender policy for our children.  It is our responsibility to protect not only the bodies, but the innocence of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93030", "author": "Anonymous (because I fear harassment from the LGBTQ+ people)", "date": "2021-02-01T21:26:00", "title": "Oppose: Violates 1st, 5th &14th Amendment; violates settled law regarding parental rights", "text": "I would like to second the comments made by Paula Ryan of the the Family Foundation.  I've added my own clarifications using [brackets]: If passed in its current form, VDOE policies would allow any student, while at school, to act as a member of the opposite sex – including name change, pronouns, and the use of opposite sex bathrooms and locker rooms – without the knowledge of and permission of the student’s parents. Additionally, under these guidelines, schools will also be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate, and make decisions about his or her sexual identity while at school without the permission of the child’s parents.[This violates settled law regarding parental rights.] Additional policies proposed by the VDOE include: 1.      Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. 2.      The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent students from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. 3.      Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. 4.      Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. 5.      All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. 6.      Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, nor will parents have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” [This is a clear violation of due process clause of the 5th amendment.] **Please note: All of the above proposed policies are permitted without the permission of the children’s parents. Wait a minute, aren’t parents responsible for the upbringing of their children? Yes, when it comes to raising children, parents are ultimately responsible for their children’s care and well-being. Additionally, most Americans believe that parents should have the primary responsibility of raising and educating their children and that the government should not interfere with this right except in cases of abuse and neglect. Parents assume a variety of responsibilities including providing for the child’s basic needs, ensuring the child is educated, and protecting the child from harm. This isn’t just my opinion, either. The law in Virginia clearly affirms these principles in § 1-240.1 where it clearly states that, “A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.” Furthermore, in 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the rights of parents in Troxel v. Granville when it noted that “the liberty interest….of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by the Court.” The Supreme Court also affirmed the natural duty of parents in Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925) when it overturned an Oregon law that prohibited parents from sending their children to private schools. The Court asserted that that the Oregon laws violated the fundamental rights of parents to direct their children’s education noting that, “The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” There are also legal and financial responsibilities that go along with raising children. In particular, as with most states, parents in Virginia can be held legally and financially responsible for the actions of their children. For example, if a parent or guardian fails to take reasonable steps to supervise their minor children, and one of the minor children causes harm to another person or to someone’s real or personal property, then the child’s parent can be held legally and financially responsible for the actions of that child. These are called parental responsibility laws, and they have been part of our legal system for over a century. It is abundantly clear that the Commonwealth of Virginia is guilty of actively seeking to undermine parental authority by implementing rules that lie in direct contrast to the legal responsibilities of parents as recognized by the Virginia Code and the U.S. Supreme Court. What about the rights of the students who are not “transgender”? I think we can all agree on one thing – no child should be bullied for any reason. However, this doesn’t mean that kids claiming to be (or being told by adults that they are) “transgender” should be allowed to force other children to accept environments that make them feel uncomfortable, conflicted, or violated. For instance, the notion that all students must be permitted to use the bathroom of the opposite gender if they simply  “identify” as such because using the other bathroom would make them feel uncomfortable ignores the fact that this will likely cause many other students to feel equally, if not more, uneasy. [This is the correct way to interpret the 14th amendment.  The narrowly construed and twisted \"understanding\" used in the proposed VDOE policy includes holdover language from the Obama administration that was never proposed or debated in Congress and has not been subject to judicial review.] If the idea behind the new “transgender” policies in Virginia’s schools truly is to promote equality, then doesn’t every student deserve the same right of feeling safe and secure in school? If we can agree that the answer to this question is “YES,” then we must also acknowledge that the goal of the VDOE fails to recognize that every single student deserves fair and equal treatment especially given the fact that the number of students who accept their biological sex far exceeds those who do not.  [In fact, the VDOE has not provided this very important piece of information: How many children who identify as transgender (or their parents/legal guardians) have filed a formal complaint of harassment based on activities at or connected with school?] The proposed policies also provide no exceptions or accommodations for a student whose religious faith or conscience prevents him or her from adhering to the transgender ideology or policies. Indeed, these policies promote and accommodate the extraordinary faith claims of “transgenderism” over those who faith-based beliefs that God created mankind as either male or female and that gender is fixed from the moment of conception and cannot be changed regardless of an individual’s feelings or desires (and for which science empirically validates). At a minimum, religious exemptions and conscience protections should be afforded to those who are substantially burdened by the VDOE policy to ensure that the fundamental right of parents to raise their children in the manner of their choosing is respected and protected. But children should never be put in the position to have to raise those rights and objections to begin with. VDOE failure to address religious liberty in the proposed policy clearly violate the 1st amendment. The bottom line: [VDOE cannot make policy that blatantly violates the 1st, 5th, 14th amendments and settled law regarding parental rights.] We know parental rights are not without limits. The state has a legitimate right to step in when abuse or neglect as generally understood are reasonably suspected. Additionally, the Commonwealth of Virginia already has the authority to set reasonable educational requirements to ensure that ALL students are treated respectfully while at school [- additional rules like this one are not required.] Parental authority should never be superseded by the State without substantial cause, and public schools have a high duty to respect parents’ fundamental rights and authority over their children. These so-called “Model Transgender Guidelines” fail [to recognize existing laws/statutes which already cover the issue at hand.  Additionally the proposed policy fails to adequately scope the problem, provide cost/benefits, identify resources required, emphasize settled law regarding parental rights and constitutional authorities that protect all student not just a very few.]"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93031", "author": "Annonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T21:26:00", "title": "I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS POLICY", "text": "This policy is not only detrimental to children and their emotional health, it is DEVISIVE between children and parents to the core."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93032", "author": "Mark Keller", "date": "2021-02-01T21:27:00", "title": "Oppose - Free Americans will refuse to comply", "text": "It is audacious that this is even under consideration. Parents not only have the right, but the duty to raise their children within the framework of their value system.  No level of government has any business trying to insert themselves into that.  Shame on anyone who invites it.  This is so far over the line.  Disgusting. Shame on you for even having it up here."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93033", "author": "Taxpayer", "date": "2021-02-01T21:28:00", "title": "Vehemently oppose this perversion", "text": "this is sickening and you should be ashamed for this. Sexuality is discussed in the home. Government overreach via children’s sexuality is the beginning."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93034", "author": "Mom of 3", "date": "2021-02-01T21:28:00", "title": "Against this idea", "text": "Please focus on teaching our kids reading, math, writing,etc. Protect our kids, all while keeping communication open between the school and parents, NOT tearing families apart by keeping secrets."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93035", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-01T21:30:00", "title": "Oppose these policies", "text": "The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools are harmful to children and disrespectful of families. It is not the job of VDOE, or the schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia, to undermine families and basic biology with such policies. Children and youth are in a process of discovering what it means to be male or female. Those are the biological options. It is not the role of schools and teachers to assist children in declaring otherwise. Children cannot perceive the effects of a decision to change or follow another gender. It is a disservice for school personnel to be involved in these matters that are under the supervision of parents. Children are still part of a family. They are not the property of the state to be used in a political manner. At the very least, school personnel should follow the wishes of parents and not usurp their role."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93036", "author": "Josh", "date": "2021-02-01T21:30:00", "title": "Totally Opposed!!!", "text": "If this rediculousness is allowed on our public school system, the results will be devastating!  How does anyone see that boys and girls(the only two genders) using the same bathroom and locker room will not cause problems??  This blows mind that it's even under consideration!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92427", "author": "William Wegert", "date": "2021-01-31T09:17:00", "title": "\"Strongly Support\" comments are void of substance", "text": "The record in this town hall comment forum will reveal that the vast majority of \"Strong Support\" comments are devoid of any substance other than the person submitting supports the measures.  So what?  Is this 'majority rules?'  Are we voting on this?  The real questions are, \"What are the substantive issues at stake here?\"  We have lots of kids uncertain and confused about their identity, some rebelling against the gender 'assigned to them at birth.'  Given our increasingly amoral and anti-religious culture, our social-media driven world, and a raft of doctors more than willing to profit from gender changing technology, it's no surprise we have confusion.  The proposed measures will add to the confusion and further normalize behavior that has heretofore been considered aberrant.  How progressive our Department of Education leaders are!  Our founders had it right in their reference to \"the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.\"  But, of course, I don't expect the Declaration of Independence is being taught today in government schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92428", "author": "Mary Wilkinson", "date": "2021-01-31T09:17:00", "title": "Strongly Reject Transgender Student policy", "text": "I strongly reject this policy regarding so called Transgender Students because it is HARMFUL to children and undermines the rights of parents!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92429", "author": "Candice Johnson", "date": "2021-01-31T09:19:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92430", "author": "Mark Wilkinson", "date": "2021-01-31T09:20:00", "title": "Strongly Reject Transgender Policy", "text": "I reject the policy regarding Transgender ideology.  This is a mental illness and you are promoting something that is not normal.  The school system should stay out of this area and focus on academics."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92431", "author": "Donna Crider", "date": "2021-01-31T09:20:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92432", "author": "Rachel Garmon-Williams", "date": "2021-01-31T09:26:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this proposed policy guidance. Transgender individuals deserve the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  They deserve equal treatment and to learn in a safe environment.  Gender is a social construct and someone fully being themselves is not evil or harmful to others. On the other hand bigotry and discrimination are harmful to learning. How is it that our children understand basic empathy and as adults we lose that? Science again and again has shown us that gender goes way beyond male /femal but also what does it bother anyone if someone is fullibg living their identity and experience. The true harm is is in the bigots in our schools systems and the bigoted parents teaching their children to hate. They are perpetrating lies about transgender individuals without every knowing or wanting to know anything beyond their false ideas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92433", "author": "Donna Richardson", "date": "2021-01-31T09:32:00", "title": "STRONGLY oppose transgender policy", "text": "This policy is harmful to children.  Abuse, of course, should always be condemned. Virginia schools already have strong anti-bullying laws in place.  However, hiding a child's gender confusion from the ones who love them the most, their parents, in order to promote a political agenda is not protection.  Refusing to promote the scientific truth of biology and DNA and replacing that truth with a human-designed \"gender spectrum\" is not education, it is indoctrination of a human-designed religion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92434", "author": "Karen S", "date": "2021-01-31T09:44:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this model.  There is no doubt that a child who thinks they are the other sex needs help and therapy. Parents are the primary educators of their children and are legally under their protection. This concern is a personal concern and  should be worked out with the parents, child, and their choice of therapy. Schools should only assist/help with this only when parents ask them to be involved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92435", "author": "John Mairs", "date": "2021-01-31T09:51:00", "title": "OPPOSE THIS TRANSGENDER PROGRAM", "text": "This proposal, \"Model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia’s public schools\" should NOT be approved.  It is unnatural and removes the responsibility of imparting moral guidance to children from the parents.  It is not the role of the public schools to attack and denigrate the religious beliefs of the students.  It is the job of the public schools to teach subjects like math, physics, English and science."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92436", "author": "Jeanne Theis", "date": "2021-01-31T09:52:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. I strongly support treating all of our students with kindness, dignity, and respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92437", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T09:54:00", "title": "Opposed as Written - Needs More Work", "text": "Reading through the policy set forth is a step in the right direction but it still needs work.  I agree with the protections being placed for all students including LGBTQ and those with religious beliefs. I am opposed to allowing students to share locker rooms where privacy is not maintained, not like restrooms that have stalls in place, to whichever gender they identify themselves with.  What provisions are in place to ensure a student is making this choice because they truly do identify with the opposite gender if staff is not allowed to ask or know?  Will staff be made aware as to be able to allow the child access and what happens if a male or female decides to access the other sex locker rooms for teenage fun or mischief?  For those who don’t think tweens/teens would do such a thing should not be making policy in regards to youth. I do agree that sports should be excluded from this policy as though children with male genes should not be competing in female sports and vice versa.  Science shows the genetic make up alone makes males competing with females an unfair advantage for females. The policy as stated is a step in the right direction however it needs more work to ensure that all children are protected and have a safe learning environment and are not forced to protect one type of student over another which does nothing but divide our youth further."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92438", "author": "Noreen Dinndorf", "date": "2021-01-31T09:56:00", "title": "Oppose the Model Policies for treatment of transgender students.", "text": "It is alarming that these policies advocate no parental involvement. Most parents know their children well and should be informed if child expresses confusion about gender. The family should be referred to private counseling."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92439", "author": "Ann", "date": "2021-01-31T10:01:00", "title": "Stongly oppose!  God made 2 genders. Stop Marxist chaos and confusion.", "text": "Children need boundaries. A parenting crises is being perpetuated by those who have, sadly,  had disfunctional family lives themselvs.  We need health and well-being for ALL children.  ALL have worth and value but they need leaders who understand classic virtue.  God's DNA code is best--we did not create ourselves and the arrogance of our carving ourselves up and in a worldly image is criminal.  Halt this nightmarish practice-- it is Satanic!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92440", "author": "Stacey Rubach", "date": "2021-01-31T10:10:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I am high school teacher and a LGBTQ (PRIDE) sponsor.  ALL students need to feel safe and supported.  When students basic needs are met, learning can happen.  When a student feels bullied, unsafe or just uncomfortable, they have a harder time learning in school.  In addition, their depression and suicide rates are way higher.  Please do the right thing and ensure every students feel welcome and equal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92441", "author": "Sarah Maxwell", "date": "2021-01-31T10:11:00", "title": "respect and include transgendered students", "text": "Transgendered children deserve to be accepted for who they are and who they identify as. Full acceptance and rejection of abuse in any form should not be accepted in the school system. Rejection of transgendered children in the name of religion, etc is not acceptable. VDOE needs to meet all children's needs - this means transgendered children too! Transgendered experience rejection too much in our society and many complete suicide because of rejection in school. Stop the rejection!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92442", "author": "Chrissy", "date": "2021-01-31T10:20:00", "title": "Teacher support", "text": "Trans rights are human rights!! There have been ZERO attacks by trans people in bathrooms for all of you opposed. Keep our trans friends safe and honor their rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92443", "author": "Nicole West", "date": "2021-01-31T10:23:00", "title": "Strongly oppose these regulations", "text": "I strongly oppose these regulations. They are, by nature, divisive, do not encourage equality and are not inclusive. They willingly cater to special interest groups, and sacrifice the sanctity of biological normalcy and the physical, mental and emotional safety of our children. They encourage moral depravity and are just one more step toward removing what is good for the sake of what is evil. There are two genders. God made each of us unique and made us male and female by HIS design. Blurring the lines and taking any other stance is perverted. Those seeking to enact these types of regulations and open the door for this kind of license are condemning themselves and our society and invoking the wrath of God for GOD will NOT be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap. These regulations are sowing discord and wickedness, and if we think we have confused children now, just wait. It can only get worse if we do not stop this kind of legislative overreach."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92444", "author": "Al Artz", "date": "2021-01-31T10:24:00", "title": "Very strongly oppose.", "text": "I very strongly oppose this proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92445", "author": "Mark", "date": "2021-01-31T10:36:00", "title": "The Lunatics are running the Asylum..............", "text": "And I'm not talking about persons who identify as transgender. The \"Lunatics\" are the members of the General Assembly who believe this bill is necessary. There is a lot of \"Feel Good\" language in this bill. Unfortunately, it is unnecessary rhetoric. Laws, policies and rules are already on the books that accomplish everything this bill proposes to do. Therefore, the time spent drafting, considering and voting on this bill is time wasted. Once again our so called \"Lawmakers\" are wasting our time and tax dollars. What really needs to be addressed is bathroom, shower room and locker room use. The idea of forcing female students (most underage) to take showers with a student who identifies as female but still have male genitalia is lunacy. Do they not have the right to not shower beside someone with a penis? The language of this bill allows for use of separate facilities at the transgender students request for privacy. What about the privacy of students who do not identify as transgender? Students who identify as one gender but are still anatomically another gender should be required to use separate facilities whenever a state of undress is part of the activity. Not allowing students with different genitalia to be naked together is simply common sense for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, common sense isn't very common anymore. Especially within our Virginia legislature. Come on Ladies and Gentlemen you can do better than this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92446", "author": "Drucillia Adams", "date": "2021-01-31T10:45:00", "title": "This is CRAP!", "text": "This is such crap. Those that allow this in their children is creating a worst environment for their children as well as every child around. No child knows what they want, that’s up to us as parents to guided them what is right and wrong. I mean how many children think they unicorns or cats and dogs etc. Are we to now raise them as such because of this ? ‘Oh you’re a dog? Go outside to pee, here’s your food in a dog dish to eat on the floor’ oh right, that would be child abuse! It’s the same to allow this crap. I’d rather homeschool my children then to allow them to be a part of this crap that’s being allowed in the world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92447", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T10:56:00", "title": "Trans Protections", "text": "Hello, I support the trans protections that are currently proposed.  Protections implemented by the government are needed when a minority class are being treated as other than human.  This is one of great legacies of the US. Not to say that discrimination is any where near being stomped, but at least there are efforts coming from the top for progress.  It is my understanding that this proposal does not include rights for trans woman/girls to participate in female sports.  I fully agree with this as even before puberty, boys excel much more than females. It is an unfortunate situation, but my opinion is that not allowing transgendered girls to participate in girl’s sports is unfair based on the premises of why they are separated in the first place and has nothing to do with trans discrimination, trans phobia, and dislike/demonization/dehumanization of trans people. Some people may take it that way, but government stepping in to help underdog should  include these girls as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92448", "author": "Emily Monsted", "date": "2021-01-31T11:07:00", "title": "Support This Policy Document", "text": "This is an excellent document; the Terminology section alone could teach a lot of educators to be more supportive and open-minded of trans students. To all saying that this document is not needed; The violence rate against Trans people in this country says otherwise. To all those invoking their religion; that is your personal choice to believe that. The rest of us should not be subject to your religious beliefs. Enroll in a private, religious school if you want to hide from progress. Strongly support this policy document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92449", "author": "Karen Montgomery", "date": "2021-01-31T11:11:00", "title": "my husband and I are grandparents and we are against the new school policies on transgender issues.", "text": "This policy contradicts the science of who each child is.  We are inadvertently teaching them that their feelings determine reality not the other way around.  With all the confusion and “special status” in identity politics it is no wonder they are struggling emotionally and doubting who they are.  They need to sort this through with the help of their parents who love them more than anyone else 24/7  and want the best long term outcome for them.  You are taking reality in real-time from teachers who cannot do their jobs without a solid base to stand on.  Imagine having to lead each day with givens such as gender changing.  When other students witness it the confusion will spread.  Please do not fold on this due to strong special interests groups.  It is not healthy for our society and culture.  Thank you for a chance to weigh in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92450", "author": "Cynthia Shelby", "date": "2021-01-31T11:24:00", "title": "Support the students! Everyone has a right to be who they are!", "text": "All students should have the right to be supported no matter what their gender designation is. If they declare that they are different from what it says on their birth certificate, it harms no-one. It is discrimination to treat them any differently than human. No-one declares they are different than they are designated at birth for special treatment, because honestly they are always abused for it. They are asking to be treated as they have always felt themselves to be, and it has been proven in scientific studies that the brain is not always the same sex as the body is. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92451", "author": "Jennifer Johnson", "date": "2021-01-31T11:29:00", "title": "Strongly support protecting our transgendered students", "text": "As a teacher and a parent, I strongly support these policies to protect one of our most vulnerable populations. As some of these comments make painfully clear, many of these students will not be finding a safe place at home. We need to make sure their schools are a safe and welcoming environment for them. Many of the arguments being made against policies to support transgender students were made regarding racial integration. They were wrong then and they are wrong now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92452", "author": "Jennifer Jenkins", "date": "2021-01-31T11:35:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "\"The norm for human design is to be conceived as either male or female.  Sex chromosome pairs \"XX\" and \"XY\" are genetic determinants of sex, male and female, respectively.  They are not genetic markers of a disordered body or birth defect.  Human sexuality is BINARY by design with the purpose being the reproduction of our species.  This principle is self-evident. Barring one of the rare disorders of sex development (DSD), no infant is \"assigned\" a sex or gender at birth.  Sex declares itself anatomically in utero and is clearly evident and acknowledged at birth\"  - The American College of Pediatrics As a Christian, I follow scripture and uphold it as the Word of God who is the Highest Authority of this fallen world.  Deuteronomy 22:5 CLEARLY states that the differences that God created in humans is NOT to be disregarded. As infants, WE ARE NOT aware of our gender, that develops over time. We are completely derailing our children's perceptions by the world's sinful influences and relationships and adverse experiences they may have beyond their control.  I am not without sin and have my own struggles, but I am redeemed and restored by the blood of Jesus.  We must acknowledge that this is sin, in loving ways, to help restore their hearts and minds back to what their Creator intended.  I am all for unity and inclusion but within the confines of scripture.  Our response should be as Jesus would have exemplified...go share the gospel and lovingly show them the way.   Give our kids a chance! And NO President Biden, there is NOT a third sex!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92453", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T11:40:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "These proposals that deceive parents by not telling them what is going on at the school should not be instituted. Parents need to be more involved in their children’s lives and the schools - not less."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92454", "author": "Jesse Miller", "date": "2021-01-31T11:47:00", "title": "Fervently Apposed", "text": "I am enraged at this proposal and very concerned of the future of my daughter in an environment she could be sexually violated.why is there an assault on the innocents of our children. You are are a confused group of people and should not be leaders In Society. It is hard to articulate words through my rage at such a suggestion. LUKE 17:2 it were better for him that a milestone were hanged around his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92456", "author": "Jill Toth", "date": "2021-01-31T11:53:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92457", "author": "Elizabeth S Chappell", "date": "2021-01-31T11:54:00", "title": "Guidance Document", "text": "I oppose this legislation"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92458", "author": "Elizabeth S Chappell", "date": "2021-01-31T11:56:00", "title": "Oppose legislation", "text": "Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92459", "author": "Andy Dillenbeck", "date": "2021-01-31T11:58:00", "title": "Strongly oppose Transgender curriculum being taught in public schools.", "text": "I believe God laid out his instructions to us as to how we are to live in the Bible. Genesis 1:27 says , \"So God created man in his own image , in the image of God he created him ; male and female he created them. I believe God set forth healthy boundaries for us to live in for our good and for us to pass on to our children . He wants intimate relationship with each of us and wants to free us from the curse of sin , our own selfishness and rebellion against Him that was brought forth at the beginning of creation when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit God had told them not to . Our union with God as represented by Adams relationship with God in the Garden was broken as Adam and Eve were deceived by Satan to eat that which God had told them not to . Since that day the curse of sin has been affecting the human race in an adverse way and bringing forth bad results . God saw that the only way to bridge this chasm of sin , that we as humans could not was to send His one and only Son Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice for our sin. Jesus came as a baby , stepping down from His royal throne and becoming fully human. He experienced all the things we do and yet He remained in perfect communion and lived a perfectly Holy life while here on earth. Epesians 2:8,9 says , \"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves , it is the gift of God - not by works , so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship , created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do . You see Jesus came not only to take the curse of sin upon himself and die in our place but also to represent what it looks like for us to be submitted to God in all his living . His will was completely submitted to His loving Heavenly Father who gave him understanding and wisdom along with unconditional love to live his life in total obedience to God . so how does that play into our lives. God wants us also to be free to live for His glory and not be bound by our own sin and selfishness. He calls us to follow after Him and deny ourselves and instead live for His glory . In choosing to follow Him and obey His Word by His Spirit we can actually live in the most glorious way possible. God has given each of us gifts and talents that He wants us to use to bless others and to be a living representation of His love to those around us . He wants us to find and live in the freedom of His Spirit rule and reign and to walk in Heavenly authority here and now. To teach children that they can be whatever they want to be is in direct opposition to what God has ordained in creating them in His own image and giving them distinct male or female genitalia. If children are confused about their correct identity , I believe the best approach to leading them is to lovingly teach and train them in how God sees them and council them in what their appropriate gender roles should be . Offering a spiritual perspective as part of their education is very much an important part of development and without it we are not doing a complete job . I believe as we bring God back into our education system and seek His wisdom we as people will again find his favor and blessing in our lives and the lives of our children and we won't see the terrible results of a generation of kids depressed , strung out on drugs and dealing with a high rate of suicide. Let us seek God's council and find that which our hearts long for ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92460", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T11:59:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "All students should feel safe and supported in their learning environments regardless of sex, sexual orientation"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92461", "author": "John W. Friel", "date": "2021-01-31T12:02:00", "title": "Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools", "text": "I am strongly against the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools.  Gender Dysphoria should be treated as such.  It is horrible to enable such revolting and unnatural disruption in a child's life.  It is irresponsible and disgusting for adults to force such confusion on tax paying citizens and most certainly on our children.  This is not a matter of equality.  It is a matter of forced political propaganda, when we all know how it can effect the psychic of our children.  To force this on our children is child abuse.  Kids that think they are transgender need help, not to be encourage that it is acceptable. They don't need enablers that want them to believe the problem is OK.  Don't ignore those who suffer or encourage maltreatment of those affected.  You as educators need to treat this dysfunction and help these children who are afflicted with this problem.  These proposed policies do not help; they hinder and deceive, all at the expense of the children.  Our society will not stand if we continue to accept this farce of promoting the fact that we all know is not natural.  You are born a male or a female and policies are unable to physically change that fact."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92462", "author": "Ronald Martinson", "date": "2021-01-31T12:02:00", "title": "Children are treated by law as minors—parents have the right and obligation to raise them!", "text": "This proposal is as insane as it is diabolical. Young children can be easily influenced and confused by forces outside the home.  It is the law that they are incapable of exercising discretion and therefore judgment on matters of such gravity. That the “state”would attempt to impose control over the morals and mores of children even to the extreme of denying parents of their God-given rights and responsibilities is Orwellian and shuddering in its frightfulness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92463", "author": "Linda Ford", "date": "2021-01-31T12:04:00", "title": "my husband and I are grandparents and we are against the new school policies on transgender issues.", "text": "We are strongly against the new school policies on transgender issues"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92464", "author": "Ellen Badgley", "date": "2021-01-31T12:07:00", "title": "Very Strongly Support", "text": "As someone who attended Virginia public schools from grades K through 12, I very strongly support and applaud the proposed measures. These steps are essential to supporting our children as they grow into the fulfillment of themselves, giving them a supportive environment within which to explore questions about themselves and their identity.  The benefits of what is described in this Guidance Document far outweigh the potential harm, which is largely overblown and rooted in inaccurate and bigoted assumptions about gender essentialism. Moreover, these measures encourage the growth of all Virginia students, cisgender, transgender or otherwise, into responsible citizens who are able to empathize with and appreciate the innately diverse identities and experiences of others - something that is absolutely essential in our increasingly divided age. I very much wish that guidance like this had been available to me as I was growing up in Virginia schools. Learning about human diversity, especially gender diversity, from an early age would have helped me understand how beautiful the range of human expression can be, and would have lessened the \"reality check\" I received upon encountering friends and loved ones outside my personal experience. As a cisgender person, I strive to be an ally, and I think of how much unconscious harm can be caused by allowing outdated and inaccurate assumptions about \"normal\" human experience to persist."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92465", "author": "Maggie Evans", "date": "2021-01-31T12:07:00", "title": "In Support of Guidance and a Note on “Religious Freedom”", "text": "I support this guidance and policy, because every student deserves a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. This guidance will ensure students all across the commonwealth are afforded these basic protections and assurances which they are owed. Any suggestion that this guidance or policy violates someone’s First Amendment right to freedom of religion demonstrates a misconstruction and misunderstanding of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and the relevant jurisprudence. For example, since other commenters made note, Christian notions of “God created man and woman,” or any definition of “man” or “woman” rooted in Christianity, or in any religion, have no place in policies and decisions affecting students in public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92466", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T12:10:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the current draft model policies for the treatment of transgendered students, for a variety of reasons (including direct references to the evidence-based treatments and supporting research, if any, that inform the proposed guidelines). What remains to be demonstrated is what is lacking in the current administrative guidelines concerning acceptable conduct, behavior, and providing support for all individuals involved in school and educational environments, enforcing and addressing adherence to these existing guidelines, and if any shortcoming exist, what has been done to date in order to address any observed, studied, or annotated areas for improvement, to ensure that educational environments are a neutral, safe environments for all students, teachers, and staff."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92467", "author": "L. Henderson", "date": "2021-01-31T12:10:00", "title": "I support Transgender Rights", "text": "I support transgender rights. The child you protect may turn out to be your own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92468", "author": "Emily Sexton", "date": "2021-01-31T12:11:00", "title": "Strongly Support for the Benefit of All Students", "text": "I strongly support this guidance to support transgender and non-binary students in Virginia.  All evidence shows that providing a safe and supportive environment for all students, including allowing noncisgender students to express their identity without fear is the best way to foster mental health and positive outcomes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92469", "author": "Jack Monsted", "date": "2021-01-31T12:11:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92470", "author": "Wendi Martin", "date": "2021-01-31T12:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "There is too much confusion in the world and teaching impressionable children that there are more genders or that they are genderless is wrong. Let children be innocent and learn who they are naturally not forcing them to make a decision. If a person is born the \"wrong gender\" than they should know that without it being taught to them"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92471", "author": "Martha Clouse", "date": "2021-01-31T12:24:00", "title": "Strongly oppose the proposed VDOE guidelines", "text": "I do not approve of VDOE's proposed guidelines for the treatment of transgender students. These guidelines, based on radical theories,  eliminate all distinctions between male and female. Not only is this indoctrination based on faulty science, but the result will clearly endanger our children. The guidelines admit that defining gender identity is completely subjective, cannot be tested, or ascertained by any objective method. It is impossible to hold faculty responsible for \"preferred pronouns\" that may change at any time. Further, the guidelines seek to eliminate parental rights to protect their children by making non-disclosure to parents on sexual issues the norm. Parents will not be informed/involved: When the school helps their child explore/make a decision about sexual identity. When a biological male is using the same changing facility that is designated for girls. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom of their choice regardless of biological sexual orientation without being questioned by school staff. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex will be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. These measures are dangerous to our children's health. Also, they systematically erode the understanding that parents have the primary responsibility for their children - hence should always be consulted in such an important life choice as sexual identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92472", "author": "Kara Lewallen", "date": "2021-01-31T12:26:00", "title": "Love & Acceptance", "text": "Love and acceptance are what is needed.  We are all unique individuals and need to support each other.  It's sad that we have to create policy in order to do this because we can't figure out how to respectfully come together for the good of the whole.  Creating policy allows for education and a standard for all to abide by as we learn proper ways to welcome and connect with all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92473", "author": "Jen Ness", "date": "2021-01-31T12:26:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this proposed legislation.  First, I do not believe that any child should be bullied for any reason.  However, having a child be subject to disciplinary action for using a wrong pronoun is absurd.  This is an overreach by the government.  In addition, the school is not capable of providing counseling - nor is it their job.  We are the parents and you are working to take away our parental rights.  My child should feel safe and comfortable changing in a locker room or going to her designated bathroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92474", "author": "Gregory Robinson", "date": "2021-01-31T12:27:00", "title": "Oppose since it has no basis in objective truth", "text": "As a parent of three I urge VDOE to not disregard the role of parents in public education. If so this will have a bad affect on the confidence we have in the public school system.  I oppose this policy because transgender ideas are based on objective feelings rather than the objective truth of the nature of the sexes of male and female.  It therefore harms the true identity of the person by encouraging them to explore who they wish to be rather than who they truly are by nature."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92475", "author": "Tim S.", "date": "2021-01-31T12:29:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "I agree and believe schools should offer a discrimination free environment for children to learn. There are already sufficient laws and policies for this. I DO NOT believe schools or staff should facilitate students request for trans treatment, pronouns, etc - unless the student's parents first give the school permission to do so. Parents must be aware and support any student's desire for such affirmation before school staff do so. I HOPE schools truly support this proposed language below if these policies unfortunately end up being approved: \"Upon request, single-user, gender-inclusive facilities or other reasonable alternatives shall be made available to any student who seeks privacy. Any options offered shall be non- stigmatizing and minimize lost instructional time. \" And so -  every cisgender student that wants a private place to shower or dress -  must be given that privacy every time requested !!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92476", "author": "Marie Miller. parent", "date": "2021-01-31T12:35:00", "title": "Adamantly against Model Policies/Transgender Students", "text": "Once again, the State is overreaching its powers and inserting itself between a child and the child's parents. How dare you teach such radical ideas without informing the parents?. How dare you teach a pop ideology that is based on popular opinion, psychology and feelings as hard science? Your policies also drive a wedge between parents and their child if the parents do not agree with the child's wish to have a new name and pronoun. The will of the child is absolute and the parents shall not interfere with the child's wishes. If they do so, it is child abuse and Child Protective Services and/or lawyers will be called. That is a little draconian, isn't it?  Your policies take away the loving support and understanding of parents when they are needed most. It is the parents' responsibility to guide their child to maturity, not a school which has limited knowledge and exposure to the child and is basing its judgment solely on the child's reports. In addition, allowing a child who is biologically male but feels that he is female into a girls' locker room can be excruciatingly embarrassing for the girls. From personal experience, as a girl in high school who not only was in PE classes but also played sports, I hated undressing in the locker room in front of other girls. I can't imagine what I would have done if there had been a boy in that room. Please do not put girls (or boys if the situation is flipped) in that situation. High school is hard enough to get through without the added burden of dealing with that.  Be as sensitive to the cisgendered as you are to the transgendered. These policies set up the school to act as a therapist for which it is not qualified. It does not have the authority or competence to determine the treatment plan for a child with regard to the issue of gender confusion. A school's sole responsibility is to provide a quality education in a safe environment for ALL its students.  Period. Please DO NOT implement your Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92478", "author": "Teresa M. Connor", "date": "2021-01-31T12:44:00", "title": "Parental Rights and Duties", "text": "Please do not disregard the rights of parents to educate and guide their children. Parents have the child's best interests at heart, and they must have the final say as to what their children are taught.  For the government to remove this right/duty of parents would be nothing more than tyranny."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92479", "author": "Roxanne Edwards", "date": "2021-01-31T12:45:00", "title": "Support This Bill \"Treatment of Trans Students in Virginia Schools\"", "text": "I am in full support of this bill for \"Treatment of Trans Students in Virginia Schools\" Children must be safe in school and affirmed in their identity and self worth. I work with Transgender individuals in counseling and in advocacy.  This is a critically important bill to affirm them and their right to safety and inclusion. Those in opposition do not know transgender people themselves or they would not have such hate and ignorance expressed in these comments. I am appalled in so many ways to the lobbying efforts of hate groups and so called 'family' organizations, coordinated in non- Virginia locations and spread into churches and communities which have no contact with real people.  The lies are outrageous and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92480", "author": "Mary Lareau", "date": "2021-01-31T12:47:00", "title": "Support HB 145 and SB 161", "text": "As a Christian who believes Jesus would have protected and welcomed all children into God's loving embrace, I urge support of HB 145 and SB 161 that would extend protections for trans children in Virginia. Would any of us wish for our children to be dismissed, overlooked, cast aside or shown hatred? Trans children do not choose their gender identity and that identity should not be used as a weapon against them. All children are equal and loved in God's eyes and must be protected from factions that would sow division and hate. Please support these two bills. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92481", "author": "Kevin Nesselrodt", "date": "2021-01-31T12:51:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is an overreach of government.  You do not have the capabilities to counsel children on such a topic.  I do not believe any child should be bullied; however, you are infringing on the rights of children who are not transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92482", "author": "Tami cline", "date": "2021-01-31T13:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "i am strongly oppose to this forum. Our school system was set up to teach the basics. To let a few that have different views turn our schools upside down is mind blowing. I feel that this issue is between the child and parent. I don’t agree with children being bullied but feel that this is pushing a problem on others that shouldn’t be involved. As a parent in a Christian family I feel that there has to be a better way to handle this. I’m completely distraught that we are even going through this mess. Prayers to all of us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92483", "author": "Angela sakell", "date": "2021-01-31T13:07:00", "title": "Supporting transgender and gender nonconforming youth", "text": "I would like to add my voice to support transgender and gender nonconforming youth in Arlington va and throughout va. As a mom of trans-high schooler, we had to pull our child out of Arlington public high schools because of the anguish caused by Arlington county policies. For instance, there is only one bathroom that is available for gender nonconforming youth that do not wish to use either the designated girls or bits rooms. In a school of 2500 students! That restroom is in the nurses office where multiple times my child was denied the ability to use the designated bathroom because it was for sick people only. Often the nurse was not there and a person ill informed would be there and would deny entry. This happened multiple times. arlington and the rest of Virginia needs to stop being afraid and step up to support tranS and gender nonconforming youth. They are just kids. Like any other kid. I support all efforts to make Arlington and va schools trans friendly and supportive"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92484", "author": "Linda D Cullop", "date": "2021-01-31T13:18:00", "title": "Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Isn't there hypocrisy in telling people that transgender people are no different than anyone else, then telling everyone they are to be treated using special guidelines because they are different?  To me, this is akin to trying to teach ethics.  If you are not brought up in an environment where ethical behavior is walked and talked, someone is not going to be able to teach it to you later in life.  You may teach the boundaries of what is ethical but it will not be something innate in the behavior of the person.  Don't call it ethics, call it rules.  That's what it becomes when you have to teach it.  The same holds true for teaching someone how to treat others.  If someone is hurtful or cruel to another person, that should be addressed for whatever reason but it is not the school's job to help a child figure out their identity.   I am STRONGLY opposed to the schools teaching any of this to elementary and middle school aged children.  Provide access to private bathrooms for those people who find it difficult to go to a bathroom with others of their own physical gender.  Despite how they identify, my children don't need to be a party to someone else's confusion regarding their identity.  Some kids identify as gangsters and killers...do you plan to write a special document to indoctrinate my child into that community too?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92485", "author": "Elaine Lydick", "date": "2021-01-31T13:26:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I am writing to express my support for the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth. Providing an environment that is supportive and free from discrimination, harassment and bullying for all students should be our common goal. Creating a safe and welcoming school environment for all students provides for a better personal, social and educational experience. In addition to improved quality of life, this leads to improved short- and long-term outcomes, ranging from higher levels of productivity in society and a decreased burden on mental health care. Finally, treating others with respect and kindness is vitally important, and plain common sense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92486", "author": "Risa May", "date": "2021-01-31T13:28:00", "title": "In support of the guidance", "text": "I am the parent of two Fairfax County PS alums, and my youngest is still in HS. All three had friends that were gay or trans, and one of my children is gay. They did not feel supported or safe in school. They were targeted, verbally, by students, and did not get the support they needed from the Administration or staff. I believe it is essential for school to be a safe place for all students -- physically and emotionally. They need to know they are valued and protected. This guidance is an important step towards not only protecting and supporting LGBTQ students, but embracing them....just as every student should feel embraced by their school community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92487", "author": "Deb Smith", "date": "2021-01-31T13:31:00", "title": "I strongly support", "text": "ALL our kids have a right to a safe education. I am strongly in support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92488", "author": "Allison Martin", "date": "2021-01-31T13:32:00", "title": "Strongly Support this Guidance Document", "text": "I was deeply encouraged and heartened in reading the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. This guidance document is a critical component in our responsibility in supporting the mental and physical health and well-being of children and youth, and their families and communities, across Virginia. As the document states, \"The key guiding principle of the model policies is that all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment.\" The guidance is specific yet flexible to accommodate the diversity of school contexts, and touches on key facets of student experience that must be supported in all contexts: bullying, harassment, and discrimination; student privacy/confidentiality; student identification; school records; dress code; and access to activities and facilities. The document also contains a number of helpful resources, definitions and connections to relevant federal and state policies and regulations. Developed by a representative group of students, parents, education staff, specialists, advocacy organizations and state agencies, this document is a thoughtful and inspiring model of where we should be going as a state and as a nation. It makes me proud to be a Virginian, and I deeply encourage the Virginia General Assembly to adopt these protections for transgender students in the public school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92489", "author": "Elizabeth M Kissling", "date": "2021-01-31T13:32:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I see nothing in the proposed document that would infringe on others' rights. It simply proposes that we do more to protect the rights of this very vulnerable and valuable population."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92490", "author": "John Richards", "date": "2021-01-31T13:35:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "It's time we recognize that gender, like sexual orientation, is not set in concrete at birth.  Thousands of children know intuitively that their physical body does not match the way they view themselves, and to force them into a procrustean mold is to do great psychological harm.  Our schools need to recognize this and implement policies that allow them to be themselves with all the rights and privileges of persons of the gender they perceive themselves to be.  And our government needs to protect and encourage those policies and provide penalties for those schools that continue to discriminate against transgender children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92491", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T13:37:00", "title": "I very strongly oppose", "text": "This policy would promote Radical Gender Theory in curricula, activities, facilities, counseling, and advocacy.  It would provide a means of going around parents to embrace and provide services to a child who is identifying as transgender without the parents' knowledge or consent.  Advocacy for this Radical Gender Theory which tells children that they can decided what gender they choose based on socially defined traits is wrong.  It denies the reality of God as our Creator and the author of our sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92492", "author": "Anne Taylor", "date": "2021-01-31T13:38:00", "title": "Forgot to enter my name", "text": "This policy would promote Radical Gender Theory in curricula, activities, facilities, counseling, and advocacy.  It would provide a means of going around parents to embrace and provide services to a child who is identifying as transgender without the parents' knowledge or consent.  Advocacy for this Radical Gender Theory which tells children that they can decided what gender they choose based on socially defined traits is wrong.  It denies the reality of God as our Creator and the author of our sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92494", "author": "Brittany", "date": "2021-01-31T13:48:00", "title": "I strongly DO NOT support this!!!!!", "text": "The fact that this is a thing is sickening to me. I definitely do NOT support any of this. Have you lost your minds? Honestly. To allow all genders to use the same bathrooms and locker rooms? That could become a MAJOR problem especially for girls. Are you trying to have innocent kids touched and harmed? Because that’s exactly what is going to happen especially with the whole girls can go topless in sports that boys do. NO! This is not okay and shouldn’t even be an option honestly. This whole thing disgusts me on soooo many levels. You’re also insulting peoples religions and beliefs with this might I add. Not everyone believes in multiple genders , some people believe in the original and only , two. Male and female. I surely hope America wakes up soon because this is far from okay and I be damned as a parent if my children will attend school if this gets put into place. Whoever came up with this is just a very sick person who needs to be checked mentally."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92495", "author": "Robin", "date": "2021-01-31T13:55:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance. Why are we still debating who deserves protections? We all do. That’s the country I want to live in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92496", "author": "Carolyn Johnson", "date": "2021-01-31T14:14:00", "title": "Oppose.", "text": "While it could be argued that some students might be psychologically harmed by the way they are treated after making a decision to 'identify' as a gender different from their God-given birth gender, I do not believe that supporting the lie with the policies in this document is the answer. I really believe this is not addressing the underlying problem, which is a lack of God in people's lives. I will point out some of the more obvious problems here. For one, parents are kept in the dark as far as their child's choices regarding their God-given gender. Parents have a right to know what their child is going through. For these children, having a parent who loves and cares for them, and who can help them navigate through this confusing time in their life, can make the difference between life and death. Not all parents will evict their child from their home, as this document suggests. If this is a concern, let's help the parents who are struggling with acceptance. Not keep them isolated. \"Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence. School staff shall, at the request of a student or parent, address the student using the asserted name and pronoun that correspond to their gender identity.\" (p 13) Even more disturbing, as the paragraph above from page 13 states, a parent is allowed to label their child as the opposite sex, to the detriment of the child. The teachers and staff at the school can do nothing to support the child. Even if this label the parents have chosen is child abuse (which I believe it is), the teacher/staff can do nothing to stop this abuse. If you see a little boy who is 6 years old start being dressed as a girl, and he obviously is anxious and having problems, would you just ignore it? Teachers are there to teach, and to teach the truth. Teaching and supporting this lie goes against the love that teachers should have. These are just some of my views, and reasons why I oppose this. Carolyn Johnson"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92497", "author": "Jacob Steele", "date": "2021-01-31T14:14:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Proud Virginian and proudly support this guidance document. Well done to the drafters. Thank you for making VA schools a better place to learn and grow for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92499", "author": "Pat", "date": "2021-01-31T14:22:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support Model Policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92500", "author": "Theresa Burke", "date": "2021-01-31T14:24:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "Transgender students are going to enroll in our schools, regardless of whether this motion passes. The question for this body is whether it is appropriate to provide reasoned, even guidelines for all Virginian schools or leave it to each district to determine how much they care to support or not support their students. I think it is obvious, reading through these public comments, that transgender students need this supporting document in order to fairly access the free and appropriate education promised to them. They should not and cannot be left to the whims of those who claim that they, or their God, are somehow harmed by the happiness and individual medical decision-making of another. They endure enough psychological trauma existing next to bigots, they deserve an educational plan that writes bigotry out of their bathrooms and locker rooms. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92501", "author": "Heather", "date": "2021-01-31T14:26:00", "title": "I do NOT support the DOE transgender policies", "text": "I do not believe that it is safe for any one to be able to enter any restroom  or locker room of one's choice. Our current physical environments do not allow complete privacy. I believe that there will be students who use restrooms /locker rooms just to view persons of a particular sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92502", "author": "Pat", "date": "2021-01-31T14:31:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Need to move in direction where restroom and changing area configurations allow for privacy - individual areas; that way no need to choose. May be more expensive at outset but overall greater cost and non-cost benefits than financial upstart costs. This architectural model/approach should expand to all public areas. Individual locking restrooms and changing areas also would promote safety and reduce opportunities to trap people and assault or bully them in current restroom/changing area set-ups."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92503", "author": "Erika L Grafsky, PhD; Virginia Tech", "date": "2021-01-31T14:33:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am an associate professor in human development and family science, as well as a parent of three boys in the Montgomery County school district. I fully support the VDOE model student policies to support our transgender and non-binary students. As someone who co-founded and ran a support group for trans youth and their families in our area, I know how much the lack of guidance around these issues has negatively affected residents in our commonwealth. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92504", "author": "Sandra Kovacev", "date": "2021-01-31T14:43:00", "title": "STRONGLY, STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "The Natural Order according to The Creator for ALL of creation is male/female. HE did NOT create them as Man and Woman and then say, “You decide.”  No!  HE did NOT! STOP the INSANITY and STOP the CONFUSION of promoting false narratives to highly impressionable children and others who can not think for themselves. Provide psychiatric help for only one reason and that is to heal anyone that wants to change their gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92505", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T14:48:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "This is taking authority away from parents and infringing on religious rights and convictions especially with regards to coming up with a transition plan and not having the parent(s) involved. If a school is able to do that with consent then what else can happen down the line? What are the boundaries?  Also, what do you regard as abuse or neglect? Is telling a child how God made them considered that? This sets a dangerous precedent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92506", "author": "Michael", "date": "2021-01-31T14:56:00", "title": "Unsettled Father of Two", "text": "I understand the intent of the regulations and the protections they are trying to provide to the transgender population.  I am not arguing against finding a method for inclusion, however, I am unsettled by more than one area in these draft policies and recommendations.  They are in need of correction. In more than one area these policies are attempting to seize the legal and moral responsibility of parents and substitute the school staff/faculty in that role.  As any father or parent, I am responsible for my child’s development, physically, mentally, and spiritually.  By sending our children to school, we are entrusting some of this development to the system/faculty.  With that said, while relying on schools for educational development, parents are better suited for this innate responsibility to nurture our children in their overall and continuous development.  Even if staff to faculty ratio were 1:1 throughout K-12 and children were getting individualized attention as at home, as currently written, information withheld from parents relating to their choices, development, and/or the safety of their learning environment is an overreach and doing a disservice to each child. Specifically, 1) there are no regulations requiring school staff to notify parents of a student’s request to affirm their gender/identity (Recommended Standard, p.12) and 2) in the draft policy (p.12) schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. This doesn’t do enough to take into consideration the overwhelming majority of the student population and the potential abuses of these broad based policy changes (likely not by the transgender community).  The no questions asked policy lacks any enforcement to provide a private/safe place for other populations (Recommended Standard on page 18 - \"school staff should not confront students about their identity upon entering into the restroom\").  Where these policies are intending to provide a safer environment for the transgender community, I couldn’t live with myself if my daughter was allowed to be put into a compromising situation where someone was taking advantage of these changes nefariously. As written, I would seek alternatives instead of sending my children to public school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92507", "author": "Ronald Furgerson", "date": "2021-01-31T14:56:00", "title": "Guidance Document (Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Sch", "text": "Opposed - If approved this policy would represent a huge injustice and threat to students (especially girls), parents and teachers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92508", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T14:59:00", "title": "I strongly object to the proposal of HR 145 and SB 161", "text": "To whom it may concern The use and implementation of HR 145 and SB 161 could be disastrous to the state, the country and further education of children as a whole as there should be no law, mandate, or anything else that would forcibly separated a family from their children or siblings because someone outside of the family has a different belief system opinion on governmental policy or religion. Left, Right, Center views are completely irrelevant to this because Child Protection Services ( or C.P.S) already exists if you would like to change expand or integrate in a different or more effect manner great let's start a discussion on the subject, to start that change and move forward but do not allow the education system to decide how or what you should or should not teach or tell your children as what is right or wrong to believe as it will be used against anyone that disagrees with the VDOE or as a political weapon against minorities or political enemies. Any parent/parents with emotional, ethical and moral maturity mindset know that their knowledge of what is best for their child, IS What is best for their child! Transgender, blue, yellow, up, down, gay or straight is unimportant, you as the parent of your child, know more about what is best for your child, then any teacher does so because of this you should never have your child taken away from you, because some teacher or principal decided they know more about what is best for your child then you do. The implementation and execution of the Spirit of this proposal is criminally negligent and incompetent with the room for abuse and corruption it will cause along with the blatant grab for social and or political power it is because of the established existence of C.P.S. This proposal should have been a call to change and expand the mission profile of the C.P.S. not to give the education system of Virginia the ability and authority to make changes to law and order under the lie that it is for the protection and betterment of the children. So in closing this proposal of HR 145 and SB 161 should be rejected immediately and be extensively rewritten, to include a section on the expansion, support and integration of the C.P.S into a more active role in our education system and communities of the state of Virginia as a whole with the full and active support from VDOE in all aspects of the problems and challenges that we will face in the coming years. Thank you for your time Sincerely A concerned American"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92509", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T15:03:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE 100%", "text": "I have a right to know what is going on in my children’s lives. This is inciting sexual harassment and sexual abuse with possible “pretenders.” I do not want my children subjected to the genitals of the opposite sex. I also do not want them to be uncomfortable changing in front of The opposite sex regardless of how that person identifies. This is infringement on religious beliefs, American freedoms and the family unit."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92510", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T15:17:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose these regulations; they are inappropriate for public education here in Virginia. They not only overrule the authority of the family in the education of children, they can actually endanger children in the public school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92511", "author": "Terri Jordan", "date": "2021-01-31T15:22:00", "title": "Lgbtq", "text": "Please do not support this transgender policy,These children are still minors and should not be subjected to such life altering policies. There are doctors who have expressed that it is abusive to send children down this pathway. Think of their futures. Some of these  medical treatments cannot be reversed. Many children who have gender confusion will outgrow it.Growing up is difficult  enough without adding these confusing policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92512", "author": "Barbara S", "date": "2021-01-31T15:22:00", "title": "Model policy for transgender students VA public schools", "text": "Strongly oppose this baseless proposal. The “ theories” are not only harmful to the children you are purporting to help, but by bypassing parents it is an attack on family itself. Put the politics aside and vote no on this senseless, no data supporting or evidence basis proposal!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92513", "author": "Concerned Grandparents", "date": "2021-01-31T15:25:00", "title": "Strongly Against", "text": "Noone should ever have the right to influence a child against or excluding their parents unless that child is in danger of being harmed. By secretly encouraging a child to do, say or think the things this represents is harmful and abusive. How dare anyone think it okay to push their agenda and say what's best for a child who does not belong to them. No wonder more and more families are home schooling their children. I was not in favor of that but I certainly am now. I would never have allowed my children to be subjected to this kind of ridiculous power."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92514", "author": "Eryn Kitler", "date": "2021-01-31T15:25:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "A person is a person and that's that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92515", "author": "Suzie Martin", "date": "2021-01-31T15:29:00", "title": "strongly strongly against!", "text": "Does God not mean anything you any of you????  God made the decision.  Done. Love can get those who are confused through and their issues can be resolved. God had made that decision......not us!!!!!!  or a child!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92516", "author": "Susan Lydick", "date": "2021-01-31T15:34:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I fully support these policies.  We as a society need all of our children and youth to feel safe in their learning environment so that they can fully  concentrate on their academic development and to thrive in their social and emotional development."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92517", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T15:35:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED!", "text": "I'm a mother of 3 sons, 2 of which are public school teachers. I strong oppose this action, as public school students are already facing tons of challenges. This move would be harmful to students, creating a very dangerous, unsettled environment, and hindering a students desire to learn in a safe setting. There are freedoms already in place, please do not create more  situations which cause them even more problems. Our students need a safe place to learn. This would errode at the current somewhat stable education learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92518", "author": "Robert Davis", "date": "2021-01-31T15:37:00", "title": "I am vehemently opposed to DOE proposed transgender school policy", "text": "Parents, not the school system, are responsible for their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92519", "author": "Karen Nguyen", "date": "2021-01-31T15:55:00", "title": "Supporting all youth- including ?????? Gender Queer students", "text": "I am a woman’s healthcare provider and care for Gender Queer people.  It is my pleasure to provide care to the marginalised with regard to gender.  Healthcare has no place for discrimination and neither does education.  I support any policies that will provide a safe place and environment for ALL students. This will be a tightrope to walk- but it can and must be done."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92520", "author": "Lisa Heller", "date": "2021-01-31T15:58:00", "title": "VA Schools gender resolution", "text": "I support a safe and health environment for childhood education. I do no support Virginia's unwise elevation of any times of childhood gender confusion. It is not uncommon for young people to go through a time of self doubt about their sexuality. This is a time of changing hormones and physical body changes and is no time for the school to mandate that the child in question have to make a decision on bathroom choice or put other youth in that uncomfortable position. This will prove to only put the student in question into a situation that they be stigmatized and possibly injured for life. We all remember those kids being labeled as brains, jocks or in other situation even more hurtful names and designations. This policy will only elevate that situation, not lower it or protect it from the whole student bodies' involvement. I believe that a youth should be quietly guided through these times by friends, family, medical or faith councilors or other other trusted adult leaders until the youth has become and adult and can make decisions for their future without the mass influence of a whole school. Their dignity should be preserved and not labeled by a new sexual designation that they are not mature enough to fully understand. The bottom line here is we all remember the difficult days of our youth and public education, many have scars and regrets from those days. Let's not do more harm to a generation of youth that have already seen great challenges. REMEMBER SCHOOLS ARE HERE TO ONLY EDUCATE CHILDREN!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92523", "author": "Deanna Shuler", "date": "2021-01-31T16:09:00", "title": "AGAINST", "text": "As a parent to two children, I strongly oppose the bill that supports and endorses anything related to transgender or LGBT. We should be teaching and raising our kids to treat students as humans regardless of any of these other factors. There should be no more division that separates us from the fact that were all people. This bill perpetuates further division. Absolutely absurd. And the fact that there is a proposed bill supporting transgender students isn't the worst part. The WORST part is that there are transgender students at all. Quit pacifying political correctness and stand up for what is right. Teaching and treating everyone as the humans they are is right. Dividing us further into more subcategories will lead us straight into communism. I can't imagine many parents in VA will be keeping their children in public schools much longer you all keep going down this road."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92525", "author": "Leah Stanton", "date": "2021-01-31T16:15:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Every student deserves to feel safe and included!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92526", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T16:16:00", "title": "Transgender policies in schools", "text": "I am STRONGLY opposed to the school policies and am saddened to see the number of those supporting this. God created them male and female."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92527", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T16:36:00", "title": "Totally against Radical Gender Theory.  .", "text": "Totally against Radical Gender Theory!!!!  Parents should be involved with their own children’s upbringing!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92528", "author": "Irene Schutt", "date": "2021-01-31T16:36:00", "title": "Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public School", "text": "Strongly oppose After reading the guidelines of the proposed model policies for the treatment of transgender students, I am opposed to this for the following reasons: They subvert parental authority and opens greater usurpation of that God given authority. These suggested guidelines pervert children emotionally, mentally, physically, socially and spiritually. Virginia already has a good anti-bullying law. Teachers who love their subjects and the children they teach should not have to submit to the whims of a child who one day think they are one gender and the next day another gender or no gender at all.  Allow them to do what they are trained to do without fear because they forgot to refer to a child by the child's selected gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92529", "author": "Susan Artz", "date": "2021-01-31T16:45:00", "title": "Definitely Oppose!!!", "text": "Parents should be responsible for their children’s values."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92530", "author": "Kurt Anderson", "date": "2021-01-31T16:48:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "DO NOT support this!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92531", "author": "Mary Fletcher", "date": "2021-01-31T16:50:00", "title": "Re  VDOE Reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Pu", "text": "I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate distinctions between male and female and to endoctrinate our school children! You should not disregard the role of parents in public education!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92532", "author": "Kurt Anderson", "date": "2021-01-31T16:50:00", "title": "DO NOT support this policy!!!", "text": "this is absurd!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92533", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T16:50:00", "title": "Totally against!", "text": "Parents are responsible for their children’s values NOT the unchristian liberals!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93437", "author": "Rachel Magee", "date": "2021-02-02T12:01:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support these necessary measures as a means to provide overdue protections for our trans students. Legislation to protect vulnerable groups is absolutely imperative and these guidelines are offering options and choices, not \"indoctrination\". Children must be safe in school to access learning and trans students unfortunately still have an undeniable set of ingrained hindrances they must navigate through daily. I can only guess that those opposing these measures don't know a single person navigating these daily struggles. Trans students are a tiny minority just as deserving of safety and security as the rest of the majority. To those opposed on the basis of curriculum, I encourage you to read the guidelines in full. This legislation is not about curriculum (p.20- local school boards should consider ... ensuring LGBTQ-inclusive curricula... to include contributions of LGBTQ+ people in state and US history curricula.) The schools are not out to teach your children to adopt a different gender identity or sexual orientation. Furthermore, from those of us that live with, love and affirm the cherished LGBTQ+ people in our lives, we'd resoundingly say these are not traits that are taught. They are, however, traits that are shoved to the corners by default and closed-mindedness. This legislation simply provides guidelines for our schools' ability to respect within our community any trans child's rights to privacy, daily function and support. All our children — trans or cisgendered — will benefit when our policies promote individual respect, value in diversity and prevention of oppression. This is supporting basic humanity, not governmental overreach."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93438", "author": "Carol Hogan", "date": "2021-02-02T12:02:00", "title": "Model policies for the treatment of Transgender Students i", "text": "I do not support the proposed changes to the educational policy that disregard parental rights and the First Amendment rights of teachers and administrators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93439", "author": "Pouneh", "date": "2021-02-02T12:04:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support transgender rights. Allowing children to feel safe, supported and nurtured as the gender in which they identify does not harm other students in any way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93440", "author": "Dr. Cindy Cunningham, Appomattox Regional Governor's School", "date": "2021-02-02T12:05:00", "title": "Support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. Every student deserves to attend school without fear of being bullied, harassed, or discriminated against by other students (or teachers.) Students need to feel accepted and to feel free to engage in learning within a community dedicated to education within a safe environment for all.  Schools help students become better citizens and the proposed rule will enhance Virginia schools by creating a more effective learning environment for transgender and nonbinary students; this, in turn, creates a better learning environment for all. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey reveals that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers.  We need to make sure this stops happening. Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93441", "author": "Lauren", "date": "2021-02-02T12:06:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "strongly support inclusive policies for all students including our most vulnerable and transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93443", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:07:00", "title": "SUPPORT!!!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. Period"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93442", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T12:07:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!!", "text": "I strongly oppose and DO NOT SUPPORT THE PROPOSED CHANGES to educational policy that disregard parental rights, students' privacy rights and the First Amendment rights of our teachers and administrators. Please do not go along with this agenda and support our students privacy rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93444", "author": "Kathy Splitt", "date": "2021-02-02T12:07:00", "title": "Transgender Student Policy", "text": "I am a former parent of the Fairfax County Public Schools system, a piano teacher, and retired music director for youth theater. My experience working with young people has taught me the importance of good public policies in our society, but especially in our school system, where our children and teens spend so much of their time. I strongly urge all schools to adopt the guidance outlined by the Virginia Department of Education concerning transgender and non-binary students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93445", "author": "Scottsville parent", "date": "2021-02-02T12:08:00", "title": "Parent In Strong Support", "text": "I am strongly in support of this language and action to protect trans children from discrimination in schools, and am frankly appalled at the language of the comments I’ve read opposed to it. All of which invoke their religious beliefs to infringe on the rights of trans students to exist freely. History will not look kindly on such basic abuses of human rights, as it has on past arguments - religious or otherwise - for oppressing fellow humans that are different from you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93446", "author": "Virginia Concerned grandparents/great-grandparents", "date": "2021-02-02T12:08:00", "title": "Strongly oppose schools promoting gender dysphoria", "text": "As Virginia residents who raised a family in this state and are now blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, we are concerned about this outrageous proposal. 1. Schools already have anti-bullying policies to keep children safe and punish wrong-doers. 2. Issues of gender should be taught by parents and families, not teachers and school bureaucrats. 3. Schools should be focused on giving children the education they will need for their futures, not \"social engineering.\" 4. These sweeping proposals offer no protections for those who disagree on religious or conscience grounds. 5. Giving males access to female bathrooms and locker rooms is putting our girls at risk. With the Democrats already pushing to reduce school police officers in schools, this will make our schools more dangerous. 6. Issues of this scope should be handled at the local level, with input from local school boards and parents, not imposed from Richmond."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93447", "author": "Amy", "date": "2021-02-02T12:09:00", "title": "Strongly Against", "text": "I am against this as I have a young girl. How is it now that because they feel uncomfortable now my daughter and future children have to be uncomfortable. Make them their own personal bathroom if that’s what they want. Don’t push it on everyone else. Don’t make my daughter uncomfortable in going to a bathroom. My daughter will be going to private school if this happens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93448", "author": "Todd Gathje, Ph.D., The Family Foundation", "date": "2021-02-02T12:10:00", "title": "Model \"Transgender\" Policies Threaten Student Safety, Parental Authority and Freedom of Speech", "text": "On behalf of The Family Foundation, I wish to express our strongest objections to these proposed policies which risk the health and safety of all students and undermine the ability of parents to care for and nurture their child. There is broad agreement that every single child—including and especially those struggling with their sexual identity—should be protected from harm, bullying and harassment. Currently, Virginia has a strong anti-bullying law and well-established anti-bullying policies. Despite those strong protections, the proposed Model School Transgender Guidelines stretch well beyond prevention of harm and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of viewpoints that will be impossible to implement. Given the growing body of scholarship that makes clear the majority of children outgrow gender dysphoria/confusion by the time they reach puberty, it’s improper to impose policies that will contribute to more gender confusion and ultimately cause long-term damage to children who are still developing. (See statements about most kids outgrowing gender confusion in this Psychology Today article , as well as in this study and this one .) Unfortunately, these draft policies were developed without input from professionals, clinicians and stakeholders who recognize the natural distinctions between biological males and females.  Thus, these guidelines present a biased viewpoint that is void of any clinical and sociological data that demonstrates the harms of policies that promote transgenderism. These proposed model policies also create a number of issues and contradictions that will make it difficult for administrators and local school divisions to administer and enforce them in any logical or coherent way. Below are several examples. 1. The guidelines propose a definition of “gender identity” that is purely subjective that does not require any formal evidence, making compliance with such policies impossible. “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. A student who claims it’s innate in them to be “gender fluid” could exhibit qualities of either sex at any particular moment in time.  As a consequence, a biological male who claims to be “gender fluid” could attempt to use the female restroom one week and the male restroom (the bathroom that aligns with his biological sex) the next week, without having to show any documentation or “proof” of any change. While the commentary of the draft guidelines states that changing one’s gender “should involve more than a casual declaration of gender identity,” it also adds that there is NO “required minimum duration of expressed gender identity.”  This will allow students to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any supporting evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. 2. Policies that permit a student to change his or her gender without any documentation for any duration of time will make it impossible for faculty to use the student’s “preferred pronouns,” putting faculty at risk of disciplinary action. “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day – would be “harassment” and “discrimination,” for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. These policies, as drafted, make it impossible for any student or faculty to comply with them.  For example, if a student is permitted to frequently “change” their gender, without any substantiating documentation for any duration of time (as outlined above), teachers and administrators will be unaware of a student’s “preferred pronouns” on a weekly, daily, or even hourly basis. (e.g. Is this not inherent within the concept of “gender fluid” students, which the Guidelines reference?) These policies are also void of any religious exceptions or accommodations for faculty and students who believe using pronouns and other speech would violate their religious identity, conscience, or their most basic understanding of biology and sociology.  A policy that fosters pervasive promotion of a one-sided, politicized transgender agenda throughout the school actually creates a hostile environment for students, faculty, and families with deeply held, faith-based convictions. A likely consequence of these forced pronoun used and compelled speech will be that good, qualified teachers will leave the public schools to teach elsewhere. 3. These policies grossly undermine parental authority by permitting schools to help and encourage students to explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing . “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) The law in Virginia clearly affirms the primacy of parents’ authority in Va. Code § 1-240.1, which states that “A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.” Furthermore, in 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court also upheld the rights of parents in Troxel v. Granville when it noted that “the liberty interest….of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by the Court.” It is abundantly clear that through these guidelines parental authority is being undermined by implementing rules that violate the legal rights and responsibilities of parents. The model policies encourage schools to outright deceive parents.  They provide that schools should “respect” students if they don’t want their parents to know about their new transgender identity. The policy specifically allows that in cases where parents are not embracing or facilitating their child adopting a new gender identity (like using a new name, pronoun, etc.); teachers can use the child’s new identity at school, but in the presence of the parent use the original legal name and pronouns. It is extremely unwise for schools to actively encourage kids to lead a different life in secret that involves hiding vital information from parents.  (There are already disturbing controversies like this happening in Wisconsin and Utah .) 4. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given, biological sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming . … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) The model policy will give teachers and faculty the full discretion to determine what constitutes “affirming,” and report concerns to Child Protective Services if they merely suspect there is a potential for abuse, despite lacking the necessary training to make such an assessment. We all agree that parents should unconditionally love, nurture and protect their children regardless of the circumstances, and that physical or verbal abuse is always wrong. This policy, however, opens the door to defining people of faith who aren’t deemed to fully embrace or comply with transgender politics as “abusers.” For instance, it states that in situations “when their families are not affirming,” the school should “be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students” and then encourages schools to report abuse concerns to Child Protective Services immediately. Under these guidelines, parents will also not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly bullying or harassing a transgender student, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level .” (Draft Policy, p.10) Failure to notify the parents when a child is being interrogated by school administrators is inconsistent with recent precedent established by the Virginia legislature.  In 2020, legislation was passed that ensures that parents must be notified and have contact with a child if he or she is being interrogated by police for an alleged crime.  If a child cannot be interrogated by police without allowing the child to speak to a parent, then it’s reasonable to expect that schools not engage in such interrogation actions without first notifying a parent. 5. Policies to maintain confidentiality of a student’s transgender status would be used by schools to deny notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls.  All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students .” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) These policies ironically disregard minors’ bodily safety and privacy as part of the effort to create a “safe for all” learning environment.  These policies will allow schools to permit boys identifying as girls, for instance, to use the girls’ bathrooms or change in female locker rooms, all done without any parents being notified.  Sadly, no one ever talks about the harm done to very young girls, for example, who feel powerless to expect physical privacy in the presence of biological males.  Conversely, there is no consideration of young men who don’t want to change in front of biological girls. 6. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression. Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) This policy provides that students may dress in a manner “free from gender expectations, as long as the student’s attire complies with the school’s dress code.”  However, the goal of a dress code is not intended to promote modesty, rather it’s “to ensure the health and safety of students and not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student.”  Whether through distractions or questionable dress, there could be unintended consequences if VDOE requires schools to amend current dress codes to comply with these misguided policies. 7. These guidelines present a scientifically false assessment that people are arbitrarily “assigned” a gender when they’re born, which is contrary to knowledge of basic DNA science and biology and will only lead to more gender confusion. The guidelines make it clear that the VDOE wants schools to incorporate this radical “educational content that is transgender affirming into the general education curriculum, such as history, literature and science.”  This would make it impossible for teachers to instruct students about time-honored scientific statements about sexual realities simply to accommodate an unscientific social construct. For these reasons, we strongly oppose these guidelines and request the Board of Education to make the necessary changes that protect the privacy and safety of children, respect the fundamental right of parents, and guarantee protections for the conscience and rights of all students and faculty."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93449", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:10:00", "title": "Oppose Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "opposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93450", "author": "Andrea", "date": "2021-02-02T12:11:00", "title": "Full Support for these students", "text": "All students in Virginia public schools are entitled to equal rights and privileges.  Those who try to harm others should receive appropriate consequences.  Those who are living their true lives and not causing harm to others are given the rights of \"life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness\".  Let's make sure our schools are providing these essential freedoms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93451", "author": "Public School Teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T12:12:00", "title": "Strongly in favor", "text": "Strongly in favor! Trans rights are human rights. Protect our children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93452", "author": "Roger Winegard", "date": "2021-02-02T12:12:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose your policies for allowing this type of policy that will not and does not protect our children. I can’t believe you are even considering this to begin with."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93453", "author": "K. Ries", "date": "2021-02-02T12:12:00", "title": "fully support - TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "While trans people are increasingly visible in both popular culture and in daily life, they still face severe discrimination, stigma and systemic inequality. Every human being deserves the RIGHT to feel comfortable, safe, and supported in their own skin. These policies may not be perfect but it is a START. It is a step in the right direction and I vehemently support any action taken to support this marginalized community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93454", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:13:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "It should be a human right to express your true self. Anyone who harasses another human being for just being should be educated and learn that it is not right to judge people on who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93455", "author": "Yoselin", "date": "2021-02-02T12:15:00", "title": "STRONGLY AGREE AND SUPPORT THIS!!!!!!", "text": "This is about keeping all of our kids safe!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93456", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:15:00", "title": "Support human rights", "text": "Strongly support the input of HUMAN rights. Trans people are still people. This isn't about politics or religion, and should not have input into this. This is purely about making sure that trans people get what they need. They aren't going to hurt anyone. They aren't predators. They are just people who need to use the bathroom they're comfortable in. If you bible thumpers see issue with that, then take it up with the bible. Read it for real this time. With all the facts intact and not just one verse you cling to so desperately because taken out of context it \"supports\" your claim."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93457", "author": "Laura Daugherty", "date": "2021-02-02T12:16:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans and gender non-conforming individuals are among our society's most vulnerable and misunderstood, doubly children and teens in this group. This guidance is critical, not only to ensure the safety and well-being of these kids in school. This guidance may save lives in danger of suicide and transphobic violence. This guidance may also help keep a roof over the heads of teens at risk of being thrown out on the streets by parents who don't accept them. Please don't let opposing voices, no matter how ugly and venomous, dictate your course of action. It is one of kindness and humanity. These children deserve to be treated as human beings. Thank you for proposing this model policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93458", "author": "Yael Mangum", "date": "2021-02-02T12:16:00", "title": "Support Virginia’s Transgender Youth", "text": "Please keep moving ahead with legislation that supports transgender and LGBTQ+ youth in schools and in our communities. This group suffers from discrimination regularly and needs support, acceptance, and love."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93459", "author": "Mary Fran Cherry", "date": "2021-02-02T12:17:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY AGAINST!!!!!", "text": "The government has no right, legal or otherwise, to take over parental rights. Schools are supposed to be for teaching reading, writing and arithmetic, NOT for engaging in politics. Teachers and school administrators MUST NOT be engaged in teaching or pushing values. That is the job of parents, the first educators of their children. I am totally against this LGBT nonsense ( not just nonsense, total lies, totally unscientific and harmful to ALL children) being forced on EVERY CHILD OF EVERY PARENT."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93460", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:17:00", "title": "I fully support this", "text": "I fully support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93461", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:18:00", "title": "FULL support", "text": "Regardless if some support transgender people or not, kids should always have support systems in place and faculty to help them through a time they are vulnerable and growing. I think the concern with bathrooms may be valid in some cases , and if it helps those concerned, a promise to keep a close eye on the bathrooms could be beneficial. However it is more important to recognize the harm that comes from forcing a developing child who may be going through a difficult time to use a bathroom they are not comfortable with. My brother is a trans adult and had a very tumultuous time in middle thru high school due to bullying, cliques and toxic behavior. I beg you to think about the developing minds of these kids and what is best for them to feel peace at mind and social safety in the classroom. Thank you"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93462", "author": "Bethany Koszelak, Fairfax County Public Schools", "date": "2021-02-02T12:18:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I serve as the Mental Wellness Specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools and strongly support the information proposed in this guidance document. This Guidance Document provides gender-expansive and transgender youth with the support and rights that they deserve. Additionally, this document provides school divisions with guidance to create a caring and supportive school environment for all students. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community face disproportionate challenges in schools. They are more likely to; be bullied, be sexually harassed, experience depressive symptoms, be victims of emotional abuse by dating partners, and seriously consider suicide. This guidance ensures that all students are treated equitably and with dignity while attending school. As school divisions, when we respect a student's request to use their chosen name and identified pronouns, we potentially decrease the likelihood that they will experience thoughts of suicide and/or attempt suicide. The information provided in this document provides schools with guidance that supports student mental health and wellness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93463", "author": "Kate", "date": "2021-02-02T12:18:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE THE PROPOSED TRANSGENDER POLICIES.  Girls should not be competing with biological males in sports and changing rooms. Transgender students can be supported in different ways."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93464", "author": "Ronne", "date": "2021-02-02T12:19:00", "title": "Fully support!!", "text": "I fully support legislation promoting the health and well-being of transgender children. They are children just like any other child. No restrictions or discrimination should be in their way especially in education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93465", "author": "leslie williams", "date": "2021-02-02T12:20:00", "title": "100% Support", "text": "I strongly support the guidelines in this legislation. Trans students are at high risk for bullying, home insecurity, mental health crises, and drug abuse. Like all students, trans students learn best and thrive when they feel safe, their social and emotional needs are met, and when they can bring their whole, authentic selves to the table. I agree with another commenter that \"Schools should be guided by policies that honor all children and not be guided by religious intolerance.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93466", "author": "Jeff David", "date": "2021-02-02T12:26:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "The stated rules rely on pseudoscience and open our kids to abuse that will be completely on the heads of administrators.  Parenting is the role of parents.  Not school administrators.  Keep your hands and eyes out of our personal lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93467", "author": "Robert David Steele", "date": "2021-02-02T12:28:00", "title": "Strongly Against -- Are You Being Bribed, Blackmailed, or Brainwashed to Betray the Public?", "text": "My three boys are long gone but how you treat teachers matters to the  community. It's okay to protect deviants. It is not okay to encourage deviance in children who are far from reaching adult consciousness. It is not okay to penalize teachers with your woke . This is not California where they have used sex education to brainwash children, roll out drag queens  to play with children, and more. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that elected and appointed officials are being bribed, blackmailed, and/or brainwashed and no longer represent the public interest -- nor are the elections honest, they are rigged. This document tells me that every one of you should be investigated.  Your social and professional contacts should be studied, your bank accounts and spending examined, and an official investigation should take place with respect to who is making this crap come into being. Virginia is two thirds red-blooded patriot Americans and one third carpet baggers.  I am pretty sure Gade beat Warner with 57% of the vote but the carpetbaggers controlled the  electronic fraud and related methods (https://unrig.net is instructive). I am waiting for April to make a decision on whether I move to Texas.  Between your lockdown and mask and potential mandatory vaccinations, and now this, Virginia has become a place to live and work. You are destroying the family and the community with this crap.  Stop it, please.  I will say no more on this matter and mean you no ill will, but if this kind of thing keeps coming out of your offices then I and my two businesses and family will leave Virginia. Very respectfully, Robert David Steele Veteran Marine Corps Infantry Office Veteran CIA Clandestine Operations Officer Founder Marine Corps Intelligence Activity Founder Open Source Intelligence Movement Recommended for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017 https://robertdavidsteele.com"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93468", "author": "Heather", "date": "2021-02-02T12:29:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I strongly disagree with the changes this policy will bring forward. I do not feel as if this will make school a safe place for children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93469", "author": "Nana of 2", "date": "2021-02-02T12:30:00", "title": "Praying for our babies", "text": "Absolutely not in favor!  My heart hurts for the future of all children.  For 2,020 years there have been only two genders in all species and will be that way FOREVER! I fully support and stand on Bibical principles and values.  Just because you don’t want to be want you was born as doesn’t make it okay.  This society is all about getting, having, being what we want instead of being satisfied with what we have.  What our schools need is mental health counseling and biblical teachings!  I can’t believe this is even a discussion, come people...what are we doing to our babies!  I DO NOT SUPPORT ANYTHING IN THIS BILL!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93470", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:32:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Many Christian teachers will face the choice of following their faith (not affirming transgenderism through \"gender neutral pronouns\") or keeping their job. Many good teachers may be lost because of this. Most of those teachers truly love their students and want nothing but the absolute best for them. Regardless of my faith, as a mother, I would fear to send my children to the public school system under these policies. Allowing students to choose whichever locker room they want to use or girls to swim topless is absurd. Students do not understand the potential consequences of these decisions. We should be protecting our children not exposing them to potential harm. Also, as a parent I would want to know what is going on with my child at school. I would love and care for my child regardless of their gender decisions and how I feel about them. Not allowing the very people who have the responsibility of raising and caring for these children to be kept in the loop about their child's gender decisions is wrong. By all means, please protect children from parents who are abusing them, but parents and children will have disagreements, and that is not going to hurt them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93471", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:34:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Strongly disagree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93472", "author": "Alexandra Gilbert", "date": "2021-02-02T12:35:00", "title": "Absolutely support!", "text": "I fully support the legislation aiding in protecting the rights, health, and wellbeing of transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93473", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:35:00", "title": "School Board transgender Policy", "text": "I am completely opposed to this change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93474", "author": "Amonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:36:00", "title": "NO. NO. NO.", "text": "No.  Completely opposed to this change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93475", "author": "Jessica Smith, concerned parent & foster parent", "date": "2021-02-02T12:37:00", "title": "Fully OPPOSE Transgender Policies!!", "text": "I believe that children are created in the image of God and their biological gender is determined at birth.  I strongly oppose a mandated transgender policy in Virginia taxpayer funded public schools.  Do not jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of my child and other children!  Passing such a policy will be detrimental to all students and I urge you to oppose this!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93476", "author": "M Cuzzucoli", "date": "2021-02-02T12:38:00", "title": "Transgender issue", "text": "Another waste of tax dollars....  STOP moralizing your social issues and just TEACH. All children should be treated as students and I am so tired of one community demanding special privileges.   Making sex an issue is just so stupid.   IF YOU PEE STANDING UP USE THE  BOYS RESTROOM,..., IF YOU PEE SITTING DOWN USE THE GIRLS RESTROOM.  Stop making sex an issue-- it's a waste of tax dollars and DOES NOT serve education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93477", "author": "Annette Lang", "date": "2021-02-02T12:38:00", "title": "Very much support", "text": "I strongly support the Board of Election’s policies/guidances regarding transgender and non-binary students. These students need our support as they navigate their formative years. We should embrace their uniqueness and make sure that neither school personnel nor other students are given any kind of a green light to make things difficult. Thanks."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93478", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T12:38:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Strongly Disagree!!! This is wrong on some many levels."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93479", "author": "Katia Savelyeva", "date": "2021-02-02T12:40:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "A policy like this is a crucial start and would have made school a safer place for some of the dearest people in my life. K-12 education is a formative time for all of us, and the persistent, negligent denial of identity I've seen my fellow students subjected to in Virginia's public schools creates long-lasting emotional damage. Trans rights are human rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93480", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:40:00", "title": "Proposal is flawed. Court cases will interpret the policy at financial risk to VA Dept of Education", "text": "1 - The proposed policies will be implemented ad hoc by each school district.  There are no proposed oversight, metrics, standards, or measures regarding the impact of the proposed policies. 2 - As written, the interpretation of the proposed policies will be refined over time by litigation in the courts.  This creates an extreme financial risk to the school boards and the Virginia Dept of Education. 3 - There are no oversight or safeguards to ensure that personnel implementing these policies will not engage in conversion activities on any children, including cis-gender. 4 - The privacy portions of the proposed policy as written, in the guise of protecting the child, also serve to protect predatory adults."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93481", "author": "Shab", "date": "2021-02-02T12:43:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the health and wellbeing of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93482", "author": "Josh", "date": "2021-02-02T12:43:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Strongly opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93483", "author": "Rebecca Young", "date": "2021-02-02T12:43:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "Members of the LGBTQ community, particularly the transgender community, are at a far higher risk of bullying, harassment, abuse (physical, verbal, and sexual), and self-harm/suicide than other groups of people. This includes children in our schools. Refusing to treat this community with respect and refusing to grant them basic human rights condemns them to facing trauma and hardship no child should have to experience. As a future educator, I will never stop advocating for every single student's rights; however, without legal safeguards such as this, teachers can only give so much protection for our students. I implore our representatives to do their duty to fullest extent and ensure protection for transgender children in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93484", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:45:00", "title": "SUPPORT - granting rights to others will not infringe on yours", "text": "To the bigots, hypocrites, and idiots opposed: Trans rights are human rights. Granting safety and acceptance to our state's youth can be nothing but good. Open your eyes and ears to the cries of these children in need. Religion has no place in our public education system. Religion has no place in government. Our government should only prioritize the well-being of its citizens, and ESPECIALLY our future generations. If you are opposed to supporting transgender students or ANY marginalized group you are hateful and a close-minded individual. You are not leading a Christian life. You are the downfall of this society. If you are not transgender you have no right to oppose policies that aim to support the transgender community. Express your support or keep your mouth shut. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93485", "author": "Catherine Travers", "date": "2021-02-02T12:47:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the health and wellbeing of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93486", "author": "BB", "date": "2021-02-02T12:47:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am writing to strongly oppose these potential changes to the Virginia Public School system concerning transgender, gender identity etc. Also many of the proposed changes are in my opinion unconstitutional based upon past supreme court precedent. Parents have the right to direct the upbringing of their child and as many scholars agree that to weaken that right would severely weaken American families. The erosion of the family contributes to many of the problems that we have in society today. That being said, discrimination in any form is unacceptable and it can occur in many fashions outside of what these guidelines are attempting to establish. Discrimination occurs on things that you cannot help or cannot change, if you can define your \"gender\" then it erodes many of the protections and rights put in place to protect that class of people. By definition gender identity can change and thus supports that it is a choice. I can't choose the color of my skin. I can do skin grafts  or apply makeup to lighten or darken it, but it is genetically set. Our schools should be focused on educating students on science, math, writing, history and not wasting time and resources on things that go against those core goals. The state isn't allowed to force a certain religion upon students and while this is a choice it is a also a distinct right guaranteed under the US constitution's first amendment. The science of the matter is that we are either genetically XX or XY, that is what determines our gender and is the underlying function within our bodies that dictates our sex. Under extremely rare circumstance a genotypic XY individual has a faulty SRY gene which results in the body developing like an XX phenotype. It has also been proven through science that the brains development for most people is not complete until around the age of 25 so to push and encourage children who are not fully developed (and not an adult as well), puts them at risk for other mental health issues later down the road. Being a child/teen is difficult enough with everything going on. Our schools should not be making things more complex nor should they be hiding data from parents or pushing controversial policies without parents consent. Students struggling with the issues these policies promote are not looked out for in the long run, the policies seek to put adult decision making on a brain that is not developed nor have enough wisdom and life experience to make an educated decision after considering every factor possible. It is my hope that the state will look into other avenues to support students who struggle with gender identity, but it should not include stripping other students of basic rights and making them feel uncomfortable as well. Nobody wins in this situation where these policies are pushed down upon schools and students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93487", "author": "Eli Keith", "date": "2021-02-02T12:48:00", "title": "Yes! Strongly Support!", "text": "I'm very glad we've reached the point where this kind of legislation can be passed, and I hope it is so that all students can start to get the educational experience they're entitled to"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93488", "author": "Concerned Dad", "date": "2021-02-02T12:48:00", "title": "I strongly  disagree with this!", "text": "I strongly  disagree with this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93489", "author": "Catherine Brodeur", "date": "2021-02-02T12:48:00", "title": "Support the Trans kids", "text": "HI, I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. My beautiful kid is now in 4th grade. She transitioned when she was 7 and started 3rd grade under her new name and gender. Our school was very understanding and helpful and all the parents and kids were very supportive. There was however a big issue that came up as the school began. Her Legal name showing up on all her assignments and school portals. She felt betrayed and thought this was so wrong to have her old name in her face everyday and for other kids to see it even though she was now known and accepted under her new name. Last summer when our school counselor called us and announced that she was going to be able to have her real new name on all school related material we were over the moon. It may seem like nothing for most of us but for an 8 year old kid a name means almost everything. Without the support of House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161 , this would still be an issue where my daughter would need to explain herself to every new kid she meets and subject to name calling and bullying at school. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and non-binary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93490", "author": "Dana Potter", "date": "2021-02-02T12:49:00", "title": "Fully oppose transgender policy.", "text": "Hello! Please do not impose this transgender policy in the school system. We are in the Chesterfield County School district. This is a very dangerous mandate that would put children at risk for molestation ( girls in boys bathrooms/locker rooms etc.) This would also illicit more bullying and the school system is not the place for displaying this type of activity. Children are not adults and should be protected from potential harm from themselves and other students. Please keep the educational system about education and leave these topics out. Thank you, Dana Potter"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93491", "author": "Marco Smith", "date": "2021-02-02T12:49:00", "title": "OPPOSE transgender policy mandate", "text": "I strongly oppose the mandated transgender policy for Virginia taxpayer funded public schools.  I believe that God created all people in His image and made them to be distinctly biologically male and female.  Gender is a biological fact determined by a person's anatomy, not their personal choice.  Therefore, I strongly oppose this policy that would be harmful to my child and all children.  I urge you to oppose this policy and not jeopardize the safety of our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93492", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:50:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to new legislation", "text": "I am deeply concerned about these new proposed policies and the dangerous precedent they set for limiting parents' rights and likewise encouraging the severing of parent/child ties and trying to replace this irrevocable bond with school/child ties. I am also concerned about the dismissal of the valid concerns of a majority of students for privacy in the state's attempt to make all students comfortable. Allowing transgender youth access to their bathroom or locker room of choice does not solve their discomfort with their own bodies, nor does it alleviate their sense of alienation or otherness. It's a politically expedient move to place the desires of the minority over the privacy of the majority. Surely we can provide supports for transgender youth that don't put the rights and privacy of every non-transgender youth in jeopardy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93493", "author": "Rosemary Dawson", "date": "2021-02-02T12:50:00", "title": "I fully support these guidelines", "text": "I fully support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. All students – which includes transgender children – are entitled to a safe and supportive school environment. I think that if those who oppose these policies would read the scientific, medical, and psychological research about transgenderism or if they knew transgender students or adults, they would no longer oppose these policies. I agree that “the school environment must be set up so that transgender girls are treated like all other girls and transgender boys like all other boys. For many people, particularly adults, that notion challenges societal assumptions about the immutability of gender, so implementing these supports can seem daunting. But experience has shown that supporting these students is not only possible, but creates a safer and more inclusive environment for all students” (from Schools In Transition A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93494", "author": "Lora Al-Hammood", "date": "2021-02-02T12:51:00", "title": "Protect Trans people and help the young trans community flourish in our public schools ??", "text": "Protect trans children <3"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93495", "author": "Charlotte Geddy, Albemarle County Public Schools", "date": "2021-02-02T12:54:00", "title": "As a school counselor, I fully support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE.", "text": "As a school counselor for 14 years, I know that we have students with all different needs, which we need to support.  Supporting transgender students hurts nobody.  Not supporting transgender students has the potential to hurt many children.  I fully support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93496", "author": "Deborah Hawkins, LMFT", "date": "2021-02-02T12:54:00", "title": "Strongly support new policy", "text": "This guidance document is well researched and written. The general assembly asked (by law) that it be written and now is the time to implement it. Schools often complain they don't have guidance or get conflicting information. So here it is. Whether perfect or not, let's start with this. Trans kids are born who they are and we need to have respect and love for them just like any other child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93497", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T12:56:00", "title": "I don't think you've thought this thru...", "text": "Totally agree that EVERYONE needs to have the same rights and freedoms as well as feel safe in public places, including schools.  But have you thought this thru???  What if a boy decides to enter a girls locker room or bathroom, will my daughter be protected?  I'm not reading anything that would limit this.  Think this thru to the end before passing a law that will have serious consequences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93498", "author": "Parent of two cisgender daughters", "date": "2021-02-02T12:56:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "The breadth of responses on this discussion board just motivated me to add the he/him/his designation to my Zoom identity... Although neither I nor my kids know someone who is declared transgender, our general sense of fairness and goodness is one that we believe the VA policy should be strongly supported.  We have all learned over the past year is that life is hard \"as is\"—the least that anyone can ask is to be able to live it as they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93499", "author": "Bianca", "date": "2021-02-02T12:57:00", "title": "I full support this legislation", "text": "I support this legislation wholeheartedly"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93500", "author": "Emily Dean-McKinney", "date": "2021-02-02T12:59:00", "title": "Full Support!", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93501", "author": "Rachel", "date": "2021-02-02T12:59:00", "title": "Do not support!", "text": "Strongly oppose this legislation!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93502", "author": "Leah", "date": "2021-02-02T13:01:00", "title": "SUPPORT TRANS LIVES", "text": "We need to support Trans children and they have the right to live a life that makes them feel happy and fulfilled. It’s not hurting anyone to let someone live their own truth. Why makes children suffer more in this world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93503", "author": "Charlene Leiser", "date": "2021-02-02T13:02:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "i strongly oppose this proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93504", "author": "kate Dean-McKinney", "date": "2021-02-02T13:03:00", "title": "Full Support", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93505", "author": "Audrey Christesen (Henrico educator)", "date": "2021-02-02T13:04:00", "title": "Full Support!", "text": "I fully support this policy and the protection of our transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93506", "author": "Amanda Mom of 3", "date": "2021-02-02T13:05:00", "title": "Transgender Policy- Strongly Opposed", "text": "Strongly Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93507", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T13:05:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "This rule infringes on the parents rights to make medical decisions for their children.  As a parent of two children in the public school system, I am strongly opposed to allowing a school to participate or lead a child to question the gender of that child.  The school does not have the resources, nor the legal right to to infringe upon the moral and religious beliefs of a family. Furthermore, this will cause confusion among the children and staff in a school system.  It seems this rule is creating an ever-changing situation of what a child is allowed to decide for themselves during critical years of development.  Why is it illegal for children to smoke and drink, and then allow minors to choose a gender different from their biological sex?  This can cause permanent physical and pyschological harm to the child.  Why would it be ok to encourage a child to live one life at school and another life at home?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93508", "author": "Marcel Richard Melliand", "date": "2021-02-02T13:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender bill", "text": "Focus on improving the education results which are failing students in basic foundation of civics, history, patriotism.  Leave sex education to the parents. Those students needing help identifying their sexual idendity need to be directed to psychological help."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93509", "author": "Charlotte S. Wood, ACPS Educator", "date": "2021-02-02T13:06:00", "title": "Fully Support the VDOE Policy Guidelines for Transgender Youth", "text": "As an educator for the past 24 years, I fully support the policy planned by the VDOE. Calling a student by their preferred name (just consider the number of nicknames our cisgender students use) and their preferred pronouns are basic human decency rights. Students, regardless of age, should always feel safe and secure in their schools. For some students, school is a safer space than home. The high number of transgender deaths and suicides is absolutely horrendous. The least we can do as human beings is treat everyone with respect, understanding, love, and support for ALL. It hurts no one to be kind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93510", "author": "Jen", "date": "2021-02-02T13:07:00", "title": "I STRONGLY support this guidance document!", "text": "This guidance document is well-written and a lot of thought went into it. Trans rights are basic human rights; it is sad that it must be spelled out, but so very necessary. Our kids - ALL kids, regardless of their gender identity - need to be safe and secure in order to learn."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93511", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T13:08:00", "title": "Trans Policy", "text": "Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93512", "author": "R.G. Presler", "date": "2021-02-02T13:08:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this effort. Our children are already hyper-sexualized at an early age and introducing the proposed policies and procedures is harmful. THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RAISING OUR CHILDREN, and public school is NOT a forum for social experimentation. An absence from bullying and respect for all—regardless of race, ethnicity, etc.—is expected WITHOUT the need to establish policy and procedures for any possible special interest group. Your policy would allow the school to WITHHOLD FROM PARENTS information concerning the behavior of our children when away from our care. Public school is not a sanctuary for aberrant behavior. I’m ashamed our school board would even consider such a proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93513", "author": "Jamie", "date": "2021-02-02T13:10:00", "title": "Support", "text": "trans students need specific support. I am a trans / non-binary person who went to Virginia public schools all through K-12. I had access to no community and no resources. And when I was bullied, there was basically nothing I could do because I was not open with my family and I found nothing at my schools. please ensure that along with these institutional efforts, you stay connected with community organizations, like Side by Side or Health Brigade in Richmond. Group gatherings of trans youth and proper health care are such important fundamentals to our well-being. I wish I had better access as a youth, so I’m happy to see this introduced. all the best"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93514", "author": "Barbara Tapping", "date": "2021-02-02T13:10:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I am against your policy to allow transgenders special privileges.  They deserve to be treated with respect but not to the detriment of any other person.  And certainly should not be allowed to compete in sports and/or enter bathrooms of the opposite biological sex of theri Creator."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93515", "author": "Katie Mansfield, trauma and resilience educator", "date": "2021-02-02T13:12:00", "title": "strongly support HB145 & SB161", "text": "I support the implementation of the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. I am an educator who works focused on trauma awareness and resilience. With those priorities in mind, I support the implementation of these policies so that school is a supportive, not a traumagenic – or potentially traumatic – environment for any student. School is for learning, growing, and building identity, even though too many people have experienced it as a space that requires hiding their identities. Learning and growing are supported by physical and emotional safety. Access to learning, to participating in activities, to expressing oneself, to being part of something and also standing apart when desired…would ideally be essential and expected parts of a loving, respectful school environment. Trans, genderqueer and nonbinary students deserve respect, freedom from bullying and harassment, physical and emotional safety, and access. I support moving schools away from hate and fear, toward loving embrace of and care for all bodies and gender identities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93516", "author": "Rebecca Houston", "date": "2021-02-02T13:13:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This model has nothing to do with providing the youth of Virginia an excellent education in the areas of math, writing, history, science, arts, and technology. This model uses the sexual identity agenda to erode parental rights.  If the VDOE really cared about this issue, they would not have included the exclusion of parents but instead the inclusion of them to help solve this issue. Stop using identity politics to overreach into the free lives of the people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93517", "author": "Aaron Angus", "date": "2021-02-02T13:13:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "John Lewis said “If you see something say something”.  Before Brown v. The Board of Education we saw much of the same bigotry towards a group of people trying to hold onto segregation.  Today we see the exact same thing towards another group of people under the guise of concern and justice.  Hate will not win, hate never wins.  And that is what I see is discrimination rearing it’s ugly head again.  Shame on all of you for trying to do this to children, they deserve to be happy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93518", "author": "S Mahoney", "date": "2021-02-02T13:16:00", "title": "We strongly oppose the legislation", "text": "We strongly oppose the proposed changes to educational policy that disregard parental rights, students' privacy rights, and teachers' and administrators' First Amendment rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93519", "author": "Virginia mother and legal immigrant", "date": "2021-02-02T13:16:00", "title": "Stop the gender confusion--protect the children", "text": "I immigrated legally to the USA from Asia about 20 years ago, believing the US was an advanced country, one of the most advanced countries on earth. However, as our country becomes more advanced technologically, we are becoming more backward and confused when it comes to basic knowledge. Now we have people who deny gender, gender differences, and deny the differences between male and female. And now they are pushing this on our children in our schools. If you went to any third-world country, even into the poorest neighborhoods and asked adults how many sons or daughters, grandsons or granddaughters they had, they could tell you. We need to think about our offspring and descendants, and give them true values and correct basic knowledge, not confusion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93520", "author": "Marsha Goldberg", "date": "2021-02-02T13:16:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I fully support the VDOE in developing The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. The lives of transgender students and their parents is challenging enough already. Children need to feel safe and secure so they can have as happy a childhood as possible. Having guidelines in the school does not preclude the role that parents play in a child's life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93521", "author": "Jax Boler", "date": "2021-02-02T13:16:00", "title": "Full Support", "text": "Schools should not be run based on any one demographic’s religion. There is scientific proof supporting transgender individuals, and providing necessary accommodations for transgender students will provide a safer environment for everyone. These regulations will also help prevent transgender suicide rates in the student population."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93522", "author": "Jess", "date": "2021-02-02T13:17:00", "title": "OPPOSE this policy mandate", "text": "I strongly oppose the potential transgender mandate policy for Virginia taxpayer funded public schools.  These new policies set a dangerous precedent for limiting parents' rights.  I am very concerned about the valid concerns of the majority of students' safety and privacy in the state's attempt to make all students comfortable.  Allowing transgender youth access to their choice of bathroom/locker room does not solve their discomfort with their own bodies.  It is merely a political move to place the desire of the minority over the privacy of the majority.  Certainly our lawmakers can come together to provide support of transgender youth that don't put the rights and privacy of every non-transgender student in jeopardy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93523", "author": "Debra Cooper", "date": "2021-02-02T13:19:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender Policies", "text": "As a United States Veteran, I fully oppose this proposal for transgender policies - FULLY oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93524", "author": "Rachael Wyant", "date": "2021-02-02T13:19:00", "title": "Strong disapproval of DOE’s proposed gender guidelines.", "text": "ince when is it up to the schools to make decisions for our children without our consent??? Especially ones which can be absolutely RUINOUS to our children’s mental health!!! I am furious. This is akin to a parent stating that their child can’t have sugary snacks at school because he is diabetic, and then the school saying “we are going to give this child sugary snacks because that is what HE wants even though there’s no way for him to fully understand the consequences of eating them!!” Health is health - whether it be physical or mental! It’s a PARENT’S business to make decisions regarding their children. The Department of Education is overstepping by far!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93525", "author": "AM", "date": "2021-02-02T13:20:00", "title": "As an educator and parent, I fully support the adoption of policies to protect & support TransYouth", "text": "As an educator and parent, I fully support the adoption of the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Youth in Virginia Public Schools. It is important that ALL Virginia public schools send an unequivocal message that every child has the right to be welcomed, seen, heard, respected, cared for, and have every opportunity to thrive, transgender youth are no exception. We have to be held accountable to educate ourselves and grow our understanding to better protect and support transgender youth and operate in love, inclusiveness, and best practices. It is unmistakable the devastating effects that arise when our young people are discriminated against, bullied, harassed, ignored, and denied access and opportunity. With the proposed policy regarding transgender youth, we have the opportunity to affirm our young people's humanity and dignity and support them in their  social-emotional development,  education, and overall well-being as future self-aware, empathetic, and compassionate citizens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93526", "author": "Allison Collazo", "date": "2021-02-02T13:20:00", "title": "I Support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I Support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. I am a mental health counselor and I am privy to how academics and mental health can be negatively impacted when trans students are discriminated against. All students deserve the right to education without fear of being discriminated against. Students need to feel accepted and to feel free to engage in learning within a community dedicated to education within a safe environment for all.  Schools help students become better citizens and the proposed rule will enhance Virginia schools by creating a more effective learning environment for transgender and nonbinary students; this, in turn, creates a better learning environment for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93527", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T13:20:00", "title": "Do not support", "text": "The school system has no place in giving special rights to the smallest portions of the public while putting the majority of impressionable young children at risk. Ignoring science that shows us that there are differences between the sexes and teaching children that they can be any sex they want is child abuse. Students at that age with sexual dysphoria should be helped not just told what ever they feel is correct. I am against this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93528", "author": "Michael Gitahi", "date": "2021-02-02T13:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "Parents are the the guardians of their offspring and matters affecting their wellbeing physically, spirituall and emotionally are absolutely their responsibility. From naming their child to choice of schools their faith is their prelogative and any changes that will affect any of these areas should therefore be done with their express consent. As we are aware document proposes to alter major areas of their tender life without the parents involvement?  Disregarding parental involvement in a childs wellbeing attempts to take away GOD given responsibility from parents, while schools are partners in intellectual development. Partners work together towards a better outcome for a child, while respecting each other. The legislation shold therefore be discarded"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93529", "author": "Barbara Frisbie", "date": "2021-02-02T13:21:00", "title": "I strongly oppose the guidelines that are being proposed.", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed guidelines"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93530", "author": "Jack Connors", "date": "2021-02-02T13:22:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "Transgender students have been long due the same respect and protections as their cisgender classmates. Anything else is a failure of the school to create a positive and safe learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93531", "author": "Elizabeth Field", "date": "2021-02-02T13:23:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I personally know many young adults who identify as non-binary or transgender. They are kind, generous people and all are examples of the best and brightest this next generation has to offer. Every one of them has suffered bullying and residual trauma as a result of their gender identity. This is the tragedy of intolerance and discrimination. It is unspeakable that adults in our community choose to support hatred and violence to our children. We all lose when our children are targeted and traumatized and not allowed to develop their full potential."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93532", "author": "Lance Wilford", "date": "2021-02-02T13:23:00", "title": "Your voices of bigotry are heard.", "text": "The only logical reason to oppose this would be that you all are scared of change. If so, it's okay because anyone who opposes this, is just too scared to admit their true feelings of prejudice and hate. If you oppose this, stop trying to make non-sensical arguments. If you oppose it, tell us why it doesn't help the trans kids, not how it might cause your kid to see something they already aren't looking at on their phones and computers. THIS PROP IS FOR THE KIDS NOT YOU. The only thing stopping us from real progress in the world is the Biggoted thinking that plagues every narcissist in the country. This proposition is for the kids not the overprivelaged parents of NoVa who haven't had to fight for anything meaningful their lives. Quit starting fights that don't pertain to you no respect having bigots with kids who are too closed minded to stop bullying kids who are different than them. And who taught those kids to act that way? YOU."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93533", "author": "Emily Penwell", "date": "2021-02-02T13:24:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93534", "author": "Daniel Meakem", "date": "2021-02-02T13:26:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "This is an issue of basic human decency and respect for everyone's identity. Thousands of children suffer every day from trauma associated with their gender identity and the social pressure and humiliation that they face - the last thing they need is for government policies to be discriminating against them and making their lives even more difficult. We need to be standing up for everyone's rights, not being discriminatory and just plain mean when making decisions that have enormous impacts on other peoples' lives because we harbor personal prejudices."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93535", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-02-02T13:27:00", "title": "100% STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This bill is not well thought out and a direct violation of parental rights and 1st amendment rights for everyone that opposes this nonsense. I will never let our children back into public schools again. We will form a group to cease paying taxes to fund the manipulation and abuse of students, parents and teachers that do not agree with the demands of \"transgendered\" determined people. We have rights too and our $$ do not need to go toward delusional thought police."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93536", "author": "Brenda Tillett", "date": "2021-02-02T13:27:00", "title": "I oppose “Model Treatment for Transgender” school policies", "text": "I vehemently oppose the Virginia school system’s attempt through these model policies to supersede its role in the upbringing of our children. Discussions surrounding transgender individuals, their lifestyle, and the value system upon which a family’s Christian values are based should be discussed in the home by parents. It is never the role of the school system to interfere in a parent’s right to guide their children through these issues or to impose its belief system on a family. You are beyond the scope of your authority with these mandates for teachers and students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93937", "author": "Miranda, a Virginia parent", "date": "2021-02-02T17:57:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this step toward respecting the rights, safety, and wellbeing of all students. Every student deserves to feel safe and welcome at school. Transgender youth suffer from high rates of bullying, violence, and discrimination, contributing to high rates of depression and suicide. We must adopt these evidence-based practices aimed at providing a safe and supportive learning environment, free from discrimination and harassment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93938", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T17:57:00", "title": "Read the guidance before you post - it's terrible!", "text": "so, I read the guidance document. I am completely against this. Even the parents who think they support the fair treatment of transgender kids should read the details, because this is completely atrocious. terrible, stop this right now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93939", "author": "Vagif Jalilov", "date": "2021-02-02T17:57:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose any special treatment for gender unsure persons, especially in elementary schools. If someone is confused about their gender they should be treated for their illness. No need to indoctrinate other children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93940", "author": "Scarlet Keeton", "date": "2021-02-02T17:58:00", "title": "Very concerned! Strongly opposed!", "text": "Very concerned! Strongly opposed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93941", "author": "Christie", "date": "2021-02-02T17:58:00", "title": "Strongly support; hate has no place in our schools", "text": "I strongly support ensuring our transgender and non-binary children get the support they need in our schools by enacting policies that will protect them from harassment and bullying. ALL students deserve to feel safe in our schools. The people opposing this policy want to be able to discriminate as they please; this is unacceptable. Show some empathy and allow your children to be better people by learning empathy towards their fellow humans as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93942", "author": "Dad of 2 young boys", "date": "2021-02-02T17:58:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Being a parent is one of the most serious responsibilities that a person can have.  It is by design that human reproduction takes a man and a woman.  Every individual shares DNA with their mother and father.  They are a part of their parents.  This is God's perfect design, and with it comes instructions on how to teach and guide our children.  I realize there are many parents that don't take their responsibilities seriously, but many of us do.  Legally, morally, and biblically, my kids are my responsibility.  The responsibility of our school system is to teach our kids the facts both current and throughout history.  It is an absolute overreach to steal parents ability to take care of our kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93943", "author": "Rachel Kayne", "date": "2021-02-02T17:58:00", "title": "Don't call me a Karen", "text": "Is transgender sinful? “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5, ESV). Homosexuality is a sin, but transgender isn’t as clear cut, although Deuteronomy 22:5 and 1 Corinthians 11:14 discuss gender expression with some prohibitions. God has selected and given to each person, even before conception, a unique identity and design. A significant component is our gender. To deny this gift and be someone different would be denying God’s will, and that would be a sin. God designed male and female differently, and these unique and intentional distinctions should be maintained while guarding against the blurring or fusion of gender roles. With this said, we should recognize the attacks of sin on mankind (genetic mutations), as well as Satan’s attacks during gestation on the unborn child’s development. Although rare, genetic sex and physical development can be mismatched or unclear, and we want to make sure we are not judging a person’s situation with wrong assumptions or incomplete data. If their transgender pursuits are not from these biological/physiological in-utero attacks and actually come from post birth attacks, we need to recognize that the transgender individual is, like all of us, a wounded person needing to find their true identity in Christ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93944", "author": "Alexandra, VCU", "date": "2021-02-02T17:59:00", "title": "as a mental health and student affairs practitioner. I STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "as a mental health and student affairs practitioner. I STRONGLY SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93945", "author": "Parent of 3", "date": "2021-02-02T17:59:00", "title": "Vigorously oppose--this is crazy", "text": "I strongly oppose the school district using pseudoscience to harm vulnerable children and destroy their relationship with their parents.   This is crazy stuff.   Please read up on the consequences that using puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones have on young people--they result in thin bones and for young women, they increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and for young men they increase the risk of stroke and suicide.    For both, when used in combination, they result in infertility.   Is this really the direction the school district wishes to go?   Multiple lawsuits will be filed down the road by angry young adults who were seriously misled by gullible adults.  Please read about what is happening in the United Kingdom with Tavistock clinic and changes in education policy regarding \"transgender\".   The District cannot claim ignorance as this stuff is out there."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93946", "author": "Anne Ernst", "date": "2021-02-02T18:00:00", "title": "motion to support", "text": "Supporting ALL our students is essential, not just those who conform to a single set of beliefs. VADOE is tasked with reaching and teaching every single student in the commonwealth. Students who aren't afforded the opportunities to be their best selves are more likely to become mired in the trauma of trying to fit into boxes which weren't made for them and less likely to engage in opportunities that can help them create their own versions of successful lives. When I was in school there was huge opposition to allowing pathways for sexual harassment in workplaces and more loud protests about the inconveniences of such legislation. Today we know how much these laws have increased safety in the workplace. Giving trans people the opportunities to become their best selves and not have to fight for basic rights every step will create new levels of safety in our schools that will ultimately benefit us all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93947", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:00:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT!!!", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93948", "author": "RS", "date": "2021-02-02T18:01:00", "title": "strongly approve, trans people are still human", "text": "I wholeheartedly approve of this action, I know several transgender students, all of whom are nice and mean no harm. However, conservatives are out to vilify those in the lgbtq+ community because they are considered “not normal”. This is a step in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93949", "author": "Yolanda Montgomery", "date": "2021-02-02T18:01:00", "title": "Questions about the Transgender policy", "text": "This policy is a bit harsh.  The penalties for calling someone the R-word or N-word are not as stiff as a child calling a transgender person but the wrong pronoun.  If you are making a sweeping change, make it consistent to include, gender, race, and disability. Second the following language, \" it will require faculty and students to call a student by their “preferred pronoun.” Failure to do so will be considered harassment, and both students and faculty will face disciplinary action.\" My question is faculty, ok., but students? Is there an exemption for students under a certain age? This legislation assumes that parents have explained this to their children Some may have, but most have not! What is the disciplinary action? In terms of bathroom, each school should be required to have a gender-neutral bathroom so as to minimize the harassment and teasing that will happen.  The other non-trans students may not be comfortable.  This legislation does not see both sides."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93950", "author": "Angie King", "date": "2021-02-02T18:02:00", "title": "Emphatically oppose", "text": "The proposal to support our transgender youth has nothing to do with the actual inclusion of our transgender youth. This is a grotesque mask for exposing our youth to sexuality at too young an age and jeopardizing their safety.  It also serves to infringe on parent's rights. I refuse to support nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93951", "author": "Aaron Keeton", "date": "2021-02-02T18:02:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Opposed to allowing this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93952", "author": "Renee Grandstaff / teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T18:04:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE such teaching", "text": "I strongly oppose such teaching. I find this very offensive and completely unacceptable people. We must get back to the basics of morality in our teaching"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93953", "author": "Margot Ackermann", "date": "2021-02-02T18:05:00", "title": "Support for DoE guidance", "text": "Good afternoon, All youth deserve safe and supportive school environments. I support the guidelines proposed by the VA Department of Education for Trans and NonBinary Students in the state of Virginia. Thank you, Margot Ackermann"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93954", "author": "Regina Black", "date": "2021-02-02T18:05:00", "title": "Do not agree!", "text": "Strongly opposed,  Please do not pass this. Concerned parent!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93956", "author": "April - Mother", "date": "2021-02-02T18:05:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I VERY STRONGLY OPPOSE THE TRANSGENDER POLICY IN VA SCHOOLS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93955", "author": "Woman", "date": "2021-02-02T18:05:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE. Children need more God in schools, not more gender confusion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93957", "author": "Hollie", "date": "2021-02-02T18:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As a family, we are strongly opposed to this. I have a child who attends a public school and am not in favor of this at all. Not only does this take rights from parents, it also snubs those who have MORALS and  who want to continue to uphold standards that our country was founded on many years ago. We have laid down and let the far left dictate what rights we have as not only Christians but just human beings who have a set of morals that we should be standing by. You were born as a male or female....THERE IS NO CONFUSION WHEN THE DOCTOR MAKES THAT ANNOUNCEMENT. Why are we letting perverted people have the right to do whatever they want, play on a sports team that is not their born gender, go into a bathroom that is not their birth gender and on and on it goes. The evil that lies in this kind of thinking and actions goes against every civil right those with MORALS have. That is what is missing in this world....MORALS. United States needs to fall back on the principles our country was founded on and thrived on for soooooo many years. This perverted evilness will land us in a very bad place. God Have Mercy On Us All!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93958", "author": "Danielle", "date": "2021-02-02T18:06:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose this being mandated in the school system. This is undermining the role of a parent in parenting their children. What about the children who are not transgender? Are they just left with no supports at all? Transgender  children would go through this very trying, confusing, and life altering time without their parents knowledge??? This is completely evil and the department of education is crossing SERIOUS BOUNDARIES as they step into the role of a parent rather than educator! Furthermore, this would place more vulnerable children into a government system that is already beyond its limits with children needing homes! The VDOE needs to STAY IN THEIR LANE!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93959", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:06:00", "title": "Support from a former VA student", "text": "This set of model policies would be a welcome and refreshing change.  Trans children already face so much hostility in their lives, the last thing they need is to face institutional hostility to their existence in our commonwealth's places of learning. Hopefully, these guidelines, along with more inclusive curricula, can help to establish a welcoming environment for trans students to learn and grow in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93960", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:07:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I understand that any particular group shouldn't be bullied or singled out in a negative way.  The one thing is once you start naming a certain group and trying to help you end up making that group singled out.  It sometimes back fires.  I personally think by teaching all groups and people need to be treated in a way any person would want to be treated is a better way of dealing with this.  All people should be treated with respect.  You don't need to single out a group to do this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93961", "author": "The Shaw Family", "date": "2021-02-02T18:07:00", "title": "Absolutely Appalling", "text": "The people this bill is designed to protect are perverts who are attempting to indoctrinatiion of our children into a disgusting sexual agenda. We, a Christian family of 8, will not stand for this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93962", "author": "Zoe Hawryluk", "date": "2021-02-02T18:08:00", "title": "!!!FULLY SUPPORT!!!", "text": "I fully support legislation that protects the health and well-being of trans youth in school. They deserve the same uplifting treatment and support as cisgender students, especially at a very formative time in their lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93963", "author": "Every concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T18:09:00", "title": "Without borders and rules you will have mayhem", "text": "We expect to parent our children guidelines and rules... having NO borders for our children to have a steady grip of solid ground is exactly what will happen if this passes. The mindset of ANYTHING can be challenged or pressed will allow CHILDREN to press hard against rules and regulations in school NOT having anything to do with gender but “because”. This is a path of poor foundation that is trying to pass. Without guidelines and rules, not fluidity, CHILDREN will not have a solid base to stand to make decisions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93964", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:10:00", "title": "I oppose not safe", "text": "I oppose to this idea. It is very unsafe for children. Have no clue what people are thinking this day. Yes love everyone but not doing it this way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93965", "author": "Mom of young boys", "date": "2021-02-02T18:10:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "I strongly disagree with pushing this agenda instead of listening to your constituents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93966", "author": "Jo", "date": "2021-02-02T18:10:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I very strongly oppose any legislation that teaches sexual gender or orientation as a choice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93967", "author": "Suzanne Kanode", "date": "2021-02-02T18:11:00", "title": "School transgender policies - strongly oppose", "text": "After reading through some of the suggested policies, it seems that they are hypocritical in nature.  They are designed to protect students but unfortunately not all students will be protected.  Many, probably most students, will actually be offended or put at risk of significant emotional and even physical harm.  This is particularly the case with not having boundaries for bathrooms and locker rooms.  I find it absurd in this age of the \"Me Too\" movement to do anything that would increase chances of girls being victimized. Knowing that brains, especially the prefrontal cortex, do not fully develop until the 20's, I am at a loss to understand why we are allowing children to make decisions of such import, especially without the guidance of parents.  This seems to be one more instance of government diminishing the rights of parents. If there is no evidence required to prove that a student is transgender, how can we trust that each student's claim is real?  It is not uncommon for children and youth to make impulsive and not well thought through decisions on a regular basis.  Many children have been taught that they have the right to make decisions based on how they feel and on the desire for instant gratification.  They fail to take into account how other people and even society will be affected, even harmed, by their selfish choices.  Back to brain development and critical thinking skills, many youth lack linear sequential thinking skills which keep them in instant gratification mode their whole lives.  This is a major cause of instability and chaos in personal life and in society.  If we encourage this in our students, what will the outcome be for society? Many children and youth simply cannot imagine what the results of decisions around gender identity might be in the long term for them.  It should not rest on schools to provide support and encouragement for this processing.  This requires highly skilled professionals who specialize in this area.  We dare not do more harm than good by pretending that the average school staff member knows best in this area.  Again, parents should be leading their children through this. It is known that the majority of children and youth who choose a different gender identity than their biological identity, revert back to their biological identity by adulthood.  It is also true that many who question their gender identity have other issues in their lives which need the compassionate expertise of professionals.  We should not encourage exploration of something which can actually cause more harm rather than the healing that is needed.  Depression, anxiety and suicide rates are comparable in those who are supported in gender transitioning as in those who stay with their biological gender.  We need to take this into consideration as we decide how to best support our children and youth. If these policies are put into effect, I will withdrawal my daughter from public school in order to protect her from the harm that I anticipate will result."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93968", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:12:00", "title": "I oppose this is againt my religios beliefs and cannot be healthy nor helpful to children.", "text": "This plan cannot be healthy nor helpful to any child.  We are all responsible for our own children and this should not supersede anything that we do as parents.  Parents should always be aware of what their children are learning and being exposed to.  We were created by God and in the way we were intended."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93969", "author": "Justin", "date": "2021-02-02T18:13:00", "title": "I full Support the legislation and to promote the health and well beings of transgendered humans.", "text": "Support your peers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93970", "author": "Sean Wheeler", "date": "2021-02-02T18:13:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree!", "text": "I would like to start by saying that I have 2 young daughters and 1 young son.  I would hate to think that I was sending my girls to school where there is even a thought of someone that was born male allowed walk into the bathroom with them!  Schools should be a safe place for kids, not a place where they feel threatened by whom they are around. Even so for locker rooms, etc, does one think that it should be ok for a person born male to play on female sports teams, there would be not competition and results of many injuries.  If someone is born a certain gender, that is what the good Lord designed to be, should not have to choose to be anything else. People in general need to be their best self, not try to change to be something that they are not. I pray they those making the decisions think about this long and hard."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93971", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:13:00", "title": "Suggest", "text": "Transgender issues should not be exposed to kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93972", "author": "Christa", "date": "2021-02-02T18:15:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "This is unacceptable!  Strongly disagree!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93973", "author": "Elena Ismail", "date": "2021-02-02T18:16:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93974", "author": "Jeesoo Lee", "date": "2021-02-02T18:16:00", "title": "I fully support helping trans youth", "text": "I fully support helping trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93975", "author": "Emily, Virginia Teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T18:16:00", "title": "No barriers to learning! Fully support!", "text": "Gender identity should not be a barrier to quality education and a safe school environment. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs shows is that students cannot learn if they do not feel comfortable and safe. Public schools are tasked with providing quality education and this cannot be done if systems are in place that do not protect some students. Transgender students deserve to feel comfortable at school just as much as other students. As we have seen through civil rights movements of the past, the true change in culture needs legislative backing. I fully support this legislation as a Virginia Educator."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93976", "author": "Aidan Slovak", "date": "2021-02-02T18:16:00", "title": "Transgenders go against the word of God", "text": "If you let this bill pass, it’s your fault when our children get diddled in the bathrooms"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93977", "author": "Andrea Wheeler", "date": "2021-02-02T18:17:00", "title": "Strongly disagree to this!", "text": "This needs to be thrown out. This is wrong from all areas of looking at this. I have 3 young children. Seeing girls and boys in the same bathrooms/ locker rooms seems very threatening regarding their safety.  This is not okay and we need rules and guidelines to live by. I hope and pray the ones making this policy think long and hard of the effects this will cause and will oppose this regulation that is trying to be passed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93978", "author": "Santiago Osuna Villarroel", "date": "2021-02-02T18:17:00", "title": "Schools are morally obliged to provide a safe learning environment for ALL students, no exceptions", "text": "The school system must provide safety for transgender students because they are extremely likely to be targeted and harassed due to how they identify themselves. Trans students are students too and must be treated equally. No exceptions. We have a moral obligation to provide for the students and to educate them, how they identify does not matter. Anyone that is concerned that trans students will \"push their lifestyle\" on my children has a complete misunderstanding of how trans people function and live. The school system must provide a safe environment for trans students. They are people too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93979", "author": "Chris Barrett", "date": "2021-02-02T18:18:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "I strongly disagree with these new rule changes and believe they will affect my children’s psyche."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93980", "author": "Sarah Akers", "date": "2021-02-02T18:19:00", "title": "Absolutely Not", "text": "I will pull every child of mine and will insure every grandchild is pulled from public school if they are forced to be in awkward positions just because a few voices happen to be louder than the majority. You do not play with the lives of our children and force the agendas of people that believe different."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93981", "author": "a concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T18:19:00", "title": "OPPOSE!!!!!", "text": "OPPOSE!!!!!! This will lead to so much sex and other issues occurring in restrooms you don’t even want to imagine! Horrible horrible horrible"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93982", "author": "Greg Corder", "date": "2021-02-02T18:19:00", "title": "STRONGLY opposed VA teacher", "text": "Elements of this policy are in direct opposition to every Christian's 1st Amendment right to Freedom of Religion. I cannot and will not refer to a student by a non-biological (and inaccurate) pronoun. What is more, I cannot and will not affirm gender fluidity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93983", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:20:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "This policy is one step closer to a safer school experience for trans children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93984", "author": "Business owner mother tax payer 3", "date": "2021-02-02T18:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am mother and I do not agree with this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93985", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:22:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "I strongly disagree with these new policies. They go against the Bible and are morally wrong. If this passes, my children will not be attending public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93986", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:22:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "This is giving in to the few.  Girls on the boys swim team topless, are you kidding me.  We have freedom of religion per the constitution.   We can not continue to enable a derelict society.   Mom of 5"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93987", "author": "Concerned Dad of three boys", "date": "2021-02-02T18:23:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAPPROVE/APPOSE", "text": "I strongly appose this legislation and over reach of government. We are created in the image of God and he created us Male and Female. May God have mercy on us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93988", "author": "Mike", "date": "2021-02-02T18:24:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "Strongly oppose transgender policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93989", "author": "Bryant", "date": "2021-02-02T18:24:00", "title": "Strongly agree. No one should be discriminated against due to their race, gender, or sexuality.", "text": "I strongly agree with this. No one should be discriminated against due to their race, gender, or sexuality. We need to progress as a society. Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93990", "author": "Jerika Owens", "date": "2021-02-02T18:24:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "I oppose this, as it is against God’s intended  purpose for His creation. We are made female and male as He intended us to be. We are to honor that, and fulfill His calling on our lives in the specific gender role He Himself gave us!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93991", "author": "Becky", "date": "2021-02-02T18:25:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "My children don’t deserve to be scared to go to bathroom at school because of a few people who are sexually confused and need mental assistance. We are the majority, and the majority gets the vote"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93992", "author": "S Phillips", "date": "2021-02-02T18:26:00", "title": "transgender school policy", "text": "Totally opposed, this is so wrong!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93993", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:27:00", "title": "Opposition to transgender policy", "text": "I am a parent of three young children and fully support the ability for ALL children to be able to go to school safely and free from any kind of harassment or bullying. In fact, Fairfax County Public Schools have provided a wonderful environment for my children. However I believe these mandates go too far and could potentially make school a less comfortable place for young women in particular, while taking parental guidance away from parents. There are lots of ways the department of education can ensure safety and support for transgender children without enacting policies that are this extreme. Please do not implement them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93994", "author": "Susan Anderson", "date": "2021-02-02T18:27:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgenders of any kind", "text": "God says He made people male and female. There is no way we should allow children to mix in bathrooms or shower areas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93995", "author": "Mom of two boys", "date": "2021-02-02T18:27:00", "title": "Absolutely NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!", "text": "The public education system has lost its way. What are we doing here? Social engineering is NOT what public education is about. We will not tolerate brainwashing of our children to believe they are anything other than the BEST versions of themselves. No surgery or hormone therapy can change ones feelings about themselves. This is not based on science; it's political ideology to push our society into having emasculated men. Men are men and women are women for a reason. Respect BIOLOGY!!!!! Stop re-writing it. //s// ed off mother of two boys."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93996", "author": "Very Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T18:27:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I plead with all of you to review studies and research conducted on children choosing to change their gender at their whim during childhood. Many studies, doctors, and child psychologists agree that children are not capable of determining their gender based on how they \"feel\", nor should be encouraged to do so. The repercussions are detrimental to a child's mental and emotional state. Now the county has made this everyone’s problem. This is not fair for tax-paying county residents. You all state the statistical facts yourselves about children with gender identity issues having depression etc. This is not because it isn’t an accepted practice at school. It is because they are coping with something they can’t deal with on their own and need private parental and therapeutic help to understand who they are. Please support what is healthiest for all our children. I know families are going through a lot with children that deal with this challenge, but we need to also consider how other families feel and what other children experience in the classroom. Consider the distractions in the classroom with other children and also bullying to children that are dealing with changing their gender identity. Consider that sexual abuse that could occur in the schools and the damage and loss of protections for all students. Please allow families to deal with these personal issues at home and leave it out of the public schools system to protect children with and without gender identity needs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93997", "author": "A. Worth", "date": "2021-02-02T18:28:00", "title": "In support -- Do to others as you would have them do to you", "text": "The proposed amendments to public school policy are not reinventing the wheel. They are solely seeking to support children in their gender expression in order to mitigate mental health impacts and social risks. Suicidal ideation rates are astronomical among LGBTQ+ youth - these policy amendments serve to create a more supportive environments for an overwhelmingly at-risk group. These policies do not force transgenderism upon anyone. They simply want to accept children and keep them safe. To those espousing religious ideology in this forum, please remember that there is supposed to be a division of church and state in this country. Schools do not exist to teach tenets of any one religion - they are there to teach children about the world. Please turn to your own congregations for religious teachings and remember that Jesus loved and accepted everyone. Do to others as you would have them do to you. Please."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93998", "author": "Seth", "date": "2021-02-02T18:28:00", "title": "Those who support this are sick in the head", "text": "Anyone who supports this measure likely needs therapy. It’s wrong on so many levels and it makes me feel sick"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93999", "author": "Beth Nieswander", "date": "2021-02-02T18:29:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose to the proposed Transgender policy!!!", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policy. Why should parents and our children be forced to conform to a policy that we do not agree with?  You are born male or female and they should not be permitted to use whatever bathroom, locker room, etc., that they chose. Boys with boy parts should stay with the boys room and vice versa.  I do not want my child or my grandchildren to have to be subjected to this.  Our opinions matter as well and we should not have to conform or be punished to accommodate others for this type of behavior. I will and am prepared to fight against this policy along with a lot of other parents, grandparents and other adults."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94000", "author": "Cindy Barton", "date": "2021-02-02T18:29:00", "title": "Virginia Public Schools proposed guidelines regarding transgender students", "text": "I strongly and adamantly disagree with the proposed guidelines regarding transgenders on many points.  Accommodations for transgenders to utilize the same restrooms and locker rooms should not be allowed and it laces other children and teens at risk.   In the draft, the use of gender neutral pronouns will do nothing to improve our education system and will lead to disruption and confusion on many levels.   As indicated the preference can change from day to day or week to week. Children/teens navigating this issue need professional counseling on a level far greater than administrators, teachers and staff than what they are qualified to provide.  This will add addition strain on our already stressed educational personnel as well as enhance the issues facing these children and is harmful to them, the family, the community and society. Parents hold this responsibility to being up their children. This should NEVER be transferred to the educational systems. Regarding the issue of attire: all individuals should be clothed appropriately. Specifically fully clothed. This piece"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94001", "author": "s philli[ps", "date": "2021-02-02T18:29:00", "title": "totally opposed, this is so wrong", "text": "this is child abuse"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94002", "author": "Summer Pittman", "date": "2021-02-02T18:29:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "As the mother of 2 school age boys, I would never send my children to any school that functioned in this capacity.  I do not want them sharing restrooms with opposite gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94003", "author": "Mullins Family", "date": "2021-02-02T18:30:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "We are strongly opposed! Let the parents determine when/if it is appropriate to address this with their kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94004", "author": "Cheryl", "date": "2021-02-02T18:30:00", "title": "NoWay!!  Strongly oppose!!!!!!!!!", "text": "I do not approve of these proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94005", "author": "Sean, FCPS Alum", "date": "2021-02-02T18:30:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "As an FCPS alum and LGBTQ+ Ally, I fully believe that transgender students should have all rights, opportunity and protections that they need to feel safe at a an FCPS School."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94006", "author": "Carolyn", "date": "2021-02-02T18:31:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "As a grandparent of school age girls, I'm very concerned about the emotional stress of changing for PE or using the bathroom with boys. This certainly doesn't protect all our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94008", "author": "Concerned Mom of 4", "date": "2021-02-02T18:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I believe this law is an overreach of our constitutional rights. I don’t believe anyone should be bullied or made to feel like less of a person, but if this bill is allowed, you would be encouraging exactly that. Those children and parents who believe in two genders and who believe that God made male and female would be excluded, harassed, possibly kicked out of school and their parents reported to authorities. If we believe in inclusion, than we must include all and not just those who line up with our beliefs. Transgenders should be allowed an education that is free of bullying and shaming, but so should those who hold to different beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94007", "author": "Gabrielle L", "date": "2021-02-02T18:31:00", "title": "Strongly support! Students learn best when they can be themselves!!", "text": "just support people being themselves. It really it’s everyone’s business what peoples genders are. You could do the right thing now, or look like a jerk later tbh."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94009", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:32:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "this is so wrong... on so many levels. We cannot mess with CHILDRENS biology and allow them to pretend to be of opposite sex... what a travesty to actually consider this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94010", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:34:00", "title": "Strongly support protections for trans children", "text": "I am strongly in support of making schools safer for trans students. This is a step in that direction. Public schools are obligated to provide a SUPPORTIVE learning environment for all children, regardless of whether they fit into rigid social notions of gender or not."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94011", "author": "Dakota simmons", "date": "2021-02-02T18:35:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "This whole bill does nothing but strip away parents rights and force feed the views of a micro group down everyone’s throat. It is an abomination that should never have even been allowed to become a bill. If this bill passes I will be removing my kids from public school. And if any MAN enters the bathroom when my daughter is in there there will be hell to pay."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94012", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:35:00", "title": "Boys and girls are separate for a reason", "text": "Boys and girls are separate for a reason! We can’t allow sexual activity to run rampant in schools, however if this passes, that will happen. I don’t want my children to be subjected to sex while in school simply because a dumb decision was made by incompetent leaders."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94013", "author": "Support ALL children", "date": "2021-02-02T18:35:00", "title": "Strongly support!!!", "text": "Strongly support! All children must be supported and protected in school, regardless of their self-expression or self-identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94014", "author": "Sandra Vera", "date": "2021-02-02T18:36:00", "title": "Schools MUST reflect the Will of the People! RE: \"Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students\"", "text": "RE: \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools\" Use common sense -- these proposed policies do not serve the good people of our community!  Schools MUST reflect the WILL of the PEOPLE! THANK YOU!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94015", "author": "Connor Pangman", "date": "2021-02-02T18:37:00", "title": "Trans people I see you! I hear you! YOU ARE LOVED AND 110% ACCEPTED. translivesmatter #BLM #LOVEwins", "text": "I strongly SUPPORT the protection of trans students in Virginia public school. <3"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94016", "author": "https://townhall.virginia.gov/l/GetFile.cfm?File=C:\\TownHall\\docroot\\Guidan", "date": "2021-02-02T18:37:00", "title": "read the document in full - most of you missing how this takes away rights from non trans students!", "text": "I don't think people have read the policy book and they just go along (with their heart int he right place) with equal rights for transgenders. Please take the time and READ! https://townhall.virginia.gov/l/GetFile.cfm?File=C: \\TownHall\\docroot\\Guidan Schools already have bullying and harassment policies. This policy goes much further and digs into rights of other students and parents. Just read it! How would you like your 6th grade daughter exposed to a biological boy (and vice versa) in the locker room? What are the schools going to do to protect girls in the bathroom when a boy says he's a girl one day (with ill intent) and uses your daughters bathroom- remember, there are no questions asked - that leaves the door WIDE open for harassment for our daughters.  MOST parents are not talking  to their children about these topics until in their teens, yet you want to make them \"woke\" in elementary school and they will be disciplined if they use the wrong pro-noun??? This is insane.  Our children need to focus on their ABC's! You barely have time to prep them for SOL's and now you are going to have to keep teach the to be \"woke\". VDOE needs to WAKE UP and put EDUCATION FIRST! Stop trying push an agenda on our kids that will bring mental and emotional anxiety on them. I guarantee you will loose a substantial size of your publicly educated children and therefore state funding for schools! They will be switched to  private and homeschool... you all think homeschool is a good option anyways- and we have adapted to that! I empathize for the transgender kids and their feelings... let them dress the gender of their choice, have a non-gender bathroom that they can use, have a non-gender locker room. This gives them equality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94017", "author": "Adriana Rebullosa", "date": "2021-02-02T18:39:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly disagree with this, you can’t trick their minds! You correct them that’s what education does! You show them the difference between an orange and an apple you don’t keep lying to them and let them think it’s whatever they want it to be!! These are kids we teach them right and wrong!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94018", "author": "Amy weakley", "date": "2021-02-02T18:39:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I oppose this initiative by the DOE strongly. Please do not put our kids through this. This is a serious overstep of religious liberties for students whose families are in opposition to the idea of gender confusion. And rather you are religious or not , we need to protect our children. They need to feel safe when walking into a restroom and not violated by the opposite sex. This could lead to rapes. Please, keep our children safe at school. They have enough to deal with trying to fit in, peer pressure, school work, home life. Please, do the right thing. We all survived going into separate bathrooms and so will those who are gender confused."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94019", "author": "Zach Benson", "date": "2021-02-02T18:39:00", "title": "Support & protect trans children!!!!", "text": "I strongly support any measures to increase protection, education, and resources for trans students. Transgender youth face overwhelming higher risks of suicide or suicidal attempts, nearly 50% of trans & non-binary individuals admitting to have attempted suicide at some point in their lives (HRC, 2018). Allowing public schools more options for supporting transgender students will allow for trans youths to feel much safer in being themselves in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94020", "author": "Aaron Weakley", "date": "2021-02-02T18:39:00", "title": "Vehemently Oppose", "text": "I oppose this initiative by the DOE in the strongest form possible. I believe this a serious overstep into religious liberties for students whose family values are in opposition to this idea of gender confusion. Additional I believe this puts students at risk for sexual crimes such as harassment, assault, and rape.  The DOE’s primary responsibility is to provide a safe environment for learning. Students of both biological sexes will be unwillingly exposed to circumstances that in no way promote a comfortable and safe setting conducive to education. Additionally, the added responsibility and strain it places on teachers and administrators to monitor bathrooms and locker rooms is an undue burden placed on staff by the DOE. This initiative, if passed, will be challenged in litigation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94021", "author": "Brooke", "date": "2021-02-02T18:40:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose the policies that the VDOE has proposed that public schools adopt in regards to allowing students to use bathrooms and locker rooms based on their “gender identity”.  Because “gender identity” is not allowed to be questioned, there is nothing to prevent any student from exploiting many situations. I fear that we will see a rise in sexual harassment cases as we have seen in places such as Target, who has adopted these same policies.  To accommodate a few, we are threatening the right to safety and privacy for ALL students. It is concerning as well, that parents will not be notified of their child’s choices at school, or if a member of the opposite sex was in the same bathroom or changing facility as their child. Also, staff members and students will be forced to comply with policies that violate their moral and religious beliefs or face punishment. This is wrong!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94022", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:40:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support legislation promoting the well-being of trans individuals. Every child deserves to feel comfortable in his or her skin, without incessant bullying and harassment. These children deserve a safe space to learn, that is the very least we can do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94023", "author": "Michelle Linkous, RN", "date": "2021-02-02T18:41:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this being forced on our students/children.", "text": "I strongly oppose this being forced on our children. While children should not be bullied if they choose to become transgender, neither should this agenda be forced upon every child in the state of Virginia. So many things are not fully thought out by these children. The hormones that are given to these children as they seek gender reassignment make each one sterile while they are too young to fully understand the implications of their decision. Please do not force our children down this road. A concerned RN and mother of 4"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94024", "author": "Megan Kehoe", "date": "2021-02-02T18:44:00", "title": "TRANS STUDENTS MATTER", "text": "all students matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94025", "author": "R Middleton", "date": "2021-02-02T18:44:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this policy. You shouldn’t disregard the rights of many in an attempt to appease a few. I say attempt because you have no idea if this policy will actually help. But what is known is that it will hurt most females who will not feel safe in bathroom where penises are not just allowed, but have a free pass to go on a whim. It will also infringe upon the rights of males who do not want vaginas in their bathrooms. This is NOT transphobic. Let the trans youth use the staff/admin bathrooms. Just do not be sexist against females or males in a poor and misguided attempt to help a few."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94026", "author": "Cunningham family", "date": "2021-02-02T18:45:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender bill", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender bill being introduced for public schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94027", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:45:00", "title": "protect trans kids!", "text": "trans kids deserve to have love and support from their community, especially in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94028", "author": "Amy, FCPS Alum", "date": "2021-02-02T18:45:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT!!!!", "text": "As an FCPS alum and LGBTQ+ Ally, I fully believe that transgender students should have all rights, opportunities, and protections that they need to feel safe at an FCPS School."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94029", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:45:00", "title": "inappropriate subject for classroom", "text": "Please listen to the concerned parents and citizens of Virginia concerning your proposed policies re: transgender education, etc.    It is the children of these parents who will be affected by your misguided proposals and policies.   The parents must have a say in their children's education.  I speak from experience,  having had 4 children raised in the Arlington County schools,  and 6 of my 10 grandchildren also so educated.  Their education was excellent,  and the school's social guidance above reproach.  I fear for my great grandchildren who are about to start in the county schools.  Perhaps they will be forced to go elsewhere.    signed . . . . a disillusioned ex-school employee."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94030", "author": "Arianna Johns", "date": "2021-02-02T18:45:00", "title": "Full support of inclusive policies!", "text": "As Virginia begins to repair it's colonial past we must address the full breadth of this. This includes the erasure and harm the policies of the past have been on the LGBTQ+ populace. Gender is different across cultures and we as a society need to embrace fully the diversity of human experience. Part of embracing this is creating a safe space for the youth who fall into the most marginalized of society. We must protect these young trans citizens. They are our future. All young citizens must be protected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94031", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:46:00", "title": "inappropriate subject for classroom", "text": "Please listen to the concerned parents and citizens of Virginia concerning your proposed policies re: transgender education, etc.    It is the children of these parents who will be affected by your misguided proposals and policies.   The parents must have a say in their children's education.  I speak from experience,  having had 4 children raised in the Arlington County schools,  and 6 of my 10 grandchildren also so educated.  Their education was excellent,  and the school's social guidance above reproach.  I fear for my great grandchildren who are about to start in the county schools.  Perhaps they will be forced to go elsewhere.    signed . . . . a disillusioned ex-school employee."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94032", "author": "Delynda Hendricks", "date": "2021-02-02T18:47:00", "title": "Transgender issues", "text": "I oppose indoctrination of any gender issues in public education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94033", "author": "Emily, FCPS Alumna", "date": "2021-02-02T18:47:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I echo the words of Zach Benson: \"I strongly support any measures to increase protection, education, and resources for trans students. Transgender youth face overwhelming higher risks of suicide or suicidal attempts, nearly 50% of trans & non-binary individuals admitting to have attempted suicide at some point in their lives (HRC, 2018). Allowing public schools more options for supporting transgender students will allow for trans youths to feel much safer in being themselves in schools.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94034", "author": "Alyssa Thorn", "date": "2021-02-02T18:47:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully and unequivocally support the protection of the health and well-being of transgender students in Virginia public schools. As a former student of Virginia public schools, I believe this action is critically necessary to create equitable, safe, non-discriminatory, and fair environments for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94035", "author": "Binta", "date": "2021-02-02T18:48:00", "title": "Hugely Support!!!", "text": "Absolutely hugely support!!!!! Trans lives always matter!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94036", "author": "Yara Mahmoud", "date": "2021-02-02T18:49:00", "title": "Transgender Student Inclusiveness", "text": "I SUPPORT!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94939", "author": "Leo DeBlois", "date": "2021-02-03T09:27:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Where is the science behind this crazy set of rules? The children in this unhealthful category have a serious problem and need our help. Your temporary accommodations during the early years of our public education system does not meet even the minimum standard of \"help.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94940", "author": "Owen Kelsey", "date": "2021-02-03T09:28:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "I support LGBTQIA+ rights. helping people at a younger age will help them later in life. are we not meant to help people, which in turn helps everyone? the lack of compassion seen in many comments, a large quantity using slurs, obscene imagery and offensive language truly reveals how intolerant people have no qualms sharing their hate if it gratifies their personal satisfactions. if you oppose this plan come up with an alternative that can do the same kind of protective work for these kids in schools. progressive ideas that help everyone!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94941", "author": "Richmond Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T09:30:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "I strongly support this policy GUIDANCE to local schools who are craving direction on how to best support each and every one of their students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94942", "author": "John", "date": "2021-02-03T09:30:00", "title": "This is egregious", "text": "If you continue to proceed with indoctrinating our children in evil, insane policies that destroy children's lives, then you will lose all legitimacy as an institution that is pro-children.  You are ruining children's lives.  There is no evidence that promoting these experimental transgender policies improve psychological health and you are putting children in physical danger. There is a difference between prohibiting bullying and pushing sexualization of children and removal of parents from the parent/child relationship. Stop and modify this policy to focus on protection of the children from bullying, but not from their own parents.  You are being totalitarian in a new, untested, experimental ideology that is caus ing lives to be ruined."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94943", "author": "H. Rob", "date": "2021-02-03T09:30:00", "title": "Lying to children is abuse", "text": "Oppose this policy! Gender is determined at conception. Science confirms this now, and always will, because it is true. The pseudo science of transgenderism is a lie. Lying to children is abuse. Additionally, the language in this proposed policy violates the 1st amendment rights of those who wish to voice their dissenting ideologies, by seeking to punish those who do not believe the lie of transgenderism and do not wish to participate in the abuse of children by using their preferred \"gender pronouns\"."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94944", "author": "Delaney Blom", "date": "2021-02-03T09:30:00", "title": "Support Guidance", "text": "Thank you to all who worked to put this document together. As the parent of two children aged 4 years and 9 years, I write in support of the guidance laid out. Folks writing in opposition saying \"kids can't handle this\" underestimate the emotional range of the children. Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94945", "author": "Patricia Ann Bernshausen", "date": "2021-02-03T09:31:00", "title": "Strongly support trans/non-binary student rights", "text": "With regard to Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia, please be advised that I fully support the rights of transgender and non-binary students to attend public and private schools in Virginia without fear of discrimination, harassment or bullying at the hands of fellow students and/or staff.  Every student in Virginia schools should feel that their educational environment is one of acceptance, support, encouragement, and safety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94946", "author": "CNM", "date": "2021-02-03T09:32:00", "title": "Mostly Support DOE guidance for trans students", "text": "While I have some concerns about schools mediating the relationship between parents and trans students, overall, I support this guidance. I understand not all parents will support their trans children, and I don't have any constructive suggestions on that topic, but it puts schools in a difficult place. As the parent of a trans child, I am as concerned about how teachers and administrators treat students as I am how they are treated by other students and I think this policy does a good job of covering that. I think students who are uncomfortable with trans students sharing facilities should be provided an option for their comfort. Trans students don't \"make people uncomfortable.\" People react to trans students based on their own fears and prejudices."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94947", "author": "Cait", "date": "2021-02-03T09:33:00", "title": "strongly support!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights!!!! Protect students!! All students deserve the right to a save education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94948", "author": "Debbie Bunch", "date": "2021-02-03T09:33:00", "title": "Vote No", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!  What about the privacy and rights of all the kids who aren’t trans???  This is a horrible idea and I’m sick of people trying to shove this ideology into the norm. Why can’t we embrace the differences between girls and boys, men and women?  We are not made the same.  We balance each other with our differences. Stop trying to conform the entire population into one sex and teach children that they are individuals with their unique personalities, strengths and yes, weaknesses.  Why in the world is there so much emphasis on sex in the elementary schools?  Let them be little   Life was sooo much better when I was a child compared to now and the way my grandkids are being taught. PLEASE VOTE NO"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94949", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:34:00", "title": "Support Trans Students", "text": "I fully support the protection of the health and well-being of transgender students in Virginia public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94950", "author": "C", "date": "2021-02-03T09:34:00", "title": "SUPPORT!!!!!", "text": "PROTECT TRANS STUDENTS!!! How bigoted do you have to be to not want to keep a student safe due to their gender expression."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94951", "author": "Sophie", "date": "2021-02-03T09:34:00", "title": "Support!!", "text": "all of our students should feel safe and supported to be whoever they are. I support this bill!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94952", "author": "Cb", "date": "2021-02-03T09:36:00", "title": "VERY STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "TRANS STUDENTS ARE STILL STUDENTS LET THEM LEARN ! Protect them!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94953", "author": "L J Harris", "date": "2021-02-03T09:36:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This suggested action promotes division on many different levels. Reading the comments verifies that.  It discriminates against the core beliefs of the moral majority. It potentially endangers individuals and it attempts to - with the swipe of a pen - change society’s view on biology, parental rights, and what is fair and just for the majority. This is not a decision to even be considered at this time. “Anything created by man that obviously has a negative effect on society as a whole and without which, obviously has a positive effect on society as a whole, should not be allowed”. Have we not learned from the poor decisions we’ve made involving things that have clearly destroyed 100’s of 1000’s of lives? alcohol, porn, planned parenthood etc. If passed, this too will have a far more negative effect on society than positive. It just should not be allowed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94954", "author": "Amanda Christopher", "date": "2021-02-03T09:36:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "Protect Trans Students! These are our children and we must protect them. This initiative can provide transgender children the guidance and support needed to feel like an equal member of society. All children deserve to be respected and included. Please adopt the model."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94955", "author": "Student", "date": "2021-02-03T09:37:00", "title": "SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT", "text": "PROTECT trans students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94956", "author": "Ellie Mast", "date": "2021-02-03T09:37:00", "title": "Bigotry Doesn’t Belong in Schools - Trans Rights are Human Rights", "text": "There is no rational reason to harm developing children, some of which are trans children, by denying their needs. Whether those needs are using a certain restroom or simply requiring support from staff members, they are absolutely right and entitled to the same amount of care as cisgender children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94957", "author": "Haleigh", "date": "2021-02-03T09:40:00", "title": "ADAMANTLY AND STRONGLY SUPPORT TRANS STUDENTS", "text": "Absolutely support the model policies for transgender students!!!?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94958", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:40:00", "title": "Transgender treatment in schools", "text": "Transgenders should not be bullied or mistreated , but neither should other children be subjected to upsetting and confusing situations.  I foresee my grandchildren being enrolled in private schools to protect them , their emotions and THEIR rights.  A sad state of affairs .  Where is the common sense?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94959", "author": "Trisha Nguyen", "date": "2021-02-03T09:41:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights. They deserve to feel safe, protected, and loved.", "text": "There is no opinion or question on whether our transgender neighbors, coworkers, friends and family deserve the same protected rights as those who are cisgender. It is cruel and disappointing that human beings are willing to put other lives at risk simply because they are uncomfortable and ignorant to the fact that according to anthropological data, gender is simply a social construct and that above all and anything else, we are all human and deserve the same freedoms and rights as one another no matter what you want to identify yourself as. I strongly support a bill that seeks to protect and support our transgender community and youth. They belong here and they deserve to be seen and loved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94960", "author": "Lindsey Spurrier", "date": "2021-02-03T09:41:00", "title": "Support trans kids", "text": "Support trans kids. End hatred. Equal rights for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94961", "author": "Susie Miller", "date": "2021-02-03T09:42:00", "title": "I am opposed to this bill. Just one more distraction to take pupils from their studies.", "text": "Boys, girls, women and men are entitled to privacy when they enter a bathroom or locker room. It is invasive enough in an all girl's or boy's bathroom/lockerroom. I know these words are frowned on, but it is a fact one is born with one of two genders. It is hard to understand a society who would encourage these invasions into the most private rooms in a school. Should distractions be allowed during the schoolday, should children not be allowed a safe environment in which to concentrate on their studies. I do not understand a society who allows minors to make a decision of gender switching until they are in their majority. I hear too many people say, follow the science, but it is not science to have this gender reassignment during the school years of their childhood. Hence, this should not be an issue for schools at all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94962", "author": "Samantha A.", "date": "2021-02-03T09:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I disagree with this because of how God created male and female. I will continue to show and share God's love and be kind to them, but will not support them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94963", "author": "Nikki", "date": "2021-02-03T09:43:00", "title": "Strongly in support", "text": "Strongly in support of an inclusive policy that protects the well being of all children. Also strongly in support of all those opposed to pursue a baseline understanding of biology and the evolution of socially constructed genders."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94964", "author": "Rachel Voltz", "date": "2021-02-03T09:43:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94965", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:43:00", "title": "Strong support!", "text": "Our children deserve protection and respect. Strongly support, trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94966", "author": "John Cal", "date": "2021-02-03T09:44:00", "title": "100% Against This. Parents need to know and be aware of what is happening to their children.", "text": "Parents should be 100% aware of the things that are happening to their children in school. End of discussion. Hiding things from them would just create distrust and I would not put my child in public schools if that was the case."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94967", "author": "Colleen Kalil", "date": "2021-02-03T09:44:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this! Please protect our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94968", "author": "Virginian", "date": "2021-02-03T09:44:00", "title": "Support", "text": "i strongly support this. There is no reason not to have policies that support all types of students, and teach others how to respect them. I’ve seen some comments saying this encourages transgenderedness and LGBTQ+ behavior, but this doesn’t hold water. We teach students books with the n-word in it, however those lessons don’t encourage racism. Students have always been able to handle new things and challenging topics when taught appropriately."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94969", "author": "Donovan", "date": "2021-02-03T09:45:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94970", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:45:00", "title": "Trans", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94971", "author": "Ruby", "date": "2021-02-03T09:46:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Every child deserves to be free of harassment and discrimination in schools. Trans children need protection, as shown by the astronomically high rates of suicide, mental illness, substance use, and abuse experienced by this population. The fact that basic protections against gender-based and transphobic violence are so hotly contested is so saddening, and I truly question anyone who claims \"family values\" or \"protecting the children\" as reasons to oppose this legislation. Trans children need protection too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94972", "author": "Caitlin O Bradley", "date": "2021-02-03T09:46:00", "title": "Strong support", "text": "As a mother of two public school students, I support this fully. Trans children, and all children, deserve to learn in an environment where they are fully respected and safe.  Please move to approve this guidance. Also, please remove the ability for folks to comment on here anonymously as many comments here are harmful, degrading, and dehumanizing and those posting such things should not be shielded by anonymity on this platform."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94973", "author": "Joseph Kilburne", "date": "2021-02-03T09:47:00", "title": "Trans Rights are Human Rights and there’s scientific backing/proof that being Trans is natural.", "text": "Trans Women are Women and Trans Men are Men and Trans Rights are Human Rights. It’s as simple as that. They should not be discriminated against for who they are. Sex and Gender are two separate things and both are a Spectrum. It’s a biological fact that there are more than 2 sexes in both humans and other animals in nature. And it’s a sociological fact that Gender is a social construct that was strictly defined under European rule and which was imposed under colonialism and imperialism. Everything that denotes “Gender” is just a material good imposed on people by society, for example: clothing types, makeup, toys, colors, etc. and none of these things are inherently for boys or girls or men or women. No one is born immediately wanting those things that relate to their imposed gender, it’s being a part of society that makes people want and use those things to be accepted by society. And throughout history there have been many documented peoples, cultures, and civilizations having more than just 2 genders as well. The concept of a strict Gender is insane and harmful to people and their true selves. The leading cause of suicide in people who are Trans is not being accepted for being Trans. Trans Rights are Human Rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94974", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:47:00", "title": "Transgenders in school", "text": "I oppose those measures as the narrative is beside the reality of nature and it will make students live in a fantasy world. Transgenders must be respected, but not promoted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94975", "author": "David Pastore", "date": "2021-02-03T09:47:00", "title": "VOTE NO!", "text": "Science deniers believe in more than 2 genders!u"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94976", "author": "Phil C", "date": "2021-02-03T09:47:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "Strongly support and will defend trans/ human rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94977", "author": "RS", "date": "2021-02-03T09:47:00", "title": "Strongly Support!!! (Please read)", "text": "It’s disturbing to see the amount of people here that are opposed to these new policies. Guess what? It’s not 1960 anymore. Times have changed whether you like it or not. Stop putting your discriminatory religious beliefs over the well-being of children. Also, there is a specific reason why the schools may withhold information from parents. What if said parents pose a risk of violence to their child because they are trans? They may kick them out, or worse, physically hurt them in some way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94978", "author": "Assistant Teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T09:49:00", "title": "STRONGLY AGREE!!!", "text": "We should highly support trans children. Instead of looking down or pretending as if they don’t exist, children deserve to feel comfortable and accepted. Instead of feeling trapped and uncomfortable by those around them. Educating others on the topic will also allow children to expand their horizons and be more accepted due to the socializing among peers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94979", "author": "DSE", "date": "2021-02-03T09:50:00", "title": "Transgender students", "text": "I strongly oppose these guidelines for Transgender students.  While I agree transgender students have rights, what about the rights of other students who will be affected by these guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94980", "author": "Rebecca", "date": "2021-02-03T09:50:00", "title": "Support support support", "text": "Science and medicine support trans people. Schools should too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94981", "author": "Whittney Chauta", "date": "2021-02-03T09:51:00", "title": "Fully Support!", "text": "I fully support this! We need to support Trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94982", "author": "Tess Gabert, Medical Student", "date": "2021-02-03T09:51:00", "title": "SUPPORT TRANS KIDS - (reference: American Academy of Pediatrics)", "text": "Support trans children! Please read the American Academy of Pediatrics' stance on the importance of gender affirmation, which includes but is not limited to gender affirming schools and communities , for the biopsychosocial development of trans youth. Link: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/4/e20182162 Creating a safer, more supportive, and evidence-based environment in schools will benefit all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94983", "author": "Anonomous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:53:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!", "text": "This is an infringement on the rights and safety of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94984", "author": "Kim Anderson", "date": "2021-02-03T09:54:00", "title": "Do Not Support", "text": "I DO NOT support the upcoming policy on New Transgender School Policies. These are the problems that are causing so many young people to be confused. Leave the Parenting at home where it belongs. Schools need to educate our youth on academics and stop this nonsense. Just another way the government is trying to step in and take our rights away when it comes to our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94985", "author": "T. Mason", "date": "2021-02-03T09:54:00", "title": "Support students' rights to safe learning environments", "text": "Human rights are human rights, regardless of the bodies we inhabit. ALL students deserve to learn in a safe(r) learning environment than the bigoted ones they experience today. Just as any student who may be labeled as \"different\", trans students have been subjected to abuse, isolation, and mistreatment from students, faculty, and staff for years, and do not deserve to be targets of abuse because they choose to live into their truths and express themselves outwardly the way they feel and identify inwardly. Yes, all students deserve the right to dignity and respect, and this guidance assists us in getting to that place. We all do better when we all do better. Trans students need our focus right now, and I support this guidance and encourage further learning, teaching, and understanding of the needs of trans, gender non-conforming, genderqueer, and non-binary people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94986", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:55:00", "title": "Opposed - widen the tent instead", "text": "Can't we make the tent of what it means to be male and female a little larger, instead of encouraging children to change their sex altogether?  Can't we accept the tomboyish girl and support her as a GIRL and empower her to be the best WOMAN she can become? Or the sensitive boy who also enjoys feminine things, why can't he be supported to be a wonderful caring MAN.  Isn't this more loving and accepting and affirming than encouraging a child down the path to hormones and surgeries and sterility?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94987", "author": "Brandon Welcher", "date": "2021-02-03T09:55:00", "title": "NO WAY", "text": "There is no way this can be allowed. The proposed ideas are way to extreme. These are children and other alternatives need to be considered if you wish to push liberal agenda down our throats."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94988", "author": "Rosalee Walker", "date": "2021-02-03T09:56:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Strongly Support! Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94989", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:57:00", "title": "Policy Disagreement", "text": "There are numerous issues with the policy document, but I only have space to comment on a few. First, the writers frequently use the phrase 'may be interpreted' when referring to federal and state statues. This is not the domain of policymakers. They are to refer to and enforce the law as written (not their interpretation) or by using the interpretation established through appropriate legal actions, i.e. through the courts. Nothing more. Second, the research and surveys that form the basis of the assumptions and policies delineated here are flawed from a scientific standpoint. They started with presupposed outcomes. Should the State actually desire to form good policy it would be more appropriate to delay this release and take two actions. One, reach out to more parents and legal guardians providing a forum for discussion without recrimination and condemnation of view points that are counter to gender ideology. Two, support research that does not presuppose the outcome to understand the actual scientific facts of the issue and situations facing students today. Third and most importantly, the State has no business in this arena in the first place. This policy document directs schools to further overstep their bounds and insert themselves between parents and their children. The school system's only responsibility is to educate children to ensure a well educated voting populous, nothing more. Parents need to step up and retake their children from the government. Stop ceding the responsibilities taken on in parenthood. Fourth, definitions are everything. It is unfortunate that this is even an issue here, but the definitions listed in this document are based on nothing but feeling without regard for language or scientific principle/fact. So often we hear the call to follow the science, so let's follow the science and get this drivel out of our laws and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94990", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:57:00", "title": "Strongly Support This Bill", "text": "I strongly support this bill. Why shouldn’t trans students be afforded the same basic respect that other students take for granted? It makes no sense to be against this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94991", "author": "Mrs. Wilson", "date": "2021-02-03T09:57:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "This policy is misguided in an attempt to prevent discrimination but all it will do is confuse children, violate the privacy of non transgender children, cause psychological problems, violate the rights of parents to guide and help their children and give more control to other adults and open the door for predatory action without parental knowledge."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94992", "author": "Madeline W", "date": "2021-02-03T09:57:00", "title": "We must support ALL students!!", "text": "This policy is a wonderful start to supporting transgender and LGBTQIA+ youth in public schools. It’s disheartening to see so many misinformed comments under this thread. If people only did their research and read the document clearly, they would see how necessary this is for students! I am in FULL SUPPORT of this policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94993", "author": "Sarah", "date": "2021-02-03T09:58:00", "title": "Trans Rights are Human Rights", "text": "SUPPORT TRANS STUDENTS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94994", "author": "Rachel", "date": "2021-02-03T09:58:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "My daughter will not be subjected to this without a fight.  She should not have to change or see a boy in a locker room or restroom.   Half of these kids wanna be a girl one minute and change up to be followers.  You're making a decision you have no right to decide on.  This is a parent choice PERIOD. I WILL BE THAT PARENT every single day, every time she goes to gym or the bathroom. Envite them to the teachers restoom, you deal with them accusing you of rape or being blamed for something else.  Why should my daughter deal with this?  We are a family under God's word, PERIOD. I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH ALL THIS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94995", "author": "Katelyn Barbre", "date": "2021-02-03T09:58:00", "title": "Strongly Support - Trans rights are human rights", "text": "Transgender citizens of all ages and genders deserve to treated with respect and integrity. This should especially be the case for the transgender youth of our state. They need support at such a young age, not denial of their identity. Opposing legislation that will help transgender children is tantamount to denying them the same freedoms as other children. America is a free country where rights are (or should be) available to everyone, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Please, do what is right and give all children the same treatment and advocate for those who have been treated as less than."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94996", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T09:59:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "Full support—protect trans kids"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94997", "author": "Normal Person", "date": "2021-02-03T09:59:00", "title": "Absolutely Not", "text": "Way the extreme."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94998", "author": "Laura Goren", "date": "2021-02-03T09:59:00", "title": "Support the model policies to help schools support every student", "text": "These thoughtful model policies provide guidance for school divisions and schools in how to comply with Virginia nondiscrimination law and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students. Having a VDOE model policy reduces the burden on each local school division and school board to develop their own policy from scratch. And this policy incorporates best practices for making sure that every student has the opportunity to learn in a safe environment. No child should fear going to school because of who they are. I care about this because my faith tradition teaches that there is that of G-d in every person, including gender variant people who are often pushed to the margins by the dominant culture. I also care about this because it will make a concrete difference in improving the lives of young people who I know and will reduce the stress on their parents related to navigating conversations with school staff."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94999", "author": "Erin", "date": "2021-02-03T09:59:00", "title": "Model policies of trans students", "text": "I do not agree with the model policies for transgender students in VA schools. Biological males should not be in the same bathrooms and changing rooms as biological females. Transgender females (biological males) should not be involved in female sports. It gives the biological male an unfair advantage. Trans students have a right to education but it is a slippery slope when accommodations are made for trans students that have the potential to harm others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95000", "author": "Rebecca", "date": "2021-02-03T10:00:00", "title": "Disagree", "text": "I firmly disagree with this policy, while it seeks to fully support the transgender population, they fully oppress individuals with a differing view of sexuality and gender based off of personal beliefs or religious beliefs.  There are cultural norms we can adapt and implement without enacting a policy that overrides parental consent and encourages a breeding ground for sexual predators.  Persons working with children must be knowledgeable about gender issues and questions without being encouraged to separate parent from child in the process.  This is not the solution to support transgender population - only to divide and ostracize those with differing views."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95001", "author": "Meredith L", "date": "2021-02-03T10:01:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights and opposing this is pro discrimination", "text": "Transgender youth in America face extreme discrimination and bullying from not only their childhood peers but also their teachers, school administrations, churches, and even parents. Passing legislation to protect transgender youth from at least some of this discrimination is extremely necessary. The high rate of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among transgender individuals is largely a result of this constant discrimination, lack of acceptance, and bigotry. Transgender youth deserve to be able to go to school as their true and authentic selves without fear of bullying and backlash. There are so many cases where transgender children have been discriminated against by their teachers and administrations, adults who are supposed to be there to help and nurture ALL children and teens, not just the straight, cisgender ones. Furthermore, I believe that the extremely disgusting transphobic and homophobic comments left on this town hall prove just how much vilification these children face and why legislation is necessary to ensure their protection and prosperity. Those who oppose this legislation are not looking to \"protect\" their children. Transgender youth are not threats! They are not trying to go into the bathroom of their gender identification to look up girl's skirts. Such stereotypes are used to paint all transgender individuals as sick perverts, a \"dangerous other.\" But I will say it again: The people who oppose this legislation are not looking to \"protect\" their children, rather, they are looking to protect their \"right\" to discriminate against transgender people. That is why legislation to protect transgender youth against discrimination is so important."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95002", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:02:00", "title": "Protect Trans Youth", "text": "Schools are often a very unsafe place for LGBT children. I myself developed severe depression in high school and almost lost my life to it. Trans kids in particular are often alienated and constantly misgendered which causes dysphoria. They also are more likely to be bullied or be rejected by their own parents. This is why we must protect them and support them. Supporting transgender students' rights will protect their safety. Suicide risk is very high in LGBT kids, as well as risk of physical harm from bullying. School is a place where all kids should feel safe so that they can learn and prepare for their future."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95003", "author": "Charles", "date": "2021-02-03T10:02:00", "title": "Oppose with kindness", "text": "Transgender Policy. We kindly oppose these policies. Draft policy p.16. This is really extreme.  With the raging hormones of boys and girls, it can lead to sexual violence and bullying.  If not in the school building, then in the community; with the school board being responsible for the assault.  Violence can't be fought by providing another avenue for it. Recommended Standard p.12. Parents should always know how the schools are trying to influence their children.  The parents are legally responsible for their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95004", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:02:00", "title": "keep politics out of school", "text": "Oppose this extreme policy. Please stop trying to inject controversial political viewpoints into the school while, at the same time, confusing and hurting children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95005", "author": "Drew Kozusko", "date": "2021-02-03T10:02:00", "title": "Transgender and nonbinary protections", "text": "I support the right of all students to go to school without fear of persecution, especially by those we trust as custodians while they're away from home. I also support the right of students to transition and identify however they feel at school, knowing the administration will support them if they are bullied. Our children deserve safety. Please do not let transphobes run this discussion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95006", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:02:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "It is the school's duty to protect all of its students, regardless of the identities they hold. Given the climate we live in today, it is important to specifically the name the protections we have in place for trans/queer students because they are some of the least protect people in the country. Students deserve to know that they are safe to be themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95007", "author": "Lena Pilipenko", "date": "2021-02-03T10:02:00", "title": "New transgender school policy", "text": "Absolutely not! NO to the new transgender policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95008", "author": "Amanda", "date": "2021-02-03T10:02:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  These proposals are absurd and ridiculous. What happened to common sense, morals, and values?  This could lead to so many issues not related to the cause at hand. There are many reasons why we have separate bathrooms, locker rooms, etc in the first place.  Do you think a middle or high school girl will feel comfortable changing a tampon or pad while a boy is in the restroom with her?  What about dress out for gym while a male is in the same room?  Vice versa for boys.   This is so counter intuitive to what we have always taught our children about respecting their bodies, modesty and the right to privacy.  What about a male who says he identifies as a female but really doesn't?   He just says that to be near girls in the restroom or gym.  Whether a student identifies as a male or female is their choice but the fact remains, that student is physically and biologically a male or female and therefore should not be allowed to violate and impose on the privacy of those students who truly identify with their God given identity.   Instead of being politically correct, let's focus on teaching love and respect for all students regardless of how one identifies.  I'm praying that you make the right decision for the majority of students. Sincerely, Amanda Charles"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95009", "author": "kevin", "date": "2021-02-03T10:03:00", "title": "Absolutely Not", "text": "There needs to be other ideas considered."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95010", "author": "Sarah Fisher", "date": "2021-02-03T10:03:00", "title": "I Support This Guidance", "text": "Children are our future, and no one should live in fear of being ridiculed for being themself. No one should go home and hate themself for who they are, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect and fairness no matter gender or gender identity. If we can create an inviting learning enviroment for all, we may see things like less teen suicide in schools all around. No one should feel like dieing for being who they are. Futhermore, I believe everyone should be able to express themselves how they are, being a teenager is the time to explore and do that. I think anyone should be able to represent themselves how they like, and be who they feel on the represented on the outside, without retribution. I fully stand by protecting our trans students and gender non-conforming students with everything we can."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95011", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:04:00", "title": "Strongly DISAGREE!!!!!!", "text": "I strongly Disagree with this! We as parents have this right to say no!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95012", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:04:00", "title": "SUPPORT!", "text": "It is essential to support all students, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. This is an issue of basic human decency and the need to respect everyone's identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95013", "author": "Mychele Morris", "date": "2021-02-03T10:05:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAGREE!!", "text": "I do not agree with this at all. I believe that GOD made us who we are not what sex we want to be. I do not think girls and boys should be in the same bathroom or changing rooms regardless of what sex they think they are that day. What if a guy claiming to be a girl one day goes into the girls changing room and rapes her? What would happen to him? Would it be ok because hes a transgender? NO that is WRONG and a SIN! I believe that GOD should be put back in schools NOT transgender policies. I think it is wrong especially for todays kids that isnt even old enough to know about the opposite sex body parts. Kids DO NOT need transgender polices they need to know and learn about GOD!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95014", "author": "Cheryl", "date": "2021-02-03T10:05:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "I believe that there are only 2 sexes in this mortal life - male and female.  The privacy and protection of both needs to be considered."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95015", "author": "Fr George Alexson", "date": "2021-02-03T10:07:00", "title": "Guidance Document", "text": "Neither schools nor the state have an intrinsic or absolute right to exclude parents from decisions affecting the life of their children. Schools exist for the purpose of educating children. The moral and spiritual formation of children is the sole prerogative of their parents! When these rights are abused, the foundations of family and society are weakened, to the detriment of all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95016", "author": "Hillary Thompson", "date": "2021-02-03T10:07:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "It is very important to know we are sending our youth daily to a safe and inclusive environment for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95017", "author": "Dana", "date": "2021-02-03T10:08:00", "title": "Do not support", "text": "I disagree with this policy. I feel it is a infringement on the rights of Parents.  We have authority over our children until they are 18. I do not want my son to see a naked female that identify as male. I do not want a male that identify as female expose himself either. I firmly believe that if they want to be accepted then have a transgender rooms locker room an bathroom. If our beliefs are different then we are the bad ones?  Bullying because we don't approve of a lifestyle? No! It can be respected but it should not be forced. That is where the problems come from. Its science that male an female are different its a choice to want to be different not science."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95018", "author": "Erin Baroni, Hasbro Children's Hospital", "date": "2021-02-03T10:08:00", "title": "PEDIATRICIAN WHO STRONGLY SUPPORTS!!!", "text": "As a med-peds trained physician, I STRONGLY SUPPORT any efforts to protect transgender and gender diverse persons. We have a multitude of evidence to show that supporting these communities decreases rates of suicide by 70% !!! Not to mention a slew of other positive benefits. We also have evidence to suggest that these communities do not \"regret\" gender affirming care as some have proposed. This is incredible, and I really hope the state of Virginia continues to support and reinforce safety for these communities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95019", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:08:00", "title": "STRONGLY AGREE", "text": "Because transgendered are no different from us and gender is a social construct"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95020", "author": "Cassidy Moulton", "date": "2021-02-03T10:08:00", "title": "In Strong Support", "text": "Transgender children deserve the safety and rights in schools and society, just as any other child should. They are not dangerous, they are not a menace, they are children simply trying to find themselves as any child is. I am in STRONG support of any and all laws pertaining to the protection of transgender people, and hope anyone with half a heart also is. Aside from the fact gender variance is a very real thing, suicide is extremely common among transgender adolescents. The life expectancy of transgender individuals is 35. I believe these protections proposed will help raise that life expectancy as anyone deserves. They deserve a full life. I hope the VA lawmakers will consider the lives of those most effected rather than just nasty comments in opposition of protection of people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95021", "author": "Vincent Webb", "date": "2021-02-03T10:10:00", "title": "Strongly Support As A Transgender Virginian", "text": "I am in strong support of these efforts to provide protections for and guidance in supporting transgender/non-binary and gender non-conforming students. I myself was a student in the commonwealth and faced discrimination and bullying, not merely from my peers, but more pointedly, from teachers and staff. I was at times isolated and ostracized by the people charged with my education and well being. My humanity was, it seemed, conditional. All the great variance of expression and perspective that could have been gained, the great growth of empathy that could have transpired, an understanding that normal is very different throughout not only time and place, but also in experience and individual and culture, was extinguished; the very antithesis of learning. Conformity, not compassion, was taught. I did not feel safe at my school. I did not feel safe in my home. I did not feel safe in my community, as these lessons had also been taught to them. I hope for a Virginia that is safe for all children, and I hope for hope to live on in the hearts of every student in the commonwealth. Each and every young mind should be able to see for themselves a future filled with truth and kindness and possibility. It can be nearly impossible, and sometimes is, to take another step, another breath, when that door to tomorrow appears closed to you simply because of who you are. The wealth of every human life in its many faceted brilliance enriches us all. Let us protect these shining children as the precious beings that they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95022", "author": "Young trans adult - previous operator on Trans lifeline", "date": "2021-02-03T10:10:00", "title": "This could help save lives.", "text": "As an adult in my early 20's who came out at 16, this bill would have been life changing. As I lived in a liberal area in michigan during the time I was growing, I still had a lot of support from my school but not nearly enough. I'm honestly not worried about trans students sexually assaulting or harassing cis students. But all the contrary. After coming out I was sexually harrased and assaulted several times a day for months, one of the many reasons causing me to drop out after my senior year. This bill is just the beginning to decreasing the horrible suicide rates of trans individuals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95023", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:10:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose! Vote NO on transgender policy changes!", "text": "Please vote NO on the proposed transgender policy changes for Loudoun County Public Schools. The changes attempt to interpret the law, which is not under the authority of school policy makers, and they undermine the rights of parents, teachers, and school administrators. Further, and most importantly, these changes harm our children. Vote NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95024", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:11:00", "title": "Support transgender people", "text": "Transgendered people are no different from us and gender is a social construct"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95025", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:11:00", "title": "I do not support", "text": "I do not support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95026", "author": "Mark Calhoon", "date": "2021-02-03T10:12:00", "title": "OPPOSED!", "text": "I am totally opposed to this insanity! All of you who proposed this load ought to be fired immediately! This is criminal. These are children! Children!! Their brains are not fully developed and yet you and your ilk want to force this liberal insanity on them and society. You are supposed to be the Department of EDUCATION, not INDOCTRINATION! Least you forget, there are six biological sex karyotypes that do not result in death to the fetus...PERIOD. They are: X – Female - Turner’s Syndrome (infertile) XX – Female XXY – Male - Klinefelter's Syndrome (infertile) XY – Male XYY – Male - Jacob's Syndrome XXXY – Male (infertile) Conversely, there are three phenotypes: 1. Male 2. Female 3. Other (i.e., biological anomalies) Everything else is made up liberal B.S.! Men (and boys) who think they are women (or girls), and women (and girls) who think they are men (or boys) are mentally ill and need treatment, as opposed to social integration. You should not be about foisting this tripe on our children, families, and communities. Shame on ALL of you! FOLLOW THE SCIENCE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95027", "author": "R Kevin Mallinson", "date": "2021-02-03T10:13:00", "title": "Support the rights of Transgender Youth", "text": "I have been a Nurse since the mid-1980s and am now a professor in a VA state university. My experience has shown me that youth can clearly have an appreciation for their gender...especially when they are labeled a gender that does not match themselves. Please don't give credibility to the ill-informed who claim there is no reason for schools or the State to become involved in these issues. We need to protect the vulnerable. It is foolish to think that these policies would 'hurt or harm' other children. We have had numerous transgender students become Registered Nurses after completing our programs. Their ability to engage with fellow students, patients, and other healthcare workers was not at all affected by their gender identity. We must resist the false belief that \"it is the parents' responsibility\" because we know that parents have had a history of abusing, terrorizing, or rejecting their children who don't meet their expectations as a 'young man' or 'proper young lady.' Our society is much too diverse to pretend that we all must fit into one of two small, limited boxes. Lastly, I will say that democracy is more about protecting the rights of the minority (esp. the vulnerable, stigmatized, or marginalized) than it is about protecting the 'purity' of the majority (whose rights are much less likely to be trampled upon).  I strongly support the rights of transgender youth in our schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95028", "author": "C. Hamaker", "date": "2021-02-03T10:15:00", "title": "I support this measure", "text": "Trans children need the support and validation that every other child gets."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95029", "author": "Tim Seidel", "date": "2021-02-03T10:15:00", "title": "I support the guidance.", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95030", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:16:00", "title": "Transgender changes", "text": "Opposed Gender dysphoria is classified as a mental disorder.  Why are we forcing our children to change their environments to support and “play along” with members that are diagnosed with a mental disorder?  We should protect our children from being FORCED to make adaptions to protect societal members who have disorders when those adaptations clearly effect their own feelings of safety. My children find it distressing to change in a locker room or go to the bathroom with someone whom genitalia are different from their own.  We have taught them, and we should continue to teach them that this is a private matter.  Their bodies should be safe guarded from perversions.  I feel this bill presents a major slippery slope for the ability of sexual predators to prey on young children. My question for a trans-gender person, “would you use the bathroom of your assigned gender at birth if you knew that it would keep 1 child from being molested?” Unless or until there are adaptations that allow for both presenting bodies (non transgender and transgender students) to feel comfortable in their environment then this bill should be tabled. Why are we not promoting a plan that allows for individual bathrooms for everyone is beyond me??"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95031", "author": "John David Gowdy", "date": "2021-02-03T10:17:00", "title": "Gender science is still in flux", "text": "Gender and transgender science is still in a state of flux. There are many recent studies on gender and transgender individuals and societal issues but few, if any, are definitive and widely accepted. One fact is sure, and that is that adolescence, the period following the onset of puberty during which a young person develops from a child into an adult, is the most critical for the formation of gender identity. See: Gender dysphoria in adolescence: current perspectives https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5841333/ (2018). Adolescence is generally defined as occurring from ages 13-19.  As anyone who has been a teenager can attest, feelings towards oneself, the opposite sex, or the same sex, are all in a state of flux during these critical years. I believe that it is inappropriate to mandate certain behaviors in schools K-12, but particularly for ages 5-12.  Biological sex may be more easily identified by children and adults, but transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals are not always easily identified without their help or verbal disclosure. The proposed policies will, in effect, force pre-puberty students and adolescents to make both choices and disclosures concerning their own gender or gender identity before may be ready to do so -- and, in many cases without proper education, counseling, and the time and reflection necessary, in order to do so appropriately. Additionally, this proposed mandate requires a tremendous task of school teachers and administrators, who are unlikely to be fully-equipped and trained to manage all that is expected of them under these policies.  Widely accepted LGBTQ+ and gender identity education and tolerance courses would need to be required for all school teachers and administrators and be settled in advance before these policies could be effectively implemented and maintained.  In summary, gender identity science is not fully settled; adolescents and pre-puberty youth are at risk if policies are not wisely tailored to their needs; and, a lack of complete education and preparation in schools and school districts will invite more harm than good."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95032", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:17:00", "title": "No!!!! This is sooooo wrong!", "text": "Absolutely ridiculous that this is even a thing!! If an adult chooses to change their gender, sure. But to hide allowing this in schools of children!! No!! And I'll be dammed if someone tries to take my kids for this !!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95033", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:17:00", "title": "Absolutely NO!!!", "text": "This shouldn’t even be a topic! Absolutely No!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95034", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-02-03T10:17:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I support fair treatment of transgender persons, just as every person deserves; however, I think this policy definitely oversteps parental rights. I will not be sending my children into an environment such as the one outlined in this policy. I support the wellbeing of all children.  Again, there are many disturbing proposed policies within the draft.  One of the most egregious, is the proposed authority given to school personnel to withhold vital information from parents regarding the wellbeing of their child and provide guidance while withholding vital information from parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95035", "author": "VERY Concerned TEACHER!", "date": "2021-02-03T10:18:00", "title": "The title is completely misleading! If you ONLY read the TITLE, do NOT support this!", "text": "The title is completely misleading, \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools.\" Who wouldn't want that? ... ***However ,*** what the 26 page document would ACTUALLY establish is a totalitarianism environment where teachers and administrators become the ultimate judge and jury between a parent and a child. How can this even remotely be considered legal, much less constitutional? There are Guardian Ad Litems for a reason. There are courts for a reason. There are schools for a reason. Each of these three entities have definitive, and DIFFERENT roles in society. Teachers and Administrators have ENOUGH on our plates, crammed into only a few hours. I am there to TEACH, not PREACH. I am not there as a police officer or a judge. The topic of transgender rights is not a problem to be solved in SCHOOL . If special situations arise, there are guardian ad litems, and courts for those specific situations. Do NOT MAKE OUR JOB MORE DIFFICULT! We are there to pack in knowledge, NOT to be judge and jury in a family situation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95036", "author": "Catherine Wilson", "date": "2021-02-03T10:18:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I am in support of Transgender rights and any policies made that benefit their well being and quality of life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95037", "author": "Sam", "date": "2021-02-03T10:18:00", "title": "I completely support.", "text": "I fully support this and think it is a necessary legislation for every school to have."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95038", "author": "Weaver", "date": "2021-02-03T10:18:00", "title": "Protect Transgender Rights", "text": "If we do not protect the rights of transgender students here and now, then the pro-discrimination people will win. My high school experience was hell based on the fact that I was not protected as an LGBT individual. The school system will not provide protections for these students, will do nothing to shield them from the bullying (because even in the public schools, there are always cries of \"but it's against my religion!\"), but when the student kills themself due to all the hate they're receiving, the school system either does one of two things: they either lie and claim that they tried to help through crocodile tears, or they shrug their shoulders and move on as if nothing happened. There are school counselors in these facilities that are openly outing students to their parents and the people they live with, which is directly putting students in danger. Those counselors have no idea of what the at-home family dynamic is; if the student gets outed, then said student could now be at risk for abuse and neglect, or even being kicked out from their home. We need protections for all LGBT students within the school system, and I believe that our transgender students are a good place to start."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90904", "author": "David Norton", "date": "2021-01-21T10:09:00", "title": "Transgender students", "text": "I believe there only two genders, male and female.  I also believe that elementary and secondary school students are too young to decide to change their genders.  I am opposed to presenting such options to pre-adolescent children. They are too easily influenced and may be led down a path they would otherwise not take. We should learn to live fully within the body we were born with, before we go changing it to become something we are not."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90905", "author": "Chris T.", "date": "2021-01-21T10:28:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed.", "text": "Since when did it become the government's job to tell us how to think and behave? This is a slippery slope. Of course we should all respect one another's differences, and be kind to each other, however ordering people to do things that they may or may not agree with is bordering on Communist. Last I checked, we lived in the land of the free and the home of the brave. I also agree with the gentlemen who commented before me. Sharing this with elementary and middle aged school children who are still trying to figure out their place in the world is cruel. Social services would be called if anyone was trying to force a child to do something that bordered on abuse. That is what you will be undertaking if we are forced to suggest or guide children in a direction In which they may not understand."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90906", "author": "Seeking Sanity", "date": "2021-01-21T10:42:00", "title": "Looks like Orwell's 1984 is here", "text": "Really?  You are blatantly legislating to use the state to protect a child from their parent?  I guess we really are heralding in life as depicted in Orwell's 1984! “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity... ” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Just teach core curriculum needed to exist and thrive in our country.  Stop pretending teachers are psych experts.  Enough."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90907", "author": "Chris and Cindy Hart", "date": "2021-01-21T10:43:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose VDOE proposed policy re Transgender Issues", "text": "We want to register our strong opposition to the proposed VDOE rule changes re transgender students.  This is NOT a school or school system issue, but is a family issue that should be left to individual students to discuss with their parents, and absent parent consent to a gender identity change, should be left to when the individual reaches the age of maturity in order to effect this change on their own.  School aged children should not be able to make this life-changing decision on their own.  It has too many long-term implications that they are not mature enough to weigh and consider.  While we believe, and our faith teaches, that God created us to be either male or female, if one of our beloved children wanted to discuss this issue with us, we are the ones equipped -- after a lifetime of experience and love with that child -- not a school administrator, to lovingly consider all aspects of that child's then circumstances and mindset to reach a determination on this issue that is right for that person at that time.  And if they disagree strongly with us, their parents, they will have time and space to make their own decision on that issue when they are old enough to be considered by society to do such things as vote or enter the military."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90908", "author": "William Hyde", "date": "2021-01-21T11:15:00", "title": "This will hurt all students", "text": "The new policies under consideration will cause immeasurable harm to all students in Virginia, including those it purports to help. Forcing the 99% of students who do not identify as transgender to comply with the preferences of the 1% who do is disproportionate and a violation of the rights of the 99% to privacy and security. This will also hurt the 1% by exposing them to the shame and taunts from their peers who disagree. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, but pretending that everyone will be is just denying reality. Furthermore, forcing the 99% to give up their own comfort and safety will only encourage those who are not yet mature enough to act with empathy to act with hostility. This will be exacerbated as girls lose actual benefits such as athletic scholarships if they are forced to compete against biological males. This will also hurt the schools as parents and children who do not agree will choose alternatives such as private schools and homeschooling. This will reduce the amount of funding available to the public schools. It will also exacerbate educational inequality as the families with means are able to take advantage of the alternatives, while those without are forced to leave their children in situations where they feel their children are threatened or with which they fundamentally disagree. This is especially true when schools are encouraged to hide information from parents who they believe are not sufficiently \"supportive\". Depending on how the guidelines are interpreted, they may also very well violate the law. The proposed document's description of the First Amendment says \"schools may not prohibit students from expressing their identity\". But any law school student knows that the protections are much broader than that. Schools may not prohibit students from expressing themselves, period, including expressing opposition to, disgust with, or antipathy towards others. Attempts to do so in an effort to prevent bullying may very well cross the line into censorship. Furthermore, opposition based on religious belief is also protected by the First Amendment. This is particularly true where the policy tries to require school staff to use a pronoun that a student prefers. This is coerced speech, of the kind which the First Amendment is particularly hostile towards. In other states where similar policies have been implemented, there has already been significant amounts of litigation. Given the level of opposition within parts of the state and uncertainty over whether such policies are even legal, the state would be much better advised to wait until what exactly the state and local boards can and cannot do before implementing these kinds of policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90909", "author": "Melissa Meadows", "date": "2021-01-21T11:23:00", "title": "In full support - ALL students deserve to be safe!", "text": "I've been an educator for 15 years and have witnessed first-hand how school policies directly impact the lives of students and their families. I've been lucky enough to work in schools where children who came out as trans or non-binary were met with compassion, understanding, and support. I've also worked in schools where students who came out were met with indifference and resistance. We know that children who are trans and non-binary suffer in school systems that fail to recognize their identity. Research also shows us trans and nonbinary students are more likely to experience bullying, harassment, and violence at school than their cisgender peers. The policies outlined here will ensure that students at all Virginia schools will be safe, be recognized and celebrated for who they are, and get the support they need to thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90910", "author": "Cameron Moody", "date": "2021-01-21T11:26:00", "title": "Specific Comments on Document Content", "text": "I appreciate your time and consideration in creating such a document for the protection of transgender students. I found the document well written and inclusive of all gender identities. I especially appreciated the inclusion of non-binary student identities, as well as the guidance for creating gender inclusive activities and dress codes. However, I have the following comments: Please reemphasize the importance of safety and case by case solutions for those students whose parents do not affirm the student's identity in the last paragraph on page 19, continuing onto page 20. Please consider encouraging professional development for educators as well as SHMPs on page 18. Please consider elaborating in the last paragraph on page 20 on positive actions for staff to take such as guidelines for those educators who wish to be \"ambassadors\", or the inclusion of safe spaces within schools. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this guidance document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90911", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T11:34:00", "title": "Thank you for supporting child health", "text": "For children, the Virginia public school system provides an education as well as a support system. In their adolescent years, children are still in the process of learning who they are, and it is of the utmost importance that they feel safe to express themselves without judgement or criticism from educators, counselors, or peers. Research has clearly demonstrated that providing children with such an environment decreases prevalence of depression and anxiety in children. In fact, the guidelines of this report are directly in line with recommendations made by the American Academy of Pediatrics. I commend the Department of Education on taking this step towards ensuring that Virginia public schools are welcoming, safe, and supportive for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90912", "author": "dean debuck", "date": "2021-01-21T11:39:00", "title": "I oppose your plan for transgender students.  I applaud your efforts to help these students but this", "text": "I oppose your plan for transgender students.  As a parent, taxpayer and a faithful attendee at church, I do not support this laissez faire approach."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90913", "author": "Regina Largent", "date": "2021-01-21T11:42:00", "title": "Transgender Student Policy", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students because all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. Virginia has always been an education model for other states and we should be here too.  No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. I am an academic advisor to students and I have seen the negative impact on academics and mental health when students are not treated with the respect and dignity that should be afforded to all humans. Sincerely, Regina Largent"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90914", "author": "Meeta Prakash", "date": "2021-01-21T12:41:00", "title": "Safe spaces for all students!", "text": "Regardless of how a student identifies, a school should be a safe space. Just like any other rules that are present to protect others from harm, I believe there are necessary steps to take in order to protect transgender persons. Being a young adult is difficult anyway, and allowing them to feel comfortable exploring their identity HOWEVER THEY SEE FIT. Please protect our adolescent population."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90915", "author": "JTW", "date": "2021-01-21T12:42:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "Trans youth already face significant discrimination and subsequent mental health consequences including increased suicidality. Protective measure like those suggested by VDOE are a step towards creating safe and inclusive spaces for these kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90916", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T12:48:00", "title": "Reject Totalitarian Policy Proposals", "text": "Reject Totalitarian Policy Proposals"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90917", "author": "Mother and Father", "date": "2021-01-21T12:55:00", "title": "Sinful and horrible policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this unbalanced approach to transgender.  What if a student truly finds this to be heresy of the highest degree, does she not have protection or tolerance or policies that accommodate? Does a jewish child get a kosher school lunch? We all make choices or are given immutable characteristics.  The government cannot protect everyone and every feeling."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90918", "author": "Cynthia Kuj", "date": "2021-01-21T12:59:00", "title": "Trans students are students", "text": "LGB youth have 5x more likely to attempt suicide compare to cis heterosexual youth. And for transgender youth, the rate is even higher. Using correct pronoun and name decreases trans youth suicide by half. Unless someone decided trans youth are not human and they should just die, I can’t see any reason why making school a safer space is a bad thing. Furthermore, a more inclusive environment can improve life for all students. Trans students are student. And they deserve to live. Plain and simple."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90919", "author": "student", "date": "2021-01-21T13:12:00", "title": "Equal Rights", "text": "Trans students are students. To not protect them would be disgraceful, and against your messages of “equality.” Transgender youth have one of the highest su*cide rates out of any demographic, and studies have shown that being inclusive and welcoming of transgender youth significantly decreases their chances of su*icide attempts. This would help change students lives, and even save lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90920", "author": "Object Oppose", "date": "2021-01-21T13:27:00", "title": "Delete entire section. (Promote tolerance is fine, but this policy and entirely different goal)", "text": "\"Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately. Before making a decision on policies relating to situations when parents or guardians are not accepting of the student’s gender identity, school divisions should consult their school board attorney. \" Remove delete this section. In no way should parents be questioned in raising their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90921", "author": "none", "date": "2021-01-21T13:32:00", "title": "Stop transgender.. it is morally wrong and child abuse", "text": "Stop Transgender it is morally wrong and child abuse"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90922", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T13:32:00", "title": "All students should be supported.", "text": "Supporting all students is essential to making schools safe places for learning. Students have a range of needs. Transgender students live in a world where they are minoritized and therefore have more mental health issues, higher suicide rates, worse school performance, etc... Studies have shown that transgender people, when supported and affirmed, can have better outcomes and healthier lives. This is a step toward helping transgender youth to feel safer and unincumbered in their route toward the same success that non-minoritized students take for granted. I support any move toward leveling the playing field for students, and transgender students could use support in this area."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90923", "author": "Amy Ford", "date": "2021-01-21T13:33:00", "title": "This is simply a human rights issue", "text": "Every child deserves a “safe space” for education regardless of their gender, color or sexual orientation. I support transgender rights and hope we can offer all our children a place to thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90924", "author": "Jaiden Lowe", "date": "2021-01-21T13:34:00", "title": "Enthusiastic Support", "text": "I strongly support these guidelines as they strengthen and broaden protections for Virginia’s youth. The right of a transgender individual to express themself is laid out clearly in the first amendment and their right to discretion is outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. These additional guidelines are simply protections of systems that are already in place to help transgender youth in Virginia feel comfortable and safe. In order to reduce the risk of mental health issues and improve the wellbeing of transgender youth, we must continue to protect their rights and secure them a place of acceptance and proper treatment in public schools. These guidelines are commonsensical and long overdue, so it’s time to ensure the wellbeing and safety of Virginia’s youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90925", "author": "Anneke Bulthuis", "date": "2021-01-21T13:40:00", "title": "Support in order to protect Virginia's Youth", "text": "I support these guidelines in order to protect Virginia's youth.  This guidance document was written in light of evidence-based best practices on this issue. Research has found that attempted suicide rates and suicidal ideation among LGBTQ youth is significantly higher than among the general population. This vulnerable population requires specific protective guidelines for their safety.  Providing a safe learning environment and opposing harrassment and discrimination for all of our children and youth is a human rights issue and one that the commonwealth of Virginia should adopt as soon as possible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90926", "author": "Emma Barrett", "date": "2021-01-21T13:52:00", "title": "Emphatic Support", "text": "The fact that the right of all schoolchildren to have a safe and supportive learning environment that is free from discrimination is even up for debate is appalling. This should be a given. Teachers and school leaders should be making it their priority to create a welcoming environment for every single student, and to ensure bigotry does not enter their classrooms. Unfortunately, this is an issue we have to legislate. Transgender students are frequently the victims of bullying and harassment, and this policy will help to take that away which is essential for the wellbeing of Virginia's children. Any attempt to invalidate their rights or identities is not based in science, immoral, and has no place in a school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90927", "author": "Debbie Hall", "date": "2021-01-21T13:52:00", "title": "I am opposed", "text": "I am opposed to the guidelines being suggested dealing with transgender students.  While my beliefs on transgender children differ from the suggested guidelines, this is not why I disagree.  I believe that this proposal will lead to further discrimination.  ALL CHILDREN deserve to be protected from bullying.  ALL CHILDREN should have their voice heard and respected.  By mandating special circumstances for one group of students, whoever they might be, you are automatically discriminating against children who don't fit into this category by making special accommodations that will impact a small portion of the student body.  A better solution would be to teach children who struggle with bullying, how to get along. Everyone is different.  Discrimination is frequently redirected from one group to another in a misguided attempt to regulate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90928", "author": "Jamie Lynn Brothers", "date": "2021-01-21T13:56:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "I oppose the policies being pushed forward. I understand the issue and it is sensitive, but you can't harm more than you help. Why not fund a transgender school. I am  pulling my child out of public school in part due to policies like this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90929", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T13:56:00", "title": "Oppose - Unequal Consideration of all students", "text": "“Schools frequently maintain separate restrooms, locker rooms or other facilities for males and females.Schools frequently maintain separate restrooms, locker rooms or other facilities for males and females. Students should be allowed to use the facility that corresponds to their consistently asserted gender identity. While some transgender students will want that access, others may want alternatives that afford more privacy. Taking into account existing school facilities, administrators should take steps to designate gender-inclusive or single-user restrooms commensurate with the size of the school. When schools have available gender- inclusive or single-user restrooms or private changing areas, these restrooms or areas should be accessible to all students without special codes or keys. This would allow for any students seeking privacy to access single-user restrooms and private changing areas voluntarily. should be allowed to use the facility that corresponds to their consistently asserted gender identity. While some transgender students will want that access, others may want alternatives that afford more privacy. Taking into account existing school facilities, administrators should take steps to designate gender-inclusive or single-user restrooms commensurate with the size of the school. When schools have available gender- inclusive or single-user restrooms or private changing areas, these restrooms or areas should be accessible to all students without special codes or keys. This would allow for any students seeking privacy to access single-user restrooms and private changing areas voluntarily.” As the parent of girls, I am highly concerned about my daughters sharing a locker room, restroom, shower area with someone born male.  Regardless of how the person identifies, they were physically born male and retain they physical size and characteristics of a male.  Imagine how uncomfortable every female student in a locker room will feel accommodating a person who may identify, but physically remains male. There will be no reasonable way for a majority of the girls to use the one or two private facilities if the small number of transgender people want to use the shared locker room.  It also isn’t reasonable to ask the school to accommodate the logistics and timelines that would be necessary to make this work. Additionally, the potential size and strength differences between people born male or female increase as they enter high school or college ages.  The safety concerns of one of my daughters finding herself alone in a restroom or space with a physically larger male is terrifying. The entire concept of shared space seems counter to everything we teach our girls about personal safety.  Please please please remove this requirement and think of the impacts on a majority of students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90930", "author": "Aidan Cowlishaw", "date": "2021-01-21T14:01:00", "title": "A long needed proposal, I heavily support", "text": "There is nothing more precious then our children. Our civilization is not built on the present, but the future. All of our children must be cared for equally and without bias, for they are that future. Children who have had bias inflicted on them must be looked after and supported by the schools they attend."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90931", "author": "Melanie Z", "date": "2021-01-21T14:05:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "As a mother and as a Family Nurse Practitioner, I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90932", "author": "Jaymie C", "date": "2021-01-21T14:08:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this. EVERYONE deserves to feel safe and this is a great step in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90933", "author": "Fotini", "date": "2021-01-21T14:21:00", "title": "Not the role of the schools", "text": "Allowing transgender males to use female locker rooms and restrooms and vice versa creates an unsafe environment for every for non transgender student. Additionally, keeping information about a student from his or her parents is absolutely unacceptable in any situation that involves the student at school. The school is NOT the parent or guardian and supporting students wishes that are in opposition to the parents wishes when it has to do with the health and safety and upbringing of their child is criminal It is not the schools job to teach children about the LGBT ideology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90934", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T14:21:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "Strongly oppose - will not help kids with gender dysmorphic issues, will harm the 99.99% of students who do not have these issues.  School teachers have NO BUSINESS getting involved in students' sexual development decisions. All that is needed is a single bathroom available for anyone.  But girls/female only and boys/male only bathrooms must not be removed.  Do not put the 99.99% of students without special issues, whether gender dysmorphia or something else, into extremely uncomfortable social and private situations and then teach them that their feelings are \"not accepting\", wrong or even \"mean\".  They are none of those things."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90935", "author": "Peter Sumner", "date": "2021-01-21T14:24:00", "title": "Virginia parent opposed", "text": "Transgender children should be treated with compassion and understanding. Bullying of any kind should not be tolerated. With that said, cutting off parental knowledge and input is unacceptable. Parents have the moral and legal responsibility for the well-being of their children. This policy appears to aim to cut parents out of decisions that can have life altering effects on their children. With the exception of absolute emergencies, medical decisions regarding children cannot be made without parental consent. I fail to understand why we would make an exception for this situation unless there was an alternative agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90936", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T14:25:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90937", "author": "Carissa Sumner", "date": "2021-01-21T14:27:00", "title": "Virginia Parent Opposed", "text": "I oppose the proposed legislation. While it is admirable that the state of Virginia wants to help students who feel bullied, allowing students to use whichever locker room, bathroom, or hotel room they choose puts students more at risk. Do you want a boy to follow your teenage daughter into the bathroom when no one else is around? Keep in mind he can just say he felt like a girl that day. Allowing students to choose what gender they think they are is also not fair to girls in sports. Another reason I oppose the proposed legislation is because it bypasses the parents. Parents have to sign their kids' report cards and show up for parent teacher conferences because it is important for them to be involved in their kids' educations, right? If parents have to sign off on what grade their kids get in music class and how many hours they practice per week, isn't it so much more important to involve parents when their kids wonder if they should take drugs to change their genders? Also these drugs increase the risk for depression and suicide. Even if you don't care about the kids, this is a lawsuit waiting to happen. The Virginia Board of Education is going to get sued when a girl is sexually assaulted or even just stared at by a boy in the middle school bathroom, when a teenager on puberty blocking drugs that the school helped him get without his parents' consent commits suicide, and when boys who say they are girls start winning all the track and field events. I would not vote for school board members or Virginia Board of Education members who promote this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90938", "author": "Allison Menard, FCPS", "date": "2021-01-21T14:35:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I teach, support, and love 100% of my kids. I want you all, 100% of you, to know that you are loved, you are valued, and you deserve to feel safe and included 100% of the time. Even if you do not sit in my classroom, I want you to know that I support you, I love you, and I believe in you. <3"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90939", "author": "ty", "date": "2021-01-21T14:43:00", "title": "Very strong support", "text": "Transgender children need to have the same rights as cisgender children. Plain and simple. Having to go through school and puberty, while also dealing with discrimination should NEVER be put upon a child. Mental illness such as depression which can lead to su*c*de is much higher in trans youth than in other demographics. If implemented this could potentially lower those numbers and provide a more supportive and productive environment.  Do your part to help save children’s lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90940", "author": "Terry Parrish", "date": "2021-01-21T15:00:00", "title": "Transgender Policy for Students", "text": "I strongly OPPOSE this. It will cause confusion to young children, cause abuse in bathrooms and locker rooms, and has nothing to do with education. Parents are in charge of their children, and schools should not hide anything from parents. I’ve worked in elementary and middle school for many years, and I know that students may use this to cause a lot of problems for teachers. Teachers already have much to deal with besides implementing a sexual agenda. Teach children the basics so they can grow up to be productive happy citizens with a sound mind. I STRONGLY OPPOSE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90941", "author": "Peter W.", "date": "2021-01-21T15:01:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I support this bill and support stopping any kind of bullying in our school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90942", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T15:11:00", "title": "Strong support", "text": "This type of policy is necessary to avoid so much mental health issues including suicidality. For the 95-99% of students that are cisgender, nothing will change, except that they can not bully trans youth. For the trans students, they see acceptance and hope for future. Parents are not affected, in fact are told exactly what will be done and why, no secrets withheld. Please read the entire policy before blindly opposing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90943", "author": "Tanisha S.", "date": "2021-01-21T15:11:00", "title": "I Strongly Support", "text": "I feel that all youth have a human right to feel safe in schools. Policies that support this are only going to move us closer to a more just society. People can have their beliefs and values, but at the end of the day we have to see everyone as a human being no matter how they show up in the world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90944", "author": "April goodman", "date": "2021-01-21T15:12:00", "title": "I disapprove of this radical push to eliminate differences between females and", "text": "I disapprove of this radical push to eliminate differences between females and males and the brainwashing of our children and grandchildren."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90945", "author": "Amy", "date": "2021-01-21T15:14:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this. People assuming that random kids will just change their identity to \"peek\" on others is completely unfounded. No kid in their right mind would do that and have to face the bullying and other things most trans kids get in school. Kids can be hatefully mean and most kids do what they can to NOT draw attention to themselves. Also to the people scared their daughter will be in the locker room with a guy. Also not true trans girls are girls end of story. There is alot of hate here for trans girls. yet no one cares or is focused on trans boys or non binary folks. At the end of the day trans folks are the gender they say they are no amount of hate or denying will stop that. They are all valid and all should be loved. If your worry is your kid using different pronouns or names at school versus at home maybe you should look at yourself and ask why it is your child doesn't feel comfortable talking to you about these things. All children should feel loved and supported. As a transwoman myself I say all trans kids deserve love and support and to feel safe in school and at home. The sooner everyone gets over their closed minds and sets aside whatever hang ups they have to support their children the better. Love your children no matter what."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90946", "author": "Bill", "date": "2021-01-21T15:15:00", "title": "Parent Opposes this policy as  it is written", "text": "I Support Safety of All but Oppose lack of Privacy and Endangerment of those non- Transgender.  By infringing on one party's rights, this is not a just or fair solution.  For example, It is ridiculous that anyone can enter the girl's bathroom without being questioned."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90947", "author": "Terry Parrish", "date": "2021-01-21T15:19:00", "title": "Transgender Policy for Students", "text": "I strongly OPPOSE this. It will cause confusion to young children, cause abuse in bathrooms and locker rooms, and has nothing to do with education. Parents are in charge of their children, and schools should not hide anything from parents. I’ve worked in elementary and middle school for many years, and I know that students may use this to cause a lot of problems for teachers. Teachers already have much to deal with besides implementing a sexual agenda. Teach children the basics so they can grow up to be productive happy citizens with a sound mind. I STRONGLY OPPOSE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90948", "author": "M Sullivan", "date": "2021-01-21T15:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose forcing parents to accept this agenda", "text": "I oppose forcing (no exceptions are allowed) everyone to accept this draconian agenda and permitting boys into girls bathrooms \"because they feel like a girl\". Disciplinary action because someone fails to use the correct pronoun- sounds like we're in a police state. A state I no longer which to live and support if it passes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90949", "author": "Steven Parrish", "date": "2021-01-21T15:21:00", "title": "Two Genders Only", "text": "I strongly object to this bill. The state has no right to indoctrinate and confuse our children with this gender lie. There are two genders according to the Word of God. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; MALE and FEMALE created he them.” Genesis? ?1:27? ? ??So, it’s male and female, man and woman. Any person or Department of Education Bill saying otherwise will not change the truth. Maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination bullying, and harassment for all students, hopefully, is already a rule in Virginia schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90950", "author": "Hannah Updike", "date": "2021-01-21T15:33:00", "title": "In Full Support of Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in VA's Public Schools", "text": "I am in full support of policies that protect and support LGBTQ+ students in Virginia. Research shows that trans and nonbinary students are more likely to experience bullying, harassment, and violence at school. All students deserve a quality education free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination, and schools have a moral, ethical, and legal obligation to protect them. In addition, these policies will not only protect students, but will empower educators and administrators with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively support and advocate for students. I urge the VDOE to implement this essential policy guidance for K-12 public schools in Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90951", "author": "Nicole Brette", "date": "2021-01-21T15:46:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90952", "author": "Susan A", "date": "2021-01-21T15:52:00", "title": "I object to change of policy", "text": "I object to change of policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90953", "author": "Tammy Jo Arsenault", "date": "2021-01-21T15:55:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I was unfortunate that I did not have the pleasure of having a child and that is why I am so sad when people (that should be adults) use children to advance their political views. Children need to be protected against predators especially when they are pretending to be \"looking out for them\". There are many countries that will send children to war at the age of 6 - 10. We as Americans think that is ridiculous and it is! I feel the same is true of thinking a child in elementary school is mature to be able to make life long decisions is ridiculous. Children are NOT adults. Physically they are not strong as adults and mentally they can not think and reason like adults. They do not have life experience that comes with adulthood. Our state had decided that children can not vote under 18, they can not drive a car by themselves under 16, buy a lottery ticket under age 18 or buy beer and cigarettes under age 21. The state and school systems should stay out of the business of sexual orientation. Let the children be children while they have the time.  Being an adult is difficult. Those over 21 need to stop thinking about ruling the world and just mind their own business."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90955", "author": "Tayloe Tweardy", "date": "2021-01-21T16:26:00", "title": "Protect Trans Kids", "text": "Protect trans kids, they are human and deserve equal rights just"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90956", "author": "Sarah Alles", "date": "2021-01-21T16:28:00", "title": "Fairfax Transgender Policies", "text": "Opposed to these policies which will create unsafe conditions for students, no matter their position on this issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90957", "author": "Rayanne Pirozzi", "date": "2021-01-21T16:29:00", "title": "Support", "text": "It is our obligation to support, educate and value ALL our young people. Transgender students are included in ALL!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90958", "author": "Stamate Theofanos", "date": "2021-01-21T16:30:00", "title": "Absolutely Necessary to Support our Transgender Peers", "text": "As a student, I wholeheartedly believe this proposal is a necessity to help make our transgender peers feel more welcomed in learning environments. No individual deserves to face unfair discrimination that affects their learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90959", "author": "Pierce Chancy", "date": "2021-01-21T16:47:00", "title": "Virginia High School Valedictorian in Support of Bill", "text": "I strongly support this bill.  I think it is essential to have rules that transgender students can point to when they are being mistreated or discriminated against by bigoted individuals.  While rules that prohibit bullying are already in effect, a bill that further details these subjects would never hurt.  In addition, students should be able to feel safe using the restroom or other gender-related facilities that match the gender they prefer, rather than causing themselves and others discomfort."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90960", "author": "John A.", "date": "2021-01-21T16:59:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "And those who are for it can leave the country."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90961", "author": "Erin O'Donnell", "date": "2021-01-21T17:02:00", "title": "Dangerous for all children", "text": "This document poses serious dangers for all school children. Children who do not identify with their biological gender certainly are in need of help and support - this document makes school authorities not only exempt from notifying and working together with patents, but even deliberately deceiving them.  (For example, school staff is required to call a child by the name he asserts but can communicate with parents using the child's legal name). These children desperately need help and support and understanding from home. School authorities,  who will be in their lives only briefly, need to support children in having a good relationship with their parents and help parents to understand their children better if their is some tension. Additionally, these policies will make children loose touch with reality. If my 1st grader insists on being called a 5th grader, is it helpful to my little one to have everyone call her a 5th grader and be allowed into the 5th grade classes and recesses? How confusing to her that would be! And detrimental to her education.  Yes, she need some patient and understanding teachers and parents to help her cope with a mismatch of desire and reality, but no one should confuse her further by pretending she is several years older than she actually is. And what about everyone else? What about high school boys who, in fact, identify as boys, pretend to be transgender in order to be allowed into the girls bathroom and locker room. Not sending my daughter to that school!! What about sports? Children who are biologically male but identify differently could unfairly dominate girls sports. After all the progress we've made in recognizing that girls can be athletes, too, that would be a big step in the wrong direction. And why couldn't every child in the school change his name, at least during school hours, because the legal name doesn't quite express the right gender-identity.  A child could change names every week as the gender identity changes.  It would create chaos. Yes, we need some help for these children.  No,  this document is not going to help children struggling with gender identity or any other children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90962", "author": "Daniel Thompson", "date": "2021-01-21T17:03:00", "title": "DOE Proposed Transgender Policies", "text": "The proposed policies for Virginia Schools supersede the rightful authority and responsibility of parents in their children's moral and physical development. i completely object to schools withholding information from parents on such a sensitive subject. To allow gender confused children access to bathrooms or locker rooms of their choosing represents an egregious violation of privacy for other students. The punitive actions proposed for those who use long-standing universally recognized English terms in lieu of the recent politically motivated nonsense championed by LGBT+ radicals is unjust and impairs students' education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90963", "author": "Jennifer Meyers MD", "date": "2021-01-21T17:10:00", "title": "This is an issue of life and death", "text": "As a pediatrician, I applaud the state of Virginia for addressing the safety of its gender-diverse students.  The most common cause of death by far in transgender or gender nonconforming children and teens is suicide, followed by homicide.  The biggest predictor of future mental health is family support.  Many children do not have supportive families, and this leads to abandonment and homelessness.  While parents have first responsibility to care for their children and raise them with strong values, we cannot allow children to die because they are not accepted by their parents.  Having supportive schools where kids are accepted for who they are will go a long way to preserving life and mental health for these kids.   What child would CHOOSE to come out, knowing that they will be bullied and rejected, unless they truly believe that their gender assigned at birth does not match their identity?  Regardless of your knowledge or understanding of gender diversity, it is important to recognize that this is a life or death issue for these kids and teens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90964", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T17:16:00", "title": "support!! our!! trans!! students!!", "text": "strong support for this! everyone’s identities should be respected and these are a wonderful step the right direction :)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90965", "author": "Nathaniel Kralik", "date": "2021-01-21T17:16:00", "title": "In support of evidence-based protections", "text": "As a pediatrician, I know that overwhelming evidence has shown that discrimination faced by sexual and gender minority youth has detrimental consequences for their mental and physical health and wellbeing. These protections are in line with both medical and legal understandings of sexual orientation and gender identity, and these students are obligated to receive the protections described in this bill, which are in alignment with federal law and jurisprudence as well as medical recommendations. At a time where state legislatures are taking up bills to further marginalize transgender youth and criminalize their medically necessary care, protections like these provide a beacon of light and practical value for transgender students in Virginia schools. For these reasons I wholeheartedly support these model policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90966", "author": "Deanna", "date": "2021-01-21T17:22:00", "title": "I Support this Document", "text": "I fully support this document and am grateful for the writers who worked so hard on it. It is a meaningful first step toward protecting the rights of transgender students in Virginia K-12 schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90967", "author": "Ellie", "date": "2021-01-21T17:24:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this bill"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90968", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T17:25:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS POLICY", "text": "Each child is important.  Why must we categorize children into \"victim groups\"?  Less than 1% (.6%) of the adult American population is transgender. Every child is unique.  Bullying is always wrong.  All children have times when they feel alone and different and may find themselves a victim of bullying.  It is the school’s responsibility to protect each student while in their care.  The school must keep parents informed and involved with everything related to their child.  If something happens to a child while under the school’s care or because of something that happened at school, including a discussion instigated by a school employee, the school will be responsible, and litigation could ensue.  All types of bullying is already addressed under the extensive anti-bullying policies and a new school policy is completely unnecessary. This transgender policy is extreme and scary allowing school staff to control and confuse our children about their gender and sexuality.  Under this policy, schools identify and counsel our children and they can do this without parental notification and involvement.  This policy even applies to elementary school students as young as 5 years of age.  This could cause much psychological harm to our children.  Children are easily influenced and frequently trust and admire teachers and school staff.  This process of identification and counseling could cause “gender confusion” where none exists, distrust of their parents and families, leaving the child feeling even more confused and alone. It turns our schools into psychiatric labs and endangers all of our children. Protect our female athletes.  Allowing someone with male genitalia to compete against females will guarantee that there will rarely be a female athlete to obtain sports scholarships and will destroy female sports. If the school determines that their plant is not safe for each student, they should turn public bathrooms and locker rooms into private bathrooms and locker rooms for the safety and privacy of each child. Our schools must focus on the education of our children and open communication with parents.  Do not approve this horrible policy which I believe will destroy our schools and children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90969", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T17:26:00", "title": "Support!!!!!!", "text": "Strong support for this and our trans students!!!! Great step in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90970", "author": "David Florenzo", "date": "2021-01-21T17:41:00", "title": "Do not approve the draft policies.", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90971", "author": "Colin H", "date": "2021-01-21T17:48:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth & Trans Students!", "text": "Transgender students deserve to feel safe and supported in their schools. Schools serve as a home away from home where students are able to express themselves outside of the home. Chances are that schools already have transgender or gender nonconforming students and by implementing these policies, they would not receive support and be able to be affirmed in their identity and personhood, but be protected by any bigots or bad actors that chose to have a problem with their mere existence. LGBTQ+ youth already receive a disproportionate rate of bullying as compared to their cishet peers, so by supporting this policy, we are able to protect those who might not have the ability or power to protect themselves (and we are also supporting the mental health of these students as well!!) and giving those in power, our educational faculty and staff, the resources and power to help be an ally and advocate for them. I fully support these policies and urgently encourage the VDOE to implement this essential policy guidance for K-12 public schools in Virginia. These guidelines and policies changes would've been so essential for me as a trans student when I was in middle school, so I hope we are able to pass them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90972", "author": "Krista", "date": "2021-01-21T17:52:00", "title": "FIERCELY SUPPORT!!", "text": "Transgender youth and the LGBTQ community in itself face unnecessary discrimination everyday. Let's make a step in the right direction and make their lives a little bit easier. As someone in the Pediatric community I see the mental health effects every day from the discrimination these children face. I strongly support and hope these policies are implemented immediately!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90973", "author": "Erin Aubry", "date": "2021-01-21T17:54:00", "title": "Support", "text": "My family has always believed in treat others as you would want to be treated. I instilled this in my son as he grew up and am proud to say that he is fully supports everyone and who they are. Schools need to be safe from the ridicule of the outside world. The youth need to know that when they are at school, that they are safe to be their true and authentic self. I support this guidance because I want all of the LGBTQ youth to be in an environment that is safe and welcoming."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90974", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T18:06:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to this policy", "text": "This policy is anti-God and anti-family.  It goes against our constitutional rights and will destroy children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90975", "author": "Katherine H", "date": "2021-01-21T18:25:00", "title": "Support Trans Students!", "text": "Transgender students deserve to feel safe and supported in their schools as schools serve as another place for expression. Chances are that schools already have transgender or gender nonconforming students and by implementing these policies, they would be able to be affirmed in their identity and personhood, but be protected by any bigots that chose to have a problem with their mere existence. LGBTQ+ youth already receive a disproportionate rate of bullying as compared to their cishet peers, so by supporting this policy, we are able to protect those who might not have the ability or power to protect themselves (and we are also supporting the mental health of these students as well!!) and giving those in power, our educational faculty and staff, the resources and power to help be an ally and advocate for them. I fully support these policies and urgently encourage the VDOE to implement this essential policy guidance for K-12 public schools in Virginia!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90976", "author": "Kyzwana Caves", "date": "2021-01-21T18:27:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support the equitable treatment of all Virginia youth, including trans youth and other LGBQIA+ in schools and beyond."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90977", "author": "Tiffany", "date": "2021-01-21T18:31:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Please oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90978", "author": "zoe h", "date": "2021-01-21T18:38:00", "title": "In Strong Support", "text": "Transgender youth are among the most at risk for suicide, self harming behaviors, and being victims of sexual assault. In 2018, one in three transgender youth attempted suicide. 31% had experienced sexual violence. It isn’t cisgender students at risk of being assaulted by transgender students, it’s the exact opposite and the data supports this. This is a matter of safety and health, plain and simple. Trans students are not “less than,” they are students and deserve to be protected just like everyone else. There is no space for bigotry, hatred, and discrimination in our schools. I strongly support these changes. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/2019/02/22/research-brief-data-on-transgender-youth/ https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/trendsreport.pdf"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90979", "author": "Natalie Pedraja", "date": "2021-01-21T18:56:00", "title": "Fully Support!", "text": "Alienation of transgender children in society and at the level of their peers is very well-established as a contributing factor in increased rates of suicide amongst these kids. Protecting children needs to include ALL children, not just cis-gender ones. Better education, recognition, and acceptance of trans folx is paramount in establishing a more successful, progressive society and this needs to start with you er generations. Supporting the rights of these children is essential for truly upholding Constitutional law, which unfortunately is being used at the detriment of trans and other LGBTQIA+ lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90980", "author": "James Senson, former Fairfax County Public School educator", "date": "2021-01-21T18:56:00", "title": "OPPOSE the insanity and lies; 2+2 = 4 (otherwise, why learn math?)", "text": "these proposals will encourage the increase of suicide and depression in a culture that is vulnerable to it with social media and confusing identity politics .  there is a such thing as truth, why not strive for it?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90981", "author": "ryan andrews", "date": "2021-01-21T19:15:00", "title": "fully in support because anything otherwise is ludicrous", "text": "As a non binary/gnc person myself, I fully support ANY implementation of new policies that better the lives of other trans and gnc students, policies that I wish I had to support me. It would be SO beneficial to SO MANY lives, and could help prevent these kids from detrimental acts of self harm, suicide, self destruction. Acts that potentially could have such devastating psychological effects in the future. The pain and tragedy from the lost lives of trans youth has already gone on for too long. It has to stop now. To prevent putting in new policies that could save the lives of children is such willful ignorance if I ever did see it. We just want to be treated as human, so give us that. Do not let these kids suffer anymore, do not let them feel like they are less that enough. Because they are enough, every single one of them. And they deserve to be treated as such."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90982", "author": "Shuchi Sharma", "date": "2021-01-21T19:19:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Transgender students need the systemic support of school administrations to flourish at equal levels as their peers. This policy will help increase equity for a continuously marginalized community by providing them the social and infrastructural support to succeed academically, personally, etc. Opposition to this policy fails to acknowledge the often traumatic experiences of transgender children and their own cis-gendered and heterosexual privilege."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90983", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T19:29:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "This policy undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90984", "author": "mike herrick", "date": "2021-01-21T19:41:00", "title": "Trans rules are lunacy against commonsense destroying our young women", "text": "Trans rules are lunacy against commonsense destroying our young women"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90985", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T20:04:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this law.  God made man in his image: male and female, not an \"it\" or \"they\".  Children should not be subjected to intimidation by members of the opposite sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90986", "author": "Thomas F Maresh", "date": "2021-01-21T20:08:00", "title": "I do NOT approve of proposed guidelines", "text": "do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. My hard-earned taxpayer dollars should go to teach scientific facts of X chromosomes and Y chromosomes, not to controversial and unscientific theories."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90987", "author": "Douglas Gruber", "date": "2021-01-21T20:14:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!", "text": "Dear School Board/ State Representative, First of all, I absolutely support the policy that no student should receive unfair treatment by students or faculty in public schools due to their sex or sexual orientation.  I support the civil rights act of 1964 and we should not discriminate on the basis of actual race, color, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation, or disability.  I am writing to oppose the proposed VDOE policy for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia Public Schools for the 2021-2022 school year regarding the following issues: If students are to be treated equally, then there should be no distinction between how students are treated consistent with their gender identity.  To treat someone different because of their gender identify is by definition discrimination. Regarding how a student’s gender identify is shared, if this is identified as Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and considered confidential along with their Social Security Number, birth date and address, then there is no issue or discussion between faculty and the student “how they prefer information about their transgender status to be shared.”  Faculty don’t share this information and the student shares it with whoever they wish. Forcing school staff to refer to a student by the student’s preferred pronoun violates the school staff’s freedom of speech.  How can a government organization force an employee to call a customer (student) be a specific name if that assertion violates the school staff’s religious beliefs (for example).  This violates the first amendment by prohibiting the free exercise of religion and abridging the freedom of speech.  If a student wants to be called by a specific name or pronoun, that should be a social contract between the student and whoever the student wants to refer to them by a specific name, like a nick name.  How can a person’s perceived emotional needs restrict someone else’s rights, and possibly effect their own emotional needs? If a transgender student’s parents do not support their child’s transgender identity, is that considered neglect?  If so, is this policy suggesting that school staff are obligated to call Child Protective Services on a parent that does not support their child’s transgender dysphoria?  Is the state to guardian of all public school students before the parent? “It is important that school divisions adopt policies and procedures that are focused on the safety of all students and seek to address privacy interests in situations involving individuals undressing or showering (pg 17).”  If this is true, then allowing students that are biologically different from their gender identity to access a restroom or locker room that is designated for students of the opposite biological sex, violates the privacy interests of the cisgender students.  Why should a transgender student’s preference, violate multiple student’s privacy interests who may or may not recognize the transgender student’s gender preference?  This would restrict cisgender student’s “access to restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities that are sanitary, safe, and adequate, so that they can comfortably and fully engage in their school programs and activities (pg 17).”  A feasible solution to this that considers all student’s needs, is to authorize transgender students to use the teachers restroom, but not to violate cisgender students privacy interests.  If it can be emotionally harmful for a transgender student to be questioned regarding the use of restrooms or facilities, it can be emotionally harmful for a cisgender student denied their privacy interests when changing or using the restroom by allowing someone of the opposite biological sex to share that space at the same time.  If a student attempts to enter the restroom or changing room of the opposite biological sex, it is the duty of the school staff (those in authority) to protect the privacy interests of cisgender students.  If a cisgender student’s privacy interests are violated by this policy, will a “multi-disciplinary school team meet with the student (and parents/guardians) to develop a plan to accommodate the student’s needs and requests (pg 20)?  If not, then this policy is hypocritical and the transgender student’s rights are deemed more important than the cisgender student’s rights, according to this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90988", "author": "Jean P", "date": "2021-01-21T20:27:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Stronglyoppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90989", "author": "Kristin C", "date": "2021-01-21T20:52:00", "title": "Transgender policies - Moderation please!", "text": "policies should give administrators tools to handle transgender situations, but parents should absolutely remain the decision makers for what their child learns and is exposed to. Moves like transgender in elementary school only reenforces the need for school choice - I think you’ll find many/most parents want to bring up loving and tolerant children while sticking to the basics of biology and allowing families to make personal decisions on any gender identity issues, confusion or concerns."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90990", "author": "Amanda M", "date": "2021-01-21T20:56:00", "title": "I oppose this", "text": "I oppose this. Not safe for students. Stop using our tax dollars for anything other than education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90991", "author": "Lauren Wozniak MD", "date": "2021-01-21T21:03:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "As an adolescent health provider I strongly support the proposed guidelines to ensure that transgender students have a safe and supportive learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90992", "author": "Mike", "date": "2021-01-21T21:15:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This is a terrible proposal. Transgender policy is based on a narrow set of flawed \"scientific\" studies designed to generate a particular outcome. No child should be forced to confront a child of another sex in a bathroom or locker room. What about the rights of 99.9% of students? Eventually, this policy will lead to the further erosion of parents' rights to provide the best care for their children, placing too much power into the hands of bureaucrats pushing a particular agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90993", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T21:22:00", "title": "COMPLETELY OPPOSE VDOE Draft Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender", "text": "As Virginia residents, my wife and I completely oppose the VDOEs draft model policies for the treatment of transgender. There is a biological truth to gender that can't be avoided, distorted nor be subjectively made into something that it isn't. We also believe that this is in no way the responsibility of any school to take up for instruction. Please use school time to teach reading, writing, math, science, social studies, civic responsibility and leave the rest to parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90994", "author": "Concerned and upset parent", "date": "2021-01-21T21:35:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT these completely unacceptable and dangerous policies!  You are not the parents", "text": "I cannot even believe this is being considered.  It is in appropriate in every way.  My children will not be using the restroom or sharing a locker room with the opposite sex!  This is utterly disturbing and my children will no longer attend public school if these policies are accepted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90995", "author": "Clare McNiff", "date": "2021-01-21T21:43:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Policies", "text": "I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90996", "author": "Kevin Zrenda", "date": "2021-01-21T22:06:00", "title": "Heaven help our girls and women- they are the ones who stand to lose and be victims if this passes", "text": "It's okay to accept science, DNA and the obvious physical genitalia that identify boys and girls biologically as different.  It's okay to accept those differences, and to preserve what some consider 'old-fashioned' and 'out-dated' ideas of modesty.  Obviously if passed this will collapse at some point, because \"first female\" this or that has no meaning in a society where gender is somebody's idea at any given moment; girls are already losing out to boys \"crossing over\" and taking their spots in state tournaments and other physically competitive arenas.  Title IX (scholarships, etc) no longer have ground to stand on.  All sports = unisex.  The majority of parents are not supportive of this, so I guess we'll see if the far left (not liberals in general, but the extreme left) push through their world view onto the vulnerable.  And it's not real love if my father tells me that the toaster talks to him and I simply agree, \"yes dad, toasters can talk and they talk to me too.\" That is false sympathy, a lie, and a shallowness in not wanting to really get to know the actual person struggling or needing help.  Real love for someone is truth with charity- you are a boy (or a girl), and you are okay even if you don't live stereotypical masculine or feminine ways.  Boys can love pink, girls can love blue!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90997", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T22:07:00", "title": "transgender policies", "text": "Absolutely against it! these policies are taking over the parents' role to raise and care for their children according to their beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90998", "author": "Christina Drostin", "date": "2021-01-21T22:29:00", "title": "A doctor in support of this much needed document", "text": "I am a Family Doctor in Maryland and I know firsthand from work the damage from childhood bullying and discrimination. Furthermore, transgender children are at high risk for chronic depression and suicide when their daily environment is filled with intolerance and disdain. I support this proposal for equal, kind and fair treatment towards children regardless of their gender identity. Sincerely, Dr. Drostin"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90999", "author": "David Dorbad", "date": "2021-01-21T22:31:00", "title": "Strongly Support. This is good for all children, regardless of their gender or sexuality.", "text": "The medical community already has clear guidance and literature to support creating safe learning environments for LGBTQ children. The resistance to policies like this are a result of political extremism our country is struggling with for so long now. Social moderates on both sides of the aisle generally defer to medical and educational experts on matters like this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91000", "author": "Alfred K", "date": "2021-01-21T22:50:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed -  This is institutionalized abuse of all students", "text": "Strongly Opposed - This is institutionalized abuse of all students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91001", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-21T23:40:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this far-left insanity. It has no place in our schools.", "text": "There is exactly zero scientific evidence to support the contention that gender confusion is anything other than a mental illness. The mentally ill, just like the physically ill, should be treated compassionately. We can and should, of course, do so without destroying the very fabric of our society. History will not judge this page in our history kindly when it looks back and sees the madness of chemically castrated children, men competing in and dominating women's sporting events, sexual assaults from allowing males into female bathrooms and locker rooms, and the destruction of our language with the creation of nonsense pronouns to describe genders which do not exist. Males produce sperm and females produce eggs. Sorry, but there is no third (or fourth, or fifth, or fifty-second) gamete.  Yes, sadly some people cannot produces those gametes. That does not mean there are no longer two genders any more than one person missing a leg means that humans are not bipedal. If our schools are to be places where the scientific method and critical thinking are of any value, then we must reject unscientific, irrational policies like the one proposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91002", "author": "Ron Yeary", "date": "2021-01-21T23:50:00", "title": "Va Motto", "text": "Va son's and daughters need to take their state back. Jefferson and Madison have rolled over in their graves. Send the malicious left to New York. Virginia is now known as Virginia is for Haters !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91003", "author": "FHV", "date": "2021-01-22T05:32:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "A vote for this undermines family unity and parental involvement. It endangers young women's opportunities. Bad policy. We do not support. Let's figure a way to really help kids. This does not."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91004", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T08:18:00", "title": "Not the Answer", "text": "Certainly all children should be taught kindness towards others - regardless of identificaton- be it political, religious, gender, or otherwise. But putting the school in this role in general, and in some instances inbetween parents and children, is unacceptable.  By all means, promote anti-bullying. But not everyone agrees that young children should be taught the existence of an infinite number of genders and the ability to choose one."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96442", "author": "Maeve H", "date": "2021-02-03T20:44:00", "title": "Strongly Support / Protect Trans Kids!!!!", "text": "Kids deserve to feel safe and accepted in an environment where they are learning. A child can not learn if they are constantly worrying about being outcasted/treated differently for their gender identity. Every child deeerves to feel accepted and loved and supported. It’s as simple as that"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96443", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:44:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Im a Suffolk resident, I strongly oppose these transgender policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96444", "author": "Barnett", "date": "2021-02-03T20:45:00", "title": "Trans gender crap", "text": "Strongly opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96445", "author": "CL", "date": "2021-02-03T20:46:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Bad ideas"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96446", "author": "Kathy Meckley", "date": "2021-02-03T20:46:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "I oppose these transgender policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96447", "author": "Chelsea", "date": "2021-02-03T20:46:00", "title": "Disagree strongly", "text": "Strongly disagree!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96448", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:46:00", "title": "It isn't about equality or fairness, it's about the core of education.", "text": "This isn't an issue of fairness or justice for transgenders, it's a issue of classroom control. By allowing students to force a teacher to use a preferred pronoun under penalty of disciplinary action, you are making teachers dance through a minefield of potentially ever changing preferred pronouns. Accidently say the wrong one and it will blow up on you. Teaching needs to focus on the education of core elements: language, reading, art, math and sciences, not on an indeterminant game of \"Guess the pronoun\". If you feel you need to have a policy, make it suggested one where the teacher uses a student's preferred first name or their last name when addressing them personally or talking about them in the third person.  Again, make it suggested that the teachers do this, not under penalty of disciplinary action. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to address this issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96449", "author": "Maria Wassum", "date": "2021-02-03T20:46:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT", "text": "I do not support this legislation and believe it is a violation of my constitutionally protected religious freedom. If we pass this legislation we put our children in more danger and these state legislators who support and pass this will have to answer to Almighty God at the day of judgment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96450", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:46:00", "title": "You can help Trans students WITHOUT taking away parental rights and choices.", "text": "Oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96451", "author": "Susie Zimmerman", "date": "2021-02-03T20:46:00", "title": "Transgender/school/restrooms/locker rooms", "text": "Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96452", "author": "Tom Johnson", "date": "2021-02-03T20:46:00", "title": "Love, Respect, Empower", "text": "I want to express my wholehearted support for any guidelines that support vulnerable children and respect their pronouns and their individuality. I’m saddened by the obvious ignorance of some people displayed in some of the comments and pray that they open their hearts to recognize and accept our human diversity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96453", "author": "G", "date": "2021-02-03T20:46:00", "title": "Absolutely not ok", "text": "Very sad it has come to this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96454", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:47:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "We are uniquely designed by God and specially created by Him. Gender is decided by God and not for us to choose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96455", "author": "Benjamin Kowalski", "date": "2021-02-03T20:47:00", "title": "Comment in Support", "text": "I am a transgender citizen of Virginia currently residing outside of Virginia. I strongly support these guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96456", "author": "Barb", "date": "2021-02-03T20:47:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I love this. Please support LGBTQIA+ students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96457", "author": "S.Zimmerman", "date": "2021-02-03T20:48:00", "title": "Strongly against", "text": "Strongly against"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96458", "author": "G.S.", "date": "2021-02-03T20:48:00", "title": "BE KIND!", "text": "Be kind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96459", "author": "Chloe Phillips", "date": "2021-02-03T20:48:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "As a student, the biggest problem I have with this bill is anyone being able to use any bathroom/locker room they choose. I am graduating in a couple years so this bill won’t affect me as much as it will to others but I think about my little sister. I couldn’t imagine her coming home from school saying a male followed her into the bathroom or watched her change in the locker room simply because he was allowed to. Think about how uncomfortable this will make females. That a guy can stand in the locker room with them and watch them change and say it’s because “they identify as a female that day”"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96460", "author": "SUSAN N MORRIS", "date": "2021-02-03T20:49:00", "title": "I STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS ACTION!!!", "text": "I am the proud grandmother of a transgender boy.  He is the  sweetest, most loving child you will ever meet.  He's only 8 years old now, but I know life will be rough down the road.  I want to do whatever I can to help him deal with something that he didn't ask for, but will become a challenge for him as he gets older.  I prayerfully hope that this Proposed Policy passes in the Va. Department of Health."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96461", "author": "T. Davis", "date": "2021-02-03T20:49:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "My brother and I attended Virginia public schools all 13 years of Kindergarten through twelfth grade. Our parents were our best teachers in showing us how to love others, make smart decisions, be kind to others, exhibit moral behavior and to be a light in the world. We were raised in a Christian home with God as our moral compass. Now as a parent, my daughter has attended public schools for six years so far. She is sweet, kind, loving and such a gentle spirit. She loves God and her family. I do not want her to be taught about transgender issues, like it just becomes part of the regular curriculum. It is against our religious beliefs and is not how God created us - male or female. Children have young, impressionable minds and should not be taught in a way that can be persuasive for them to be told they can take medication to alter their hormones without their parents knowledge or approval?!?! Heck NO! We are the parents for a reason. We have been entrusted with the responsibility of raising our children and teaching them the difference between what is right or wrong and in our household, if it’s against the word of God, it is wrong! We do not want to pull our child out of public schools because she can be a positive role model to others, but if this “guidance” passes, we will either homeschool or enroll her in a private, Christian school. Please do Not pass this “guidance”!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96462", "author": "Samuel", "date": "2021-02-03T20:49:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this policy", "text": "Such policies of this nature are more harmful, than helpful. The school is not responsible for the student determining their gender. That’s an issue between parents, child and birth determination.  Having children decide such matters is harmful, destructive and confusing to all.  Extremely opposed to boys in girls bathrooms and vise versa! This is litigation city for all!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96463", "author": "Tamara Ring", "date": "2021-02-03T20:49:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96464", "author": "Jenny Lambdin", "date": "2021-02-03T20:50:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support this document and any efforts put forth to ensure nondiscrimination practices for all students, including those who identify as transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96465", "author": "Oliver", "date": "2021-02-03T20:50:00", "title": "I strongly support the guidance", "text": "We are all equal and worthy of the same dignity and respect in the eyes of God"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96466", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:50:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support these proposals. Every student deserves to feel safe and welcome in their school so that they can get an effective education, regardless of their gender identity or orientation.  Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96467", "author": "Yelena C", "date": "2021-02-03T20:50:00", "title": "STRONGLY, STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!", "text": "This decision is highly immoral and unethical! The thought of a grow man being able to walk in on a little girl, scarring her emotionally, is appalling. The fact that people could even consider something like this is disgusting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96468", "author": "A Virginia Educator", "date": "2021-02-03T20:51:00", "title": "STRONGLY support!", "text": "This is so necessary for our students! Inclusive language and education is the hallmark of being informed and educated."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96469", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:51:00", "title": "Object", "text": "I appreciate the concerns being addressed, but believe this is a wrong approach to deal with these issues."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96470", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:51:00", "title": "The only right these policies are about are the so-called 'right' to sexually abuse children.", "text": "Pedophile policies by sodomites against the well-being of children. The sick sadistic people behind these policies and who support these policicies support violence and the abuse of children. They are uncivilized anti-human s."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96471", "author": "Melissa Kowalski", "date": "2021-02-03T20:51:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this legislation. Students deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to learn. This includes the respect of recognizing who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96472", "author": "Paula", "date": "2021-02-03T20:51:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "Trans rights need to be supported, especially among young people. By denying rights to trans people their identities are being erased or ignored, which has huge consequences on mental and physical health."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96473", "author": "Chelsea Walton", "date": "2021-02-03T20:52:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans rights are Human rights, and trans kids deserve to have a space where they are accepted for who they are, and having a safe school experience is extremely important!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96474", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T20:52:00", "title": "This is the institutional sexual abuse of children.", "text": "This is the institutional sexual abuse of children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96475", "author": "Gretchen, taxpayer, and mother of four children", "date": "2021-02-03T20:52:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE VDOE Transgender Policy", "text": "The VDOE Transgender Policy not only infringes on Parental Rights, it also further promotes Relativism which has no place in our public, taxpayer funded education system.  Additionally, the purpose of our education system is to teach the three \"R's\" (reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic), while including Critical Thinking in teaching methods.  The current curriculum is erroneously teaching our children WHAT to think, rather than HOW to think.  Sexual orientation has become a marketing tool of the political left and has no place in the academia arena.  No wonder the public school systems are producing confused, unconfident, students who cannot write a grammatically correct sentence, or cite their multiplication tables.  If our children cannot be allowed to logically conclude absolute truths, such as male and female, then all aspects of education such as math, history, and science also become irrelevant, not to mention the act of teaching also becomes ultimately pointless.  Therefore, one must ask: \"Does this proposed VDOE Transgender Policy lead to a loss of public school teaching jobs while parents abandon the public \"education\" system, embracing private education or homeschooling, as they realize their hard-earned money is being thrown away on a politically motivated and abusive agenda?\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96476", "author": "Oliver", "date": "2021-02-03T20:52:00", "title": "I strongly support the guidance", "text": "We are all equal and worthy of the same dignity and respect in the eyes of God. I strongly support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96477", "author": "Cynthia Schneidet", "date": "2021-02-03T20:52:00", "title": "Oppose “Model Policy on Treatment of Transgender Students\"", "text": "Oppose “Model Policy on Treatment of Transgender Students\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96478", "author": "Heather Gotttlieb", "date": "2021-02-03T20:52:00", "title": "Strong support - ALL children should feel safe!", "text": "All children deserve to feel safe and respected at school! Thank you for looking out for our most vulnerable children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96479", "author": "Stephanie Arnold, MD", "date": "2021-02-03T20:53:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As a Family Physician I am well aware that even minor adverse childhood experiences can have longstanding effects on the health of individuals. I am also well aware that gender affirmation and support from family and community is life saving for trans youth and adults. Not only is supporting trans youth the moral approach to Virginia’s children, but it is good and common sense public health policy on par with making sure that there is fluoride in our water, required vaccines and fire safety measures in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96480", "author": "R.S.", "date": "2021-02-03T20:53:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "Support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96481", "author": "Rebecca Fiorito", "date": "2021-02-03T20:53:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose, with two young children, I cannot see how this solves any of the true issues at hand.  Instead, it is an over reach of the public school system to distance children from parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96482", "author": "Shannon", "date": "2021-02-03T20:53:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. And trans kids need more protection than ever."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96483", "author": "Janice Huff", "date": "2021-02-03T20:53:00", "title": "Draft model policies for treatment of transgender students", "text": "I am strongly opposed to any policies that give children the authority to allow  personal preferences to determine their sex and infringe upon the actions and rights of other children, teachers, faculty and parents/guardians."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96484", "author": "Stosh Kowalski", "date": "2021-02-03T20:53:00", "title": "9th Amendment", "text": "I am in complete support of this document. The world is changing - cultural, technologically, scientifically. Today people are allowed to express themselves in ways not possible just a few decades ago. And in the same way that people were allowed to express their religion, and their love (by allowing interracial and gay marriage), people should be allowed to express their gender in ways that does not directly impact others. Yes, people will claim their Freedom of Religion to say their rights are being impinged, but they are not actively being impeded; it's simply that the mere presence of someone whose choice they disagree with offends them, and there are no rights against being offended. And finally, people get so focused on freedom of speech and religion and the 2nd amendment that they often forget the Ninth Amendment: \"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.\" Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96485", "author": "Concerned Single Mother", "date": "2021-02-03T20:54:00", "title": "Transgender bathroom", "text": "My daughter will NOT share a bathroom with boys, transgender or not. If they have a penis they do not belong with the girls who have a vagina!!! Build a separate bathroom! My girls have already been told if they need to use the restroom they are to hold it as long as they can and then they can call me and I will pick them up from school. I wouldn’t want them pulling their pants down in front of a boy they like, why would I want them peeing in a stall next to or changing their clothes in front of someone else with a penis?!? If they can’t accommodate with a separate bathroom I guess my kids will leave school early and it WILL BE excused because it’s MY RIGHT as a parent to protect my daughters and their innocence! My children will not be exposed in this manner."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96486", "author": "ATS", "date": "2021-02-03T20:54:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Although the draft document nominally speaks of respecting the rights of all students, the focus on affirming transgender students will lead to the harassment and bullying of religious students not only by other students but also by teachers and administrators.  It is easy to imagine a woke school official citing these guidelines as a justification for using school disciplinary procedures to force religious students to violate the teachings of their faith or to punish them for holding firm to those teachings (e.g., you will be suspended/expelled unless you show solidarity by using an open shower with everyone else). The lack of required evidence of transgender status is also concerning.  What does \"consistent\" mean?  For example, how would a school deal with a student who has never been anything other than a cisgender boy, but who is cut from a boys' team, then claims to be a girl, and asks to join a girls' team of the same sport?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96487", "author": "Nancy", "date": "2021-02-03T20:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96488", "author": "Mackenzie", "date": "2021-02-03T20:55:00", "title": "SUPPORT 100% PROTECT ALL CHILDREN", "text": "Protect children. All children. No matter their race, sexual orientation, height, size, family background or disabilities. We must do better moving forward. Make this your step forward by pledging to protect and guide the new generation to feel safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96489", "author": "E.P.", "date": "2021-02-03T20:55:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans rights are human rights, they should not be denied in schools. We cannot protect our children without including all our children: not excluding those who are trans."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96490", "author": "Virginia Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T20:56:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed to this nonsense", "text": "We are well beyond the point of needing to stop this ridiculous nonsense.  Why can't we simply let children act like normal children?  Gender is a biological reality not a choice.  I understand there is a small group of people who don't feel their biological gender matches up with their mental gender.  I understand and accept that is how they are.  I believe in treating all people equally.  However, I do not believe this group should be singled out for special treatment, good or bad.   And I certainly do not believe we need to completely re-shape the rest of society so we can pretend that this is normal.  It is not.  Having a teacher risk losing a job because they forget to call someone \"they\" is beyond the pale of stupidity.  What is next?  Do we fire people because someone is called \"short\", \"fat\", \"ugly\"?  ...how about \"smart\" or \"pretty\"?  There is no end to where this idiocy can go.  Wake up people before it is too late!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96491", "author": "Mitchel Huott", "date": "2021-02-03T20:56:00", "title": "I think we should destroy all gender locker-rooms.", "text": "All locker rooms need to accomidate both girls and boys due to the fact that gender is a social construct.  Because there is no biological difference between boys and girls, it doesn't matter if transgender students can enter certain bathrooms.  We need to rewrite this bill to create one set of locker rooms.  A locker room for each grade.  This will break down any msygony, racism, homophobia, and transphobia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96492", "author": "RBaker", "date": "2021-02-03T20:56:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "God created man in his image. He created male and female. There is no confusion! Bring back the 10 Commandments. It would then be settled in love."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96493", "author": "Nataly Hedrick", "date": "2021-02-03T20:57:00", "title": "Child Abuse,  promoting sex trafficking and perversion!!!", "text": "DISCUSSED in every part of this. I will be taking this to the senate to compose a bill that funds everyone this offends to pay for sending those children to Christian schools. God help America and all of us. And parent who agrees with this bill is a perverted, child predator. Its no wonder children have more mental issues now than ever. Poor kids don't even know how to be, what they were created to be, and how to respect their bodies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96494", "author": "KB", "date": "2021-02-03T20:57:00", "title": "Oppose this policy.", "text": "Feelings do not change biology.    We should have compassion on those with gender dysphoria.  We should not be confirming children in their confusion. This change in policy would seriously harm the religious and  privacy rights of children, their parents and school employees.   Parents have the primary responsibility to raise and train their children, not the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96495", "author": "Shannon Downey", "date": "2021-02-03T20:58:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "Very opposed to this policy that is trying to take place by not allowing male and female bathrooms. I believe it will be a safety issue for our children to where anyone is allowed to get to them by lying about why they want to use the restroom"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96496", "author": "Virginia Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T20:58:00", "title": "Most strongly opposed to this measure", "text": "This measure is catering to a very small group of students whose concerns can be addressed in other ways. It forgoes the good of the rest of the student body by putting ridiculous requirements on them to pretend along with the transgender student that a boy who feels like a girl is a girl and vice versa.  I do not send my children to school to play pretend...I send them to get an education based in science. Why doesn't anyone care about the 99 percent of children who do not want to shower or use the bathroom with the opposite sex?  What about their right not to feel ill-at-ease in the bathroom? What about the vast majority of children who correctly believe there are only two sexes...why must a lie be foisted upon them? Why not stick to reading, writing and arithmetic in school and leave matters of sexuality to parents to navigate in their own child's best interest.  Finally, I resent the role of the parent being dismissed in the education of their own child.  Enough of this pandering nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96497", "author": "Amy Morris", "date": "2021-02-03T20:59:00", "title": "I STRONGLY SUPPORT. Trans rights are human rights, and all children should be protected at school!", "text": "Public schools receiving federal funding should protect all children. There is no such thing as other people's children. We have a moral responsibility to make sure all our children are safe and cared for, and able to get a quality education without the worry of discrimination or bullying. I fully support this policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96499", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-02-03T20:59:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "As a parent and educator I strongly oppose this guidance. How can this even be implemented? This is a sensitive issue, that is unfamiliar to many and needs to be researched. It needs more thinking and consideration before implementing school wide policy. If anything this guidance should be for students who were born transgender and classified as such by a doctor."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96498", "author": "Kenneth Oates", "date": "2021-02-03T20:59:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree", "text": "I very much strongly disagree with this bill. It is not up to the schools to provide sexual orientation guidance to young children! It is entirely up to the parents with guidance from their church and their leaders to guide them to a proper understanding of exactly who they are, from a sexual standpoint. The Bible teaches that there are only 2 sexes and they can't be changed on a whim or multiple times during their lifetimes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96500", "author": "Jan W", "date": "2021-02-03T20:59:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I fully support addressing the needs of our transgender students.  All children should be treated with dignity and respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96501", "author": "Leigh-Anne Whitten", "date": "2021-02-03T21:00:00", "title": "Trans Students Matter and Should Be Treated With Respect", "text": "Trans Students matter- legislation that protects them and supports them in an public/academic setting will overall help them as well as the rest of the student body. Anyone who disagrees in all honesty wishes to be just able to perpetuate a mindset that allows discrimination against those who are different from that one person's perception of what should be the acceptable norm. If we are to embody a nation who is said to be a melting pot, we have to accept this as truth, that the rights and needs of all persons, no matter how similar or diverse we may all be, even as minors- are to be acknowledged and protected. And that means accepting and protecting the rights of trans minors in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96502", "author": "Kim", "date": "2021-02-03T21:00:00", "title": "Highly Opposed- Please Reconsider ALL Students and Educators", "text": "As an educator, parent, and Christian, I am highly opposed to the proposed policies.  Have we truly taken a look at all students rights when writing these policies?  Have we considered the mental, emotional, and social consequences on all our students to be subjected to these policies?  Have we looked at the majority of what our students want and deserve? I am unsure why as professionals and adults (I will acknowledge not all on the panel are adults nor professionals, and DEFINITELY not eductors), you feel there are not some serious, long-lasting negative consequences associated with our students if these policies are put into place.  First and foremost, they do not represent ALL student bodies across the State of Virginia.  Nor do they fairly represent or consider the repercussions that will take place for ALL students.  I believe that we need to look outside of one particular group of students (or political agenda) and look at what will create the best possible learning environment for ALL students.  That is our goal, correct, as educators, and what the State of Virginia as called us to do as an educational entity? These learning environments need to be safe, caring, inviting, and accepting FOR ALL STUDENTS- not just a small percentage. On the other hand, have we considered that we are already facing a shortage of quality teachers in our great state?  Now, we want to hold teachers responsible to whims of a select few parents and students and policies that will seriously put us in jeopardy of violating our personal beliefs and livelihoods should we not bow down to the ridiculousness of uttering an incorrect pronoun.  Have we, as educators, been polled on our thoughts about these policies- since we are the ones in the trenches tolerating and enforcing them in the name of wanting to better the world and make a difference? Lastly, let's talk about personal beliefs.  At what point, do I as a Christian parent and educator have my rights protected as well?  I do not stand for anyone getting bullied, left out, feeling uncared for, abused, etc.  That is why I am an educator- so I can help create possibilities for our young students and help them change their lives.  But at what point, will someone not allow us Christian educators and parents to not be bullied?  When do we count?  In no way do I feel it is correct that one of my young female students be allowed in a bathroom with a male student.  Nor do I feel it is appropriate for a male student to be subjected to a female student's anatomy because this female (or her parent) deems that she may choose not to wear a top in certain activities. At what point, did we decide that ALL our students' physical and mental safety is not a priority?  Have we considered all the possibilities (and statistics) of sexual assault? The repercussions of the angry parents when a student complains or shares a negative experience?  Have we not, as schools, experienced enough violence (and negative headlines) for this possibility to be considered as a very real threat as a result? Men and women of the panel and VDOE, I applaud you attempting to protect our students, but I urge you to cast your net wider in representing the great State of Virginia and the school divisions and populations within.  I also urge you to truly think like parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc... in what you would desire for your family each and every day when you entrust them to a public educational setting. Put aside any political agendas or what money and pressure is taunting you to decide and truly look at the safety and welfare and what is right for the majority of our students and educators. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96503", "author": "Amanda", "date": "2021-02-03T21:00:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!!! PROTECT TRANS YOUTH!!!", "text": "As an adult with experience as both an educator and a registered nurse, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to support trans youth. They are in a marginalized group with a history of being disproportionately bullied and victims of violence. I’m ashamed to have seen it occurring in schools and and in healthcare. The notion that the cisgendered students would be experiencing violence or negatively impacted by this in anyway is shocking to me. I’m proud to say that some of the people I love most are trans and if there was any way I could have lessened the burden of their childhood experiences, I would have leapt at the opportunity. They are without question, the most tender, compassionate and understanding humans I’ve known. I have no doubt much of this is attributed to the struggles of being trans in a world that is often not accepting of something outside of the  binary.  I only wish anyone reading this comment could really experience what wonderful humans they are. With inclusivity taught in the home, we can help to mitigate the violence and hate crimes. Even before that, protections like these in school are essential for human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96504", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:00:00", "title": "Oppose bullying & loss of women's rights", "text": "Child safety is paramount. We must continue to work to keep bullying out of all schools. But this model policy reflects flawed policies. Sex differences exist in DNA, though it is unpopular to follow the science in this field. Trying to eliminate gender-based activities is also wrong-headed. (E.g., Father-daughter events such as Take Your Daughter to Work Day, have helped women broaden their career goals.) Trans and cisgendered kids should both be respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96505", "author": "Charlie Sydnor", "date": "2021-02-03T21:00:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Protect trans kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96506", "author": "Dylan T Thompson", "date": "2021-02-03T21:01:00", "title": "No", "text": "Absolutely not, allowing guys in the girls bathroom allowing females to compete topless in swim meets and dress in the men's wrestling outfits is absolutely against the bible it is non Christian, is allowing the devil into our schools, I am completely against this petition."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96507", "author": "Chesterfield resident/parent", "date": "2021-02-03T21:02:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy. Do not take away the rights of our biological boys and biological girls to have safe and private restrooms and changing rooms without the fear of opposite biological sexed people in their safe spaces. Do not take away the rights of biological girls to fair competition in sports. These actions are not the place or role of public education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96508", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:02:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose New Transgender Guidelines", "text": "This new guidance destroys the safety of young children in so many ways."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96509", "author": "Julie Chandler", "date": "2021-02-03T21:02:00", "title": "Protect our children!", "text": "1.I know having my gender identity respected has opened new doors and transformed my life for the better. 2. It's much easier to improve one's life when the weight of dysphoria doesn't hang so heavily on sa person, which extends naturally to education. 3. Accepting trans people strengthenes the protections of everyone because everyone will have more freedom to be themselves without fear. In reviewing research of how transgender people's health is affected by such policy, it may be useful to review evidence. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1446458/"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96510", "author": "Mrs McCraw", "date": "2021-02-03T21:02:00", "title": "Strongly oppose VDOE proposed transgender policy", "text": "The policy as it is written would be detrimental to the safety of our educators.  If a child changes his mind mid-day then the educator is required to keep up.  This is insanity! I’m a former teacher and school counselor, if I were still working and this policy were passed I would resign immediately."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96511", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:02:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "The policies go a long way in ensuring schools remain a safe environment for all people. It is hard enough to be a young kid growing up in a social media age, regardless of any characteristics that make people treat you as \"other.\" The policies allow for transgender students to feel that their \"other\"ness is acceptable, while protecting their rights to limit the risk of any unintended consequences. To not pass this document would send the wrong message to the entire community, including both transgender students and those that would wish to alienate/exclude them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96512", "author": "Olga Makitrin", "date": "2021-02-03T21:03:00", "title": "STRONGLY APPOSED!", "text": "STRONGLY APPOSED!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96513", "author": "Nicole Christian", "date": "2021-02-03T21:03:00", "title": "Strongly opposed!", "text": "This policy is highly unethical. My children should not and will not be forced to share restroom/locker room spaces with people of another gender. The fact that this is being forced on those who don't agree with it is absurd!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96514", "author": "A. Marshall", "date": "2021-02-03T21:03:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Thank you for allowing this critical policy to come forward for public comment.   I strongly support this policy because equity matters, because people are people, and because it is not the governments job to enforce the morality of a select few but to support equality for all.   Further, unlike others sharing their issues with this policy my personal faith -Christianity- compelled me to support justice and to love."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96515", "author": "Tony J.", "date": "2021-02-03T21:04:00", "title": "Strongly Strongly Oppose", "text": "\"Regardless of the circumstances, the school should support the student’s need for privacy and not disclose a student’s gender identity to other students or parents.\" No parent has given up their parental rights to make decisions about a child's education, emotional, mental & physical health care, and religion. VA's public schools, officials, or teachers should not infringe this right."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96516", "author": "marie", "date": "2021-02-03T21:04:00", "title": "strongly support!", "text": "the fact is that trans rights are human rights. if you see how vehemently some people are opposing this you can get an idea of how badly trans people are treated. everyone deserves to be able to receive equitable treatment in school. fear of persecution and attack shouldn’t be in the back of children’s minds as they try to get through the day. there needs to be spaces in school for them to feel safe. all students should have the opportunity to feel safe in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96517", "author": "Disgusted parent", "date": "2021-02-03T21:04:00", "title": "Seriously?????", "text": "Let me begin by saying that I did not have children and work hard to raise them in a Christian home for them to go to school and be allowed to question, or let alone change their identity. God created us Male or female for a reason, this is not up for vote or discussion. Allowing the opposite gender in bathrooms and locker rooms is an invasion of privacy and downright disturbing. Especially for teenagers. I could not be more opposed to this issue and wish more people thought the same."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96518", "author": "Lauren Alexander", "date": "2021-02-03T21:04:00", "title": "Trans Students Matter!", "text": "We are in a new era in 2021. One in which outdated ideas and gender roles should be forgotten. I support the inclusion of transgender inclusive policies in our public schools. Let’s let’s do better than our parents did in accepting and protecting all students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96519", "author": "Oleg Makitrin", "date": "2021-02-03T21:04:00", "title": "STRONGLY APPOSED!!!", "text": "STRONGLY APPOSED!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96520", "author": "Susan Wolski", "date": "2021-02-03T21:05:00", "title": "I support this legislation", "text": "i support this common sense legislation. We should have best practices in place at every school so every student has a positive inclusive learning experience. This legislation seems like it will use best practices to put in common sense policies to help school districts positively handle students of all gender identities.  Every child in our country should be able to learn in an environment that protects them and honor who they are.  Please pass this legislation.  I work in an Elementary school and believe this is important!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96521", "author": "Lyubov Vaynilovich", "date": "2021-02-03T21:05:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "The schools should not teach and decide for the students. The parents are fully in charge of what they want their child to do. It is the child’s guardians  responsibility to decide wether or not it is appropriate in their culture/family/church. It should not be taught in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96522", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-02-03T21:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "The less regulation we have in our schools from the government the better our schools will be. I also oppose this morally. We the taxpayers should have “school choice.”"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96523", "author": "Glendyn Hoplight-Powers", "date": "2021-02-03T21:05:00", "title": "Thank you so much for looking out for Transrights!", "text": "Please please please be kind and considerate with the policies you make! Protect our trans youth and don't let them be ostracized or bullied!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96524", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:05:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender", "text": "Strongly opposed!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96525", "author": "Merry Joy DeCarmo", "date": "2021-02-03T21:05:00", "title": "Transgender rights are human rights", "text": "All students should be treated equally. Transgender students already are subjected to bullying and discriminated against. Public schools should make sure that they are not a part of that. Nobody \"chooses\" to live a life that results in hate and discrimination unless it is who they are authentically. We need to allow students to be their most authentic selves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96526", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:06:00", "title": "False Guidance re gender", "text": "Please do not approve this.  We have each been conceived and born as a specific sex, male or female.  There are no alternatives.  To choose to be what you are not is going against yourself.  One cannot be happy denying the truth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96527", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:07:00", "title": "I support this.", "text": "I support this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96528", "author": "york county resident", "date": "2021-02-03T21:07:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "It is not the role of the school to intervene with child sexual issues.  Leave families to deal with family issues and stop bringing this into the classroom.  Most kids are suffering academically - stay in your lane and teach children the basic subjects for success - until that's mastered there's no place for meddling."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96529", "author": "Concerned Grandparent", "date": "2021-02-03T21:07:00", "title": "Totally Opposed", "text": "I am totally opposed to this policy.  Children are born with the DNA of either  a girl or boy.  They should use the use the bathroom according their DNA given by their Creator.  Parents should be allowed to be in charge of what their children are taught and schools should not be alllowed to teach alternate choices of gender. It will be a dangerous situation when mixed genders are allowed to use the  same bathrooms and locker rooms. This is only the beginning of a slippery slope that will end in chaos."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96530", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:08:00", "title": "Strongly OppoSE!", "text": "No child should be harassed or bullied but we have laws already in place to protect our children. This law would allow biological males to share restrooms and locker rooms with biological female children, this is not safe and does not address the concerns and anxieties of children who may be afraid to speak up and biological females would have the same access to share restrooms and locker rooms with biological males who are minors. These policies have already decimated the Title IX sports programs denying biological females the right to compete against only other biological females instead of against biological males who despite hormone treatment are genetically different, not a level playing field. This is ending any progress in women's sports and access to sports scholarships. Please do not do this. STRONGLY OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96531", "author": "S. Swordplay", "date": "2021-02-03T21:08:00", "title": "Transgenderism", "text": "This travesty of real science, real civil rights, and real feminism is beyond shameful!  If anyone believes that they are a horse, do you plan to force racetracks to allow them to race real horses, or do you get them therapy for their mental illness?  Males are NOT females and females are NOT males, down to their genetic coding.  That is science! There is nothing holding up this insane house of cards that you are promoting except the underlying Marxist dogma whose aim is to destroy the foundations of civilized society, especially that found in America. To encourage insanity is truly an evil thing.  And to do so to allow these males to compete against females in whatever extracurricular activities you deem necessary just to satisfy their male egos is kafkaesque.  Let them wallow in their nightmare, but leave all real females the hard-fought right to enjoy competitive sports, to savor victory and learn from loss, and to grow to become the confident women we need in our society. You are beyond evil to even be seriously considering such things as self-mutilation and sham pretense being acceptable, forcing the rest of us to go along with this charade.  Please read the Emperor with No Clothes and stop brainwashing our kids!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96532", "author": "Jay", "date": "2021-02-03T21:08:00", "title": "Strongly support policies that ensure the rights of all youth", "text": "As a former educator and public health practitioner, I strongly support this guidance to protect transgender students and provide them with a safe environment to learn and grow. Schools are designed to be safe spaces for children and this policy ensures that and does not infringe upon the rights of other students as some seem to think.  Rates of negative mental health outcomes and suicide are disproportionally higher for trans youth. This guidance has the ability to positively impact the mental health of trans youth by providing affirming and supportive environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96533", "author": "Kristen Callej", "date": "2021-02-03T21:08:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I fully support the model policy. All students need to feel safe and be free from discrimination and bullying at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96534", "author": "TJ Weger", "date": "2021-02-03T21:08:00", "title": "Sick and Crazy", "text": "I absolutely disagree with this legislation.  It is sick and it is crazy.  Please don't pass this.  God help us if you do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96535", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:08:00", "title": "Strongly opposed!!!", "text": "Strongly opposed!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96536", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:08:00", "title": "Absolutely NO", "text": "No matter what side you are on, please wake up and realize how much harm this will do to all CHILDREN. This opens the door for sexual assault to happen at school, in bathrooms & locker rooms where children should feel safe. My children will not go to public schools if this is passed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96537", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:09:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96538", "author": "Carole Morris", "date": "2021-02-03T21:09:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans rights are human rights, by protecting trans kids we protect all kids. I strongly support this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96539", "author": "Ryan", "date": "2021-02-03T21:09:00", "title": "I oppose the transgender bill", "text": "I opposed this bill"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96540", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:10:00", "title": "OPPOSE- Pitting kids against parents is not helping them.  Help struggling kids, include parents", "text": "I am disturbed by the concepts relating to secrecy from parents or threatening to remove children from homes where their secret, school only, identity is not affirmed.  Are you also going to secretly affirm and support kids in becoming strippers and prostitutes as career paths?  You don't have a right to keep secrets from parents about their children.  What is best for these kids is still up for debate.  Don't take parents out of the debate!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96541", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:10:00", "title": "No", "text": "No thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96942", "author": "Sraavya Polisetti", "date": "2021-02-03T22:52:00", "title": "Strongly support!!!", "text": "Trans and non-binary students deserve and need the measures outlined in this guidance!! No one should feel discriminated against or like they have to hide who they are, and everyone should be able to feel safe at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96943", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:52:00", "title": "STRONGLY AGREE TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!", "text": "TRANSGENDER RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS we need to protect our children and community members no matter what their preferred identity or pronouns are. RESPECT AND PROTECT DO NOT ALLOW DISCRIMINATION AGAINST TRANSGENDER STUDENTS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96944", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:53:00", "title": "Opposed to trans gender special treatment", "text": "All kids should be treated equal and not discriminated against by peers, teachers or staff.  No special treatment should be given to any individual.  I believe this first and foremost needs to be taught, demonstrated and enforced as to bringing special attention to a specific group.  As for bath rooms you should use the bath room you have the equipment for.  Children are at school to learn and be educated.  Not to make moral, social or sexual decisions or be taught these things.  The job of the school and its employees should be that of education per SOLs and as good examples of model citizens.  All persons opinions should not be a point for discrimination or segregation.  When you start moving to make “accommodations” you alienate and promote special unbalanced treatment to one group over others.  What does that teach me out children.  Be loud  or cry and you will get your way,  this doesn’t prompt a strong confident member of society.  It caters to the practice of crying to get your way.  A healthy society can not developed and sustain on this principle.  We must be able to function on the grounds of our design and opinions with our requiring special treatment with a physical or learning disability to help accommodated.  As I doubt a transgender individual is going to label their choice as a handicap I do not she the need for a handicapped treatment mentality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96945", "author": "T Dowdy", "date": "2021-02-03T22:53:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Gender pronouns please. Support our transgender community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96946", "author": "Natalie", "date": "2021-02-03T22:54:00", "title": "absolutely not", "text": "absolutely not"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96947", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:54:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96948", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:54:00", "title": "Strongly oppose and here is why...", "text": "No one should be forced to say anything.  It is a violation of freedom of speech. It is unethical to be advising kids on issues without the awareness of parents. There are no accommodations for families who do not want to participate in this. A number of the provisions are a violation of freedom of religion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96949", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:54:00", "title": "Strongly support — Trans rights are human rights.", "text": "Trans children deserve to be protected. Whatever happened to treating others how we want to be treated?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96950", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:54:00", "title": "Protective laws already exsist", "text": "I don’t agree that this law is necessary.  There are anti bullying laws already in effect.  All children need a safe learning environment.  No child should be singled out as being more special than another child.   What is being done about the concerns for parents of biological girls having to share bathrooms & locker rooms with biological boys and vice versa?  What will be done to protect students who are made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe from students identifying as a different gender?  Will there be a new law to protect them?  I believe there needs to be more discussion and research on the effects of enacting a new law that revolutionizes the separation of biological boys and girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96951", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:55:00", "title": "Are you out of your mind?", "text": "This really isn't about transgender issues. This is about forcing people to do what you want them to do. What will happen if VA forces transgender agendas on the education system will simply force anyone with a slightly conservative viewpoint to pull their kids out and put them in private school or you will see a mass exodus for home school. If they aren't able to do this, they will move for the nearest state that doesn't do this kind of stuff. Beyond this, what you are proposing is compelling speach, which I have questions about the legality on that one. Furthermore, what happens when you try to enforce this policy in all those rural towns where the sheriff is primed to get a good reason to deputize every man, woman and child. Does the state actually think that they will separate tens of thousands of kids from families and then what? The legislation is a gross overreach and will not end well. Add to this that you will one day stand before God and you will have to explain it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96952", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:55:00", "title": "Listen...", "text": "If you TRANS parents support your child’s right and safety then wouldn’t you want to know your child has made this decision ? Do you really think it’s a good idea for educators (not educated specifically on these matters) to be holding your child’s hand during this difficult time?? Shouldn’t you be the parent making the calls here or are you to worried about being your child’s friend instead of parent??"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96953", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T22:56:00", "title": "Why are we EVEN considering this?!?!?!", "text": "I’m not sure what is going on but I don’t even know why this would even be an option.  This should never happen !!. It goes against everything the Bible stands for in which our constitution was built upon.  Kids don’t even know what they want for breakfast and you think they can decide to change what God made them?!?  It’s the parents that are twisted to make their kids think different. Which is so sad and perverted.   We need to stand up for what is right!!! Not what the left is trying to push through."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96954", "author": "Ludmila Kukharchuk", "date": "2021-02-03T22:56:00", "title": "Guidance Document Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Schools", "text": "strongly disagree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96955", "author": "Emilija M.", "date": "2021-02-03T22:56:00", "title": "Strongly Support Trans Lives", "text": "It is imperative that our public school system support all of its students, particularly those who may already be marginalized in our community. Advocating for and loving our youth, exactly as they are, saves lives. It's as simple as that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96956", "author": "Kyle", "date": "2021-02-03T22:56:00", "title": "Stop the perversion!!!", "text": "Stop being twisted and perverted.   It’s sickening that grown adults can’t stand up for what’s right and normal.  Don’t make the majority of people accept warped people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96957", "author": "A boy is Male A Girl is Female PERIOD", "date": "2021-02-03T22:57:00", "title": "Socially constructed perverted Cult based on lies has no place in grade schools", "text": "Traceability exists. This is a blatant EVIL agenda seeking to enroll minors forcibly in abusive behaviors. There hasn’t been anything sincere or honest regarding Transagenda since day 1. People aren’t suddenly coming down with an illness diagnosed as having wrong healthy body by accident requiring dangerous drugs and genital   mutilation. Girls privacy isn’t yours to give away. Parents are very aware of whether child is male or female factually unless they’re getting rich to pimp child and model a fashion. The facts have not changed as to why sex separate spaces are relevant. The idea gross opportunists would attempt harming and dangerous agenda seeking to prey on minors while spreading the rumors without any credentials, experience, knowledge or genuine concern says it all. Why aren’t the girls that have been begging for someone to listen over past couple years regarding this non sense mattering ?! It wasn’t wise to ignore The Parents, the CHILDREN  involved and the facts. Girls are being raped at schools peddling trans aka sex habit/fetish label slapped on a child like it’s cool to advocate child sex. Girls are losing scholarships. Girls are being shamed. Boys are being told personality determines whether they should chop off their penis. This is horrific. Most claiming title as Trans are bribed to dress opposite sex and children have no idea what being responsible for influence is. Most are vulnerable and easily manipulated. Most are suicidal. There was no outbreak of anything but gross opportunists in line with hand out for money to encourage the self destruction in minors worse than drug addiction. Lying. Lying. Lying since day 1 and knowingly. Tell Gavin Grimm she should look up Keira Bell. All involved should be publicly shamed but getting rich to pimp children pays them far too well to give a damn."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96958", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T22:58:00", "title": "No on Transgender in Schools", "text": "To Whom It May Concern, This is dangerous given science states a person’s brain is not fully developed until the age of 25. Per a 2013 BBC article, “Child psychologists are being given a new directive which is that the age range they work with is increasing from 0-18 to 0-25...Neuroscience has shown that a young person's cognitive development continues into this later stage and that their emotional maturity, self-image and judgement will be affected until the prefrontal cortex of the brain has fully developed.” (source: https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-24173194 ) If a brain is not fully developed & prior to age 25 decisions are based purely on emotions, then all the Education Department will do is create a bunch of gender confused kids who at age 9 say they want to be the opposite gender because it is a trend or to get attention for themselves but at age 10-13 say it was a mistake. Those even considering this must have never been exposed to kids since children are fickle little people. The job of a school is train and educate kids on how to use their knowledge to get a job and to succeed in life, not identity politics. A friend, René, transitioned as an adult from a man to a woman in the early 1990s because he always thought of himself as a woman. René got into a relationship and when she told her boyfriend about transitioning, he no longer wanted to see her. She told my mom “It was the worst decision she made.” This has always stuck with me because it made me sad René was not happy as a man nor as a woman. So sad is the lie of follow your heart. I do not believe it is right for children to be exposed to transgenderism because it mentally messes with young minds who are discerning between right/wrong as well as truth/lies. You cannot teach children that 1+0=1 when you tell them they can be a boy one day and a girl the next day. That destroys trust and will expose children to abuse within the school system and at home. I really hope you all listen to those voicing opposition to this instead of the special interest groups and Northern VA liberals in favor of corrupting every institution with identity politics. Thank you for your time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96959", "author": "Pete LeVasseur", "date": "2021-02-03T22:58:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE this UnGodly training agenda You should not be allowed to change sex until after age 18 ,therefore no need for this. Don't we already have rules against bullying ?? Don't we already treat people the way we want to be treated ?? I do not want my tax dollars being used for this. If a male thinks he is a female , he should not be allowed to  compete in womans sports. That is absurd. I don't know what satisfaction you would get out of it anyway. And better not be allowed in womans restroom. I can't even believe we are having this conversation. How about we take into consideration our innocent girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96960", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T22:58:00", "title": "Please don't do this! This is wrong!", "text": "This will not help students wrestling with gender identifies! Please don't do this. It will only create potential for strained or ruined relationships between parents and their kids, teachers and their students, and students and their peers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96961", "author": "Jane McKenzie", "date": "2021-02-03T22:59:00", "title": "I have a grandchild who has been diagnosed as transgender.", "text": "My heart breaks for his future. Our children have been through so much counseling and medical consultants to help them guide him. Today he is a happy girl that his parents have encouraged him to be. This is hard in the family today. Can you please put you selves in their position of how my beloved grandchild will face the rest of her life. Let here  be for now as she identified with and help her sustain her successful life"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96962", "author": "Lynchburg Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T22:59:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I support this and any effort to create safe and inclusive spaces for trans students in Virginia public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96963", "author": "Chasity C.", "date": "2021-02-03T23:00:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!", "text": "I whole heartedly oppose this new policy! This is a dangerous territory the school officials are crossing. This strip me of my right as a parent to encourage my daughter or son to love who HE OR SHE is because God chose them to be what they are. Transgender is an abnormal behavior and should not be normalized. When schools begin to allow someone to suddenly start behaving as the opposite sex as in changing in locker rooms with others that do not have the same anatomy this is absurd and disgusting.  All the sudden my son or daughter has to be made uncomfortable because of this. Accepting and normalizing transgenders  is just like taking in the Trojan horse.  You thinking accepting this will bring good to the community but what is awaiting is wickedness.  It will open room for more wicked thinking to follow. Please don’t force us as free Americans to accept such wicked thinking and actions.  I do not say this with hate but a heart full of worry and fear where this is heading."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96964", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:01:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96965", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:01:00", "title": "Just get back to teaching and stay out of politics!", "text": "We have allowed our politicians and society to push so many immoral agendas on our children. This has to stop. Everyone has a right to do whatever they wish, but NOT require our children to be accepting of their choice. What about the choice of the children that have are not accepting of politicians and societies view that bad is good and good is bad? Get back to teaching our children and keep politics out of the schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96966", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-02-03T23:02:00", "title": "Strongly support! Support and protect trans kids!", "text": "Support and protect trans kids! They deserve so much love. The world is already so difficult. Let's at least eliminate some bigotry at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96967", "author": "Yelena Kisling", "date": "2021-02-03T23:02:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96968", "author": "Thomas", "date": "2021-02-03T23:02:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96969", "author": "Barbara Knight", "date": "2021-02-03T23:02:00", "title": "This proposal is unconscionable. It would put children at risk for abuse and I strongly object.", "text": "This proposal is unconscionable. It would put children at risk for abuse.  It is divisive and evil. I strongly oppose it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96970", "author": "Indigo", "date": "2021-02-03T23:02:00", "title": "Trans Youth Deserve Better Treatment and Protections.", "text": "Please grant rights to fair treatment and allow for anti-discrimination policies in public schools. There is no reason to destroy access to education for transgender students. These kids have it hard enough. They are more likely than their peers to commit suicide due to unfair treatment and hardships because of discrimination and misunderstanding from our society. We can do better by allowing these kids a right to make a life for themselves when there's no where else to go. School can be a safe haven for trans youth if they have an unaccepting home life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96971", "author": "Dawn Massie", "date": "2021-02-03T23:03:00", "title": "Strongly Disapprove", "text": "People don't won't transgender kids to be treated differently, then don't make special rules and policies for them.  The policies are already in place to \"protect\" all children from bullying. Those who approve of this, are really wanting to make something abnormal appear to be normal. And you want to start in the schools to brainwash young children into thinking this way. Get away from our kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96972", "author": "Lindsey S", "date": "2021-02-03T23:04:00", "title": "I STRONGLY support transgender students.", "text": "I strongly support transgender students in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96973", "author": "Yelena Chentsov", "date": "2021-02-03T23:04:00", "title": "Gender is set at birth! No to transgender propaganda!", "text": "Please do not allow transgender individuals in the school system. A male is naturally stronger than a female and should not have that advantage in school sports on female teams! Also, stop confusing children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96974", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:04:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "this is harmful to ALL kids, teachers and parents"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96975", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:04:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "We can agree that we oppose bullying and want proper, dignified treatment for all. However, complicating the rules and regulations, including specified language, hinders more than helps. I strongly oppose the language in this document in the section that talks about schools/teachers using preferred pronouns. I feel it is very broad and opens the door to false accusations. I strongly oppose the part that discusses how one might need to negotiate the use of preferred language among students and their parents. That opens the door to creating an air of distrust among all parties involved, and does nothing to build Family-School relationships. I oppose other parts of this document as well, but unfortunately do not have the space to discuss. Bottom line:I going to be difficult for educators to do their jobs or students to learn if  everyone is constantly worried about accidently offending someone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96976", "author": "Kelsey Molseed", "date": "2021-02-03T23:04:00", "title": "Respect All Children", "text": "These policies are common sense for anyone who cares about the wellbeing of children. There is nothing to oppose here unless we think that some children deserve to be bullied or excluded. I fully support this measure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96977", "author": "Shyamali Hauth", "date": "2021-02-03T23:04:00", "title": "Support for our transgender students", "text": "I strongly back legislation which supports our transgender students in Virginia. It is critical to build a better learning environment for our transgender students. As the mother of a transgender non-binary adult child, I know that using appropriate gender pronouns and chosen names is an important element of acceptance. But that is just the bare minimum. Including curriculum which is Transgender inclusive is essential to educating not just transgender students, but all students. This will help de-stigmatize LGBTQ youth and foster a safer and more welcoming environment. Ensuring all students have access to sanitary, safe, and affirming facilities is important and a basic human right. Lack of access to these facilities encourages bullying and anti-transgender violence. Additionally, having affirming and supportive counselors who respect the students privacy is critical. Our children across Virginia deserve the best education in a safe and welcoming environment. Transgender inclusion is key to making this happen.  ~ Shyamali Hauth, Reston Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96978", "author": "Roger Hurd", "date": "2021-02-03T23:05:00", "title": "Strongly opposed!!  VA proposed model of transgender student policies.", "text": "OPPOSED!!!  This is the same as the abomination of desolution spoken in the temple of Jerusalem by Daniel in the book of Daniel in the Bible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96979", "author": "Lily Lamberta", "date": "2021-02-03T23:05:00", "title": "Protect trans kids!", "text": "Protect trans kids and support them in a life where they are respected and lifted up and have equal rights and access to resources.   Celebrate them and learn from them! Do the right thing!  Stop the violence and attack on trans children. Support trans lives!  Protect children,  all children, at all cost. Protect trans kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96980", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:06:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the model policies.  This document needs revision.  As much as transgender students deserve not to be harassed at school, other students have rights that must also be respected.  Girls have a right to privacy, and a right to women’s sports.  Students have conscience rights and parents also have the right to decide what is best for their children until children reach adulthood.   Kids don’t belong to the state"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96981", "author": "Ann M.", "date": "2021-02-03T23:06:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "This is a direct attack on the traditional, nuclear stable family. It is also an attack on schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96982", "author": "Monroe Morning", "date": "2021-02-03T23:06:00", "title": "Full Support - Protect and Support All Children", "text": "Transgender people are not dangerous, nor are transgender children. All people deserve protection from discrimination, and with proper education this discrimination would be much lessened. In response to the high rates of transgender suicides, it is due to discrimination rather than the process of transitioning itself. I hope future trans people will have the proper education and resources available so they don't have to waste decades of their lives living as the wrong gender like I, and many others, did."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96983", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:07:00", "title": "No", "text": "My daughter is bullied for liked the color Pink and for being To Girly for today’s kids, can someone explain to me what is wrong with kids feeling good about their own gender and if we going to provide real boys and girls a safer environment where they don’t feel rejected, confused and emotional abuse for their reproductive organs? What made this an enriched and adequate environment for education? Is this discrimination or disinformation?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96984", "author": "Joseph Crnkovich", "date": "2021-02-03T23:07:00", "title": "I vehemently oppose!  This is child abuse and denies science.", "text": "I vehemently disagree with these \"transgender\" rules.  They deny science, are counterproductive, do not respect the true needs of those suffering gender dysphoria, are an authoritarian crackdown on free speech, and violate the relationship between parents and children.  Any one of these would be reason enough to decline these new rules; together they show the new rules to be a travesty. These children need love.  Don't deny them the love of their parents. And don't make them the victims of an ideology that will do irreparable harm and prevent them from living a normal life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96985", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:07:00", "title": "I support these model policies", "text": "I support these model policies. All children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment. That means ALL children, including transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96986", "author": "Mariam Bell", "date": "2021-02-03T23:08:00", "title": "This is child abuse!! you are complicit", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 word. I strongly oppose this transgender policy!  this is nothing but child abuse and anyone who supports this is complicit. Follow, follow, follow the science!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96987", "author": "S. Stein", "date": "2021-02-03T23:08:00", "title": "Strongly support codifying protections for transgender", "text": "I strongly support this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96988", "author": "Don M.", "date": "2021-02-03T23:08:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "No self- respecting 17 year old boy would pass up an opportunity to identify as a girl to get into a high school girl's locker room. This is the science. Strongly opposed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96989", "author": "Sarah Diamond", "date": "2021-02-03T23:08:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "I fully support trans students and access to equitable education and an environment free from bullies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96990", "author": "Galina Yurchenko", "date": "2021-02-03T23:08:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAGREE", "text": "STRONGLY DiSAGREE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96991", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:09:00", "title": "1000% opposed and against this policy", "text": "This is completely insane and will cause mass chaos and confusion not only to faculty but the poor innocent children as well. This policy will endanger our children physically and mentally! What about our rights? What about the rights of those who do not want their child forced to change in a locker room with the opposite sex who “identifies” a certain way?? Or to have our children accused of harassment should they happen use the wrong pronoun. Just because someone “identifies” as something doesn’t make it so. Not to mention there have been studies done (even common sense will tell you this) that children are impressionable and immature and the amount of confused children is going to compound exponentially! You will have a child following a transgender fad one month and changing back the next. These are children! Follow the science, we are either biological male or female. You start down this rabbit hole and there will never be an end. Just utter chaos."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96992", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:09:00", "title": "Changing entire schools system", "text": "Changing lifestyles and school systems for millions of people for a minority.... the percentage is soooooo small go ahead and give them some special privileges if you HAVE TO but don’t punish and restrict everyone else cause of it!!!! Don’t shove your beliefs down others throats!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96993", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:09:00", "title": "I strongly support!", "text": "I strongly support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96994", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:09:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposition. They will start in schools and then move to churches. It can ruin kids lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96995", "author": "Spencer L.", "date": "2021-02-03T23:09:00", "title": "Support", "text": "We need to support our transgender students. This is a step in the right directions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96996", "author": "Sophie", "date": "2021-02-03T23:09:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "The policies laid out in this guidance document are (or should be) common sense practices that help and foster growth within not only our communities' trans and gender non-conforming youth, but our school divisions as a whole and should absolutely be adopted ASAP."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96997", "author": "X", "date": "2021-02-03T23:10:00", "title": "TRANS PEOPLE ARE HUMAN BEINGS! TREAT THEM AS SUCH! SUPPORT !!!!!", "text": "the amount of hate in these comments is astonishing. so many parents are sounding off in favor of oppressing their children’s identities (something a PARENT has NO CONTROL OVER in the long run) a parent should support their child regardless of how the child identifies. it’s clear a lot of the people in these comments who claim to be educators or parents need to do some soul searching and find their way that doesn’t involve marginalizing kids and trans lives. STRONGEST SUPPORT POSSIBLE!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96998", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:10:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED!!!!", "text": "This is against everything that America stands for. Freedom of speech is always been a American freedom we as parents are being silenced if we don't go along with the left side. Our children are our future, this country was based on God and his word this goes against everything good and decent. I will not go along with this or any other left decision. This puts our kids in danger and my kids will not go to public schools if this is allowed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96999", "author": "Roxanne Spencer", "date": "2021-02-03T23:11:00", "title": "Not equal to all", "text": "I just want to state that a specific document is not needed for this situation. There are bullying policies in place to handle situations that might occur. I don't push my religious beliefs on others and do not feel the people that have written this should be able to force this on children and families. The schools and government did not help me raise my son at all and should not think they know best for my grandson. This area does not belong in the schools except as an informative peice. Policies that only support one side is not the way to help with unity, acceptance and understanding."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97000", "author": "Melissa Brock", "date": "2021-02-03T23:11:00", "title": "Absolutely Not", "text": "This is wrong on so many levels.  Our family strongly disagrees with this action."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97001", "author": "Karen H", "date": "2021-02-03T23:11:00", "title": "Strongly in support of trans kids", "text": "I can’t believe I’m even having to write this in 2021. Protect trans kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97002", "author": "Barbara G.", "date": "2021-02-03T23:12:00", "title": "In full support", "text": "Thank you for putting these thoughtful guidelines together, which will support our Transgender and LGBTQ youth. My employee is married to a transgender man, my daughter has a good friend who is transgender. I’m witnessing every day the burdens, hurdles and pain these fellow humans and their families face, through no fault of their own, which we, especially as white, cis-gender people are privileged not to be encumbered with. I am in full support, Barbara G., Charlottesville"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97003", "author": "Robert", "date": "2021-02-03T23:12:00", "title": "Absolutely not.", "text": "I don’t force my views on others and I expect the same amount of respect in return. I keep my life private and I expect everyone else to do the same"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97004", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:12:00", "title": "We must stop believing the LIES of that old serpent the devil. People are NOT transgender.", "text": "We must stop believing the lies of that old serpent the devil. People are NOT transgender. We are either male or female when we are born and we stay the way we are born whether we choose to mutilate our bodies or not. If we tell our sons that they might actually be a girl we lie and the truth is not in us. If we tell our children such wicked and evil lies their blood is on our hands. We must vote vehemently against any legislation that would confuse and misguide the most innocent and vulnerable among us and vote to protect their carefree and innocent childhood. Our great God and Father has not made a single mistake when he created each one of us and it is our job to teach our children that they are made exactly the way that God meant for them to be and He forth all things well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97005", "author": "Chris", "date": "2021-02-03T23:12:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "There's no research or scientific evidence to support transitioning a child, and it is absolutely child abuse. Stop this nonsense immediately."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97006", "author": "Anon", "date": "2021-02-03T23:13:00", "title": "Oppose Gender Bathroom Choice- Strongly oppose", "text": "strongly oppose bathroom choice in Virginia"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97007", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:13:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "this is child abuse"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97008", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T23:13:00", "title": "This is radical social engineering and will hurt vulnerable kids", "text": "These guidelines are radical examples of social engineering designed not to help vulnerable kids, but to force an agenda on everyone. Freedom of speech and anti-bullying policies already protect kids dealing with gender dysphoria. Forcing everyone to accept and celebrate the anti-science movement of transgenderism is wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97009", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:13:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "strongly oppose this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97010", "author": "Tara Meeks", "date": "2021-02-03T23:14:00", "title": "Preservice teacher in strong support", "text": "The top priority of schools should be to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all students. Unfortunately, our public schools have failed transgender and gender expansive students in this regard far too often. Research from reputable organizations like the Trevor Project have shown trans students who are supported and affirmed experience better mental health outcomes and lower instances of suicidality. ( https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2020/?section=Supporting-Transgender-Nonbinary-Youth ) Protecting trans students literally saves lives. As I prepare to enter the teaching profession, I hope I can be part of VA schools that do better for our trans and nonbinary students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97011", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:14:00", "title": "This is so wrong. Absolutely oppose.", "text": "This is so wrong. I am definitely against this. What is happening in Virginia?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97012", "author": "J.C.E", "date": "2021-02-03T23:14:00", "title": "A bad start", "text": "The beginning of the document (Terminology) is full of terms defined in the light of gender identity being separate from birth sex. It's hard to start a discussion when from the beginning you've already chosen a side."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97013", "author": "Gloria H", "date": "2021-02-03T23:14:00", "title": "OPPOSED!  Same as the abomination of desolation spoken in the temple of Jerusalem by Daniel", "text": "Opposed to VA proposal model of transgender student policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97014", "author": "John Perkins", "date": "2021-02-03T23:15:00", "title": "Do not turn hell lose.", "text": "I have great concern that this policy is even being thought about in my state. I personally love children  and want the best for each one. This is a reckless policy that will further shift our schools down to the lowest in the world. At such a young age children should not be having these issues. I have great concern of letting a young born boy join up with a bunch of young girls in locker rooms, restrooms and such just because he says he is a girl. Kids that are having these problems need real help not just giving them a pat on the back. These children need help to learn that what God made them is okay to be and they do not need to be the opposite to fit in. I often times there are deeper needs in a childs life when they are turning to such foolishness. Often times when kids are going through transgender issues it scars them for life and they never fit in. By passing policy like this trying to force them to fit in you do them more harm than good. These kids and there parents truly need help but accepting them is not the way to do it. Please put policies in place to help the children feel comfortable in the sex they were born in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97015", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:15:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed, NO! NO! No!", "text": "Strongly Opposed, NO! NO! NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97016", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-02-03T23:15:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Do not support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97017", "author": "Who is telling children they have wrong body ?", "date": "2021-02-03T23:15:00", "title": "Girls privacy isn’t yours to give away and Boys don’t have penis by accident", "text": "Socially constructed perverted CULT. LIES. The fact that it’s gotten this far should scare the hell out of everyone. Pimping children out forcibly is criminal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97018", "author": "Kent Hinebaugh", "date": "2021-02-03T23:16:00", "title": "strongly support these model policies", "text": "The recommendations of the guidance document identify sensible policy updates that would deliver significant benefit to the experience and well-being of transgender students in Virginia schools. As the uncle of current students in a VDOE district, I want a safe, welcoming education for all, and I believe implementing the provided guidance is a step in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97019", "author": "Anon", "date": "2021-02-03T23:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Science is clear on the genders. Males should not be able to use female restrooms or locker rooms, or play female sports. This is dangerous, abusive, and hurts women in many ways. Stop with this nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97020", "author": "Katy Best", "date": "2021-02-03T23:16:00", "title": "Human Decency?", "text": "We have to do everything we can to increase basic human protections and rights. Trans children are entitled to feel safe and respected and cared for as much as any other child. Any policy that excludes a person from feeling comfortable in their own skin is despicable. Progress is now. Change is happening. It’s time to embrace that and celebrate it along with the lives of our youth. Why inflict the scars on another generation that we know have hurt others? May these children know as little of the pain of the transphobia that has mutilated our country as possible. And May we stop taking out our own traumas on others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97021", "author": "Angie McClevey", "date": "2021-02-03T23:17:00", "title": "SAFETY? SUPPORT? SECRECY? EVIDENCE-BASED??  LEGAL???", "text": "FAPE. SAFETY. Both are covered under federal, state and local laws and codes. What this policy attempts to do is rip out the foundation of support that innocent little children need to thrive safely while accessing an education.  Instead of receiving support for their well being and protection of their safety so that they may focus on learning while in school children will live in mortal fear of exposure.  This policy isolates, disenfranchises and condemns students of all persuasions!  It discards sage wisdom that says protect the children and guard their innocence, and it promotes secrecy in all the wrong ways.  Hidden lies are rampant throughout.  This \"policy\" is feel-ism run amuck, and runs wild with insanity. When children should be able to expect sound guidance and stalwart protection from the adults in their schools they will be getting sold for 30 pieces of silver: each and every one of them. While raising my now adult son who has ASD among other disabilities I never once allowed him the excuse of \"disABILITY\" as free pass to trample on the rights of others.  I taught him to respect others; even those who were different from him.  When fear and anxiety darken his perspective it has always been my responsibility as his parent (and now legal guardian) to support him, to guide him and to keep him safe: and to do this all while respecting the rights of those around him.  Never an easy day. I spent all of his 18 years in Virginia public schools advocating for his SAFETY while he accessed a FREE and APPROPRIATE PUBLIC EDUCATION.  Never once did I seek to infringe on another child's safety.  That would have been ethically wrong.  So is this policy. It is not appropriate to exclude the rights of one group of students under the guise of protecting those of another.  SAFE schools protect the rights of every student without exclusions.  This proposed policy tramples on the rights of a little girl to access the restroom in her school with complete privacy and without fear of being exposed personally and exposed to male anatomy.  Additionally it give boys of all ages a free ticket to voyeurism; TOTALLY ILLEGAL. Evidence-based studies are no where noted in this document either in the references to best practices or the appendix.  Lots of surveys and opinions and especially ideologies.  Oh and so many incongruencies; too many to point out.  Overall this proposed policy is not worthy of anything but rejection."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97022", "author": "Anonymous so I won't be mis-labeled \"non-inclusive\"", "date": "2021-02-03T23:18:00", "title": "Opposed: It's non-inclusive to people of faith and will aid bullies and predators", "text": "In this culture's attempt to promote relativism, we are allowing the silent majority and people of faith to be discriminated against (I know many of you disagree and will stop reading or label me non-inclusive).  Yes, we all certainly need to ACCEPT one another, but we cannot be forced to APPROVE of one another's choices, lifestyle, gender identity, etc.  There is a big difference between ACCEPTANCE and APPROVAL.  This proposal is an attempt to force everyone to APPROVE of transgenderism, not just ACCEPT it.  Therefore it is non-inclusive to people who disagree, and if implemented, anyone could face consequences (or be labeled \"non inclusive\") simply for using words like \"he\" or \"she\", regardless of intent. Kids make mistakes (just like we adults do).  Many youth also lie (just like many adults do).  Those types of sins are prevalent, and we can't just turn a blind eye to that fact.  This proposal is way too subjective and will be quickly abused by bullies and lying youth (it could be argued that there are more bullies than transgender students, so the risk is real).  Do we really want to make it easy for a bully (or sexual predator) to enter un-questioned into the girls' bathroom/locker room (and have the right to do so by this proposal)?  What mental health consequences can we expect from that unintended side effect?  It's too subjective - there's no way to tell if the person is lying about their gender identity or not.  Biological gender is objective enough to be clear so that it's not so easily abused.  Can we really be that trusting to think that this proposal will make things safer for the majority? I understand that there is concern for the well-being of the transgender minority, but unfortunately life is not fair and we can't make everyone \"happy\" all the time.  Yes, all students should be accepted in our schools, but that does not mean we need to create subjective rules to attempt to force everyone to comply and approve of the gender identity that such students would be allowed to change on a day-to-day basis. Please don't approve this proposal.  I would like for my daughters to stay in the public school system.  I want them to be accepting, kind, and loving to all.  But I don't want them to be forced to approve activities that go against their faith, and I certainly don't want them to be unsafe spiritually, mentally, and physically from the consequences of such a proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97023", "author": "Tori", "date": "2021-02-03T23:18:00", "title": "Strong Agreement - nobody cares where you go", "text": "I strongly believe that students, no matter their gender identity, should be able to use the bathroom that they are most comfortable using. School and social settings are hard enough for trans students, and adding the dilemma of where to go to the bathroom is absolutely unnecessary. There are plenty of studies that have found that inclusive bathroom policies do not negatively impact bathroom safety. The only “perverts” I’m truly concerned about are the people demanding to know what genitalia a child has before they can enter a bathroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97024", "author": "Parent of students in VA School", "date": "2021-02-03T23:18:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "The state of VA has MUCH BIGGER problems with their education system, but it seems we are copying what we see in Washington...wasting taxpayer money and time on nonsensical issues that only benefit a slim minority. (Check out the rate of illiterate children graduating in Fauquier County, VA if you don’t believe me.) K-12 schools are not the appropriate place to explore your gender identity or sexual orientation. Mathematics, Science, and Literature are all legitimate examples of subjects to pursue in school. Even IF a student chooses to be confused about the reproductive organs they were born with, that is IRRELEVANT to learning how to read, spell, add, paint, sing, or even play an instrument! This legislation will not provide equity for all students by protecting trans-genders, so much as it is making trans-students a “protected species” while putting cis-gendered students at risk. You can’t protect one group at the expense of another. Also, this legislation undermines our teachers and school staff by degrading their authority with students.  If a student can be gender-fluid at any given-time; that can be used to manipulate staff and impede learning. Our nation legalized homosexual marriage, and already we are hearing rumblings of people wanting to legalize polygamy and pedophilia....where does this stop? Where do you draw the line? Legislate to protect trans-gender students and next up: students want to identify as animals or inanimate objects.  This isn’t about protecting a slim minority...this is a politically weapon used issue aimed at destroying absolute norms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97025", "author": "Laura Tomlin, school child care provider", "date": "2021-02-03T23:19:00", "title": "Fully Support the Protection of Trans Children’s Rights", "text": "There aren’t very many openly transgender students that the general public is aware of. However, if someone were to see one of these children in person, it would be much more difficult to argue that they are not deserving of the same protections and rights that every other child receives without question. It is new for many people and change can be terrifying, but it is needed and necessary now more than ever."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97026", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:19:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Boundaries are essential for mental health especially for children. This is confusing to kids not to mention unsafe for girls. Many issues from this! Do the schools really have time to deal with problems that will occur?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97027", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:19:00", "title": "Absolutely NOT. NO", "text": "Under no circumstance will my child be in a school in which these policies are held. This is beyond disgusting that this would even be taken into consideration. The thought that a human has more rights than Gods name in a school system is horrifying Children’s minds at this age are so incredibly vulnerable and not even fully developed. Why create unnecessary confusion. if a child is confused  let them deal with it in the privacy of their own home just like those that pray have to. If God is not to be spoken of in schools why would we put the responsibility of taking care of another child’s confusion on a child that has no idea its mind blowing. I am a 25 year old mom to 2 toddlers and a baby and I am sickened. So no. I do not want these polices to be put into place. Absolutely not. I will do everything in my power to prevent this from happening."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97028", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:19:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Strongly opposed. This is an enormous overreach of the role of the public school system. This is dangerous for children- not protecting them in any way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97029", "author": "Carly", "date": "2021-02-03T23:19:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS GUIDANCE!", "text": "I strongly support this initiative for trans and gender non-conforming students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97030", "author": "Sheila Byrd", "date": "2021-02-03T23:19:00", "title": "Teacher/parent strongly oppose", "text": "It is nothing less than an abject abrogation of duty to protect our students if you allow this ridiculous set of policies to become actionable in public schools. Not only are you mandating that students should now be in charge of telling teachers what to do, you are asking teachers and schools to do things that are impossible to enforce and moreover will only increase the instances of abuse, bullying, and assault. In what democratic republic on earth do schools encourage MINORS to behave in ways dangerous to themselves and others and NOT inform parents??  This entire document is beyond all reasonable comprehension. Stop playing dime store psychologists, try TEACHING our children some literature, mathematics, arts, and some actual history instead your watered down version of social studies indoctrination. You might try teaching biology too!!  Refer these troubled teenagers to professionals who can help them.  Don't upend and entire school system in an effort to appease a dangerous political mob.  Love the VAST majority of students who are not dysphoric in this way alone, and get back to teaching and learning, if you can. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97031", "author": "Jen Black", "date": "2021-02-03T23:20:00", "title": "Strong support", "text": "Please VA Department of Education, protect transgender kids.  I don’t believe that any family or child would just choose to lead a lifestyle that will ensure that they are bullied and ostracized and end up with a life expectancy much shorter than that of their cisgender peers.  They are transgender and they are perfect and we need to protect them and celebrate them and learn from them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97032", "author": "Danielle S", "date": "2021-02-03T23:21:00", "title": "In Support", "text": "I am the parent of FCPS students and I support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97033", "author": "Alaina Daniels", "date": "2021-02-03T23:21:00", "title": "Middle School Science Teacher who Strongly Supports", "text": "Supporting trans kids saves lives"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97034", "author": "Nancy Pilchen", "date": "2021-02-03T23:21:00", "title": "Parent of 3  and former PTA president at two schools, I strongly support these recommendations", "text": "I think we can all agree that children need to feel safe in school.  This means all students. I fail to understand how policies like this will make those children to whom it does not apply, feel unsafe. But without these policies, other children to whom it may well apply, may continue to feel unsafe. Life is difficult enough for kids.  If the goal is for all kids to feel safe, and able to learn in school, then we have to continue to discuss policies that work toward that goal.  And as needs are identified, we can't just ignore them because they're inconvenient.  So much of the debate against these policies resembles Jim Crow VA of the 50's when schools were shut down rather than integrated, because people didn't want their kids to be with those who weren't identical to themselves.  So what does it  matter if your kid's schoolmates don't fit your view of reality?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97035", "author": "Founding Freedoms Law Center", "date": "2021-02-03T23:22:00", "title": "Legal Flaws in the Model Policies", "text": "Re: Comments on Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools (hereafter “Model Policies”) Founding Freedoms Law Center (“FFLC”) is a public interest law firm headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. FFLC and its parent, The Family Foundation of Virginia (“TFF”), have supporters in most Virginia cities and counties. FFLC makes these comments on behalf of itself as well as its supporters. Introduction In Troxel v. Granville , 530 U.S. 57, 65-66 (2000), Justice O’Connor for a plurality of the United States Supreme Court reiterated the following principles that have guided the rights of parents over the education of their children for the past 100 years. The Fourteenth Amendment provides that no State shall “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” We have long recognized that the Amendment’s Due Process Clause, like its Fifth Amendment counterpart, guarantees more than fair process. The Clause also includes a substantive component that provides heightened protection against government interferences with certain fundamental rights and liberty interests. The liberty interest at issue in this case — the interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children — is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court. More than 75 years ago, in Meyer v. Nebraska, 262 U.S. 390, 399, 401 (1923), we held that the ‘liberty’ protected by the Due Process Clause includes the right of parents “to establish a home and bring up children” and “to control the education of their own.” Two years later, in Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510, 534-535 (1925), we again held that the “liberty of parents and guardians” includes the right “to direct the upbringing and education of children under their control.” We explained in Pierce that “[t]he child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” Id., at 535. We returned to the subject in Prince v. Massachusetts, 321 U.S. 158 (1944), and again confirmed that there is a constitutional dimension to the right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. “It is cardinal with us that the custody, care and nurture of the child resides first in the parents, whose primary function and freedom include preparation for obligations the state can neither supply nor hinder.” Id. at 166. In subsequent cases also, we have recognized the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children. . . . In light of this extensive precedent, it cannot now be doubted that the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment protects the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children. The Model Policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education (“VDOE”) violate these fundamental rights of parents by circumventing parental involvement in a pivotal decision affecting their minor children's care, health, education, and future. The Model Policies enable minor children, of any age, to transition socially to a different gender identity at school without parental notice or consent, and requires school personnel to enable this transition.  The Model Policies also prohibit personnel from communicating with parents about this potentially life-altering and dangerous choice if the parents have not agreed with the child’s wishes.  These Model Policies are flawed. The following concentrates on their legal flaws. The Model Policies’ Legal Flaws Several Descriptions of “Related Laws” Are Either Wrong or Misleading VDOE summarizes on page 7 “Related Laws” that apply to the Model Policies.  Several of these summaries are either wrong or misleading. The description of the First Amendment is true in that it protects a person’s free speech and expression from governmental interference. It also, however, protects the free exercise of religion. Just as schools may not prevent students from expressing their identity, schools also may not prevent a student (or a group of students) from sharing their religious beliefs with other students. This sharing of religious beliefs, including God’s design for life and bodies, is not bullying but speech protected by both federal law (the Free Exercise and Free Speech clauses of the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act), and state law (the Virginia Constitution and the Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act). Moreover, any school policy that permits speech affirming one’s sexual identity, but not permitting rebuttal speech on the same subject, is content and viewpoint discrimination. The Fourteenth Amendment does guarantee citizens equal protection under the law. It protects all (not simply LGBTQ+) students from unfair and discriminatory school actions. Under the Fourteenth Amendment, specifically gendered washrooms must be limited to the designated gender. Boys should not be allowed to use washrooms and/or locker rooms designated for girls, and vice versa. Allowing some boys to use girls’ washrooms, and some girls to use boys’ washrooms is unequal treatment, thereby triggering the Equal Protection Clause. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is generally, as stated, a federal law that prohibits schools that receive federal financial assistance from limiting or denying a student’s participation in any school program on the basis of sex. The following statement in the Model Policies (that Title IX “may be understood to prohibit discrimination . . . based on . . . sexual orientation, and gender identity or transgender status”) is wrong.  On January 8, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education’s (“USDOE”) Office of General Counsel issued an opinion as to whether the Court’s interpretation of  “sex” in Bostock v. Clayton County, 104 S. Ct. 1731 (2020) affected the interpretation of “sex” for purposes of Title IX. USDOE’s lawyers answered “no.” See https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/correspondence/other/ogc-memorandum-01082021.pdf?bcs-agent-scanner=4c930bc7-a8a1-3442-907a-a81eb781dfea at 2.  Regarding whether Bostock applied to school  washrooms, locker rooms, and other sex-segregated programs addressed under Title IX, DOE’s lawyers wrote that Bostock does not apply because (1) Bostock applies only to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, not Title IX; (2) the ordinary public meaning of “sex” at the time of Title IX’s enactment was biological sex, male or female, not transgender status or sexual orientation; and (3) the Department’s regulations recognizing the male/female biological binary carry interpretative authority because they were the product of uniquely robust and direct Congressional review. Id. at 6. The Model Policies’ description of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) on page 7 again is somewhat accurate, in that FERPA is a federal law that, with limited exceptions, protects the privacy of student educational records without the written consent of parents. The following two sentences in the Model Policies (that FERPA prohibits the improper disclosure of personally identifiable information, which includes gender identity or sexual orientation) is, however, very misleading if interpreted as applying to parents. In fact, according to USDOE’s Parents Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: Rights Regarding Children’s Educational Records, FERPA gives parents the right to review their child’s educational records, and “generally requires schools to ask for written consent before disclosing your child’s personally identifiable information to individuals other than you .” See ( https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/brochures/parents.html ) (emphasis added). In other words, FERPA gives parents the right to access their child’s educational records, and it provides NO authority for the school to keep these records from parents. Hiding school records from parents who may not support their child’s gender transition is directly against the spirit and intent of FERPA, which is designed to give parents unfettered access to their child’s school records. The Model Policies Violate Constitutionally Protected Parental Rights The Model Policies are replete with statements with which few can argue, such as VDOE’s commitment to “ensure a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students” (p. 8), and “schools should provide a safe educational environment for all students and treat all students with dignity and respect . . .” (p. 10). Treating students differently (such as giving rights without merit to certain students that are denied others) is rightfully prohibited, and all complaints of discrimination, harassment, and bullying should be investigated, as provided in the first Model Policy on page 10. Regarding student privacy, certainly a student suffering from gender dysphoria or a medical condition that would not put others at risk should be granted confidentiality from other students as well as most staff/faculty, but these conditions must NEVER be kept from parents. Therefore, the statement on page 11 that “regardless of the circumstances, the school should support the student’s need for privacy and not disclose a student’s gender identity to other student or parents ” is directly contrary to proper authority and law, as is the second paragraph of the Model Policy found on page 12, which directs school personnel not to disclose a student’s transgender status to parents. As noted above in the Introduction, parents have a constitutionally protected fundamental right to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children.  One of the areas most needed for parental instruction and control is a child’s sexuality. The sensitivity of this area was recognized by the General Assembly in Virginia Code § 22.1-207.2, which requires schools to distribute to parents a summary of the family life curriculum (which, per Virginia Code § 22.1-207.1 includes human sexuality, human reproduction, dating violence and sexually transmitted diseases), permits parents to review this curriculum, requires the school to give notice that parents “have the right to excuse their child from all or part of family life education instruction,” and encourages parents to provide “guidance and involvement in the instruction of the students.” This statute is, quite frankly, an excellent model for VDOE to follow with respect to transgender students, involving parents in the discussion and allowing the parents to opt out their child at any time. The Model Policies similarly violate the rights of Virginia parents under Virginia Code § 1-240.1. This law states in full: “A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education , and care of the parent’s child.” (Emphasis added). The note for this statute states that “it is the expressed intent of the General Assembly that this act codify the opinion of the Supreme Court of Virginia in L.F. v. Breit, . . . as it relates to parental rights.” The Virginia Supreme Court’s discussion of parental rights states: The relationship between a parent and child is a constitutionally protected liberty interest under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. . . . Indeed, the Supreme Court of the United States has characterized a parent's right to raise his or her child as “perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.” Troxel, 530 U.S. at 65. Any statute that seeks to interfere with a parent's fundamental rights survives constitutional scrutiny only if it is narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest. McCabe v. Commonwealth, 274 Va. 558, 563 (2007); . . .” L.F. v. Breit, 285 Va. 163, 182 (2013). (Some citations omitted). Applying the compelling state interest test dooms the Model Policies’ attempt to keep parents uninformed of their child’s quest to transgender.  Under this test, the Commonwealth must prove that its interest in helping a child transgender is “paramount,” “of the highest order,” and “vital” compared to the interest of the parents. See Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania , 140 S. Ct. 2367, 2392 (2020).  The Commonwealth must also prove that there is no other narrower means to achieve the student’s transgender than by withholding information and deceiving the student’s parents. The school, in such an instance, usurps the role of the parent, and becomes the student’s protector and guide. Such a role, of course, has additional due process dimensions. One of the major issues in a contested divorce is the fitness of a spouse to parent a child. If the parties cannot agree on the terms of parenting, an independent party (a judge typically) decides. Here, the school acts not only as a party, but also the judge, determining what information to give and what to withhold, as noted on page 13, which states that “school divisions will need to determine whether to respect the student’s request [regarding preferred pronouns], abide by the parent’s wishes to continue using the student’s legal name and sex assigned at birth, or develop an alternative that respects both the student and the parents.” See also page 15 pertaining to School Records, which allows schools “upon the request of a student or parent,” to use the new name and gender of the student on school records. Allowing a minor, deemed by state laws incapable of making legally binding decisions because of a lack of capacity, to make a decision concerning gender reflected on school records is again a violation of constitutionally protected parental rights. The Model Policies May Lead to FERPA and Virginia Code Violations As noted above on pages 5-6, FERPA is a federal law that, with certain exceptions not applicable here, protects the privacy of student records from persons other than students and their parents. In fact, FERPA provides a statutory right for parents to access their child’s educational records. See 20 U.S.C. § 1232g et seq. On page 20 of the Model Policies, the authors state that when a student informs the school about his/her gender transition, the school should have a point-of-contact to “meet with the student (and parents/guardians if the parents/ guardians are affirming of the student’s gender identity) to develop a plan to accommodate the student’s needs and requests.” The authors further state that a template may be helpful to address matters like names, use of pronouns, privacy concerns, communication plans, student records, and access to facilities and activities. The authors obviously recognize the need for documentation. Stating that information will be shared with affirming parents implies that this information may not be shared with non-affirming parents. Assuming document(s) are created and then not provided to the parents upon their request, the school commits a FERPA violation. Withholding these documents is also a violation of Virginia Code § 20-124.6, which states that a parent shall not be denied access to his/her child’s academic record. The Model Policies Will Likely Lead to Violations of Religious Liberties The authors of the Model Policies astutely state on page 19 that “students and staff each have their own unique religious and personal experiences, views, and opinions.” Many of these student and staff positions on transgender issues are based on sincerely held religious beliefs that compel the students, staff and faculty members to act in ways consistent with their religious beliefs. A few examples illustrate the potential constitutional and statutory violations: A Christian female teacher at the end of the day sees one of her students is depressed and asks what’s wrong. The student responds that she is questioning her gender. The teacher then tells the student that as a Christian, she believes that God created men and women perfect (Genesis 1), but that sin entered the world as a result of human disobedience to God (Genesis 3). As the result of sin, there is much confusion in the world but there is spiritual redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The teacher then asks whether the student has talked to her parents about her gender questioning, to which the student says no. The teacher then says that the Bible gives parents the responsibility of training and educating children (Deut. 6:7; Prov. 22:6), and that children must obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1-4). Soon after this after-school meeting, the school learns of it and, after questioning the teacher, imposes discipline for failing to follow the school’s transgender policy. Subsequently the teacher files a lawsuit for the school’s violation of the teacher’s free exercise of her religion (First Amendment), her right of conscience (Virginia Constitution § 16), the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (42 U.S.C. § 2000bb-1 et seq. ), and the Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act (Virginia Code § 57-2.02 et seq. ), which requires the school to prove by clear and convincing evidence that its action was “essential” to accomplish its compelling state interest. The teacher would add to this formidable complaint a claim for violation of her free speech rights. Joy, a high school freshman, must shower after each gym class. On the first day of the new semester, her new gym class of boys and girls ends with Carla, who has a male physique, following her into the girls locker room. After Carla disrobes and walks to the shower room, there is no mistaking the male anatomy. Joy in a later meeting with school officials, says that she is a Christian, and therefore must act and dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9-10), something impossible to do with Carla in the locker room. The school refuses to accommodate her because this may lead to emotional trauma for Carla. In the subsequent lawsuit, Joy will claim denial of her free exercise of religion and a violation of her privacy. *     *     *     *     * For these reasons, the Model Policies have legal flaws that will inevitably lead to otherwise avoidable litigation. The Virginia public school community and taxpayers would benefit if VDOE reconsiders the Model Policies and seeks more diverse community opinions, including those of parental rights and religious liberty advocates.  A new, diverse committee likely would create model policies that better balance the needs of transgender students with parental rights, the constitutional rights of school faculty, staff, and students, and the community at large. Sincerely, /s/ James A. Davids, J.D., Ph.D. General Counsel jim@foundingfreedomslaw.org"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97036", "author": "Ella Sesay", "date": "2021-02-03T23:22:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this as It is not the right of the school to teach my children issues that relate to people's sexual preference and internal struggles. Leave that for the parents!! Teach my kids academics and nothing else. You have no right to destroy the innocence of my kids. This will cause a lot of confusion in their still developing minds and confusion that leads them to start to question their identity as a result of this indoctrination. I wonder if this is not the actual agenda of VDOE. Secondly, how can you guarantee that this policy is not taken advantage of by miscreants seeking to toy with people's minds? Thirdly ,can you guarantee that kids will stay safe and not get taken advantage of by individuals who use this as a means of sexually assaulting or taking privilege of members of the opposite sex who are biologically so?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97037", "author": "Tim B Father", "date": "2021-02-03T23:22:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Vote \"NO\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97038", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:22:00", "title": "Strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools as they are harmful to children and undermine the rights of parents and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97039", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:22:00", "title": "Protecttranskids", "text": "I am in strong support of measures to uplift and protect trans kids. I see valuing trans kids' safety and comfort as essential, with the benefit of suicide and transphobic violence prevention.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97040", "author": "Concerned", "date": "2021-02-03T23:23:00", "title": "Disgusting. So disgusting.", "text": "How is this even being considered?  This is absolutely twisted. A child can be disciplined by calling another student the wrong gender when the gender can change day by day, these poor children and the confusion this is causing. I find this very disgusting and taking one childs  rights away to give another child more rights. This goes against everything America stands for. Stop furthering confusion. Sickening."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97041", "author": "Charles Thorsen", "date": "2021-02-03T23:24:00", "title": "CIS Male Allies Super Support", "text": "please help protect our growing trans student population - they deserve to grow up happy, smart and be allowed all the opportunities as are afforded to the rest of society"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96041", "author": "Taylor Clayton", "date": "2021-02-03T17:57:00", "title": "We must fight for Trans rights", "text": "We must continue to advocate for trans rights. Trans people exist. Trans folks exists in many places, literally everywhere. Some folks come to terms with their trans identities early on and sooner than others. It’s essential to protect them everywhere. We must  protect our youth. Uplift and amplify trans voices always. Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96042", "author": "Chris", "date": "2021-02-03T17:57:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "I strongly support this guidance and policy to make schools safer for transgender youth.  It merely is extending the non-discrimination policy to transgender youth, so it shouldn't be a huge deal.  Transgender people exist and need protections like other minority groups. Please don't listen to the people who are opposing this based on bigotry, hatred, or ignorance.  If their baseline is that transgender folks don't exist, they're already doing harm to these youth and they don't care about what autonomy youth have in their lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96043", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:57:00", "title": "SUPPORT!!", "text": "Fully support. Transgender children should be treated equally, and they should be allowed to be who they want to be, not who you think they should be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96044", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T17:57:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I am in full support of any legislation to promote the health and wellbeing of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96045", "author": "Joanne", "date": "2021-02-03T17:59:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. Stop abusing the children.", "text": "Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96046", "author": "Robin Maydosz", "date": "2021-02-03T18:00:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "It is imperative that there is protection for trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students in Virginia.  All children deserve a safe and affirming environment to learn.  Creating a truly inclusive school environment will help children become socially conscious & aware adults."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96047", "author": "Concerned Parent of two female students", "date": "2021-02-03T18:01:00", "title": "OPPOSED WHOLEHEARTEDLY", "text": "As a parent of two female students I am wholeheartedly opposed to these regulations. These regulations are harmful to children and injurious to parent-child relationships. Children, who are in the process of formulating their own personal identities, need careful, compassionate guidance from trustworthy adults and not from ones who will cater to and capitalize on their vacillating adolescent struggles. These policies intentionally remove parents from the integral part they play in the nurturing of their own children. In most circumstances, parents are the ones who care more intimately for their children than anyone else.  Set aside the fact that I chose to become a parent because I want to love, mold and shape my child to into a good kind human.  I am required by law to be financially responsible to my child therefore I feel that I should also be required by law to have full disclosure when it comes to all medical, mental health and educational information regarding my child. In addition, the ability of any person being permitted to use any bathroom/locker room is alarming for the safety particularly of girls. The thought of boys/young men in the same changing facilities as girls/young women is shocking and an invitation for all kinds of sexual violations. Hearing of these policies has already caused my girls a great deal of fear and anxiety because they know how the minds of adolescent boys work.  They both have said they will no longer go to the bathroom or in the locker rooms at school and I am sure that they are not the only female students who feel this way.  If adults truly believe that only those students who \"identify\" as another gender will be the ones taking advantage of these policies they are fooling themselves.  I pray that the depravity of the minds of this world will not take over and allow things like this to happen.  This is not natural, I don't care what anyone says and there is no medical or scientific reason to allow these policies to be put into place.  A biological male or female can \"identify\" however he/she wants and should not feel uncomfortable using the biologically correct restroom as there are stalls that he/she can enter and still have his/her privacy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96048", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:01:00", "title": "Strongly Approve", "text": "These policies are often life-changing and, quite literally, life-saving , for trans students. I strongly approve of these protections. All students deserve to have themselves and their identities respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96049", "author": "Nena", "date": "2021-02-03T18:01:00", "title": "Oppose!!", "text": "Oppose.  This is disastrous for children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96050", "author": "Mother of Arlington Pubic School students", "date": "2021-02-03T18:02:00", "title": "Policy reaches beyond protections for discrimination.", "text": "It is very important that we don't discriminate and harm others for choices, experiences or feelings they have even if we disagree with them. Each individual should be allowed respect, freedom of choice and not be subjected to physical and emotional harm - period. These policies you, GLSEN and HRC are advocating for our schools, reach far beyond such respect and acceptance. First, redefining gender as defined in the policy is problematic in that it mandates everyone be taught and experience \"freedom from prescripted gender.\" That each child should spend more time desperately trying to define what makes them them, and their biology is irrelevant in that quest. As if kids don't have it hard enough. The irony of the transgender argument is that at its very core is gender stereotyping. We women have fought long and hard to have space that males previously and solely occupied, and now this policy would cede the space back to them (Title IX). To suggest that a woman who likes to weld, motorcross, fish etc. or a boy who likes to cook, sew, prefers pink, or dress up like a princess is neither girl nor boy, but rather neither or something inbetween is still based on stereo types. If I am a motorcross girl, I can still be a woman with biology to create life. I don't need to identify as whatever I think I am (based on stereotypes) in order to be an actualized me. Gender Dysphoria is real for a very small percent of individuals historically. It is a real distaste for one's own body, not just prescripted gender. We can not stop our biology from its intent to carry and give life, or prevent testorone levels to double and triple well beyond the female body at and through puberty - this is prescripted in DNA. We can use advanced technology and hormones to try to prevent our DNA, which some do and some are now living with devastating regret. Where will the schools and government be to support the child on the other side of those physical and emotional challenges? Additionally, this policy does not consider the wholistic needs of a child. If we put a child into a state of living a life at school and hiding that life from parents (deemed non-affirming) as your policy allows for, we have now further harmed the child and the family. If we put girls who have been harmed by boys (#metoo) sharing a room on tour with someone with the other biology it puts them in a place of trauma. Is that fair to them? How about middle school teachers trying to keep track of the appopriate pronoun for the child's ever changing expression? There is no doubt these are difficult challenges for children and adults with dysphoria and a desire for identity expression. Support and care is needed. Adding gender expression as a first amendment protected right and thus requiring educational institutions to explore that right with all children, advocating that biology is irrelevant to those choices and orientations, is a complete overreach of the need to stop discrimination now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96051", "author": "Sam", "date": "2021-02-03T18:02:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a transgender teacher this evidence based proposal will benefit my students and would have been a great benefit to me during my education. This proposal will create a safer and healthier learning environment allowing my students to focus better in their classes and be more willing to come to school. Similar policies exist in nearby school districts like Maryland and have shown to measurably increase student success. It is time for Virginia to support and protect transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96052", "author": "Ona Hogarty", "date": "2021-02-03T18:03:00", "title": "Support protecting some of our most vulnerable youth!", "text": "Dear Viginia Department of Education, You have an important proposal before you, one which I wholeheartedly endorse. I had the pleasure of living in the fine state of Virginia for a while, in college, and found it to be a beautiful and welcoming place. This proposal, for the protection of trans students in public schools, is in line with the friendly spirit I encountered there. A number of trans friends have enriched my life over the years, from a myriad of backgrounds and ethnicities. Sadly, they all have one thing in common - their school years, which should be a positive time for any young person, were marred by constant mistreatment at the hands of teachers and administrators - who were clueless at best and malevolent at worst. The school system should be a haven of learning and new experiences through one of humankind's greatest gifts: the pursuit of knowledge. Prejudice and bigotry have no place in American educational institutions. And the stakes could not be higher: trans youths are at risk from a greater suicide rate than any other group of Americans. Misunderstanding, hatred, and venom are literally killing these children. The department's approval of this proposal will create an even better environment in Virginia's well-respected public school system. Your support will make such a tremendous and wonderful difference in trans students' lives, letting them study under faculty who have been given the proper tools to help and support them. The proposal will be beneficial for cis students as well, to learn about (and celebrate) one of the many differences interwoven into the patchwork of American diversity. Thank you as a once (and perhaps future) Virginian for the privilege of sharing my comments in support of this extremely important proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96053", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:04:00", "title": "Strongly support - protect trans children!", "text": "No child should be made to feel that who they are is wrong or forced into compliance with whatever gender identity adults around them want to push onto them.  If a child feels different about their identity on the inside, they deserve support and LOVE from those around them.  Trans rights are human rights!  Everyone deserves the right to express themselves, and giving kids a safe space to be themselves should be a priority in schools.  If understanding the perspective of trans kids/individuals of all ages is something you struggle with, I encourage you to put yourself in someone else's shoes and read books written by trans people to widen your perspective.  No one is asking you to change your own personal beliefs about what is right for you and your path, but giving children the choice to decide what they want to be shouldn't be something that's up for debate.  Spread the love!  Love your children!  Believe in them and love them for who they are!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96054", "author": "Joe Graf", "date": "2021-02-03T18:04:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I support the model policy protecting transgender students.  I stand firmly on the side of protections for free people to be who they are.  It is wholly un-American to ask a fellow citizen to be anything less.  I respect that there are those who disagree and you are entitled to your opinion and free to live as you see fit, but you are NOT entitled to make decisions for or dictate to other free people who they should be or how they should live.  Ever.  It is the sacred responsibility of the American government at all levels to protect the human rights, freedoms and safety of every American, not just those who think, act or look alike."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96055", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:04:00", "title": "Thoughtfully opposed", "text": "While I believe this document is well intentioned, as a parent I am very concerned about the resulting safety implications for all students, including those the document is designed to protect. In an effort to provide a safe and comfortable option to a segment of the population, the privacy and safety of the entire population is threatened. Given that restrooms and locker rooms are sensitive areas that cannot be monitored effectively due to appropriate privacy concerns, the potential exists for countless uncomfortable and even dangerous situations to arise for students who have no recourse but to allow anyone to enter their private spaces. This policy is in direct conflict with the progress that has been made for women's rights, in particular. The policy appears to have no accountability, such that students who do NOT identify as transgender could simply enter whichever restroom or locker room they wanted - with no recourse available for those students who could be violated in the process. The possibilities of abuse, assault, lewd comments, etc., are predictable and entirely unacceptable. We need to be proactive in our policy making, so as to avoid the potential pain and abuse that this document will generate. I know we can develop better policy to protect all students involved, including the transgender community. For example, if a student is being harassed in any way in the restroom or locker room, it seems a private space should be made available - as outlined in the policy. But allowing anyone to access any restroom or locker room of his/her/their choice is fraught with shortsighted thinking and inevitable and avoidable dangers. Everyone should have access to a safe space for such private activities, and I ask that Virginia rework this policy to make sense for all of the populations under their care."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96056", "author": "Lisa Updike", "date": "2021-02-03T18:05:00", "title": "Be very cautious", "text": "I am very thankful that Virginia Department of Education cares for all of our children, including those who are struggling with their gender identities. It is important that parents be allowed to speak into their children's lives and help guide them in these most difficult issues. Children often explore roles, gender and other roles, as they grow. It is part of learning who we are and how we fit in with our world. However, we must not throw common sense aside for being progressive. Somethings should go without saying:  biological females and males should not share locker rooms or bathrooms. Students may not change their gender and names from one day to the next. Additionally, It is also unwise and unkind to assume that those who hold to traditional standards are bigoted and/or do not want the very best for youth dealing with these confusing issues, issues that have only become more confusing as we have smudged the lines of what it means to be male and female. Be extremely cautious before making widespread changes in policy. We can be respectful to all without endangering our children and families by normalizing the struggles of a few precious, but confused students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96057", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:05:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As a middle school teacher in a Virginia Public School, I have seen the struggles of students during this pivotal time in their development of their identities. It is essential that they receive our acceptance and support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96058", "author": "Wilson", "date": "2021-02-03T18:05:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT! Trans people are still people! [PLEASE READ.]", "text": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS! Trans people don't deserve to be treated like trash just because they decide they don't want to connect with the sex they were born with. Gender is identity, and you can't force someone not to identify as what they want, because in the end being trans does not affect humanity's wellbeing in any harmful way. Let people be whatever they think their gender is. Trans people being forced to be the sex they were born with is harmful to their mental health and can cause suicide, it also further increases the suicide rate in America. Do you really want to bully someone to their own suicide because you were too ignorant to care? I don't think so. Stop the transphobia. Spread awareness!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96059", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:06:00", "title": "*Strongly* support!", "text": "Trans people are PEOPLE. They deserve to feel safe and supported. Too many of these negative comments are disturbing, which is why you need to make the extra effort to ensure trans people feel accepted. When you let hateful people spout ty, violent things without consequence, they're going to continue to be ty and violent. Trans people deserve the right to exist freely and safely."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96060", "author": "Daria Kim-Percy", "date": "2021-02-03T18:06:00", "title": "In support of protecting trans youth !", "text": "Trans youth must be treated with dignity and equity. Protecting their well-being and allowing them to feel welcome and safe is what schools should be doing for every student no matter their identity. I support this wholeheartedly as it will create a safe and nurturing environment for young people who are learning and understanding themselves and their identities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96061", "author": "Nicholas", "date": "2021-02-03T18:06:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this. There are tons of reports noting the chronic harassment of transgendered children (and adults alike) and just as many that note the suicide rates due to the harassment. I read a lot of these comments prior to commenting myself and it’s sickening how many people opposing this say they want to “keep things normal” and “don’t want them near their children.” These are children with legitimate identities and the people afraid of change are trying to delegitimize that. That takes away from the potential they have to move forward. Bigotry has no place anywhere but especially not in the education system. Protect trans kids forever."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96062", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:07:00", "title": "CHILD ABUSE—STOP THE GOVT INTRUSIONS!  THIS IS THE PARENTS’ BUSINESS", "text": "LEAVE THE KIDS ALONE.  HOW DARE YOU!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96063", "author": "John K.", "date": "2021-02-03T18:07:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose VDOE Transgender Policies", "text": "Our public schools do not have the right to “help” a student explore their gender/sexual identity.  These guidelines present a gender ideology that will promote a totally false view of sexuality to young children.  In addition, it discriminates against all “normal” children.  If there are special needs they need to be handled on a case by case basis as a special need.  It does not make sense to change the policy for the majority to accommodate the needs of a small minority.  These special needs should and can be adequately cared for on a case by case basis and still support their acceptance within the framework of the public school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96064", "author": "Paul Snodgrass", "date": "2021-02-03T18:07:00", "title": "Fully support this for the safety and well-being of all children", "text": "I fully support this for the safety and well-being of all children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96065", "author": "Scott Turner", "date": "2021-02-03T18:07:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSED The current policy makes considerations for self identification of gender. To have a transgender select a restroom or sport gender based on self identification is not safe or fair. Sporting classification should be chosen by biological gender.  It is genetically unfair for a male who self identifies as a female to compete in  female sports.  This is crazy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96066", "author": "Laura Capone", "date": "2021-02-03T18:08:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I stand in full support of legislation to protect the health and well being of Transgender youth in Virginia schools. We know that transgender students are more likely to experience harassment, bullying, and violence at their schools due to their gender identity. This must change and policies must be implemented in schools to allow all students to grow and thrive.j"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96067", "author": "Nijah", "date": "2021-02-03T18:08:00", "title": "Of course I support!", "text": "Honestly it's so upsetting that people are still fighting for equality in this country, trans people have the right to feel safe in their environment. Just as cisgendered people do. Period. I see a lot of commenters who oppose this citing their religious freedom. Of course you have the freedom to practice your religion, but that doesn't give you the right to dictate what others do and how they express themselves. That is bigotry and it has no place in the education of our youth as we as a society move forward towards inclusivity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96068", "author": "Mark Bentz", "date": "2021-02-03T18:08:00", "title": "Please reject these harmful policies", "text": "It is difficult to grasp that ‘in the name of doing good’, that such a destructive and harmful policy proposal is being put forward.  The brain of a male is not fully developed until he is 24 years old.  You are in the process of taking the innocent process of learning into a system which is setting our children up for failure. The I have no plans or intentions of cooperating with the trajectory of this proposal.  It is placing the school system against the overwhelming number of parents.  It fails to protect the persons and experiences of the overwhelming number of children in an attempt to accommodate the mostly temporary delusions of a few. The same thinking that has produced the ‘Snowflake’ generation is running full speed ahead to produce who knows greater confusion, pain and injury. Please reject these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96069", "author": "Janelle Fortes", "date": "2021-02-03T18:09:00", "title": "Strongly Support as a long overdue next step in civil rights and protections", "text": "I strongly support this movement as an adult member of the Richmond community and an avid ally of the LGBTQIA youth of Virginia. The Civil Rights movement is a constantly evolving thing, and the trans community specifically has been underserved and left behind by it so far. The ability to let visually and non-visually trans people attend public schools safely and comfortably is a way for us to strengthen community bonds with our neighbors and teach appreciation of diversity at a young age. Unlearning homophobia and the sexism that is present within transphobia that has become inherent in our society should start in early education. Trans students deserve their personal freedoms; peace of mind and freedom of expression. All children should be allowed to explore their gender.  And frankly, this legislation is long overdue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96070", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:10:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this bad policy!", "text": "This guidance document on transgender students is hare-brained.  The purpose actually appears to be toward more social engineering, and promoting the LGBXYZ agenda.  This policy pits parents against child, if the parent doesn't agree with the  \"transgendering\" of the student. Parents are the primary educators of their children.  This policy interferes with that God-given right and responsibility.  So--if the child persists in tranny conversion, and his parents try to talk common sense to him, you, The Mighty State, are going to intervene and take the child out of the home?!!  Back off; you have no right to do so.  You will \"investigate\" the parents and call on the CPS.  What needs investigating, in detail, are the people who wrote this stupid policy.  Surely they will be revealed in all their leftist splendor. \"Male and female He created them.\"  That is all you need to know; anything else is an aberration, or perversion. Sex of a child is \"assigned\" at birth.  There are only TWO:  male or female.  This is TRUTH.  One is male or female even down to the cells in the body!  Wake up, for Heaven's sake.  Repeating a lie does not make it true, ever.   These poor kid,s who \"feel\" like they are the opposite sex, should be referred for mental health counseling.  Johns Hopkins U. and Medical Center have stated that \"transgender\" is a mental health problem.  It appears that the writers and promoters of this stupidity want to continue to turn American society upside down, to cater to a special interest group, again.  Furthermore, you are ignoring the rights of normal students, male and female, who do not need to have this tranny socialist agenda shoved down their throats. I am a retired public school teacher.  No way would I ever go back to teach in the public schools today.  You public school teachers and officials must go back to your mandate, to EDUCATE, not INDOCTRINATE.  If you persist with this policy, you can anticipate students being pulled out of the schools in favor of home-schooling or private schools.  You will lose much of your funding, from citizens' tax money.  You might even be fomenting a tax rebellion if you keep on with such policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96071", "author": "Joyce J", "date": "2021-02-03T18:11:00", "title": "Transgender mess", "text": "Our legislators are opening a can of worms. I, for one, do not want a female relative of mine using the same bathroom as a male confusing himself as a female. This can only make child molestation a bigger problem than it already is. Give him some testosterone to help him be what God made him."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96072", "author": "Mr. Jordan", "date": "2021-02-03T18:12:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!!!!", "text": "I STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96073", "author": "Sophia", "date": "2021-02-03T18:12:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "I strongly support this guidance. Students cannot learn in a situation where they are unsafe, and this will make Virginia schools safer, nondiscriminatory places for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96074", "author": "Aidan Martin", "date": "2021-02-03T18:13:00", "title": "Immense support for Trans Students", "text": "All students have the right to be allowed to use the bathroom that they feel most comfortable in, be able to be referred to by their preferred name/pronoun, and live with their identities unquestioned. Trans students are being denied these rights and must be liberated. Support trans students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96075", "author": "Transgender Ally", "date": "2021-02-03T18:14:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "As someone who is part of the LGBT+ community and went through school with no parental support, I know first hand how hard it is for someone who is “different”. Putting policies in place for transgender individuals is something that is LONG overdue. The suicide rates for people in the LGBT* community is astronomical. All we have to do is support them for who they are. Whatever your religion is, you have no right to dictate someone’s life based on your beliefs. This isn’t some crazy government plan to brainwash your kids. It’s HUMAN RIGHTS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96076", "author": "Alyssa Lee", "date": "2021-02-03T18:16:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this guidance document, which will protect trans and queer students in Virginia. Transgender students deserve to be treated with respect and dignity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96077", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:17:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I oppose this because: ** Religious views **The conversation should be at home **Children naturally go through phases and are curious **Children are naive and question things, that doesn't make them a bully. They're learning. **Some will think it's funny and will try it as a joke **Schools already have a plan for bullying **Protection for my children possibly being exposed to the opposite sex at an inappropriate age **Embarrassment in either case **Schools should stick to teaching the essentials **If a young girl identifies as a boy, and then takes sexual education with the sex that they identify with, is that necessarily educating them about the changes their body is truly going to go through? Like it or not, men and women's bodily functions are different and that's the way God intended it to be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96078", "author": "Jeanne", "date": "2021-02-03T18:17:00", "title": "Vehemently Oppose!", "text": "As someone who works with teens in our community, I have witnessed first hand how this idea of calling people what they want to be called using their \"preferred pronouns\" is causing SEVERE distress amongst the majority of their peers. It is confusing them and causing more and more isolation amongst our youth as they do not even want to interact with these kids now because they fear getting in trouble. Isolation leads to depression. Not knowing what to do when their conscious rightfully tells them that a girl is a girl and a boy is a boy. That we cannot change someone's name or pronoun just because they no longer identify as their given name/pronoun. This is ABSURD! Our youth are confused enough as it is. They need adults who are willing to mentor them and lead them as adults who know simple biology, who can help them to recognize their inherent dignity as male or female, whatever their biological sex is. To say we can  choose our gender is an absolute disgrace and distrust in science and all that is true. What is the deal with all of the language specific to EXCLUDING PARENTAL KNOWLEDGE?! Are the parents the parents, or is the school/government trying to take away that right?! Give me a break!!!! Let the parents be the parents and get the dirty hands of the government off our children! They clearly have NO interest in protecting our youth, and absolutely not moreso than the child's parents! I could go on and on...this whole thing is absolutely nuts!! Parents who clearly know if they had a boy or a girl when they gave birth to their child should be able to raise them as such and not have to give in to their confusion as they grow up. Let them teach them how to be the man or woman that they are and if they need help, let them get professional counseling (that's another whole issue to deal with now that even our therapists are not allowed to do the right thing!). But to think that parents could be reported for neglect or child abuse for raising their child as the gender that they are and refusing to give in to their confusion is WRONG!!!!! This is a matter of FACT not opinion, not feeling, not anything else. Boys are boys. Girls are girls. If we can't agree on this and help our youth to accept their own biology, then how can we expect America to prosper as a nation!? Lord, have mercy!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96079", "author": "Savannah Cook", "date": "2021-02-03T18:18:00", "title": "Support, obviously.", "text": "As a student and an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I'm writing to support protections for transgender and non-binary students in all of Virginia's public schools. These students deserve a safe place to learn and succeed, and protections will help facilitate a positive learning environment for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96080", "author": "Brett Alexander", "date": "2021-02-03T18:18:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Protect trans kids from bullying and abuse. This guidance could literally save lives. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/LGBTQ_MentalHealth_OnePager.pdf"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96081", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:20:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Can we please allow children the chance to develop their minds first? All the studies say that the brain doesn't mature until mid 20's. We ask them to wait to 16 before driving. We can ask them to wait until they've developed at least old enough to vote before their lives are altered. 40% is the figure that I've seen on those who change their minds. That's enough of a percentage to wait."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96082", "author": "Carolee Morrison", "date": "2021-02-03T18:20:00", "title": "OPPOSED STRONGLY", "text": "THIS IS DISCRIMINATION OF ALL BIBLE BELIEVING FAMILIES IN VIRGINIA. WE MUST HAVE FREEDOM TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN THE VALUES WE CHOOSE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96083", "author": "Jason Cook", "date": "2021-02-03T18:20:00", "title": "Support.", "text": "I'm writing to support protections for transgender and non-binary students in all of Virginia's public schools. These students deserve a safe place to learn and succeed, and protections will help facilitate a positive learning environment for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96084", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T18:21:00", "title": "Highly oppose", "text": "I have two young children that attend school in Virginia. I do not support transgender of any type and I feel it is a form of abuse to alow a child to make a choice that has already been made by God. I would never condone my children to ever be rude or mean or disrespectful or to bully someone that made this choice. Children have no idea who or what they want to be when they are young. I wanted to be a professional singer. Clearly that's just not possible if you can't sing. I feel allowing transgender in our public schools shouldnt be acceptable. If we are allowing every aspect of life then as a Christian I want God to be taught in school again. If everyone gets a voice then why are the Christians the ones that never get heard. Why does the way someone else feel matter more then the way I do. Highly oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96085", "author": "Kathryn Utan", "date": "2021-02-03T18:22:00", "title": "Every student should have a right to a safe and supportive environment at school.", "text": "I support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96086", "author": "Elliot", "date": "2021-02-03T18:23:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "The rights of transgender students is immensely important, and I support any policy which would offer them protection."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96087", "author": "Caitlin Burchfield", "date": "2021-02-03T18:23:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "I strongly support the model guidelines set forth by House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161 , passed into law in 2020, that codify protections for transgender and non-binary students in Virginia public schools. I urge our lawmakers to ensure these protections for transgender and non-binary students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96088", "author": "K. Hill", "date": "2021-02-03T18:23:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!", "text": "I vote NO!  As a parent it is my duty to protect my children from what is harmful and not right.  This proposal would create undue harm to my children's safety at school and their education.  I don't need a teacher deciding what they should and should not disclose to me.  I don't need a teacher telling my child un-truths about the world and promoting gender confusion.  I don't need biological boys using the bathroom with my daughter just as I don't need biological girls using the bathroom with my son.  What I need is for teacher to teach!  That's it.  Teach the math. Teach the language arts.  Teach the social studies.  Teach the science, the real science, not this made up agenda that is currently happening in our society.  As if the pandemic has not hindered our children's education enough we now have this proposal.  It is unbelievable and if passed I look for a mass exodus from the public school system.  When there are no children left in the school system to teach there will be no need for public school teachers.  I think those that are voting on this should think long and hard about the lasting effects of this decision for years to come."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96089", "author": "Nava Ezra", "date": "2021-02-03T18:24:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96090", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:24:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender Guidelines", "text": "To whom it may concern; I strongly oppose any efforts to normalize transgenderism, especially in children and as it relates to the school setting. At no time should anyone who is biologically male or female be allowed to participate in anyway with with a sport or restroom reserved for one of two biological sexes. This policy is not supported by the vast majority of Americans and Virginians and you must not bow to a very small minority's wishes to normalize transgenderism. America already has laws in place to make discrimination of any kind illegal. I urge you to stand strong against any attempt to normalize transgenderism in K-12 education. Parents will not tolerate this! Sincerely, Andrew"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96091", "author": "Concerned grandmother", "date": "2021-02-03T18:24:00", "title": "Strongly opposed!", "text": "It is not the schools place to decide anything about a child’s gender! This is a conversation between parents and child and to leave out parents in this discussion is just WRONG!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96092", "author": "Nava Ezra", "date": "2021-02-03T18:25:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96093", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:25:00", "title": "reaches beyond protections for discrimination", "text": "Oppose**!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96094", "author": "S. McKenna", "date": "2021-02-03T18:25:00", "title": "OPPOSE!!!", "text": "This is a horribly destructive and harmful policy proposal and is tantamount to government sanctioned child abuse. The brain of a male is not fully developed until he is 24 years old.  These unfortunate children are suffering from gender confusion, a mental disorder. What’s next, telling bulimic girls they’re fat! This is ridiculous. I have no plans or intentions of cooperating with this nonsense.  The intentions and outcomes of this policy are against the overwhelming number of parents and will cause greater confusion, pain and injury to the already susceptible. Reject these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96095", "author": "Chaunta S", "date": "2021-02-03T18:25:00", "title": "Paid politicians pushing agendas", "text": "We all saw this coming. When special interests groups pay their favorite politicians to push policies or agendas that suits them, the rest of the world has to sit back and agree. Virginia public schools can not possibly teach biology correctly when policies goes against science. Grown ups can do whatever they please with their bodies and minds. Let’s allow CHILDREN who can’t vote, can’t drink, can barely remember their homework assignments to make such drastic changes to their bodies. Let’s then make reasonable and logical thinking people pay for it. Should anyone be discriminated against, absolutely not. Certain things should be left to mental health professionals and doctors and not the local PTA!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96096", "author": "Mimi", "date": "2021-02-03T18:26:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE ALL DRAFT MODEL POLICIES", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE every single one of the model policies drafted for the treatment of transgender students in the public school systems of Virginia. \"Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex will be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect.\" This is unthinkable. God gave these children to their parents to bring them up according to HIs word. \" A gender-neutral dress code will permit boys to wear skirts, and girls to go topless in activities where boys can do so, such as swimming activities or team activities (Draft Policy, p.16).\"  This is disgusting, and yet our school systems have filtering systems in place on student technology devices to prevent them from seeing pornographic material? \"The current state administration is committed to subjecting parents, families and teachers who resist the transgender policies to investigation, criminal charges, loss of job and perhaps more.\" This is really frightening. What is our world coming to? All of this is wrong. Wrong. WRONG. Please pray fervently and rethink."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96097", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:26:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "Way overdue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96098", "author": "Ryan", "date": "2021-02-03T18:27:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Protect the rights of trans people and their ability to experience a safe school environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96099", "author": "DK Giffin", "date": "2021-02-03T18:28:00", "title": "Ignores “peer contagion”", "text": "Nothing in these proposed regulations address the immature behavior of students. Human nature being what it is, children test boundaries in their journey to becoming adults. Oppositional behavior to people in power is common, as is the disproportional influence of peers to children as they go through puberty. There is a phenomenon known as peer contagion which causes children to be influenced by the impact of a member of their peer group. These regulations will provide a positive response from teachers and administrators, bringing attention to the new “outlier” who declares to be gay/transgender/agender and forces the people of power to bend to their will by calling them whatever pronoun they choose. This is an attractive proposition for young, impressionable children, particularly if they are feeling unnoticed and/or powerless. Children and adolescents are smart, though. Once they see how the administration is required to respond, they will begin testing the boundaries. Frivolous declarations will be common, boys will make declarations just to get into girls’ restrooms and locker rooms, or to join girls’ sports teams. This will not end well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96100", "author": "Kevin Rodrigues", "date": "2021-02-03T18:30:00", "title": "Strongly support.", "text": "Putting gender aside, EVERY student deserves the right to a safe environment at school. Now put gender back in it. It is no secret that transgender youth face discrimination. They definitely are deserving of legislations and policies that protect them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96101", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:31:00", "title": "Vote no!", "text": "Absolutely no! Not for the schools to decide!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96102", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:32:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96103", "author": "Samuel Cobb", "date": "2021-02-03T18:33:00", "title": "Transgender students in bathrooms", "text": "If a student is chromosomally a male or chromosomally a female, they have no business being in the restroom or locker room designated for the other chromosomal gender. It's very simple. This is an issue of physical and psychological safety for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96104", "author": "Clare Gervasi", "date": "2021-02-03T18:34:00", "title": "Highly Support", "text": "As a Southerner (though not currently in the South), a trans person, a public school parent, and a teacher, I am heartened by this well-researched, evidence-based plan. Thank you for valuing trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96105", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:34:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "This document makes a lot of sense. I appreciate that the definitions were laid out in an easy to understand way. Also the section on harassment is really important because that is absolutely a major problem."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96106", "author": "Shelly", "date": "2021-02-03T18:34:00", "title": "Utterly OPPOSED. It would be most egregious to impose these on our children.", "text": "Please do not enact these regulations. These regulations will severely hurt families. It is a tremendous overreach of authority and would be detrimental to Virginia children, families, teachers, guidance counselors and social workers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96107", "author": "Amy M", "date": "2021-02-03T18:35:00", "title": "I STRONGLY SUPPORT. Trans rights are human rights.", "text": "I STRONGLY SUPPORT. Trans rights are human rights. Any public school receiving federal funding has a responsibility to ensure a safe, equitable experience for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96108", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:35:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "This should not be allowed. No question. Especially in elementary school. How can a child make a decision about gender identity that young? A child can only go into a bathroom that corresponds to their gender on their birth certificate. Period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96109", "author": "Michelle Chan", "date": "2021-02-03T18:35:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "This is absolutely necessary to moving forward with school policies that support trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96110", "author": "Charley Burton,  Black Transmen Inc, Diversity in Recovery", "date": "2021-02-03T18:36:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "ALL students should be free to be themselves. Schools need to allow students to be free and safe to be themselves. What do you want a teen dead by suicide because their learning environment is not safe or alive and happy to be who they truly need to be?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96111", "author": "Crystal Robinson", "date": "2021-02-03T18:36:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this policy. I think it will help trans kids, and help with things like depression, self-harm, and their school performance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96112", "author": "Very concerned grandparents", "date": "2021-02-03T18:37:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "This is a disaster waiting to happen! Boys and girls in the same showers/ dressing rooms! This is wrong on so many levels!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96113", "author": "a concerned citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T18:37:00", "title": "opposed due to danger posed to both sides", "text": "I would like you to vote to oppose allowing transgender youth to use the bathroom/locker room of the opposite of their biological sex.  This policy ignores the safety and concerns of young women, and it may possibly keep them from participating in sports or even attending public school.  It also ignores the well-being of the transgender male identifying as female, who may have false allegations made about their behavior. Thank you for your time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96114", "author": "Annette", "date": "2021-02-03T18:38:00", "title": "Completely opposed!", "text": "This is so dangerous. Students can go in whichever restroom or locker room they want? How are students supposed to feel safe when they are undressing not knowing who might walk in the locker room? I feel for people who are genuinely struggling with gender identity, but you are opening this up to let anyone go in even if they are not struggling with gender identity because you will be unable to question the sincerity of their actions. There are so many more things wrong with these policies. Forcing everyone to comply, not allowing for religious exemptions, no parent notification, etc Please do not subject innocent children to this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96115", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:38:00", "title": "Transgender  treatment of students policy", "text": "strongly opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96116", "author": "Bill & Maria Daugherty", "date": "2021-02-03T18:38:00", "title": "VDOE proposed policies on the treatment of transgender students.", "text": "VDOE's proposed policies on the treatment of transgender students is nonsensical. It will bring hurtfulness to children and their parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96117", "author": "Andy Morris", "date": "2021-02-03T18:38:00", "title": "I support this policy", "text": "I support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96118", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:38:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "We cannot sacrifice the livelihood of innocent children and school staff for the sake of potential happiness of a select few transgender children. This is just another big government solution that implements rules and punishment to force people to do what they want. We should be talking about teaching inclusion and informing parents on the terrible ramifications of encouraging kids to lean into transgender territory. The ideas being put forward are evil and can truly disrupt the lives of many of our innocent children for the sake of a very small few. We are a charitable people and can show compassion for transgender children on our own accord. We don’t need big government and power hungry teacher unions to dictate how that charity is implemented and makes it to transgender children. The policies being put forward are nothing but identity politics that will be used to further divide our state and disrupt the family, the core unit of America."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96119", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:39:00", "title": "Treatment of transgender student policy", "text": "opposed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96120", "author": "Kim Hayns", "date": "2021-02-03T18:41:00", "title": "Support.", "text": "I'm in strong support of this measure. Transgender kids have to face enough hardships. It's way past time to grant them protection and equality. And it's so frustrating to see this treated as a political matter. I'd guess most of the people who strongly oppose this measure don't actually know (or don't think they know) any transgender people. Let transgender people use the bathroom that matches their gender!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96121", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:42:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96122", "author": "Erin Mahone, The If You Could See Me Project", "date": "2021-02-03T18:43:00", "title": "SUPPORT TRANSGENDER STUDENTS", "text": "Transgender students deserve to be affirmed and protected as all students do. They deserve to work toward their potential in environments that are safe, supportive and non-threatening."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96123", "author": "Lesley Kingston", "date": "2021-02-03T18:44:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support protections of all Transgendered persons - especially our youth in schools. Having protections in place is a moral imperative. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96124", "author": "Richard Shank", "date": "2021-02-03T18:44:00", "title": "Strongly opposed!", "text": "Strongly opposed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96125", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:44:00", "title": "Strongly support !! Trans rights are human rights !!", "text": "Trans people are people too !! They should have the right to feel safe, loved, and welcomed, not pushed away because of who they are. Trans people should not still have to fight for their rights, please, support them !!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96126", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:45:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose parents should always be notified about their children. The schools will have children that are not transgender taking advantage of this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96127", "author": "Kaiser", "date": "2021-02-03T18:46:00", "title": "Fully support -- trans rights are human rights, and this is about survival", "text": "This is not only about education, but survival. The strongest factor in ensuring the survival of LGBTQ+ children and adults is having a SAFE and AFFIRMING environment. We lose so many trans people -- to bullying, harassment, violence, suicide -- and so much of that begins in schools. Applying non-discrimination policies to make sure that trans students are not harassed, attacked, and otherwise have to go every single day to an unsafe and hostile environment, should be an obvious policy. But the exact same arguments against this are the same ones I heard in the 80s and 90s that justified discriminating against gay and lesbian students, only repackaged to apply to trans students. We've seen the harmful effects of anti-gay discrimination versus the benefits of making such bigotry unacceptable in our institutions. We cannot keep repeating the same mistakes. Students deserve to know about trans issues and trans rights. Trans students deserve to have their rights respected and to be able to go to an institution that is safe, not one hostile to their very existence. That starts with making sure discrimination against trans students, just like all discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation, is not given official sanction in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96128", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:46:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this policy. I believe that God created male and female. There is no other gender. I don't think that transgender children should be abused but helped. This policy will not help any of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96129", "author": "Kendall", "date": "2021-02-03T18:46:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "This is really great! Nurturing kids academic and personal/emotional lives is so important! Way to be on the right side of history!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96130", "author": "Christi", "date": "2021-02-03T18:47:00", "title": "Strongly support!!!!!!!", "text": "Trans rights is human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96131", "author": "Educator", "date": "2021-02-03T18:47:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "As an elementary educator I strongly oppose this legislation. These decisions should be made by families and on a case by case situation. Taking out gender pronouns is ridiculous and too much for younger children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96132", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:48:00", "title": "Strongly oppose / transgender policy", "text": "Strongly oppose! This can quite possibly create more rape/mistreatment of all children regardless of how they see themselves. Leaving parents out of the loop is part of what's wrong with the world today. Let each child be who they are but don't force everyone else to bend over backwards to accommodate them and how they feel. What if a child identified their self as Freddy Krueger? Would it be ok for that child to go around acting out as Freddy Krueger? Where does it end?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96133", "author": "HKeene", "date": "2021-02-03T18:48:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As someone who works in the public schools, I tell you now-the number of lawsuits against the state will significantly rise b/c of this legislation. Teachers do not staff public student bathrooms, and obviously-there are no cameras due to privacy. The amount of sexual harassment that will play out, should this legislation pass, will be horrific."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96134", "author": "Maria Keffler, Arlington Parent Coalition & Partners for Ethical Care", "date": "2021-02-03T18:48:00", "title": "Hard NO Re. Statewide Transgender Students Policy", "text": "If this policy is adopted by the state of Virginia, then the state of Virginia will be endorsing, protecting, and participating in child abuse. This policy is boilerplated from GLSEN's Model School District Policy ( https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/GLSEN-Model-School-District-Policy-Transgender-Gender-Nonconforming-Students.pdf ), which special-interest activists, with a financial and political interest in furthering one minority's priorities over the rights and protections of everyone else, are pushing into schools via bullying, manipulation, and deception. GLSEN's Model School District Policy offers exactly three citations of \"research support\" for its unethical, unsound, and unsafe mandates. Two of these references are based solely on small-sample, self-selected surveys, rather than data gathered from robust research. Furthermore, two of GLSEN's three references originated with GLSEN . This smacks boldly of the same strategy utilized by tobacco companies, wherein they hired \"researchers\" to study the effects of nicotine, then announced that nicotine is not harmful. The contracted \"researchers\" were told ahead of time what results Big Tobacco wanted, and these hired hands complied. We know now that the entire \"study\" was nothing but a well-financed lie. GLSEN is operating from the very same playbook. There is no robust research to support the so-called \"Affirmation-Only\" response to gender-confused children. There is no valid, adequate research to support claims that gender-confused children will commit suicide if they are not affirmed in their delusions. The \"study\" that is cited to support this spurious assertion makes a great number of quantitative and assumptive errors ( https://www.dailysignal.com/2018/09/18/new-study-on-transgender-teen-suicide-doesnt-prove-kids-need-gender-transition-therapy/ ). Even the World Professional Association on Transgender Health indicates on p. 11 of their Standards of Care document ( https://www.wpath.org/media/cms/Documents/SOC%20v7/Standards%20of%20Care%20V7%20-%202011%20WPATH.pdf?_t=1605186324 ) that 77-94% of children will align with their birth sex if allowed to pass through puberty naturally (without puberty blockers, wrong-sex hormones, or surgery). If the organization considered the be the leader in transgender health care does not encourage the social or medical transition of pre-pubescent children, why would anyone else do so? Why would the state of Virginia, and school districts throughout the commonwealth, put into place policies that encourage children to attempt to transition to a different sex? Why would teachers, counselors, and administrators be encouraged to lie to children's parents, as these policies blatantly do? These policies, already being enacted in school districts around the country, defy the Family Education Rights & Protection Act (FERPA), which affirms parents' rights to know everything about their children that the school knows. By what possible legal standard, then, do organizations like the American School Counselor Association tell school counselors \"When contacting the parent/guardian of a transgender or gender-nonconforming student, school staff should use the student’s legal name and the pronoun corresponding to the student’s assigned sex at birth, unless the student or parent/guardian has specified otherwise.\" ( https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Transgender-Gender-noncon )? This statement puts all of the authority for a child's wellbeing into the hands of the child and the counselor, because the parents cannot know about their child's alternate gender-identity unless the child has authorized the counselor and school to reveal it. At what age is a child ready to assume such responsibility for him or herself? The age of majority in the United States is 18. According to FERPA the parents have authority over the child's school records until s/he turns 18. How does the state of Virginia rationalize overturning FERPA in this matter? This policy flies in the face of parental rights, and gives the school greater authority over children than the parents have. This policy undermines Title IX, granting girls the right to same-sex spaces and same-sex competition in sports. How will the state determine who is transgender? What is the litmus test or standard for that? This policy makes self-identification the only standard. In Utah this week a boy entered the girls bathroom at school and told a girl that was uncomfortable with his presence that he's a girl now. He wasn't and he isn't. ( https://www.partnersforethicalcare.com/post/but-this-never-happens-happens-all-the-time) Here are more questions I have about this policy. Until each of these can be answered in a way that insures that protections and rights of every student will be addressed and protected, this policy should be torn up and thrown away: 1. What is a transgender student? How is a transgender student identified? Is a transgender student someone who has begun to transition medically? hormonally? socially? Can someone be labeled \"transgender\" simply by self-identifying as such? Who diagnoses a student as transgender? Is it the student, or a teacher, counselor, or other staff member? If a student can self-diagnose for gender identity, can a student also self-diagnose other conditions, such as dyslexia, autism, trans-racial identity, Tourrettes Syndrome, or PTSD? 2. What is a gender-neutral bathroom? Is it a room that has had the male/female signs removed? Is it a single-user bathroom? Is it a bathroom with stall walls floor to ceiling? How will bathrooms be brought into compliance with gender-neutral status? What is the budget for that? If single-user bathrooms are stigmatizing to transgender students why would they not also be stigmatizing to non-transgender students? Why is it acceptable to ask a non-transgender student to use a single-user bathroom if it is NOT acceptable to ask a transgender student to use it? 3. What is a gender-neutral dress code? Can girls still wear skirts or dresses? Can boys wear them? What about for swimwear for swimming units? If boys are allowed to be bare-chested, will girls also be allowed (required?) to be bare-chested? Or will both boys and girls be required to cover their chests? 4. Who is the final authority on which students room together on overnight trips? Is it the students? The parents? The school? Who is liable if something happens to a student who is rooming with students of the opposite sex? If a girl is assaulted or raped, who will be held responsible for that? 5. If the school has the right to decide what parents know about their children's sexuality or gender, is the school then responsible for that student's health and well-being? If a child harms him- or herself, or commits suicide, and it is discovered that the school withheld information from the child's parents about that child's mental and/or physical health, will the school be held responsible for that child's illness and/or death? 6. With respect to sports teams and girls' protected spaces, how does this policy NOT violate Title IX mandates? Although legislators are wrestling with whether or not to change \"biological sex\" to \"gender identity\", Title IX still holds that differences exist between the biological sexes. Doesn't this policy, which allows biological boys access to girls' spaces and sports teams, violate federal law and the Dillon rule in this case? 7. With respect to pronouns, and given the fact that transgender activists now claim that there are infinite pronoun options (and in fact, people can invent their own pronouns at will) how will teachers be expected to remember the preferred pronouns (and all those pronouns' conjugations) for up to 30 different students in each class? What will be the consequence to the teacher for making an error? What will be the procedure for ensuring that teachers have clearly received adequate communication about students' new pronouns? What recourse will a teacher have if s/he is, for example, first told that a student wants to be called \"they/them/themselves\" but at a later date the student changes to \"ze/zir/zirin\", but does not inform the teacher of the change? What if the student claims to have informed the teacher, but the teacher claims not to have been informed? How will that conflict be resolved? 8. Returning to the question of self-identity, if a student can change his or her gender of record at will, can a student also change his or her ethnic/race status at will? Why or why not? How will accurate demographic data be maintained if a student changes from one gender to another mid-year? What will be the procedure for tracking students across years if names and/or genders are changed? 9. Who will designate the consequences and/or repercussions against staff or students who fail to comply with this PIP's mandates? How will breaches of compliance be identified? What will be the criteria for determining whether a breach is an accident or an example of harassment, such as when the wrong pronoun is used? Who will have the authority to carry out consequences for failure to comply? Rethink this policy and your reasons for suggesting it. This policy is nothing but a disaster for children and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96135", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:48:00", "title": "Supporting Transgender Students is Vital", "text": "As a school employee in Virginia, I recognize the difficulty trans students face in school each day. Transgender students deserve to have their education protected and to be treated with equal respect. It is our job to make sure that when a student walks into school each day their main priority is to learn and grow. Every day that Virginia fails to protect and encourage transgender students is a day when Virginia fails to provide high-quality, cutting edge education to all. In order to serve our future, we must serve our students - and that INCLUDES our transgender students. I strongly encourage the state of Virginia to take all necessary steps to provide transgender students the education and protections they need and deserve."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96136", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T18:48:00", "title": "Oppose - strongly", "text": "strongly oppose, major safety issues"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96137", "author": "Holly and Larry Rich", "date": "2021-02-03T18:49:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "We strongly oppose the draft ideas in this bill.  Growing girls especially need privacy but even boys often prefer their privacy.  Biological boys no matter what they think their gender is or what they want their gender to be should NOT be allowed in a girls locker room or bathroom.  I predict this will drive a number of parents to withdraw their children from our public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96138", "author": "Dionne DL", "date": "2021-02-03T18:49:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT PROTECTION FOR TRANS CHILDREN", "text": "Trans children are much more likely to experience harassment, bullying, sexual assault, and assault than their peers. Please help protect children that are simply trying to live a happy, authentic life. You do not need to understand to have caring and respect for someone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96139", "author": "Ruthie Gilliland", "date": "2021-02-03T18:50:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance. Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96140", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T18:51:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "Strongly oppose this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95540", "author": "Cass Elkins", "date": "2021-02-03T14:08:00", "title": "Support, Protect and Uplift Trans Students", "text": "I strongly support this well-researched, evidence based proposal. Public education systems are entrusted to with responsibility to serve all of their students and provide responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environments. Uphold and step into this responsibility every second, everyday, every week, every month every year. Policies that actively support transgender students are positively associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health. There is clear research backing the fact that this policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95541", "author": "Martina", "date": "2021-02-03T14:09:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This proposal undercuts open and honest conversation between parents and their children. It also hinders parents from active involvement in the life of their child at school. The proposed guidance document violates the presumption of parental autonomy in Virginia. Code Sec. 1-240.1 provides that a parent has the fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education and care of the parent’s child. The proposed regulations provide no accommodations for students and teachers whose sincerely and deeply held religious beliefs and understanding of gender and human sexuality are not in accord with the views underlying the proposed policies. Protect the privacy and human rights of all students by keeping boys out of girls' locker rooms and protect their God-given identity. There will be no way to protect students under those new policies. They will have a \"right\" to enter any restroom or locker room they choose. It will be impossible to protect the innocence of students. Let gender questions be handled by parents, not the school system. Stop confusing the majority of students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95542", "author": "Lucy Haessler", "date": "2021-02-03T14:09:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95543", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T14:09:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!", "text": "Strongly Oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95544", "author": "Travis M", "date": "2021-02-03T14:10:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This bill should not go through just on the act of denying parents on information of their own kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95545", "author": "Mrs. POOL", "date": "2021-02-03T14:10:00", "title": "NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!", "text": "Oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95546", "author": "Allison O.", "date": "2021-02-03T14:10:00", "title": "Support, support, support!", "text": "I strongly support this proposal. It is clear that it has been well-researched and comprehensively written. Proposals such as this one, that support transgender students, are absolutely necessary in all public education systems. Public education systems have a role in our society of keeping students safe, and this proposal will be a stepping stone to accomplishing that. ALL students deserve to feel safe, included, and welcomed into our public schools. By creating an inclusive learning environment, we can work to accomplish that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95547", "author": "Rose Anderson", "date": "2021-02-03T14:11:00", "title": "Strongly Appose", "text": "While I understand that this is trying to be helpful I believe it would end up making things worse and harder for children to know who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95548", "author": "Erina Davidson", "date": "2021-02-03T14:11:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT - Protect trans kids !", "text": "We need to support trans kids - all of our kids deserve love, support, and care, no matter what - for being exactly who they are. Discrimination is WRONG, discrimination is HARMFUL, for everyone. By supporting trans kids we are supporting everybody - supporting trans kids does NOT harm anyone, supporting trans kids does NOT exclude anyone, strongly and loudly supporting trans kids is an act of love, warmth, care, and community. We love you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95549", "author": "Erin King", "date": "2021-02-03T14:11:00", "title": "In strong support of this!!!", "text": "I am so glad to see Virginia making an effort to treat trans and non-binary students with the same respect afforded to cisgender students. I see absolutely no reason why students should not be given the respect of being called by the names and pronouns they want to be called by--calling a trans kid by their chosen name instead of their deadname is no different than calling a kid named Michael by Mike if that's what they prefer...except that in the case of the trans kid, it will significantly impact their mental health to not be constantly treated as though they are not worth that respect. As for providing trans and non-binary students with a place to feel comfortable changing clothes and using the bathroom, I do not understand the problem that people have with this. It literally impacts no one but the student to offer a gender-neutral space where they can feel comfortable taking care of private matters, and for those people so concerned with trans students using the bathrooms or locker room they feel most comfortable in, I would like to know why their cisgender students' comfort rates more thought and respect than the comfort of the trans students. If they have such concerns about their cis daughters having \"a boy\" in the locker room with them, how do they think a trans girl is going to feel being stuck in a locker room with a bunch of boys? I guarantee these students all just want to use the bathroom/get into their gym uniforms in peace, and providing them with a neutral place to do so or allowing them to use the locker room where they will be most comfortable hurts no one. It's so important for kids to grow up feeling accepted for who they are, and to see others who are not like them as being people deserving of respect and kindness. We hear all the time about teen suicide rates, etc., and taking even these tiny steps to make school a safer and more inclusive place will not only allow students to feel like they are not being ostracized or punished for being true to themselves, but will also teach others that different is not bad or wrong. We can't rely on parents to teach this all by themselves, because obviously there are a lot of parents out there who won't. Making schools a place where inclusivity and kindness are observable and practiced will help normalize being accepting of differences so that kids who don't have that modeled elsewhere in their lives will perhaps still be able to internalize that lesson."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95550", "author": "Jennifer Hodges", "date": "2021-02-03T14:12:00", "title": "I support trangender affirming policies in Virginia schools", "text": "I support transgender affirming policies in Virginia schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95551", "author": "EJ Mojica, Spectrum at CNU", "date": "2021-02-03T14:12:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I write in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students, including anyone who identifies in the Transgender/Gender Non-Comforming/Nonbinary (TGNCNB) community, should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. I am currently in my fourth year in college and I am part of the Executive Board in Spectrum, the LGBTQ+ organization at Christopher Newport University. I hold the positions of Historian and Events Chair in this group. I find it so vital for Virginia to have schools that are supportive and inclusive to transgender and nonbinary students, because to this day there are individuals in academic settings where they aren’t being respected to the best degree that they deserve. This proposed guidance would definitely make a difference to those who are students in the TGNCNB community because they deserve to belong in school and not have to consider going somewhere else just because someone discriminates and/or violates their identity. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all. Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, EJ Mojica"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95552", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:12:00", "title": "Oppose 100%", "text": "I am 100% opposed to the transgender school policy that Virginia is trying to implement. There are multiple reasons why this should not become policy. 1.You cannot guarantee that my son or daughter will not be and or feel harassed, threatened or intimidated by these policies.  You are only trying to protect the \"transgender\" community. 2. What about my children? What about their rights?  What about their safety and protection?  My daughter will NOT be changing in front of a boy for PE class, & the same goes for my son (with a girl present). He will definitely NOT be using a urinal when a girl is present in the bathroom. How will you prevent a boy who is not transgender to enter the girls restroom or changing room?  What about a (non-transgender) girl that enters the boys bathroom and then claims that she was forced in by the boy & he touched her (which really didn't happen but because he's now dating her best friend she's mad and wants to hurt him).  I know these sound like silly scenarios, but have you thought about this?  Have you been around these kids?  Because I have, I worked for CPS and I've seen how kids can be manipulative, dishonest and have no regard for authority or rules. I can guarantee you that if a boy/girl enters a restroom/changing room where my daughter/son is, that they will be taking names and immediately leaving and reporting it to the administration. We in return will be filing criminal charges. 3. Cell phones are now allowed everywhere in schools.  How will you protect my children from boys/girls who will use this policy to gain access to locker rooms and restrooms in guise of being transgender so that they can take pictures and videos?  Yes, disciplinary actions can be taken, but as you know, pictures and videos on the internet are there forever.  This would be another lawsuit brought against the school, district and even VDOE for implementing this policy. 4. You think you can accuse my child of bullying or harassment and face disciplinary action for not calling a student by their \"preferred pronoun\"?  You are highly delusional.  If you think you can question and discipline my child regarding anything in this proposed policy, without my knowledge, you are highly delusional.  If you think I won't file charges against the school, district and VDOE regarding this practice, you are highly delusional. 5. You want the dress code to no longer state \"skirt, camisole...) and instead it would state \"clothing must be worn in a way such that genitals, buttocks and nipples are covered with opaque material\" .  This demonstrates how out of touch you all are with reality and how the students behave in school.  You understand that changing the wording will allow students to wear very short skirts and tops, sheer tops, boxers, bathing suits, singlets and tank tops, just to name a few. Not only will it allow them to wear those but they will be able to show as much as they want as long as we don't see a nipple, penis, vagina or buttocks.   By changing this policy you are leaving teachers and administrators with absolutely NO grounds to discipline a child for a dress code violation because in reality, there is NO dress code to follow.  I used to be a substitute and a teacher's assistant CPS at a high school, I've already seen this and you haven't made it policy yet. This is discriminatory and should not become policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95553", "author": "Yousef Malekzadeh", "date": "2021-02-03T14:13:00", "title": "Thinking for the future of our country", "text": "I am STRONGLY opposed to this policy. It is wrong. Parents need to be in charge. If you do this,  you will regret it. It will not last long. This is a cruel policy toward parents. It will not accomplish what you imagine. From the beginning of the world,  parents have been in charge."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95554", "author": "Ryan Stoner", "date": "2021-02-03T14:13:00", "title": "Protect Trans Kids. Full support.", "text": "One of my kids is trans, and a 9th grader in a Norfolk shogun School. At school they have been called every homophobic or transphobic slur you could imagine. They have been excluded by their peers in every conceivable way. As parents, we had no way of updating student records to correct name, pronouns, or gender before beginning classes each year (thankfully, most individual teachers have been very supportive in this regard.) Any resources to make school more accessible and safer for our students are appreciated, but action is needed to ensure that ALL students have a safe, constructive, and nurturing environment on the classroom. Some  (probably “well-meaning”) people in this conversation have voiced concerns about trans people assaulting others in bathrooms or somehow making schools less safe. There is NOT ONE documented incident of a trans person attempting to assault another person in a bathroom or locker room within the last decade. There are, however, countless examples of trans people being harassed, having their privacy invaded, being thrown out of establishments, or even being assaulted for the sake of this complete unfounded straw-man argument of transgender people assaulting others. It’s completely nonsensical and bogus. But the reality is that trans kids are significantly MORE likely to be assaulted, more likely to commit suicide, more likely to experience homelessness, and less likely to graduate high school and/or college than cis-students. We have to do more to deconstruct the institutional barriers we have long propped up against the LGBTQIA+ community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95555", "author": "M. P.", "date": "2021-02-03T14:13:00", "title": "Profound Support of Trans Youth and Trans Lives", "text": "This well-researched and evidence-based proposal is an essential work towards protecting young American lives. Public education systems have the responsibility of serving all of our students. To do this, they simply must provide responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environments. This kind of proposal is much needed, and frankly, overdue. Virginia, join your fellow state, Oregon, in establishing a strong base for student rights and care. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health for our student population. These policies lift up learning for our communities and families, and protect young people from hate. This is an opportunity to aid in achieving peace and security for all American students. This work never ends, and Oregon continues to learn more and do more, just as Virginia can. As public entities serving our diverse communities, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments. All students who have ever felt vulnerable can benefit from this work. Let's do it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95556", "author": "M", "date": "2021-02-03T14:14:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Strongly support! Do not allow the bigots and transphobes to destroy this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95557", "author": "Dung O", "date": "2021-02-03T14:14:00", "title": "YES!!! Strongly support.", "text": "This is a very welcome change that is long overdue! No child should ever go to school afraid and subject to bullying, intimidation, trauma. Inclusivity, empathy, and respect are foundational principles we must instill in the younger generation. It’s time for the VA educational system to do what it can and is within its means to eliminate willful ignorance and hate among our communities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95558", "author": "Dr.Bronoun", "date": "2021-02-03T14:15:00", "title": "Nope nope nope!!!", "text": "Forget about it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95559", "author": "Kelley", "date": "2021-02-03T14:15:00", "title": "Support student transgender policies in Virginia", "text": "I support positive trans-gender policies for Virginia students.  These kids need policies and procedures that support a healthy environment.  Kids need support and resources to be able to learn and grow."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95560", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:15:00", "title": "Democrats - sodomizing children again...", "text": "Democrats - sodomizing children again... that's what these policies are about."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95561", "author": "Brittany Beyer", "date": "2021-02-03T14:15:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this “transgender family” agenda in schools. This is the most ridiculous way to confuse children who are already figuring out their bodies. This, in no way, falls into the responsibility or even the right as a school system to introduce this to our children. Please stick to educating our children on the basics, not your personal, political agendas. It is the parents who are responsible for the mental health and well-being of their children. Introducing something like this is a swift way to get sued."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95562", "author": "Erica Wright", "date": "2021-02-03T14:18:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "When do we start protecting the people that practice traditional values!!! You want to protect transgender people then give them their own bathroom and locker room. I do not want someone of the opposite sex in my children’s bathroom/locker room"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95563", "author": "Ashley Leahman", "date": "2021-02-03T14:19:00", "title": "Strongly support!!! Protect trans kids.", "text": "Strongly support protection on trans children i public school. Everyone should feel safe and protected in an environment they are expected to learn in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95564", "author": "Friendly Neighbor", "date": "2021-02-03T14:19:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT BABY!!", "text": "I STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS BILL. People spout that “all lives matter”. If that’s the case, TRANS LIVES MATTER TOO"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95565", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:20:00", "title": "Totally OPPOSE this \"model policy\"", "text": "Very strongly oppose this gender policy.  No student should be bullied for any reason (including their claimed gender status), but the state is usurping the role of parents and family religious beliefs in pushing a \"norm\" that is not as widely accepted as the state claims.  Students under 16 are not of an age to determine that their \"chosen\" gender is different from their anatomy.  Teenage years are hard enough and indoctrinating children who have no gender confusion issues is wrong.  Forcing biologically opposite sex students into the same restrooms and locker rooms will cause problems for all students.  By trying to make one group comfortable you will make every sexually orientated group uncomfortable!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95566", "author": "Megan Kern", "date": "2021-02-03T14:20:00", "title": "Strongly opposed.", "text": "This is absolutely ridiculous and has gone too far. There might be one or two transgender students in any county school at any given time. Are we really going to put ALL of the females at risk to make one person happy and comfortable. Or vise versa for a female in the males locker room. If there is a transgender that needs to change, why can’t they use the coaches office? This is a sad and pathetic that residents of Virginia even have to fight against something like this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95567", "author": "Rachel B", "date": "2021-02-03T14:21:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "In passing such new guidelines, we are endangering our children, taking rights from teachers AND from parents. Please, please do not allow these guidelines to make their way into our education. Children need love and guidance, and this is the exact opposite."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95568", "author": "Tracy", "date": "2021-02-03T14:21:00", "title": "Strongly support, this will save lives", "text": "It is heartening to see the support for this and to see the community supporting gender non-conforming and trans youth. The simple act of calling someone by their preferred name is proven to lower suicide rates of trans teens, the group with the highest rates. Reducing mental stress and anguish of our students needs to be a priority of the community as a whole. It is much better to pass this, save lives, and upset a small minority than to placate the people it does not even impact. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95569", "author": "Sneha", "date": "2021-02-03T14:21:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this policy. This policy does not infringe on the rights of those who do not identify as Transgender. There are parents claiming that this infringes on their ability to teach children what their families believe about sex and gender, it does not. All this policy does, is protect children who do identify as Transgender from harm. It provides a framework that states they cannot be discriminated against for identifying as Transgender. It states they can be identified by their desired gender in official records and by school officials. It states that they have the right to keep their medical history private and follow the dress code of the gender they identify with. It also allows them to use the school facilities of the gender they identify with. None of these policies infringe on your family's right to raise your children how you believe. None of these policies are about teaching your children what to believe. It is common sense that children should be protected from harm, transgender students have special needs that are not addressed by the current school policies. This policy will ensure that they will get that protection. There is no reason not to pass this policy and no reason to not support it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95570", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:21:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly SUPPORTING this decision."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95571", "author": "Former student", "date": "2021-02-03T14:23:00", "title": "AGREE", "text": "I strongly agree with treating people the same regardless of there sexual orientation or preference. Anything other than that goes against the constitution."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95572", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:23:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "To all the people who are saying they are opposed, Are you dumb? Are you brain dead? I already know the answer is yes to both of those questions but anyway..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95573", "author": "Michelle Rodgers", "date": "2021-02-03T14:23:00", "title": "Very much SUPPORT this", "text": "I very much SUPPORT this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95574", "author": "Leslie Kole", "date": "2021-02-03T14:25:00", "title": "Must Absolutely Oppose - Please read", "text": "Children need to be protected from the activism of the normalcyof the transgender phenomenon to the realities of how non transgendered children will compete with transgendered children regarding sports, bathrooms/locker rooms, and personal protection. How many people feel comfortable with people of the opposite biological sex sharing bathrooms, locker rooms, and hotel rooms. How many predators may use these new liberties to prey upon innocent children.  How many biological boys will switch to a female gender identity to compete in girls’ sports and eliminate traditional female competition? Before creating permanent regulations, which will impact non transgendered students as well, there should be greater public information and debate about what is being proposed. Parents need to consider how their own children will be impacted in school and beyond with the bombardment of transgender indoctrination. I have worked with preteens and teens as a counselor for over 20 years and have seen a lightning rod rise in what appears to be gender confusion.  This was notmuch of an issue even 5-10 years ago. Why the rise?  Why are so many children unhappy with who they are?  I believe most of the students who want to transgender have had adverse childhood experiences that have negatively affected who they are, from divorce to rape. These are things that need to be looked at, not changing genders.  And this is not just male to female or female to male, there are a ridiculous number of 50 +, and growing, identities that sound like something from a science fiction novel.  I would suggest anyone who wants to understand what may be happening, from all perspectives, read Irreversible Damage.  One of the questions this book presents is: why are adolescent girls finding solace in the transgender movement when they identified with typical “girl” ways of being in their childhood years.  Why is this “fad” insidiously affecting our girls. What I have personally found from talking with students is their social status rises with new titles from bisexual to transgendered.  This feeling of importance increases endorphinsand produces a sense of well-being, but also forms a possible pathway to destruction.  Some people will say children have to transgender to keep them from suicidal ideation, but the reality is that they continue with depression and suicidal thoughts even through the process and beyond, because the core issue of their confusion is not being addressed.  And, why would any person be encouraged to take dangerous drugs and have surgeries on perfectly healthy body parts to try to find happiness. As a counselor and having the wisdom of life as a person in my 60’s, why aren’t we trying to help children find ways for their brains, feelings, and identities, to match their God given bodies, which are biologically either male or female – PERIOD!   The biological sex does not change over time, only strange distortions of themselves. Get to the root of the Transgender phenomenon, don’t cover it with hormones, surgeries and self-destructiveness.  Save our children – both transgendered confused and intact identity children!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95575", "author": "Sam", "date": "2021-02-03T14:25:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a queer person who wasn’t out when I was in school due to fear of being bullied by other students/admin I strongly support this! LGBTQ+ children deserve to feel accepted and safe"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95576", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:26:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support this!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95577", "author": "Jasmine Picini", "date": "2021-02-03T14:26:00", "title": "Support of New Policy", "text": "I am fully in support of the new policy to implement safer and better treatment of trans and non-binary students in schools. EVERY person, kid, human-- regardless of orientation or how they choose to identify themselves has the basic human right to feel safe while receiving an education. I am in support of HUMAN DECENCY, therefore, I am in support of this new policy. To those of you with hate in your heart spreading it on this forum, Godbless. Your willful ignorance is a disservice to the future of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95578", "author": "Megan mahoney", "date": "2021-02-03T14:26:00", "title": "AGREE", "text": "Yes!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95579", "author": "Julie", "date": "2021-02-03T14:27:00", "title": "Please Oppose!", "text": "Please oppose this legislation.  This goes way beyond protection of children that are swayed into thinking they are a different gender at a young age."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95580", "author": "Peter Anderson", "date": "2021-02-03T14:28:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT.", "text": "STRONGLY SUPPORT."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95581", "author": "Tod Elkins", "date": "2021-02-03T14:29:00", "title": "Strongly support. This is a critical policy decision.", "text": "Revamp school policy re: trans kids, to support and protect our children as they return to in-person learning. These are fraught and pitched times, and we need to codify the legal and personal protections for trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95582", "author": "Lesley", "date": "2021-02-03T14:29:00", "title": "Support and Protect Trans Youth", "text": "I strongly support this proposal. Discrimination and harassment of transgender students is unacceptable and it’s important to protect vulnerable populations, such as trans students. Having diversity in schools teaches acceptance of differences and hardships that others face. This policy would create a safer learning environment for these students who just want to be able to learn in a place they feel comfortable in. Schools are supposed to support their students in whatever way they want to express themselves. Schools should be a safe place for a student to learn about others and themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95583", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:30:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "I am very scared for my kid’s future. I strongly disagree with what they’re trying to do here!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95584", "author": "Marissa Barrera", "date": "2021-02-03T14:30:00", "title": "AGREE", "text": "AGREE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95585", "author": "Cam Mears", "date": "2021-02-03T14:31:00", "title": "Strongly Support! Trans kids deserve protection", "text": "I strongly support this proposal. It is based on quality research and comes from an educated point of view. Transgender kids should not have to go throughout life with their identity constantly erased. Policies that support trans kids are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health. Protection for trans kids do not have to come at the expense of cisgender kids. Imbalanced power structures are what allow kids to be abused, not protections for vulnerable minorities. This policy would allow for a safer and more effective learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95586", "author": "Trevor Fleming", "date": "2021-02-03T14:32:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This haphazard sexualization of our children does them real harm and violates their right to develop before and during the difficult time of adolescence.  This proposal should be rejected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95587", "author": "Mark Menotti", "date": "2021-02-03T14:32:00", "title": "STOP PUSHING IMMORAL POLICIES", "text": "This policy is an abomination!  Beyond ridiculous that you would require (and hold responsible) students and employees to use incorrect, imprecise, and flagrantly false language to describe some with a psychological problem.  Tired of LIBERAL POLICIES designed to decay our society further and further.  Nothing correct or noble about it.  The reality is that you will push more and more conservative families out of public schools because you can't  help yourselves. You just have to force people to swallow your poison pills.  Secondly, there is NOTHING to be prideful about with anything related to LGBTQ.  These remain psychological problems for those individuals.  I'd prefer to demonstrate compassion for these individuals but it's difficult to do so when absolute lies and distortions are coming out of the woodwork; it's also difficult when these issues are forced on people who have legitimate moral objections to them.  I'm not jumping into a delusional person's fantasyland nor will I permit my kids to do so either.  I will never call them by what they elect to be called when it's against nature and reason.  To do so is actually HARMFUL AND NOT COMPASSIONATE.  It is not brave to \"come out\" as transgender; nothing \"heroic\" about it (another liberal lie).  Public Schools are failing for a number of reasons....this is simply another reason why they should be de-funded or money siphoned from them and given to legitimate school choice programs/vouchers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95588", "author": "Alicia Young", "date": "2021-02-03T14:32:00", "title": "Fully agree and support", "text": "Fully support and agree, all children must be protected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95589", "author": "KJ Barb", "date": "2021-02-03T14:33:00", "title": "transgender in schools", "text": "NO! NO! NO!  For the safety of all concerned, NO to locker room choices, NO to bathroom choices.  Not only is physical safety at risk, but so is privacy with cell phone cameras.  NO! NO! NO!  I believe all students should be treated with respect and courtesy.  I believe locker rooms should be monitored by same gender adults for safety of all, BUT regardless of sexual preferences, like physical sexes should share same facilities, or provide a 'family' bathroom where 1 at a time occupies for necessary needs.  Once again the needs of a few are risking the safety and comfort of the many."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95591", "author": "Justin", "date": "2021-02-03T14:33:00", "title": "Strongly Agree! Support Trans Youth!!!", "text": "We must support trans youth! The deserve all the love and support we can provide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95590", "author": "TODD BYRNS", "date": "2021-02-03T14:33:00", "title": "oppose ALL Pro Moral Decay", "text": "Children SHOULD NOT BE ENCOURAGED to consider living any or all Morally Spiritually CORRUPT lifestyles regarding sexuality. If they would choose such a lifestyle along with others that choice should be up to them to choose at the age of EIGHTEEN. Democrats."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95592", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:34:00", "title": "School transgender policies - dangerous", "text": "We are going way too far with all this. As someone who personally knows TWO women who were sexually assaulted in restrooms (one in a school facility and one in a public park), I can’t begin to understand how we could ignore the inherent danger in these policies. How can a child know at a glance who is a danger to her, in time to run if needed? Answer- she can’t. Also, children aren’t just automatically ok with or mature enough to deal with biological differences. If we do this, we will be guilty of gross negligence toward our children’s safety, mental health, and stress levels in school environments. How can we possibly be even considering this?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95593", "author": "Crystal Bennetch", "date": "2021-02-03T14:34:00", "title": "Strongly support and agree", "text": "Strongly support and agree!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95594", "author": "Kelly Davidson", "date": "2021-02-03T14:34:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!!! PROTECT TRANS YOUTH!!", "text": "Strongly support! Protect trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95595", "author": "Tim McGhee", "date": "2021-02-03T14:34:00", "title": "Considerations to address", "text": "Page 20 of the document implies that parents would only be included in a \" multi-disciplinary school team \" if the parents are affirming of a non-cisgender identity. Even if they are not affirming, they should still be included in discussions with the school system about their child. Page 19 says “local school boards may need to review agreements and processes with community partners for any activities taking place on school grounds to ensure consistency in practices.” Does that mean a church would not be allowed to rent space in a school facility if they are not transgender-affirming? In the name of including non-cisgender students in sex-segregated activities and use of facilities with cisgender students (Pages 17-18), it is not clear that full consideration has been given to the cisgender students and the effects of these policies on their participation. For instance, if a biological male is changing clothes with biological females, what about the effects that has on the biological females? Having a few individual private areas does not sufficiently account for the effects on, for instance, the majority of young female middle school students having someone who is still biologically male in the same room while they are changing clothes. What about times in those circumstances when there is no adult supervision in the room such as when a teacher's role is being covered by a substitute teacher? The activity policies (Page 16) are being implemented in the name of inclusion, yet in many instances the net effect may result in excluding gender-based activities altogether. With regard to bullying (Pages 9-11), there are many of us who agree on principle that bullying is wrong and should not be allowed. The question is what constitutes bullying? My concern is does or could it include disagreeing with transgender ideas in general? If someone were to claim that what is called “cisgender” or “sex assigned at birth” is the only gender, would that count as bullying? It should not."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95596", "author": "Teter", "date": "2021-02-03T14:35:00", "title": "Strongly Support Trans Youth!", "text": "Strongly and absolutely support. Trans students deserve safe and engaging learning environments. Any person opposing this guidance is dangerous and transphobic. Statistics from a study recently published by the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed alarming levels of attempted suicide among transgender youth. The findings emphasize the urgency of building welcoming and safe communities for LGBTQ young people, particularly for transgender youth. This is about nothing more than providing support for the vulnerable students in our communities. These protections will help facilitate a positive and inviting learning environment for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95597", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:35:00", "title": "Strongly Support ... This is Basic Humanity 101, Folks", "text": "This guidance is simply the right thing to do. I work for a prominent Fortune 500 company and can say that as we have made steps to not only diversify our workplace, but celebrate our trans brothers and sisters daily. Since then, we've all grown exponentially as people and as a workforce. We ask and answer tough questions, because dialogue is learning ... and learning is a good thing, folks. We openly share our preferred pronouns regardless of our gender expression or identity. This is not political; this is human. I'm asking you to stay human."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95598", "author": "Meg Kilgannon", "date": "2021-02-03T14:35:00", "title": "model guidance for trans kids puts VA on wrong side of history", "text": "Parents across Virginia have fought guidance documents like these since 2015. \"Guidance\" that denies the reality of binary sex and the authority of parents over children fails to serve the vulnerable children it claims to help. Many youth who are \"transitioned\" before they are adults regret their \"decisions\" but are silenced. Schools should never come between children and parents by acting as guardians due to identity politics. The consequences of sterilizing children and committing them to irreversible damage and bodily harm will be severe. Let kids be kids -- don't force them to conform to adult political agendas. The LGBT, Inc (HRC/SPLC/ACLU, etc.) war against children and families harms all children and all families. Stand for science and reality by rejecting  this irresponsible \"model guidance.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95599", "author": "Jamie Mahoney", "date": "2021-02-03T14:35:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Support our trans community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95600", "author": "Alex", "date": "2021-02-03T14:36:00", "title": "Please support trans and nonbinary students.", "text": "It is important that we establish ways to protect and respect those in our community that identify as LGBTQ+."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95601", "author": "Noah Morse", "date": "2021-02-03T14:36:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Protect trans youth for the well-being of our communities and their own development."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95602", "author": "Betsy", "date": "2021-02-03T14:36:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly. support this guidance document and feel it is a matter of life and death. The Trevor Project has done comprehensive studies show that LGBTQ youth are 40% less likely to commit suicide if they have one supportive adult in their life. Even more disturbing, they also found  that one episode of LGBT victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment or abuse, increases the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times on average. Training and equipping schools to be able to provide the support, resources, and protection for trans students will literally save lives. You are here to create supportive and safe environments for youth. That includes LGBT students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95603", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T14:37:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE!", "text": "I strongly OPPOSE this! There has to be a better way that will provide support for all children not just one group. Parents should be involved in anything to do with their child(ren). The school system should never have the ability to remove a parent's involvement from anything to do with their child(ren)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95604", "author": "Jules Onrubia", "date": "2021-02-03T14:38:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. As a non-binary student, I have lived experiences with discrimination in school settings and can confirm the importance of validation of your gender identity by educational institutions. We can only experience a positive learning environment when we are able to use our preferred names and pronouns and when this is respected by your peers and professors. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Jules Onrubia"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95605", "author": "Ben", "date": "2021-02-03T14:39:00", "title": "I reject", "text": "I vehemently reject this potential policy from being put into effect. Using children as pawns in order to push the left wing agenda forward is stomach turning. I strongly advise pulling your kids out of the VA public schools and demand your tax dollars be used to educate instead of dividing by gender. This is the only way to send a clear message!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95606", "author": "James M", "date": "2021-02-03T14:40:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation!!  Of course these kids deserve compassion, however, the younger children need guidance, not more confusion!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95607", "author": "Christian Czaniecki Educatir", "date": "2021-02-03T14:41:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As an educator and community worker I strongly support the idea of creating safe spaces and frameworks that allow young people to exist and express their truest selves. In decades of working in schools and with students that have struggled to express their identity I have seen first hand the value of allowing students the space and agency to be themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95608", "author": "Dagmar Klein", "date": "2021-02-03T14:44:00", "title": "A good start.", "text": "I strongly support this well-researched and evidence-based proposal. Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environments. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health. As public entities entrusted with student safety, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95609", "author": "Corey McGinnis", "date": "2021-02-03T14:44:00", "title": "support for trans and non binary youth safety", "text": "As a counselor, I am privy to numerous private conversations from LGBTQUIA youth who are in the process of  expressing their gender identity. These students are incredibly vulnerable and must be guaranteed safe spaces to come out when they want, to whom they want.  Their gender must be their identification and protocols must align with their identities.  Their names must be their vibrant,alive names versus dead names.  Their pronouns must be based upon individual choosing and this must be honored on public forms, in person, virtually and on licenses. Trans and nonbinary rights are human rights.  LGBTQIA youth are inherently some of the bravest, strongest and most tenacious humans I have encountered. They deserve respect, love and protection from those who would harm them.  I fully support all legal protections socio-emotional resources for all LGBTQIA youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95610", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T14:46:00", "title": "Lovingly oppose. More compromise/thought is needed.", "text": "I appreciate the desire of trans kids to use their preferred bathroom inconspicuously. I agree they should be able to use the bathrooms they are most comfortable using. In fact, all kids deserve to feel safe and protected--and to actually be protected-- when in intimate proximity to other kids. And it is the school system's duty, no less, to safeguard ALL kids from physical and sexual harm. This legislation ensures that trans kids will use their bathroom (locker room, overnight hotel room, etc.) of choice, which is good, but renders teachers impotent to confront any individual who is not trans, who might knowingly, for predatory purposes, exploit the new, looser guidelines. As I understand these guidelines, a student does not have to make any credible case of transgenderism in order to gain entrance to any other facility: all that person needs to do is walk in. It shows a shocking lack of knowledge of the opportunistic way predators operate--indeed, of the way unformed adolescent brains operate-- to believe that all students will automatically approach this new laxity in good faith, especially when they know that teachers are impotent to stop them. Any teacher who attempts to question any youth for entering one of these facilities for any reason is to be punished. Think of the message this sends any individual tempted to flout the spirit and intent of this new law. The gender-based separation of bathrooms, up to now, has afforded school systems the benefit of a built-in automatic, noninvasive obstacle/deterrent against potential sexual predation/mischief--one that was easy to enforce if violated. Obviously, this system was not sufficient to protect all students--notably trans students, so a solution needed to be sought. However, when we remove ALL differentiated designation from these areas, there needs to be some other, more intentional, safeguard effected to take its place--not a total renunciation of any vigilance. Involving some sort of process, analogous to an IEP, perhaps, would at least somewhat help answer the concerns of parents and students. I'm not sure exactly how this process could then be used to discreetly grant access to particular students, but it seems it should possible to find a way to enable teachers to find out privately whether a student in a certain bathroom should or should not be there, without that teacher having to question the student face-to-face. Also, allow schools to include bathrooms and locker rooms similar to those at rec centers in our area--similar to the \"family\" bathrooms--which are smaller and more private (and more desirable, let's face it), and can be used by anyone, but their priority is to be used in situations outside the usual split between genders. Anyone can have access to them, which removes stigma from their use by particular individuals. Students should be encouraged only to use them in emergency situations, if at all possible, to ensure that they remain available to those who need them most. The other traditionally designated bathrooms could still be there. My other objections to these new guidelines have to do with the heavy-handedness with which teachers and students are being compelled to conform to them. While I realize these measures are motivated by sincere compassion for those with gender dysphoria, and a desire to shield them from anxiety and harm, including self-harm--which are noble and loving reasons--1. I have doubts in the theory in which they are based (much more [unbiased] research needs to be done), 2. I do not know for a fact that they are truly helpful to the trans person, and 3. I object to the draconian methods that are being sought to enforce them. I can agree with the sentiment, \"I understand you are having trouble feeling you are the gender that matches with your anatomy; I am terribly sorry that you are feeling grief and pain over this situation. I wish there was some way I could help.\" [Note: I'm not saying that I would actually address someone openly using these words.] That is a compassionate stance. But the legislation pushes us all to make the leap to: \"Therefore, I believe you are the gender you desire to be,\" which is what we are saying when we use a preferred pronoun. This is a huge leap. My conscience grieves me when I do this, because it disconnects my words from the truth of what I believe. That disconnect is the very definition of lying. Policy that is based upon deception is bad policy.  I deeply wish to avoid further deceiving someone with gender dysphoria. Not because I hate, but because I care, and I can't help but wonder if this is a bandaid solution for a problem with a deeper root cause. I understand that the situation calls for delicacy and that feelings of the students involved can be fragile, but there must be a way that can be found in which all parties can feel comfortable. I don't pretend to be an expert in what works, but I don't believe an acceptable solution has been reached with this legislation. If only a compromise could be found in which a teacher (or student) could choose to use only gender-neutral pronouns and avoid the use of first names in class when referring to all students. This way, he/she could avoid singling out any transgender student as different while preserving his/her own personal integrity and religious beliefs (e.g., that God gives us our gender identity, and that it is good). Alas, there was recently a case in Fairfax County in which a teacher attempted just this measure as a compromise, and the upshot was, he was fired. I feel that there should be some leeway--some openness to compromise, without zero tolerance policies. All parties deserve to be comfortable. Teachers should not be required, as they are with this legislation, to lie to parents. It literally calls for a plan that \"may include [teachers] addressing the student at school with their asserted name and pronoun while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians.\" Deception, in summary, starts with lying to oneself, lying to one's classmate or student; and continues with lying to a student's parent, or facing disciplinary measures. The mention of bringing Child Protective Services into the home of transgendered students to deal with parents who may be suspected of \"abuse\" [read: lack of preferred pronouns?], could push this even into homes. It is an overreach of power. It engenders a sense of distrust in the school system. It smacks of \"newspeak.\" And it will cause more, not less, pushback from opponents as they feel unheard and threatened, which, in turn, will cause more problems for transgendered students, not fewer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95611", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:46:00", "title": "Agree wholeheartedly", "text": "What does it cost anyone to treat others with respect??? even if you don’t agree."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95612", "author": "Molly", "date": "2021-02-03T14:48:00", "title": "Strongly support Trans Youth", "text": "Virginia must be a place where all youth thrive in our schools. Each episode of LGBT victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment or abuse, increases the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times on average. We must protect our most vulnerable students.  I strongly support this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95613", "author": "Tameron Smith", "date": "2021-02-03T14:48:00", "title": "Support Trans students", "text": "By supporting trans students we are able to show them what acceptance look like as well as support them in processing a very difficult time in their life. We are able to also lead other students in accepting those who identify outside of what they may consider to be normal. Being a student is hard enough without also having to worry about if they feel safe, accepted, in a space in which they can fully express themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95614", "author": "Jeff", "date": "2021-02-03T14:48:00", "title": "Science says two genders - male and female alone", "text": "Gender is a physical based property that can be scientifically substantiated. Science allows for only two genders; male and female. Though physical characterizations can be changed, it does not change the fundamental DNA of that individual. If we allow emotion to take precedent over fact then what is next? Should children be allowed to be dogs, cats, etc? Scientific based fundamentals need not be overwritten by emotion, let facts and science stand. Vote no to transgender emotion and work instead get support and assistance for the people that need assistance to combats their issues. Do not add fuel to their physical and mental illness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95615", "author": "J Underwood", "date": "2021-02-03T14:48:00", "title": "Support Trans Inclusion Model Policies", "text": "As a parent of two middle school students who attend Virginia public schools, one a cisgender girl and one a cisgender boy, I fully support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. School should be a safe, nurturing, and welcoming space for ALL students - especially those students who are most at-risk and marginalized like trans students. Schools that are inclusive for trans and nonbinary students are more inclusive for cisgender students as well. Trans students do not pose a danger to cisgender students; in fact, trans students are more likely to be the victims of abuse and misconduct. Allowing trans students to participate in the PE class that matches their lived identity, participate on sports teams that match their lived identity, and use restrooms that match their lived identity takes nothing away from cisgender students. I fully recognize that schools must make policies that balance the needs and freedoms of all students - however, those decisions should never come at the cost of student health and wellbeing. The suicide rate among trans youth is staggering. School is the only safe space that some students have, especially if their family is not supportive of their gender identity. They deserve safe, affirming, and supportive school experiences. The Model Policies help schools accomplish that, and take nothing away from the needs and experiences of cisgender children like mine. In fact, I want my children to learn and interact with peers who are able to live as their true authentic selves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95616", "author": "Gray", "date": "2021-02-03T14:48:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95617", "author": "Grayson", "date": "2021-02-03T14:49:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "It is critical we support this timely policy to protect the civil and human rights of tans students, especially as we move back to in-person learning over the coming months."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95618", "author": "Sofia", "date": "2021-02-03T14:50:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "As a transgender student myself, I strongly support this because this bill allows me to be fully myself and to not be forced to go into a restrooms or locker room that doesn't define who I am, causing depression which affects my education. To the people who object this, I am NOT trans as a choice. This is who I am and I have been a girl since before I could talk. The only issues I have came from years of hiding my true identity and pretending to be a boy ehen I am really a girl, which caused me to become severely depressed and nearly commit suicide. I am much happier now as my real self, and I can now function as a contributing citizen for the first time in my life. Being transgender is NOT an agenda, choice, sin or anything else. It is just like being black or white...everyone is different. With a little bit of education on the topic from trans organizations you will see that it has been not only scientifically proven to not be a choice but allowing us to be our real selves lets us be happy, productive citizens who don't go around wanting to kill themselves on a daily basis. Plus, no sex offender or pedophile is gonna pretend to be the opposite sex just so they can pray on someone. They will simply go in as themselves. Seriously, this is 2021 and transphobia is not okay anymore and should not be accepted. All I want is to be me. I'm not worried about anyone's genitals in the bathroom or locker room, all I want to do is to do my business and leave, comfortably. Please pass this bill for not just me but the other student's mental health and lives. Because this does and WILL save innocent lives from suicide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95619", "author": "Heather O", "date": "2021-02-03T14:52:00", "title": "Doctor of Education SUPPORTS OUR TRANS CHILDREN", "text": "Our trans kids are CHILDREN and need our protection. Even seeing people oppose their human rights is harmful and leaves a scar. Treat all children as deserving of protection under the law. Don’t let misplaced “morality” guide you to harm the least among us. Don’t allow your unwillingness to understand others guide you to hurt children. Be kind. Make our world more peaceful."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95620", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:52:00", "title": "Strongly support!!!", "text": "I strongly support this bill. I wish trans rights had been taught when I went to school. Being a teen in school is rough but the bullying, sexism, racism, and homophobia and transphobia make it astronomically harder. Students deserve to feel included and equal and it really should not be much more than that. Please consider the kid sitting in the back of the class feeling like he/she is lesser when thinking of this bill. I am proud to be in a state where this bill is on the table and I will be prouder to see it pass."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95621", "author": "Father of 3 girls", "date": "2021-02-03T14:52:00", "title": "OPPOSE!", "text": "I cannot support this. Confusing our children is spiritually, morally, and biologically wrong. I cannot believe this legislation is even being considered. Very disappointed with the leadership of the Virginia common wealth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95622", "author": "Abigail Cleveland", "date": "2021-02-03T14:53:00", "title": "Please support non binary students", "text": "please support non binary students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95623", "author": "Claire Stout", "date": "2021-02-03T14:54:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this proposition to support and protect transgender students. Research suggests that inclusive school policies for LGBT youth is associated with less truancy for ALL youth and higher grades for transgender youth (Day et al., 2019). Research also suggests that transgender students in schools with supportive policies feel greater belonging to their school communities (Kosciw et al., 2018). This proposition will benefit ALL students. References: Day, J. K., Ioverno, S., & Russell, S. T. (2019). Safe and supportive schools for LGBT youth: Addressing educational inequities through inclusive policies and practices. Journal of school psychology , 74 , 29-43. Kosciw, et al. “The 2017 National School Climate Survey: The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth in our nation’s schools.” 2018. GLSEN."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95624", "author": "Austin Verner", "date": "2021-02-03T14:54:00", "title": "Strongly approve. Trans rights are human rights. Protect trans kids.", "text": "I agree with the proposed policies. We should always strive to make our society as inclusive as possible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95625", "author": "Liane Medley", "date": "2021-02-03T14:54:00", "title": "Protect and support our trans students", "text": "Studies have shown time and time again the harassment our trans youth (and later adults) endure for simply existing. Any support and resources that we can give to these students to make their life even the tiniest better is a huge step in the right direction. We need protections for these students and to support their identities. Claims of bathroom harassment or any other “advantages” these students might gain are simply false and have been disproven time and time again. Let’s continue to strive to make schools a safe place for all students, and strive for a diversity and acceptance where students will feel like less than an “other” and realize they are accepted exactly the way they are. Support trans kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95626", "author": "Nokesville Mom", "date": "2021-02-03T14:55:00", "title": "Statewide Transgender Policy", "text": "VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95627", "author": "Kathleen Velanzon", "date": "2021-02-03T14:55:00", "title": "strongly oppose as it stands", "text": "I oppose this as it stands.  I think parents should be involved in everything that effects their child.  The state should not have ultimate power over someone's child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95628", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:55:00", "title": "Why are we putting more on our teachers", "text": "First, I want to say everyone has the right to be who they want. With that being said why are we giving more control to the kids and more jobs on the teachers today? Is there not enough going on that we shouldn’t shove something else down their throats. Also, let’s talk about the amount of sexual abuse that happens in our schools. You are opening up the door for an astronomical amount of rapes to happen. Let’s not be naive, the bullying isn’t going to stop they administrators don’t do anything about it now. STOP giving control to our youth, parent and adults need to remain in control."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95630", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:56:00", "title": "Why are we putting more on our teachers", "text": "First, I want to say everyone has the right to be who they want. With that being said why are we giving more control to the kids and more jobs on the teachers today? Is there not enough going on that we shouldn’t shove something else down their throats. Also, let’s talk about the amount of sexual abuse that happens in our schools. You are opening up the door for an astronomical amount of rapes to happen. Let’s not be naive, the bullying isn’t going to stop they administrators don’t do anything about it now. STOP giving control to our youth, parent and adults need to remain in control."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95629", "author": "Riley Yates", "date": "2021-02-03T14:56:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Discrimination based on someone’s gender identity is wrong and has to be stopped!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95631", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:56:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose these measures."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95632", "author": "Brogan Rogers", "date": "2021-02-03T14:56:00", "title": "SUPPORT OUR TRANS AND NB YOUTH!", "text": "ALL students deserve to feel safe, comfortable, and happy in their pursuit of an education in the Commonwealth. Anyone who is in opposition or feels that people would “abuse” this is downright ignorant and fails to understand how large of an impact this decision would make for trans youth. If your child is uncomfortable with this, it’s likely because they were raised in a close minded household."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95633", "author": "Ashley", "date": "2021-02-03T14:56:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose this Bill; Strongly Support All Children", "text": "This policy violates children and parents with religious convictions and forces violation of conscience of which both are protected in our country’s and state’s constitutions. It imposes impossible expectations on children to adapt immediately to fluid pronouns and to be comfortable in vulnerable environments like bathrooms and locker rooms with those with different body parts. I don’t want any child to feel rejected or misunderstood, so current rules against bullying and harassment are valuable and sufficient. Anything more is prioritizing one people group over another and that is always detrimental to society. Our children need to learn to coexist with each other despite our differences. This policy weaponizes one preference over another. It will not protect our children nor benefit their development."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95634", "author": "Anne F", "date": "2021-02-03T14:56:00", "title": "Strong Opposition", "text": "As a young woman who grew up in the Virginia public education system, I cannot express greater outrage at such a policy intended to infringe on biological female-only spaces (in particular, bathrooms and locker rooms). Not only does this display ignorance on the science concerning immutable biological sex, it subverts the will of the majority in deference to the issues of the few. There are intelligent ways to honor the dignity of transgender students AND protect girls—this measure is not one of them. I fiercely oppose this policy that has proven to endanger and violate girls/young women in every single instance that it has been enacted."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95635", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:57:00", "title": "No Mob Mentality - Strongly Oppose!", "text": "This proposed guidance document overreaches the role of Government in the citizen's personal rights, freedoms and in the public square.  Mob mentality has taken a new turn in damaging our youth.  Implementation of this guidance would be a travesty to the Virginia family unit."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95636", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T14:57:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "All the proposals in this draft are extremely dangerous, ridiculous and unnecessary. Every student has basic human rights and you can't micromanage a certain special interest group's treatment to the detriment of all the other children. These are CHILDREN - still growing and developing and learning who they are.  DO NOT push them and put them into defined identities - DO YOUR JOB and teach them reading, writing, arithmetic!  There are too many under-educated young people in the work world today because schools have gotten away from their basic mission. Another point to be considered is, would you like some of these gender-confused students or their families to sue the schools, teachers, counselors, etc. that pushed them into a gender identity that they later rescind?  Suppose they mutilate their bodies, or worse yet, are driven to suicide?  Have you read about the lawsuit in Great Britain? This is an ugly can of worms that needs to be discarded.  Like I said before, schools need to return to their core mission."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95637", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T15:00:00", "title": "This Should Be a Public Referendum!!  Let the People Decide!!! - Strong Oppose!!", "text": "Conducting such a controversial activity under the guise of a guidance document without public vote is nothing short of a deceit to your Virginia constituents - you know....the folks that voted you in and pay your salary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Put it up for public vote!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95638", "author": "Meredith", "date": "2021-02-03T15:02:00", "title": "I fully support this guidance", "text": "I fully support this guidance and what it means for my students and their peers. My children are unaffected by sharing locker rooms and restrooms with trans and non-binary students. Their peers are also unaffected and not worried about this. This isn't an issue for the students, it is an excuse for adults to throw vitriolic statements at families of LGBTQ children. The truth is, and I suspect everyone involved with this process already knows, that our youth are in crisis. They are taking their own lives, dying by suicide in numbers that should alarm everyone. LGBTQ youth that are supported at home and school are 40% less likely to consider suicide than those who are not in supportive situations. This should be the basis from which we work forward. My children have lost friends that have died by suicide. We know many families that have children who have received inpatient care at pediatric mental health facilities due to overwhelming depression and anxiety. I have lost count of the students that have decided to home school or go to homebound education because their experiences at school have been so awful. All of these students identify as LGBTQ. It can't just be a coincidence. This guidance means more protection for youth. This guidance forces schools to adapt and educate their teachers and administrators about the challenges faced by our youth. This isn't going away. This isn't some fad or phase. We will either adapt or we will continue harming our children. I speak from experience, I speak from a place of knowledge and pain. I also have hope and continue to work for the best outcome for all LGBTQ students in Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95639", "author": "Tony Reynard", "date": "2021-02-03T15:02:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED!!!!!", "text": "In complete disagreement with these child destroying policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91509", "author": "Carol Nyce", "date": "2021-01-26T15:16:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am very much in favor of treating every person with kindness, respect, and dignity. It is because of this that I oppose this initiative. It will only be by holding to the truth about the human body that flourishing of every individual can take place. Teaching children that they can chose their sex is a lie that has real and irreversible ramifications. Please don't deny biological truth. Look into the stories of all those who have tread this path only to find their bodies damaged, their fertility stolen, and their futures limited. They have regrets, scars, and powerful stories to tell."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91510", "author": "anon", "date": "2021-01-26T15:18:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support this document. Trans youth need support from their schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91511", "author": "Alana", "date": "2021-01-26T15:19:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this policy.", "text": "The draft proposed transgender policy by the Virginia Department of Education is an outrageous theft of parental authority by the state.  It is an appalling ideological takeover by the state to force a view of human sexuality that does not permit acceptance of differing views held by parents or students. The proposed policy will not help kids acquire a healthy understanding of sexuality and how to properly and respectfully relate to one another.  Instead of negating confusion about gender, this policy will only generate confusion, not only about sex but will insinuate its unfounded and dangerous perspective into many areas of life. What is the real purpose of introducing such a hurtful idea of human sexuality to kids?  What is the Department of Education trying to achieve?  What is the hidden agenda of these public servants?  Public education should not be a source of danger to our kids, but it is definitely on that track.  Public school students are no longer being educated (i.e., taught skills and knowledge to prepare them to be responsible adults in the world); they are being indoctrinated into an ideology by those who deem themselves better qualified than parents or legal guardians who don’t subscribe to their way of thinking. As you might conclude, I am opposed to the proposed transgender policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91512", "author": "no", "date": "2021-01-26T15:28:00", "title": "You're not a concerned parent, you're just a bigot.", "text": "Forcing administrations and other students to NOT harass, discriminate against, and harm students is not oppressive. Allowing trans women to use the correct restroom poses no threat to students. Do you really believe that a kid would socially transition just to get access to the \"girls\" locker room? Really? You're not a concerned parent, you're just a bigot."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91513", "author": "JC", "date": "2021-01-26T15:32:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Another attack on the importance of the family dynamic. If parents want to encourage transgender identity and ideas with their kids, I am not one to decide for them. If I do not want my children to believe or participate in the transgender ideology, then no one, nor the State, should have the authority to decide what is best for my family or deny my right to believe in the religion of my choice. The State in no way would condone or include Christianity as \"law\" in the public school system. But they are choosing for families that the right to religious freedom is not as important as their beliefs. It is an obvious violation of the Constitution declaring I have a right to choose my religion. To label a person or parents as abusers for not encouraging the States views, is also a violation of my right to freedom of speech as an American."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91514", "author": "Mike Beaty", "date": "2021-01-26T15:36:00", "title": "Support of the the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) model policies", "text": "Negative behavior can impact a child and leave life long scars. Education is about getting ready to work and dealing with the reality that we are not all the same, each person has a different perspective and collectively the inclusive behavior is the BEST."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91515", "author": "Daria", "date": "2021-01-26T15:37:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91516", "author": "Jean Westcott", "date": "2021-01-26T15:49:00", "title": "Strong support", "text": "I strongly support this guidance for two reasons. 1. Trans students deserve to be treated with dignity and equal access to education. 2. Many educators and school systems may not have modern understanding of the issues that trans students face and need to be learn how to create an environment that respects these childrens' rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91517", "author": "John", "date": "2021-01-26T15:52:00", "title": "Very Strongly Opposed", "text": "I am now in my 7th decade of life and very surprised that higher education has lost their God given common sense.  Wisdom and common sense can come with age as you observe cause and effect and see many ruined lives.  Some people look at the short term but I have seen what happens long term and many health professionals are waking up to the fact that wrong policies like this one have detrimental effects 10-15 years later.  The studies are just coming out and since they don't fit the popular narrative, people are being cancelled and having violence against them.  This policy is wrong and very detrimental to the health and well being of our precious children.  It also is detrimental to the families.  I strongly oppose this action! There are reasons why we don't allow children to make legally binding decisions that may hurt and impact them for life. We learned long ago that pornography was bad for the mental health of children.  This new policy is much worse! It would appear that this policy was designed by highly educated pedophiles.  Having much education does not mean you have gained common sense!  As with many ideas, there will be unintended consequences. Here is what I see happening if this is implemented: increased chaos in schools There will be fewer talented, caring teachers choosing to go into or stay in the Public school system. Schools will be forced to violate Parental rights Schools will be violating students safety and security (increase in sex abuse incidents) Parents who oppose pedophilia will now have to endorse it Those who are able and truly care about their children's mental health will pull their children out and find and alternative education like correspondence school, private school or home school. This policy will hinder rather than help children get a solid education that will prepare them for responsible adulthood. This policy should not be implemented! It is like a fad that has not been thoroughly researched for long term outcomes!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91518", "author": "Katharine Tyler", "date": "2021-01-26T15:53:00", "title": "I support this guidance.", "text": "I support this guidance because I believe every child should feel free to be and express themselves in a safe environment in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91519", "author": "Courtney", "date": "2021-01-26T15:56:00", "title": "Oppose for the safety of men, women, children and trans individuals", "text": "I am a mother of two children that will soon be starting school. I have not against transgender individuals, I believe it is none of my business what another human chooses to do with their life. However, my children's safety is my number 1 priority. I fear that if this becomes allowed for transgender women and men to go into bathrooms of their opposite biological gender there will be predators using this new law as a way to enter a bathroom to commit a crime. No I am not saying that actual transgender individuals will be committing these acts, but I do believe that this will be a huge gateway for predators to take advantage and enter men and women's bathrooms with the intent to harm women, men and children simply because now they are allowed to enter bathrooms of the opposite sex. I think a solution better suited would be a single stalled bathroom, like how some stores/restaurants have a family bathroom, to be able to be used for transgender individuals to keep everyone safe, including the transgender men and women."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91520", "author": "Laura Madoo, DO", "date": "2021-01-26T15:58:00", "title": "Support as a Pediatrician and as a Parent", "text": "As a pediatrician and a mother, I strongly support this bill to provide support and protection for transgender and gender-diverse children and adolescents. This policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) promotes inclusive care for this vulnerable population: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/4/e20182162"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91521", "author": "Callie Hansen, MD", "date": "2021-01-26T16:07:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "As a pediatrician who has worked closely with transgender and gender-diverse patients, I strongly support inclusive care for these children in our school. I will also cite the policy statement from American Academy of Pediatrics - a leader in care for children. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/4/e20182162"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91522", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T16:21:00", "title": "Oppose the policy", "text": "My biggest concern is for females students. As written, any biological male can declare as identifying as a female and enter female locker rooms and bathrooms at will? That is completely unacceptable. Young girls and women deserve to have their rights and their privacy protected.  They should never be placed in an environment where a biological male can enter and make them uncomfortable or put them in a potential position of something bad happening.  The unfortunate truth in this world is that people will take advantage of this policy in order to cause fear or harm.  I support transgenders having a space where they are comfortable, but not at the expense of everyone else.  There must be a better solution. Perhaps providing separate bathrooms or locker rooms, entered in a separate location from the other bathrooms and locker rooms, but afforded the same protections as far as bullying or targeting which will not be tolerated."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91523", "author": "C Smith", "date": "2021-01-26T17:07:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "While I certainly agree that all children/people should be respected and treated fairly, I don't agree that the rights of the minority should supersede the rights of the majority.  My daughter should never be required or allowed to share a restroom or changing room with a biological male.  It's incredible to me that I would even need to voice this concern. Do any of people drafting this type of thing have kids?  Why would you even consider putting the school ahead of the parents.  Don't we have rights too? Teachers have a hard enough time dealing with kids.  Why in the world would you complicate their lives more with this pronoun issue?  Why would you create an environment that will increase the threat of litigation when schools can't even pay for school supplies needed in the classroom? If this plan is actually implemented I will have no choice but to pull my kids from public schools.  Like many in my shoes I'm already concerned that I pay property taxes towards school but have no choice in how/where those dollars are spent.  Policy as you propose here will certainly provide tremendous energy behind the movement for school vouchers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91524", "author": "Becky", "date": "2021-01-26T17:10:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this--it's NOT science-based!", "text": "Gender is not a preference.  It is a matter of science--chromosomes determine whether you are a boy or a girl.  And there are only 2 genders--male & female.  These days you hear a lot about \"follow the science.\"  Gender confusion is a mental problem that needs to be addressed, not encouraged.  You claim these policies are to help keep students \"safe.\"  They are NOT keeping students safe who don't want to have their privacy invaded in personal spaces by members of the opposite sex.  They are NOT keeping students safe who need guidance and input from their parents about emotional problems they are having."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91525", "author": "Fay W", "date": "2021-01-26T17:11:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This document states that school should provide a safe educational environment for all students and treat all students with dignity and respect, which I agree with. Unfortunately, this documents doesn't do that. Students who identify as male and female based on birth/genetics are forced to accept restroom and locker room conditions, where a transgender can say one day they are a certain sex and enter freely, and the next day change and enter the opposite facility - how is that safe and respectful for all students. Students who identify according to birth no longer have the right to wear gender identifiable clothing for school programs (chorus, orchestra, etc.), such as males wearing ties and females wearing dresses, because transgenders may be offended - how is that fair? Isn't the school system discriminating against birth identified males and females. Will teachers and non-transgender students be disciplined when they don't call the transgender person by the correct name for that day, week, month, etc., because the transgender can select his  identified name at his/her whim. Also, you cannot deny the problem with males who identify as females competing in sports against birth females - where is the fairness and safety in that. These guidelines are discriminatory, unfair, and unsafe for the majority of birth male and female students -  Why isn't the school system standing up for them?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91526", "author": "Emma", "date": "2021-01-26T17:17:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT", "text": "While some who are opposed to these policies may cite their own safety as a reason to discriminate, that is UNACCEPTABLE. These policies are not promoting “gender confusion” but the basic rights and safety of transgender students. As an LGBT person who themselves went through the public school system, I am delighted to see policy change. Nobody chooses to be transgender. Nobody chooses to be bullied by their peers and “community” adults. No child WANTS to go through the struggle of coming out, being bullied, going to school everyday wondering if today is the day they are going to be the victim of a hate crime. It is VITAL to give these students school support. It’s the least schools can do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91527", "author": "Mary", "date": "2021-01-26T17:35:00", "title": "Completely opposed", "text": "I am completely opposed to this legislation. It is damaging to children, families, and our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91528", "author": "Angel", "date": "2021-01-26T17:45:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I am opposed coming from the safety aspect. I don’t have anything wrong with a transgender individual, but I can see this as a huge negative opportunity for men or women who have bad intentions to enter a bathroom of their opposite gender while claiming they are transgender with the intention to do harm. It would be much safer to open an additional single stall bathroom, like the family bathrooms in some locations, where a trans man or woman could enter alone, therefore protecting them and other women, men and children from being preyed upon by people with bad intentions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91529", "author": "Wade Banks, Farmer/Highschool track coach", "date": "2021-01-26T17:48:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "The policies presented are the bare necessities for our future generations to succeed. Too long has Virginia been a powerhouse of discrimination. Science supports transgender identities and morally we should all support our young students. There is no reasonable objection to these policies. There is no religion that forbids its followers from calling people by their preferred pronouns. And if a teacher is fired over these policies should they have been teaching to begin with? We shouldn't subject young minds to the bigotry of Virginia's history. It is time to heal and move on from our disgusting and hate based past."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91530", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T17:49:00", "title": "Father", "text": "You are hired to teach children not indoctrinate them..horrible  idea going against Gods beautiful creation of MAN and WOMAN from BIRTH not choice"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91531", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T18:15:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed.", "text": "Regarding Mr. Wade Banks's comment and his use of the word 'science' and the transgender community. Science shows you cannot biologically change one's gender. It goes down to the X and Y-chromosome. You can change the outside of the package, but in no way can you change inside. Also regarding his comment on religion, as a Catholic, we are taught that God-created man and woman. That's it.  God also teaches us to love and respect everyone. Perhaps Mr. Wade has heard 'love the sinner, hate the sin'. What these people are doing is considered a sin in our religion, however, we are to treat everyone with love, dignity and respect.We should be permitted to refer to transgender students by their first name. We should not be forced to use a pronoun which we know is not true. That causes us to be a part of the sin. The school board should not be inside our homes advising us how to raise our children. And before everyone jumps on my comments, notice that I stated we should treat everyone with love, dignity and respect. We can do that by referring to the transgender student using their first name. Don't tread on me."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91532", "author": "Molly", "date": "2021-01-26T18:27:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I strongly support Virginia's guidance on transgender youth. Thank you for leading the way to ensure transgender and non-binary individuals are accepted and treated with respect and dignity. These are wonderful lessons to learn for all of our educators and children! Thank you for pioneering acceptance over fear! I hope other states will follow suit."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91533", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T18:38:00", "title": "Transgender School Policy banner", "text": "As a Christian mother of a former student, I would like to make my voice known on the behalf of other parents and grandparents that has children in Virginia School systems. Kids have a choice to a certain point however its up to the parents to override some of there decisions and I believe this is one of them. This transgender policy will make a lot of misunderstandings with other students in the school systems. Some may not understand why some children are in the bathroom, locker room, and other areas that are already separated now. Also it will have too many sexual differences and against policies in schools. If any decision has to be made or even voted on, then it should be left as is. God didn't intend individuals to take upon themselves to change there sex from what He made them to be in the first place. They should be happy for who they actually are from birth. They are loved all the time even if others doesn't love them. This will cause plenty of confusion when it comes to what to call them as a pronoun. They are individuals that has feelings, thoughts, and may have a mental state of what may be real and people doesn't see that what is going on with them deep down. All they need is maybe someone to talk with, need help from a counselor, and also could be needing a friend that won't look at them differently as others do. This is wrong and besides there are other important things to discuss rather than this petty things like this issue. I mean why upset other students that this issue doesn't pertain to. School systems needs to also think about other students and not just the ones that are different like transgender students. The other students didn't tell them to make that choice so don't force the ones that are not transgender students to accept this because of your vote on this issue. Would you like to be forced to be faced on a daily basis on other people's decisions. If not then don't make our children do it either."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91534", "author": "Chris Miller", "date": "2021-01-26T18:55:00", "title": "amend the policy to protect everyone", "text": "This policy is nominally about respect and safety but it is disrespectful and even tyrannical in that it does not recognize the validity of differing viewpoints. It is seems like a trap for teachers with the mandates about names.  Teacher positions on these matters must be taken into account in the policy to find solutions that respect them and ensure their safety. The policy needs to guarantee the rights of school employees whose religious beliefs differ regarding transgenderism and exceptions from the mandates outlined in the policy. The policy needs to recognize the rights of parents over their children and their education.  The policy needs to guarantee that any discussion about these matters is brought to the attention of parents.  Parents have the right to guide their children’s education.  The policy should explicitly guarantee parents have the right to opt their children out of any education about gender or sexual orientation or any sex education.  The school does not have the right to determine what is best for the children, but the parents do. Without these guarantees for the parents, it seems the schools could be encouraging the deceit of parents. The policy must respect and protect the privacy of boys and girls who do not want to change clothes in the presence of the opposite sex, nor want to be exposed to the opposite sex as might happen in a restroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91535", "author": "Kathleen Morris", "date": "2021-01-26T19:03:00", "title": "Support the VDOE Guidance on Transgender Students", "text": "I support this comprehensive guidance and thank the individuals at the VDOE who helped to make it a reality. As a middle school teacher, I especially appreciate the sections on professional development for staff and particularly for school counselors. I know students who will benefit from access to gender neutral restrooms for the reasons stated in the guidance, which are not always related to a student's gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91536", "author": "Schapman", "date": "2021-01-26T19:19:00", "title": "Oppose teaching school kids transgender propaganda", "text": "Teaching school children that changing your gender is a viable life option makes a mockery of science and sound mental health. Gender identity disorder or gender dysphoria is a mental disorder just like anorexia or bulimia and should be considered as such.  Normalizing this disorder is dangerous for youngsters who are already dealing with the normal stresses of growing up. The last thing they need to do is wonder if they are the “right gender” or if being the other gender (yes there are only 2 genders) will make them more popular, feel happier etc. kids question enough about themselves this will just make it worse make it worse. This is a really dumb idea."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91537", "author": "David Beauregard", "date": "2021-01-26T19:20:00", "title": "Parental Authority is not Conferred to Public Servants at any Level", "text": "Schools are the place Parents entrust their sons and daughters  to uphold the Parents guidelines for raising their children. The Parental authority over their own children is neither abrogated nor conferred upon to departments of education , school boards, principal’s, teachers, staff etc., at any school; nor are the parental responsibilities, rights and natural laws that they choose for their families, diminished or to be superseded. The departments of education, school boards, principal’s, teachers, staff etc., are public servants; appointed, elected, or hired to follow the mandates of the parents in any particular city, town, county, state in which they serve. Additionally, if parents and children want to depart from the natural, created, and scientifically obvious biological order of being born male or female, then so be it; but let no public official insist or seek to legislate away this natural order of male or female over any parent. The person who wishes to change their biological gift, or those who seek to live this lifestyle are free to do so, but do not infer or insist that their right to do so should mean that other precious youth/persons must co-mingle in bathrooms, locker rooms etc..  If, indeed, public servants and others want to propagate this transgender proclivity, then let them build another bathroom or rooms for those few who are transgenders, but also maintain the status quo for those who recognize their gift of being born male, use bathrooms etc for males and for those born female, use bathrooms etc. for females. Let us not forget to have compassion for the feelings and concerns of those who wish not to participate. They have civil rights as well, not to mention the Bill of Rights, the right to privacy, and Religious rights, and above all natural, God given liberties. We will not submit to the will of the few, i.e., the public servants, corporations and others that seek to brow beat people into what they espouse. We are not going to extirpate a moral concept long established and/or free thinkers into a culture of “I am me and I am free to do as I please”. They are an injudicious minority that fiercely disregards and seeks to silence the majority of the rest of society”. Parental Authority is not Conferred to Public Servants at any level - especially in a Constitutional Republic - not any level! Compassion, logic, love and respect is a two way street and all must travel on it. David Beauregard"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91538", "author": "Andrea Moxley", "date": "2021-01-26T19:27:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this as all children - no matter race, gender or sexuality - deserve the right to equality in our educational system. Teachers also deserve to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to support our children properly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91539", "author": "Aggie Dela Garza", "date": "2021-01-26T19:37:00", "title": "Proposed Model policies for treatment of transgender students in VA public schools", "text": "I strongly oppose these draft policies for they infringe on the first amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91540", "author": "L. Rey", "date": "2021-01-26T20:00:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Please VDOE, please do not disregard the parents role in public education! This is very disturbing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91541", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T20:20:00", "title": "Unacceptable", "text": "Until recently, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) correctly identified Gender Dysphoria as a mental illness. Transgender persons have a suicide rate consistent with extreme mental illness. Taking actions that normalize and require others to participate in this harmful lifestyle is causing active harm to those who suffer and extends that harm to everyone by law. It's immoral and evil to do this and will result in much harm."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91542", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T20:27:00", "title": "Opposed to Transgender Proposal for School", "text": "I don’t believe the public schools should embrace the LGBTQ agenda for indoctrination of school students. I do not believe teachers are qualified to teach gender identity or fluidity. Biological males should not be allowed in bathrooms or locker rooms designated for females. Biological males should not be allowed to participate in female sports competitions. There are biological differences that cannot be ignored because of a biased, misinformed movement that seeks to undermine Christianity and force an ideology that contradicts the morality of our nation. In the name of equality, biological female athletes will be unable to compete against trans males in female sports. Allowing biological males to compete under the guise of being trans will take athletic scholarships away from biological females."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91543", "author": "Ellie Gudeman", "date": "2021-01-26T20:29:00", "title": "Totally opposed. Anti-parent, anti-child", "text": "I am totally opposed to this Guidance Document.  As a parent and grandparent, I see it as destroying my relationship with my children and grandchildren.  I am treated by school authorities as an enemy and someone who cannot be trusted to protect those whom I love and am responsible for."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91544", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T20:32:00", "title": "No - Please, Please - No", "text": "Dept of Education, For the sake of my teen daughters and their future I strongly oppose the transgender mandates that are being voted on.  Please do NOT approve these under any circumstance.  Our country would be worse off for this in the long run and for the majority of people.  Thank you for your consideration! Kristy Rumbaugh"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91545", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T20:42:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91546", "author": "Concerned Nanny", "date": "2021-01-26T20:50:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I work as a nanny. Parents trust me to watch their children with care and respect. That is a given, and it should be a given while these same children are at school. Why should they be treated like less than just because they were born trans? If you claim to care about the safety of children, you can’t exclude transgender kids as well. It doesn’t cost a cent to show a bit of kindness and respect pronouns and identity. All children deserve kindness and guidance to be themselves. That is nonnegotiable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91547", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T20:51:00", "title": "Strongly support!!! 100%", "text": "I Strongly support this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91548", "author": "Ruth Anne Luckenbaugh", "date": "2021-01-26T20:53:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91549", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-26T21:06:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "I oppose this change because children and teens do not understand what is going with their bodies as it starts to change let alone understand transgender issues. How can a child/teen become transgender when they don't understand the hormones raging in their bodies as it is.  This world has changed so much and we need to teach our children what is right and wrong.  Children/teens are influenced enough as it is by our changing world and the school system has no right teaching this matter. If you want to discuss this issue in your home that is fine but the school is there to teach the basics like math, science, english, etc not sexual orientation...THAT IS THE PARENT's Job. I don't want someone telling my child WHO they are.  What happened to family discussions and family values.  If you and your family decide that your child is transgender and you work that out GREAT! but the school system/government/state have no place in this matter.  Thank you for listening."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91550", "author": "Chelsea Pegram", "date": "2021-01-26T21:06:00", "title": "Please, reconsider!", "text": "This policy will destroy any innocence and stability that our young children still have at school. Rather than a wholesome restraint to prevent bullying, this amendment discourages even a simple and natural view of gender. Children are so trusting, and their trust is deeply violated by authorities who refuse to call right from wrong. I am deeply concerned about the mental health of our children in the coming years. Suppressing the truth will never actually erase it, or the God who founded it. We do a great wrong to these young ones to tell them they can, or even should change their gender...and not tell parents or others who love them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91551", "author": "Kelly White", "date": "2021-01-26T21:11:00", "title": "Most Strongly Oppose- Statewide Transgender Policy", "text": "There is no doubt that the vast majority of adults would agree that the brain of a minor does not have the physiological or social maturity to make decisions of lasting significance. We show our agreement with this idea by the fact that minors may not marry, purchase alcohol, vote, purchase many things, consent to medical procedures, opt out of protections, enlist, rent a car, adopt a child, or a puppy, or do hundreds of other things due to the fact that they lack the perspective necessary to make the best decision for themselves. Yet this policy would encourage adults to encourage children to make decisions that they yet lack the maturity to make. NO ONE disagrees that ALL children, regardless of orientation, race, ethnicity, etc should be treated with kindness and respect. If we think that allowing a biological male to use the private facilities of biological females (and vice versa) is protecting his or her rights, then we MUST protect the rights of a biological male or female to not have to share private facilities with the opposite biological sex. Virginia - some of the best schools in the country used to be in this state. We're becoming the laughing stock of the country as we strive to convince the world that what we think we are (a boy, a girl, a _____) is what we are. It's binary, and everyone knows it, so let's put our effort into being kind to everyone and not trashing our school system and further confusing elementary kids who don't know any better than to think they are a particular gender because they like sports or baking. I'm curious - are these being read? kldw50@gmail.com"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91552", "author": "Lauren Daly", "date": "2021-01-26T21:20:00", "title": "Educator in Support", "text": "As an educator, I strongly support these model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia’s public schools. I affirm the notion that the guiding principle of all policies should be that all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment. I look forward to all local school boards developing and adopting policies that ensure all students, including transgender students, have safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments. These model policies are well-researched and thoughtfully formulated. I appreciate the attention paid to the safety of transgender students in all manner of scenarios. The model policies help point the way to an education system that encourages all students to thrive, which is as it should be. Thank you for your work in this area."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91553", "author": "Judith Brosius", "date": "2021-01-26T21:23:00", "title": "Statewide Transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the statewide transgender policy applied to our schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91554", "author": "Judith Brosius", "date": "2021-01-26T21:23:00", "title": "I strongly oppose the Statewide Transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the statewide transgender policy applied to our schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91555", "author": "Shirley Carley", "date": "2021-01-26T21:26:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Please, please pass this!  It is vital to the survival of our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91556", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-26T21:26:00", "title": "Most Strongly Oppose- Statewide Transgender Policy", "text": "Our current policy of respecting all students is sufficient. The proposed change hurts minors who can't yet fully understand the implications of their decision, and robs others of their privacy rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91557", "author": "Vicki R Meyer", "date": "2021-01-26T21:35:00", "title": "Transgender policies will cause chaos in schools and lives.", "text": "Bullying is wrong and should be stopped. However, making strict rules laid out to \"affirm\" a gender-confused young person will cause chaos and draw more attention to the young person in question. This is likely to lead to bullying outside school, where the chance of getting away with it is greater, so will be of no advantage to that student. Schoolkids have enough concerns related to growing up. Why are \"wise\" adults adding another one? Most kids feel inadequate, especially physically, and most have feelings of not quite fitting in. Should we burden them with the possibility that the physical equipment they were born with is somehow not appropriate, that they are not the boy or girl they have known themselves to be but rather may be one of a list of other possibilities sometimes requiring medicines, surgeries, change in names, etc.? Kids don't think up this stuff on their own...at least they didn't till our hypersexualized culture brought it up. Aside from the burden placed on teachers to keep up with the latest pronoun changes \"preferred\" by fickle students at the risk of their jobs, this law provides a new way for students and their parents to torment teachers or to get rid of any they dislike for other reasons. Several kids changing pronouns every few days to make the teacher stumble? Anyone who was ever a schoolkid or a teacher knows this nightmare scenario is not farfetched. Our schools will constantly be embroiled in litigation. Transgender students who look like girls are acceptable in the girls' bathroom. Transgender students who look like boys need to use the boys' bathroom. That's simple. No changing from day to day, though. Or the schools could spend money making separate mini-bathrooms, each with its own door, for anybody to use. That would work and probably help with bullying, which is rampant in school bathrooms anyway. It would be expensive, but probably not as much as hiring bathroom monitors to make sure of who's where. While ostensibly creating a policy to support the gender-confused, who would be a distinct, barely-recognizable minority if it hadn't become \"cool\" and \"edgy\", this policy tramples on the rights of people of faith, many of whom believe God makes two clearly-recognizable genders. This point of view, while not \"cool\" or \"edgy\", is well-represented in our schools. Let's not take away their right to their beliefs to trumpet the few, most of whom would probably rather not be noticed for their differences anyway. No more bullying...of the gender-confused, of people of faith, of oh, maybe redheads? Let's just treat each other kindly and not divide into categories unnecessarily with strangling legislation to support that division."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91558", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T21:40:00", "title": "Support- Prevent Teen Suicide", "text": "More than half of transgender male teens reported attempting suicide in their lifetime, while 29.9 percent of transgender female teens said they attempted suicide. Among non-binary youth, 41.8 percent stated that they had attempted suicide at some point in their lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91559", "author": "Sue Zeanah, Teacher", "date": "2021-01-26T21:53:00", "title": "I Support Trans-Affirming Policies in Schools", "text": "I support trans-affirming policies in schools. Our students need leadership that sees them, hears them and supports them. Trans-affirming policies treats transgender students with respect which is not only required by law, but is how everyone should be treated. Transgender students are protected under Title IX and by the US Constitution and by having trans-affirming policies in schools, you are explicitly protecting transgender students from discrimination. I agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics who said \"Transgender youth, like all children, flourish when they feel supported. Therefore, the [AAP] policy emphasizes a gender-affirmative model of developmentally appropriate care oriented toward understanding and appreciating the gender experience of all youths.\" The policy recommends \"advocacy with school districts, communities, and policymakers to promote acceptance, inclusion and legal protection for all children without fear of harassment, exclusion or bullying because of gender expression.\" Please support transgender students with nondiscrimination policies that promote respect and equity for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91560", "author": "Sheryl Johnson", "date": "2021-01-26T21:55:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "This pastor strongly supports this. Trans lives deserve dignity and respect as we all do.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91561", "author": "Stephanie Wilcox", "date": "2021-01-26T22:02:00", "title": "Support the guidance and protect the rights of *ALL* students, especially LGBTQ+", "text": "I am pleased to see the progress being made towards a more inclusive environment for transgender and non-binary students. My children are rather young, ages 5 and 8, and while they have not expressed any feelings of gender dysphoria, one of their best friends has. Just like any other parent, I want my children to live a safe and happy life, I want them to have access to everything they need, especially while they’re at school, and especially if they were to be struggling with their gender identity. I’m so happy to share that our experience with re-learning proper pronouns and the true name of our friend has not been as difficult or confusing for my children as I had imagined it might be - our children are capable of normalizing the “shift” towards a more inclusive future and I think we should too. I support the guidance and appreciate the attention to this matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91562", "author": "Marjie Longshore", "date": "2021-01-26T22:26:00", "title": "Support our children - all children! Conforming and non-conforming identities are valued here.", "text": "I know firsthand the impact of supporting a young child with a non-conforming gender identity. Being able to open your heart and arms wide enough to make a circle of acceptance and love is empowering not just for the child but for the whole community. This work is important and needed. The good thought that is behind this initiative in Virginia is inspiring and is a model that others can follow. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91563", "author": "Shaun Tarantelli", "date": "2021-01-26T22:31:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "I am in strong support of these necessary policies for transgendered students and youth.  These policies are but a bare minimum for what should be expected of schools to provide inclusion and equity for all.  Students should, without question, view school as a place where they can learn and grow in a safe environment, and schools absolutely need to strive towards achieving that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91564", "author": "Richard Rabil, Jr.", "date": "2021-01-26T22:49:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose - Help Children Love and Embrace Their Bodies", "text": "I appreciate the Department of Education's efforts in researching and proposing policies on this important issue. All students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, political views, etc., should be treated with dignity, kindness, love, and respect. Nevertheless, I strongly oppose this policy proposal for several reasons. One, I disagree with the document authors' definition of gender \"a set of social, psychological, and emotional traits.\" The problem with this definition is that it leaves out genetics and biological traits. Two, the document lays out guidance for withholding information about a student's gender identity from the student's parents. I realize that the goal is to protect students in such cases who may have unsafe homes or unsupportive families. But then the solution should be to address the unsafe or unsupportive family, not to institute a policy that gives schools the power to conceal such important information from parents about their own children. Three, the proposal includes policies that would force school employees to use a student's preferred gender pronoun whether they agree with it or not. This is a violation of free speech, not to mention a potential violation of religious freedom if a school employee's religious/moral conscience directs them to speak what they believe is true---that gender, among other things, is determined by one's biology. A school employee may thus feel compelled out of love to tell the truth by using a student's original name. Four, in my reading of this document and in my own research, I do not see enough evidence to show that minors have the maturity to make lasting decisions about something so central to their identity as gender. I therefore do not think there should be policies in place that force people to go along with a student's decision, when in fact the student's decision could well change --- and when in fact a more helpful solution may be, through many patient and kind and loving conversations, to help a student love and embrace the body they were born with. Of course I recognize that there are students who feel a dysphoria between their biological sex and their gender expression. This is a painful and difficult thing, and such students should be loved, and cared for, and helped. But it does not mean that gender identity is simply what students \"think\" or \"feel\" it to be irrespective of their biology, and that we should therefore institute policies to encourage and cement this choice. To do so would be an arbitrary act of privileging the mind over the body, an act which in fact encourages a low view of one's body because it teaches children that their bodies are malleable, and thus ultimately irrelevant, to who they are. I therefore believe such policies would ultimately be harmful to students' view of themselves. The better solution for students who experience gender dysphoria is to help them love and accept their own bodies. This would require parents to teach their children who experience dysphoria that certain activities and social roles needn't be gendered, and indeed that certain gender stereotypes are false: it is perfectly acceptable, for example, for a woman to be rational, assertive, to take charge, and to love sports and outdoors. Likewise it is perfectly acceptable for a man to be gentle and emotional, and to love music and arts. We don't need new school policies on this front; we need loving and engaged parents who are committed to walking with their children when they experience gender dysphoria to help them grow into a more holistic understanding of their gender --- an understanding that respects biology and affirms that girls can have boy interests and vice versa."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91565", "author": "Amanda Robertson", "date": "2021-01-26T23:02:00", "title": "Please oppose this measure", "text": "Dear Virginia Legislature, Please vote to oppose this measure as it is currently written. I understand that this is a measure that is meant to enhance the environment for public education. ALL kids DO need to receive respect and have equal opportunity for quality EDUCATION. However, this measure distracts from the task of education. That is our goal in school, correct? We are working to equip our children with foundational tools of how to learn and communicate within the fields of math, literature, writing, history, arts, and the scientific method. There is an increasing emphasis on self-expression in the educational world that, especially for younger children, can be extremely stressful and cause significant confusion. How is an individual expected to know or express their mind if all that is in it is the stuff of childhood? Children (and adults, for that matter) derive confidence from knowledge of their world. I give my child an education based on fact so that he or she is able to stand confidently on that foundation in order to then make sense of their world. I do not send my child to school so that he or she can first become enlightened of what originates from his or her mind. If a subject is too complex, we save those topics for when their minds are more mature and can better understand them. Please, be gentle. Honestly, the kids who are confused and uncertain about how to live in the skin in which they were born deserve to be treated with compassion, but with discretion. It’s akin to walking around with a bone hanging out of your arm, and, instead of seeking healing, you force everyone else to look at it and talk about it. This is not conducive to a positive learning environment. American schools are commonly known to be failing. The number one documented reason we are failing is the lack of involvement from parents. This measure states clearly that if a parent fails to follow the child’s desires regarding his/her/its gender, the parent is to be cut off from responsibility and gives the school administration power to act on behalf of the child. This is a legislative path that guarantees a further removal of parental involvement in schools, and entrusts the government to provide what the child, and thus eventually, society as a whole, needs to develop to maturity. Given the failure of the schools to ensure the majority of graduating seniors can read above a 5th grade level, and most don’t understand United States history, let alone world history and where the United States stands within it, this is not encouraging. Virginia legislature can and must do better to promote a healthy learning environment for all students and support their teachers. If a child needs private facilities while sorting through feelings, they ought to be available, as per current nondiscrimination policies. Likewise, bullying should never be tolerated for any reason under the same policies. If a child is struggling with family, the best course of action for all involved is to seek healing for that family. It is not enough just to let the child to manage these feelings alone. This will only lead to further confusion, feelings of isolation, and possibly suicide. However, the accommodations for one student cannot infringe upon the consideration of other students. Other commenters have appropriately argued against the use of toilet and locker room facilities by individuals with different genitalia. Thank you for your consideration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91566", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-26T23:12:00", "title": "Policy will increase suicide rates", "text": "Policy will increase suicide rates"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91567", "author": "Jennifer Free", "date": "2021-01-26T23:54:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. Teach them absolute truth!", "text": "Teach children that they are made in the image of God, male and female. Absolute truth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91568", "author": "K Edwards", "date": "2021-01-27T00:09:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to transgender policies", "text": "I am strongly opposed to these transgender policies which would further confuse and bring harm to our children.  I believe such policies are to be considered child abuse!  Teen suicide is at an all time high and it’s no wonder with policies such as these.  It is total insanity to purposely teach our children such lies.  Children will not even be safe to use the restroom at school if boys are allowed into the girls bathrooms and vice versa.  There will be no privacy or safety at school for any of our children!  I hope and pray this doesn’t pass but if it does I think every parent should take their children out of the public school system immediately!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91569", "author": "Ashley Franklin", "date": "2021-01-27T05:54:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "I strongly support the compassionate treatment of all students and ask that you value the guidance and expertise of the professionals and parents who love and support their children. You will never be wrong supporting human decency and rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91570", "author": "W Johnson", "date": "2021-01-27T07:57:00", "title": "Please don't persecute children in your attempt to stop persecution of others.", "text": "These proposals would persecute children while attempting to alleviate the persecution of others. Almost everyone would agree that it is paramount that every child feels supported both at home and at school. Instead of accomplishing this, these proposals would Confuse many children that are currently not confused Result in children being removed from school systems Cause undue stress for children with their privacy violated (sharing restrooms and locker rooms with those of other anatomies. I understand the intent, but there are better ways to accomplish this. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91571", "author": "Gail Forry", "date": "2021-01-27T08:04:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Sexual orientation is determined at conception by God.  It is not taught in a classroom.  I do not approve of my tax dollars being spent on ruining children and undermining family values. Bullying is a popular topic and pushing a false ideology is a form of bullying."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91572", "author": "April Davis", "date": "2021-01-27T08:57:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "Equal rights for all humans. Let kids who feel transgender, non-binary or gay taught that it is ok so those who do don't get discriminated and be singled out, then stifle their feeling and become depressed and unhappy and suicidal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91573", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T09:01:00", "title": "This is child abuse, parental abuse, and admistraion abuse, and abuse of teachers.", "text": "Where is the wisdom of those in leadership?  Placate a tiny minority of confused children and torture everyone else.(Administration, teachers, parents, and most of all the children) You want to jeopardize the privacy and safety of my daughter in bathrooms and locker room?. This violates all reason and common sense in so many ways. The fact that it is being purposed is shameful intellectually, sociologically, psychologically, ethically, morally and spiritually. If this goes through it will not be because it is good and right for our children it will be an abuse of power to placate the perverse minority who scream the loudest. You will be held accountable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91574", "author": "Jeff Neese", "date": "2021-01-27T09:24:00", "title": "This is Anti-Scientific and Prohibitive of the 1st Amendment", "text": "This proposal promotes the denial of science and is a violation of the First Amendment.  We should not be teaching our children to deny science nor should we be teaching them that truth is relative.  We should not wonder why our society can no longer agree as to what are facts and can be so easily misled by misinformation when we no longer consider such a basic biological fact of sex identification as absolute truth.  If a person becomes male or female based solely on how they feel, then it certainly follows that other facts become true or not true based solely on how a person feels.  It is a scientific fact that if the 23rd pair of chromosomes are XX, that person is a female while if they are XY that person is a male.  Schools should be teaching scientific facts.  Please don't produce science deniers. Additionally, this bill which is said to be aimed towards antidiscrimination and freedom of speech, actually allows for open top-down discrimination and inhibits freedom of speech. The bill cites: \"First Amendment: The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and expression. Schools may not prevent students from expressing their identity.\" This bill does not address the first amendment rights of children who believe in science and wish to express that males and females are determined biologically and that they do not want to be in a locker room or bathroom with a person who is a different biological sex. This bill sets up a false narrative.  There are currently no laws that prohibit children who have gender dysphoria from attending school and learning in a safe environment free from harassment.  No reasonable person thinks that child should be prohibited from attending school without the school staff or other children from bullying them.  No one should be threatened.  However, this bill takes it a step too far when claiming that calling a person with XY chromosomes \"he\" is a form of intimidation and bullying.  If this is bullying and threatening, then it is only more logical that forcing someone who believes in biology to call a boy \"she\" or a girl \"he\" is also a form of bullying, threatening, and intimidation.  Additionally, if you tell the children that people must conform to the demands of their emotions, regardless of facts, you will be producing a generation that is no way prepared for the real world. To explicitly state that an employee who consistently refuses to deny science by using the pronouns that are biologically correct is discriminatory is a violation of that employee's First Amendment Right.  I repeat, this is a violation of a person's First Amendment Right.  People have the First Amendment Right to affirm basic biological truths and state that they do not accept the very new trend in denying this truth. This is also a violation of the First Amendment which states \"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;...\"  Forcing people to deny the Biblical truth as stated in Matthew 19:4  \"...he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,\"  is prohibiting the free exercise of religion. Another area in which this bill actually creates discrimination is in regards to bathrooms and locker rooms.  The document states: \"All students are entitled to have access to restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities that are sanitary, safe, and adequate, so that they can comfortably and fully engage in their school programs and activities. This begs the question, what about students who do not feel comfortable changing in a locker room where there are people of the opposite biological sex?  Why is the comfort of the teenage daughter who doesn't want to change in a locker room with a biological boy less valued than the comfort of the biological boy who wants to change with the teenage girl?  The document also specifically states \"It can be emotionally harmful for a transgender student to be questioned regarding the use of restrooms and facilities. School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.\"  This is effectively a free for all in which everyone can use any restroom, locker room, or shower that they desire.  All reasonable persons know that this is a terrible idea that opens the door for more harassment. I will not go into all of the ways in which this is also actually harmful to those whom it is supposedly trying to help as this is covered in many other posts."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91575", "author": "Claire Jane Sawyer", "date": "2021-01-27T09:27:00", "title": "ing religious anti-LGBT bigot snowflakes everywhere", "text": "ing straight white caucasian s acting like they will be a victim of something by allowing someone to be who they are. Virginia rednecks whining that this somehow affects their \"rights\". People with no scientific knowledge past their redneck 5th grade education claiming to be the authority of science. Religious pieces of using their religion to oppress others. Failure to pass this kills children and ruins lives. No parents will be harmed by this. They will just whine because they are religious anti-freedom pieces of who deserve to die a painful death of cancer"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91576", "author": "Pat Hall", "date": "2021-01-27T09:52:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose this unwise craziness", "text": "This totally craziness.  Very unwise.  Bowing to perversion.  Let parents and families deal with issue. Schools should stay clear.  Separate bathrooms. As always! Enough outside influence for perversion without schools doing it too!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91577", "author": "Christine Heimburg", "date": "2021-01-27T09:53:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I strongly support this document and these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91578", "author": "Bryan Bailey", "date": "2021-01-27T10:01:00", "title": "Opposed; Please do not allow this policy to exist", "text": "There are many reasons that this policy is inappropriate and many reasons are listed in other comments inserted here by others who do not want this policy to exist in our schools.  I will not recap all the same comments, but please know that as a Virginia resident and parent of children, this transgender policy is reckless, stifling to child development, and a clear lack of attachment to reality.  Please do not let this pass."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91579", "author": "Angie Brement", "date": "2021-01-27T10:05:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "My daughter has several gay and trans friends in school who are often bullied.  Measures need to be in place to give them support.  I strongly support this measure!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91580", "author": "Deborah Kim", "date": "2021-01-27T10:21:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I am a VA parent and I don't want the children who are my children's friends to be confused and misunderstanding the goodness of being a woman and a man. They are young children and the government of VA should not brainwash the children with the idea of sex confusion and misinterpretation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91581", "author": "Claude Chew", "date": "2021-01-27T10:41:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this transgender policy. It is harmful to confuse children with leftist indoctrination about gender identity. It is in the best interest of children and the future leaders of the state of Virginia to celebrate and affirm their God-given biological gender as male and female."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91582", "author": "Cole Mallard", "date": "2021-01-27T10:48:00", "title": "Parents rights must be respected", "text": "It is incomprehensible to me that educated adults (e.g. our policy makers, educators, SWs, etc) believe that these policies will be for the betterment of ALL  K-12 school children.  When did our schools stray so far from their main academic purpose of teaching STEM, the arts,  and the basics of reading, composition, and math?  I fear there is an insidious agenda involved here.  90% of children with some form of gender confusion (dysphoria) grow out of it by the time they reach early adulthood if properly addressed.  The proposed policies will only lead to greater confusion and danger (primarily for young girls) especially in locker room scenarios. Leaving parents out of important information and decision-making regarding their children is absolutely wrong, and in my opinion verges on criminality. Please help confused children and don't harm others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91583", "author": "Raymond DiFilippo", "date": "2021-01-27T10:55:00", "title": "Absolutely Oppose is the Strongest Terms!", "text": "This is anti-science.  Pander to a very small minority of confused kids and put every child under this same confusion, only now for someone as an authority figure in the children lives promoting and giving legitimacy to this doctrine of a minority of confused adults.  You're enabling predators in locker rooms, bathrooms putting the safety and purity my grandchildren in jeopardy.  This is wrong on so many levels...This is anti-God!  This denies the plan facts of birth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91584", "author": "Ron Teeter", "date": "2021-01-27T11:05:00", "title": "I strongly support these model policies!", "text": "I strongly support these policies. It's time to affirm transgender yout."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91585", "author": "Nick Lolli", "date": "2021-01-27T11:15:00", "title": "Strong Support", "text": "As an LGBTQ+ person, I was not comfortable coming out until I began medical school. My schools growing up provided absolutely no support for students and I witnessed first hand the daily hardships of other students, especially trans girls. Those memories still affect my ability to be myself in all settings, and I know that earlier interventions can help all students regardless of gender and sexuality. I wholeheartedly support these policies and hope children of Virginia can learn to be inclusive as part of their public education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91587", "author": "Scott", "date": "2021-01-27T11:36:00", "title": "Oppose proposals that promote gender confusion", "text": "I recently read a study that claimed children today have more fears and anxiety than the average psychiatric patient did in the 1950s. Ours is an age of anxiety, especially for children who are among the most vulnerable in society. As a teacher with a VA teaching license for over 30 years, I am concerned about much in our schools: poor discipline, weak academics, drugs, bullying, etc. Why would we want to support gender confusion, boys in girls' locker rooms and bathrooms, etc.? Let schools be schools and teachers focus on teaching content and helping individuals. I am concerned if these extreme proposals are allowed, we will see more confusion and anxiety among our young people, plus even more qualified teachers leaving the profession if they think they are busier doing \"social engineering\" than actually teaching and helping students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91588", "author": "NGreen", "date": "2021-01-27T11:44:00", "title": "No- A unjust burden and irresponsible", "text": "This type of burden upon teachers and students is unjust in a republic. Parental rights are tossed away with these laws, teachers and students will be sued and penalized at the whime and unscupulious designs of those pushing this agenda. The rights of 99.9999999 percent of students will be dismissed as not important. This is only cause confusion, resentment, and loss of teachers who already are burdened with teaching during this pandemic."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91589", "author": "Stephen DeMichele", "date": "2021-01-27T11:48:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!  Please \"follow the science\" on this", "text": "I fear for my grandchildren.  Bullying not by peers, but by curricula forced upon teachers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91590", "author": "Karen Astello", "date": "2021-01-27T11:54:00", "title": "Prounouns", "text": "Regarding the matter of students utilizing different pronouns, the letter I received on my porch was very misleading. Students do not change pronouns daily or even weekly. The regulation changes that are being implemented is only harmful to a child whose parents want to deny that their child may not be heterosexual. It is important to listen to your child when they tell you they look one way on the outside, but feel a different way on the outside. Your child is there own person, they are not mini versions of yourself. Allow students  to their right to live their life in the manner they choose. Blocking them from being their authentic self will only help lead children to suicide because their family tells them they are not normal.....This letter is again very misleading and I believe is being used as a scare tactic for the inevitable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91591", "author": "JM", "date": "2021-01-27T12:12:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth/Students", "text": "As a medical professional, I urge you to please consider your support for measures that would protect transgender youth and students. Like every other human, they deserve equal access to places free from discrimination. Please do not let the hateful speech from those who would seek to subjugate and denigrate these amazing and beautiful souls to shape your decisions related to transgender and non-binary anti-discrimination legislation. They need you to go to bat for them to guarantee the equal protections they all deserve. Many thanks, JM"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91592", "author": "Wayne Sharon", "date": "2021-01-27T12:13:00", "title": "Transgender Indoctrination in VA Schools is a BAD IDEA", "text": "Transgender Indoctrination in VA Schools is a BAD IDEA !! Children and youngsters are confused enough about social ideas and experiments.  God teaches us that He created males and females for procreation.  There should not be any teachings that deviate from Creations plan. Please scrap this idea !! /s/ Wayne Sharon"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91593", "author": "David McTaggart", "date": "2021-01-27T12:17:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Schools", "text": "I support these model policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91594", "author": "Ryan Slevin", "date": "2021-01-27T12:23:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "We need to protect all children, not just the ones that fit into cisgender boxes.  Please help us protect our kids and offer a safe place for them to learn."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91595", "author": "Akari Hernandez", "date": "2021-01-27T12:27:00", "title": "Support Trans Students!", "text": "As an LGBTQ high school student, I strongly support these measures to help protect my trans brothers, sisters, and siblings in Virginia's public schools. From a teaching perspective, we know that students cannot intake information and learn in environments where they are unsafe or their needs are not met. To not implement these policies to protect trans students would be to deny them an education outright."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91596", "author": "Kate Hall", "date": "2021-01-27T12:34:00", "title": "This protects all students!", "text": "Treating transgender students fairly is a human right. Further, ensuring fair treatment protects all students by ensuring that classrooms are not becoming detailed by personal feelings/calling out differences amongst kids and against trans students-they have every right to have equal safe access to schools. Keep VA schools safe!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91597", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T12:39:00", "title": "Model policies for trans students", "text": "I support the model policies.  Everyone needs to be able to be sure that their identities are fully respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91598", "author": "Nichole Drummond", "date": "2021-01-27T12:58:00", "title": "7 HOURS", "text": "7 hours is how long my transgender child held her urine during every school day. She actually changed her natural body function so that she wouldn't make other children feel uncomfortable in the school bathroom. Changing for gym was also a struggle. Imagine how difficult it is to concentrate when you have to urinate? Add on a processing disorder.... my child is my hero. Obviously, I fully support this bill. Giving schools the opportunity to truly focus on helping all children in any way they can so that they can be successful members in our communuty is positive and a win-win. Fortunately, my neighborhood schools built in concessions for my child once I was made aware of what she was doing, 2 school years later... But I think of other children in other schools that are not as progressive as mine in the commonwealth. This bill will protect them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91599", "author": "Abigail Akre", "date": "2021-01-27T13:06:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this measure. All transgender and non binary students deserve to have policies in place that protect their rights. So many children, including children of my close friends, would benefit from this measure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91600", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T13:08:00", "title": "I stand with our youth", "text": "Children of all ages deserve our love ad support. Allowing all people to be who they are not only affirms that they have the right to exist but that they are seen and safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91601", "author": "Miller Oberman", "date": "2021-01-27T13:10:00", "title": "Support trans students!", "text": "As a trans adult who attended school in Virginia (Western Albemarle and Albemarle counties) between the ages of 9-18, (I graduated high school in 1997) I can attest to the fact that passing this guidance document is a huge step in the right direction. Trans and LGBTQIA+ kids have no reason to feel safe at school without steps like these. I was not safe at school and knew it, and although I \"survived\" others did not. This will save and improve lives, it is a matter of the most basic human rights. Thank you, Miller Oberman"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91602", "author": "Beth Morrissey", "date": "2021-01-27T13:25:00", "title": "Support Transgender Student Protection", "text": "I support the guidance.  My transgender son was bullied and physically harmed after he came out despite being in one of the most supportive schools in Fairfax County.  I do not want any other transgender child to go through this trauma. Please support the guidance and ensure emotional and physical protection for all students in the Commonwealth of VA."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91603", "author": "Michelle", "date": "2021-01-27T13:31:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "All students should have equal access to safe schools.  This is an equity issue.  I strongly support best practices for school districts.  It is essential for our public school systems to teach teachers and staff ways to offer best practices for students.  Lets continue to support students and create safe schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91604", "author": "Brittany Rose, parent to 3 Virginia public school students", "date": "2021-01-27T13:32:00", "title": "In strong support of this guidance", "text": "I strongly support the adoption of this guidance to help protect the rights, safety, and wellbeing of our trans students here in Virginia. Protecting a vulnerable group of students comprised of young people who are too often subject to bullying at school and rejection from their family of origin is the right and just thing to do. Systemic discrimination against trans students serves the best interests of no one - not our straight kids, not our cisgender kids, not our trans kids, nor anyone else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91605", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T13:36:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose. Instead of enabling our children and confusing them because we don't want to hurt their feelings, it is our duty as parents and children of God to teach them what is right from wrong and tell them the truth.  It is wrong to be someone you are not, God created men and women.  This policy will confuse our children and perhaps make them think they have a choice.  The fact the schools can hide this from parents and help kids endure this behavior is mind troubling. I have known plenty of people that just go with the flow because they want to experiment, or they want to feel like they are different and special because parents are not doing their job at home.  Parents need to support our children watch over them and guide them. A lot of parents let the electronic devices and social media parent their kids because they are too tired to deal with them and that is the biggest problem. Please people lets open our eyes, if you think this policy will improve the bullying, well you have another thing coming, if anything this will intensify it. Think COVID a lot of kids are currently being abused at home mentally, physically and sexually and a lot of them suffer from anxiety, depression and anger. Take that and coming back to school and with this horrific policy and see what happens. They are trying to shove this down our throats.  They are worried about them but not thinking of how this will impact the rest of our children and that is not fair."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91606", "author": "Lilith Zarling", "date": "2021-01-27T13:37:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance and keep our schools safe for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91607", "author": "Theresa Parriott", "date": "2021-01-27T13:42:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "It is downright wrong to disregard the role of parents in public education. The schools’ responsibility is to provide a quality education in a safe environment for all its students. Period. It should be irrelevant what the psycho-social issue is, as it defines policies of treatment of students. There should be a zero tolerance of bullying by or directed at ANY student. It is not the role of the school to change social structures."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91608", "author": "richard doyle", "date": "2021-01-27T13:44:00", "title": "100 % in favor of accommodations!", "text": "This is LONG overdue. Every child in our Commonwealth deserves and has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. And to not be subjected to treatment that interfers with their right to an education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91609", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-27T14:25:00", "title": "Support Transgender Students", "text": "I am writing in favor of the supports identified in this guidance document, such as using a student's preferred pronouns and respecting gender identity in the school building, classes, and extracurriculars. This is a forward step for our state in creating a more equitable school environment for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94537", "author": "Marcus", "date": "2021-02-02T22:22:00", "title": "In Support", "text": "I am in strong support. All members of the community should have reasonable expectations for a supportive learning environment away from hate and discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94538", "author": "Andrew P. Schneidawind", "date": "2021-02-02T22:22:00", "title": "IN ABSOLUTE SUPPORT", "text": "This state is in dire need of ordinance that protects our trans population and members of the LGBTQ community. Trans people are human beings just like the rest of us and they need the proper protections that they are entitled to. We need to ensure they are treated fairly in the school system as well. Please pass this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94539", "author": "TS", "date": "2021-02-02T22:23:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "These policies are an atrocious abuse of children’s rights, safety and freedoms under guise of ‘any-sex-equality’. It is a parents legal duty, and inherent right, to guard and guide their children in all matters - removing a parent from the conversation/decision-making is OVERREACH at the UTMOST and should never be considered."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94540", "author": "Nancy C Bleeker", "date": "2021-02-02T22:23:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Virginia public schools must support and students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94541", "author": "Sydney Scafidi", "date": "2021-02-02T22:26:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support the guidance!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94542", "author": "Danny", "date": "2021-02-02T22:27:00", "title": "Strongly Support!! Trans rights are human rights.", "text": "These changes are essential to protecting trans children in schools. This isn't a question of whether your religion supports transgender people or not, this is a question of whether we protect all our students from all walks of life. To oppose these implementations is to oppose protecting the mental wellbeing of our youth. Protecting trans kids does not harm your religious freedom. Refusing to protect transgender people however, strips away their human rights and means we are treating trans people as lesser."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94543", "author": "MIKKLE BAK", "date": "2021-02-02T22:28:00", "title": "Treatment of Transgender Students and Spaces", "text": "As I read the proposed agenda for public school treatment of Transgender students, I am saddened by the lack of safety by which these guidelines have been outlined. The term “feel safe” is just as ambiguous as the idea that the “safe” part is present. I understand the transgender idea was never meant to discriminate or paralyze the individual, but the term itself places them in a corner doing the very thing the fight is against. Back to my point, “feeling safe” because no one questions the actions of the student, only is “safe” if EACH AND EVERY student is honestly seeking their own safe space without malicious intent. Using the guise of Transgender, with these provisos, will then allow those aggressive students to mask their intent LEGALLY without being questioned by those who have been tasked to keep the safety and welfare of EACH AND EVERY student secure. If those in authority cannot ascertain reasonable safeguards by investigating issues prior to someone getting abused emotionally, sexually, or physically, there is no “safe” to feel. I also understand that Parents and Administrators all don’t have the same value systems or understanding as the transgender community espouses, and the remarks, actions and power plays by them often go overlooked and passed over as “the right way to reach these kids.” Personally, have worked closely with children and teens for over 25 years. I have seen their desires both positive and negative. One thing I do know, the parent, no matter my view of their parenting skill or lack of, needs to have a say in the child’s life, especially, when it comes to their safety (emotionally, physically and sexually). The ties to the parent cross more boundaries than idealogical ones. Working with the parent to solve the issues will bring about a better result than subverting those ties and taking a minor into the state’s care. You will find parents won’t “feel safe” in public schools because they won’t be allowed to have a hand in their child’s protection. I feel these guidelines need to be revised to provide the authorities and parents with reasonable protective powers and not have it weigh solely on the students’ “honesty” in order for there to be a true “safe space” in public school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94544", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:28:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT, trans students deserve respect", "text": "This policy change is extremely important and past overdue! No child can learn or grow in a school environment if they don't feel safe and respected, and these changes to school policy will ensure that trans students can feel just as valued as cis students, and worry about school or activities instead of their safety or rights being violated. These changes will benefit Everyone! Virginia needs to pass this and do the bare minimum when it comes to caring about our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94545", "author": "Murray Thompson", "date": "2021-02-02T22:29:00", "title": "Unfair to young women participating in sports.", "text": "Makes no sense whatsoever to allow a transgender person (male chromosome) participate in sporting events against young women.  Now im sure that if you were the proud parent of a young transgender that wanted to play a sport, you would want the same rights given as others.  But let me ask you this, if you were to put yourself in the shoes of the the young woman's parents.  lets say who lost her position on the track team to a transgender (male chromosome) person.  What would you tell her?  Maybe, suck it up and try harder? Or that maybe she should try out for a non school team?  And heaven forbid she's working towards a scholarship.  Just as long as you get what you want, nothing else matters right? I strongly disagree."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94547", "author": "Molly Ellis", "date": "2021-02-02T22:29:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support this guidance—it’s a necessary step at providing safe places for ALL students to learn and grow"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94546", "author": "Sam Cooksey", "date": "2021-02-02T22:29:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I support efforts to accommodate the trans community in Virginia public schools and I believe this proposal would positively address several issues of relevance to them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94548", "author": "Hayley", "date": "2021-02-02T22:30:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support the rights of transgender students and support the lawmakers protecting their rights within the schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94549", "author": "Kevin Breza", "date": "2021-02-02T22:31:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "All of our students need to have a safe and secure place where they feel comfortable for a learning environment.  Without this it has been shown through many studies that children (and adults for that matter) are severely limited in their ability to learn and grow.  All children deserve the right to a place where they can maximize their potential.  This benefits all of our society whether you agree with who they are.  Our society is strongest when we support one another and this model policy is a good step towards supporting all of our children.  It is not the end goal, but it gives us the opportunity to move in the right direction.  Diminishing those who are not like you does not uplift you nor our society and we should not allow that to occur in places where we nurture the next generation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94550", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:31:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support creating and executing law that protects Virginia’s transgender students in the public school setting. Every child no matter how they choose present themselves to society should have the ability to receive a public education without a fear of being intimidated or threatened."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94551", "author": "Cathy Comer", "date": "2021-02-02T22:31:00", "title": "School Transgender policies", "text": "I do not believe the \"government\" should usurp the rights and responsibilities of Parents! The job of the school is only to teach math, english, history etc.  Their job ends when the student leaves the school grounds.  The parents responsibilities are the rest of the day, night, weekends, teacher workdays, vacations, and summers.  If the school does not communicate their concerns about a students behavior and something happens to that student and it was found out that the school personnel knew about it, there would be real legal consequences! Students aged 0 to 18 years of age are legally considered children.  From 10 to 18+ they are going through strong hormonal changes in their lives.  I think it criminal to give them puberty blocker hormones!  They should be given psychiatric and psychological support until age 18 when they can decide which sex they choose.  Becouse it is a CHOICE if they decide to change their sex. I think the solution to this is for each school to build a transgender bathroom for each chosen sex. I think \"prefered pronouns\" are a distraction for school personnal that would distract from the ability for them to teach."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94552", "author": "Shelby Hersem", "date": "2021-02-02T22:32:00", "title": "Strongly SUPPORT", "text": "Trans rights are human rights! All children deserve equal treatment however they choose to identify."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94553", "author": "Emily P", "date": "2021-02-02T22:32:00", "title": "Support ALL Students", "text": "A debate on basic rights and acceptance in schools is not a debate. This document should not even have to be made to provide the same protections for students in school as any other student. Whether you are an educator, school counselor, parent, or administrator, you have a responsibility to protect and accept the students that come into your school and your home every day. If your love and acceptance is limited to sex and identity, you should not be an educator. Even further, you shouldn't become a parent if there are limits to who your child can be to be worthy of your acceptance and love. Education is a fundamental right that ALL children deserve to have SAFE and FAIR access to. Students who identify as transgender are no less part of their school than students that identify as the sex they were assigned at birth. Who are you to say they shouldn't have the same rights?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94554", "author": "hannah kehoe", "date": "2021-02-02T22:32:00", "title": "trans students deserve respect", "text": "trans people are real and deserve the same respect any cisgender student gets. as a trans nonbinary person, if these boundaries existed while i was in k-12 i would have felt so much safer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94555", "author": "Dianna Hankins", "date": "2021-02-02T22:33:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose these policies being considered because there are absolutely no provisions for or exceptions for students, teachers and administrators whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. I strongly oppose these policies based upon the fact that students accused of not aligning themselves with them can under these suggested guidelines be interrogated without the knowledge of their parents. No minor should have to undergo such an ordeal at all and certainly no minor should have to undergo it alone without parental intervention. I strongly oppose these guidelines which bully anyone who disagrees with them. Instead of seeking unity, they seek to dissolve unity more and more."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94556", "author": "Codey Logan", "date": "2021-02-02T22:34:00", "title": "Trans Rights", "text": "Students matter regardless of gender"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94557", "author": "JC", "date": "2021-02-02T22:34:00", "title": "Oppose transgender education", "text": "Anti bullying training is already in schools. It is wrong  for school administrators to contradict the religious beliefs of thousands of families in order to curry political favor. Every family on my street I have spoken with is against this. Who is paying the taxes that support your school? I do not want my elementary school children being told that they can change their gender. Nor is it right for school officials to  undermine a child’s parents by encouraging a child in that direction, failing to inform their parents, and report the parents if they fail to be “affirming”. Children should not be forced to use new gender neutral pronouns and punished if they choose not to. This is outrageous and anti- American. If you bring this leftist nonsense to Virginia you will see many families pull their children out of public school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94558", "author": "R. Mason", "date": "2021-02-02T22:35:00", "title": "Oppose Flawed Transgender Policy", "text": "I believe all children should feel safe and be treated with dignity and respect no matter what. The proposed policy on trans rights, however, is highly flawed and goes woefully beyond \"human rights\" to stripping away the rights of parents, creating a very confusing and potentially dangerous environment to the majority, in an effort to cater to the minority. There must be a balance and a way to protect ALL students while also respecting the parents' principle role in their child's life. Please do better lawmakers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94559", "author": "Reese Griffin", "date": "2021-02-02T22:35:00", "title": "100% SUPPORT", "text": "i am a non binary person in their 20s and all I want is safe and inclusive schools for all current and future students in Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94560", "author": "Libby Osburn", "date": "2021-02-02T22:35:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose, Violation of Constitutional Rights", "text": "As a former student of Virginia public schools, I am strongly opposed to the policies that are trying to be passed. You are asking faculty and students to go against their own convictions and worldview in order to accommodate for certain students. That discriminates against students and teachers who don’t agree with this worldview which is what you’re “trying” to avoid. The fact that students are allowed to do all of these things without their parents’ knowledge is horrific. These are minors who are still under their parents’ roof and guardianship. The parents have every right to know what is happening in their child’s life, and purposely leaving them out is unhealthy and just wrong. Also, these policies allow students to use whatever bathroom, locker room, changing room, etc. that they want with no questions asked. This leaves room for males to take advantage of that in order to go into the girls’ bathroom. That is not okay and is completely inappropriate. Girls should be able to feel safe at school, and these policies destroy that safety. Lastly, you allow no exceptions for faith, conscience, and basic biology. All of these policies go against our first amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion. These policies are horrific, and I am strongly against every single one of them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94561", "author": "Meg Muscat", "date": "2021-02-02T22:35:00", "title": "Support - Trans Rights are Human Rights", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. Trans youth needs to be protected at all costs. The suicide and homicide rates of trans people is frighteningly high. There is nothing taboo about discussions about gender identity, and hopefully it will help normalize the existence of trans folk enough that violence rates against them will go down. The argument that trans people violate someone else religion is nothing more than an insecurity on their part. Not only should religion be kept out of public schools, but there is nothing about a trans person’s existence that makes it impossible for someone else to practice their religion. Religion is NOT an excuse to neglect the needs of others, especially when it involves their personal safety or wellbeing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94562", "author": "Susan Belisle", "date": "2021-02-02T22:36:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "This is ludicrous!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94563", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:36:00", "title": "On \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools\"", "text": "This is the bare minimum that should be done to provide equitable quality of education to all students of all backgrounds. This is not a matter of faith. This is not a matter of politics. This is not an aggressive push for radical change in how we approach primary and secondary education. The policies outlined in this guidance document are the bare minimum that ought to be done. Comments and general replies in opposition largely cite safety concerns for students (with the implicit addendum of \"cisgender and heterosexual student safety concerns\"), with fringe arguments about athletics. This leads to the traditional discussion of restrooms, changing areas, and gendered health and physical education classes, which do require more tact and structure to ensure that all students are safe and comfortable in their learning environment. However, when one reads the guidance document pertaining to this discussion (found in either Dress Code or Access to Activities and Facilities), this concern is mute. The to-be voted on policies of the Virginia Department of Education adhere to any given Virginia and federal law. They are reasonable and accommodating to transgender and cisgender students alike. Yet there is still noticeable opposition to it. I repeat again: this is the bare minimum . To concede on anything within the document is to allow emotional (and potentially physical) harassment and abuse to transgender students. It is to deny them of the most basic rights they are entitled to, as to who they are and as to who they can become. Primary and secondary education are the pillars in creating good foundational skills in communications and many other social skills that are often taken for granted. In denying any one thing on this document is to set the precedent to transgender students that they are second merit to cisgender peers right from the starting line. Instead of presenting professional development opportunities and guiding them to what they want to pursue, we are inadvertently creating and inflicting upon transgender students an environment where they constantly have to exist as another version of themselves, contrary to what they would like to be. It is the soul-crushing equivalent of telling a child who wants to be an astronaut that they must become a tax accountant instead, and if they deviate from that path any one bit, they deserve all the harassment, heckling, and pain they would receive for having \"an immature and nonsensical\" dream. It is worse, however, because a child will still go through the education system and mature, and they will eventually get to the point where they realize they can satisfy their own passion and throw others' suggested ideal of what they have to be to the wind. Transgender students do not have that ending. Transgender students, all too often, are sent down a self-deprecating, self-harming, and ultimately self-destructive spiral that never seems to end. Because they look in the mirror, see the environment they are in forcing an identity on them that never quite fits, and subsequently blame and hate themselves for being who they are. They look for outlets to escape the pain, both self-inflicted and by their environment, and some eventually fall onto suicide and suicidal ideation as an escape. Is that not abhorrent to imagine someone as young as twelve or thirteen years old to hate themselves that much, magnified by familial, social, and learning environments forcing them into an unfit identity? This should not be as much of a resolution needing to be passed or opposed as it should be a discussion of how do we avoid that fate for our students statewide. And this is the bare minimum to avoid such a fate. Please support the policies listed in the Guidance Document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94564", "author": "Jesus Christ", "date": "2021-02-02T22:36:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. I am in full support of the fair treatment of all of God's children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94565", "author": "Jenifer", "date": "2021-02-02T22:38:00", "title": "Protect my children", "text": "I do not want my children in a school where they are not protected or feel safe.  It is not right to remove parental rights and I certainly do not want my three children exposed to teachings, values, hidden and blatant agendas or physical actions that go against or beliefs!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94566", "author": "Mairin Hayes", "date": "2021-02-02T22:39:00", "title": "Strongly support! Trans rights are human rights!", "text": "I strongly support this legislation. Proactive action is KEY in supporting trans students and cultivating healthy, supportive, inclusive culture in and out of school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94567", "author": "Jenna", "date": "2021-02-02T22:39:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I personally have no problem with children or people in general wanting to go by a different gender, pronouns, or wanting to be equal. While I do not agree with it and I do not think it is right, I would never judge or want to make someone who thinks it is right to feel unequal or isolated. With that being said, I believe this new policy would isolate and discriminate against those who do not understand or support this new policy. Furthermore I believe this new policy will create problems at home and will contribute to more harassment and even possible sexual harassment and/or assault. The first part of the policy I would like to address is the first point: \"Failure to use a students preferred pronouns would be harassment and discrimination, resulting in disciplinary actions.\" Since pronouns can change from day-to-day how are people supposed to know what pronouns to use when addressing a student or classmate? The only way to avoid anyone being disciplined would be for students to wear name tags everyday with their preferred pronouns on those name tags or always carry/display some sort of identifying paper or label to avoid any conflicts or confusion between students and teachers. This may seem like a solution to some, but looking at it from every aspect, this would cause even more isolation or could embarrass those whose pronouns change from day-to-day. While I think it's important to make everyone feel safe and included, I do not think this policy will bring the feeling of safety or inclusion to anyone especially if someone could get into trouble . The next parts I would like to address are sections 2 and 9. Section 2 states that schools will help students explore, facilitate, and make decisions regarding their gender expression without the knowledge of their parents. Section 9 states that parents will not be notified if their child is being interrogated or disciplined and will not be able to intervene on their child's behalf unless the complaints are not resolved at the school level. The school system should not be able to keep secrets from a child's parent especially when that secret could potentially be a life changing decision or could result in a child being disciplined without a parents knowledge. If the school is going to have strict rules about things such as bringing in tylenol or having strict parental permission and written notes for minor things then what makes the school think that keeping vital information from parents regarding their children is okay or helpful at all? The fact that the school system thinks it would help children to keep their parents out of the loop and in the dark about such serious matters is ridiculous and deceitful. The last two parts of this proposed policy change are sections 6 and 7. These sections state that parents will not be notified if a biological male is using the same dressing room as their daughter and that all students will be able to use any bathroom or locker room they want to without any questions from faculty. These 2 sections create some real questions and concerns for everyone involved. If a biological male were to use the women's locker room it could open up opportunity for biological males who do not identify as a woman to abuse that rule and use it for an unsavory reason that could lead to an assault upon a female. Another reason this particular part of this new policy would be a bad idea would be because if a biological female were to identify as male and decided to use the men's bathroom or locker room they could be subject to harassment and possible assault. I do not think allowing students who identify as the gender they were not assigned to at birth to use the same bathroom or locker room as the gender they identify with on any given day is a good idea in the least. It could cause people to be uncomfortable changing or using their own facilities and it could open up to opportunity for students and even teachers to be harassed or assaulted. While I do understand that everyone would like to be treated fairly and would like to be comfortable with who they are, I do not think this particular part of the policy would help anyone to feel comfortable or safe and the fact that the parents would not be notified also creates problems. After reading through this policy and taking into consideration all sides of the problem (whether or not I agreed with that side) I have decided that I do not support this proposed policy as it would take away the feeling of safety, comfort, and the parents rights to be informed. If another policy were to be proposed with other solutions to the issues and concerns raised then I would take another look at that policy and maybe agree then."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94568", "author": "Brady Mabe, UCLA School of Law", "date": "2021-02-02T22:39:00", "title": "Strongly support—not only morally right but legally correct", "text": "Trans students are entitled to human rights and civil rights. Trans individuals, especially trans youth, experience frighteningly high rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and homelessness—the last thing they need is the Commonwealth breathing down their necks. Virginia cannot by itself end transphobia or violence against trans students, but it can and must do whatever is within its power to protect the rights of trans people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94569", "author": "Early Childhood Educator and Advocate", "date": "2021-02-02T22:40:00", "title": "Support! Trans Students Deserve Equality in School", "text": "Thank you to the VDOE for developing this policy to protect transgender and non-binary students in VA public schools.  I fully support this policy guidance and it has been needed for a long time!  This document in it's entirety will only help school districts know how to support their students and create a more welcoming and inclusive learning environment. Every single student deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and have access to a quality education.  Quality education begins with inclusion, safety and feeling valued in your community...and for students, that's their school. As teachers, we need to make a safe space for all students to be their authentic selves and recognize and celebrate all of our differences.  It is easy to do when you learn more and make some small adjustments in the classroom.  Representation matters, our words matter, and our students are worth it!  Thank you again!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94570", "author": "Brooks", "date": "2021-02-02T22:42:00", "title": "Support strongly! A child’s right to feel safe should never be up for debate", "text": "We must must must protect a child’s right to safety at school. I really don’t understand how this is being contested. It is clear that a lot of the opposing side to this document haven’t taken the time actually read it — it’s common sense!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94571", "author": "A Kirk", "date": "2021-02-02T22:42:00", "title": "Christian who thinks God has the ultimate say.", "text": "I can't believe that anyone would think our schools and policies should change to cater to this belief.  As a Mom and Grandmother to children in public school I find this offensive and morally corrupt.  I will homeschool if this finds it's way in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94572", "author": "Crystal", "date": "2021-02-02T22:43:00", "title": "Concerned parent - school transgender acceiptance policy", "text": "It sickens me that children will be forced to comply to such perverse standards while their innocence and Christian belief will be swept under the rug. If they even share with a friend that they don't agree with what another child is doing they could have severe disciplinary action taken out on them. If my child comes home and asks me, I will not hesitate to ensure them that their friend is confused, even if that possibly would result in a case with local CPS or DSS. I believe the government is now sticking their fingers where they do not belong and have had no business being for quite some time now. What will happen when unfavorable actions or verbal abuse takes place by the opposite gender in a bathroom not intended for their use? Will it be brushed off as \"kids will be kids?\" I, as a parent, will not hesitate to teach my child to stand up for themselves, their siblings or their friends, no matter how they choose to deal with the situation that arises. I considered moving my family back to VA, but we are watching closely how many lines the government is forcibly crossing into schools and family life. Keep our children innocent!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94573", "author": "Vicki Balint", "date": "2021-02-02T22:44:00", "title": "Why is this even a question?", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. Love one another. Please."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94574", "author": "Monica Fritz", "date": "2021-02-02T22:44:00", "title": "support trans students", "text": "trans students deserve the care and active safety we can provide them. rates of suicide are high amongst LGBT, and programming that incorporates trans students and makes them feel safe and wanted can help combat those rates."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94575", "author": "Emma Gee", "date": "2021-02-02T22:44:00", "title": "Strong support!", "text": "Everyone should have the freedom to express who they truly are and feel supported in doing so. Trans rights are human rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94576", "author": "Nick Warmuth", "date": "2021-02-02T22:45:00", "title": "Strongly Support. Keep hatred out of schools.", "text": "I strongly support this legislation. Hatred and bigotry have no place in this country's education system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94577", "author": "Douglas Graebner, Student, UVA Law", "date": "2021-02-02T22:46:00", "title": "DO IIITTT", "text": "I have no idea what you're waiting for. It's clear that these policies are necessary for the emotional and physical well-being of trans and enby students and it is a social good to support students who are Figuring Out their Gender or have realized they are not in fact cis. If anything, this rulemaking would be much improved by specific language recognizing and directing support for non-trans gender nonconforming and nonbinary students. Our schools should support students in their journeys of self-discovery."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94578", "author": "Hunter Tammaro", "date": "2021-02-02T22:46:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "I strongly support this proposed guidance. Transgender children often face incredible hardship and the Commonwealth should do whatever it can to make sure that schools provide a safe and nurturing environment for all kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94579", "author": "Robert R", "date": "2021-02-02T22:48:00", "title": "No! Keep boy parts out of girl restrooms at school! People need Jesus", "text": "No! Keep boy parts out of girl restrooms at school! People need Jesus"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94580", "author": "Hugh Iwanicki", "date": "2021-02-02T22:48:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose because it's not safe for our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94581", "author": "J Santerre", "date": "2021-02-02T22:48:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I completely oppose this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94582", "author": "Greg", "date": "2021-02-02T22:49:00", "title": "Comment on Transgender Policy", "text": "Thank you for your work to improve the Virginia public schools. I would like to respectfully submit my comments concerning the draft “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools”. The definitions in the terminology section use the phrase “sex assigned at birth”. This language is problematic and confusing because one’s sex is not assigned. One’s sex is biological and determined before birth. Fetal development is different between males and females. The male brain develops differently than the female brain. In later development there are very clear differences between young boys and young girls. Most parents and others who directly associate with young children understand this. These differences continue and develop as children mature. To claim that sex is assigned is to deny basic science. The policy refers to evidence based curricula, guidance, policy, etc. but ignores or even rejects the clear science of biological sex and male/female differences. The policy further complicates matters by separating biological sex and gender. A person’s gender is their sex. This is clear and undeniable. While our current social and political environment calls this into question it does so with no reliable evidence or with manufactured evidence or circular reasoning. This should not be allowed. This is to deny basic reality. Quality education should not deny basic science. Some children do experience confusion about many things. This may include their personal identity and possibly their sexual identity. While it is important to maintain a nurturing environment for all students we should not do so at the expense of denying basic reality no matter the current social and political trends. We should not tolerate bullying for any reason. We should also not manufacture an artificial environment in an attempt to accommodate a few individuals who are struggling with their identity. Human beings are male and female, men and women, boys and girls. Occasionally someone is born with ambiguous gender. That person, as with all persons, should be supported, nurtured and treated with dignity and respect. I recognize that is the intent of the policy but this policy does not accomplish that. I realize this is a complex social issue but please revise this policy to acknowledge there are two sexes and two genders, male and female. Males and females are different from each other and their differences should be celebrated, respected and protected. The relative few people who do not fit neatly into male or female should be treated with respect and compassion. Making allowances for a few people should not result in major adjustments for the rest of the student body. One example is making a building ADA compliant. We can add a wheelchair ramp without removing the staircase. Males should not be allowed in the female locker room no matter how they may choose to identify themselves. A further comparison would be how we treat people who are non-ambulatory. We provide wheelchairs, ramps and make buildings ADA compliant as much as possible. If someone is blind we offer to teach them brail and make allowances for service animals. If someone self identifies as blind or non-ambulatory even though they can see or walk unhindered we do not offer them disability protections and accommodations. If a male identifies as female or vice versa this is as if a sighted person were identifying as blind. This is so obvious that no explanation or defense should be required. Please review this policy with clear thinking about things that are obvious to most people. Virginia families are depending on you to do what is right and not bow to current social and political trends that deny basic science and human development. We want our schools to be a nurturing environment for all students but denying basic reality should not be required to accomplish this. We should be helping students learn how to live in the real world, not manufacturing an artificial environment for them. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully submitted, Greg"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94583", "author": "Jen", "date": "2021-02-02T22:51:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill. This is a matter of fact not opinion. Male and female are based on DNA. As a nurse I can assure you when a baby is born it does not decide whether it is a boy or girl, it is quite obvious! This is a travesty What you are doing to these children. If one would like to transition it should be a personal and very researched decision, one that should be involved in. Teachers have the job of educating children in academics not sexual preferences! This is a disgrace to political leadership. There are more pressing topics that need to be addressed than these emotionally driven, politically correct, biased views brought forth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94584", "author": "Elizabeth S.", "date": "2021-02-02T22:51:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I do not even know what to say that is strong enough to show how much this policy proposal disturbs me.  As a Christian educator in the public schools, I love all of my students and look out for their best interest.  I do everything I can to help them and provide a safe and healthy environment for them.  These policy ideas are absurd.   I understand looking out for the rights of everyone, but that can not be at the expense of Christians.  These policies could be used to eliminate Christian teachers from the public schools.  These policies attempt to look like they prevent bullying but I feel very attacked just in reading them.  Please look at the strong character and quality of teachers that currently exist in Virginia and resist making these destructive changes.  They would result in the loss of some fabulous teachers.  I will gladly discuss my concerns in greater detail if you want to reach out to me.  I choose to believe that the creators of these policy ideas really want positive change in our schools and how we treat our students and each other.  However, this policy recommendation is the wrong way to make it happen.  These policies will only result in negative, divisive results."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94585", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:54:00", "title": "Strongly In Support Of Trans Rights", "text": "I am in complete agreement for supporting trans rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94586", "author": "Mary Brown", "date": "2021-02-02T22:54:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I fully support any legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94587", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:54:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed - This is crazy.", "text": "I find it very hard to believe that any citizen of this country would support any Godless legislation of this kind.  This is not showing love nor support for any child.  We are to guide out children, not to let them do whatever, that is lawlessness.  This is a path that leads to destruction.  Can’t anyone see that more that half of the boy will suddenly “feel like a girl” just to go into the girls locker room?  This not only perverted but dangerous.  Please, let us lead our children to think, do, and be what is right and true and not conform to this “new” normal.  God bless you and God bless America."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94588", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T22:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose - gender is God given", "text": "God made people male and female. Children or adults who think they are a different gender than God created them to be need compassion and help to see themselves as God sees them. They do not need “empowerment” to try and become someone they are not."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94589", "author": "A Very Concerned Mother", "date": "2021-02-02T22:56:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED!", "text": "This pandemic already has children confused and battling anxiety. We do not need to further confuse them and stress them out more by adding this to the curriculum."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94590", "author": "Jason", "date": "2021-02-02T22:57:00", "title": "Oppose protect children who can't protect themselves", "text": "This is wrong on so many levels! Children need guidance in their lives. With all these people supporting this no wonder children have no idea what gender they are. People should put as much effort in raising their children as they do being SJW , then there would be no need for these policies!!! Treat boys like boys and girls like girls!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94591", "author": "Pablo Ibarraran", "date": "2021-02-02T22:58:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support guidance for inclusive learning environments that enable everyone"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94592", "author": "anonymous in Virginia", "date": "2021-02-02T23:01:00", "title": "OPPOSE Tyrannical trans guidance document", "text": "This guidance tramples on truth, common sense, and the rights of families. These are wildly misguided policies that will hurt students and families. The ability to \"switch genders\" will be exploited in harmful ways. The whole thing is an affront against citizens and their rights to use the schools without having to acquiesce to ridiculously bad ideas, policies, and enforcement."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94593", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support this! Trans students deserve respect just like any cisgender student, and it is simply factually incorrect to assert that transgender students being allowed into the bathroom of the gender with which they identify causes issues or violence--it absolutely does not. A bathroom is just a bathroom to some students, but to transgender students, this small change could mean feeling accepted and welcomed in society instead of discriminated against."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94594", "author": "Alexis Lambert", "date": "2021-02-02T23:01:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support protecting and expanding rights of members in the LGBTQ+ community"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94595", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:02:00", "title": "Opposed to Bill, Parents' Roles Should Not Be Superseded", "text": "It is a policy to attack God created male and female human beings in His likeness and image. Our children have been created in a distinct way, and it is wrong to attack the way their creator, God, has made them male and female. The family is a sphere of influence ordained by God. As such, parents have the sole responsibility to direct, lead, teach, and challenge their children and decide what is best for their welfare. This is not the state's role. Parents may delegate or allow a school to come along side, but the state should not supersede parents. This policy should be overturned and abolished. This policy is designed to desensitize children even more, forcing the introduction of gender change on children for no other reason than to attempt to make it main stream in society. It mocks and minimizes parenting, making it possible to jail, fine, and separate a child from his or her parents for them encouraging their child to enjoy being the person they were created to be. If a child expresses a desire to change and the parents disagree, this policy punishes parents for it as discrimination and harassment. It also deceives parents by not telling them what their child is being taught or exposed to. Another protest, the policy will destroy teachers and students who protest against this, clearly not supporting all students' right of free speech and having a differing point of view. It would label them harassers and discriminating individuals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94596", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:02:00", "title": "Comment on transgender policy", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94597", "author": "TLD", "date": "2021-02-02T23:03:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. These policies undermine parental rights by giving schools the ability to help students explore and make decisions regarding a child's sexual identity while at school without a parent even knowing. It is not the public school's job to teach sexuality to children.  It is a parent's right to guide and guard their children in all aspects of their lives. Within this policy parents who encourage their children to embrace their biological sex would be at risk of being reported to Child Protective Services by the child's school. This is an example of complete over reach by the school. I strongly oppose the eradication of all distinctions between males and females. Transgender students should not be allowed into opposite sex bathrooms and/or locker rooms just because they identify with the other gender. This especially puts biological females in an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation. The rights of boys and girls who identify with their biological sex are being completely ignored and pushed aside. Why are their thoughts and feelings not being taken into account as these policies turn into law? It sounds to me like these children are being discriminated against. Under this policy parents will not be notified if their child has been interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies unless the complaints are not resolved. Again, an example of complete over reach by the school in an area that they have no business discussing within the school walls. My child should not be reprimanded for the sexual confusions of other students. The gender that you were born with cannot be erased --- it is biological. I am extremely concerned about the indoctrination of my children that this policy will allow to happen by school officials, administrators, and teachers. I wish that school systems would concentrate on teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. The over reach by schools is alarming - focus on what you were hired to do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94598", "author": "A former public school teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T23:03:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As a former public school educator, I am strongly opposed to these proposed policy changes. All bullying and mistreatment of any person should not be tolerated in our schools. We can teach kindness and respect without these drastic policy changes. We can disagree with the choices of another person and still treat them with the dignity that every human deserves. These policies deny the rights of parents, students' privacy rights, and the First Amendment rights of teachers and administrators who disagree with these policies. I am most concerned that this policy disregards the privacy and safety of our girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94599", "author": "Savannah", "date": "2021-02-02T23:04:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Transgender, non-binary, and all other students part of the LGBTQ+ community should be supported and protected so their mere existence and opportunity to thrive is not threatened."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94600", "author": "B. Phipps", "date": "2021-02-02T23:06:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!", "text": "My kids know what they are. Do not introduce confusion to kids. Last thing they need in this crazy world is mental health issues caused by mismanagement in our school systems. Transgender is a DISORDER that should be dealt with on a case by case basis by that child's parents. Neutral pronouns are also not necessary. Thanks"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94601", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:07:00", "title": "STRONGLY Opposed", "text": "Taking a parents opportunity for guiding their child in their own identity is completely wrong the school should be supporting the family not taking it over if I had young children in school I would not be sending them to Fairfax county. In my opinion they are a disgrace. Parents should be the the source of guidance not the school. The Positivity project has been a clear example of not allowing parents to see the material that has been crammed down there Childrens’s throat’s. To not be able to view the circulium without paying for it unbelievable completely wrong on so many levels And to threaten that a child can’t graduate without it. Fairfax county should be ashamed of their treatment of the family and of parents to consider that they know better what a child needs and their parents the audacity is overwhelming. FCPS needs to stick to educating not undermining the family and parents!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94602", "author": "Melissa, A Concerned Mom of Three", "date": "2021-02-02T23:07:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose this Policy as Harmful to Our Children", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this policy which would only further foster a dysphoric environment for boys and girls who are encouraged to ignore their own DNA and pretend that they are something they are not. Our educators should be encouraging their students to grow, develop, and refine the special talents and capacities they possess as members of their biological sex and mature into capable men and women. This policy would further what has become a culturally popular agenda that ignores the increasing data pointing to the harm of encouraging children to identify with a gender other than that of their own chromosomes. \"Providers and parents who assume transition and acceptance can cure depression in children who identify as transgender risk ignoring underlying abuse, trauma, and mental health disorders.\" (Crossland, Kiley. \"Gender Transformation at All Costs.\" World, 21 Sept. 2020.)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94603", "author": "Angela Callahan, Seek Your Serenity Counseling Center", "date": "2021-02-02T23:08:00", "title": "I support this guidance for LGBTQ Youth!", "text": "I support protections for trans and non-binary students in schools because I have seen and heard the struggle youth and now-adults have gone through in schools when they haven’t had support, have been bullied, or struggled with their mental health to the point of suicidal ideation or attempts to kill themselves, merely because they believe those around them want them dead, or have made their lives so difficult contemplating suicide seems like a better option. These youth and adults are someone’s children, and no one should be made to feel this way, especially when we can provide safeguards in schools to educate youth on how to be respectful and kind citizens. The statistics don’t lie - upwards of 40% of adults be have reported thoughts/gestures of suicide, and many of their experiences came from their adolescence. Make Virginia a safer Commonwealth for TGNC youth, and allow them to focus on learning to improve their education and become contributing members of our society at large."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94604", "author": "Lauren Evangelista", "date": "2021-02-02T23:08:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Transgender kid's rights are human rights and should be protected. We as a society need to be better at listening to and supporting one another. We need to lead with love and acceptance for people's differences. What a dark world we would live in without love and support. Transgender children are entitled to feeling safe and accepted for who they are. It is not a choice to be trans."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94605", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:09:00", "title": "Trans rights MUST be supported!", "text": "I am in full support of this! Transgender students deserve respect and are NOT a \"poison\" to other students but rather unique and special individuals just like the rest of their peers. The Constitution is meant to protect the rights of individuals, so opposing this motion would be to oppose key components of the document and other federal policies promoting and protecting LGBTQ+ rights. Please support this! In reality, it does no harm to cisgender students but could mean all the world for transgender students who disproportionately struggle with mental health problems and academic struggles, often due to the lack of protection from schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94606", "author": "Mackensey Bauman", "date": "2021-02-02T23:09:00", "title": "Comprehensive, ESSENTIAL, and well supported", "text": "This guidance will be paramount to protecting transgender students and ensuring equal access to education.  The authors did an excellent job of addressing the variety of issues that impact transgender students and providing detailed and clear guidance for best practices and supporting with the underlying laws and policies.  I look forward to seeing this guidance in implementation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94607", "author": "Willow Woycke", "date": "2021-02-02T23:11:00", "title": "Whole Heartedly Support These Policies", "text": "I am a a transgender woman who works with parents of trans and non-binary teens and tweens. I hear their fears for their children when they talk about school. I also see the fear in the numerous commenters who oppose these protections. The fear of change and of things we haven’t encountered yet is strong. I spent 54 years fearing transition and being my authentic self. I feared how people would judge me, if they would acknowledge my name and pronouns, if they would let me use the restroom of my gender. When I hear the fears of trans kids I hear these same fears. Dropping classes they want to take because they know a teacher will misgender them, fearing a substitute teacher will call them by the wrong name, and going to the extreme of not drinking all day so they won’t have to use the restroom. These policies address many of the concerns trans and non-binary students. They do this by protecting the student. Whether that is protecting their right to not fear a teacher misgendering them, or protecting their privacy as they explore their gender identity with people with whom they feel safe. It is scary to challenge the gender your family assumed you were. It is hard to gauge what their reaction will be. Many trans kids get kicked out of their homes. We never want to put either a teacher or a trans student in the position that their action many make the child homeless. These policies go a long way to protect a small, but increasing, number of students who find their way to living authentically. I support these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94608", "author": "Jennifer Autry", "date": "2021-02-02T23:11:00", "title": "Oppose/ VA schools are supposed to support communication with parents not put up barriers.", "text": "In regards to the policies on transgender rights for students, these policies, as written, run the risk of creating a sense of mockery and distraction for students who are actually working through their identity.   Threatening teachers for not keeping up with daily whims of students who want to make a joke out of this is dangerous. Therefore, there truly needs to be a process and guidance for respectfully meeting the needs of students who may desire to explore an identity that is not apparent to those around them.   As long as I can remember, schools have been working hard to increase communication with parents about the welfare of the children in the families schools serve.   This document puts up barriers.   There has to be a better way to make all students feel supported and encourage communication between the schools and the community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94609", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:12:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Kids will be confused by these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94610", "author": "Johnny Strauch", "date": "2021-02-02T23:13:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "My personal experience as a trans student is honestly, horrible and my heart bleeds thinking about what other kids go through. These are literal CHILDREN having their rights debated cause people feel as though they have the right to do so. It’s ridiculous. It’s extremely difficult to get basic human respect when you’re trans and school age children need to have at least a bill that defends them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94611", "author": "Leah Whitacre", "date": "2021-02-02T23:14:00", "title": "Never been more opposed to anything in my life", "text": "Gender is god chosen and given during development in the womb. If you want to cater to transgenders make a 3rd bathroom option. DO NOT endanger normal children in school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94612", "author": "Kersy Dastur", "date": "2021-02-02T23:14:00", "title": "Equal Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Totally Support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94613", "author": "Eileen Lamb", "date": "2021-02-02T23:18:00", "title": "Support for LGBT youth guidance", "text": "My son is in pre-school now but will be in Kindergarten in 2 years.  I would like for my son to be in a school environment where all students are treated equally and feel safe in their environment without bullies. I think guidance to support students in the LGBT community is necessary. I have watched my friend’s LGBT children struggle  in the current school system and I think we can and we should do better for our children and their future.   Thank you, Eileen Lamb"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94614", "author": "Fen", "date": "2021-02-02T23:18:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans lives, especially trans children's lives, are always incredibly valuable and need to be protected"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94615", "author": "Marivic A Uhron", "date": "2021-02-02T23:18:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students.", "text": "No, I do not support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students being promoted in Virginia's Public Schools. I feels so much uneasiness because: -This stresses on Gender Construct instead of God, nature and biology. -There are false assumptions being pushed forward I  this doctrine that are detrimental to the child, parents, families and the school system. and- This totally undermines the rights of the parents and families! Please reject."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94616", "author": "Former teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T23:18:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "The idea that our educational system is now considering overstepping their boundaries into our personal lives at home is alarming and concerning. I have rights as a person and a parent in the constitution that give me freedom of religion and rights to raise my children as I believe. As a school, you do not have a the right to tell my child they can be a different gender, affirm them in their choice, and keep it from their parent. I have to sign for my child to leave school early, go on a field trip, even watch a movie in class but you are stating that I don’t have the right to tell my child they are who God created them to be?? The department of education has long flirted with crossing the line but this has gone too far!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94617", "author": "Savannah", "date": "2021-02-02T23:19:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Strongly Support!!!! LGBTQ rights are human rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94618", "author": "Embrey Grimes", "date": "2021-02-02T23:23:00", "title": "SUPPORT OUR TRANS YOUTH. Put your bible down", "text": "With the pressure of college, teachers, social standards, academic and extra curricular activities, kids in Virginia take on a lot. It seems pretty insane to me to even speculate over the idea of whether or not we should support all children. Pretty simple answer, we should. Trans kids should be treated with respect, dignity, and should be taken care of in are public schools. Leave your bible at home. All kids are equal, treat them as such. Just because another child doesnt identify the same way as your fohawk ridden, blonde hair blue eyed, future cop baby...Doesnt mean they are any less of a person. Step aside Karens"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94619", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:24:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Students MUST be provided a SAFE learning environment. This is absolutely critical to the success of our students. It is positively appalling to even consider opposing the creation of a safe and positive learning environment for ALL students. Beliefs that this is wrong based in religion have no place in the public school system, period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94620", "author": "Karen & Mark Shields", "date": "2021-02-02T23:24:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this risky and premature policy change, parents of four APS grads", "text": "To begin, we heartily endorse all comments offered by Morna Comeau (2/1/2021, 5:51 pm).  A few supplementary observations to her very thorough treatment of the subject:  We object to the adoption of the new transgender policies in Virginia public schools for the following reasons: We believe that, absent a specific court order pertinent to particular family situations, parents’ rights in regard to the raising of their children trump those of the public schools or the state at large, and that parents should therefore not be excluded from any discussion of their children’s gender issues; It is our understanding from a review of scientific studies that the long term transgender data lack the longitudinal analytical evidence required to validate that irreversible physical interventions are in any way helpful, with much short term data suggesting that they are, in fact, injurious (e.g., high suicide rates post-intervention, significant rates of regret and requests for reversal surgeries, etc.); and We recognize that adolescents have always struggled with identity issues, and that “locking in” a gender identity contrary to their biological identity in adolescence is dangerous, ill-advised, and may be a cause for profound regret as the affected teenagers mature.  Indeed, there is significant evidence that a majority of adolescents that identify as transgender for a time eventually revert to their biologically determined gender identity and would regret irreversible transition therapies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94621", "author": "Jerry Critcher", "date": "2021-02-02T23:24:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!! I don't hate. It's simply wrong. It is very wrong to remove a parent(s) from any decisions involving their children. It is wrong to encourage children to go against their parents. There are things a person can not decide or do until 18 or 21 for a reason. MATURITY. Everyone has changed their opinion about something as they have aged. Respect the family and stop trying to mold our children to suit your liberal agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94622", "author": "Kara Zajac", "date": "2021-02-02T23:27:00", "title": "Equality Virginia Comment", "text": "First, I want to thank you for taking the time to read this comment. I am a current student going to college at George Washington University at the Virginia campus and I have been a Virginia resident for the last 4 years. Besides being a student, I'm also a Navy veteran and a transgender woman. I transitioned my last year in the military before getting out at the end of 2016. I believe the best path forward for Virginia is to support the transgender students we have in this great commonwealth, just like we should support and encourage all of our students to be their authentic selves. Once again, thank you for your time and I'm optimistic of a bright future where everyone is treated equally and with respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94623", "author": "Pasquale DiBari", "date": "2021-02-02T23:29:00", "title": "Focus on your mission", "text": "I am a registered consistent voter, parent of school-aged children, and active in my community.  I strongly oppose this measure. This is an enormous distraction from the core function and mission of our Board of Education. Virginia BOE's mission is: \"The mission of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction, in cooperation with their partners, is to develop policies and provide leadership that improve student achievement and prepare students to succeed in postsecondary education and the workplace, and to become engaged and enlightened citizens.\" Virginia already has, and has the ability to bolster, policies to protect children from bullying and should not tolerate any form of bullying for against any student, faculty or staff.  Matters dealing specifically with sexuality should be reserved for the privacy of one's home. At school, our children should be squarely focused on preparing themselves for further education and the workforce.  Matters of sexuality, religion, faith, family-lifestyle, and the like should be reserved for individual families to address. Thank you for your time and service."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94624", "author": "T. Caplinger", "date": "2021-02-02T23:29:00", "title": "Where are your morals? No transgender will be in a bathroom with my self or my children. Vote NO!", "text": "Where are your morals? No transgender will be in a bathroom with my self or my children. Vote NO to this nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94625", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:30:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "Strongly oppose these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94626", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I very strongly oppose this plan. I can not believe that this is even being discussed. Unbelievable!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94627", "author": "Joey Cronin", "date": "2021-02-02T23:30:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support the rights of trans youth. It is the duty of the Virginia school system to ensure that all its students are provided a safe environment conducive to learning. This is not a matter of opinion. It would be an incredibly calculated, gross, and despicable mistake to not afford the same rights and protections, the same access to a caring and nourishing system, to the trans youth growing up in our communities. Schools have an obligation to support and protect their students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94628", "author": "Marilyn G", "date": "2021-02-02T23:31:00", "title": "Suicide more likely among transgender adults", "text": "Follow the science.  A study in Sweden, which is very accepting of transgender individuals, found that transgender adults were much more likely to commit suicide than those who stayed with their birth sex.  Studies of children continue to find that most cases of gender dysphoria resolve themselves with the child accepting their birth sex. So where is the science to show that children should be encouraged to question their gender and birth sex?  Legislation shouldn't be based on feel-good movies and feelings, but facts.  There are anti-bullying standards and much greater understanding of gender dysphoria that can help that small minority of children experiencing it.  The current legislation will create instead a hostile environment towards the vast majority of children, teachers and parents who have experienced that their sex/gender at birth is who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94629", "author": "An LGBT student", "date": "2021-02-02T23:32:00", "title": "A plea for empathy, support this guidance!!!", "text": "After reading a lot of comments something has become clear to me. Many opposing parents or others are saying schools should not be “pushing into the homes”. I’m confused, as they would not be. What they would be doing is providing an environment where trans students get treated with dignity and respect. How could anyone claim to teach children to love and respect themselves when in the same breath they condemn so many proclaimed truths made by these children? I don’t know who needs to hear this, but gender is an entirely social construct. Genitalia does not dictate gender identity, sex does not dictate gender identity. It is just that, an identity. No one can tell you who you are. That is something everyone must learn on their own. All this guidance would do is provide tools and knowledge for kids to help them with that task. It would also allow these kids to learn and grow in a school environment without the added anxiety, stress, and fear that comes with stigma surrounding any LGBT identity. Let our kids be who they are, unapologetically and with our support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94630", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T23:35:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94631", "author": "Julie Perry", "date": "2021-02-02T23:35:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose this because you are naturally born a male or female. Also, it is very dangerous road to take a child from their parents over the fact that their school declares a child transgender because that will absolutely scare a child for life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94632", "author": "Laura K", "date": "2021-02-02T23:36:00", "title": "Strongly Support - Love, Dignity, and Support", "text": "This is the 21st century- and its far past time for us to treat others with the love, respect, and support we all need to thrive. Transgender rights are human rights. Treating them as such is the first step on a long road to deeper understanding, tolerance, and common humanity. For the plethora of Christians opposed to such measures, I implore us all to find guidance in the call to love thy neighbor as thyself. Not understanding a sexual or gender identity is no cause for fear, but rather an opportunity to open our hearts in love, and allow those to speak and be heard who have for so long be silenced. Let us all humbly accept that we can’t know what it’s like to be transgender unless we are transgender - and let’s listen to those who know what they need to thrive and do our very best to provide. This is not a question of policy or legislation, but one of love."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94633", "author": "Susan", "date": "2021-02-02T23:36:00", "title": "Strngly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94634", "author": "Gloria R.", "date": "2021-02-02T23:37:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support these guidelines, which assert that transgender children have a right to learn free from discrimination and harassment. Virginia schools need this model to foster a safe and respectful educational environment for all students and protect and affirm vulnerable transgender children and youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94635", "author": "Nv", "date": "2021-02-02T23:39:00", "title": "This may cause others to take advantage of others who are not there for the right reasons. Oppose!", "text": "I believe this will allow others to take advantage of privacy. Perhaps just make private bathrooms for everyone and don’t make it about gender at all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94636", "author": "Amy", "date": "2021-02-02T23:39:00", "title": "Privacy", "text": "it’s not in any way, shape, or form OK to allow people of the opposite sex into gender specific locker rooms where people are changing privately.  It’s their business how they want to “identify” with themselves BUT when it impacts and takes away the right of others privacy, that is WRONG!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89998", "author": "Kathryn Weber", "date": "2021-01-14T13:57:00", "title": "A Concerned Educator", "text": "As a lifelong teacher and educator, I am extremely concerned with this proposed mandate. This mandate is disturbing on a number of levels. On an educational level, these pronoun references defy the rules of grammar. They would also place an undue burden on classroom and other teachers to modify their patterns of speech. With years of educational experience, I can see that this would be debilitating to teachers, whose job is hard enough as is, and may prompt many resignations. On a physical level, this mandate would expose students to abuse of privacy and safety with regard to locker rooms, restrooms and clothing choices. On a philosophical level, this mandate defies the definition of a human person. On a spiritual level, this mandate is abusive and constitutes harassment to those students and families whose faith lies in God's creation of humans as male and female. On an economic level, this mandate would expose the school system to legal prosecution by students and families, which it could ill afford."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89999", "author": "James C", "date": "2021-01-14T14:00:00", "title": "No no no", "text": "Do not pass this.  You do not have the right to push any agenda or assistance without my knowledge.  The school system is not the place for this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90000", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T14:00:00", "title": "Oppose new proposed Model Policies for treatment transgender students in VA public schools", "text": "The Virginia Department of Education’s proposed “Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools” harms parental rights and child’s safety.  First of all, it harms parental rights because it paves the way for schools to deceive parents.  They do this by suggesting plans where children who are wrestling with gender confusion can be aided in leading a “double life” unknown to the parents, if it is determined that the parents would not fully embrace or facilitate their child adopting a brand-new gender identity.  This even goes so far as to suggest that a different gender and name can be used at school but their given gender or name be used in the presence of the parents. This means the withholding of information that could make a lifesaving decision for that child. This doesn’t sound wise or safe! Secondly, these new policies would negatively impact student emotional and physical safety. The new proposed policies include the opportunity that boys who identify as girls to be allowed to use female restrooms and locker rooms.  This can all be done without ever notifying the parents! This is wrong! But, interestingly, no one is talking about the harm done to very young girls who feel powerless to expect physical privacy in the presence of biological males.  This is not to mention young men who don’t want to change in front of biological girls. These actions here mean that “gender” itself is ultimately a matter of identification, not biological sex. The state here wishes to use its coercive power not simply to stop mistreatment of people but to rescript the most basic human intuitions about humanity as male and female. How do we dispute the most basic facts of science and life: that there are two sexes? This is governmental coercion of publicly disputed trends in modern culture or the war in our culture taking place right now. We all, of course, do not want some to be harmed who is dealing with gender confusion or gender dysphoria. Even without these guidelines, students should have protections from discrimination, bullying, or harassment. All schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment.  No student of any distinguishing characteristic is deserving of mockery, bullying, or intimidation. Christians believe that Jesus’ words in Luke 6:31 are relevant and apply in these circumstances: “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” It is a sad testament to our society’s decline in civility that serious discussion cannot proceed without questioning motives. One troubling thing includes the possibility that schools are encouraged to deceive parents about the struggles of their own child!  For example, school administrators are told to allow a student to be called a different name or use different bathroom facilities at school, while not informing their parents, if it is perceived that parents would not accept any possible revelations from the child might consider themselves another gender.  Children, then, become pawns of the state for the state to teach a cultural lesson, not a scientific one. This, ultimately, won’t work. There are good reasons to put boys and girls in different bathrooms and locker rooms and sometimes sports teams, reasons that don’t impugn the dignity of people but uphold it. Sex-differentiated bathrooms and sports teams and dormitories for men and women aren’t the equivalent of, say, a terrorist Jim Crow state unnaturally forcing people apart based on a fiction, useful to the powerful, that skin color is about superiority and inferiority. Every human being knows that there are important, and necessary, differences between men and women. Without such recognition, women are harmed, and men are coarsened. Every human being knows that there are important, and necessary, differences between men and women. Without such recognition, women are harmed, and men are coarsened. Moreover, the move here toward severing self-identity from biological reality will hardly stop at “gender.” If anything, there’s much more of a case to be made that one can feel to be a different age than one’s doctor’s exam or birth certificate would show. That’s relatively indifferent if all that this means is “You’re only as old as you feel” or “I’m a Millennial trapped in a Gen-X body.” It’s something else entirely if chronological self-identity is mandated for military service or the drinking age or the age of consent. People and neighborhoods and nations and cultures cannot live this way. God created us as human, and within humanity as male and female. Man needs woman, and woman needs man. My maleness and your femaleness aren’t about us at all. They fit us within a much larger stream—of a species by nature and by community. The Sexual Revolution, chaotically, wants to tell us that gender means nothing and that gender means everything. Neither is true. We should recognize that misleading caricatures of masculinity and femininity were always harmful, but now are potentially deadly. The little girl in your neighborhood who doesn’t like princess movies or dolls, and who would rather spend a Saturday in the deer stand, increasingly now is told by the culture around her that maybe she’s not a woman at all. The truth is that the male/female sex difference is objectively real. Biological science is built off of this reality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90001", "author": "Kate Johnson", "date": "2021-01-14T14:09:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90002", "author": "Kelley Pinzon", "date": "2021-01-14T14:18:00", "title": "I OPPOSE the proposed transgender guidelines!", "text": "I OPPOSE the proposed transgender guidelines!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90003", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T14:20:00", "title": "NO!!!!!!", "text": "NO!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90004", "author": "L Stimson", "date": "2021-01-14T14:22:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly opposed to this. Vote no"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90005", "author": "M Stabolepszy", "date": "2021-01-14T14:23:00", "title": "Vote no", "text": "Opposed to this. Vote no"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90006", "author": "College student", "date": "2021-01-14T14:24:00", "title": "Vote no", "text": "Vote no. Keep academics focused on academics."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90007", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-14T14:25:00", "title": "No!!!!", "text": "Absolutely not the place for this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90008", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T14:30:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this legislation", "text": "We are doing the students of Virginia a disservice by trying to pass this legislation. 9 out of 10 adolescents who identify as the other sex will grow out of it by the time they are in their 20s and yet you are placing a disproportionate burden on teachers as well as fellow students to call these students by their \"preferred\" pronoun. Not only that, but you are trying to supersede the right of the parent in this matter. A parent is their child's primary educator and also has their best interests at heart. The school system obviously does not, otherwise why would they be trying to cut them out and reporting parents for child abuse? The real abuse of our children is the over-sexualization and fixation on sexual orientation in a classroom setting when what school's should really be focusing on is educating our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90009", "author": "A parent", "date": "2021-01-14T14:34:00", "title": "Protect children from the radical transgender agenda", "text": "Our children should not be subjected the radical, anti-science agenda of the transgender movement. Boys and girls are distinct, biologically, genetically and in nature. Our children go to school to learn many important subjects, political or anti-religious indoctrination that can poison their minds, should NEVER be a part of this. Children do not belong to the State."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90010", "author": "Rob Laverdy", "date": "2021-01-14T14:35:00", "title": "Support Queer kids!", "text": "I support this wholeheartedly. All kids have a right to feel comfortable and accepted at school. Teachers and admin should have a standard that is inclusive and equitable when interacting with all kinds of children. Therefore a thoughtful, inclusive model indicating how they should do this is a good thing for parents, staff, and kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90011", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T14:36:00", "title": "Transgender school policies proposed", "text": "I oppose these proposed policies surrounding sexual identity in the public school. These policies would allow parents to be deceived! These policies would deprive girls of necessary privacy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90012", "author": "Caring person", "date": "2021-01-14T14:38:00", "title": "Oppose draft transgender mandates", "text": "Children often pretend they are something they are not. It could be Superman, a tiger, a fish in the swimming pool...but they quit.  They go back to being who they really are.  They know they were only pretending.  When adults bounce on them and say yes you are, and then force them to continue in the pretending, that is very harmful and very confusing. When adults pretend they or children are something they are not, they are directly believing lies from Satan. Satan will be perfectly happy to possess their passions and possess their minds, causing them to waste all kinds of heartbreak, pain, money, and time on surgery and hormones, \"counseling\", political activism, and finding as many suckers they can to do the same... It is stupid and dangerous to believe and promote that you are not your biological sex.  This will do nothing but harm our society, and it is simply not true. The Department of Education has too much power.  Sexuality should not be taught in schools.  Parents are the best teachers, unless they give written permission for the students to be brainwashed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90013", "author": "Frederick Michael Decker", "date": "2021-01-14T14:39:00", "title": "\"Transgender\" guidelines", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed guidelines which would affect all public schools within the Commonwealth of Virginia!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90014", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T15:10:00", "title": "Vote No!", "text": "This is an infringement on our religious freedom. Keep your politics out of the classroom!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90015", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T15:22:00", "title": "Protect our youth and vote no!", "text": "I am shocked we have to even think about this!  God makes no mistakes.   Vote No to protect our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90016", "author": "David", "date": "2021-01-14T15:22:00", "title": "Please do not do this", "text": "We ALL know this is not natural.  Why must this type of agenda be pushed?  What purpose does it serve?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90017", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T15:23:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS!!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90018", "author": "LAL", "date": "2021-01-14T15:23:00", "title": "Proposed Policy by The Virginia Department of Education Concerning All Students", "text": "I am strongly against the proposed policy by the Virginia Department of Education concerning All Students in Virginia Public Schools under the pretext of \"Transgender Students\".  A bullying policy has already been passed in Stafford County which covered all students.  However this policy takes it to a whole different level and supports lying to parents regarding children as young as kindergarten regarding \"gender expression\".  This policy would allow school staff the exploration, facilitation, and involvement in the decision making process of your child's \"gender expression of sexual identity\" while at school. Furthermore, Parents who encourage their children to embrace their biological sex at birth in their own home would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school which has already happened in some states and is laid out in this policy . Inconceivably, all students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. This policy clearly takes things beyond the concept of bullying and instead proposes to push an ideology on all students sidestepping Parental Rights, individual rights of Privacy, Safety, Religious Freedom and Freedom of Speech or Not To Speak (ie; pronouns) of all students and teachers .  Our founders of this great country and state never intended for people to be forced from their Rights of Conscience at school or at home.  They never intended to restrict citizens ( not subjects ) of their practice of Religious Freedom at home or prohibit underlying principles based on Morality.  They never intended for Schools to mandate ideology regarding sexual anything concerning their children and replace  parental discernment and guidance with school policy .  They never intended to thwart the principles of Genetic Science.  Therefore this policy should not be supported as it goes against Parents Rights & overall Constitutionality ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90019", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T15:24:00", "title": "OPPOSE!!!", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90020", "author": "Laura B", "date": "2021-01-14T15:26:00", "title": "Protect ALL students, do NOT support this", "text": "As a STEM educator, parent, and taxpayer, I am firmly opposed to this document. It will not help children - either those who believe they are trans or the vast majority who do not. It is not transphobic to oppose these kinds of measures; transgender adults have often argued against the same kinds of approaches to education. All students should feel safe, but that does not mean that others should be forced to participate in gender confusion. Science and statistics testify to the failure of this approach. Kind and loving treatment of all children is possible without teaching and encouraging the lie that a child has been “born in the wrong body.”"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90021", "author": "Kristin Consaul", "date": "2021-01-14T15:26:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am in support of the proposed guidance for trans and non binary students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90022", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T15:27:00", "title": "OPPOSE!!!", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE TO THIS!!!! IF THIS GETS PASSED I WILL MOVE MY FAMILY & BUSINESS OUT OF VIRGINIA!!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90023", "author": "A VERY CONCERNED PARENT", "date": "2021-01-14T15:29:00", "title": "OPPOSE!!!!", "text": "As a parent and tax payer I strongly oppose this!  The PARENT knows more about their child than the school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90024", "author": "Benjamin Burkhart", "date": "2021-01-14T15:30:00", "title": "perhaps well-intentioned; but over-reaching.", "text": "Everybody wants students to be safe, and feel safe, in schools. However, Government and School Officials should abstain from involvement in very personal, emotional, psychological discussions related to gender identity and sexual preference, particularly for children. For certain, the parental role in sensitive discussions related to sexuality and gender should never be breached by a school official unless demonstrable physical harm is present. This document seems to leave room for a teacher, who may not agree with a parent's approach to their child, to identify said parent as a risk to the student's well-being. That is wrong; and dangerous. Presently, Virginia Public School students are rewarded, with regularity, for below-average demonstration of basic skills: spelling, grammar, math and reasoning. Virginia Public Schools, and local school boards, would serve all students and families well to first improve the quality of education. Better education leads to better leaders, and better economic opportunity, regardless of gender identity or preferences. This initiative, and so-called \"Model\" robs energy and resources from more important initiatives that benefit the entire spectrum of students. Virginia students deserve better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90025", "author": "J Macht", "date": "2021-01-14T15:32:00", "title": "OPPOSED!", "text": "Oppose. This is against American values and just plain wrong and STUPID."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90026", "author": "Mike G", "date": "2021-01-14T15:33:00", "title": "OPPOSE!!!!", "text": "I strongly oppose this idea of pushing gender confusion.  ALL students need to be protected.  Other kids who are not transgender should not have to go to a restroom or locker room when there is the opposite sex in the room.  Anyone could pretend to be someone that proclaims they are the other sex as we have seen in the past to sexually abuse, peek on, or to abduct children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90027", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T15:33:00", "title": "No No No", "text": "As a parent and tax payer I strongly oppose this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90028", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T15:34:00", "title": "Please don’t implement this policy at school. Thank you!", "text": "To Whom It May Concern, As a parent, I am not against LGBQ community and I believe they are normal people just like us. However, I can’t imagine my 17 months old baby grow up to be one of them because it is against God’s will. Please don’t promote this kind of policies at schools. Thanks!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90029", "author": "Sarrah Haught", "date": "2021-01-14T15:36:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose to this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90030", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T15:37:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose to this I believe children should not be exposed to these beliefs at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90031", "author": "Keefe", "date": "2021-01-14T15:37:00", "title": "Support our Trans Youth", "text": "Our worth as a fellow human beings can be firmly attached to how we treat and respect our children, ALL our children. No matter what they look like, gender they are, who they worship, or who they identify as, each and every child deserves equal rights and treatment as well respect. Please make sure to take that into account and protect our tans youth and give them equal rights and respect. Thank you. Sincerely, the Keefes"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90032", "author": "Jacqueline Lynch", "date": "2021-01-14T15:43:00", "title": "Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Schools", "text": "The government has NO RIGHT to undermine parents and to keep secrets from parents.  This policy will do both.  Children do not belong to you!!  This policy will be harmful to ALL children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90033", "author": "Jill Evans-Kavaldjian", "date": "2021-01-14T15:48:00", "title": "We owe our children support.", "text": "Trans youth deserve the support of all. Their identity, as they mature, is their choice. While most of us grew up with rigidly defined gender expectations, we owe our children more. When people tell you who they are, the right response is to listen."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90034", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T15:50:00", "title": "Draft Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Keep in mind the language used in the Draft Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students: “common issues,” “evidence-based best practices,” and “for all students.” As an American, a veteran, a parent, and longtime resident of Virginia. After seeing your “draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students,” I am mortified at what our Virginia General Assembly has directed the Department of Education (VDOE) to do to our children, and to us as parents through our children’s youthful naivete, impressionable state, and vulnerability to your institutional bullying, and special interest social-psychological engineering and indoctrination. Your attack on our children and through our children to numb and silence both them and us (as their parents, their natural biological and indeed lawful guardians) so that you can install your socio-psychological dictatorship in our neighborhood, towns, cities, states, and nation is a crime that goes far beyond the pale.  You, The Virginia General Assembly and Virginia Department of Education, are presently and clearly attempting to subvert science, ethics, morality, The Constitution of the United States of America, our freedom of speech, and right to think for ourselves as human beings. In fact, you have selected the battlefield of our children’s very minds, because your weaponized totalitarian social-psychological engineering rhetoric has limited affect against a well-educated and informed adult population.  You cry wolf, you wag your finger at, and falsely accuse children and parents of that which you yourself do in order to flip the narrative, to flip truth on its head. Yes, it is you The Virginia General Assembly, and Virginia Department of Education that IS bullying, shoving aside, dismissing, name calling, stigmatizing, and deceiving Virginian Citizens.  It is clear from your very references and source material that this is a targeted offensive attack on our children and our fellow Virginian citizens right to think and choose for ourselves. I am reminded of that classic album, I think you know it, I think you forgot the message of it as well; remember that album, The Dark Side of the Moon, by Pink Floyd, Second Part, “Another Brick In The Wall?” Remember: “We don't need no education We don't need no thought control No dark sarcasm in the classroom Teacher, leave them kids alone Hey, teacher, leave them kids alone All in all it's just another brick in the wall” In 2019, Jessica Shelton—writing for Song Meanings and Facts—wrote that: “In the second part, the narrator recalls his schooling days where his ‘evil’ teachers wanted nothing but to control him to do things in a particular way. He describes the teachers in a negative light. He apparently feels they gain some kind of gratification from mentally abusing and punishing children. The chorus urges a protest by kids against this kind of fixed technique which immaturely impedes creativity in young children.  The narrator also depicts the nature of certain behavioral controls that were introduced in schools during that period. … This kind of conditioning seems to have had an adverse effect on the singer who eventually qualifies it as another brick in the wall .” (Emphasis added. Also see reference below) School is not the place to inject, inculcate, dictate to children or parents the agenda of the special interest groups.  It is not the place where The Virginia General Assembly nor the Department of Education nor the education system in general gets to “condition” our children’s minds into little bricks and fit them into their socially engineered institutional wall so that they can contain the parents and blot out their natural and God given authority to choose how to raise our children.  The “common issues” of trans-gender children, or otherwise, is the sole responsibility of the parents and the paraprofessionals or professionals of their choosing to address in the privacy of their own homes, lives, or doctors’ offices.  All children, and the children before them had to come to grips and deal with the realities of life around them.  Oh please!  That “evidence-based best practices” is nothing more than a weapon thrown at administrators, teachers, parents, and students to disarm them and bend them into lock-step conformity.  Look at the special interest groups that are behind this, look at the party of your state government for a minute, just a second even.  They selected the sources behind the “evidence-based best practices” to conveniently fit their agenda.  They did so because they have the power and position to do as thy please, and there is no balance nor objectiveness in their walking roughshod over us.  It says, “For all students,” but that is yet another tactic to disarm every echelon of resistance, and they do it well indeed. The Nazis (Hitler) did this, the Soviets (Stalin) did this, Mao Tse-tung did this, and millions died.  They spread misinformation, disinformation, outright lies socially, scientifically, economically, and of religions. Children, friends, relatives, and neighbors turned against each other.  We have a Constitution, a Bill of Rights, freedom of speech, and we have choice; anyone, anyone seeking to demand control of our thinking, take away our speech, and choice, and even to the extent of using our children against us, are indeed marching down the very same road that led these three tyrants to power, and subsequently to murder their own people.  Yes, I am talking about you, every member of The Virginia Department of Education, and every special interest army (organization) you have lined up behind you, and every “fifth-column” parent that supports you; you are the Hitler, the Stalin, the Mao that seeks to kill freedom of thought, speech, and choice.  Yes, you seek to preach your religion in front of the class, in the hallways, in the lunchroom, and in the auditorium. Your proposed doctrine, your “draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students,” has informed all Virginians exactly what you will do if they think differently, if they voice their conscience, or position, or if they do not use your special list of words, or if they choose to oppose you.  How many children will you take prisoner in the end?  What will your social engineering anthem be? What will your pledge of allegiance be?    The Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Department of Education, those special interest groups, and anyone else foisting this on Virginians ought to be ashamed of themselves.  Organizations, administrators, teachers, parents, and students ought to protest, and/or walk out if applicable.  I for one, do not need a totalitarian dictatorship or the totalitarian minded special interest groups, state officials, or anyone else to tell me how to love and respect another human being, whether that other human being is gay, straight, trans-gender or otherwise.  I wasn't raised to treat people disrespectfully.  It is your “Progressive-ism” that seeks to hate, hurt, and disenfranchise. I sign this anonymously because the “Progressives”--Democrats'--target those who speak out for justice. (Source: https://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/pink-floyds-another-brick-in-the-wall-lyrics-meaning/#:~:text=Pink%20Floyd%E2%80%99s%20%E2%80%9CAnother%20Brick%20in%20the%20Wall%E2%80%9D%20is,to%20detach%20themselves%20mentally%20from%20the%20outside%20world.)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90035", "author": "Jeremy Buschman", "date": "2021-01-14T16:05:00", "title": "Opposed to Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "As a concerned Virginia citizen and parent of 3, I would strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools to instruct students in K-12 schools in Virginia on anything other than their biological gender.  The biological gender has been the model for all males and females throughout world history, and any other concerns of feelings of gender apart from the biological gender should be discussed and overcome with the help of professional counselors. A K-12 school setting should never be the training grounds for gender confusion.  It is impossible for a school system to handle the problems and the abuse that will come from this false training. Each individual is clearly created at birth with their biological sex which is either male or female.  Any feelings that are different from that biological sex gender should be loving, thoughtfully addressed by their parents or medical professional so that they can fully reach their potential in life with the gender that they were created with. I ask that all training that is contrary to biological gender be held out of our school system!  I would strongly and lovingly oppose ANY and ALL training that goes against the biological gender from birth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90036", "author": "DAVID L", "date": "2021-01-14T16:09:00", "title": "Oppose new gender identity in schools", "text": "Oppose new gender identity in schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90037", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T16:13:00", "title": "NO WAY!!! NO WAY!!!  NO WAY!!! STRONGLY OPPOSED!!", "text": "Your gender is determined at birth!  God doesn't make mistakes.  He created a person as a woman OR man.  God doesn't make mistakes!  If God made you a man, you are a MAN!  if God made you as a woman, you are a WOMAN!  Plain and simple!  There is no confusion, it is one or the other . . . not to be determined by the individual, but by God when he creates  you in the womb!  Everything was created by the principles of God!  As the Bible states, In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.  (Genesis 1:1 KJV).  God doesn't make mistakes, people, including lawmakers, do.  READ your Bible people, it is the TRUTH!!!  God is perfect and God's way is perfect . . unlike the government's way!  Stand up for what is right, and God's way is right!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90038", "author": "Victoria J. Taylor", "date": "2021-01-14T16:19:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "Respect every human."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90039", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T16:23:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!!", "text": "If you have to deceive school parents behind closed school doors—absolutely not!! Also, this will cause many many issues—rape of girls in bathrooms or assaults. Girls want privacy and so do boys!! Girls don’t want creepy boys coming in and looking over or under a stall at them! Trust me!! Target dealt with this same issue and were sued many times. We should not be pushing this agenda—it only creates more confusion in children! Schools teaching this...only creates more confusion!! The school must remember, parents are in charge and raise their children—the school must know its rightful position and ONLY teach education!! That’s why you’re there—to spend your valuable time teaching a proper education Math, English, Spelling, you get it...God knows how to make life work—He didn’t create someone or something and then say, “oops...that came out wrong!” He’s our divide Creator Who holds our very breathe in His hands—He gave each of us the exact body he wanted us to have for a specific purpose and reason. It would be prideful for a school to try to confuse and twist these truths. Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:31 states, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” We must simply have faith and trust that God clearly made no mistake. Creation is exactly as God planned it to be. To believe anything other would be to place yourself above God. Please don’t confuse these children. They are His creation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90040", "author": "Eileen E M", "date": "2021-01-14T16:24:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90041", "author": "Kassidy Smallwood", "date": "2021-01-14T16:26:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "My husband and I are strongly opposed to anything that confuses gender confusion. Statistics have revealed the devastating effect on many of our teens who have chosen to embrace or experiment with a new gender identity.  The suicide rate for these young people is shocking and heartbreaking. Parents should have every right to bring up the kids the way they feel is right for their child and not be forced to do anything. Teachers and parents need to be on the same page and have communication about what is going on and what’s right for the child. Living two separate lives is even more confusing. As someone who majored in psychology, children have enough to comprehend without being presented with gender confusion or even purposely being swayed. We want our children to be safe in the restroom, locker room, not have to question anything. We are Christians and God makes it very clear this is not right."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90042", "author": "IF", "date": "2021-01-14T16:31:00", "title": "I STRONGLY DISAGREE!!!!", "text": "This is crazy! It’ s a HUGE mistake!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90043", "author": "Lindsay Tuck", "date": "2021-01-14T16:31:00", "title": "Support our Trans Students!!", "text": "Just want to share an excerpt from an article my husband recently submitted to our county newspaper on the dangers of forcing children to out themselves to their parents. This is literally preventing child abuse!! Editor: In response to the recent letter from Thomas Black of Leesburg regarding gender identity policies in Loudoun County Public Schools, this couldn’t be any further from the truth. And given the quote the article starts with regarding how each individual soul is deserving of kindness, respect, and justice, it strikes me as categorically hypocritical and apathetic to the needs and safety of Loudoun’s children. First, on the issue of names, it is common sense that any parent who changes the name of a child should have the unquestioned ability to do so. But so should the child. When I attended school (decades ago) it was common practice for teachers to ask for nicknames or preferred names at the beginning of each year, not because of gender identity but because of basic respect. I didn’t go by my full name, many times teachers would use a nickname or my last name. Why would a parent need to be notified over something so small as a name preference? Probably because it’s conflated with some larger need for society to be involved in the gender identity of a child. In practice, this sounds like an ideal situation to have a loving, supportive parent who can assist their child in understanding their gender identity in safety and plan whatever steps they may need next in coordination with an affirming doctor and therapist. But that isn’t reality. As a child, I was the subject of great physical and verbal abuse because it was assumed I was gay because I was perceived as effeminate. I’m not. I could explain in gruesome details the injuries and hospital visits I suffered, but surely we all can understand that many children are the victims of such abuse. For many, appeals to police and courts prove unfruitful because parents either lie about how the child was prone to “accidents” or blackmail children into recanting lest it “ruin the family.” In November, my wife and I fostered a transgender boy who had been kicked out of his home at 17, early in his senior year and amid COVID after years of abuse. Imagine the difficulty in trying to assume adulthood, plan for college, and begin a life when your parents are actively trying to hurt and abandon you? How many children, LGBTQ+ and otherwise, commit suicide because they lack support and love while facing abuse in their family? How many hide scars because they are conditioned to believe that disclosing their abuse would only result in far harsher abuse? Far too many. This is not a rare occurrence. Not all parents are supportive and if a child feels they can’t share their gender identity, the school system should respect that for that child’s safety. As for how other people address transgender and non-binary students, I find it to be either an intellectually dishonest argument, a complete lack of understanding of true scripture, or a clear attempt to twist religion to support transphobic views to state that we must call people based on their “biology.” There is simply nothing to back up biblically mandated pronouns. If God created man, then certainly he created transgender man, too? Science has shown again and again that gender identity is deeply rooted in a person’s biology, their minds, and their body. Research has proven that failing to support a child’s gender identity by failing to use a proper name and pronouns, leads to a significant decline in their ability to learn and form friendships while leading to a significantly higher risk of suicide? The mental health community has affirmed repeatedly that gender identity is not a mental illness, but an inherent, biological part of who each of us is. Most people have talked to, worked with, or even shared a bathroom with transgender person without realizing they are anything other than their perceived gender. But even disregarding all of this, who are any of us to judge someone else for who they are? What about “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”. (Matthew 7:1-3) In what way does calling someone the right pronoun infringe on our ability to be practitioners of our religion? Are we going to challenge every masculine woman or feminine man? What about those who legally change their gender? Or biologically change their body past the point it’s even perceptible they were born another sex? Where will we draw the line? We shouldn’t draw lines, we should just respect each other with basic human dignity. People exist along a spectrum and just like in every other aspect of life, they deserve kindness, respect, and justice. It can literally save a child’s life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90044", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T16:33:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "you didn’t find better to help our kids....."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90045", "author": "B.H", "date": "2021-01-14T16:35:00", "title": "NO, please!", "text": "did you look the rate of teen death because of this type of experiment, review your data, please!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90046", "author": "Jessica K", "date": "2021-01-14T16:38:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support this bill and any attempts to add protections for transgender students in our Commonwealth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90047", "author": "Kathy", "date": "2021-01-14T16:49:00", "title": "I AM ABSOLUTELY OPPOSED TO THIS. NOT WHAT’S BEST FOR OUR CHILDREN!", "text": "THIS IS NOT WHAT’S BEST FOR OUR CHILDREN."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90048", "author": "Bridgette Bowman", "date": "2021-01-14T16:53:00", "title": "Vote \"NO\"", "text": "Transgender Policies in the VA School System: I am not in agreement with this suggestion to be implemented into our schools.  This would be very confusing and awkward for many younger students who would not understand this process or concept as it may contradict what is being taught at home.  I understand the urgency for all children, students, to feel accepted, but that is not at the cost of forcing such protocols upon us.  Acceptance and respect should be the goal.  Altering restrooms, and any other gender specific arenas, to accept all genders will be the doorway to other more serious issues and situations.  We have already made accommodations to address this issue.  We do not need, nor should we, blurr the lines.  We were created man and woman and should identify as such in respect to situations that might insight backlash.  We are entitled to feel as we wish, but not to use those feelings to cause disruption and to go against Godly principles and teachings.  I want all children to feel safe and accepted for whomever they want to be, but this is not a good move.  I do not endorse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90049", "author": "Roselle Clark", "date": "2021-01-14T16:59:00", "title": "Support for Transgender Students", "text": "I fully support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. As a retired school teacher, I have seen first-hand how difficult life can be for a transgender or non-binary student. As your document indicates, we need to help every student feel safe in school. “Because of societal prejudice and lack of awareness or understanding, transgender students may experience rejection, criticism, or bullying, that affect their emotional health and academic achievement.” I support maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students. Every student deserve respect and compassion. And every student has something marvelously unique to share with the world. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90050", "author": "Marcus H", "date": "2021-01-14T17:04:00", "title": "Heck to the No.", "text": "HECK TO THE NO! THIS IS ABSURD!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90051", "author": "Justin M Buschman", "date": "2021-01-14T17:15:00", "title": "Vote no", "text": "This goes against everything out country was founded upon. It is the parents responsibility and right to teach and train their child, not the government. Go study the constitution and see this is against it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90052", "author": "Christine", "date": "2021-01-14T17:21:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I believe in respecting everyone including those who do not agree with transgender pronouns.  Children should not be encouraged to to want to identify as a different sex than the one they were born as.  Adults can make that decision but not children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90053", "author": "Nathaniel Preston", "date": "2021-01-14T17:38:00", "title": "Support", "text": "These policies are essential for the safety and security of transgender students in a place where most feel vulnerable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90054", "author": "Caroline Mullins", "date": "2021-01-14T17:40:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Please do not put these awful guidelines on our students. Children CHILDREN should not even be considering SEX much less their sexuality at such a young age. MANY adults who had surgical sex changes at a younger age are now trying to have things reversed. This is NOT good for the mental Health of anyone involved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90055", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T17:45:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose this and feel such implementation would be harmful to our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90056", "author": "Donovan C.", "date": "2021-01-14T17:46:00", "title": "Opposed / No to \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender...\"", "text": "Quite frankly, the contents of this document would be laughable if they were not so sad, so tragic.  I'm all for helping children, but they are not helped when adults knowingly remove clear gender/sex categories and advance ideas that defy science, creation, and biological facts.  To do so is to add confusion to the already-confused.  It is clear that bullying and mistreatment of any children is morally wrong and should be addressed.  Children, whether experiencing gender confusion, same-sex attraction, cognitive problems, mental challenges, or any other personal challenges, should not experience bullying or harassment. However, these things are already wrong, and children who bully are (or should be) addressed; it doesn't warrant any specialized document for a specific type of bullying/harassment. The proposed guidance reinforces and creates more confusion within not only with the gender-confused child (who needs help) but the surrounding children as well.  I'm strongly opposed to this measure. Donovan C."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90057", "author": "Pamela Ayres", "date": "2021-01-14T17:48:00", "title": "Opposed to  draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I oppose this measure because it will train children, by regulation, to disrespect their parents. It will force social perception through group pressure. It will compromise free will. It will set a policy that establishes government as the responsible party in children's lives. (Will a teacher be there for them if they attempt to harm themselves or others in days past school years?) It will disrespect the transgender child by putting him/her in an uncomfortable situation when forced to go into a locker room with those who identify with their biological sex. It will contradict biological text books. It will contradict and attempt to re-envision American history. It will force a type of religion on all students since they must be \"under the law\". Pamela Ayres Newport News, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90058", "author": "Karla Kaplan, Elementary Teacher", "date": "2021-01-14T17:49:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth", "text": "Children deserve a safe environment to learn. In fact, they NEED such an environment in order to learn and grow to their full potential. Youth in Virginia rely on us as adults to make decisions that will affect them. We are simply not doing right by youth in Virginia if we do not support the proposed guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90059", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T18:02:00", "title": "NO NO NO NO", "text": "This is something that should be kept out of schools. A teacher should not be made subject to gearing a CHILD to even more confusion. There is also the possibility of a teacher not feeling comfortable being placed in that situation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90060", "author": "Ruth Michaud", "date": "2021-01-14T18:16:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 words I am opposed to this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90061", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T18:19:00", "title": "Do You Actually Know What Your Are Asking For?", "text": "I read the “draft” and many of the comments by those who support it, and UNBELIEVABLE! Here is what those in SUPPORT are ACTUALLY asking for (and don’t even realize the utter dangerous gaping openings, or “loopholes” in it); this is the pandora’s box YOU ARE fighting to open: 1.  State dictated morals and values 2.  State censured speech 3.  State mandated indoctrination 4.  State mandated penalty and punishment for failure to conform 5.  Your child to be victimized by the law 6.  Your child to be ridiculed, and silenced by rule of law 7.  Your child to be used by the state to convict you of being a bad, and dangerous parent 8.  That your child be able to be snatched away from you, to punish you, to instill fear into you 9.  That your child be driven to hate the special children by making those special children untouchable 10.  That those “claiming” to be transgender be given special untouchable status to do whatever they want 11.  That you give any miscreant child the space to play the system against itself—he said, she said… 12.  That the taxpayers pay for all the lawsuits that will arise 13.  For rapes, and sexual abuse to be committed by innovative child bullies 14.  Fights resulting from children protecting their siblings from predators 15.  Fights resulting from a class of individuals receiving special elite like status 16.  Increased prison population due to parents being taken advantage of by vengeful juveniles, 17.  Increased juvenile detention center population due the above, and the falsely accused 18.  Increased funding for foster care when the number of children entering the system result 19.  As a result, massively depleted the state coffers, due to the numerous lawsuits 20.  Pedophile teachers (predators) using the new laws to manipulate children, parents, and the system 21.  Teachers wasting time being manipulated by students into giving passing grades at the threat of being fired 22.  Counselors being fired, or convicted when they inadvertently, or are manipulated into providing the incorrect, inaccurate, wrong treatment, or advice to a child that may result in suicide or other mental trauma 23.  The State to assume totalitarian authority over its citizens 24.  That students be used against their teachers and parents 25.  That teachers be used against parents 26.  That an avenue, a tool be implemented to shut parents and teachers up when the state chooses to do so 27.  For the State to be the mouthpiece for special interest groups agenda’s  who strategically seek to circumvent (do an end-run around) the parent, science, and religion to access and use their children’s vulnerability against them 28.  That a door be opened to whatever happens to be the prevailing special interest of the time; because this “Draft Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students” will become a legal precedent.  NAMBLA must be overjoyed at the Virginia General Assembly and VDOE’s actions here. 29.  That every concerned parent takes their children out of public school and place them in private schools or home school or create other avenues of education or simply move out of state 30.  That parents that cannot afford those avenues in number 29 suffer subjugating their children to an environment so caustic it is mentally damaging 31.  That parents that cannot afford those avenues in number 29 be ever in fear of losing their children 32.  That they (through the state) can bully, manipulate, social engineer, stigmatize, etc. by rule of law any that oppose them 33.  That parents exit the state, or lose jobs, thus defaulting on loans, thus reduced spending, and tax revenues, essentially a chain reaction of events that is profoundly tragic in the end 34.  Finally, the State and School system will not be able to support the massive numbers of staff that will be required to handle the unsurmountable volume of erupting problems that will occur within our schools because of such a blatantly obvious perversion of the use of law. Those of you who are FOR, or APPROVE, or in SUPPORT of this new VGA, VDOE “Draft Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students” truly don’t even see your own fatal flaw of reasoning, or don’t want to.  I implore you, reassess your thinking on this proposed policy, think about the totality of its impact."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90062", "author": "Andrea-va", "date": "2021-01-14T18:23:00", "title": "Because I love a transgender teen", "text": "Every child the right to be safe and learn in school. Be it Public or Private, No matter race or gender. I would be devastated if my child chose suicide as a means to end the pain of ridicule, and hurt from others students, because they where targeted as differnt. Being differnt is characterized in so many varios definitions. What background that defines our opinions are ours. It never gives the right for Harrassment and Bullying and should never be tolerated. We should have learned this in kindergarten. To bring harm to another because they are differnt from oneself is Unacceptable. Especially in a public school environment. Every Student has the right to feel safe!!!!I post this because of a child I love, and want safety for him."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90063", "author": "Bunny and Jimbo", "date": "2021-01-14T18:29:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am a step-grandmother of a student in your Virginia public school system My husband and I  burst with pride and love for my husband's granddaughter. I stumble on the pronouns and really cannot speak intelligently about the trans-student  situation but I know everybody needs love. I salute the school system's courage and forward thinking  approach. You are brave and  caring people. We live in Raleigh but people are people and I wish I could see something similar being discussed here. Forward with compassion and courage. Barbara Church, Raleigh, NC"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90064", "author": "Robin Skobel, MED", "date": "2021-01-14T18:38:00", "title": "PASS THIS !!  How students are treated should not be based in fear and misinformation. TRANSRIGHTS", "text": "Just because you dont understand something, doesn't make it wrong.  Just because you were born different than someone else, does not give you the power to say they do not deserve the same rights and protections you have.  Entitlement is never waking up wondering if you can be yourself without being told its wrong.  It is our job to protect our children--ALL our children--and to understand that as a people we evolve, change, grow and learn what we thought to be true, may not be.  That what society identified as true may have been a product of those times.  The earth is not flat.  The parts you were born with do not determine the gender you are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90065", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T18:42:00", "title": "NO!", "text": "Parents have a right to know critical information that concerns their children. The school should be a partner in the education process, not the proprietary owner of that process. School age children should fully evaluate significant life altering decisions with those who love them most, including their parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90066", "author": "Darren", "date": "2021-01-14T18:46:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this proposal. I think all kids should be able to get an education in a atmosphere they feel safe and respected in.  The proposal is doable and educating people on how important this proposal is can be key to it passing.  I would ask people to educate themselves and not react so negatively about something they know little to nothing about.  I ask people to look beyond what they think they know and really get to know theses kids and their struggles.  Let your old assumption go and open your mind.  Let's get this passed!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90067", "author": "Stephenie", "date": "2021-01-14T18:55:00", "title": "Strongly and Sincerely Opposed", "text": "Strongly and sincerely opposed. Bullying (in general) should be addressed, because it is wrong. Purposefully sanctioning and supporting *children* to choose their gender based on what they *desire to be* is also wrong. Children need to be taught what is right and not permitted to engage in wrong practices."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90068", "author": "Chesten Cantrell", "date": "2021-01-14T19:02:00", "title": "Support Trans and Non-Binary Students", "text": "It's simple. We need to provide a healthy, safe space where ALL students can thrive. This includes our trans and non-binary students. By supporting and protecting them, we are teaching their peers how they should too treat trans and non-binary people. Trans people have higher rates of people harmed, let's send a message that this is unacceptable behavior and that trans people are people worthy of love and respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90069", "author": "Stephanie Soos", "date": "2021-01-14T19:06:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a family member of individuals who are trans or non-binary, I heartily support the protections afforded trans and non-binary students. Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90070", "author": "Betty Ann Olson, Ed.D.", "date": "2021-01-14T19:09:00", "title": "Virginia Public Schools", "text": "No to transgender push in our schools . As a teacher I resent the changes that are intended by our governor and school boards. We need PARENT INPUT, not radical ideas. Dr. Betty Ann Olson"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90071", "author": "Mary Wilkinson", "date": "2021-01-14T19:09:00", "title": "OPPOSE!", "text": "I DO NOT AGREE THAT A PERSON CAN CHANGE THEIR BIOLOGICAL SEX.  IT IS IN EVERY CELL OF OUR BODIES.  THIS IS TOTALLY INSANITY."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90072", "author": "Heather", "date": "2021-01-14T19:20:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "I COMPLETELY OPPOSE THIS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90073", "author": "SCOTT", "date": "2021-01-14T19:21:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "I COMPLETELY OPPOSE THIS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90074", "author": "Heather", "date": "2021-01-14T19:22:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "I completely oppose this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90075", "author": "Whitney May", "date": "2021-01-14T19:23:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I wholeheartedly support this guidance and believe that trans and non binary students should be given the same chance as everyone. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90076", "author": "D. Lopez", "date": "2021-01-14T19:33:00", "title": "Absolutely Not, this is child abuse", "text": "Absolutely NOT!!! This is wrong on so many levels!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90077", "author": "Jen", "date": "2021-01-14T19:42:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "I oppose! Parents have the right to know what the school is doing for the child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90078", "author": "Brenda W.", "date": "2021-01-14T19:47:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I am extremely opposed to this.  This is an outrage! We should be protecting our children not exposing them to every vile thing in this world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90079", "author": "Pat Bailey", "date": "2021-01-14T19:48:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "Our school systems should not be allowed to explore with children things they had not even thought about.  I consider this to be covert sexual abuse.  Also, parents should be the ones who any sexual conversations with their children, when it is the age-appropriate time to have a conversation. This is an obvious attempt to subvert parents from their rightful roles as parents. This is throwing the God-given gift of our sexuality back in God's face."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90080", "author": "Former student", "date": "2021-01-14T19:48:00", "title": "SUPPORT STRONGLY", "text": "STRONGLY support these reforms. As a former student in the VA school system, seeing first hand the need for these policies is immense as the inclusion of these proposals would allow for students to develop their identity and self-expression in an environment that is designed to provide a comprehensive education and cater towards the needs of students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90081", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T19:52:00", "title": "I oppose", "text": "I oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90082", "author": "A Grandparent", "date": "2021-01-14T19:54:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "As a grandparent and taxpayer, I oppose this legislation!  This is wrong on so many levels."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90083", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T20:01:00", "title": "NO!!!!", "text": "No!! Strongly opposed!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90084", "author": "OPPOSED!!", "date": "2021-01-14T20:04:00", "title": "OPPOSED!!", "text": "NO, do not implement the proposed policy.  These are children.  to be harsh to children who have no gender issues is mean and cruel.  Kids are always tough on each other, that can't be changed.  Teachers can teach them to be nice as everyone was taught.  To invoke a mean, cruel reverse polity every time a child might utter a mean comment is unhinged at best----be adult and be nice to all, even children of faith who have not issues with gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90085", "author": "NOT IN FAVOR", "date": "2021-01-14T20:06:00", "title": "OPPOSED!!", "text": "NO, do not implement the proposed policy.  These are children.  to be harsh to children who have no gender issues is mean and cruel.   Teachers can teach them to be nice as everyone was taught.  To invoke a mean, cruel reverse polity every time a child might utter a mean comment is unhinged at best----the State can require the teachers to inject kindness into the class--gender to gender, race to race, age to age, etc.  The teachers can teach kindness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90086", "author": "Christina Blagg", "date": "2021-01-14T20:10:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance to ensure that my children and all of their friends are in a supportive, safe and welcoming environment for ALL!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90087", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T20:11:00", "title": "No!", "text": "I only support the anti-bullying section of this document.  However, the rest of it should go through the shredder!  Why are we catering to a .001% population? Make one bathroom per school open to anyone to use, allow them to dress as they choose...fine. But the indoctrination at elementary school and gender terminology preferences are all getting way to crazy!  Let’s go back to teaching our kids skills in life like Shop, Home Economics, Computer Science and Automotive skills so they can be successful in life vice spending any more unnecessary money to transgender indoctrination!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90088", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T20:12:00", "title": "OPPOSE!", "text": "I strongly oppose. Hormones rage at this age, why would you even consider this?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90089", "author": "A P", "date": "2021-01-14T20:13:00", "title": "Concern about Parent's role and funding question", "text": "The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity. Is additional funding going to be allocated for the \"single-user, gender-inclusive facilities or other reasonable alternatives\"?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90090", "author": "Kevin Tertocha, Elementary Teacher", "date": "2021-01-14T20:26:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As an elementary school teacher, I absolutely support these proposed policies. If there is one thing that I know for certain with all of my heart it is that school should be a place where students, no matter how they identify, feel safe, loved, and respected. When guardians send their children to public schools, they are putting their trust in the adults who work at that school to care for their children and to look out for them. Yet, there are entirely too many LGBTQ+ children attending public school in Virginia, and the United States in general, who dread coming to school every single day, fearful of what might happen to them within the walls of the school building. LGBTQ+ children face bullying at levels much higher than those of their cis-gendered, heteronormative peers. This bullying can have dire effects on a student's mental health leading to depression, anxiety, or suicide. LGBTQ+ children are just that: children. These children exist all across the country and they are relying on the adults in charge to do their job and help protect them. My job is to educate these children, but I can't do that job if they are living in fear and feeling unloved. It is not a child's job to make you feel comfortable. It's an adult's job to make sure a child is comfortable being their true, authentic self and that they are safe while doing so. So again, I whole-heartedly support these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90091", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T20:34:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90092", "author": "Lorraine Ondrasik", "date": "2021-01-14T20:46:00", "title": "transgender", "text": "I oppose the school system discussing any information about gender issues related to a particular child if that subject is in direct opposition to the family to which a child is born into, and I defer that the school system defer to the family that the child belongs to and if there are issues which the child makes discussion with regarding his /her gender identity it should be a family matter and the school system should butt out. Theses matters that the school system deems as child abuse where the school system states that the parent is basically insensitive to the gender of the child is simply put, ridiculous and at these times where many issues are confusing to children, the idea of gender confusion may very well enter in, but the fact that family crises cause most of these issues does not mean that the child needs to begin a permanent change in his body format because of temporary confusion. Why doesn't the school system offer more counseling to families to help with confusion prevention instead of creating division between parent and child. This is pretty disgusting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90093", "author": "Carl Twigg", "date": "2021-01-14T20:54:00", "title": "DOE Sexual identity guidance", "text": "I am opposed to the guidance.  I see that many of the supporters of this guidance simply say they support it and want everyone to be treated equitably.  I would like to make two points.  First, for everyone to be treated fairly, you have to consider those children and families that feel that sexual identity is a physical issue assigned at birth and not a psychological issue determined throughout ones life.  Forcing everyone to align with one view or another is not treating everyone fairly.  Second, I agree with the supporters assertion that all should be treated fairly.  As another commenter has pointed out, bullying laws have already been established and teachers should ensure that everyone is treated with respect.  Americans need to respect everyone, not agree with everyone.  Healthy relationships do not ensue from being forced to align with an ideology.  Healthy relationships develop when opposing views can be presented (and adhered to) with respect for those opposing views.  The department of education needs to focus on its mandate to educate our children and not venture into establishing their personal moral views."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90094", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T21:24:00", "title": "TOTALLY OPPOSED, THIS IS CHILD ABUSE!!!", "text": "THIS GOES AGAINST EVERY MORAL LAWS!!! THIS WILL LEAD TO CHILD ABUSE. NO SUPPORT !!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90095", "author": "John Basham", "date": "2021-01-14T21:38:00", "title": "NO to trans. Policies in any school!!!", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to.      No to perversion in our schools or anywhere else!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90096", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-14T21:47:00", "title": "NO, NOT A SINGLE OUNCE OF SUPPORT!!!", "text": "This is appalling!!! Total breach of role and responsibility.  Parents parent and raise their children. Not a public education system. Complete over reach and frankly I’m in disgust at such a proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90097", "author": "Dave Womack", "date": "2021-01-14T21:47:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Good evening! I strongly oppose these mandates!  These issues are personal in nature and for the family to decide as they are best situated to take care of the spiritual, mental, physical and emotional state of children. The school is in no way ready or able to handle such challenges.  Stay out of it! Thank you for a chance to comment. Respectfully, D Womack"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90503", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-17T14:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose - Parents are kids parents... not school or state", "text": "Strongly oppose this guidance as it sets to exclude the parent’s involvement in their own child's life. Moreover, it expressly pushes teachers, administrators, etc. to keep information of the child secret from the parents. The teachers, administrators, etc. have no idea what is happening at home, can only base judgement from one side (child), and the scant information they can collect; and thus, may be unaware of other health, mental, or social issues the child is facing. Such lack of information could be detrimental to the child and is why the parents MUST be included and informed. This is unacceptable to have the school system subvert the role of parents in the development of their own children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90504", "author": "Concerned, To Say The Least", "date": "2021-01-17T14:18:00", "title": "Horrible Idea", "text": "This policy transcends all basic common sense, human reason, moral decency, and empirical science.  A policy of this sort will have far-reaching, unintended, and injurious repercussions for many years to come, up to and including possible emotional and/or physical scarring of the \"normal\" student population."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90505", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T14:52:00", "title": "Opposed to the stated guidance.   Suggest expanding services for those with issues of sexuality", "text": "The current guidance should not be implemented in our public schools using tax payer funding.   I do believe we should provide support, services and understanding to those that are struggling with their sexuality.   That would help until the child is an adult and can make decisions on their own.   This guidance takes the parent out of the picture and that is wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90506", "author": "Nikki Goins", "date": "2021-01-17T15:10:00", "title": "No to teaching lgbtq to our children", "text": "This is crazy!  First we take out God from schools and now we taunt him with teaching His children what he says in Bible is wrong.  Why are we letting satan control us to the point we would harm our own children to be publicly correct.  No, there's no way this can happen."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90507", "author": "M. Breighner", "date": "2021-01-17T15:40:00", "title": "Policies for Treatment of transgender students", "text": "This policy is a dangerous road of experimentation based on no scientific fact. In addition it is being forced on others compelling them to acquiesce in the experiment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90508", "author": "Emily Little", "date": "2021-01-17T15:40:00", "title": "I support these Policies.", "text": "I fully support the draft guidance provided by the Virginia Department of Education for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. As a nurse and mother of three children I know that children need to be accepted and feel safe and supported in school in order to have any success in school. As a Christian I feel it is important that we help children listen to their inner voices and their inner knowings which are the ways that they will be able to connect most closely with God. In order to do that they have to have safe spaces. This set of policies and its adoption will allow teachers to feel better supported in order to help all students. These policies are not about pushing anyone to be or do anything but instead focus on what it means to make a safe environment for all individual children and teenagers. We love putting people into categories and groups and to make things black and white but we all know that on so many things we are not black and white or one or the other. Gender expansiveness and the gender spectrum are not new phenomena. Neither are issues of faith and doubt. We need to have  the language and understanding to be inclusive and affirming of transgender students. All students deserve to be seen and understood. Thank you for these policies and for prioritizing the safety, well-being, and inclusion of all Virginia students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90509", "author": "Eddy Aliff, Virginia Assembly of Independent Baptists", "date": "2021-01-17T15:50:00", "title": "Concern over parental involvement", "text": "Parents are the caregivers of their child(ren). If a child is injured or sick or being bullied, a parent is (or should be) contacted. This should be the case even if the child requests the parent not be informed, including the situation of a child keeping secret a transgender status. A second area of concern is overnight school-sponsored activities. Others may not be bothered but any student who refuses to share a room with a transgender student should be permitted to be in a different room. A third concern is any student who claims to have a fluid gender and is creating havoc for teachers who never know how to address this student. In summary, children are the ultimate responsibility of parents even though schools do carry responsibility while the students are in their care. It seems the teachers are having another weight thrust on them with these additional guidelines. But remember that parents should always be informed of issues or changes faced by their child(ren) so that they can properly help their child(ren). Thank you for considering my comments. Sincerely, Rev. Eddy Aliff Executive Director Virginia Assembly of Independent Baptists"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90510", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T15:54:00", "title": "Totally opposed to this discourse.  After not being in school for a year they need to focus on basic", "text": "NO WAY should we focus on this at this time.  This is between children and parents.  Schools need to focus on teaching basics especially after being closed FOREVER!!!!   Our students are falling so far behind this state should be  embarrassed.  Shame on you!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90511", "author": "concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-17T16:02:00", "title": "absolutely oppose - and couldn't say it better than this:", "text": "(by Eric Hooks, thank you) Young children are not mature enough to make major life-changing decisions, which is why they are legally under the guardianship of adults, typically their parents who love them and want the best for them. Prior, sensible policy recognized the importance of creating a safe learning environment for ALL students, which requires moderating the excessive behavior of some students when they become potentially harmful towards others. A very small but very vocal minority of students, outside activists, and policy makers have banded together to try to normalize the aberrant and often self-destructive behaviors associated with gender dysphoria in young children. Worse yet, they seek to affirm these aberrant behaviors by forcing others to play along and call children by preferred pronouns, made up names, etc. This is nonsensical and encourages other youths who are merely attention seeking to mimic such behaviors because of the attention and control it grants them. Worse yet, it creates opportunities for sexually curious or sexually predatory children to parade into the bathrooms, locker rooms, and sleepovers of opposite gendered children and victimize them. What about the rights of the majority of children to privacy and security? And where will this end? Will male faculty be able to identify as female on a whim and parade into the girls' locker rooms as well? If not, why not? Where is the logical end to this? None of this is even the worst part of this guidance document though. The worst part is that it champions a duplicitous approach of deceiving parents who are opposed to this nonsense by referring to their children according to their legal name and gender when communicating with the parents about their children, while duplicitously indulging young gender dysphoric or merely attention-seeking children behind their parents' backs in the school setting. Driving a wedge between parents and their children has become the job of Virginia public schools? Abrogating their responsibility to create a safe learning environment by protecting young children from sexualization and sexual predation has become the job of Virginia public schools? Encouraging and indulging sexual dysphoria in young children has become the job of Virginia public schools? Ask yourselves - why have we maintained these gender distinctions over the centuries? Is all that is past bad? Is all that is past harmful and malevolent? Or could some parts of culture and custom perhaps be beneficial? Could they even represent tacit wisdom that should only be very cautiously discarded and replaced after careful consideration and consensus-building? Has it occurred to you that gender distinctions may be more beneficial than harmful? Has it occurred to you that parents who love their children might care more for their long-term health and development than you do about this politically charged issue of the day? Has it occurred to you that this naked affront to the guardianship of parents over their children will instead further drive a wedge between parents and the public school system? What are you really trying to accomplish here? What alternatives have you considered? Is there a better solution that does less harm?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90512", "author": "KG", "date": "2021-01-17T16:15:00", "title": "Support adult LGBT rights. OPPOSE state interfirence into family matters", "text": "The proposal has many undefined or silly defined terms that are misleading and/or legally incorrect. It is nothing more than an attempt of the state to remove parental rights and impose extrimist ideology on citizens/taxpayers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90513", "author": "Donald Rachello", "date": "2021-01-17T16:17:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this  regulation", "text": "I strongly and resolutely oppose this regulation.  It disregards and overrides the role of parents, placing in the hands of people with little to no oversight, the bodily privacy and safety of our children.  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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90514", "author": "concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-17T16:36:00", "title": "Strongly oppose these proposed policies", "text": "I stand for the dignity of each person, who our Creator made in His image, male and female. I also stand for the right and role of the parents to teach the truth to our children, and the right of children to speak the truth without persecution."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90515", "author": "Cindy Cronin", "date": "2021-01-17T16:47:00", "title": "I strongly disagree", "text": "God help our country!  Why are we destroying our children in our schools?  Everyone has a God given free will from God, but why do we have to teach about such a topic as gender identity in a way that makes it ok, normal, or just a choice.  Unfortunately our family base has become weaker, lack of guidance and children in many homes are left to figure out life on their own.  Maybe we should start teaching the bible in school, God's word, oh but that might offend someone, after all it would be more of a rewarding life to follow, and maybe teach them how to respect others, love each other, and how to become a productive adult in a shattered, immoral world. I agree that children need to understand that some children are different, medically, psychologically, or by choice .  All people need to be respected, but I will teach my grandchildren Godly things, not things of the world or what our school system wants them to believe.  Our leaders of our country, our local government, and our school leaders need to ask themselves, who do I serve? God or the world?  Unfortunately, I don't believe our leaders listen to our concerns anyway or the above as written.   Again, God help and heal our country."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90516", "author": "Concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-17T16:58:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "This bill would interfere with the essential relationship between parents and children.  It would also violate students freedoms of speech and religion.  All in pursuit of encouraging transgenderism amount vulnerable teenagers, when studies have shown that 90 percent of teenagers who question their gender change their mind as adults.  This bill is designed to help adult transgenders feel powerful rather than to actually help struggling teens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90517", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T17:26:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!", "text": "Rom. 1:24-32  So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each othe r. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men , and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness , sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God , insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them , too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90518", "author": "Laura Stone", "date": "2021-01-17T17:31:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is totally focused on destroying the family and values of the tenets our nation was founded on."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90519", "author": "Carla Pratt Keyes, Ginter Park Presbyterian Church", "date": "2021-01-17T17:34:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a Christian, as the pastor of Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, as a mother of teens with transgender friends, and on behalf of my own transgender friends, I very much support this guidance. It is essential for all children and youth to feel safe and welcome at school. LGBTQIA+ young people deserve special support as they navigate life in a culture that upholds harmful cisgender, heterosexual norms. The church has been a part of establishing those norms, so I feel a special responsibility to say: we have work to do, in order to make sure EVERY CHILD made in God's image knows they are a beautiful human being, worthy of love."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90520", "author": "Kevin Sellner", "date": "2021-01-17T17:36:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Used to be a teenage boy.  Would have loved to use girls locker room then.  For all the wrong reasons."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90521", "author": "Parent of school aged children", "date": "2021-01-17T17:46:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Oppose strongly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90522", "author": "Concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-17T18:02:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is not education. It's indoctrination ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90523", "author": "Concerned Grandparent", "date": "2021-01-17T18:02:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE this policy which ignores science."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90524", "author": "Maura lindsay", "date": "2021-01-17T18:06:00", "title": "Model policies for transgender students", "text": "VDOE should not over the parents’ in their role as primary educator, counselor and role model."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90525", "author": "Concerned VA parent", "date": "2021-01-17T18:11:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose the policies set forth in this guidance document, Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in VA Public Schools. The Acknowledgments section clearly indicates a lack of diversity in viewpoints, and no reasonably-minded parent could ever support the nonsense contained within this draft policy. You have, out of concern for a small group of people, endangered so many more. It is my absolute right as a parent to trust that my children, in their most vulnerable circumstances, such as using a restroom or changing room, would not have their privacy violated by the mere unchallenged assertion of identity from another student. The social dynamic imposed by these policies, as well as the unreasonable limitations placed on teachers who might otherwise be able to use common sense to protect the innocence of children, will create a disastrous educational environment the no parent could ever think of educating their children in. I strongly oppose the pretenses of this document, and strongly oppose these policies and any school who chooses to adopt them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90526", "author": "Concerned Parent and Teacher", "date": "2021-01-17T18:13:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "The purpose of public education is to provide educational instruction to students, not to indoctrinate them into embracing the newest progressive social issue. That is my first objection. There are additional points to argue--but first and foremost we should focus on the purpose of our public education system. Sexual practices, whether heterosexual or homosexual, and instruction and exploration into gender identity--these are issues that should not be taught in a public school--they belong elsewhere--in family homes, in places of worship, among close friends, or with private counsel."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90527", "author": "Grandparent of child in Virginia", "date": "2021-01-17T18:14:00", "title": "Model Policy for the Treatment of Transgender students is misguided", "text": "The proposed policy is misguided on many grounds.  I will highlight only three. 1.  Children need guidance from their parents, who have the moral and legal responsibility for their well-being.  The policy explicitly interferes with that relationship by excluding the parents in a crucial area of the children's lives.  Decisions about a child's gender should be made with parental knowledge, input and in most cases, with their consent. 2.  Children, by their very nature, are young and immature.  A fair reading of the policy would seem to allow school authorities and medical personnel to facilitate or at least encourage  puberty blocking treatment.  There is strong scientific evidence that such treatment is medically and psychologically damaging. 3.  Sports activities become a quagmire when children are allowed, at their whim, to decide that they are a male or female from one moment to another.  Yet the proposed policy seems to allow it.  There have been more than a few publicized cases where it is apparent on its face that a child with mostly, if not all, male physical characteristics, is able to compete against female athletes.  The inherent unfairness is self-evident. There are some laudable goals here.  Transgender children should not be bullied.  We must act with compassion and understanding.  But cutting off parental knowledge and input is a bridge too far."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90528", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T18:27:00", "title": "Big picture - oppose", "text": "The number of public school students are declining because of the policies that the state has made. This will add to the decline.  While this is proposing being \"inclusive\" , it is actually exclusive. This should not be approved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90529", "author": "David A Bermingham", "date": "2021-01-17T18:29:00", "title": "Proposal goes too far", "text": "I oppose this legislation.  The State is placing itself in front of the family in determining the welfare of children.  This is an issue that is outside the bounds of the schools, and should be left alone unless the family raises the issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90530", "author": "Carmine Carosella", "date": "2021-01-17T18:42:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Any policy that encourages children to question their gender should be opposed because it will result in future health issues to the very children that the policy tries to protect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90531", "author": "Randolph Hallman", "date": "2021-01-17T18:59:00", "title": "transgender and non-binary students", "text": "LGBTQ+ young people deserve a learning environment of safety, respect, and stability, the same safety, respect, and stability provided for other students. This is the right thing to do, the moral thing to do. Please do what it takes to ensure this is the case in all Virginia schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90532", "author": "Ric Sorber", "date": "2021-01-17T19:11:00", "title": "Transgender teachings in the public school.", "text": "Virginia being in the bible belt, Our Nation which states \"in GOD we trust\", Our bill rights states that our rights are endowed by our Creator.  This un-Godly, unnatural, un-American practices & teachings should NOT enter our public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90533", "author": "Donna Alvut", "date": "2021-01-17T19:12:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "Every human being deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and acceptance. PLEASE adopt this policy to ensure that every student in Virginia is given the rights they are entitled to. Love trumps hate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90534", "author": "Shannon Lindbloom, Integrated Schools Richmond", "date": "2021-01-17T19:16:00", "title": "I support the VDOE's Guidance", "text": "Our transgender and non-binary children deserve to have their identities accepted and honored by their public schools. I support the VDOE's guidance to create inclusive and equitable environments for ALL of Virginia's children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90535", "author": "Anna Perritt", "date": "2021-01-17T19:17:00", "title": "Love all our students", "text": "I am thrilled to see policy that is trying to address issues that used to be swept under the rug or ignored. Our public schools should be a welcoming and safe place for all of our students, whatever their needs, preferences, home life, etc. Adding specific policies to ensure the equity of transgender students seems like a step that should’ve already been taken. It has been a tumultuous year for our nation and our state. For me, it has been a wake up call that going back to decent, common practices of tolerance, acceptance, and respect for our fellow man needs to be more of a priority in our culture and society. Given that so many social interactions happen within our schools means that we need to be addressing situations that may feel uncomfortable or that may counter what some parents or families are trying to promote at home. Without contradicting a parents’ right to instill their opinions in their child, I want to be in a classroom where all of my students feel welcome and accepted and able to speak up and share their opinions without fear of repercussions or ramifications from administration or their peers. To that end, I support proposed legislation that would alter policies to ensure that transgender students have equal rights, equal say, and equal protection."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90536", "author": "John Fernandez", "date": "2021-01-17T19:51:00", "title": "Absolutely opposed", "text": "I'm absolutely opposed to this proposed action. Please stick to teaching an academic curriculum focusing on the core subjects that we send our kids to school to learn. Stay out of the area of individaul family value systems that each family has the right to instill in their children. What you're doing is an outrageous overreach, an arrogant \"politburo\"-like assumption that you know better than the \"ignorant masses.\" It's absurd and outrageous for a public school system to think its role is to impose its own views on children to advance a specific cultural and political agenda, while completely dismissing families' personal, private, and religious beliefs. That is tyranny. Just stick to teaching them core subjects."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90537", "author": "Marla Mikhail", "date": "2021-01-17T19:54:00", "title": "Opposing gender confusion policies in schools", "text": "God created male and female , forcing secular beliefs on our children and promoting immorality and forcing transgender education on our kids is not a decision for the government to take! The department of education role is to educate children not teach them to hide their thoughts from their  parents and live a double life! as a Christian parent, mother and daughter,  I disagree and oppose to such a law that will only endanger my children safety and make it easy for a sexual molester to abuse my kids and be protected by this law. If you allow to have a gender neutral bathrooms and lockers, I don't see how can the children be protected!! Children gender is defined in the womb and before creation and confusing our children to believe otherwise is not education,  but destruction and challenging religions. I oppose and refuse such a law."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90538", "author": "Julie", "date": "2021-01-17T20:01:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "As a former educator, a parent, and a grandparent, I am appalled that this would be even considered! The education of our children should not include sexual preferences or even be addressed in curriculum in the school setting. These types of conversations should be left to each family to discuss with their children in their home. This goes completely against the Christian belief and forces Christian children and parents to go along with something that they are being taught by their parents, their church, and their culture is wrong. Treating each other fairly, can be done without forcing everyone to believe something that is not right in their own eyes! It would be just as easy to develop curriculum to teach children to love each other and to respect other people's decisions without forcing them to go along with someone else's decisions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90539", "author": "Amy Carroll", "date": "2021-01-17T20:05:00", "title": "Support Inclusive Policy", "text": "I support this proposed VDOE policy which will help to protect and reduce discrimination against all students who do not identify as cisgendered. As a PhD in Counseling Education I know that discrimination against non-cisgendered students is widespread and its effects extremely harmful and long lasting. Our students deserve to be treated with respect and decency by all educators and classmates. This legislation will be one needed step in that direction. I also request that if students and their guardians request that student name and gender be updated on school records (even if different than their birth certificate) that request be honored by school districts."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90540", "author": "Natassia Grover", "date": "2021-01-17T20:08:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed to Mandatory Queer Theory Policies", "text": "Any policy or law that requires citizens to violate their freedom of conscience, their religious beliefs, their understanding of biology and the human sex binary, and their freedom of speech must be vigorously opposed. No one has the right to dictate what pronouns someone must use when speaking about them in the third person. It is also highly inappropriate and even dangerous for government employees to be given the right, and even the mandate, to violate parental rights by perpetuating gender confusion and transgenderism in schoolchildren. What is being implemented in these proposals is Queer Theory. This is an ideology concocted in universities by academics such as Judith Butler. It demands that people believe that biological sex is fluid and even meaningless. This is scientifically wrong and medically dangerous. Truth and First Amendment rights are paramount, not ideological fads and unconstitutional mandates."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90541", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T20:14:00", "title": "Oppose lgbtq in education", "text": "Strongly oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90542", "author": "MARAE", "date": "2021-01-17T20:27:00", "title": "No bullying", "text": "I am very much opposed to bullying in any form.  I agree that all students, including LGBTQ, are entitled to be safe from bullying and harassment.  Having said this, it is important not to go too far in the other direction.  Excluding parents from the discussion because \"they wouldn't understand\" is misguided at best, sinister at worst, and labeling them as abusive or neglectful for not using the child's chosen pronouns takes it to a whole new level.  Allowing boys into the girls' locker room and the other way around is a recipe for disaster.  (And if we're throwing out the norms for gender, how can we have boys' and girls' sports teams anymore?)  And if anyone calls a TG by the \"wrong\" pronoun, they are considered bullies.  I have to question who is bullying whom here? As of 2018, our high school students were ranked 38th in the world in math scores and 24th for science, according to the World Population Review.  despite having one of the highest budgets in the world.  Maybe we should focus more on core subjects, especially since many have missed the entire last year, and less on pushing forward a political agenda that has nothing to do with education.  Get rid of the bullying and let the kids learn."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90543", "author": "Religious parents", "date": "2021-01-17T20:29:00", "title": "Please oppose", "text": "This policy transcends all basic common sense, human reason, moral decency, and empirical science.  A policy of this sort will have far-reaching, unintended, and injurious repercussions for many years to come, up to and including possible emotional and/or physical scarring of the \"normal\" student population."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90544", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-17T20:55:00", "title": "Respect for all", "text": "It is important to have respect for all. The proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students elevates the needs of some above the needs of others. For instance, the identified need of a child to express his or herself in terms of adopting stereotypical feminine or masculine dress or expression is elevated above the parents' rights to guide and care for their child; the need of a child who does not conform to their biological sex is elevated above the rights of children who conform to their biological sex by preventing the latter from privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms. Interestingly the policies are written claiming to remove barriers for one group, without recognizing they are creating barriers for others. For instance a biological boy who is allowed to compete against biological girls may eliminate the biological girl from advancing. Remember back in the 70's when women's sports was created to recognize that girls and women needed a separate space to fairly compete in athletics? All children need love, respect and safety, but these policies are not considering \"all\" but are elevating one class above another. Thus, I oppose these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90545", "author": "Matt O'Donnell", "date": "2021-01-17T21:00:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Please reconsider the proposed transgender policy guidelines since they divide families - children from their parents - in pushing a one-sided transition agenda. All children that deal with gender dysphoria deserve the help of their parents to make informed decisions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90546", "author": "CONCERNED PARENT", "date": "2021-01-17T21:05:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Writing in opposition the the transgender bill. People are either boys or girls. This bill opposes freedom of speech and compels people to certain forms of speech against their conscience and reality. It is not love to let people persist in delusion. Boys and girls want to have separate bathrooms. I don't want penises in the bathroom with my daughters. Plain and simple. No one wants that. Transgender people are not killing themselves because they can't use a certain bathrooms. They are committing suicide even cause they have been lied to and feel despair and desperation I'm their souls. Pray for them, but do not go along with this diabolical attack on the family, reason, freedom of speech, and natural law. The language used in this bill is contrived. We are not \"assigned\" genders. We are one thing or another. The amount of people who are actually intersex due to chromosomal abnormalities is vanishingly small and the grand exception and does not prove a rule. Propagating this ideology further will lead to further destruction. I will pray a rosary for all those demoralized and captured by the transgender ideology and for all those who propagate it that they may turn back to Christ and cease this diabolical, in the true sense of the word, against humanity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90547", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-17T21:25:00", "title": "Schools have more rights than parents with regards to children?", "text": "I am all for anti-bullying, treating other with respect, etc, and I teach those ideals to my children. That being said, I do not think it is appropriate that children can sit down with a school team and decide to change their gender/pronoun/name/etc in student information systems without the approval of a parent. Be who you want, experiment, do what you need to do, but taking those rights away from parents is incredibly inappropriate. When a child turns 18, they are a legal adult and can change what they need to. Until then, children are minors, and parents should be required to sign paperwork or change gender/name/pronoun/etc."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90548", "author": "Alaryx Tenzer", "date": "2021-01-17T21:38:00", "title": "Feedback from a Student Born and Raised in Virginia", "text": "I was born and raised in Roanoke Virginia, attending the public school system. When I came out as trans to close friends and family in middle school, people were afraid of how everyone else would react. When I came out publicly in high school, some of those fears were realized. Myself and other trans students were often harassed for simply existing, though many students and teachers were positive and supportive presences. I'm lucky that many people in my high school attempted to create a physically safe, at least, environment for trans students but even that isn't guaranteed everywhere. Please push for protections for us. By being more formally protected by the State's education department, trans students can be better protected from discrimination to focus on being kids and doing their schoolwork, extracurriculars, and living their childhoods to the fullest like everyone should. No child should face discrimination and prejudice and you have the wonderful opportunity to protect future kids! Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90549", "author": "Nathan L Burnett", "date": "2021-01-17T21:42:00", "title": "Guidance for transgenders in school", "text": "As a concerned law bidding citizen of this great nation and virginia, I am appalled that we have what should be moral, law bidding individuals in governmental offices supporting something so immoral as transgenders. This goes completely against the laws of nature that should be protected the same as man made laws. The gender is established in every living being at birth. It shouldn't be decided by some sick minded person. That's is exactly what is happening. As leaders of the people you need to develope education and rehabilitation centers just like those on drugs or alcohol and oppose such immoral behaviors. Continuing on this path of immorality is going to destroy families, our culture and our nation. You have a responsibility to do what's right. I will be praying that you do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90550", "author": "Michelle Mulligan", "date": "2021-01-17T22:21:00", "title": "Parents and privacy left out by this bill", "text": "I oppose this bill. These issues should be between a parent and a therapist if there is confusion not kept from parents as the bill states, or that a child would be considered abused if they are secure in their identity as male or female and that is how they were born and designed by God. Also privacy of any child in a changing room should be of the utmost importance no child should feel they are open to viewing from anyone. This bill is demeaning and leaves children vulnerable to long lasting damage. Do not pass this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90551", "author": "Timothy Simmons", "date": "2021-01-17T22:25:00", "title": "Opposition", "text": "I strongly oppose any policies or legislation that undermines the ability of parents to raise their children as they see fit regarding social issues. Also, parents have a right to know what is happening with their children, struggles their children are facing at school, and other challenges related to their children. For school personnel to intentionally keep information about a child from their parents is unreasonable and inappropriate"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90552", "author": "concerned parents", "date": "2021-01-17T23:12:00", "title": "Oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "My husband and I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.  As parents of six children we are concerned that this policy will undermine the rights of parents who send their children to the public schools. You will see even more of an exodus out of the public schools if you enact this wrong policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90553", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-18T01:14:00", "title": "Are you considering the new victims who you are creating?", "text": "If your goal is to help students, are you interested in helping the students who will become the new victims here? I attended Virginia schools. I graduated from high school in which I was intensely sexually harassed every single day. I guarantee you that any of the boys and men (those who had failed a few years) would have followed me into a restroom or locker room if they were allowed to do so with no questions asked. I ask you to seriously consider the safety of girls. Please consider the fact that you are telling girls that you don’t care if they are scared, if they have privacy, if they are protected. You are telling half of the population of the school that you are willing to make them victims. This concern has nothing to do with transgender children. Please provide gender neutral restrooms for people who need them. Please provide safe restrooms and locker rooms for girls. You are responsible for the safety of girls. This is not a religious argument. Refer to utilitarianism (a secular theory). Does this action produce the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people? The consequences of any action will determine if it is right or wrong. How do the consequences affect the majority?  Apply Kantian ethics, judge this action by how it would appear as a universal code of behavior. How does this work when it applies to all people, at all times? There are very logical reasons to explain how this is detrimental. There is a very simple solution, provide gender neutral restrooms and locker rooms. Children are supposed to be kept safe in school. Keep the girls safe. Please try to use logic. Please keep half of your school population safe and feeling protected and secure- that is your job."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90554", "author": "Geralyn Russo", "date": "2021-01-18T01:27:00", "title": "Guidance for Transgenders", "text": "Putting aside any arguments regarding the morality of promoting transgender ideology, this law strips innocent youth from their rights and protections by forcing them to participate in social activities and interactions that would require them to be exposed to and accept transgenderism. Further, this strips parents of their ability to protect their child from being immersed in an environment they don’t agree is healthy for their child’s mental, emotional and moral development. Essentially, this law forfeits the rights and protections of the majority for the promotion of an agenda that ignores and denies natural law. Further, no matter what labels you assign to any self-reported identity does not, can not and will never change the fact that, with the exception of very rare conditions, each and every individual is born as a male or a female and nothing can change that. Surgeries and body mutilation will never change that person chromosomes, which is what has always and will always define one’s gender. This abomination needs to stop before these perverse ideologies destroy our youth, rob them of their innocence and continue to foster and promote mental illness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90555", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T01:59:00", "title": "The Policies are Evil and Institutionalize Sexual Abuse.", "text": "This must be stopped at all costs because the damage done to the next generation will be so great... I can't even fathom it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90556", "author": "Tümay Ferrara", "date": "2021-01-18T03:13:00", "title": "Justice for transgender students!", "text": "Our schools should embrace transgender students. All students need to be heard and feel safe at school. Schools are the reflection of the community. We can talk about diverse and inclusive communities when the schools are diverse and inclusive places. No one should feel left behind in educational settings. Provide safe spaces for your students Virginia!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90557", "author": "Mother of a young daughter", "date": "2021-01-18T05:24:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "You don't have the right to decide that boys enters into our daughters' bathrooms in public schools. Besides, there are more important issues to resolve: COVID, skyrocketing crime and better job opportunities. Reject it. Spend time on real issues."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90558", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T06:06:00", "title": "Strong SUPPORT", "text": "It is absolutely about time we introduce and adhere to policies that support our LGBTQ youth and enforce a zero tolerance for bullying. Policies like this can save lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90559", "author": "Elizabeth Skaggs", "date": "2021-01-18T06:22:00", "title": "No judgement...", "text": "I believe a safe, respectful environment in schools is not a privilege, but a right to all. Male, female, all races, and transgender kids. Everyone. I don’t think it’s my place to put judgement on others, in particularly kids who have faced unbearable internal struggles with their gender, because it’s something that neither I, nor my child, has ever had to face! If you don’t know that persons struggles, why would any loving person want to add to that? They are someone’s child, and as a mother, it would break my heart if someone treated my son badly. For any reason! The suicide rates for these kids are incredibly disturbing. Providing a safe environment at schools where kids spend the most time, and the most formative of their years, is the least we can do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90560", "author": "J Rath", "date": "2021-01-18T07:05:00", "title": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose!! The schools job is to educate children on facts. If schools educated our children on every feeling we’ve ever had then you would run a circus instead. Feelings of being a different gender, an animal, or anything else is strictly that- feelings. The dangers of putting a male into the girls locker room based on feelings will open up a whole new set of problems including rape, sexual abuse, among many more. Males will “feel” like a female to get into the locker room and do harm. It would be insanity for schools to be inviting this type of misconduct. Where is the protection for the girls who don’t want to take their clothes off on front of a biological male? If schools are caving to feelings now then I support a separate neutral changing area for those children who’s “feelings” do not match their body. This is the only way to keep EVERYONE safe. Also, schools should NEVER replace a parents role. It’s is absurd that children would be allowed to do anything outside of their parents wishes and then keep that from the parents. Every statement I’ve ever signed from the schools state “we (parents/teachers) are a team and we work together”. Doesn’t that seem like a better idea? I strongly oppose the upcoming rules on transgenders based strictly on feelings. Insane."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90561", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T07:30:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90562", "author": "Extremely concerned parent!", "date": "2021-01-18T08:13:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED!", "text": "Strongly opposed! Children are children! They are not your puppets! Young children are very vulnerable to the things you teach. Do NOT confuse them or encourage them into thinking they are something they are not. Penis=BOY,  Vagina=GIRL. There are no other genders! Introducing this agenda will only further the current problems we are already facing in society not to mention it's complete child abuse!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90563", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T08:14:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose transgender students to pick whatever gender identity they want.  I strongly oppose children who are boys going into girls locker rooms and vice versa."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90564", "author": "Seth", "date": "2021-01-18T08:18:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This decision is looking at the impact of a minuscule portion of the population and not weighing the impact to the large majority of students.  This decision would violate the teaching and moral fabric of all Christians and make those students very uncomfortable.  Furthermore, it could put students in compromising situations and lead to instances of inappropriate and unethical conduct."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90565", "author": "Daniel D. Lelong, M.S.", "date": "2021-01-18T08:19:00", "title": "Utterly oppose mandatory transgenderism for school children!!", "text": "Encouragement of adolescent youths in the 'normalcy' of transgender beliefs and experiences would be the worst sort of child abuse.  Adult sanction of a homosexual orientation would merely foster thinking and behavior contrary to the child's best interest, at a time in children's lives when experimentation with self-destructive behavior has long, dire consequences.  To tacitly urge a child to experiment with abominable behavior would sow the seeds for his or her psychological anguish, later in life.  Homosexuality and transgenderism amount to behaviors that bring terrible suffering, because the Creator judges them as severe sin.  Youths naturally rebel against injustice (real or imagined), but the actual injustice would be encouragement of young people to experiment with homosexual behavior!  If homosexuality were genetically determined, it would have become extinct long ago, due to much-lower reproductive rates by gay couples.  Instead, transgenderism and homosexuality would be unwise responses to demonic temptations, remediable by the LORD Jesus Christ and the application Christian sound doctrine."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90566", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T08:22:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "The fact that this is even being an option in schools in disgraceful. There should not be an option to share bathrooms or locker rooms just because you “think” you are a different gender. This should not be introduced to children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90567", "author": "David Nixon", "date": "2021-01-18T08:35:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "These transgender policies assume that everyone agrees on the issue. There are rational and reasonable people on both sides of the transgender issue. Therefore, the opinions of all must be respected. This is first and foremost a moral issue. Parents should be free to teach their children on moral issues without having government-run schools countermanding the parents’ views."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90568", "author": "The Prince William & Manassas Family Alliance", "date": "2021-01-18T08:51:00", "title": "Press Release:  Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools", "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Richard Salmon salmon_richard@hotmail.com 571-926-1671 Prince Wm Group Observes Biological Sex Is The Difference That Matters MANASSAS Virginia, January 18, 2021 --The Prince William & Manassas Family Alliance opposes recommendations of the proposed Virginia Department of Education policy, Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools (virginia.gov). This policy document promotes the transgender ideology. This policy document treats gender identity as more important than biological sex. If implemented the policy would even force teachers and students to echo back what those who have “transgendered” themselves want to believe about themselves. Forcing people to say things they do not believe violates the First Amendment. Our public schools should be safe for all people, not just those troubled with ‘gender dysphoria.’ --The Alliance opposes recommendations to accommodate transgender students in all public school restrooms. In comments filed on a draft the Prince William County affiliate of the Family Foundation urged the State to protect privacy and modesty of all students rather than require schools to allow all students to use any restroom based on a temporary identification with a sex other than that of their birth. --The Alliance explained that it believes that in the beginning “God created man in his image, in the image of God He created him: male and female He created them.\" Our gender is in our DNA.” While it said that it condemned bullying or mistreatment of any transgender persons who doubt their birth gender, the proposed transgender policy does not take into account its potential detriment to transgender students. Physicians claim that in the majority of cases young people who question their birth gender come to terms with who they are by young adulthood and move forward in their original gender. Transgender students adopt clothing and a hair style like their ‘gender identity,’ take a different given name and use preferred pronouns when referring to themselves or when being addressed. Giving them access to bathrooms and showers of a gender other than that corresponding with their genitalia will not satisfy their ‘gender dysphoria.’ Rather it will reinforce the confusion and intensify their focus and that of their fellow students on this narrow aspect of their self-image. Many transgender youths take hormones that will induce irreversible sex change. Though it sounds simple, the hormones weaken bone development and possibly affect brain development that continues into young adulthood. In most cases the hormones render them sterile. The secondary sex changes induced by hormone therapy are permanent: girls develop facial hair, a deepened voice and often the girls have their breasts surgically removed to appear more masculine. Boys are feminized to develop breasts, a higher-pitched voice and again, are rendered sterile. If, later, transgender individuals regret their decision, they cannot reverse the damage done to their bodies. This often leads to depression and even suicide. Family Alliance President Ruth Dale says her group endorses kind and respectful treatment of transgender students but emphasizes “We also want the student body of which the transgender students are a part be to be treated with equal respect and dignity. They have a right to privacy and modesty. Sharing bath and shower rooms with students having different genitalia does not serve that end.” Therefore, we oppose ‘open’ use of bathrooms and shower rooms by transgender students. Instead, single-person toilet and shower facilities should be provided for transgender students’ use. It is the most equitable way to help all students.” Alliance Secretary Richard Salmon also requested that Virginia senators and delegates who last March mandated local school boards adopt the State Board policy not then yet in existence, suspend that requirement until the state department adopts a final policy and the General Assembly conducts oversight hearings on the resulting “model.” A draft has been published at Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools (virginia.gov) . The public is invited to comment between now and 11:59 pm. on February 3 ( CLICK ON => Guidance Document Public Comment Forum (virginia.gov) . We encourage all the citizens of Virginia to comment on the proposed policy. We believe the parents and grandparents of school age should be irate about this policy proposal. Please let your state legislators know how you feel. Their contact information is available here, Who's My Legislator. ### The Prince William & Manassas Family Alliance is composed of citizens of Prince William county and the City of Manassas from many occupations and religious affiliations. Our mission is to stand for and protect family, moral and religious values. Our web site is: www.familyallianceonline.org ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90569", "author": "Rebekah", "date": "2021-01-18T09:01:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "Encroaching on the majority of the student’s privacy for the sake of a few is not okay! Kids who are not comfortable using their biologically assigned restrooms/locker rooms could be allowed to use private staff restrooms or have a restroom made specifically for them. But, allowing students of the opposite gender to use the wrong restroom, without any questions asked, will lead to disaster. This WILL be taken advantage of and imagine all of the lawsuits that could stem from that. It’s NOT okay!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90570", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T09:09:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90571", "author": "Kenneth Filliben", "date": "2021-01-18T09:20:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "In your considerations, please lookout for ALL the students not just those who have political power or money behind them. Keep all of our children safe. If transgender students don't feel safe in their appropriate bathroom please build them private bathrooms throughout the building to use. Imposing broad new mandates so often has destructive unintended consequences. Reverse the trend of modern government and actually fix the problem, instead of making it worse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90572", "author": "Anonymous Parent", "date": "2021-01-18T09:24:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender Model Policy", "text": "Although I empathize greatly with the challenges of transgender students, I strongly oppose the DOE’s model policy for several reasons. First and foremost, regarding school interference in determining gender identity, the recommended standard reads: “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity.” A child’s gender and greater identity are intimate and personal. They are not the business of the school or the government. This is a topic and discussion that should rightly be handled within the family unit, and the government (and by extension schools) should not interfere with family business and the personal decisions of students and their family members. It is not the job of the school to impose their viewpoints on such personal matters, and it is certainly the job of the school to communicate personal concerns with family members. Just as a school would have an obligation to communicate to a parent or guardian if a child were experiencing depression, engaging in risky behavior, considering suicide, or demonstrating addictive personality or behaviors, parents should be informed of all substantive issues regarding their children. A student’s gender identity and personal beliefs, thoughts, and worries are between a student and their family, and it rests solely within that boundary lest we continue to give the government more control over our ability to raise, parent, and advise our own children. Secondly, can you please explain how discipline and consequences for not using correct pronouns will be enforced? I would like additional information on the punitive steps that will be taken against faculty or students who violate the “pronoun” policy. The draft policy reads: “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” I oppose this. Parents should be notified immediately if there child is called in for remediation or discipline for violating ANY school policy. Parents should be informed and actively engaged in any disciplinary consequence (short of a verbal warning) the school enforces on their child at any level. Further, the standard implies consequences to the family as well. It reads: “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming.” What would this look like? Would the school report child abuse if a family was not “affirming” of their child’s proclamation regarding gender identity? Sexual preference and sexual decisions do not belong in the schools; this is not the job or purview of public education. Please keep these topics out of the public school system, and let families handle personal decisions regarding students. I am unsure what qualifies teachers, administrators, superintendents, or even counselors in the school system to have the authority to “help” these children with their decisions without consultation with parents who have birthed these children, raised these children, paid for all their needs and necessities, and cared for them throughout their childhood. There is NO outside authority in this facet of a child’s life but that of the parents. And frankly, whether or not a parent “affirms” a behavior, proclamation, action or stance of their child is of no business to the school. The school, nor any of it’s agents, are not a parent. Period. Finally, I believe there are major safety and privacy violations that would follow the decision to make bathrooms openly available to both genders. The draft policy requires “ Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” Further, faculty and students cannot confront a student regarding their entry into the restroom. As an adult woman, I can think of nothing more humiliating, embarrassing, or uncomfortable than being a pubescent girl having to share a bathroom with a biological boy. Although I can’t speak to their experiences, I would imagine boys might also feel the same discomfort in sharing a bathroom with a biological female. I feel like not allowing young ladies their privacy is gender discrimination. Have these recommendations been based on research and data regarding the safety of such decisions? Since bullying and bad behavior often take place in areas within the schools in which teachers have limited access, I would urge you to reconsider putting ANY student (transgender or otherwise) into a situation that might further perpetuate bullying and violence. Why is it not possible to put a single transgender bathroom in schools—much like a family bathroom found at many stores and mall areas? It seems that this would be a better decision to allow transgender students the spaces they need while ensuring the safety and privacy of ALL students. Please don’t make decisions that benefit one population of students to the detriment of all the others. I want every child to have a safe and productive school experience, but I believe this policy does not allow that for ALL students. Thank you for allowing a forum for parents to voice their concerns."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90573", "author": "Tom Smith", "date": "2021-01-18T09:33:00", "title": "Comment on \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools\"", "text": "Sir, Ma'am: Thank you for the opportunity to comment. I have serious reservations on aspects of the \"Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students in VA Public Schools\" and request substantial modification or rescission. While I am supportive of efforts to reduce bullying and harrassment, these guidelines go far beyond supporting a safe school environment by endorsing positions on transgenderism that include controversial and harmful ideas such as male and female being being defined as a 'cluster of physical features' or that gender identity is declared at age 5-6.  These ideas are harmful, particularly when shared by authority figures (the public school).  They directly oppose the firmly held and scientifically based reality of men and women.  I fear for the confusion we introduce into children that will bring them long term harm. If the intent is to reduce bullying and harrassment, please focus on respecting the dignity of the individual and do not accompany these guidelines with definitions and education that are firmly rejected by science and the Judeo-Christian faith.  Parents must have say in the education of their children.  The concepts of transgenderism are complex and should not be promoted in public schools. ---------- 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 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90574", "author": "Concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-18T09:35:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Absolutely not the school’s place! This shouldn’t even be a question. Absolutely absurd."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90575", "author": "J. Lenigan", "date": "2021-01-18T09:52:00", "title": "Strong support!", "text": "Strongly support as a parent of a trans child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90576", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T10:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!", "text": "How is it that public school teachers will be charged with harassment for not using the correct pronoun? How is it that any person can enter any locker room or bathroom, and claim a certain gender? What sort of protection do ALL students receive from this sort of bill?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90577", "author": "Lillie Ragan", "date": "2021-01-18T10:06:00", "title": "Transgender Guidance", "text": "Very strongly opposed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90578", "author": "Matthew Lang", "date": "2021-01-18T10:08:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I have no issue with the transgender community, but do not believe that is the school's place to facilitate the transition. I am also concerned with the fact that the plan states that schools will support the initiative without the approval or knowledge of the parents, and also will have parents reported to child protective services if they are opposed. Educate the children, but remove yourself from their personal lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90579", "author": "Andrea", "date": "2021-01-18T10:15:00", "title": "Opposed Parents should know what is going on with their kids.", "text": "Parents have a right to know what is going on with their child. As their legal guardians. Also the thought of any boy or girl walking into the opposite sex restroom without question is wrong. You’re opening that up for more sexual harassment issues."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90580", "author": "Teacher", "date": "2021-01-18T10:15:00", "title": "OPPOSED!", "text": "I support and love all students but oppose this policy!  The school does not have the right to take parental rights away and to make decisions for a child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90581", "author": "Anthony Hansen", "date": "2021-01-18T10:17:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "These proposed regulations are fundamentally flawed and should not be imposed upon Virginia schools. Actual gender, as gender has been defined for thousands of years, is a biological fact, established by a person's chromosomes at conception -- not at birth as is asserted in these draft regulations.  Although male and female genitalia are outward signs of ones' biological gender, rare cases of birth defects do occur where the genitalia are not formed normally which may indeed foster gender confusion.  Most gender confusion, however, is a psychological condition where a person feels or self-identifies as other than their biological gender. Accordingly, any discussion of school policy concerning students suffering with gender confusion or ambiguity should be predicated upon truth, the primacy of parental responsibility for the health, welfare, and education of their children, and a profound respect by the state for their dignity as individuals.  This dignity must be in equal proportion, neither greater nor lesser, to the dignity of the majority of students who individually identify with their biological gender. The definition of the condition must first be predicated upon objective biological gender as established chromosomally.  Gender identity becomes a policy issue in cases where an individual's subjective perception of their gender assignment differs in some way from their biological gender. Second, the role of the state is to support parents as they guide their children through their development.  Any language that discourages educators from discussing the outward manifestation of a student's gender identity with their parents or presumes that gender confusion should be encouraged by educators against a parents' wishes should be stricken from the policy.  Similarly, any language that presumes that a parent supporting their child's gender identity with their biological gender is inherently abusive is fundamentally flawed and should be stricken. Third, all students should be protected and treated with equal dignity.  Any policy that allows individuals who are not truly gender-confused to use gender identity as a ruse to gain access to the private facilities intended for their opposite sex (e.g. bathroom, showers, changing rooms, etc.) should be stricken and modified to protect the dignity of all students equally. Finally, and most importantly, no state educational regulations should infringe upon the citizens' free exercise of their religious beliefs.  Where these beliefs intersect with gender identity, the regulations must respect the primacy of these religious beliefs and allow parents to educate their children consistent with these beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90582", "author": "Mr. &Mrs. Stephen DeSimone", "date": "2021-01-18T10:19:00", "title": "Transgender bologna", "text": "We Strongly oppose any and all motions to allow transgenderism in our schools or any place. It is demonic and will allow the devil into our schools worse than he already is!  Anyone who is in making a notion in favor should be fired!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90583", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T10:30:00", "title": "Strongly Support - We Need This", "text": "As a non-binary high school student, I'm unable to use restrooms at school because there aren't any easily accessible gender-neutral restrooms. Additionally, I love sports but can not participate because I don't feel comfortable on the girls nor boys teams. Gender-neutral athletic opportunities are strongly needed for students to feel included. Also, FLE courses need to include normalization and discussion of LGBTQIA+ individuals to help students feel like they belong. There is both subtle and overt discrimination for LGBTQIA+ students at school. For example, students laugh and make fun of a sign designed to promote positive LGBTQIA+ support. It's isolating when classmates are laughing at who you and your friends are. The VDOE Model Policies would make school safer and more inclusive for me and other LGBTQIA+ students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90584", "author": "Douglas Brown", "date": "2021-01-18T10:34:00", "title": "Support for the VDOE’s guidance on creating inclusive school environments for trans and n", "text": "I wanted to comment in support of the VDOE’s guidance on creating inclusive school environments for trans and non-binary students. I direct a church choir in Richmond, and I am grateful to a transgender member of my choir who has taught me much about the struggles of our transgender siblings in Christ. I am in awe of the bravery of trans kids in Virginia's schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90585", "author": "Chase Baker", "date": "2021-01-18T10:39:00", "title": "transgender bathroom", "text": "As someone who is trans, and once went to the public schools in virginia (i’m graduated now) i highly support the transgender bathroom law that is trying to be passed. most of these comments are bigoted adults , or transphobes themselves who don’t really support their kids, or kids at school. trans kids using their preferred bathroom doesn’t affect anyone in any sort of way. us using the preferred bathroom shouldn’t be a big deal to anyone. we literally just go to the bathroom to go pee, and what have you. we literally bother no one. i used to not go to the bathroom at all during school, and it affected me a lot. take it from someone who is actually trans this is a GOOD idea. don’t listen to trans phobes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90586", "author": "Kathleen Abela", "date": "2021-01-18T10:40:00", "title": "Parents Rights and the True Abusers", "text": "Caring parents and other adults who do not support adolescent transition are not abusive as this document calls them. No one who cares about children would encourage a child to embark on a path of irreversible damage to their bodies because that child is experiencing some discomfort with their body. There could be many reasons for that. Why not try to help that child get down to the bottom of why they may be feeling that way? Adopting a new persona (pronouns, names, dress, etc.), hormone therapy, and surgery are all things that can not easily be taken back. Encouraging children to experiment with these things and aiding them in hiding it from their parents is the real child abuse. I strongly oppose these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90587", "author": "anon", "date": "2021-01-18T10:43:00", "title": "good idea for trans bathroom", "text": "i support the transgender law trying to be passed, and consider it a good idea. trans kids going to the proffered bathroom doesn’t affect anyone, and trans kids should be able to feel safe in the environment they work in."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90588", "author": "ANON", "date": "2021-01-18T10:46:00", "title": "Trans bathroom, good idea", "text": "Unless you are trans yourself it’s hard to understand the struggles that every day trans kids go through. Trans kids being themselves is NOT a person, nor should be treated such. trans kids using their preferred bathrooms harms no one in any way. it would make trans kids feel more safe at school, and feel like they’re able to use the bathroom that they belong in. they wouldn’t have to prove themselves. no one should have to prove themselves to anyone on why they’re the person that they are. trans people aren’t trans to go against anyone. they’re trans because that’s who they are, and should be able to be who we are without questioning, so this law is a wonderful idea !!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90589", "author": "Reston Resident", "date": "2021-01-18T10:47:00", "title": "Please stop this cruelty - opposed", "text": "I do not approve of these proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. This indoctrination flies in the face of science, reason, and faith and is utterly cruel to our students. Please stand up for truth. Now. Before it is too late and more grave damage is done to our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90590", "author": "VA Public School Parent", "date": "2021-01-18T10:49:00", "title": "Opposed - Creates Significant Problems", "text": "We all agree that bullying is not acceptable and that thought is a good one. These proposed guidelines, however well intentioned, are simultaneoisly going against science, going against religious beliefs, setting up students for unnecessary discipline, and creating environments where sexual harassment will flourish. Students can not be expected to ascertain a gender identity if it is constantly changing and is only in a specific student's mind. Furthermore, a school system should encourage scientific studies. Scientifically, a person's gender chromosomes are one thing at birth and remain that thing. It does not change during the course or a week, month, etc.. Furthermore, Scripture and science strongly agree that there are two genders. These policies are going to cause innocent students to be disciplined for no reason, for science to be thrown out the window, and for religion to be ignored. Meanwhile, the allowance of any student to use any locker room and restroom they would like WILL cause instances of sexual harassment and discomfort that are grossly unacceptable. The final result of these policies will likely be a mass exodus out of the VA Public School system. These guidelines, as written, would cause massive problems throughout the state in every county and community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90591", "author": "Amy Martin", "date": "2021-01-18T10:52:00", "title": "A Child is Either Only a Female Girl or a Male Boy", "text": "Ignoring basic facts is ignorant and dangerous. A child does not have the wrong genitals by accident. It’s impossible. There isn’t anything legitimate about making the truth illegal. Adults entrusted with the care and well being of OTHER people’s children should take it  more seriously as opposed to pretending there is anything sincere about enrolling minors into a socially constructed perverted Cult based on highlighting the differences in the genitals of minors while seeking money to confuse kids about loving themselves as is. What clothes a child wears doesn’t determine male or female. It’s threatening, violating and dishonest to claim there is or ever was some kind of need to accommodate the enabling of state ran child abuse that strips the rights of Parents and Girls that have already been begging for common sense practice while Ignored by those invested that make money to force participation in encouraged self hatred, dangerous drugs that are harmful and genital mutilation. The fact that since 2016 ed Parents in school board meetings have pointed out the obvious hidden agenda nationwide repeatedly and also been ignored just points to how insincere it is to ask for a public poll to beg for sex based rights to safety, privacy and protections to be upheld in an environment of CHILDREN where the practice of forcing voyuerism onto minors is the discussion. Adults don’t even practice and most have no idea what’s being attempted. There are already far too many cases of Parents losing custody to a gross opportunist marketing to a minor that the only way to be happy is to hate themselves and claim a label based on sexual ideas. There wasn’t a physician in Virginia that  used a treatment plan for a child exhibiting confusion about whether they were Male or Female that included dangerous drugs, genital mutilation and forcing everyone else to play along with inaccurate pronouns. NOT 1 I have evidence that supports those facts. Facts like socially constructed confusion forced is blatant evil. I’m not scared to share those facts. I am scared that lawmakers and people of influence turn their backs on society and aim to use children as bait knowingly and don’t care about reality. Selling kids the idea their parents may not know whether their child is male or female couldn’t be more dishonest. God knows the truth so do the Global alliances  that include witnesses to the manufactured self destruction assembly line. Girls privacy isn’t yours to give away. Boys being told their personality determines whether they qualify into manhood should’ve MATTERED DAY 1. The fact that when the truth is pointed out and that includes the ZERO acknowledgement of the already known dangers and harms being ignored and dismissed of value SAYS IT ALL. There is enormous EVIDENCE and still here we are begging for the TRUTH to remain legal while the argument is whether to allow state ran child abuse to get by with holding a persons child hostage and forcing participation in child abuse painted to look pretty with the illusion that practical discretions is somehow discriminatory. You already know what is a Male and Female and so does over 99% of the population while it’s being sold as a mystery and a particular party falsely claims the ownership of those terms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90592", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T11:08:00", "title": "oppose with gentleness", "text": "I will spare all of you the details of my thought process.  However, I feel compelled as a parent (first of all) and taxpayer (secondarily) to oppose what seems to be a misguided effort to confirm basic rights. I do not believe these policies, as written, are aligned with simple logic.  If we were to extrapolate these policies to a natural next step, we are quickly asking policy-makers to establish guidelines where I dare to say that NOBODY (except perhaps the policy-makers themselves) wants to live.  (myriad examples come to mind that I dare not codify in writing...but if you disagree with me, do yourself a favor and let your mind wander to places this sort of policy might inadvertently cause harm or confusion) Establishing basic rights was done in the constitution.  It needed to be clarified a few times in history and we are better for those clarifications.  This 'clarification' oversteps grossly and creates an environment, in my opinion, where we have lost sense of what should be intuitive.  I strongly oppose the proposal as it is written, although do not oppose the heart of the individuals wishing to create a 'safe space'...I acknowledge that language is my own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90593", "author": "Tom DeWeerd", "date": "2021-01-18T11:10:00", "title": "Principals & Teachers Need Guidance", "text": "I retired after more than 35 years as an educator, and I’m proud to support this guidance. As a high school principal, I always wanted to do everything right for struggling students and it was often a learning process while we reached out for information on how to support them. I know it was tough for students with sexual identity issues to have their role models at school not knowing how to treat them with the full respect they deserve. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90594", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T11:12:00", "title": "More consideration", "text": "More consideration to articles and information on children deciding before puberty one way and after puberty another... The space for children needing accommodations for uneasiness will be larger than the amount of students wanting to change their identity. Not to mention,  sexual curiosity will be allowed and children will be bouncing from bathroom to bathroom and locker room to locker room to fulfill those curiosities. If you take the parent out of the conversation you are denying families the growth TOGETHER. People are more tolerant today they are just oblivious.  Every parent has an idea about their children, sure,  but this doesn't mean they will turn their back on their child. They may see it and don't know how to help or navigate and the child FEEL that they will not understand. You can't pick and choose the trauma, worry,  etc. of a child... if you are going to hide this and be the only asset to the child then you need to be available 24/7 to all children going thru something in these formative years. You're an adult at 18, vote at 18... we can address this on a much more smaller scale than disrupting an entire school for this small group of children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90595", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T11:14:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Anything we can do to  help schools create safe and inclusive educational experiences for all students, especially our LGBT youth is important."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90596", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T11:27:00", "title": "Be led by Science and Compassion", "text": "I am asking that in making decisions that affect the children of other people, we be led by Science and compassion. Children are either male or female in their DNA. Changes cannot be made prior to adulthood. Therefore, we must protect the rights of all students to feel safe in their own body. We do that with different changing rooms, different restrooms, separating girls and boys during sensitive portions of health education. Please take into consideration the needs of many young children who have been victimized in the past. They must be allowed safe places to change and take care of bathroom needs. We can respond in a compassionate way to confused youth by allowing them separate facilities if necessary but they must not be allowed to choose to violate another child's right to change in an area free from opposite genders. Robbing the innocence of little girls by exposing them to the penis of a young boy who wishes to become a girl is not appropriate. Images are powerful. We can protect all of our children and still be compassionate. Further, I ask that you show respect for the Christian and Muslim members of our community who have deeply held religious beliefs that prevent us from calling a lie the truth. I must not refer to a boy as her, they, it, them. I must not call girls him, non-binary or other things that are not factual. As a follower of Christ and an educator, I must be truthful with my students. To attempt to coerce me to violate my deeply held religious convictions is both illegal and immoral. We can work together to find compromises that show compassion and that respect the differences of all. School should be a safe place for ALL children. Children must not be pawns in a game of adult choices."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90597", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T11:33:00", "title": "this places an undue burden on teachers and restricts parental rights. please do not pass this.", "text": "this places an undue burden on teachers and restricts parental rights. please do not pass this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90598", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T11:39:00", "title": "Safe Schools", "text": "This teacher wants safe schools for all students- please pass."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90599", "author": "Jeff Bengtson", "date": "2021-01-18T11:39:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "You people are going too far.  Anyone with a penis should not be allowed to go into the girls bathroom and vice versa."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90600", "author": "A friend to all", "date": "2021-01-18T11:50:00", "title": "Do not deny our shared humanity by adopting this guidance", "text": "Part of what it means to be human is to be male or female. This new and misguided guidance, from the definitions and terms it adopts to its insistence on demolishing safe spaces for girls’ athletic competition, denies this and other key features of our humanity. In so doing, the guidance will end up creating misunderstanding, loneliness, and sorrow for students, families, and our Virginia communities. When we deny the very nature of who and what we are, when we institutionalize that denial as this woebegone guidance seeks to do, we teach our children to live not in accord with reality but in bondage to a fragile fantasy that will break them one day. Oppose this guidance. It will hurt so many, just as the denial of humanity always does. This counsel is said in love and friendship for all, especially for those dealing with the confusion wrought by this sort of guidance and gender dysphoria more generally. There are real problems to be settled in this regard. This guidance does not address them, but rather compounds them. Sincerely, A fellow lover in and of Virginia"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90601", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T11:50:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed.", "text": "This will create more problems than it will solve, unless the bathrooms are a one person at a time type."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "90602", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-18T11:57:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92014", "author": "Nancy", "date": "2021-01-29T06:38:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policy as a parent, as a teacher, and as a woman.  This slippery slope will eventually lead to so much more including biological males competing in athletics as girls against biological females.  This has happened in other states and is already filling up the court system with discrimination cases filed by these biological girls.  I beg you not to pass this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92015", "author": "STRONGLY OPPOSE this policy", "date": "2021-01-29T06:40:00", "title": "strongly oppose!", "text": "This policy is damaging for all children! Let's set simple biology aside- this is a damaging policy for all children. There is no wonder children are in a mental health crisis! How is it that the more control the government and the school system gets, the more screwed up these kids are. Do us all a favor and get out of our children's lives & their schools! You are ruining these poor young souls!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92016", "author": "Joan Philbin", "date": "2021-01-29T06:58:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!", "text": "I vehemently oppose this policy.  Schools ought to be teaching the facts about biology and not be cradles of social engineering.  This policy would violate the safety and security of a vast majority of students, not to mention confuse most young children, in order to accommodate a tiny minority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92017", "author": "Jacob W", "date": "2021-01-29T07:10:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the Policies set forth in the document. Children should not be fed a narrative that sex is just based on \"a cluster of anatomical features\". I hope this never passes anywhere but the internet"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92018", "author": "Robert Evans", "date": "2021-01-29T07:32:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "The transgender policy does nothing to protect non transgender students from infringement on their rights. The transgender or self determined gender identity student can alter their gender at will as there is no physical expression that confirms or dictates biological conformity. Thus a student can use gender morphism to create a hostile environment for teachers and staff. This policy infringes on religious rights and imposes responsibility of identifying arbitrary sexual identity on persons who have no ability to know what the person has determined to be their gender. It is impossible to enforce equitably and encourages greater distancing of opposing view points."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92019", "author": "Debbie", "date": "2021-01-29T07:35:00", "title": "Gender confusion", "text": "Strongly opposed to this.  It should not be taught in the schools!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92020", "author": "Concerned grandparent/voter", "date": "2021-01-29T07:39:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Strongly opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92021", "author": "Lisa C", "date": "2021-01-29T07:54:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE.", "text": "This policy is unsupported by science and an affront to those with religious objections. We need mental health services for Trans, not accommodations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92022", "author": "Lisa R", "date": "2021-01-29T07:59:00", "title": "Trans students are entitled to equal protection under the law", "text": "In no way, shape, or form should public education facilities and staff be provided the tools to successfully discriminate against ANY child within the walls of their school/classroom. All children are entitled to a safe, supportive learning environment where their integrity is maintained and harassment is prohibited. Black or non-black, male, female, binary or non-binary, old or young, poor or otherwise, trans or non-trans-- ALL STUDENTS ARE OUR STUDENTS. As a special education teacher, we do not have a say in which students we educate and which we turn away, which students we provide full access to civil rights and liberties and which we do not. Trans students are not a new subgroup of students; they've existed within our system for decades. It is only now that we are speaking candidly about their presence and placing direct effort into welcoming them into our rooms and schools. Insisting they're not entitled to the same rights and protections, both under FERPA and the US Constitution, is abhorrent and erroneous. If we're going to insist that we label/mark students according to specific demographics, we must still be dedicated to providing equal protection to ALL. If not, we are complicit in actively discriminating against the very students we are called to educate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92023", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T08:01:00", "title": "I do NOT agree with this policy!", "text": "This new transgender policy is not right! As a minor, parents have full legal rights and guardianship of their children. This means they have a right to know everything that is going on with their child. This is a sick and corrupt policy that will psychologically harm a child in thinking that they cannot have real relationships with their parents. It also fosters gender confusion which is not only unnecessary, but harmful to their mental health. Childre do not have fully developed brains until they are 25 years old. There is absolutely no reason for them to be exploring any kind of sexuality or confused gender identity at this point in their lives. Let them be CHILDREN. They can use the bathroom that their parts match and leave the rest for them to decide/experiment with as an ADULT. If clothing is a problem, make a dress code that all children are to wear pants and polos. You are not only making an unnecessary change in policy  but a COMPLETELY unnecessary distraction for the children. School is to get education and to a smaller extent socialization. There is no need for this complex idiocracy. And it is completely wrong for anyone to encourage hiding things from a child's parents. Especially something so ridiculous. You also don't have the right to implement this policy without the public voting on it. It will be brought to court. We are paying you with OUR tax dollars. Therefore we get to decide on such a policy so completely absurd and not even related to our child's education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92024", "author": "Monica", "date": "2021-01-29T08:14:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this guidance.", "text": "This guidance does not take into account and actually endangers the rights of those individuals who are not identifying as transgender. No child should be subject to fear in the classroom, bathroom, locker room for the endorsement of such confusion.  All children require & demand our adult protection, support & guidance, without endangering others. This guidance is of ideological basis and the VDOE has no place commenting or directing guidance on such matters."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92025", "author": "Lynn Spraker", "date": "2021-01-29T08:41:00", "title": "Strong opposition to transgender school policies", "text": "I strongly oppose transgender public school policies. All students kindergarten through twelfth grade should have to use the gender assigned to them by God at birth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92026", "author": "Tracy", "date": "2021-01-29T08:55:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Please do not adopt this policy nor push it on our schools. I agree with you that every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. Furthermore, these new policies are not equitable or supporting family life in any way. This policy opens the door to defining Christian, Bible believing parents—or others of faith—who aren’t deemed to fully embrace or comply with transgender politics as “abusers.” For instance, it states that in situations “when their families are not affirming,” the school should “be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students” and then encourages schools to report abuse concerns to Child Protective Services immediately. This begs the question, exactly how will “affirming” be defined and who will define it? I completely oppose this policy and do not want it forced on Virginia schools. Tracy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92027", "author": "Jim S", "date": "2021-01-29T09:00:00", "title": "Parental Right to Teach the Truth", "text": "The Good Lord created us all male and female. The proposed VDOE policy does not allow parents that believe this truth to raise their children in that truth. How dare you even attempt to usurp a parent's right to live out their faith, and pass it along to their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92028", "author": "Joy", "date": "2021-01-29T09:02:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "Please oppose this. It is the parent's and child's right to oppose this and not be indoctrinated."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92029", "author": "Melissa", "date": "2021-01-29T09:25:00", "title": "Department of education", "text": "I strongly oppose this. It saddens me greatly. II Chronicles 7:14"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92030", "author": "Hank M", "date": "2021-01-29T09:29:00", "title": "You are born anatomically male or female", "text": "You are born anatomically male or female.  You are born without a lot of knowledge.  As you grow, parents are responsible for teaching you right and wrong, truth and false.  Gender confusion is a discussion for the parents to lovingly correct.  Gender confusion erodes and corrupts society. Society is supposed to assist the parents through a moral example but not to supplant them.  Our society and government has grown to believe that they know better and have the power to overthrow the parents will.  Unhealth extremist elements of our society have been given too much grace from normal society and their ideas are overwhelming moral perspective.  Their ideas do not improve society.  As their ideas fail, they only claim more education and more money will make it better but it has not made it better over decades of trying. PLEASE DO NOT APPROVE A POLICY OF GENDER CONFUSION."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92031", "author": "Alison", "date": "2021-01-29T09:32:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "it is heartbreaking that our government, our state, our school systems would even consider this!! It’s sickening to think of what children will see and go through if school systems adopt this. Many will choose private schools.  It’s lack of common sense, which seems to be poplar these days. I pray dearly for those who support this, God is coming and pray that you are saved and ready."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92032", "author": "Darrell O Campbell", "date": "2021-01-29T09:39:00", "title": "new transgender policy", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92033", "author": "Darrell", "date": "2021-01-29T09:41:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92034", "author": "Katie", "date": "2021-01-29T09:45:00", "title": "I oppose transgender agenda & policies being forced on our children by the government", "text": "Please do not allow transgender agenda and policies to be forced upon our children at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92035", "author": "Heather R", "date": "2021-01-29T09:49:00", "title": "I support efforts to help this vulnerable population", "text": "I am a parent of two children in Fairfax County, VA (3rd and 4th grade) and I support efforts to provide resources, assistance and guidance to Virginia schools with regard to the treatment of transgender students. I personal know two families with transgender elementary school-aged children - one a friend and one a family member. In addition, I know several people with pre-teen and teenaged children whose gender identify is fluid. These are all loving families and wonderful children who deserve to feel comfortable and safe in their educational environment. As a parent, I can attest to the difficulty of raising a child. I do not want to see my children struggle, or be hurt or embarrassed, or not know how to fit it, although I recognize that all of those things will happen at some point in a child's life, probably many, many times. Most of us - children, as well as adults - just want to be accepted by our peers, and when there are circumstances that seem to set us apart from others, it can be difficult to cope. These circumstances can be anything, such race, gender/gender identity, and socioeconomic background, or even things such as recent test scores or the kinds of shoes you wear. These differences will always exist. It is up to the adults in these children's lives to provide an environment that minimizes the impact of these differences and to demonstrate that it's ok to be different. As you consider the comments related to this guidance document, I ask that you particularly consider the comments of people who have personal experience with transgender children. This is not a religious issue, nor a parenting issue, as others have argued. This is about providing guidelines to ensure that children in our state can receive an education in a safe and welcoming environment.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92036", "author": "Diane", "date": "2021-01-29T10:13:00", "title": "Transgender polic y", "text": "Strongly oppose this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92037", "author": "Diane", "date": "2021-01-29T10:15:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender policy", "text": "Strongly oppose this policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92038", "author": "Keith Bly", "date": "2021-01-29T10:15:00", "title": "Transgender Policy Proposal for schools", "text": "Generally, I am opposed to this policy as written.  The first amendment to the constitution, freedom of speech, is not protected for anyone who does not adhere to this policy.  Parents can be reported to authorities who then can remove their child from them without them knowing what is going on until it happens.  They can be prosecuted for being a parent who cares deeply about the development of their offspring.  Allowing students of any gender into restrooms, locker rooms, and showers will be a disaster for innocent students, especially girls.  Why is their right to privacy becoming secondary and unimportant?  What if a pretender boy uses this policy to gain access for sexual exploitation?  What about a transgender girl who wishes to be on a boys swim team wearing the same attire as the boys, topless?  This policy sets up the likelihood of multiple lawsuits stemming from abuse.  Worst of all, it will mentally damage developing young people, perhaps for life. Teachers have enough to deal with just doing the job of teaching without this extra heavy handed regulation.  No wonder it is difficult keeping good teachers.  This rule will only lead to fewer applicants.  Too much to keep up with when you can make more money and better benefits elsewhere. I understand there is a need to protect gender confused students from bullying, etc. but this policy is way beyond the need.  It takes away rights of everyone else while creating additional hostility toward the proposed protected class. Reword it PLEASE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92039", "author": "Susan N.", "date": "2021-01-29T10:22:00", "title": "I lost someone I love to transgenderism", "text": "I am grieving the loss of my dear family member to the transgender movement.  I love her very much, but this new person wants nothing to do with me and I don't know her anymore. Watching someone hurt themselves physically and emotionally is the worst thing I've ever experienced.  And I'm supposed to affirm it?  No way. The pain is real, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92040", "author": "Mark Hopkins", "date": "2021-01-29T10:28:00", "title": "oppose forcing students and people to embrace transgenderism", "text": "While we live in a country that allows us wonderful freedoms of free speech and the exercise of religion, I oppose forcing the overwhelming majority of people to embrace the ideology that tells us it is o.k. for us to contradict our God-given biological sex.  To do so not only contradicts nature, morality, and the conscience of the majority, but it also will cause mass confusion on many levels of society and our educational programs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92041", "author": "Dayna Sellner", "date": "2021-01-29T10:29:00", "title": "Kids should not be allowed to make this decision prior to being an Adult", "text": "This is wrong that we have to deal with grown adults allowing children to make this decision so early.  Once your an adult you have choices to make but pushing our kids in this direction when other parents are trying to teach their kids the \"Word of God\" is wrong.  Let schools be a place of learning and let your gender be what God made you until you are a full adult and decide on your own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92042", "author": "George Hogeman", "date": "2021-01-29T10:51:00", "title": "Codifying protection for transgender and non-binary students in Virginia Public Schools", "text": "I speak in support of strong policies to protect transgender and non-binary students in Virginia Public schools as described in House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161.  I think it is vital to stand up to hateful anti-trans opposition to such policies from individuals who wish to deny any individuals from getting the most out of their right to education in Virginia Public Schools because of their race, religion, sexual identity, or other protected categories.  Public schools are a venue where we all have to show much more tolerance for the richness and diversity of everyone in our society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92043", "author": "Ginger Burg", "date": "2021-01-29T10:53:00", "title": "Biology not Identity", "text": "Please protect our biological girl's right to privacy, scholarships, and sports."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92044", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T10:54:00", "title": "NO", "text": "This stuff should not be taught in school! If a parent wants their children to be taught this then it should be done at HOME!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92045", "author": "Lisa", "date": "2021-01-29T10:56:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose these transgender policies. There is not regulation for a student misusing them. I am absolutely against bullying but you cannot put parents relationships with their children in this position. Parents are meant to be the guiding force, if a child is in a bad position the state may intervene, but these policies are confusing and absolutely set the state up for law suits."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92046", "author": "TG", "date": "2021-01-29T10:58:00", "title": "I support the guidance", "text": "I have lived in Fairfax County for 14 years and my sons went to Fairfax County Public Schools. My sons had straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans friends. Having these friends helped my sons become decent, tolerant, and compassionate adults. During high school, some of my sons' friends were subjected to verbal hazing and other forms of bullying, which school personnel should actively work against. Kids are kids. They all deserve a safe space in which to grow up and obtain an education. Their sexuality is nobody's business but their own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92047", "author": "Adam B", "date": "2021-01-29T10:59:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Equal rights is one thing. Ignoring rights of one group over another is a different thing. Perhaps convert some of the male/female bathrooms to UniRooms so there can be an option."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92048", "author": "Linda Baker", "date": "2021-01-29T11:06:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgenderism", "text": "I strongly oppose transgenderism!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92049", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T11:07:00", "title": "Transgender agenda", "text": "I am against the teaching and promoting of transgender program. I feel that it is best suited for the parents to deal with their children and not the public school. It seems the government is trying to destroy the home and take away parental authority. My wife and I have 6 children and 20 grandchildren so we have a vested interest in the education of those who have come after us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92050", "author": "KEH", "date": "2021-01-29T11:17:00", "title": "OPPOSE TRANS Bathrooms - BIOLOGICAL GENDER", "text": "It is beyond ridiculous that disregarding biological gender in public bathrooms & sports is even on the table.  Only those who are ignorant of sexual abuse or who accept sexual abuse and pedophilia as \"sexual expression\" support such evil and insane policies. And yes, God is watching.  NOTHING escapes Him."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92051", "author": "Tamara T", "date": "2021-01-29T11:24:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose! I don't need the government or school system making decisions for MY child. Worry about children that are actually abused at home. This is completely ridiculous!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92052", "author": "Janet Ardrey", "date": "2021-01-29T11:26:00", "title": "Support HB 145 SB 161", "text": "As a professional caregiver and daughter of retired public school teacher I completely expect Virginia’s legislators to do what is best for any student before caving to bigotry and fear-fueled mobs. Our schools should all provide true healthy environments to learn in. You cannot learn if you are in fear or under stress. Adolescence and puberty are especially hard enough without inequality and discrimination that many students contend with in one way or another. Please support the legislation that supports all students to learn in a supportive environment that allows them to thrive. Thank You for reading!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92053", "author": "Cynthia F.", "date": "2021-01-29T11:36:00", "title": "I've been a teacher locally for over two decades and see the need for the proposed guidance, YES!", "text": "I've been a teacher for 23 years, In Albemarle County and Cville and I'm proud to support this guidance. Most of my colleagues haven't dealt with a transgender student and appreciate the guidance proposed. We want to do everything right for them, but it is a learning process while we reached out for information on how to support them. It is tough for all trans students to have their role models at school not knowing how to treat them with the full respect they deserve. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92054", "author": "Madeleine Jacques, Medical Student", "date": "2021-01-29T11:47:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT", "text": "This proposal is so important for preserving the mental and physical health of trans and gender nonconforming children. These measures will help prevent them from experiencing further gender dysphoria and causing them distress. Following these guidelines will create a more welcoming, supportive, and healthy environment for students that will lay the foundation for their futures, and the futures of our nation. Thank you for this important work!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92055", "author": "Kathy Smerke", "date": "2021-01-29T11:50:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a teacher and tutor, I have experience working with trans kids and am familiar with their struggles and successes when dealing with school admin who are not always understanding and/or knowledgeable about how to best support trans students. I support this guidance because I want all kids to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92056", "author": "Patricia McClain", "date": "2021-01-29T11:57:00", "title": "Strongly object", "text": "I am categorically opposed to model policies on transgenderism within the public school system that remove parental rights from their children, particularly in regard to health and safety issues. It is unconscionable that policies are being considered that would allow the school to hide health and safety issues regarding transgenderism from the parents. It is equally unconscionable that, in a country founded on free speech, we are considering forced speech. If this policy is enacted, students and faculty will be told, \"You will speak in a prescribed manner, or you will be punished.\" Use whatever wonky pronoun a kid demands you use, or else! Equally unconscionable is stripping female athletes of the opportunity of competing on an equal playing field while simultaneously setting them up for career ending injuries as they make contact with boys who are competing as women. There is no escaping the scientific fact that human beings born as boys have greater muscle and bone strength than women, and will win against women in competition 90% or more of the time.  All the gains made under Title IX to open up sports for women are being erased by allowing men to compete as women. I also believe it is a form of child abuse to encourage young people in transitioning. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , and a similar society of psychologists and psychiatrists, most of these confused young people have treatable psychological issues and need counseling, not hormones and therapy. It is immoral to encourage transgenderism in children of such a tender age, while telling the parents that they have not say in the matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92057", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T12:01:00", "title": "Oppose -  psychological grounds", "text": "I oppose this policy for several psychological reasons. Since gender is considered fluid and subjective then identifying children as \"transgender\" is damaging seeing as they could decide later that they are not. The subject of \"transgender\" is fluid and by the very definition of the word \"fluid\" it is not permanent, labels are. These children will have to carry that label with them and it does damage them psychologically. Not notifying parents of something this important to their child's life is not only detrimental to the child who will feel like they are leading double lives, but also drives a wedge between the child and their parents.  This creates a breakdown in the family unit which will harm the child.  Causing this type of psychological torture is not what the Board of Education is supposed to be doing. Those who are not \"transgender\" have to comply with a vocabulary that is unsustainable.  Making  children use many forms of gender pronouns for, quite possibly the same person, is confusing and detrimental to all of the children including \"transgender\".  It is a form of verbal bullying, which we know to have profound psychological effects on children. The entire idea of even applying \"transgender\" to a child is damaging as we all know that the complete psyche of a person is not set until the early twenties.  So labeling, separating, or otherwise identifying children as \"transgender\", this includes restroom facilities, not only damages the \"transgender\" child, but also the non-\"transgender\" children. This is a dangerous, and harmful policy due to it's wide range of psychological tortures to the children.  This policy is not under the rubric of the Board of Education. It is a family issue not the State."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92058", "author": "Autumn Yates", "date": "2021-01-29T12:05:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a teacher in the state of Virginia, I know how important is to show all students that they are valued, supported, and loved. These guidelines do just that for our Transgender students, who are among the most vulnerable in the student population."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92059", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T12:07:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000I do not approve of the VDOE purposed draft of the Transgender Policies.  These purposed guidelines are based on radical theories that remove the distinction between male and female.  This is a radical indoctrination of our school children. As a public school teacher for 39 years, I do not believe that VDOE should draft or approve Standards that are contrary to parental rights of supervision and family values.  We should not become a socialistic state where government overrides parental and family guidelines. Bullying is never acceptable, but placing birth gender children in situations where they are uncomfortable, such as bathrooms and locker rooms,  will cause more anger and resentment among peers. Children who identify with their birth gender are being abused and threatened by these standards. If a teacher has to second guess the appropriate gender and pronoun on a daily basis, it puts added stress on the educator and does not contribute to the  educational process and purpose of a child’s education in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92060", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T12:08:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000I do not approve of the VDOE purposed draft of the Transgender Policies.  These purposed guidelines are based on radical theories that remove the distinction between male and female.  This is a radical indoctrination of our school children. As a public school teacher for 39 years, I do not believe that VDOE should draft or approve Standards that are contrary to parental rights of supervision and family values.  We should not become a socialistic state where government overrides parental and family guidelines. Bullying is never acceptable, but placing birth gender children in situations where they are uncomfortable, such as bathrooms and locker rooms,  will cause more anger and resentment among peers. Children who identify with their birth gender are being abused and threatened by these standards. If a teacher has to second guess the appropriate gender and pronoun on a daily basis, it puts added stress on the educator and does not contribute to the  educational process and purpose of a child’s education in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92062", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T12:23:00", "title": "Transgender Proposal for K-12", "text": "Of course,we all agree that every single child should be protected physically and emotionally in schools- free from bullying, harassment and discrimination. In a perfect world I might add . After reading the proposal all of this is very familiar in regard to politicizing sexualized ideology; just like the Family life Education “mandate”when teachers were given a “choice”to about teaching it. If there was “disagreement” well you just had to go along to get along. Disagreeing with policy proposals does not mean one will discriminate the children in the classroom.Parental Rights have been eroding ever since Family Life Education and embracing these Transgender Policy proposals will only further erode them.These proposals not only essentially mandate promotion of gender confusion, but also create an atmosphere of discrimination toward those students and or teachers and or parents who disagree with them. Yes ,it will definitely be opening a Pandora’s box. All the children will be equally harmed by this confusion in the classroom. Who will benefit by it- oh yeah the 15 new lawyers hired by the AG and Del Marcus Simon who threatens to come after the Christians. Cha-ching Cha-Ching $$$$ Dont buy into this hidden agenda folks-"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92063", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T12:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Strongly support all of this. People need to stop getting upset by how others live their lives and stop ignoring reality. \"Shielding\" children from the reality of transgender individuals only hurts everyone in the long run. Educate yourselves, think beyond your biases, accept it, move on, and enjoy life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92064", "author": "Paula J Prettyman", "date": "2021-01-29T12:33:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!!!", "text": "As a lesbian mother of two teenagers, I'm fully in support and very appreciative of this proposed policies document for Virginia schools. LGBTQ students should feel safe and respected wherever they are, but especially in schools. And all students should know they have a responsibility to be welcoming, kind and supportive of everyone. We cannot have peaceful communities without everyone feeling safe and responsible for each other. Thank you for writing this document and providing the public an opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Paula Prettyman"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92065", "author": "Susan Bennett", "date": "2021-01-29T12:35:00", "title": "Support for inclusive school environments for trans and non-binary students", "text": "I am fully in support of the VDOE’s guidance on creating inclusive school environments for trans and non-binary students.  When my two children were in Fairfax County schools they and many of their friends suffered from harassment based on their gender identity not fitting what some considered \"normal\".  As a person of faith I am committed to working towards a society where all people are accepted as they are, as God made them. Please do all you can to make sure that all students in Virginia schools have a safe and welcoming environment where they can devote themselves to learning without fear."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92066", "author": "Sarah W", "date": "2021-01-29T12:36:00", "title": "Gender isn't a choice", "text": "Gender is based on biology. You either had XX chromosomes, meaning you are female, or XY chromosomes, meaning you are male. It is fact, not a choice"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92067", "author": "Karen Wolf, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax", "date": "2021-01-29T12:52:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support guidance. I have been a volunteer with Fairfax LGBTQ Youth group, and have worked with many transgender youth. Trans youth need our support and the support of their schools. Second to parental support, school support is the second most important factor in mitigating the high suicide rate of transgender youth. Every child, no matter their sex, gender, sexuality, expression, or identity, deserves a safe and supportive place to learn. As a person of faith, it is important to me that Virginia support the inherent worth and dignity of all of our young people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92068", "author": "James Heimbach", "date": "2021-01-29T12:53:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "This is a simple matter of fairness and recognition of individual differences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92069", "author": "Joan", "date": "2021-01-29T13:02:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. Confusion vs wisdom", "text": "Please help the kids who are in confusion! Adults should help steer their kids into REALITY (\"no, you can't jump off the balcony because in REALITY, you aren't superman\").  Adults who think they are helping by encouraging this stuff have a sad day coming.  And so do the poor kids who are introduced to this madness. This isn't a game of pretend.  God have mercy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92070", "author": "A Shelton", "date": "2021-01-29T13:24:00", "title": "Strongly recommend", "text": "As a mother and a retired teacher, I support the guidance. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all. Please give the kids what they need, love and understanding."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92071", "author": "Becky Hensley", "date": "2021-01-29T13:25:00", "title": "transgender policies", "text": "I do not agree with the \"model policies\" or proposed guidelines regarding transgender students that are being looked into by the department of education. You state that you are trying to enhance education instead of getting distracted from it, however these guidelines aren't working towards that at all. At some point, the education department needs to step back and see what is happening to the school system. You are implementing so many rules and regulation & standards for personal development that the education is gone. I work with recently graduated individuals that can't count back money, help elderly people write checks or even properly count a till at the end of the day. These are things that ARE NOT BEING TAUGHT. It has nothing to do with how they see themselves. What are you going to do when a straight male who is a potential danger to society (because lets face it they will be out there) walks into the girls locker room claiming to be recognizing himself as a girl that day and rapes an innocent female student. Well you won't really be able to take that back will you? If you are so concerned about the transgender community then give them their own locker room and bathroom. Stop making 75% of your students uncomfortable to please the other 25% ( my own made up numbers for sure ) This has become more than it needs to be, transgender people do not need policies and resistance and more trouble and arguments.  I am more concerned about the doors that you are opening for pedophiles than the opportunities you are opening for transgenders."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92072", "author": "Pat hill", "date": "2021-01-29T13:26:00", "title": "Transgender policy changes to K 12 teaching", "text": "I am totally and vehemently Opposed to the proposed changes K through 12  on transgender Policy.  Male students allowed into the female students Restrooms  is only one example Of possible situations that are ripe for abuse. I hope this department of education of Virginia will consider the safety of our female students and possible harm that might come to them. Also the VDE Should consider lawsuits that might result for them Should harm come to female students.Parental authority and input is totally overridden by these changes also -they need to be scrapped!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92073", "author": "Whitney Smerke-Hochberg", "date": "2021-01-29T13:34:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support this guidance because I want my non-binary and trans friends to feel comfortable and safe in their school environment.  Kids have to feel safe to be able to concentrate on their work. Whitney, age 12"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92074", "author": "Ashley Nicole", "date": "2021-01-29T13:36:00", "title": "Transgender studies", "text": "Strongly Disagree this needs to be taught in a school setting to our kids. It’s difficult for grown adults to understand much less a child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92075", "author": "Mr. Keepyourmentalillnessoutofpublicschools", "date": "2021-01-29T13:42:00", "title": "Strongly AGAINST", "text": "This entire proposal is absolutely disgusting. You are without a doubt, creating a completely hostile environment for children. DISGUSTING!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92076", "author": "Pat Hill", "date": "2021-01-29T13:46:00", "title": "K through 12 transgender policy proposals -vehemently oppose!", "text": "These changes ignore parental authority and input into their child’s Well being and puts  it entirely in the hands of the schools. That’s just one of the problems with this -Not to mention all the problems that could surface with the girls restrooms  being permitted to be entered by males. This plan as proposed needs to be totally scrapped!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92077", "author": "Craig Harris", "date": "2021-01-29T13:47:00", "title": "HB 145 and SB 161", "text": "I strongly support VDOE's Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools. It provides expertise and guidance to school boards in preparing their policies, and providing a more uniform approach statewide. It is beneficial to the administrators, teachers, and all students, regardless of their sexual orientation. Attending school is much more than academics. It is an opportunity to grow and learn about yourself and others. All children should have that opportunity to grow and shine without fear of what others may say or do. These Model Policies enhance those opportunities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92078", "author": "Jeffery H Traver", "date": "2021-01-29T14:10:00", "title": "This Legislation Should not be Appoved", "text": "I do not believe that this proposed legislation actually helps any if our youth. I feel that to force this small minority proposal on the overall population of our children is irresponsible given the ongoing data related to high rates of suicide among people who believe that they are transgender. I do not believe that we really understand the consequences of these policies and should not take such broad societal change with potentially tragic consequences based on the “feelings” of a vocal minority. I also strongly believe that these policies are harmful to the healthy development of non transgender children and provide a clear safety risk to the all children whether trans or otherwise. Physically mixing minors in bathroom, locker room, and sleeping accommodations is abuse, and has been clearly seem as inappropriate for the vast population throughout history with clear examples of the terrible outcomes of ignoring this reality. Finally the presumption that the administrative state knows better than parents and has any power, obligation, or right to interact with children in any environment without the full knowledge and consent of parents is absolutely unacceptable. This is a fundamental violation of basic rights and has no basis in law. Public servants and politicians that have so fundamentally lost sight of their authority and roles in our society to even propose this are in violation of their oaths of office, or the professional standards of their job, and certainly the basic American values that our society is based."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92079", "author": "Gail and Jack Anderson", "date": "2021-01-29T14:12:00", "title": "Proposed transgender guidelines", "text": "We are retired Virginia Public School educators and grandparents to seven current public school students spanning grades 1-10. We adamantly oppose these proposals.  They undermine parental authority and threaten the wellbeing of children.  They should NOT be implemented across the Commonwealth of Virginia!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92080", "author": "Tricia M", "date": "2021-01-29T14:18:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!", "text": "I STRONGLY SUPPORT the VDOE's guidance. Trans, non-binary, and all LGBTQ+ students have the right to protections in every educational setting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92081", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T14:25:00", "title": "In support of our LBGTQ+ students", "text": "As both a parent and an educator, I support protections for LGBTQ+ students in our schools, to allow them to present their authentic selves without fear of discrimination or harassment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92082", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-01-29T14:37:00", "title": "Defend Common Sense", "text": "Our children should not be pawns to be manipulated for the sake of activists who stifle the voices of anyone who disagrees.  Policies should reflect the fact that males and females are different yet they can be treated equally without sharing locker rooms, bathrooms or athletics."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92084", "author": "Michael Legg, LifeHouse Ministries", "date": "2021-01-29T14:51:00", "title": "The Collective Responsibility of Liberty", "text": "The God given liberty America enjoys comes with a collective responsibility to do what is right and leave a legacy of the core values our nation was built on. Putting our children and youth at risk is not one of them. Adding to the confusion and deep issues the younger generation is dealing with by trying to enforce laws that have no merit just to score political brownie points is what should be removed from this conversation as we truly search our hearts and conscience to know if pursuing against what nature has instituted is the right and wise thing to do at any point in time. Laws that are for the good of all and for the younger generation should be what should be pursued. We can do better than this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92085", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T14:52:00", "title": "Let's not be so extreme.", "text": "Children, because that's who we are talking about, are curious by nature. I would hate for this to get out of hand.. as worded now, there will be times when these rules will be taken advantage of. Children are Children and their parents SHOULD know what is going on at school! Stop trying to push more confusing things onto our children.."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92086", "author": "Lillian D.", "date": "2021-01-29T14:52:00", "title": "Respect is a minimum, strongly support", "text": "Respecting each student for who they are is a minimum. Using a student's pronouns and not outing them to the whole school does not disrespect or effect other students. Having a dress code that isn't sexist does not disrespect other students. Creating a more inclusive learning environment is beneficial to all students and saves lives, which from my understanding would make this a pro-life policy. This policy does not change a school's curriculum to require any further education in regards to transgenderism."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92087", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T14:55:00", "title": "Transgender proposal in our schools", "text": "Transgender is wrong besides being stupid.  The President's effort to make Transgender same as Male and Female is terribly foolish.  He should be stopped and it should never become allowed in our Schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92089", "author": "Peter Kostik, Jr.", "date": "2021-01-29T14:58:00", "title": "Fair and reasonable", "text": "I support the model guidelines.  I've read them.  They seem fair and reasonable.   The approach of respectfully accepting our differences could have made my own school experience in Virginia as a gay kid, much better.  I was struck by the observation that transgender kids often feel disconnected from their school.  That was certainly my experience as a gay kid 50 years ago."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92090", "author": "P Pacheco", "date": "2021-01-29T15:00:00", "title": "Proposed policy goes way beyond prevention", "text": "Dear Virginia Department of Education, I’m writing today to OPPOSE the “ Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools”. Every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia already has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Below are ten reasons why this should not be adopted: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing. “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression. Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are not only unworkable, but will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. Please do NOT adopt the “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools”. Sincerely, A concerned mom of 4"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92091", "author": "Deborah P.", "date": "2021-01-29T15:04:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this policy for the respectful treatment of transgender students. The proposed policies (using proper pronouns, prohibiting bullying and harassment based on gender identity, respecting student privacy and confidentiality, and allowing students freedom of gender expression in their attire/restrooms) not only help protect trans students, but also showcase standards of respectful behavior to all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92092", "author": "Ann - a concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-29T15:05:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "I strongly oppose this indoctrination of our students!! Students need to spend time learning things that will help them in life, not waste time trying to figure out what pronouns they are supposed to be using each day around other kids! A simple mistake in forgetting what gender another student happens to want to go by can cause the speaker to get in trouble. How is that not abuse for the child who inadvertently uses the wrong name/pronoun? Comments have been made that the transgender students need to feel \"welcome.\" I agree that bullying should never be an answer, however, they should not be allowed to enter into the bathrooms/shower rooms, etc. of the opposite sex just because of this. What about the girls who won't drink enough during the day hoping to avoid the bathroom because THEY are uncomfortable because a \"boy\" is in their bathroom? What about the potential for some boys to take advantage of this policy to \"prey\" on girls? Where is the safety for our girls? People are getting so over concerned about transgender people, that they are willing to stop all over the majority of us who want our privacy in areas where we should be able to have it!! The school did not \"bring the children into the world,\" parents did; why does the school system get to indoctrinate our kids? Please say NO to this dangerous policy and stick to teaching reading, math, science..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92093", "author": "Becky Jones", "date": "2021-01-29T15:10:00", "title": "Transgender proposal in our schools", "text": "I STRONGLY disagree with this proposal.  All children should be protected from bullying!  It doesn't matter who they are.  Transgenders should not have more rights than any other child.  The major issue I have are the boys that classify themselves as girls will be allowed to go into the locker room with other girls and participate in female sports even though they have the genetics of a male!! Therefore they will be stronger and be able to beat most girls in the average sport. This is setting our girls up for failure! Please STOP this nonsense!  This is happening in our Olympics today!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92094", "author": "steve shank", "date": "2021-01-29T15:19:00", "title": "if you allow your child to be taught these things there blood will be on your hands REPENT!!!!!", "text": "IF YOU ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO BE TAUGHT THESE THINGS , THEIR BLOOD WILL BE ON YOUR HANDS. A NATION THAT REJECTS GOD WILL NOT PROSPER. WE ARE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD , SATAN LOVES DESTROYING THE IMAGE OF GOD. SATAN KNOWS HIS DESTINY , AND WOULD LOVE TO DRAG YOU DOWN WITH HIM FOR ETERNITY. WHEN WE AS ADULTS WERE CHILDREN WE DIDNT HAVE A GOVERNMENT AS SLIMY ,GODLESS AND CORRUPT AS WE DO  NOW. DEAR JESUS COME QUICKLY , IF YOU DONT KNOW JESUS  AS YOUR SAVIOR PLEASE COME TO HIM BEFORE IT IS TO LATE. REPENT !!!!! STEVE SHANK WEYERS CAVE VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92095", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T15:33:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a mom living in Fairfax County, I think it is very important for schools and administrators have high quality guidance on how to best assist and understand trans children. I support this guidance because I want all kids in Virginia to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92096", "author": "I. Davidson", "date": "2021-01-29T15:35:00", "title": "Transgender.  Strongly OPPOSED", "text": "The schools or the state or any government agency does NOT have the right to force feed a minority of students actions, beliefs onto the majority.  I am strictly OPPOSED to these actions.  Stop bullying YES, no one deserves this, but to force kids who may not understand to follow your absurd actions is wrong and then to threaten to have them removed from their homes is insane.  You have managed to remove God, the pledge, holidays and now this. NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92097", "author": "Kristen", "date": "2021-01-29T15:38:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Thank you for leading the way to a healthier environment for all students. The policies proposed harm no cis-gender students and are justified by research to lessen the harm and mental health issues faced by gender non-conforming and transgender individuals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92098", "author": "Maria Stein (she/her/hers)", "date": "2021-01-29T15:45:00", "title": "I stand with Transgender Youth", "text": "This is needed and necessary progress toward respecting the rights of all children, regardless of their gender identity. Research shows that trans children have extremely high rates, not just of suicidal ideation, but of suicide attempts. They also suffer from high rates of discrimination, bullying, violence, of being thrown out of their homes, of homelessness, depression. We must support these children. Love them, accept them. Acknowledge the scientific reality of gender identity, of gender dysmorphia, of the social construct that is gender. Please adopt this policy. Thank you, Maria Stein (she/her/hers)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92099", "author": "Stephen Gonzalez", "date": "2021-01-29T15:53:00", "title": "Ill-advised.", "text": "Rules and policies, serve to promote and protect the values and standards we ascribe to, but what happens when there is a conflict of values? I do not believe this proposition positions our children for what is in their best interest. We know that children undergo critical developmental stages, that overlap with their educational journey. This is why we have educational programs that promote awareness toward issues that can adversely affect our children’s safety and lives. The very fact that we identify the topic as “gender confusion” speaks to the reality that there are different genders, and that each has defining characteristics. Children are not afforded the right to legally access alcohol, tobacco, pornography, firearms, and other items that can undeniably cause them harm in their limited development. If we truly believe that a child has the ability to determine at a young age, a rational need to associate as a different gender, or CHANGE genders (which implies being something different, from what you are currently), then we should have a bunch of firemen, soldiers, princesses, and doctors running around. Yet, everyone is aware that overtime we continuously change our minds."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92100", "author": "William G", "date": "2021-01-29T15:54:00", "title": "Strongly support as a conservative position!", "text": "First, I believe that support for diversity, equity, and the rights of all individuals to be left alone to be who they are is a strongly conservative stance.  Whether it's Rand Paul writing \"I stood for ten and a half hours on the Senate floor to defend your right to be left alone,\" or Grover Norquist writing \"the center right coalition in American politics ...the issue that brings them to politics what they want from the government is to be left alone.\" That's all our kids are asking for - the right to be left alone, to live as who they truly are. Failure to enact this guidance, or worse railing against it, is contrary to everything that conservatism claims to be. Let's leave our kids alone to become who they are. They're already confused by why their old-folks parents would have a problem with them using the bathroom that they want to use, or dress how they want to dress. Biases are learned, not inbred. All this document does is give them the right to leave biases behind. \"Equality, rightly understood as our founding fathers understood it, leads to liberty and to the emancipation of creative differences; wrongly understood, as it has been so tragically in our time, it leads first to conformity and then to despotism.\" - Barry Goldwater"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92101", "author": "LD", "date": "2021-01-29T15:55:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "No child should be bullied. But the rest of this is nonsense. No child should be disciplined for mis-speaking or failing to remember that someone who looks like a girl to them doesn't think she is a girl and wants to be called a \"he\".  No child should have their own beliefs questioned at school.  No child should spend time they could spend learning valuable math or reading or science or music on discussing gender identity issues.  And no girl should have to be afraid to go to the bathroom because someone who was a boy yesterday, but today says he's a girl is in there!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92102", "author": "Bill Wines", "date": "2021-01-29T15:56:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "From The American College of Pediatrics: “Human sexuality is an objective biological binary trait: “XY” and “XX” are genetic markers of male and female, respectively – not genetic markers of a disorder. The norm for human design is to be conceived either male or female. Human sexuality is binary by design with the obvious purpose being the reproduction and flourishing of our species. This principle is self-evident.” “No one is born with an awareness of themselves as male or female; this awareness develops over time and, like all developmental processes, may be derailed by a child’s subjective perceptions, relationships, and adverse experiences from infancy forward. People who identify as “feeling like the opposite sex” or “somewhere in between” do not comprise a third sex. They remain biological men or biological women.” Stop imposing morals that contradict the Word of God.  Genesis 1:27"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92103", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T15:59:00", "title": "Strongly oppose, not safe", "text": "This is unacceptable. The majority of students are not transgender. Permitting students who say they are to go into an unsupervised restroom without question will only lead to sexual advances whether they are wanted or not. Our youth will find work arounds to this permitting for heterosexual males/females to enter the opposite bathroom warranting inappropriate and risky behavior. While a transgender male/female may simply just want to use the restroom a male may want the chance to hide in a girls stall and do whatever he wants. You see where this is going. It is not safe for our CHILDREN. These kids are KIDS they are not healthy adults who have the capacity to make decisions/weigh risk/assess a situation for safety. teachers will be put in a position where they have to question a students word on whether or not they are transgender and permitted to go into the opposite sex bathroom. If they step up and not permit a student to go in the opposite sex’s bathroom out of concern this also presents a liability."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92104", "author": "Shaylyn Clancy", "date": "2021-01-29T16:01:00", "title": "This proposal will save lives!", "text": "The suicide attempt rate of the young transgender population is appallingly high. A large contributing factor to this devastating pattern is the lack of support and acceptance from family and community. While little can be done about specific families’ acceptance of their transgender children, schools can easily make changes to create a safe and welcoming environment to support children and teens who might not have that at home. This proposed policy presents schools with guidelines and information on how to create a nurturing and stimulating educational environment for ALL students. It does not ask much of the schools, teachers, and students—only to treat trans and non-binary students with the same respect that they would a cisgender student. Small changes like these can drastically improve the outlook and quality of life of students, and allow them to explore who they are without fear of socially constructed repercussions. Additionally, it will create for the students the expectation that they will show respect for others, which will hopefully spread to the larger community. Big changes start with small steps and this policy is a great step forward."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92105", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T16:07:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Strongly Oppose/Disagree."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92106", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T16:17:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose/Disagree", "text": "Strongly Oppose/Disagree.  You want to help our children, then you won't subject them to such sin.  By misleading them in this way you are leading them down an eternal path that leads straight to hell.  Now that is cruel.  Because this is something you and those mislead children will absolutely answer for.  It is absolutely disgusting that your even proposing this.  Shame on you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92107", "author": "Siobhan", "date": "2021-01-29T16:17:00", "title": "Support trans kids!!", "text": "Trans youths are some of the most vulnerable kids we have, with criminally high rates of depression,  suicide attempts and homelessness - all due to the stigma of being trans, not being trans itself. When trans kids receive proper support and care, including a lack of abuse and stigma, and treating them as as gender they identify with, they are able to thrive. Virginia is becoming one of the most trans friendly states in the US. And it starts with kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92108", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T16:19:00", "title": "Guidance Document", "text": "Oppose - anti bullying policies currently in place covers all, so what is the real reason behind this proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92112", "author": "Claire C.", "date": "2021-01-29T16:36:00", "title": "Transgender? Don’t push that.", "text": "I am a very  concerned  parent of three young girls, whom I refuse to have this transgender/gender confusion nonsense influencing my children. We send them to school to get an education. To learn things such as math, history, language arts and so on. We do not however send them to be influenced  by nonsense. This is inappropriate on so many levels. Who other than a sick individual would take advantage of how children can be influenced and molded?! No. This cannot happen. Children have enough going on in life trying to figure out the whole growing up aspect, adding that to the mix is absolutely unacceptable!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92113", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T16:42:00", "title": "transgender in the schools", "text": "By allowing transgender influences in the schools, you are taking more rights away from the parents.  No young boys/men should be allowed in a ladies bathroom, locker room etc EVER.  By allowing such actions to take place, Christians will be discriminated against. Do  not pass any legislation such as this.  There are rules and policies against bullying, but legislation like this will cause MORE distress and confusion among kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92114", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T16:44:00", "title": "Please reconsider", "text": "Not enough is known at this time about the true condition these children are experiencing. I don't feel comfortable allowing biological males into female locker rooms, or females into male locker rooms. The potential backlash these trans kids will face is scary and our society is not yet ready for a drastic step such as this. Please, please, please for the protection of these children, so not allow this to happen."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92115", "author": "Nick", "date": "2021-01-29T16:50:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "I strongly disagree with this proposal. It would force my children to adhere to ridiculous policies that I do not agree with. There are programs in place against bullying already. Kids could take advantage of this new policy and identify as whatever they want and when they want. I don't see how it helps the community it is intending to help. It is enforcing crazy regulations against the mass majority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92116", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T16:52:00", "title": "Opposed to Draft for Transgender Policies", "text": "I completely agree that we must have policies in place to provide safe places for students who associate as transgender. However, I don’t believe that those policies should be placed above the safety or comfort of students who are not transgender.  All students deserve access to education in an environment that feels socially, emotionally, and physically safe.  I feel like it is difficult for leaders at the state level to make policies that are going to benefit students in every community. I think all students should be given equal opportunities to learn and therefore, these policies might be better handled at the local level to accommodate students in the cultural context where they reside. I think the proposed policies are opening the door to many more problems, which is then not necessarily a fix for the current one. For example, often transgender students don’t want the attention drawn to them and rather than be given full access to any bathroom, really just would like access to a single stall. Why open a whole can of worms when an accommodation for a small population can be made, much like we do for students with special needs?  Again, this is an issue that needs to be addressed; however I don’t feel like sweeping policies are going to fix the problem. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92117", "author": "Katie Rasmussen", "date": "2021-01-29T16:56:00", "title": "Absolutely Opposed", "text": "As a mother of five children in public schools, this gravely concerns me. Schools do not and should not, be allowed to make decisions for children regarding transgender that goes against parents, or hides information from parents. Also, letting kids who \"identify\" as a different gender than their birth gender use their \"identify gender\" for restrooms, changing rooms, etc is a slippery slope. We are creating an open door for assult and abuse...take it from someone who was sexually assulted in high school. Children are not informed enough to be making transgender decisions without the help and guidance from their parents...these new policies are a disgrace to our children and the parents who want to be able to fully support the mental and physical health of their children. I strongly oppose these policies by all means."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92121", "author": "C.Tyer", "date": "2021-01-29T17:03:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I object to forcing involuntary acceptance of gender confusion in Virginia's public schools. Medical experts AND scientific studies have shown that most children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty. As a registered nurse, who has worked with infants for over 35 years, I can assure you that sex (gender) is NOT arbitrarily assigned to newborns at birth. That idea is ridiculous. And you are expecting parents to just accept this? Basic science and biology dictates that a baby is born male or female, unless he or she has a rare disorder called ambiguous genitalia. I realize that the 1-2% of children who are struggling with sexual confusion should be protected from harm and harassment. Virginia already has a strong anti-bullying law. This draft policy says its purpose is to ensure a positive, safe environment for all students. So how will girls feel safe and positive as they are forced to shower/change with boys who think they are girls? How will these girls feel? AND the girls' parents? NO WAY. Don't force this on the parents and families of Virginia!!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92124", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-29T17:19:00", "title": "This Policy is divorced from the Ultimate Truth revealed to us by the Creator", "text": "God, the Creator of this World and each individual Human Being has revealed to us his Ultimate Truth, of which He is the source and author.  This policy totally rejects his Ultimate Truth by teaching and promoting a view of Human Persons that contradicts His revealed Truth.  Human beings are created male and female - there are no other genders or sexes.  It is a dangerous false philosophy to think otherwise.  Our schools should be teaching Truth, and not something far from it.  The fundamental principles behind the words of this document are WRONG.  Start over and interview persons who know the Ultimate Truth and go from those principles."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93037", "author": "Alma Robinson", "date": "2021-02-01T21:31:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As an educator, I fully support making our public schools inclusive for all of our students. Historically, trans youth are at higher risk for suicide, depression, and other negative mental health issues due to the discrimination that they face. Our schools can make an impact by providing our students a supportive and safe environment in which to grow and learn. The arguments against this bill on the basis of science are not fully informed of the science of sex or gender. Even biological sex is not binary, and not all people fall neatly into a category of XX or XY chromosomes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93038", "author": "Caroline Allen", "date": "2021-02-01T21:32:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "We should not redefine the biological truth that are two sexes. We should not force boys and girls who live within natural and actual biology to pretend this basic fact is not true. Others can choose to express themselves as they see fit UNTIL that expression interferes with the majority of persons who  want a safe environment for their children. Biological boys, regardless of their chosen sexual expression should not be mixed in with biological girls and vice versa. Do not sacrifice the many for the few."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93039", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T21:32:00", "title": "Let Children be children and ask Adults to act like Adults", "text": "Most children do not have gender issues.  But many like to experiment with using controversial language and try on different clothing and mannerisms.  This does not suggest anything is different about them. They are just being children.  Let them be different.  Let them be courageous.  It's OK to be a different kind of girl, or a different kind of boy.  But please don’t go along with them when they say things suggesting a different gender.   And PLEASE don’t suggest to them that their gender is something to select, like changing their hair color. Children also say they want to be a train or a dinosaur.  We know that these things pass and reality sets in without us having to do anything requiring legislation.  We don’t have to make bathrooms for Dinosaurs or refer to them by their Train names. Each child deserves to be allowed to say crazy things without being put in a box.  Sometimes a child will say they want to shoot someone or they wish someone was dead.  They are horrible words, but the child hardly understands the power of their words.  They should not be thought of as violent or evil.  They are experimenting to see how you will react almost like a child pushing a button to see what will happen. Let kids be kids.  But please don’t start catering to their childish ways.  Guide them to a good life where they embrace who they are, without labeling them into a life overly focused on childish whims.  To do otherwise, will bring unnecessary confusion and heartache to our vulnerable children. When they are adults, if the phase still has not passed, they are free to act on whatever ideas they have.  But please do not have schools interfere in and encourage them to make decisions they are not fit to make. And certainly do not propose anti-parent, anti-family policies based on agendas which lack scientific data and lack even common sense.  I oppose this policy.   It appears to be a model of how not to respect and care about children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93040", "author": "Shannon Heishman", "date": "2021-02-01T21:33:00", "title": "Strongly oppose policy", "text": "This has gotten out of hand....I am a mother of 2 girls..I don't agree with having both sexes in the same locker room....will my girls be in trouble if they refuse to change clothes because they feel uncomfortable??? I think not...I will stand behind my girls.......I'm so tired of the people who don't support some of the ideas of others automatically being called racist or whatever...why aren't we entitled to our opinion??? What about what offends our beliefs...I am not just goin to join in and go along...so fed up......strongly oppose...not just going to accept this????????"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93041", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-01T21:34:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "I strongly oppose this proposed model as it jeopardizes parent rights with regards to their children, no matter how gender confused, and it threatens the sanctity of family. Considerate compassion should absolutely be extended to every child with every personal issue, but this model's proposed mandates are terrifying."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93042", "author": "Stephanie Eggleston", "date": "2021-02-01T21:36:00", "title": "Opposed to transgendered policy", "text": "Opposed to transgender"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93043", "author": "Anisa", "date": "2021-02-01T21:37:00", "title": "I support", "text": "I whole heartedly support! I'm a little short on time at the moment but to any trans individuals reading these comments you are love, you are light, you are beautiful and you belong here <3."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93044", "author": "Madisyn Hess", "date": "2021-02-01T21:38:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this. As someone who has a degree in Psychology and has looked at extensive research of how important pronouns are, there is no reason not to support this. Transgender students need our support to help them feel heard, seen, and understood."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93045", "author": "Itzel Mejia-Menendez", "date": "2021-02-01T21:38:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "As an educator to many gender fluid children, I fully support the Virginia Department of Education's model policies. Children deserve equitable representation and recognition by their schools. I've seen first hand how this recognition can impact young children in their formation of self."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93046", "author": "Stephanie Eggleston", "date": "2021-02-01T21:38:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender policy", "text": "Opposed to transgender"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93047", "author": "Charlotte Field", "date": "2021-02-01T21:42:00", "title": "Model policies for transgender students", "text": "Strongly oppose!  I oppose all mandatory teaching/ policies in our public schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93048", "author": "Svetlana Adamson", "date": "2021-02-01T21:45:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender Policy Not Anyone Who Is Transgender", "text": "Dear Council, This is very dear to my heart. I am not against transgender individuals. When it affects my child’s  education that is when it becomes a problem. When someone is a believer and believes in only two genders how can you force a teacher or students to comply with something that they do not believe? You can say well just send your kid to a private school. Well, you know how hard that can be with finances and all. Also, what makes me upset is the policies state that the parents may not get informed about these certain policies occurring at the school. Parents should be notified of what is going on at all levels of their schooling especially if they are under age. Next, I don’t want my child or my future children suffering from not being able to play a sport because someone transgender took their spot on a sports team. Where are my kids rights. I don’t want my children to encounter talks before the age they really need to talk about if we as believers do not believe. That is why we live in America. We get to decide for ourselves what we believe not the government forcing this on us or not on our kids. Please re-think this because it doesn’t just affect transgender kids or families but the entire school system. Thank you for your time!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93049", "author": "LB", "date": "2021-02-01T21:47:00", "title": "Strongly  Oppose", "text": "God made male and female only, read Genesis 1:26-27 KJV"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93050", "author": "Greg Hensley", "date": "2021-02-01T21:47:00", "title": "Transgender Curriculum in School", "text": "This is not appropriate in the public school system, there are only two genders, male an female the way that God intended it. The Board of Education an the Government of Virginia have gone completely satanic!! Idiots!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93051", "author": "Grandma of 4 school aged children", "date": "2021-02-01T21:49:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I think this  goes against everything a family stands for and I want my grandchildren to be proud of who they are and say they are male or female and definitely not to use a transgender bathroom. This has gone way too far leave our children alone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93052", "author": "Rebekah Means", "date": "2021-02-01T21:49:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "“All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress.” As a former public school teacher, and a mother of three girls, I am appalled at the lack of protection for girls in a bathroom or locker room. Instead of being concerned about privacy and safety of girls, this agenda is more concerned about the a boy’s comfort or discomfort. It is terrifying and alarming to consider that a boy, at any given time can claim he is a girl, and have access to a girl’s private facility. How can she be safe? I would have been afraid to go to the bathroom or change in a locker room, if I knew at any given time a boy could walk in, and I would have to WELCOME him—as though it is perfectly safe and appropriate for him to watch me undress, or use the bathroom! This is a terrifying policy, and simply ONE of the policies that are disturbing with this curriculum. Please consider the safety of our vulnerable children, and THEIR mental health with this lack of rules/parameters."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93053", "author": "maria Briganti", "date": "2021-02-01T21:50:00", "title": "I Oppose transgender education or any other kind of sex education to children in public schools.", "text": "The school system is to educate what is going to help them make a decision regarding their future interest to make a living. Sex education and transgender education does NOT belong in a school system. What would be beneficial is a good strong lesson in History of the country an d how this country was based on principles. Stop indoctrinating the children with special interest group agendas. They see enough of that on the internet. Sex education of any kind is a families responsibility.  The school system is far behind other countries in education and that is watch the focus should be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93054", "author": "Heather", "date": "2021-02-01T21:50:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This has no business being part of public school education. I strongly oppose this.  Teacher have enough on their plates and parents should have the right to know what is happening with their children. This is in no way ok."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93055", "author": "Carolyn Caywood", "date": "2021-02-01T21:51:00", "title": "I support Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I have read Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools and I find it thoughtful and reasonable. I am particularly impressed by the numerous opportunities in it to create a better learning environment for all students. When the ADA required curb cuts, those of us who thought they were just for wheelchairs discovered how useful they were for strollers, wheeled suitcases, grocery carts, etc. In the same way, greater respect for student privacy will benefit all students. Avoiding unnecessary separation into boys and girls will help ensure equal treatment for all genders. Professional development and training will prevent misguided efforts to police student identities and expressions to fit dated stereotypes. School boards that make the effort to thoroughly understand and use Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools should avoid a lot of headaches and bad publicity. Statistically, all but the very smallest school districts already have students who are transgender, so at some point the school board will be glad to have a well thought out policy. Many of the comments reveal that there is a lot of fear and misinformation circulating about people who are transgender. These comments demonstrate the critical importance of careful policy development that involves public engagement, It is tempting to avoid that engagement because it will be difficult, but it is better to have the discussion as part of policy development than as a traumatic incident involving a particular child. Thank you for the opportunity to comment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93056", "author": "Amelia LaVanchy", "date": "2021-02-01T21:51:00", "title": "Protectors or Progressives!?", "text": "As one who just recently became a new mother to a beautiful little girl, this whole dissuasion feels especially important to me. What the public school system in my home state is considering is both terrifying and sickening, to put it gently. When we no longer can recognize and celebrate the God-given biology of each man/woman or boy/girl then we have stepped outside of our created design and are giving higher credence to one’s emotional or mental state - on any particular day. By opening this door (literally and figuratively), you will be inviting an onslaught of abuses into your schools. Your education centers will become a breeding ground for all sorts of atrocities and more specifically those with growing appetites as sexual predators. There was little to entice me to send my daughter to a public school before this, but this consideration is only solidifying my decision to keep her far away from this disgusting “progressiveness” that is fundamentally destroying everything good within America. When teachers and public school officials start overriding the direction of one’s biological parents, then that should be a warning to all. Unless your school funding comes from those in power that prey on children and use them for their own pleasures and abuses, then your priority should be as educators and protectors OF our children. All precautions should be put in place and remain there to protect the young men and women that will become next generation’s leaders. The time to take a stand is NOW. For the love of all that is right, good, and pure. May you all find the courage to do just that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93057", "author": "Ben", "date": "2021-02-01T21:55:00", "title": "Support this policy", "text": "I support the policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93058", "author": "Cheyenne Dennison", "date": "2021-02-01T21:55:00", "title": "I STRONGLY DISAGREE ON THIS TRANSGENDER POLICY", "text": "I dont believe that you should allow kids to choose which bathroom or locker rooms to use. It should be if you have a penis your a male if you have a vagina your a female that's shouldn't be sharing bathrooms and locker rooms.  If they are \"confused\" about their sex they should have their own bathroom and locker room."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93059", "author": "Amanda Riggleman", "date": "2021-02-01T21:56:00", "title": "Strongly opposed!!! Transgender Policy", "text": "This policy is flawed in many ways. It contradicts freedom of religion and speech. Sexuality should not be discussed with children by anyone but their parents. It’s not the schools place. Keep this horribly policy out of our public schools and make counselors available for children struggling with these things. You don’t have to alienate the majority to appease the minority here!! I’ll pray for anyone that thinks this is ok!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93060", "author": "Concerned Grandmother", "date": "2021-02-01T21:56:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender policy", "text": "Opposed to transgender policy. This is sick and should not be allowed in our school system! Children have enough to be concerned about while in school, much less some sick pervert in the restroom or locker room!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93061", "author": "Kate Meyerhoeffer", "date": "2021-02-01T21:57:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender policy", "text": "I do not approve of VDOE transgender policy guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93062", "author": "Jenny Knight", "date": "2021-02-01T21:57:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "Strongly object"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93063", "author": "L Y Kendall", "date": "2021-02-01T21:58:00", "title": "Irreparable harm to innocence - irreparable harm to natural identity forming process", "text": "Implementing such policies in VA's schools  would do irreparable harm to innocence - irreparable harm to natural identity forming process. Activist employees in educational state government organizations who do NOT have the necessary medical training seem intent on imposing a culturally Marxist agenda that threatens the very fabric of society by engendering so much confusion among our children. Activist tyrants ignoring the negative impact that the issue of transgenderism inflicts on children of all ages, [considering that the seat of judgement isn't reached until well passed the early teens] should be immediately replaced. The issue is drastically reducing the competition field for young girls and women. So much for equality. The issue is drastically threatening natural development that could bring about devastating effects such as stunt growth, infertility, psychological disorders etc. So much for protecting our future generations. No to trangender Policies of any sort in Virginia Schools. Let nature, let innocence follow its course."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93064", "author": "Laura Haney", "date": "2021-02-01T21:58:00", "title": "Strongly support safe spaces for all children", "text": "All children deserve to feel safe at their school. One way to make a vulnerable group feel safer is to enact policies to protect transgender children.  Every child I know who is transgender has had to fight to be heard and understood by their school leadership.  Passing a bill such as this would help those children feel supported by the adults around them.  Transgender teens have staggeringly high rates of death by suicide.  We can help curb this crisis by having every public school ready and able to support their transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93065", "author": "L Y Kendall", "date": "2021-02-01T22:01:00", "title": "Irreparable harm to innocence - irreparable harm to natural identity forming process", "text": "Irreparable harm to innocence - irreparable harm to natural identity forming process Implementing such policies in VA's schools  would do irreparable harm to innocence - irreparable harm to natural identity forming process. Activist employees in educational state government organizations who do NOT have the necessary medical training seem intent on imposing a culturally Marxist agenda that threatens the very fabric of society by engendering so much confusion among our children. Activist tyrants ignoring the negative impact that the issue of transgenderism inflicts on children of all ages, [considering that the seat of judgement isn't reached until well passed the early teens] should be immediately replaced. The issue is drastically reducing the competition field for young girls and women. So much for equality. The issue is drastically threatening natural development that could bring about devastating effects such as stunt growth, infertility, psychological disorders etc. So much for protecting our future generations. No to trangender Policies of any sort in Virginia Schools. Let nature, let innocence follow its course."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93066", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T22:02:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly urge you not to pass this. You are setting up a he said she said and no one will come out ahead. Children are quick to learn how to manipulate the system. They will use this to get back at anyone that they feel has wronged them, that they don't like or that they want to see get hurt or embarrassed. This is not a good idea."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93067", "author": "Andrea Hensley", "date": "2021-02-01T22:07:00", "title": "Transgender Curriculum", "text": "This is so wrong on so many levels. This not safe at all"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93068", "author": "Diana D'Agostino", "date": "2021-02-01T22:11:00", "title": "I support these model policies - these students are our CHILDREN first and foremost", "text": "It is fairly clear that many of the commenters who say they oppose these policies have not taken the time to read any of the Model Policies document, and heart-wrenching that our children would be denied equitable educational access due to their gender identities. I support the adoption of these policies into the public school system. Childhood and the expected challenges of biological development are difficult enough. Please don't deny any of our kids their right to an education. The policies are those you would advocate for any educational institution: deter bullying, treat each child with respect, and honor their privacy for their individual physical and emotional development."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93069", "author": "Jeremy Bailey", "date": "2021-02-01T22:20:00", "title": "Vehemently Oppose", "text": "I cannot express how fundamentally wrong these policies are.  If implemented, it will not only affirm children into an identity they may not actually be, but it also discriminates against all those who wish to have privacy from the opposite sex.  Mark my words, as one who was once a student, and knows how mean they can be, this policy will be abused by predators, and our daughters will be victims, and even our sons.  Victims to a society who is impotent to know truth and right from wrong.  My children will never see the inside of a public school with these policies in place.  The supporters of this bill are child predators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93070", "author": "Roni Kingsley, Peace & Social Concerns Committee, Richmond Friends Meeting", "date": "2021-02-01T22:20:00", "title": "Support", "text": "The Peace & Social Concerns Committee of Richmond Friends Meeting (RFM) strongly supports this guidance document. RFM openly affirms that our spiritual community strives to be a safe nurturing place for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. We further clearly and energetically advocate for full social acceptance and full legal rights and privileges for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. We therefore believe that it is essential that all students, especially those who are trans and non-binary are able to receive an education in a safe and inclusive environment. The guidance in this document is  tremendously helpful. We must protect and nurture all of our youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93071", "author": "Jesus believer, freedom lover", "date": "2021-02-01T22:21:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "Why do you think it’s the schools right to implement these policies on OUR children??! When did school become about being politically correct? Stick to teaching math, science, history, English and  PE. Why would you think the majority of the parents would be okay with allowing boys in girls restrooms and locker rooms and encouraging our children to not identify with who they truly are and if it’s thought their parents called their own children a boy or girl that we are at risk from having our children taken away?! You think that’s effective? Threatening American citizens to take away their kids and report them for child abuse? This is INSANE!!! Public schools are EVIL!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93072", "author": "Katherine", "date": "2021-02-01T22:22:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose This", "text": "Strongly Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93073", "author": "Native Virginian", "date": "2021-02-01T22:25:00", "title": "Family Matter Alone", "text": "This is a personal matter that is between the child and the parents / guardians of that child.  Period. Bureaucrats and professionals (usually without children ) have no right to use human beings for their social engineering experiments.  We are human beings not lab rats."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93074", "author": "VSDeacon", "date": "2021-02-01T22:31:00", "title": "Gender Dysphoria & Public School Policy ~ VA Department of Education", "text": "As a State of Virginia tax paying citizen, I DO NOT SUPPORT the proposed policy involving students with gender dysphoria. Because of this issue, I am very thankful that I no longer have a child attending the Virginia Public School System."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93075", "author": "Hannah Klose", "date": "2021-02-01T22:33:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As a 19-year-old girl who spent all of my elementary, middle, and high school years in the Virginia public school system, I do not support the radical agenda behind these new policies. I can’t even begin to comprehend how immensely destructive and harmful these regulations would be towards young students. Allowing high-school age biological males to use the same bathroom facilities as women puts young girls in danger under the guise of “non-discrimination”. A school system that is willing to so blatantly disregard any differences between the sexes clearly does not care about the health and well-being of its students. The examples of “discrimination” listed in these policies directly target teachers who have traditional, scientific views of gender and prevent them from being able to hold to their convictions between and right and wrong and keep their job at the same time. It is inexcusable that these policies encourage a child’s desire to be called by a different pronoun to be deliberately kept secret from their parents, allowing families to be kept in the dark about what goes on in their own child’s life at school. How can purposefully creating a disconnect between a child and their parent ever be “healthy” for the child? These kinds of a policies have absolutely no place in the Virginia school system, and their incorporation will assuredly drive many to never send their children to public schools again."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93076", "author": "Jen S.", "date": "2021-02-01T22:33:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Imagine the ramifications of these policies in the future. Girls may be topless during PE and swimming? Any student or staff member could take photos and distribute them as child pornography. Also staff members would be encouraging behaviors without the consent of the parents/guardians? These situations need to be dealt with in therapy offices with trained professionals providing psycho education. Teachers are teachers and should not be placed in therapeutic or mentoring roles unless it is after school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93077", "author": "Crystal", "date": "2021-02-01T22:38:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSED!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93078", "author": "Joy Smith", "date": "2021-02-01T22:39:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Strongly opposed. Only parents can make these kinds of decisions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93079", "author": "Mom and FEMINIST - advocating for girls' rights.", "date": "2021-02-01T22:43:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED- what about girls/women's rights?", "text": "We are a very tolerant family and are fully opposed to bullying, harassment and discrimination. We love and have a heart for LGBT individuals that are in our lives. I draw the line with this policy where it becomes unconstitutional and you take away my daughter's rights/women's rights. No one thinks about women's rights (or boy rights). Everyone is trying to be \"woke\" and now at the expense of our children, who are being discriminated if they do not fall into a \"Justice\" category. AND further insult is to say the STATE will now \"teach\" parents how to raise their children.  Teachers turning parents into CPS because they are not accepting their child being a transgender. This is ludicrous and totally Marxist! VDOE and VA legislature is going to forever destroy Virginia and America, but most importantly our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93080", "author": "Mother for her childrens safety", "date": "2021-02-01T22:44:00", "title": "I REJECT THIS IDEA", "text": "As you try and redirect there sexuality and confuse them to what they already see themselves as, I will not hesitate to pull my child from school and homeschool instead of having her confused. That will only cause problems to the ones to who know what they are. You take God out of school and you think parents neglect there child causing harm from telling them what they really are a girl or boy with such body parts. God only made 2 genders and that's what my children know. If you end up putting all kids together and let them walk into which ever locker rooms or bathrooms they want, there will be a chance that they will get raped. Its bad enough ya'll tolerate bullying, but this is too far. The only time something finally gets done is when something happens to the student(s). Our children are how we raise them, this is just education not yall telling them that there are more then 2 genders which its not. You either have a penis, classified as a male/boy or a vagina, classified as a female/girl. No amount of surgery will change who you were born as. If parents decide to pull children out of school because of this then you will end up like most Americans now and have no job. That wouldn't be fair would it? Why would it be fair to reset our childrens minds of their sexuality that they already identify themselves as. Its not safe for any students mind as this will cause psychological problems. I REJECT THIS IDEA."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93081", "author": "Appalled Taxpayer", "date": "2021-02-01T22:44:00", "title": "Disagreement with This Concept", "text": "This proposed VA Dept. of Education policy promoting certain new gender concepts in K-12 public schools 1) puts students at risk of sexual harassment or assault; 2) compromises the role of family in attending to a child’s most intimate developmental needs; 3) distracts all education stakeholders away from academic matters; and 4) promotes a chaotic social and psychological environment by not only allowing students so much leeway on subjective or ill-defined matters but also imposing penalties on victims of student whims or exploitation. Would female teachers or administrators want high school males in their bathrooms?  Or, more generally, do ANY teachers or administrators want ANY students overrunning their dedicated break rooms and staff-only spaces?  And what about teachers that abuse these rules?  We can’t expect some magical age-based distinction to prevent teachers from taking advantage of youths in these sexual matters.  These rhetorical questions are meant to reinforce that, generally, the level of distraction created by this policy will be enormous.  “Distraction” is being gracious; the severest problems will be physically dangerous and psychologically unnerving. I have friends and family that are public school teachers or administrators.  They care about instruction in basic academic topics.  The VA Department of Education is ideologically betraying not only our state but also their own rank and file employees.  Classroom management and SOLs weren’t enough of a work load?  Good luck teachers!  The VA Dept of Education is re-writing your job description:  “Mere Observer of Chaos and Logical Bankruptcy.”  Forget reading and math unless it’s all about linguistic gymnastics and calculating how many liters of blood are required for a transgender surgery."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93082", "author": "Jeff Barba", "date": "2021-02-01T22:44:00", "title": "Is there a term stronger than strongly oppose?", "text": "The fact that the VDOE is even considering such action shows the folly of having such an organization in the first place.  How dare a group of faceless individuals hiding behind policies, ignore the wishes of even one parent, much less the countless millions who do not want their child mandated to witness these actions.  The department needs to stick to what it does best---dumb down the education for all!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93083", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T22:44:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Honestly, consideration of such policies is beyond ridiculous. Along with tons of other problems, these policies impose burdens on others due to the \"decisions\" by a very small minority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93084", "author": "Lora", "date": "2021-02-01T22:51:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93085", "author": "Heather Beavers", "date": "2021-02-01T22:54:00", "title": "Totally illegal/unconstitutional- open2 lawsuits- school choice/charter schools are more rational so", "text": "Wow! Attention all VA parents. VDOE this goes into effect Feb 4th. Feb 3rd is the last day to comment. Firstly, why aren't these issues being handled democratically and locally within each community voted on by the residents and parents who are affected by such drastic changes? #totalitarianism Secondly, how many transgender students per highschool are there for such costly measures to be taken and parental rights to be violated? Thirdly, wouldn't the ability for each parent to choose the school their transgender student would want to attend be a more optimal, feasible, and safer solution ? Would it not be more rational and cost effective to offer a school specifically for these children and those that aren't opposed to this than forcing this down the throats of those who are? What happened to \"believe what you want and live your life but don't force your beliefs on me?\" ____________________________________________________"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93086", "author": "Kerri", "date": "2021-02-01T22:54:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "If this bill passes, not only will I pull my three children out of school, but I will also quit my job at the school. This is pure insanity!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93087", "author": "Carrie Knight", "date": "2021-02-01T22:57:00", "title": "Support for Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "As a former teacher and a parent of 2 public school students, I am writing to voice my support for the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.  It is important that all students enjoy an education free from harrassment and discrimination and that all students be treated with dignity, modeled by school policy and leadership."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93088", "author": "Chris Concerned father", "date": "2021-02-01T22:58:00", "title": "Totally naive and unsafe for all children.", "text": "Who protects biological females from opportunists and rapists? Who protects the other 99% from false rape accusations in this politically divisive world. Very impulsive and naive among those of you who are supposed to be educated."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93089", "author": "Josh", "date": "2021-02-01T22:58:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY NO", "text": "Absolutely no to your policy! My job as a parent is to protect my children and lead them down the best path to become an adult.  Your role is to prepare them for adulthood to help them gain the intelligence to obtain a good job.  My role as a parent is to tech life lessons and prepare them for the real world. Teaching about being transgender is the responsibility of the parent not the schools that have trouble teaching a regular curriculum!  Our school system can’t prevent bullying, fights, and discrimination!  There is no way I will allow my children to be taught something I am responsible to teach.  And I will not allow my child to use the restroom with anyone with the opposite genders genitalia. I’m not against others life decisions but I do not trust anyone’s word in this world today. Some people who truly chooses to be transgender are one thing but it only takes one predator to claim it and then what. If the school system can’t control bullying, fighting, or discrimination then I won’t have them put any child in harms way. We don’t live in a fantasy land where everyone does what they should it’s just the sad truth.  And as a child they shouldn’t be intentionally put in a situation of that magnitude. I can teach my own child how life is and prepare them for anything that may arise that way when they can mentally handle the truth of how people are they can make their decision.  So in turn I will say if the schools decide to do something that can potentially put my child in the way of harm I will remove them from that situation myself. That’s my job as a parent! I will protect my children from any potential situation even if it’s the school that decides to put them into it.                            SIGNED PROTECTIVE PARENT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93090", "author": "Jake, father of 3", "date": "2021-02-01T23:01:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "This jeopardizes the privacy and safety of our children and families. God help us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93091", "author": "Dave", "date": "2021-02-01T23:03:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this!!!", "text": "Strongly oppose this!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93092", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T23:03:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is inappropriate and does not support family cohesiveness nor the safety of all children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93093", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-01T23:05:00", "title": "School choice/charter school for those open to this idea would be more feasible and rational", "text": "Why would you not offer a \"safe charter school\" for those who agree with this idea as a test run before assuming liability for all schools? This is very poorly planned."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93094", "author": "Samantha", "date": "2021-02-01T23:07:00", "title": "Absolutely not ok! Not safe and not according to our Christian faith! No more public schools!", "text": "As a parent of 3 school aged children and a Christian this is so wrong! This will be detrimental to these kids safety and their mental health. I am not okay with a male student coming in the locker room with my daughter while she is changing. Nor would I want my son to go in with someone else’s daughter that is just asking for problems and lawsuits. Let these kids be kids and stop pushing adult issues and agendas on them!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93095", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T23:07:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93096", "author": "PG", "date": "2021-02-01T23:07:00", "title": "Please Do this and Protect Trans students (Who are children as well)", "text": "Life is hard for trans/GNC students. School should be an enviroment of learning regardless as to whether or not you agree with the identity that a student is exploring. Making school a better place for our youth to not only learn, but to explore themselves is important. Enforcing the use of a name that does not cause this learning and growing being pain is important to allow education and learning to happen. Please, protect our youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93097", "author": "Nick", "date": "2021-02-01T23:07:00", "title": "Unnecessary", "text": "It looks like there are sufficient regulatory citations at the beginning of this policy to render the policy itself unnecessary. Bullying is already not allowed, 14th Amendment, Title IX, &c. If the redundancies were removed, all you'd have remaining is a permission slip for select kids to cross-dress at school while using the restrooms Ally McBeal-style."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93098", "author": "Louise", "date": "2021-02-01T23:09:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Schools should not be permitted to make any decisions regarding a student gender without the parent knowing.  Schools should not have any say so at all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93099", "author": "Concerned Grandparent of 3", "date": "2021-02-01T23:11:00", "title": "Gender Education Protect the rights of parents and children. I oppose this bill", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIZ BILL ON GENDER EDUCATION.  THAT IS THE PARENT'S JOB NOT SCHOOLS!  TEACH CHILDREN TO RESPECT OTHERS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93100", "author": "Tricia Borden", "date": "2021-02-01T23:14:00", "title": "Transgender policies of the D.O.E.", "text": "I strongly oppose the policies being put forth by the D.O.E.  Their role of educating our children should pertain to academic subjects. Parental rights should be supported by the D.O.E. and not weakened.  Our children do not need confusing situations going on in school.  Our girls need to feel safe going into bathrooms and boys likewise.  President Biden signed a new executive order supporting science in policy making. Prevailing science and psychology goes against progressive, unscientific views on child sexual development and is counter to this executive order. Please don't make life confusing and unsafe for our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93101", "author": "Old Goat", "date": "2021-02-01T23:15:00", "title": "Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Schools", "text": "\"I t can be emotionally harmful to a transgender student to be questioned regarding the use of restrooms and facilities.\" Where is the documentation for this claim? Have there been any scientifically conducted studies in Virginia (or anywhere else for that matter) to support this claim? What is the proportion of formally proclaimed transgender students in relation to the normally gendered students attending school in Virginia? Have there been any studies or surveys documenting the emotional trauma on normally gendered students having to share bathroom facilities with transgendered students of the opposite biological sex? I suspect there are many more questions and genuine concerns than there are honest and sincere answers to this issue which affect the welfare of the vast majority of our students. Let us not forget the sound philosophy of John Stuart Mill in advocating for the role of good government to do the most good for the greatest number of citizens possible. As presented, the proposed changes in policy are about as close to a textbook definition of insanity as I can image. I strongly oppose them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93102", "author": "Gina", "date": "2021-02-01T23:17:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93103", "author": "Sasha Holt", "date": "2021-02-01T23:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans youth need systematic support against bullying and harassment. Representation is important and necessary. This bill would not harm any cis gendered students, but would benefit trans youth who commonly suffer from depression and mental illness because of the discrimination that they face. I support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93104", "author": "Alicia Midey", "date": "2021-02-01T23:21:00", "title": "Oppose the idea of girls and boys using the same bathrooms and locker rooms", "text": "I absolutely oppose the forced idea that my children should have to share a bathroom or locker room with anyone born with opposite genitalia. This is absurd that we should even be discussing this. It is a doorway to pedophiles and perverts to prey on our young children. It gives the pervert easier access and does not protect our children. Also, there should be no education that is taught without the parents consent when it comes to sexual education. That can be taught at home. There is no school system that needs to teach my children about Transexual or heterosexual behavior. I can handle that. I am the parent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93105", "author": "Andres Fields", "date": "2021-02-01T23:26:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I don’t believe it’s “safe for all”!  Some girls are already uncomfortable in the locker rooms and restrooms. Now add a male identifying as a female to their concerns. It’s not right to forget about these girls and boys...and why put a transgender person in that position?  It’s not healthy for them either. This is not a good plan at all. This is opening a door for any gender to enter any restroom - who are you so say they won’t have malice intentions?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93106", "author": "Concerned parent T Thomas", "date": "2021-02-01T23:29:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this legislation.  It is harmful to teachers, our children and those who choose to live a transgender lifestyle.  Teachers should never be made to keep information from a child’s parents and our children should not be subjected to sharing facilities with those of the opposite sex.  Instead of passing this horrible legislation, please consider providing facilities for transgenders to use exclusively.  Passing this legislation will prove to be detrimental for many."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93107", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T23:30:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose this bill.  Children are being brainwashed at a young age to thinking they have gender identity issues because they play with toys that don’t conform to their sex.  As a female I loved to play with my brother’s toys.   I hated to wear dresses.  Had I been born today, I would have been told to “explore” my identity and made to feel like something was wrong with me and I should identify as a boy.  And I also would have been shamed for expressing any opposition to so-called psychological experts in gender identity issues.  Kids are impressionable.  You tell them something over and over...they will believe it.  That’s child abuse.  No different from emotional abuse.  So yes I strongly oppose a law that will allow the school to take it upon themselves to talk to my kids about sex and sexual identity and brainwash them.  I also think it’s nonsense to punish another child for “bullying” because they didn’t call another kid by their preferred pronoun.  All you are doing is creating confusion for kids.   Sex is assigned at birth.  If some mentally screwed up kid thinks they are the opposite sex of their birth sex....you should be removing that kid from their home because they suffered some serious abuse there to think otherwise.  I oppose Virginia enacting laws that inflict emotional and psychological abuse on our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93108", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-01T23:46:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the sharing of bathrooms/locker rooms between members of the opposite sex, who were born with different genitals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93109", "author": "Shane Bennett", "date": "2021-02-01T23:46:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "As someone who has in Virginia my entire life, I find it outright disgusting that so many of these comments are just genuinely anti-human rights. People should have the right to do as they please, and this just facilitates an entire lifestyle of people to live their genuine lives. We should always fight for the lives of people, minority or not, and this bill serves in the best interest of the most people. It should be common sense, shocking that it's not."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93110", "author": "PJ", "date": "2021-02-01T23:59:00", "title": "Transgender bill", "text": "I do not support this bill. Get back to teaching basics in education to prepare students for jobs and real life.  Stop this transgender teaching and taking away the rights of anyone who questions the reality of biological gender by using different pronouns. Changing the pronouns gets confusing. And having biological males in the locker room and bathroom with biological females"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93111", "author": "Caro", "date": "2021-02-02T00:00:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "The amount of transphobia and bigotry I'm seeing in the comments is frankly appalling. Trans kids should be able to live their lives free of this discrimination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93112", "author": "Amy", "date": "2021-02-02T00:08:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "My children have rights as well. We are a \"traditional\", God fearing Christian family. We do not hate people that think differently than us, but I am sick of having others opinions and desires always come before ours. If the school system decides to pass this ridiculous law, I will be praying for anyone that had a hand in it. If these transgender students can't figure out what bathroom they need to use then maybe they need to be educated. Not my sons, or the majority of students in the Virginia education system. It's simple, if you have a penis, then use the male bathroom and if you have a vagina, you use the female bathroom. If that is too difficult then the state needs to fund school systems to add a 3rd option for restrooms where transgender students can go. Label it with a question mark since they are the ones who are questioning what they are. That way, the majority of people can still have the right to feel comfortable when having to use the restroom. Stop trying to shove these liberal ideas down everyone's throat and just teach the academics. Some things are not the responsibility of the education system. It is absolutely the responsibility of the families. When you spend time on these ideas, you are taking away from the time you should be spending on the academics and how to improve on a flawed system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93113", "author": "Concerned Christian parents", "date": "2021-02-02T00:31:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "We are writing to let you know that we strongly oppose this passing in our public schools. we send our children to school for their education. we expect for them to be in a safe environment during their school day amongst peers who are there for the same reason. There has always been bathrooms and locker rooms for each sex (boy and girl) and kept separate for a reason. At no point do we feel it would be safe or responsible for the opposite sex to be using the restroom or changing together. we stand for what the Bible teaches us which is there are two genders. We are not saying we don’t love someone who may be struggling with identifying their sexuality but we do believe they need help pointing them to what the word says they are and who God made them to be. Not just pacify the situation and allow them to do whatever they want in the school setting. In doing this you can believe it will set our school system up for way more issues to arise in opening these doors. If this is to pass we will be pulling our children from the public school setting and home schooling. But we will not back down and will continue to fight for our religious rights to be recognized and respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93114", "author": "PG", "date": "2021-02-02T00:53:00", "title": "This is extreme", "text": "The school can provide a respectful and safe environment without the threat of taking children away from their parents. This puts educators in a tough situation. If they don't agree with all aspects of this, what happens to them?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93115", "author": "CC", "date": "2021-02-02T01:27:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose this legislation.  In terms of restrooms, direct children who are questioning to use the restroom in the nurse's office or designate  another bathroom for that purpose.  Secrecy or separation from a minor child's parents should not even be considered. Given the state of many VA schools related to Covid-19, it should make everyone wonder why attention is being taken from getting our children the best education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93116", "author": "Concerned Educator and Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T01:37:00", "title": "Oppose VDOE Model Guidelines", "text": "I oppose the proposed VDOE Model Guidelines  because they do not provide safe and sound guidelines for students and teachers and would open the public schools to litigation. They should be revised to protect the rights, dignity, privacy, and safety of everyone involved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93117", "author": "TH", "date": "2021-02-02T01:47:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed. Creates more problems than it solves.", "text": "The majority of the students and their families would be affected negatively. Most of the none-transgender students would be uncomfortable using the bathrooms and lockers room in the presence of transgender students. The number of transgender students in these facilities and sports teams may become highly disbalanced. It opens the door for policy abusement and accusations in either direction. Instead of solving a problem, the policy leads to higher tension between students, staff and families as the policy comments suggest."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93118", "author": "MD", "date": "2021-02-02T01:58:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "You are putting thousands of kids at risk or humiliation or sexual attack for the needs of a few.  We all have to do things in our lives that makes us uncomfortable so using your gender specific restrooms and locker rooms in school is not going to kill anyone. As a parent of a teenage high school girl it is appalling to think you would even consider putting her in a situation of not feeling safe to change clothes or use a bathroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93119", "author": "RT Virginia Taxpayer", "date": "2021-02-02T02:15:00", "title": "Dangerous Policy", "text": "This policy I dangerous to the mental health of young children and will create confusion and instability in vulnerable youngsters. I do NOT support this. Students should be safe from gender confusion. This policy will encourage gender confusion. It is contrary to science. Please do not pass this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93120", "author": "Vi", "date": "2021-02-02T02:24:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I can only see really negative things coming from enacting this. As an adoptive mom who is raising children from institutions this policy just screams trauma and abuse to little children and teenage girls. And quite bluntly I would also be concerned about teenage boys who are straight and \"unpopular\" being bullied by \"strong jocks\" forcing them to use the girls bathroom. This is also strongly against a trusting parent/child relationship and Christianity. Why not just make some individual bathrooms?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93121", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T03:12:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Where's the science behind this? There are only two genders. Male and female. You are what your DNA says you are. You are promoting confusion. It's is your job to teach factual biology not make believe tales. Thank God my kids are out of school but I'll make sure my grandkids do not attend public indoctrination camps. And the teachers and faculty that go along with this nonsense should be ashamed of their selves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93122", "author": "BB, Libertarian from Virginia Beach", "date": "2021-02-02T03:27:00", "title": "Strongly Agree", "text": "Public schools are a place where all children should feel accepted and valid, regardless of their race, sexuality and, yes, gender identity. Federal, state, and local governments all have an OBLIGATION to support the children within the education system, and Virginia is no exception. Parents who are opposed for religious reasons have alternative schooling options. Religion and school are kept separate for a reason. Locker rooms shouldn't be a concern as they are monitored by school staff. \"Predators\" can exist as any gender or sexuality, so keeping them out of the restroom they identify with really only affects them. Along the same lines, there is no evidence that has shown transgender people to be more likely to be predators, nor has there been evidence to show that there has been predators who pretend to be transgender for these reasons. I believe public institutions should treat everyone the same, especially when it's somewhere they're forced to be. And thinking anything less is the least patriotic, least free thought anyone could have about this issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93123", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T03:50:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose gender promotion in tax payer funded schools for the protection"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93124", "author": "Charlie", "date": "2021-02-02T04:04:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support the guidance. As a member of the GLBTQ community and having experienced bullying and harassment as a student growing up I strongly support any policies that make our schools a safer place for transgender and non-binary students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93125", "author": "Grandparent of three", "date": "2021-02-02T04:23:00", "title": "(Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "Strongly oppose this mode of thinking.  It's short sighted.  You should be able to see the Pandora's Box of woes that it will bring.  Instead of making things easier for children, you're welcoming them into a downward spiral of confusion and misery in living life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93126", "author": "BF", "date": "2021-02-02T05:49:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. Creates a punitive environment.", "text": "Violates the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. I’m disappointed. I thought we were last this, but here we are, 100 years later..."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93127", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-02T05:59:00", "title": "Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "No response to this email is necessary. Thank you for the opportunity to share. I am opposed.  God created man in His image and assigned to each person our gender.  It is not our decision and to promote gender change should be kept out of our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93128", "author": "Russ Myers", "date": "2021-02-02T06:00:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "I am strongly opposed to any policy that ignores the natural biological gender of an individual.  If they are biologically male then they are male and should be referred to as such.  If they are biologically female then they are female and should be referred to as female . The state of Virginia should stop this nonsense and stay as far away from the transgender ideology as possible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93129", "author": "Donna Bynaker", "date": "2021-02-02T06:04:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "I would like to be able to write something that would convince everyone that this is such a terrible idea and will open the doors for so much hurt and discrimination of children that do believe they are male or female. This is already happening to kids who do not agree with the new norm. The confusion of our young children and loss of parental guidance will be overwhelming. I do not know why we want the school system raising our children and teaching them our values. I really don't think anything anyone writes here will change the minds of people though. I just wanted to go on record as being opposed to this . l I pray for our school system and the children of today. God helps us all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93130", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T06:09:00", "title": "No", "text": "i most definitely do not want this allowed anywhere! There are to many sick people out here that will take advantage and go into what ever bathroom! Boys should stay in boys and girls in girls bathrooms. If your a person with a gender set that you where not born with then use the one you where born with not hard and doesn’t cause any harm to u or anyone else. Causes all these bad things of peepers and wrong part touchers or even rapest to keep away! Don’t allow them to be able to go into the opposite bathroom!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93131", "author": "Parent and Grandmother", "date": "2021-02-02T06:15:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree", "text": "I do not even see how this should be voted on.  Talk about overreach."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93132", "author": "Angie", "date": "2021-02-02T06:17:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93133", "author": "Joe B.", "date": "2021-02-02T06:19:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "Bigotry and discrimination should be condemned and legislation should be created to protect the weak. But this model policy does none of that. By continuing the sexual confusion in our adolescents the VDOE is not helping transgender students but is simply harming all students. By allowing students to create a vision of their own gender identification, we are creating a school system that will lose any sense of sexual identity and sexual difference. This false reality will not only confuse our kids, but it will harm many."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93134", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T06:20:00", "title": "Absolutely not!!!!", "text": "Please say no! I am not agents anybody not of different genders or skin color but this is just asking for trouble! There are to many peepers, touchers, dirty talking/minded, sexually assaulting people out there! I don’t want to worry about my children or myself or anyone for that matter being wrongly looked at or touched or even video taped in the bathroom! Say NO! It doesn’t harm the transgender or anyone else to use the bathroom of the gender they where born with and it keeps them and everyone else safe and away from all the wrong that would come from this! If they wanna do something like this have a offset bathroom for both genders but allow the usual two that are strictly for boy and girl!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93135", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T06:25:00", "title": "Va Policy for Transgender Students", "text": "Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93136", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T06:26:00", "title": "Oppose Va policy for transgender students", "text": "oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92534", "author": "Sarah campbell", "date": "2021-01-31T16:59:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. my 18 yo nephew was murdered 3 years ago today.    He was openly gay and killed by a (closet bisexual) openly homophobic older man  he was bullied in school and never felt part of any group.  Maybe,  just maybe if schools were tolerant he would still be alive.  Maybe if schools taught tolerance and equality the murderer would have not hated himself and killed Cole.  Every child deserves equal love, support, and education from all teachers. To some people equality threatens them,  to others it is life and death.   While the average life expectancy of a trans person is up for debate, we call all agree it is not that of a cisgender.  If school equal rights can change that, why wouldn’t we consider the change. Every small step counts.  We are all humans.  Please consider my nephew and other LGBTQ as humans not sexually charged freaks. Thank-you, Sarah Campbell"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92535", "author": "100% Disabled Veteran", "date": "2021-01-31T17:02:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Enough of the religious indignation - they are human beings who have rights, too. Inclusivity helps everybody adjust to and appreciate what they aren't going to be able to erase with the verses from a holy book they've choosen to interpret their own way. I served for all Americans to have equal rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92536", "author": "Anna Hogan", "date": "2021-01-31T17:14:00", "title": "Strongly Support these measures", "text": "Thank you for considering these measures to ensure the safety and well being of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92537", "author": "Larry W. Gardner", "date": "2021-01-31T17:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am opposed to any special treatment or provisions for transgender people.  I don't dislike or \"hate\" gay people, or any person if they choose to become transgender.  I, myself am a flawed person with plenty of my own shortcomings, but the desire to become transgender is clearly a sign of being deeply insecure and/or confused at their core being.  What I would be in favor of would be our state and federal agencies helping with counseling for those who are at risk of falling prey to such a destructive way of life.  Sadly, there are so many underage children who are deceived by their own parents and peers who steer them toward becoming transgender.  So sad and such a deception."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92538", "author": "Elwood Schrock - former high school coach", "date": "2021-01-31T17:24:00", "title": "Very strongly oppose VDOE Transgender policies", "text": "As a former high school coach, I strongly oppose the VDOE policies for the treatment of transgender students in the public school system.   I believe adopting the proposed transgender policies would eventually mean the end of girls' high school sports as we know them.  And the physical safety of girls as well as the emotional stability of all students would be endangered."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92539", "author": "Michael N Getsi", "date": "2021-01-31T17:28:00", "title": "DOE Proposed transgender policies", "text": "I and my family are totally opposed to the new proposed transgender policies by the DOE.  What are you thinking?  Parents are at the center of decisions regarding their child and this new policy completely bypasses them.  I would not want my daughter changing clothes or going to the bathroom in the presence of a biological male or the reverse for my son.  You all have gone off the deep end if you think we are going to stand for this. In addition if I were a teacher I would not want my job jeopardized by the inadvertent use of an incorrect pronoun on such a fluid thing as gender identity which on any given day can change without my ever knowing about it.  Please grow a brain and reconsider this dangerous and ill-advised policy change. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92540", "author": "Lorene Schrock, former school nurse", "date": "2021-01-31T17:31:00", "title": "Very strongly oppose VDOE Transgender policies", "text": "As a school nurse I know how confusing sexual identity can be for students.  They want clarity, not more confusion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92541", "author": "Marie K Riedel", "date": "2021-01-31T17:42:00", "title": "Oppose  Dept. of Education Proposed Transgender Policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the Virginia Dept. of Education's seeking to impose a transgender policy on public elementary and secondary schools.  Forcing schools to allow boys to use girls' bathrooms, and vice versa, and teachers to have to use 'preferred pronouns' for confused children is asking for more mental and emotional confusion in our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92542", "author": "Jacki Bryant", "date": "2021-01-31T17:44:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Our children, whatever their needs, require schools to support them and to have plans to meet their unique needs.  Children spend hours a day in school and how safe they feel at school dictates how well they learn and their future success.  These recommended policies will ensure our children have the space and acceptance to be who they are and to have their needs met."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92543", "author": "Cara Marinucci", "date": "2021-01-31T17:46:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Our children, whatever their needs, require schools to support them and to have plans to meet their unique needs.  Children spend hours a day in school and how safe they feel at school dictates how well they learn and their future success.  These recommended policies will ensure our children have the space and acceptance to be who they are and to have their needs met."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92544", "author": "Andrew Horan", "date": "2021-01-31T17:48:00", "title": "The plan needs a lot of revision", "text": "Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, and no one should be subjected to harassment.  That being said, this policy has some glaring issues: Page 11, para 2: “Regardless of the circumstances, the school should support the student’s need for privacy and not disclose a student’s gender identity to other students or parents.” Not informing the parents.  I could see this maybe for a HS kid, but what about the younger ones?  You really want to keep parents in the dark about stuff their child may be going through in elementary school. Page 12, para 2: “School divisions should accept a student’s assertion of their gender identity without requiring any particular substantiating evidence, including diagnosis, treatment, or legal documents.  A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth.  This should involve more than a casual declaration of gender identity, but it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity” Which is it?  The student needs to be consistent, or they do not need to provide any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity? Page 17, Para 2: “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom” So no time in gender requirements (see page 12 para 2), and no questioning, I could see a few lawsuits heading your way VDOE. Page 13, para 1:  “In the situation when parents or guardians of a minor student (under 18 years of age) do not agree with the student’s request to adopt a new name and pronouns, school divisions will need to determine whether to respect the student’s request, abide by the parent’s wishes to continue using the student’s legal name and sex assigned at birth, or develop an alternative that respects both the student and the parents.” This is not your lane VDOE.  This is a family concern. Page 16, para 2: “It is important that school divisions adopt policies and procedures that are focused on the safety of all students and seek to address privacy interests in situations involving individuals undressing or showering.” Agree. Page 17, para 1:  “Students should be allowed to use the facility that corresponds to their consistently asserted gender identity.” Wait what?  Did you read page 16 paragraph 2, or page 12 paragraph 2?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92545", "author": "Susan Weber", "date": "2021-01-31T17:51:00", "title": "Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools", "text": "Please reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools as they are harmful to children and undermine the rights of parents and families.  Thank you"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92546", "author": "glyn logsdon", "date": "2021-01-31T17:51:00", "title": "transgender leg", "text": "Iam strongly opposed support of transgender ed and acceptance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92547", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T17:51:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92548", "author": "Louise K", "date": "2021-01-31T17:52:00", "title": "Focus on Education", "text": "I want my kids to go to school to learn how to read and write. I want my kids to learn how to do math, learn about history and science - the foundations. I agree that all people deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. Teachers in the school system have enough pressure and responsibility to education a classroom of 20-30 children at a time. To enter this topic into the equation and have all this policy change makes no sense. The government is trying to get way to involved in the nitty gritty. I oppose these new policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92549", "author": "Dorothy Marshall", "date": "2021-01-31T18:06:00", "title": "Very Strongly Oppose VDOE Transgender Policies", "text": "Seriously? \"biological male using same facility as daughter\", \"all students use any bathroom they choose\", \"parents who encourage their child to embrace God given sex are at risk of child abuse\".  What is the matter with your common sense? How can you put children through such a thing? Where is your sense of moral behavior or protection of children's modesty? How can you say you appropriately represent voters in this state?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92550", "author": "parent and grandparent", "date": "2021-01-31T18:08:00", "title": "Oppose this  policy", "text": "I believe adopting the proposed transgender policies would eventually mean the end of girls' high school sports.  And  the emotional stability of all students would be endangered."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92551", "author": "a parent who wants to be engaged in education", "date": "2021-01-31T18:11:00", "title": "Oppose this destruction of the family", "text": "Parents should train the child and school support the parent not the other way around."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92552", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T18:12:00", "title": "Transgender in schools", "text": "I oppose trangender policy in schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92553", "author": "Family is important", "date": "2021-01-31T18:14:00", "title": "I am against this policy", "text": "This policy of hiding information from parents will be detrimental to the children's development, the elevation of teachers' control (without the love and the compassion and understanding needed to deal with the emotional needs of children) and breakdown of the family unit.  Secrets never help."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92554", "author": "Lover of my children", "date": "2021-01-31T18:18:00", "title": "Oppose the policy -- teachers do not know my child", "text": "Any parent/parents with emotional, ethical and moral maturity mindset know that their knowledge of what is best for their child,  or have the time to deal with the underlying   issues.  There must be deeper problems here if child has to hide truth from parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92555", "author": "Susan", "date": "2021-01-31T18:20:00", "title": "School Transgender Policy", "text": "I do not approve of the guidelines proposed for how schools handle the transgender issue. God has given parents the responsibility to raise their children.  For them to be denied the knowledge of issues in their child's life at school is to deny them a basic right.  Children are very vulnerable and for the majority of children in schools under such regulations there will be cause for much confusion, fear and anxiety every day that they go to school if they will have to be exposed to what you suggest in the restrooms and locker rooms.  Imposing these regulations on teachers and students will surely produce children who are mentally and socially unstable, and cause many good teachers to leave the profession."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92556", "author": "Will we lose all our female athletes", "date": "2021-01-31T18:21:00", "title": "boys joining girls' teams will wreck the programs", "text": "If your daughter is working hard at learning and strengthening for a sport and a group of boys join the team who are better equipped physically, this will seriously damage my child's spirit of competition and school spirit."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92557", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T18:28:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I strongly support the model policies for transgender youth. Transgender rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92558", "author": "Ann P Wood", "date": "2021-01-31T18:46:00", "title": "SUPPORT VDOE Model transgender student policy", "text": "I strongly support the Virginia Department of Education's model policy for the protection of transgender and other non-binary students in Virginia public schools. Like all students, these students deserve the chance to get an education free of harassment and discrimination. My support is grounded in my Unitarian Universalist faith, which supports \"the inherent worth and dignity of every person.\" Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92559", "author": "Maryblair Svarverud", "date": "2021-01-31T18:53:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth", "text": "As the Mother of a spectacular 15-year old trans boy, I encourage the adoption of these common sense guidance.  Ensuring that ALL children are kept safe, treated with respect and support should be the objective of every parent.  I want my child to thrive AND I want EVERY child to thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92561", "author": "Zena Morris", "date": "2021-01-31T19:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I oppose this policy that is set to go forward. This is NOT the schools system duty.  This is wrong on many levels. I OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92562", "author": "Sheila Shirey", "date": "2021-01-31T19:23:00", "title": "School Counselor emphatically supports!", "text": "As a school counselor, I see the strong need for a policy such as this. For some students, it could literally be a matter of life and death. Suicide rates and mental health issues are MUCH higher in LGBTQ+ youth typically related to a lack of support systems. For those that oppose this policy, please consider that all individuals have the right to explore their identity and that is a big piece of what this policy is about...supporting young people and providing a safe space as they determine who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92563", "author": "SMR", "date": "2021-01-31T19:29:00", "title": "STONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Please consider our women and girls. Once again women are not being treated fairly. Not only is the safety of our girls being compromised, but their ability to fairly compete in sports is being taken away. I'm appalled that this is even being considered. Where in the world is common sense anymore?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92564", "author": "Jarrod L morris", "date": "2021-01-31T19:30:00", "title": "Absolutely disgusting.  God gave us genders. Strongly disagree", "text": "Absolutely disgusting.  People need to read your Bible's God gave us a gender when we are born ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92565", "author": "Mother of Daughters", "date": "2021-01-31T19:31:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE Transgender Policy", "text": "Gender does not determine sexual preference. During a time of such growing, forming, and changing in our children's lives, they should not be allowed in the same locker rooms/bathroom with opposite anatomy. If any penises are allowed in girl's locker rooms and lusty eyes are allowed to watch our daughters in a state of undress, irresponsible! And having a daughter who was bullied, I know the lack of teeth the school has for dealing with any kind of bad behavior. Biological boys should not be allowed to compete with biological girls in sports. And any school that refuses to talk with parents about their child's mental health should be sued for every last penny. Schools are supposed to be helping us raise our children in a cooperative way. Parents should be notified if their child feels uncomfortable at school for ANY reason. I think this will be detrimental to both sis and trans kids. Yes, protect children who believe they are the wrong gender. But do not do it at the detriment of them, their parents, and all the other children. Reform these policies, or scrap them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92566", "author": "Stephanie Fisher", "date": "2021-01-31T19:33:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!", "text": "I strongly support the draft model guidance. These policies, as drafted, do not fringe on any students' rights while affording basic civil rights to transgender/nonbinary/gender fluid/diverse students. We must support all students, and these policies do just that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92567", "author": "Fairfax County Public School Parent", "date": "2021-01-31T19:38:00", "title": "Strongly oppose VDOE draft policy for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "While I affirm the dignity of all people, I strongly oppose the VDOE draft policy on treatment of transgender students for several reasons. The policy includes inaccurate statement of the law in the “Related Laws” section.  The Supreme Court has not yet interpreted the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution to include gender identity or sexual orientation as a protected class.  These protections do exist in some of the other laws quoted in the policy. The group developing the policy did not reflect the principle of diversity and inclusiveness it purports to champion.  In addition to the many professional educators, a number of LGBTQ advocacy group representatives were included.  However, the group clearly did not seek to include viewpoints, such as religious groups, that need to be considered in this conversation.  Only a policy that is developed after being informed by all viewpoints, whether or not those views are ultimately adopted, will ultimately be fully supported by students, parents, and school staff. The policy would allow a transgender person's expression of their gender identity at the expense of the other students' right to privacy.  Unless school districts will have coeducation locker rooms with individual changing stalls, and bathrooms similarly configured for privacy, a heterosexual young man or young woman will be compelled to undress in front of someone who, while they may identify with one gender, nonetheless maintains the physical characteristics of another gender.  This will cause embarrassment, and perhaps even trauma, on many, many students.  Any government policy to accommodate transgender students may not be at the expense of the privacy rights of other students. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) The policy unreasonably interferes with the rights of parents to raise their children with a worldview that is informed by religious beliefs.  This is not to say that public schools cannot teach about transgender.  However, parents need to be involved in any conversations about sexuality, particularly in elementary school age children and adolescents.  Under draft policy schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing.  Parents who encourage their children to embrace their birth gender could be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Finally, the policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92568", "author": "SKP", "date": "2021-01-31T19:39:00", "title": "oppose this policy of undermining the family", "text": "Oppose school intrusion into the family"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92569", "author": "Becky Lam", "date": "2021-01-31T19:40:00", "title": "Trangender policy in schools", "text": "STRONGLY AGAINST"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92570", "author": "Rebecca l lam", "date": "2021-01-31T19:42:00", "title": "strongly disagree", "text": "This is disgusting I strongly disagree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92571", "author": "A concerned Virginian", "date": "2021-01-31T19:43:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE- protect our school children", "text": "You need not look any further than the absolute corruption in our society to see that mixing girls and boys in locker rooms, bathrooms, etc. is a bad idea for regular students just wanting to play sports, go to the bathroom, etc. Why not have a single locker room which is gender neutral, in addition to the men's and women's SINGLE SEX locker rooms/bathrooms? This protects the gender-confused person and the straight ones. Please don't impose a sexual slippery slope on our children. I know that when we give the state a little, you will take a lot."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92572", "author": "Donna Baker", "date": "2021-01-31T19:48:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE transgender policy.", "text": "For these reasons, please safeguard the physical and emotional health of our children by vetoing the proposed transgender policies. Requiring school staff to facilitate a student’s feelings regarding gender expression without the knowledge of his/her parents, is an egregious power grab by the state and undermines the God-given authority of parents to insure their children’s welfare.  Children live with parents precisely because they lack maturity and experience. Allowing students to have access to the bathroom of choice exposes girls, in particular, to all kinds of sexual violations. It is the business of public schools to facilitate the development of intelligence and instruct students to become productive members of society.  The school should not be in the business of promoting highly controversial social policy. From a scientific viewpoint, children’s frontal lobes are highly undeveloped.  To allow or even encourage them to make irreversible hormonal and surgical decisions is incongruous, heightening their risks of heart attack, stroke, diabetes. Lastly, these regulations provide no exceptions for those who disagree with them.  I urge you to guard the wellbeing of our children by refusing to adopt the new proposed policies.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92573", "author": "Jen Stein", "date": "2021-01-31T19:52:00", "title": "STRONGLY support", "text": "I strongly support the draft model guidance. As drafted, these policies do not fringe on any students' rights while affording basic civil rights to transgender/nonbinary/gender fluid students. We must support all students, and these policies do just that. Transgender/nonbinary/gender fluid students deserve a classroom free of harassment and discrimination, strong protections from bullying and consequences for those bullying them, and the other basic protections afforded by these policies.  Thank you for keeping our children safe and treated in a manner which supports every student in achieving his, her, or their success."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92574", "author": "Concerned for our youth", "date": "2021-01-31T19:55:00", "title": "This policy will NOT protect LGBTQ children", "text": "Students who are LGBTQ-confused should not be encouraged to act out in these various sexualities, but should be empowered to identify the way they were created with counselors that encourage them in the ways of virtue . A co-ed locker room is only adding to their sexual confusion and will therefore create more mental health problems. I'm seriously concerned about the mental health issues in these poor confused children, and think that a gender-neutral locker room is the answer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92575", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-01-31T19:59:00", "title": "Transgender School policy", "text": "Strongly Oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92576", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T20:05:00", "title": "New transgender policies: ignorance or cowardice?", "text": "Are we too dumb to follow the science? Or are we simply being cowed by political correctness? Have we thought through the ramifications of these policies?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92577", "author": "Father of Two", "date": "2021-01-31T20:13:00", "title": "Oppose in the strongest terms", "text": "I’m all for equal rights for every single child, and I’m extremely anti-bullying. That being said, please use some common sense. This is a terrible idea, and it will lead to dire consequences. Bathrooms are based on genitals, not gender identities. Common sense idea: Build private bathrooms for those who don’t feel safe using the communal bathrooms. That’s the real issue here: safety. No one deserves to be bullied, and no one deserves to feel unsafe - especially when using the bathroom. I could tear this whole proposal apart point by point, but this is the only thing that really matters to me in the long run. I don’t agree with any of these proposed changes to school policy, except for the idea that we should be working to improve the safety of the school for the good of our children. If you really want to do some good for the children, actually enforce your anti-bullying rules and stop letting violence go unpunished."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92578", "author": "Avi Stein", "date": "2021-01-31T20:17:00", "title": "From a transgender student...", "text": "As drafted, this policy gives what I wish I had while growing up in Fairfax County Public Schools. This policy will protect and help transgender students, without infringing on the rights of cis students. This policy will protect transgender students from discrimination, as well as giving cis students more resources to educate themselves and be more mindful of their friends. This is a wonderful policy, and I support it whole-heartedly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92579", "author": "Cassie Wiltse", "date": "2021-01-31T20:28:00", "title": "Supporting Trans Youth", "text": "Hi, to anyone who reads this. As someone who attended FCPS from secondary school onward, I think that this policy will be very beneficial to trans students, their families, and to their friends and allies. This guidance will allow trans students to feel safe, welcome, and protected in their school environment. Guidance creates an avenue through which understanding can be found for school faculty too, so they can make decisions that empower students. Discrimination and bullying are very real, and I am pleased that FCPS could have this in place for future students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92580", "author": "Concerned Educator of our Young People", "date": "2021-01-31T20:36:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose the VDOE draft Transgender policy", "text": "Strongly Oppose the VDOE draft Transgender policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92581", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T20:38:00", "title": "There's a reason mental health continues to deteriorate in this nation", "text": "There's a reason mental health continues to deteriorate in this nation. Supporting policies like this only act to worsen mental health for kids and societies as a whole, and will lead to increased self-harm due to kids experiencing heightened cognitive dissonance based on how they were raised and society trying to change their beliefs and throw out Christianity. I will find an alternative school system for my future children before I will allowed them to be polluted with sinful ideology propagated by an inept school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92582", "author": "Thaddeus P. Whitcomb", "date": "2021-01-31T20:40:00", "title": "THIS HARMS GIRLS.", "text": "These outrageous, disgusting proposals deny basic biology, human nature, and common sense. How dare the schools allow adolescent males into ladies' bathrooms? What is to prevent a man from \"identifying\" as a woman so he can go assault one of them? Our sisters and daughters will never be able to enter a restroom without fear of being preyed upon by the opportunistic sex predators this document empowers.  Are its writers blindly naive or diabolically malicious?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92583", "author": "Ann P Wood", "date": "2021-01-31T20:40:00", "title": "SUPPORT VDOE Model transgender student policy", "text": "I strongly support the VDOE model policy for the protection of transgender and other nonbinary students in Virginia public schools. Like all children, these children deserve the right to obtain an education free of harassment and discrimination. My viewpoint is grounded in my Unitarian Universalist faith, which supports \"the inherent worth and dignity of every person.\" Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92584", "author": "William Lacy", "date": "2021-01-31T20:49:00", "title": "Regarding Justice", "text": "As a former student of Fairfax County Public Schools, I think it important that all children of future generations be granted the opportunity to experience education without discrimination because of who they are. I will posit this as a question of justice. Justice, per St. Thomas Aquinas, is found in pursuing the good of others. How, then, might these policies in support of transgender students bring about justice? Let us first consider the good of transgender students. It is surely to their good that they be treated with dignity and inherent self-worth, like all other students. It is to their good that their gender identity not be made a point of judgment or disapprobation. It is to their good that not be judged for the bodies into which they were born nor over which they have much control. It is to their good that it is made clear that society values them for who they are as opposed to who others might prefer that they be. It is to their good that they not be forced to repress their true selves to their own physical, emotional, and psychological detriment, even to the point of suicide as is the case for too many transgender members of our society. For non-transgender students, it is to their good that they learn to be accepting and tolerant of those that are different from them. It is to their good that they not grow up around societal structures that reinforce prejudices, particularly those rooted in identity. It is to their good that they examples of positive inclusion. It is to their good to see others thrive when they are given the chance to do so. For teachers, it is to their good that they not be asked to enforce unjust and irrational policies that injure a portion of the students in their care. So, I will say that it is, as much as it is anything else, in the interests of justice to pursue this policy. I am in support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92585", "author": "Peter Karaffa", "date": "2021-01-31T20:59:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to proposed policy", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the DOE proposed transgender policy.  I will not send my child to a school that withholds information about my child, or has conversations privately without my consent with my child that are outside of our religious beliefs.  I will not be removed from my child’s life and have my duties as a parent removed by a government institution."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92586", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T21:00:00", "title": "VDOE transgender proposal for schools", "text": "My husband and I strongly object to the VDOE draft proposal of a new policy regarding transgender ideology in our schools It would interfere with parental rights and responsibilities, puts more stress on teachers and students alike (re pronouns and names in everyday speech),privacy issues regarding bathroom and locker room facilities, even proposes to enforce clothing issues. In addition it disregards the sensitivities of teachers, students and administrators whose religious faith or conscience prevents them from accepting the “transgender “ ideology. All people regardless of their inclinations are entitled to safety from bullying and harassment but the policy is extreme and unacceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92587", "author": "Clair Farinholt", "date": "2021-01-31T21:15:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Strongly Oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92588", "author": "Jessica", "date": "2021-01-31T21:39:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support the measures outlined by this policy proposal. Young transgender people experience hoards of violence and discrimination in all aspects of life and their schools should be doing all they can to support them. Protections like these are long overdue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92589", "author": "Jenn", "date": "2021-01-31T21:42:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "My husband and I strongly oppose the VDOE implementing this transgender policy. The government has no right to step into the role that parents have been given to guide their children in these types of matters.  Also, what are you even thinking allowing both genders to use the same bathroom?  This is going to lead to all kinds of other issues!  We need to be protecting our children, not caving to those who want everything politically correct."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92590", "author": "Stephen", "date": "2021-01-31T21:51:00", "title": "STRONGLY AGREE", "text": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. EVERYBODY PEES."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92591", "author": "Fairfax County Taxpayer and Parent", "date": "2021-01-31T21:53:00", "title": "Oppose Proposed Virginia Public School Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I oppose the proposed Virginia public school model policies for treatment of transgender students for the following reasons: a disregard of science, lack of common sense, overreach, and a lack of ability to stop students from taking undue advantage of such policies. First, all persons, including students, deserve to be respected and treated civilly.  Opposition to these proposed policies does not mean opposition to respect and civil treatment of human beings.  Schools should foster environments in which students, teachers, faculty, and staff are all respected and treated civilly. These proposed policies disregard basic recognition of science.  Persons are not \"assigned\" a sex at birth, as is written throughout this document.  Persons are innately male or female, and are coded as such in their very own, unique DNA.  No ideas or ideology can counter this basic fact.  Scientific studies have also demonstrated innate differences that can be observed between male and female behavior, which has led to much consideration and justification for increasing female participation in myriad aspects of society that have been historically lacking.  Such observations acknowledge a basic difference between males and females that cannot be disregarded, ignored, or pretend it does not exist.  While the anthropological understanding of \"gender\" typically corresponds with a spectrum of how males behave and how females behave, it does not eliminate the difference and distinction between males and females. The proposed policies lack application of common sense.  When I was in college in the last twenty years, I heard others say often enough that it was acceptable for a college freshman to have not yet declared a major even after the majority of others in the class had, since that person was \"young\" and did not yet know what that person wanted to do in life.  That comments suggested there was a state of maturity that had yet to develop for a decision that many consider to be life-long and life-changing.  By the same token, when a young child (be it 2 years old, 5 years old, or older) says to a parent \"I'm a dog\" or \"I'm a fire fighter\" or \"I'm royalty\", parents and adults know not to treat that child as actually being what that child declared, knowing the child is either playing or in need of instruction for why the child is not actually any one of those things.  When students in school assert to be a different sex (or non-sex) than that person actually is (scientifically, immutably), the school system should be respectful, but apply the basic recognition that the student is not yet fully matured (again, scientifically) and frankly is incapable of making that determination.  More likely is that there are other factors in that person's environment that have impacted the person in a way that would lead to such a declaration.  The student is not best served by the school's immediate, dogmatic acceptance of such a declaration and the resulting actions these proposed policies suggest must take place. The proposed policies present dramatic overreach of authority.  The policies do not allow for any employee to refuse to accept a student's declaration of being something other than their scientifically established being.  Almost assuredly, there are employees who have genuine concerns about the impact these policies might have on student development, and not because of ignorance or notions of male and female behavior that may be deemed as outdated.  The school system is abandoning their employees if these proposed policies were to be put in place.  In addition, the proposed policies replace the rightful authority of parents.  In fact, the proposed policies replace the rightful authority of parents and the school system by placing all power in the hands of students, who can dictate whatever one pleases with respect to their gender or sex without any challenge or question.  These proposed policies go beyond basic respect, they abdicate responsibility. These proposed policies also have no mechanism for preventing students from taking advantage of the proposed policies.  While there is a reference to \"consistent\" insistence on one's gender or sex, any one who has been in school, has taught in school, or knows of someone that has served in a school system will be able to tell you that there will be students who will take advantage of such policies.  For example, there could be males who will assert to be female to gain access to facilities or organizations that are restricted to females, potentially with malicious intent.  Females could be marginalized if males who identify as females decide to compete in female sporting teams. Public schooling was established in our democratic society to educate and ensure a robust republic for the people and by the people.  The underlying premise is that a person is not inherently knowledgeable or disciplined and is need of instruction and direction – of formation.  As written, these policies are not about basic civil behavior.  Instead, they assume the student to be irrefutably correct about human sexuality and condition, without need of instruction or formation from educators and parents.  If true on those topics, then presumably a student could assert to be irrefutably knowledgeable on any subject that is taught at the school.  If policies like the ones proposed here are put in place, the school system would be hard pressed to disagree based on objective (i.e., scientific) measurements like tests or fact-checking, since the students knows best.  If it is good for the goose, then it is good for the gander.  These proposed policies are contrary to the fundamental purpose of schools – to educate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92592", "author": "Ariana", "date": "2021-01-31T21:53:00", "title": "strongly support!!", "text": "strongly support!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92593", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-31T21:54:00", "title": "This is wrong and should not be passed", "text": "I am opposed to this policy. This isn’t helping children to learn, having nothing to do with a child’s fundamental learning of math, English, science, etc This also totally undermines the women’s rights movement and will remove their title 9 sports. it doesn’t help parents if they cannot help their children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92594", "author": "We the People", "date": "2021-01-31T22:01:00", "title": "Oppose! Goal: Preserve Innocence & Promote Mental Health", "text": "This transgender policy focuses on appeasing and promoting a small percentage of children with gender dysphoria while simultaneously disregarding the rights of privacy and protection of the majority of children. Developing children deserve school environments that promote healthy and comfortable restroom/locker room privacy based on biological gender. If a male custodian identifies as a 4th grade female, will he then be permitted to utilize the girl's restroom? I hope we'd all be concerned about that, but according to your backing principles of the transgender policy, the answer would be yes because you're blurring the lines of appropriateness to promote mental illness. Please give consideration and protection to ALL students! For students with gender dysphoria, allow them the restroom/locker room option with children that have the same anatomy OR work to create a stand alone restroom/locker room for their peace of mind. Just like the \"family\" restrooms at many stores. This policy also creates a dangerous loophole that allows school faculty to bypass the primary leadership of the parent that has a child with gender dysphoria. This is unacceptable. Parents have complete authority to guide and direct their children on all social and moral matters without the interference of any conflicting guidance from school officials. School officials should only provide support or special care based on parental input and request. Please create a policy that doesn't seek to incorporate a few while disrespecting the majority. And please recognize that parental authority, when it comes to their child and gender dysphoria, is what is best for each individual and unique child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92595", "author": "erick", "date": "2021-01-31T22:01:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "ppl who oppose are dumb."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92596", "author": "Amy Cannon", "date": "2021-01-31T22:12:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "We must treat transgender students with the same respect we treat everyone else. They are the only ones that know who they are, and they should be treated accordingly. The suicide rate for trans kids is comparable to their cis peers, when the trans kids are supported by their school and community. It is not the trans kids that pose a danger in bathrooms; it's the bullies that pose a danger to trans kids. The more they are accepted and allowed to be themselves without everything being \"a big deal\" the less anyone will notice or care what bathroom they are using. Most students are already accepting of their LGBTQ+ peers, and so are most teachers. Let's make it the official policy, so that trans kids can be free to be themselves, and spend their time at school learning, not hiding."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92597", "author": "Mary Beth Style, MSW", "date": "2021-01-31T22:35:00", "title": "Reject Model Policies on Transgender that will cause serious harm to children and undermine families", "text": "As a social worker counseling adolescents for four decades, I am appalled by the lack of understanding of adolescence and child development in the VDOE “ Model Policies.\" The VDOE document advances a political goal and does not address the needs of students suffering gender dysphoria.  The Committee does not include persons with direct professional clinical experience of gender dysphoria.  It includes political advocates.  Only one person is designated as a “Parent” representative.   There is no one from the Faith Community to address the critical spiritual needs of students.  Without the spiritual, a complete view of the reality of gender dysphoria is impossible.   The number of students who identify as transgender is growing because of social contagions, but the numbers are still relatively small. It is unlikely that school mental health representatives are experts in the area of gender dysphoria. The law mandates the development of the Model Policies to assure a safe learning environment of transgender students free from discrimination.  Schools should already be assuring this with every student.  Policies are in place to allow for Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for any student.  Schools are required to respect and support these IEPs.  Until now, IEPs have been initiated by a competent adult (parent, professional specialist, school personnel, etc.) and are developed in agreement with the parent and team of professionals.  They often require professional referrals. They are not the result of a student request for special accommodations.  The Model Policies only require that the demands of the student should be persistent, not fleeting.  This capitulation shows a lack of understanding of adolescent and child behavior and puts teachers and other school personnel at risk to the tyranny of students seeking attention. Mental health practitioners always know the latest fad taught in Family Life Education/Health (FLE) classes or in popular books/movies/social media because of the rash of adolescents, usually girls, presenting with the problem being discussed in school.  These social contagions or “mob madness” are well documented and often the impetus for the VDOE adding topics to the FLE curricula.  Social media has exacerbated the problem of social contagion and the latest is Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria, occurring after extended periods of watching social media of dynamic self-described transgender social influencers.  With the lockdown of schools and increased social isolation, social contagions caused by social media are skyrocketing. I have witnessed the heartaches caused by other fads:  false accusations of molestations from “recovered memory”, “cutting”, Anorexia Nervosa and bulimia, suicide, etc.  Plastic surgery to achieve the preferred \"body image\" of celebrity are not new: nose jobs, breast enhancements/reductions, buttocks enhancements, piercings, etc. Few individuals, child or adult, are satisfied with their body image – size, shape, etc.  Most grow out of it and accept their body.  For some, the fixation is greater and leads to dysfunction.  Adolescence is a time of discomfort for most and all are looking for the reason for their unhappiness.  The reasons and solutions are complex and cannot be addressed with Model Policies and certainly cannot be self-diagnosed by children and adolescents, or school personnel whose only exposure to gender dysphoria is indoctrination during “staff development” by political activists promoting radical gender theory, not scientific data.  The Model Policies are dependent on the premise that radical gender theory is proven and legitimate.  No data is provided to support this radical theory and no “evidence-based best practices” are included.  Asserting that the Model Policies are evidence-based without providing evidence, does not make it so.  Individual treatment by objective, qualified, professionals is needed for each student.  Support groups run by objective, competent professionals may be part of the response, but peer groups run by political advocates are directive to the outcomes of the biases of the leadership. Peer group acceptance is critical for adolescents to have a sense of well-being.  FLE curriculum warns against the negative effects of peer pressure.  All peer groups exert pressure, usually benign or beneficial, but sometimes destructive.  High-risk adolescents are particularly at high risk for negative peer pressure.  Agenda driven advocacy groups prey on vulnerable high-risk adolescents imposing a preconceived viewpoint on each individual seeking membership.  Groups led by peers are generally well meaning, but do not have the maturity, knowledge, competence, life experience, etc. to provide reliable advice or guidance to their friends, particularly on matters as serious and complex as gender dysphoria.   As a result, they can be dangerous as they steer students down the wrong road, misinterpret reality and undermine the helpful guidance and support of competent adults.   Adolescence is also a time of separation from parents and conflict is therefore common.  It is a necessary stage for children to secure their own individuality.  It requires moderating involvement of parents to provide some balance to the volatile emotions and experiences of adolescence and give an anchor of reality. The Model Policies recommend that politically motivated groups be used as a resource for information and support, even in opposition to parents.  Competent professional counselors are always on guard for the pitfall of transference and countertransference.  Advocacy groups do not exercise the same cautions.  Tunnel vision is always a danger in counseling.  “If your only tool is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”  Adolescence is a complex stage of development and cannot be reduced to a single issue, but students who are legitimately in emotional/psychic pain can reasonably, if not rationally, conclude that the etiology of their pain is the “cause” described by the “support” group that has embraced them in their time of need. The Model Policies proceed on the assumption that there is a widespread problem in schools that needs to be fixed with Model Policies, without providing any evidence to support that assumption.  Implementation of the Model Policies including recommending curriculum changes and staff development will however likely lead to a widespread contagion. According to DSM 5 (2013) (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association), population estimates for natal adult males range from 0.005% to 0.014%, and for natal females, from 0.002% to 0.003%. However, about 0.7 percent of 13 to 17-year-olds living in the United States identify as transgender according to the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law. This estimate is between 140 (males) and 350 (females) times higher than that for adult males and females .(emphasis added). According to the Society for Evidence Based Gender Medicine: Historically, the small numbers of children presenting with gender dysphoria were primarily prepubescent males. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in referrals of adolescent females to gender clinics. Many do not have a significant history of childhood gender dysphoria and a number suffer from comorbid mental health issues and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Childhood-onset gender dysphoria has been shown to have a high rate of natural resolution, with 61-98% of children reidentifying with their biological sex during puberty A sharp increase in Gender Dysphoria Referrals occurred between 2009 and 2016 in the UK.  Similar trends have occurred in the US. The definition of gender in the Model Policies clearly states that the operating theory behind the recommendations is based on “social constructs”.  There is recognition that the messaging is social and based on prejudices and biases, yet the Model Policies promote and support erroneous interpretations of children and adolescents from social messaging.  The VDOE proposes to codify social biases about gender traits and transmit the message that non-compliant students should redefine their gender to comply with social constructs, even if that means they should mutilate their bodies. The Model Policies show a lack of understanding of cognitive, moral, emotional development of children and adolescents.  Children and adolescence are concrete thinkers.  They are prisoners of logic.  The citizens of Virginia should have the right to expect that anything promulgated from the VDOE is child-centered and based on a competent understanding of human development.  The Model Policies do not honor this trust. Society says “girls don’t like Math.”  In the concrete cognitive stage of development of students K-12, a girl who likes Math may conclude that she is not a girl.  In earlier times when class discussions about gender identification based on biased gender traits were not required, she may have concluded that she was a minority among girls and gone on with life as an engineer.  Today, she is being forced to consider that her gender identification that she has always known, is incorrect. Anyone spending time with teenage girls knows that this is not an overstatement of today’s reality about the messages on social media and now being perpetrated by the nonsensical recommendations in the Model Policies. Gender dysphoria carries a high risk of depression, anxiety and even suicide. It does not take a Ph.D. to recognize that this serious internal conflict (spiritual, psychological and emotional) between biological reality and perceived identity creates tremendous turmoil.  Rather than exploring the roots, causes, and even reality of this confusion and other factors that may be contributing to the overall sense of discomfort of a student from an objective, professional point of view, the Model Policies advocate creating more problems for more students.  The Model Policies promote a false narrative that social constructs of gender, not biology, determine gender identity reality.  It further concludes that social constructs and individual interpretations are static (cannot be changed), but changing the physical body is a legitimate and appropriate response to the gender dysphoria.  The potential life-long physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual damage that will be wrought by these, perhaps well-meaning, but clearly ill-conceived, Model Policies cannot be overstated. While theories abound in faculty lounges of Gender Studies Departments, no such consensus exists in society; and no scientific data supports radical Gender Theory.  If scientific data existed, it would have been included.  One study cited shows that the mental health of adolescents is improved when the student has supportive parents.  That is a truism that all, professional or not, can recognize.  However, the Model Policies undermine the parent/child relationship encouraging children and adolescents to rely on their own “feelings” and diagnosis to the exclusion of their parents’ judgment, to the point of alienating children from their parents.  Parents have a lifetime of experience with their children.  Chances are, the parent knows the child better than any teacher, school counselor or administrator who has limited contact with the child and is hearing a one-sided narrative from a child/adolescent who is unable to make a competent mental health diagnosis because of developmental, experiential and knowledge limitations.  Resistance to a child’s erroneous self-diagnosis, does not indicate abuse or neglect by a parent, but may be based on a realistic historic understanding of the child.  Suggesting, as the Model Policies does, that the child should be treated without the knowledge or consent of the parents is malpractice at its worst.  No competent therapist would treat a child without family involvement.  That the schools would insert themselves in this manner is unconscionable and will lead to increased depression and anxiety as children are encouraged to live the lie of a double life.  Further, by denying them the support of their parents, the school is denying them the most useful and critical support they need in a very vulnerable and volatile time. The VDOE needs to go back to drawing board and treat the issue of gender dysphoria like every other issue of special need. The schools have a responsibility to assure that students have a safe environment and are protected from harassment, bullying, etc.  This protection includes protection from erroneous information that suggests to vulnerable children that they may be in the wrong body because they exhibit traits that society has deemed belonging to the opposite sex. The responsibility of the schools is to make sure that every student in Virginia schools is treated equally and with respect without regard to any particular trait.  Policies should not single out groups by specific traits.  If instances of abuse occur from other students or school personnel, they should be handled under current disciplinary policies. Policies concerning the privacy and confidentiality of all students and their records should already exist.  The legal name of a student should be the name on school documents.  If a name is changed legally, obviously, the changes will be made.  Each teacher determines whether they will refer to students by their nicknames or legal names.  Perpetuating the myth proposed by advocates that it is causing trauma for a child to be called a name given by a parent, is abusive.  Requiring that name changes only be done when a legal change has been made, impresses on the student the seriousness of the change they are considering.  It is going to require life-long adjustments and the student needs to be prepared to make those efforts if he/she is to be successful in transitioning.  This is not a matter of changing hairstyles. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are available for any student who presents a special need to allow for special reasonable accommodations.  Students with gender dysphoria who are seeking special accommodations should be treated the same way with documentation from parents and competent, objective professionals working with school personnel to determine the appropriate response within the school community.  As with all IEPs, it is a document that provides for the needs of the student within the confines of what is practical. Existing laws require that teachers and school personnel report abuse and/or neglect to Child Protective Services (CPS).  There is no need to establish new policies in this area.  Disagreement between a parent and a child over a child’s self-diagnosis does not indicate abuse; but may in fact indicate a parent who is deeply involved in the care and treatment of the student and has an accurate assessment of the child’s condition, even if the child does not understand that. The Model Policies are silent on the privacy rights and safety concerns of non-transgender students.  Discussion only addresses what transgender students can demand in terms of access to program, activities, facilities, etc. It does not address the rights of other students to object to persons of the opposite gender using facilities, sharing overnight accommodations, etc.  Is it not possible that there are “acting-out” adolescents who will use this new power (without the need for any corroborating responsible adult) to push other, sometimes dangerous, agendas? Unless the goal is to change the culture rather than protect the safety and well-being of the students of Virginia, there is no need to indoctrinate staff and students toward a political theory that is not supported by science through curricula, staff development, programs, speakers and the dissemination of propaganda.  As with all political theories, students and staff are free to form their own opinions and can do so on their own time. The Model Policies go far beyond the legislation that directed them and will put countless children at risk because the VDOE does not appear to understand the complexities of gender dysphoria and is treating it as a political cudgel.  The students of Virginia, whether they are suffering from gender dysphoria or not will be the collateral damage of this misplaced compassion on parade in this document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92598", "author": "Bing Miller", "date": "2021-01-31T22:41:00", "title": "Support Proposed Protections For Transgender Students", "text": "After reviewing these guidelines, I believe they provide reasonable and lawful support for transgender students. I appreciate the focus on protecting students' personal information as well as respecting their gender identity. One thing I found particularly compelling was the guidelines for fair and gender-neutral enforcement of the dress code: a provision that all female students have been waiting for since even I was in school. High school is difficult for all kids. Transgender kids have often had it worse, as both the system and their peers work against them. Bullies may not change, but the system certainly can by adopting these guidelines for teacher and administrative conduct. We should all support our children's right to be recognized and respected for who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92599", "author": "Cindy Spain", "date": "2021-01-31T22:47:00", "title": "Strongly Support HB 145, SB 161", "text": "There are so many difficulties young people face in today's world, gender identity acceptance shouldn't be one of them.  This legislation could help eliminate barriers to feeling accepted, and safe in the school environment, aiding in the creation of a true sense of worth and self. Kids can't learn if kids aren't in school and if a child or young person does not feel loved, accepted, worthy, safe, they find ways to avoid attending school.  This helps no one.  Why not create one less obstacle in these challenging times?  Why not take actions that might save lives and graduate happy kids?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92600", "author": "Urvi Patel", "date": "2021-01-31T22:51:00", "title": "Strongly Support Policy Protections For Transgender Students", "text": "It is troubling to read so many comments that are transphobic and opposed to the policy. I strongly support this policy because it is critical for kiddos to feel safe and welcome in school. Using a student's correct pronouns and chosen name can make all the difference in their life, especially for students for which school may be one of the few spaces in which they feel safe. Discrimination against the trans community has lead to increased suicide rates and increased violence and it is so important to have policies in place to support and protect them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92601", "author": "Katie Pegoraro", "date": "2021-01-31T22:52:00", "title": "Support - helping marginalized population", "text": "RE: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools I strongly support this guidance document. The role of government is to help marginalized populations, including transgender and non-binary students. Until laws are changed, any marginalized students will suffer. Just like in Ibram X. Kendi's book, How to be an Anti-Racist , meaningful societal change will only come when laws and regulations are created and enforced. I sat in a local school board meeting with public comment on a similar policy, and was heartened by the large numbers of people who came to support transgender students, and was saddened by the people who spoke out of ignorance and fear. All Virginians deserve to be comfortable in schools, with staff who provide a supportive environment. This guidance document will help those like the young woman who is the subject of Becoming Nicole by Amy Ellis Nutt. I challenge anyone who is opposed to this regulation to read and reflect on the experiences of Nicole and her family and how so much heartbreak could have been avoided by school systems that were set up to provide the kinds of support in this document. My experience with children in elementary school is that they want to be inclusive of everyone in the rainbow community. I hope that the changing policies and regulations can change the prevalence of death by suicide in the LGBTQ+ community.  Being treated with dignity and respect in school will provide hope and a glimpse of how thing should be everywhere in our Commonwealth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92602", "author": "Elaine James", "date": "2021-01-31T22:55:00", "title": "Focus of Educating the Students", "text": "I strongly oppose the VDOE draft transgender  policy. Stick to teaching the basics and stop  indoctrinating the agenda du jour."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92604", "author": "Elizabeth L", "date": "2021-01-31T23:26:00", "title": "I support this !", "text": "I strongly support this. All students ( and people overall)deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. No one should experience bullying or harassment, especially in a place where kids deserve to learn and grow."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92606", "author": "Dan O'Brien, Casa BruMar Foundation", "date": "2021-01-31T23:36:00", "title": "Support Policy", "text": "I support the policies that are being outlined here. It is important to highlight the importance of acceptance and tolerance from an early age. It is never the wrong time to teach the students of our schools the importance of accepting people, regardless of who they are or who they love."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92607", "author": "Tom Trykowski", "date": "2021-01-31T23:39:00", "title": "Transgender Guidelines", "text": "After reading these proposals I was totally perplexed.  I couldn't find any connection with nature or reality.  Just one example is the requirement for teachers to use preferred pronouns, but if students can change their gender identity at any time without notice, how can anybody comply with this requirement?  Didn't anybody even consider this when they wrote the proposal? Another example is the requirement to allow boys who self-identify as girls to play on girls' athletic teams and use girls' locker rooms and bathrooms.  Is this for real?  What happened to social decency? You all need to scrap these silly ideas and go back to the drawing board and come up with something that reflects a reasonable and moral approach to treating transgender students compassionately and justly without disadvantaging straight students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92608", "author": "Houston & Laura Sorenson", "date": "2021-02-01T00:24:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "A teacher’s job is to educate children and help them become good citizens.  Let them teach tolerance and kindness in the process but please do not saddle them with trying to implement the social change flavor of the moment. We adamantly oppose the VDOE \"knee jerk\" reaction to the desires of a vocal minority through the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. The proposed policy would violate the rights of parents and prevent them from properly fulfilling their responsibilities.  Parents, not the VDOE, are responsible for the upbringing and welfare of their children.   The policies will place teachers in untenable positions imposing behavior upon them with which they must comply or face dismissal. Moreover, the policies would allow minor children to be the undisputed authority in the schools rather than teachers. The wishes of the students would become paramount and the teachers would be stripped of their adult authority and become servants of the students. A child’s sex is determined at conception; even young children know the difference between girls and boys.  A few children may develop sexual confusion, possibly due to molestation, peer pressure, media influences or genuine physical or emotional anomalies, and they should be treated appropriately with understanding, acceptance, and compassion.  However, most students do not.  Children should not be forced into situations where they will be uncomfortable (specifically regarding bathroom facilities) due to catering to a small minority which wants their perceived \"right\" paramount, to use any toilet facility they decide suits their identities of the day.  For centuries, our English language has male and female pronouns; “they” is plural.  For VDOE, any DOE for that matter, to try to force a change in language usage is inappropriate, unacceptable and beyond the pale. We urge the Virginia Department of Education to use good judgement and common sense and drop the proposed transgender policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92609", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T00:51:00", "title": "Strongly oppose,Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public School", "text": "Strongly oppose the \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public School\". The entire premise is false."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92610", "author": "Clarence Arnold", "date": "2021-02-01T01:16:00", "title": "Transgender Guidance", "text": "I oppose the proposed Transgender Guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92611", "author": "Former FCPS student", "date": "2021-02-01T02:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support this initiative. It is important to make concrete steps to foster a more inclusive environment for transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92612", "author": "Sharyn Parlee", "date": "2021-02-01T07:05:00", "title": "Strongly Support the inclusion of the Model Policies for the Treatment of Students", "text": "As a parent I cannot fathom anything worse than seeing my child suffer from ridicule, unequal treatment or discrimination for any reason.  I have always taught my children as I was taught, to be kind and accepting of all people regardless of our differences.  However, I realize this is not always the case and many children, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, suffer great consequences for their differences.  I see every reason to support the inclusion of the Model Policies for the Treatment of Students in Public Schools.  Our job as parents, educators and a society is to honor all children and to advocate for those who need our help the most."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92613", "author": "Dana Ream", "date": "2021-02-01T07:33:00", "title": "Transgenders action in schools", "text": "This goes against scripture!! You will stand in judgement before a Holy, righteous and JUST God for the decisions you are making!! You are calling what is evil, good! There are other ways the school system and our government to help these children who are being led to believe this is normal. This way of life leads to high depression and suicide rates! Please vote against this and find others ways to seek help for these lost children!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92614", "author": "Michele Tracy", "date": "2021-02-01T08:17:00", "title": "Transgender and pronoun usage", "text": "I strongly OPPOSE both of these actions in the state of VA The genitalia that you currently have should be the bathroom you use. No matter what age. The “rights” they have are the same as us given to them by birth   Pronoun usage change?  Really?  So we are going to change everyone’s language usage so nobody gets offended?  This is just childish and a waste of time and money that could be spent on so many bigger fish!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92615", "author": "Kristin", "date": "2021-02-01T08:18:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This strongly goes against parental rights and also religious freedoms. Parents should have the freedom to teach their kids what they want regardless of political agendas. If parents want to teach their children about these things on their own time, fine. But should not be policies in the school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92616", "author": "Father of Six", "date": "2021-02-01T08:21:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Please do not circumvent my parental rights to care for my children. I consider my responsibility as a father to be sacred, and given to me by God. Educators and organizations that so clearly have an agenda to push their own beliefs and values upon my children are evil."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92617", "author": "Kristen, MSW", "date": "2021-02-01T08:29:00", "title": "Strongly Support- Trans Rights", "text": "I strongly support the development of a guidance document to align with trans student safety in elementary and secondary school. Their inclusion and safety poses no harm to others and should be prioritized. I support trans rights and trans accessibility to safe schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92618", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T08:33:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree- Too young to allow them to make a life decision like this", "text": "Before the age of 25, the upstairs brain of a youngster is not fully developed and allowing them to make a life decision like what gender they are is not right and can be very harmful.  Undecisiveness and confusion are predominant at those ages.  They do not know what they want and allowing them to be put in a box can be very harmful.  They need direction and guidance.  If I allow my children decide to eat whatever they want to eat, they would eat candy for breakfast/lunch and dinner which is neither healthy or good for their development.  Statistics have also revealed the devastating effect on many of our teens who have chosen to embrace or experiment with a new gender identity.  The suicide rate for these young people is shocking and heartbreaking.  It will be very harmful for society.  They can make a much more informed and wise decision when later on when their brain is fully developed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92619", "author": "Virginia Pannabecker, Virginia Organizing", "date": "2021-02-01T08:46:00", "title": "Strong Support from Parent of 2 Daughters for Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "As a parent of two children, one of whom is in the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) system, I whole-heartedly support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools, and look forward to it being fully applied across all Virginia public schools, including MCPS. Our LGBTQ+ community members, friends, and family, including transgender youth and adults, are integral to our communities and our well-being as a society. We gain everything in moving in the direction of honoring and respecting transgender youth in our schools, and welcoming them to be their whole selves by nurturing inclusive environments that value all our children and community. As others who have commented have said, these model policies will also help cis-gendered adults and children to learn more about gender identity and gender expression, and how to support and be in community with transgender peers. I am glad to see that these guidelines include evidence-based practices to maintain safe, supportive, and inclusionary learning environments for transgender youth, in compliance with nondiscrimination laws; that they are informed by research and policies from national organizations who advocate for the rights of transgender youth (e.g. Human Rights Campaign and GLSEN); and that they are aligned with guiding documents from counseling organizations, such as the American School Counselors Association’s Ethical Standards and Position Statement on Counseling Transgender Youth: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-LGBTQ-Youth and the American Counseling Association's Nondiscrimination Position Statement: https://www.counseling.org/about-us/social-justice/nondiscrimination . I look forward to these model policies' adoption and implementation to ensure that the Virginia Department of Education and all our Virginia school systems succeed in these goals: \"... be committed to working with school divisions to ensure a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students. It is important that as education leaders we affirm our commitment to advancing equity in Virginia’s public schools. Efforts to advance equity priorities include developing a culturally competent workforce of educators, closing opportunity and achievement gaps among marginalized student groups, increasing access to high quality early learning opportunities, and maximizing the potential of every Virginia student. The key guiding principle of the model policies is that all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment.\" Thank you for your work on behalf of transgender youth and Virginians. Sincerely, Virginia Pannabecker"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92620", "author": "Stacey Lawson", "date": "2021-02-01T08:47:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "Totally in support of this proposed guidance.  It is fact based, which is critical. It provides the basics to help develop a safe environment for all minds to flourish.  And it does not infringe on anyone else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92621", "author": "Darrell E Zook", "date": "2021-02-01T08:51:00", "title": "I am strongly against these guidelines.", "text": "These guidelines will destroy our young people.  The privacy of girls and boys will be destroyed.  Girls will be sexually abused and attacked with the government's approval.   Parents, who are responsible to raise their children, will have their ability to raise their children in a healthy environment that promotes the God-given gender that never changes taken away from them.  This must not happen.  There will be a mass exodus of children from our public schools.  The best thing you can do to promote the integrity of public schools is to reintroduce Bible reading every day and teach them the way of righteousness so that when they grow up they will not depart from it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92622", "author": "Loudoun county parent", "date": "2021-02-01T08:59:00", "title": "Strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "Reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools as they are harmful to children and undermine the rights of parents and families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92623", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T08:59:00", "title": "Transgender bathrooms", "text": "I strongly disagreed with trans people using alternate bathrooms"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92624", "author": "FCPS Parent", "date": "2021-02-01T09:09:00", "title": "Concern", "text": "I am very concerned about the separation of parents from their children, especially in any process that is so critical to mental health. I am concerned about a lack of policies that require parents being notified when a student wishes to change their preferred pronouns. Parents need to be a part of a child's mental health care."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92625", "author": "Diana Rachael", "date": "2021-02-01T09:11:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "27% of transgender students reported feeling unsafe at school in 2017 (vs. 6% of cisgender students). (CDC) 24% of transgender students reported being threatened or injured by a weapon at school in 2017 (vs. 5% of cisgender students). (CDC) I support transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92626", "author": "Elizabeth A Karaffa", "date": "2021-02-01T09:16:00", "title": "Transgender Bill", "text": "Please vote NO to this bill! As a parent of 6kids who have been educated through the public school system-I always felt like I had a voice-I felt good about sending my kids off to school.This bill would infringe on parents rights and create  an unsafe environment for my kids! Please listen to Virginia parents! Thank you,Elizabeth Karaffa"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92627", "author": "Trevor - concerned parent and tax payer", "date": "2021-02-01T09:16:00", "title": "Strongly opposed!  Very concerned for ALL our children", "text": "I am VERY concerned about the unintended consequences and dangers introduced by this bill.  I do think that children with gender disphoria, transgendered experiences, etc. should be cared for and protected.  BUT we must not make laws that will endanger the physical and emotional security of other children.  PLEASE find some other way to make protection and provision for these children without compromising the safety of others.  I STRONGLY ask that you oppose this bill and any others like it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92628", "author": "Thomas M. Karaffa", "date": "2021-02-01T09:21:00", "title": "Strongly object", "text": "Please vote  NO to this bill- think of children not politics"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92629", "author": "Kimberly Parker", "date": "2021-02-01T09:21:00", "title": "Disagree - Protect All Virginia Students & Educators", "text": "I am united with the policy writers in pursuit of the following mutual goals: safety, well-being, and respect for all Virginia students. I profoundly disagree with the policy writers in how these outcomes are achieved. These policies seem to be relentlessly aimed at creating a culture that is subservient to the transgender student’s view of the world. Dress codes, everyday language, legal language, school records, school activities, and school facilities are modified to align with this view. The transgender student is to be vehemently protected from those (even parents) who would dissent from her/his/their opinion because her/his/their safety, health, and well-being is at stake. This is not the goal of education. Healthy educational institutions promote the robust discussion of differing points of view within the context of a respectful environment. Let me be clear. Respect is not the same as agreement. Respect makes room for disagreement while still being deeply committed to the dignity and well-being of the other person. To teach children that they can only be safe and healthy when others affirm their view of the world is to miss the point of education. These policies mandate affirmation of a student’s transgender identity by school staff. These policies demand this affirmation from staff members, even if there is no evidence for the affirmation other than the student’s assertion. If a school staff member refuses to affirm the student’s perceived gender identify, that staff member is considered discriminatory. These mandates negate two rights guaranteed by the constitution – free speech and the right to practice religious beliefs that adhere to traditional views of gender as binary. In effect, are we baring people who believe in the traditional, and long accepted, view of two genders from serving as educators in this state if they refuse to acquiesce to these new demands? Furthermore, if staff are considered discriminatory for dissenting from this use of language, how will students who abstain for religious conviction be treated? We are reorganizing school cultures and dividing family unity to conduct a social experiment exploring the new and inconclusive proposition that gender is an endless spectrum rather than a biological reality. Why are we trading what we have long held to be precious and worth protecting, things like family unity, respectful cultures full of differing viewpoints, free speech, freedom of religion, for what may in the long run be damaging to our families, institutions, and culture at large? Why are we not approaching these new ideas and cultural shifts with great caution and significant testing? In an effort to prevent bullying for transgender students, I am concerned that the law itself is becoming a bully toward those who genuinely believe in respect, protection for the vulnerable, and diversity but who are also deeply committed to the pillars of free speech, freedom of religion, and healthy family relationships. I urge law makers to revisit these policies and ensure that these precious societal pillars are upheld."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92630", "author": "Jared Stevens", "date": "2021-02-01T09:21:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this bill", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92631", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T09:21:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!!!!!!", "text": "Strongly Oppose!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92632", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T09:22:00", "title": "Opposed - this can be done better to accommodate all persons and beliefs", "text": "As with most people (I assume), I certainly want to prevent the bullying/harassment and discrimination of children. I think children should feel safe at school and be afforded the opportunity to learn without distraction. However, these policies are, unfortunately, swinging the pendulum from one extreme to another and they do not have the best interest of children at heart, especially prepubescent children. The majority of scientific studies and experts make clear that the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence, and pushing involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public school setting has significant potential consequences for children who are still developing. These policies are prioritizing the thoughts and feelings of one group while marginalizing those who have valid concerns about their female children being forced to share a restroom or locker room with a biological male with clear biological male traits and genitalia, and vice versa. I would hope that the leaders of our state could come up with a better solution that encompasses the concerns of all parties and prioritizes all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92633", "author": "Chris Martin", "date": "2021-02-01T09:23:00", "title": "Support from an educator", "text": "As an educator who has taught transgender students, I can attest to how isolated and ignored many of them feel by our public school system. I strongly support this guidance. I am disheartened to see a number of comments claiming \"religious freedom\" as an excuse to oppose this. \"Religious freedom\" means you will not be persecuted for your beliefs, not that others should be required to abide by your religion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92634", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-01T09:25:00", "title": "I Support", "text": "All children should be protected and provided a safe environment for learning."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92635", "author": "a parent", "date": "2021-02-01T09:33:00", "title": "In support", "text": "I support this bill. All children should feel welcomed in school. Schools should strive to be models of inclusion and acceptance. This  policy is a needed step in that direction"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "92636", "author": "Felicia", "date": "2021-02-01T09:33:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE - FORMER LGBT", "text": "Greetings, I am concerned that children who suffer from this disorder (sexual identity) are not being properly treated. Instead of getting the counseling they need to deal with this identity crisis, they are being enabled by guidelines like these. It is not normal for a child, who was born a specific sex, to believe that they are the opposite. This flies right in the face of Science, Biology. There are only 2 sex's, male and female.  We shod not be embracing this disorder, instead providing means to help the child to overcome it. How can we pass legislation/laws based on how someone feels? Who would have ever thought we would live in such a world. These children need help, and so do the parents condoning this kind of behavior. If a child wants to walk around on all fours and be a dog 24/7, they wouldn't allow that, so why is it any different here. This is exacerbating a already toxic problem in this society. This is coming from someone who was former LGBT."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93537", "author": "Barbara Heard", "date": "2021-02-02T13:28:00", "title": "These policies are only a model for psychological & emotional abuse of children", "text": "I agree with Andrea Bayer! These policies are only a model for psychological & emotional abuse of children There is a pervasive and perverted plan by the LEFT and the well-funded LGBTQ lobby to manipulate and change our society (values, language, vocabulary, behavior, families, parental rights, religion, and science) via our tax-payer funded public education system. What is being implemented in these proposals is the product of: 1) the mentally-disturbed \"sexologist\" Alfred Kinsey - who believed infants and children are hyper-sexualized beings, and 2) Queer Theory - an ideology concocted in universities by academics such as Judith Butler and Gayle Rubin - that demands people believe that biological sex is fluid and even meaningless.  However, this is scientifically wrong and medically dangerous. The key concept of \"Queer Theory\" is the idea that heterosexuality is privileged and reinforced in society through institutional arrangements and accepted social norms.  Those perpetuating Queer Theory wish to eradicate these norms. Now the goal is to indoctrinate every student in America with highly potent, ideological, and hyper-sexualized rhetoric that emotionally and psychologically confuses children and completely alienates students and families, and especially those who rightfully object to homosexual lifestyles and transgenderism, and know that there are only 2 genders. All one needs to do is to look at the myriad demands and changes recently made to our pre-K through grade 12 curricula to understand that race-baiting, anti-Americanism, anti-Capitalism, pro-Socialism/Communism, re-writing history, sex, homosexuality, and gender fluidity are the topics du jour in our tax-payer-funded schools.  Instead of relaying and teaching factual concepts and actual academics, our children are now intentionally confused, indoctrinated with false rhetoric, and trained to be activists. Let's not forget:  we live in the United States and we are American citizens - period!  And the law of our land is the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Amendments.  Any law, regulation, or policy implemented by a federal, state, or local governing body that requires citizens (children and adults) to violate their freedom of conscience, religious beliefs, understanding of biology, the human sex binary, and/or freedom of speech must be vigorously opposed. It is also highly inappropriate and even dangerous for government employees to be given the right, much less the mandate, to violate parental rights by perpetuating (explicitly or deceitfully), celebrating, and/or concealing gender confusion and transgenderism in schoolchildren. Truth and First Amendment rights are paramount, not ideological fads and unconstitutional mandates enacted by a rouge President, state General Assembly, or Board of Education. Let's be clear:  homosexual and trans activists are not centrally concerned about ensuring \"equity\" and eradicating bullying.  Rather they are hell-bent on deconstructing society and pushing their agenda.  To achieve their goals, they must infect our schools, manipulate our children, and strip away true equity to glorify those embracing their ideals, and punish those who don't play along.  And they achieve this via big money and BULLYING tactics. Ultimately, it is the job of the schools to partner with parents and to protect the innocence of our children, not to manipulate, obstruct, or corrupt.  We tax-payers fund and own these schools. We pay the salaries of the school administrators, teachers, staff, school boards, VA Dept. of Education, and VA General Assembly.  So the BIG QUESTION is:  Why are these citizen-owned entities only marching to the edicts and bullying tactics of the loud, well-funded and well-oiled LGBTQ activists? Do the job you were hired and are paid to do, and let the parents do their job of parenting. For your perusal: 1) https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2020/01/the-billionaires-behind-the-lgbt-movement 2) https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/how-lgbt-nonprofits-and-their-billionaire-patrons-are-reshaping-the-world/ 3) https://activistmommy.com/lgbt-activists-reveals-goal-to-completely-smash-heteronormativity-through-education/ 4) https://c-fam.org/friday_fax/un-lgbt-czar-takes-aim-against-religions/ 5) https://c-fam.org/friday_fax/un-agency-tries-to-impose-abortion-and-lgbt-rights-in-sex-education-everywhere/#:~:text=UN%20Agency%20Tries%20to%20Impose%20Abortion%20and%20LGBT%20Rights%20in%20Sex%20Education%20Everywhere,-By%20Stefano%20Gennarini&text=NEW%20YORK%2C%20August%2030%20(C,promotes%20abortion%20and%20LGBT%20rights. 6) https://mailchi.mp/c8304bb6f443/va-education-policy-for-transgender-students?e=860a7b0282 7) massresistance.org/docs/gen3/19b/Renton-WA-Teen-Pride/index.html 8) https://guides.library.illinois.edu/queertheory/background"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93538", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T13:29:00", "title": "fully support", "text": "As someone who is in the process of coming out as trans, I am excited to see anything that would make it easier for others like me so that they won’t grow up hating themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93539", "author": "Virginia Webster", "date": "2021-02-02T13:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT!", "text": "We need to support Trans individuals. We should be protecting them with proper legislation, especially Trans kids and teens. These are citizens of the United States who have a RIGHT to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit Of Happiness. It’s that plain and simple."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93540", "author": "Cherith Bradshaw, a high school student", "date": "2021-02-02T13:32:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Every single student including those in the LGBTQ+ community should be protected from bullying, harassment, and violence but this policy goes way beyond that and promotes harmful ideas. As a female high school student who has attended Virginia public schools since kindergarten, I am strongly against these new transgender policies. These policies endanger female students and violate students’ religious rights. The safety of all female students would be at risk if these policies were implemented. If these policies are adopted, “access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students” (Draft Policy, p.18). This is frightening for females of all ages, but especially females in high school; An eighteen-year-old biological male would be allowed to use the same restrooms and locker rooms as me, a fourteen-year-old female, all because of the gender he decided to identify as when he woke up. It is the responsibility of school systems to take precautionary measures to keep all students safe. These policies do the exact opposite and put young women in harm’s way. The policies proposed provide no accommodations for a student whose religious faith prevents them from being able to go along with the transgender ideologies and policies. As a Christian, whose worldview is based on the Bible, to acknowledge that there are more than two genders would simply be false. Under these policies, I could be punished for my religious beliefs and that is ridiculous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93541", "author": "Sina Long", "date": "2021-02-02T13:33:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I do NOT approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children! These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93542", "author": "Jamie", "date": "2021-02-02T13:35:00", "title": "Strong against this!", "text": "I strongly disagree with this.  I will not allow my child to be involved in public school if this is approved.  When are we going to focus on education and stop this nonsense!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93543", "author": "Kelly Broyles", "date": "2021-02-02T13:35:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAPPROVE", "text": "Strongly DISAPPROVE!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93544", "author": "Parent of Three Boys", "date": "2021-02-02T13:37:00", "title": "OPPOSE!!!!! People need to wake up this is rediculous!!!!", "text": "What are people thinking?! There no place in schools for this nonsense. This will create more problems for our children then they need to deal with."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93545", "author": "Isabel Atkinson, Health Educator", "date": "2021-02-02T13:38:00", "title": "Support & Protect Trans + LGBTQ+ young people!!!", "text": "I SUPPORT THIS PROPOSED LEGISLATION!! Protecting, supporting & affirming trans youth through their school experience is (as many have stated) literally life-saving, trauma-informed, socially just & a moral imperative. LGBTQ+ youth, particularly transgender individuals experience way higher rates of suicide, bullying, violence, homelessness, substance misuse, mental health obstacles, and being victims of homicide. In a world that has a ways to go to fully support trans folks, this is an important step towards creating that crucial supportive environment. These young people may not get that same support in other spaces and realms of their life. Implementing this policy not only reduces these harmful + extremely negative outcomes, but fosters an environment in which ALL young people benefit and feel supported, accepted & included. These policies aim to reduce gendered stereotypes and standards that harm ALL YOUTH, and allow to teach through example how to be fully accepting of others who are different from you. This can greatly reduce bullying & violence in schools and among young people! Being inclusive of the most vulnerable folks in the classroom allows ALL students to feel more accepted for all the beautiful spectrum of identities that they hold. Nurturing this type of environment also facilitates a much higher capacity for learning in general. When students feel safe, comfortable, and accepted, the survival-mode, defensive part of their brain can relax, and they can actually learn better, excel in academics, sports, music, art, and socially etc. This reduces opportunities for harmful long-term effects of trauma to cause mental & physical health issues down the line. This is an incredible opportunity to set a vital example for students, educators, school administrators, legislators & political leaders, and families throughout Virginia and the country- to support, protect, & cherish the very vulnerable, but simultaneously beautiful & resilient young trans people our communities are lucky to have."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93546", "author": "Megan Salter", "date": "2021-02-02T13:38:00", "title": "COMPLETELY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans students deserve to live their life as their true self and be fully accepted by their community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93547", "author": "Anonymous mother of 2", "date": "2021-02-02T13:40:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93548", "author": "Concerned Citizen, Parent and Future Grandparent", "date": "2021-02-02T13:40:00", "title": "VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED", "text": "This is nothing short of child abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93549", "author": "Mary Beth Greason", "date": "2021-02-02T13:40:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!", "text": "This is going to end badly.  Where are all the women who have fought for our girls to excel in sports and be treated fairly?  If a male can enter a girl's bathroom anytime - there will be a problem.  This is setting back women's rights and privacy a hundred years.  Even in Europe - there are men's and women's restrooms.  This is unnecessary and irresponsible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93550", "author": "Katherine", "date": "2021-02-02T13:40:00", "title": "Completely Support", "text": "All students need our support and respect including trans children. Set the best example for the next generation by showing them bigotry has no place in our society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93551", "author": "Nathaniel Soss", "date": "2021-02-02T13:41:00", "title": "Vital for the Safety and Comfortability of Transgender Students", "text": "I can not understate how strongly I support the passage of this bill. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals suffer from some of the most extreme forms of discrimination in America today, evidenced by the hundreds of hateful and disgusting comments that have been submitted by ordinary citizens. Making sure that everyone has access to an educational environment in which they feel safe, secure, and comfortable is one of the fundamental responsibilities of a good civil government, and it is vital that this bill be passed in order to uphold those responsibilities. In the same way that we accommodate students with disabilities, or students who are impoverished, or students who simply learn differently from others, we must accommodate students who identify as transgender and give them the space to grow, learn, and exist comfortably and securely."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93552", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T13:42:00", "title": "Support", "text": "All students deserve safe schools, regardless of gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93553", "author": "Chip Spence", "date": "2021-02-02T13:42:00", "title": "Transgender Policies Proposal", "text": "I am voter and small company owner located in chesterfield ,we have been established here since 1979and paid enormous amounts of taxes to the state of va .  I find this to be unconstitutional and completely absurd! This not only A BAD IDEA it is not necessarily alot of peoples reigous values ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93554", "author": "AMC", "date": "2021-02-02T13:43:00", "title": "Absolutely unacceptable", "text": "as a mother of four small children either already in elementary school or entering elementary school and a woman of faith, how dare the government and the state feel they have any right to dictate when and how we discuss these topics with our children. This conversation is a personal one, it’s serious, and it’s one that should be had within the confines of one’s own family not through educators.  I am also an educator and it is not my place to have these highly sensitive discussions with some own else’s child.  It is one thing to make some things voluntary it’s quite another to make the mandatory. Shame on you this completely ridiculous and unacceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93555", "author": "Christy McCarley", "date": "2021-02-02T13:44:00", "title": "Guidance", "text": "I support the guidance, all Virginians should be treated equally."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93556", "author": "Allie Boler", "date": "2021-02-02T13:45:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this policy. Transgender students need to be protected in our public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93557", "author": "Dawn garrison", "date": "2021-02-02T13:47:00", "title": "Absolutely Oppose !!!!", "text": "I am absolutely opposed to the new policies regarding transgenders using bathrooms & locker rooms of opposite God given sex.  I am also opposed to females swimming topless etc. If kids choose, yes choose, to identify as their opposite God given sex, that’s their choice. However what the rights of those who are not transgender??? We need to stop catering to those the few!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93558", "author": "Liza", "date": "2021-02-02T13:47:00", "title": "Support legislation to promote health and well-being of trans youth.", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote health and well-being of trans youth! All students deserve to feel valued and appreciated but more than anything, safe to learn!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93559", "author": "MB", "date": "2021-02-02T13:47:00", "title": "I strongly  disagree with this", "text": "I strongly disagree with this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93560", "author": "Amanda", "date": "2021-02-02T13:48:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I strongly oppose transgender in the schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93561", "author": "Kristin Sancken", "date": "2021-02-02T13:48:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I work at a non-profit that provides free counseling to children who have experienced trauma.  In the last four years, we have seen a 200% increase in youth who identify as transgender.  They are depressed, suicidal and usually at risk of being kicked out of their homes because their parents don't agree with who they know themselves to be. Coming out as transgender as a child or teen comes with a variety of struggles, particularly with parents and your community. For instance, studies show that familial rejection can lead transgender youth to engage in behaviors that put their health at risk, trigger depression and other mental health problems, and in the worst of cases – result in suicide. Furthermore, lack of family acceptance after coming out as transgender is one of the top reasons teens runaway or are kicked out of their homes by their parents. Among homeless youth, 20-40% are transgender, and most face discrimination when seeking even temporary shelter. However, familial and community support does the opposite. Parents, teachers and supportive adults who accept a child’s gender identity can act as a buffer against bullying and bias in other areas of life. In other words, for some transgender youth, support from their school can be the difference between life and death. Our public schools systems should be leading the journey toward acceptance and support of children who don't fit societal norms of what gender should be."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93562", "author": "Eli W", "date": "2021-02-02T13:48:00", "title": "Full Support", "text": "There's not much more to say other than that if you care about the mental and physical wellbeing of students there is no other option than to support these guidelines. Arguments about impinging religious freedom or parents' rights are grounded in ignorance. I know from personal experience in VA public schools that these guidelines, if effectively instituted and supported, will make a big positive difference in a lot of student's lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93563", "author": "Sara Williams", "date": "2021-02-02T13:48:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "For starters, children know from the start the difference between the two sexes. Secondly, how about my rights? The rights of the rest of the people who are uncomfortable with this? Doesn't our rights matter? If transgenders are uncomfortable, (say in restroom situations) why does that have to take away might right to feel comfortable?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93564", "author": "Travis Dean-McKinney", "date": "2021-02-02T13:48:00", "title": "SUPPORT for anti-discrimination policies for Trans youth", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth. This is important and inclusive legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93565", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T13:50:00", "title": "Do not support", "text": "Where has all the common sense gone??? This is just wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93566", "author": "Nadja Golding", "date": "2021-02-02T13:51:00", "title": "Support This Guidance Document", "text": "I strongly support this much needed policy to protect transgender students in our schools.  It absolutely needs to be implemented, and the sooner the better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93567", "author": "Julie B Lenfestey", "date": "2021-02-02T13:52:00", "title": "Protect marginalized students WITHOUT violating EVERY child's rights", "text": "I am gravely concerned about what this policy could mean for our children and families. I personally have no problem with people identifying as transgender, even young children if they feel strongly about it early. I think these children should be protected and included and gendered language could be adjusted for certain curriculum where appropriate. However, allowing one type of student's rights to negate other students' and families' rights is not the solution. Kids and teens who identify as transgender can use whatever pronouns they prefer and ask for others to use them for themselves. Other kids who identify as cisgender should not be forced to use non gendered language or be forced to wear gender neutral clothes just as trans kids shouldn't be forced to wear gendered clothes. Families certainly should not have their kids taken away if they are having a hard time reconciling their beliefs with their child's chosen identity. This is essentially giving rights to one group while stripping rights from another. If we are stressing inclusion and individual rights, why would schools (or anyone) insist some conform to another group's preferences at all? Why can't we have trans and LGBTQ+ inclusion, not exclusion of others? In addition, covertly planning this agenda for public schools violates parents' rights to decide about their children's education. If government run schools are going to insist on making our schools into communist or socialist regimes where no one has any choice about their education or how they are treated, then parents need to have to right to have their tax dollars directed towards school choice instead of being forced to pay for this kind of \"education.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93568", "author": "A. Badger", "date": "2021-02-02T13:54:00", "title": "Support-love and acceptance  for all", "text": "Support-love and acceptance for all"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93569", "author": "Former Teacher in Richmond", "date": "2021-02-02T13:56:00", "title": "Supportive of Policy", "text": "Students need a nurturing and welcoming environment, and this policy helps create that space for our transgender students. Please support this policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93570", "author": "Dr. Charles Watson", "date": "2021-02-02T13:57:00", "title": "I fully support the protection of LGBTQ+", "text": "Good day sir or madam, I am a professional educator and am in full support of amending the Code of Virginia to include § 22.1-23.3 to address the needs of transgender students in accordance with best educational practices.  Data within the proposed amendment shows a clear need for protections for LGBTQ+ students for their well-being and happiness, and by definition the first priority of the VDOE is: Priority 1: Provide high-quality, effective learning environments for all students (Reference: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/plan/comprehensive-plan.pdf ) Discrimination against individuals based upon basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability is already outlawed at the federal level, and so integration of such expectations at a young age not only improves the educational outcome of LGBTQ+ youths, but also better prepares others for the expectations already set for for life after school.  Therefore, I am in full support of this amendment. -Dr. Watson"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93572", "author": "Janet", "date": "2021-02-02T13:59:00", "title": "Support for Transgender Students", "text": "I applaud the DOE's proposed model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia's Public Schools.  It is a recognition of a long, institutionalized history of discrimination and exclusion and a step forward to helping these youth have the childhood they deserve."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93571", "author": "Julie Comer", "date": "2021-02-02T13:59:00", "title": "Ridiculous.... Strongly disappointed and disagree", "text": "Ridiculous.... Strongly disappointed and disagree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93573", "author": "Justin McMahan", "date": "2021-02-02T14:00:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Trans students deserve the same rights and protections as any other students. I had fellow classmates who were transgendered and they deserve to feel safe at school and learn in a comfortable environment. School is a place of education and the ability to engage with your fellow classmates and instructors is dependent on feeling safe. There is no reason that trans students should feel scared to go to school"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93574", "author": "John F", "date": "2021-02-02T14:00:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "Strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93575", "author": "Niall O'Donnell", "date": "2021-02-02T14:01:00", "title": "this encourages child abuse", "text": "Children have a right to the truth about their sexuality—whether they are male or female. Denying them that right is child abuse. Transgenderism has been proven time and time again to lead to harmful psychological and physical side effects. It is not healthy for individuals or for our state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93576", "author": "Jennifer", "date": "2021-02-02T14:02:00", "title": "I absolutely do not agree  with this", "text": "I absolutely do not agree  with this. It is not fair to the other students  on so many levels."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93577", "author": "Annie", "date": "2021-02-02T14:03:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "To whom it concerns, As a person of faith, I want to express my full support for this policy to create safe and inclusive schools in the state of Virginia. Most of the children and youth we serve in Sunday school attend the Virginia public schools and many identify as transgender, non-binary, or questioning. They deserve a safe environment, too. My own children went to school alongside transgender youth and bore witness to discrimination as the schools tried to figure out how to handle these students. This policy is necessary not just for trans and non-binary kids, but for all students. Sincerely, Annie Parker"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93578", "author": "Teacher and mother of girls", "date": "2021-02-02T14:05:00", "title": "Shocked, appalled, and disgusted...", "text": "As the mother of young girls and a Virginia educator, I am shocked, appalled, and disgusted by this policy. It is not the responsibility of myself or any other school staff to encourage or promote the sexual preference of any student. It is my duty to ensure that all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, receive a high quality education and are able to do so in a safe environment. And that’s where the responsibility should stay. I do not want other adults influencing or encouraging my own personal children to explore alternate lifestyles. Also, allowing mixed gender restrooms and locker rooms is just inviting sexual encounters or assaults. To me, that is not keeping children safe. Should these policies go into effect, I foresee a mass exodus of Christian educators from Virginia. I also am sure that many families (including ours) will either send their children to private school or pursue homeschooling. What a great disservice to the school staff and children of Virginia. I do believe many in our state have become so “open minded” their brains have officially fallen out of their heads."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93579", "author": "Joan Quill", "date": "2021-02-02T14:05:00", "title": "Opposed to any form of brainwashing of Virginia students", "text": "“Model Policies” include: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression. Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Over a period of forty years, I taught mathematics in private and public schools at the elementary the high school then college levels. I received an e-mail from a close friend outlining the specific policies above. In my view, the policies expose innocent children to sex confusion, allow boys in girls' locker rooms and showers exposing girls to rape, deny parents their right to raise their children in accordance with their moral and religious preferences and expose students, faculty and staff to lawsuits. The focus of the schools should be on providing a strong, rigorous, academic education. The large numbers of students unable to meet mathematics and writing skills standards at the college level indicates to me that Virginia schools are not meeting their primary purpose. In my opinion,  supporting constitutional rights and love of country are critical to the survival of our country. Communism, Marxism and Socialism are poor substitutes for our constitutional republic. Respectfully submitted, Joan M. Quill"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93580", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T14:05:00", "title": "I do not support the transgender policy. There has to be a better alternative!", "text": "i do not support the transgender policy to enter females locker rooms and restrooms. I do not agree in “labeling” the genders should fall under a new law. Let everyone have the freedom to label themselves and if the lbgqt+ has a preference name then call them that but not as a whole! Safety comes first for everyone and not forcing them to be in a uncomfortable situation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93581", "author": "Mother of 2", "date": "2021-02-02T14:05:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I strongly object to the Virginia Department of Education draft proposing a new policy regarding transgender ideology in our schools. It would interfere with parental rights and responsibilities, put more stress on teachers and students alike (re: pronouns and names) in everyday speech, privacy issues regarding bathroom and locker room facilities and even proposes to enforce clothing issues. It also disregards the sensitivities of teachers, administrators and students whose religious faith or conscience prevents to from accepting the “transgender” ideology. All people are entitled to safety and freedom from bullying and prejudice, but this proposed policy is extreme and unacceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93582", "author": "Bf", "date": "2021-02-02T14:09:00", "title": "Strongly oppose/stick to education/it’s against my religious beliefs", "text": "Strongly oppose/stick to education/it’s against my religious beliefs"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93583", "author": "Irina Olkhovsky", "date": "2021-02-02T14:10:00", "title": "I strongly disagree, oppose this special treatment", "text": "I strongly oppose this treatment!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93584", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T14:11:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this measure"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93585", "author": "Rick Hollands", "date": "2021-02-02T14:12:00", "title": "Blatant Effort to Promote the LGBTQ+ Agenda", "text": "It is evident that the purpose of these policies is to promote the LGBTQ+ agenda. To this end, students struggling with transgender identities are encouraged to act independently of their legal parents/guardians and embrace these alternative views.  Then under the guise of “safety and inclusion”, teachers, counselors, and students will be “educated” to embrace these decisions. Parents who do not accept their child’s alternate identity will be labeled “non-affirming”. Finally, schools will be expected to promote these views through the support of clubs and programs, as well as the open display of Pride flags, etc. It is one thing to be accepting of transgender students. And certainly, they should be protected from bullying, coercion and the like. It is another to ignore the fundamental biological nature that differentiates the sexes. No allowance is made for the safety and mental health of strait students who feel uncomfortable sharing a locker room with the opposite sex. Soon, it will be the rest of the student body who will experience depression and anxiety by being subjected to this oppressive “reeducation” program. The Transgender policies the Department is implementing will cause irreparable damage to Virginia students. Elementary and secondary school students simply do not know enough about gender to make definitive decisions about their identities. Many gender dysphoria issues stem from a conflict between perceived and assigned genders. In these cases it is not always clear if a child wants to be a different gender. Rather, the child may be seeking counseling to help identify with his/her birth gender. These policies make no provision for allowing a counselor to explore this option. At the heart of the matter is the confusion generated when individuals and society do not recognize the biological reality of gender. Case in point is the conflict between a child and parent discussed on page 13. A teacher is placed in a horrible position during a parent-teacher conference trying to remember what pronouns and names the Department deems ‘appropriate’. The policies further state that it is in the child’s best interest for parents to accept the child’s transgender identity, as opposed to allowing parents to decide what is in the best interest of their children and having teachers support the parents. The policy even goes so far as to suggest that ‘non-affirming’ parents are actually harming their children, and that teachers have a responsibility to report these parents for child abuse. Page 18, school health care officials will be given “continuing education” to teach them to support the LGBTQ+ agenda. Clearly they will be expected to teach students these views. Furthermore these officials will be given “competency training” to insure compliance. A key point is that these counselors can teach students without the consent or knowledge of the parents. Page 19, School boards will be expected to “engage” the community regarding these policies. It is acknowledged that these meetings will involve “deeply conflicting community views”. But the Department is willing to stir up this level of strife rather than accept parents’ views that gender is birth-specific. Any community organization operating outreach programs must support these policies. No mention is made regarding the penalty for non-conformance. One can only assume that such programs will be terminated and those groups banned. Page 20, divisions are to “consider ensuring LGBTQ-inclusive curricula”. They are also expected to support the formation of clubs and programs affirming these views. Students are even encouraged to be trained to accept and promote a transgender world-view."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93586", "author": "NZ", "date": "2021-02-02T14:12:00", "title": "I oppose the policies because it goes against parent’s rights and compromises the safety of students", "text": "I oppose the VDOE’s draft policies for the treatment of transgender students because it goes against parent’s rights to educate their children with their family values, gives the schools the authority to hide children’s personal information from their parents, and sacrifices and compromise the privacy and safety of all the students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93587", "author": "Whitney M Ayers", "date": "2021-02-02T14:12:00", "title": "Worst idea ever!", "text": "This does nothing but put fears into parents. It will be adding unnecessary secrets and problems into families. Putting ideas into our children's heads that are not agreed upon by everyone. I birthed my children, therefore I will make their decisions, NOT some teacher who thinks they know better. We should not have to suffer because someone wants to choose their gender. If you have a penis, your a man. Got a vagina? You guessed it, you're a woman! My child will be removed from public schools if this ends up be \"acceptable\". There are 2 genders. Period. This ideas will not be pushed into my child. Where is the privacy? Personal space? What about abused girls being forced to share a bathroom with a male? No. No. No."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93588", "author": "Taryn", "date": "2021-02-02T14:14:00", "title": "Protect our Trans Kids", "text": "Being a trans kid is hard enough. Please help protect these beautiful children like any other child deserves"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93589", "author": "Jennifer Spears Fairfax County Public Schools", "date": "2021-02-02T14:15:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance recommended."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93590", "author": "Paula", "date": "2021-02-02T14:17:00", "title": "Absolutely Oppose", "text": "Absolutely oppose. The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can. The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the transgender ideology and policies. We live in the United States and we are American citizens - period!  And the law of our land is the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Amendments.  Any law, regulation, or policy implemented by a federal, state, or local governing body that requires citizens to violate their freedom of conscience, religious beliefs, understanding of biology, and freedom of speech must be vigorously opposed. It is also highly inappropriate and even dangerous for government employees to be given the right, much less the mandate, to violate parental rights by perpetuating, celebrating, or concealing gender confusion and transgenderism in school children. Ultimately, it is the job of the schools to partner with parents and to protect the innocence of our children, not to manipulate, obstruct, or corrupt.  We tax-payers fund and own these schools. We pay the salaries of the school administrators, teachers, staff, school boards, VA Dept. of Education, and VA General Assembly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93591", "author": "JEYE", "date": "2021-02-02T14:17:00", "title": "EDUCATION TRANSGENDER POLICIES", "text": "I AM ABSOLUTELY AGAINST THIS POLICY. WE NEED TO FOCUS ON CHILDREN'S EDUCATION !!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93592", "author": "Mike Patterson", "date": "2021-02-02T14:18:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Why is an extreme radical agenda that is so strongly opposed and has nothing to do with education being pushed on our children and teachers? When did parents lose all say in what their children are being taught? What about the parents who don’t want this taught to their kids? What do they do? When did the state gain ultimate authority over parents? Education is supposed to be reading, writing, arithmetic, etc. What’s next? Confiscate children from parents who don’t agree with this?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93593", "author": "Pam Kay", "date": "2021-02-02T14:18:00", "title": "I fully support the protection of LGBTQ+", "text": "Support.  Inclusion is worth the effort.  Let us all learn from our mistakes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93594", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T14:18:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "Trans people deserve equal treatment and rights as cis people, and should be given such. No one has any right to openly oppose this, as doing so is distinctly un-American. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93595", "author": "Robert T Carney", "date": "2021-02-02T14:19:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this violation of First Amendment and parental rights", "text": "The proposal violates First Amendment rights of students and parents.  The Supreme Court has held that people cannot be forced to \"affirm\" principles contrary to their faith.  This proposal forces students to affirm transgenderism, and interferes with the rights of parents to educate their children with the parents' religious beliefs.  This is wrong - you may be able to force girls to accept boys watching them undress in a locker room, but you cannot force those students or their parents to express approval (or refrain from expressing disapproval).  You are just inviting division, hard feeling, suppressed feelings and emotions of students who are victims of the oppression, and ultimately litigation. The rights of Christians and their beliefs must be respected, and this policy requires students and parents to ignore their beliefs in clear violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.   And, if you think you can avoid a response by the parents by trying to keep it a secret from them, do you seriously believe that the parents will not find out what is happening from their children.  If I were the parent of a child exposed to the abuse called for in these \"guidelines,\" I would call the police and Child Protective Services and report the abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93596", "author": "KM", "date": "2021-02-02T14:19:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed!", "text": "Strongly Opposed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93597", "author": "Susan AW", "date": "2021-02-02T14:19:00", "title": "John  Hopkins diagnosed Transgender issues with mental health disorders", "text": "John Hopkins has diagnosed Transgender issues as mental health issues. in the 60s and 70s surgeries were performed to help people with these issues. Upon following up these patients after eight years they were no better and continued to have the same mental health issues. This bill is promoting mental health disorders and confusion to children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93598", "author": "Christopher Smith", "date": "2021-02-02T14:19:00", "title": "Protection for one, persecution for another", "text": "It is my hope and deepest desire that every single child be treated with respect, compassion, and love...no matter their gender identity, their sexual preference, their race, their ethnicity, their academic standing, OR their religious beliefs. However, while these \"model policies\" provide a platform and process for a very specific population of student to be protected it also provides a platform and process for other populations of students to be attacked for their convictions/beliefs and not be protected. The policies related to discipline of other students (and teachers) for not referring to the transgender student by their preferred pronoun and those related to the use of restrooms/locker rooms based on the student's chosen identity are potentially harmful to the \"cisgender\" student who, based on their own faith/religious beliefs or other deeply held conviction, feel unsafe in those situations. The creation of a policy related to how we refer to each other by name/pronoun is an overreach. We find ourselves in a world where \"being offended\" is an ever-expansive black hole and one in which grace, understanding, and respectful conversations are long-forgotten and deemed inappropriate. As the father of a teenage daughter, I am very concerned about the restroom/locker room policies. Again, while it may seem to be protecting one group - it seems to have the opposite affect on another group (cisgender female students). While I don't consider myself an alarmist or extremist and feel confidently that the large majority of students wouldn't take advantage of this policy to create opportunities for sexual assault, voyeurism, etc., to think that this won't ever occur is naive and short-sighted...and again, this line of thinking is not putting the best interests of ALL students as the top priority. I don't envy the position of our school boards, our teachers, our state/federal authorities, but I truly don't envy the position our children find themselves in - and I feel for my fellow parents as we try to find the correct ways to navigate this and other challenging situations. That being said, as a Christian first and foremost, I know what I am called to as a parent and as a citizen of this world. It would be a travesty for these policies to move forward as presented for many reasons, including those listed above, but also simply from the perspective of the persecution that will follow for those who's religious beliefs are opposed to much in these policies. I ask and pray that you will consider how to protect all children, not just one group."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93599", "author": "JSEYE", "date": "2021-02-02T14:20:00", "title": "OPPOSE - WHAT A BUNCH OF CROCK", "text": "THIS IS REALLY RIDICULOUS !!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93600", "author": "Sara Laiti", "date": "2021-02-02T14:20:00", "title": "I fully support the health and well being of trans youth", "text": "I fully support the health and well being of trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93601", "author": "PLJ", "date": "2021-02-02T14:20:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!!!! Poses great concerns", "text": "Strongly oppose this as it poses great risks to students. You can’t have the opposite sex in the same bathroom with your child. I don’t care what the identify with! It poses risks to students. It is encroaching on my child’s rights to be raised in an environment that recognizes their given sex at birth. It is not fair for a million reasons including sports. You can’t have a boy who is made to run fast, etc identify as a female and get to compete in their specific sport. You can’t change the whole education system and society for a few people who have chosen that they want to be a different sex. I pay taxes for my child to fund public schools that are safe and educating them in a scholastic sense, not thrusting them into a questionable unsafe environment!! This needs to stop right here."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93602", "author": "mdove", "date": "2021-02-02T14:22:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "THIS WORLD NEEDS THE LORD NOW MORE THAN EVER. THIS IS ABSOLULTY HEART BREAKING AND DISTURBING FOR CHILDREN."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93603", "author": "Mother of @", "date": "2021-02-02T14:24:00", "title": "Strongly Against", "text": "I am strongly against staff being able to push the agenda of transgenderness on children. That is something that should be discussed amongst the children and their parents that is something that is intimate and private and if it needs to be addressed with staff it should be done so in a way that everyone (parents, child, staff) is involved not in a way that staff is pushing it onto children. I am also STRONGLY against the idea of boys and girls and adults that \"identify\" as the other gender being aloud to use restrooms and locker rooms of the other gender. This is just opening the door to people taking the advantage of being able to use the opposite genders bathroom and allowing room for sexual abuse to happen. School should be a SAFE place for LEARNING. Not a place where parents feel uncomfortable sending their children. Education is a vital part and right of our children and it is being ripped away from them due to these unsafe measures."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93604", "author": "Tessa Souder", "date": "2021-02-02T14:24:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Schools should not be allowed to facilitate, guide, or make decisions about a student's gender; especially without a parent's knowledge. A teacher or staff member has no place in discussing a student's gender identity or getting involved simply because they are in no authority position, they don't provide and take care of that student, and won't have any connection to that student beyond their class. Next, if a parent encourages a child to go by their God-given sex, how that constitutes child abuse is beyond me. How a parent decides to raise their child is their own business as long as that child is not being harmed or neglected. By saying that encouraging a child to go by their God-given sex is child abuse, diminishes the severity of actual child abuse. It also takes time away from Social Workers that could be helping other kids with more severe problems besides their parent encouraging them to go by their birth gender. I don't care if someone changes their gender but what I do care about is when that potentially puts other people at risk. If we allowed biological males to go into a women's restroom that puts women at such a higher advantage for sexual assault. While some may be going to the female bathroom because they believe they are a female, what about the males who are pretending simply so they can go the bathroom to see a female exposed or to assault them? Why should we put women, or men, at risk because someone wants to say they are the opposite gender and use another bathroom? Why don't we keep everyone safe and offer a gender neutral bathroom? At my old high school, student's who felt uncomfortable using the bathroom associated with their gender can go to the nurse or library bathroom. That shouldn't make those students uncomfortable and it's not excluding them either, it's protecting all student's of every gender and sexual orientation by protecting against terrible things that are very real possibilities. It also would put transgender people at risk because if they use the opposite bathroom they could be harassed or attacked. If there was a bathroom available to anyone then everyone can stay safe. If a student gets in trouble at school for something that's as important as people are saying it is, why would the parent not be notified? My mother was notified when I was using the bathroom too many times because I had an undiagnosed medical condition. Why is bathroom usage more important to be notified about but the interrogation of someone's child is not? Those standards and priorities are so screwed up and backwards that it makes absolutely no sense. I DO NOT encourage bullying or hate from anyone for any reason. Being kind to everyone is just a basic human thing that everyone should want to do, but if for some reason someone is not, a parent needs to be notified. They need to be notified to not only help solve the problem, but also because the school shouldn't be allowed to have conversations and take actions against a minor without parental knowledge. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs and to try and force others to conform is so wrong in every way. The policy says that no matter your religion, faith, or understanding of biology (which is so humorous to me because it saying that if you understand basic biology and anatomy which has been taught to students since the fourth grade then if you don't understand then you are confused about what gender is) you can't disagree. This is forcing people to follow and believe things that they shouldn't have to. Would this still be so supported if the roles were reversed? Would it still be a good thing if transgender people were told you have to agree with what gender we tell you you are and if you disagree then watch out you'll lose your job or be kicked out school? If someone wants to say they are another gender, fine whatever, but I don't have to be forced to do or believe anything. I will be kind to everyone because that is how I want to be treated, but you better believe I won't be forced to believe anything. Some of the policies being suggested are tolerable and as long as it doesn't affect what I believe and do then I don't mind it. There are some policies that force me to do and believe things, put people at risk for harassment or attacks, and allows schools to have power over a student and what a parent can teach their child. Those things are unacceptable and I will not tolerate it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93605", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T14:25:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this proposition. I am in favor of helping children who are confused/exploring their gender but that should be done with parents and therapists and then communicated with the school on an individual basis. I think these guidelines will open the door for rules to be bent and privileges abused. Schools are supposed to protect all children and not make sweeping changes for a very small percentage of the general population."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93606", "author": "Robert Rehborn", "date": "2021-02-02T14:25:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Just spit balling here, but maybe the VDOE should stop playing social engineers, and concentrate on dramatically improving the educational outcomes of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93607", "author": "T. Luttrell", "date": "2021-02-02T14:26:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I strongly oppose for multiple reasons. In no way is it appropriate for a teacher to have influential gender conversations with a young child without a parents knowledge. Our children need to be protected, not subjected, to unwanted sexual incidences that will be perpetuated by sharing of locker room or bathroom facilities between male and female students, without question. Our public schools need to be a safe place for all students and this proposal would make public schools an unsafe environment for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93608", "author": "Aran M", "date": "2021-02-02T14:27:00", "title": "Support Transgender Youth", "text": "Fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93609", "author": "Karen Wardle", "date": "2021-02-02T14:27:00", "title": "Support 100%", "text": "Transgender rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93610", "author": "Alea B", "date": "2021-02-02T14:28:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "All students, regardless of sex or gender, deserve to have their wants and needs met. All students deserve to feel accepted for who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93611", "author": "Susan", "date": "2021-02-02T14:29:00", "title": "Some girls will be terrified by boys entering their bathrooms and locker rooms.", "text": "Allowing boys to enter girls bathrooms and locker rooms at will with no explanations will be damaging to girls self esteem and cause many to be afraid. this requires girls to undress in from of boys, It is hard enough for children especially middle school and high school kids to deal with body issues. This will complicate the issues for the majority of kids. making special facilities for those identifying as Transgender is better. They are already calling themselves out as different. They will be provide for. Do not damage the safety and mental well bein of the other children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93612", "author": "T. J. Pitman", "date": "2021-02-02T14:30:00", "title": "OPPOSE: Proposed transgender policies are discriminatory", "text": "RE: VDOE Proposed Transgender Policies ... OPPOSED First, it is the primary responsibility of educators to teach our children. The goal is academic success and preparation for a productive future in society. It is not to initiate and promote social agendas not held by the people of Virginia, nor to indoctrinate students to the social beliefs of one group. With all the issues facing Virginia schools today, including poor academic performance, these proposed policies seem out of sync with the parents and taxpayers of the state. Focus on academics is far more essential. Second, VDOE serves at the behest of parents, not to undermine them and cut them out of their legal rights and responsibilities to rear their children. These proposals promote taking action without the knowledge and permission of parents when implementing, counseling and disciplining students (e.g., Draft Policy, Page 12). Third, teachers and students should have accommodation or the ability to opt out when religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Fourth, it is not the role of school administrators, counselors or teachers to encourage a student to explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity. This issue is the responsibility of the parents alone (e.g., Recommended Standard, Page 12). Fifth, these policies violate the privacy and safety of all students, as biological males and females would be empowered to use restrooms and changing facilities at their discretion, without question and with no prior notification of students and parents (e.g., Draft Policy, Pages 12 & 18). Sixth, VDOE does not control the laws of free speech and parental responsibility. In no way should VDOE be able to implement rules, procedures and actions without the involvement of parents. These proposed policies cannot supersede the laws of Virginia and the United States. Please reject these proposed policies. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93613", "author": "Holly", "date": "2021-02-02T14:30:00", "title": "Transgender school program", "text": "I am very opposed to this, transgender should be a family discussion! And also to teach this to K-6 is ridiculous,  they do not need to be confused THIS IS A FAMILY MATTER"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93614", "author": "Angel", "date": "2021-02-02T14:30:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose", "text": "If it’s not broke don’t try to fix it! This is too much really! Not ok! At all!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93615", "author": "Callie", "date": "2021-02-02T14:32:00", "title": "Oppose; Stick to your core function: educate children", "text": "To whom it may concern, I am a registered consistent voter, parent of school-aged children, and active in my community.  I strongly oppose this measure. This is an enormous distraction from the core function and mission of our Board of Education. Virginia BOE's mission is: \"The mission of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction, in cooperation with their partners, is to develop policies and provide leadership that improve student achievement and prepare students to succeed in postsecondary education and the workplace, and to become engaged and enlightened citizens.\" Virginia already has, and has the ability to bolster, policies to protect children from bullying.  Matters dealing specifically with sexuality should be reserved for the privacy of one's home. At school, our children should be squarely focused on preparing themselves for further education and the workforce.  Matters of sexuality, religion, faith, family-lifestyle, and the like should be reserved for individual families to address. Thank you for your time and service. Warm regards, Callie Loudoun County, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93616", "author": "Virginia k Jenkot", "date": "2021-02-02T14:34:00", "title": "VADOE guidelines re Transgender students", "text": "I am in support of the VADOE Guidelines for non-discrimination for transgender youth. To ignore this bill would be to sanction discrimination.  Community members that have school-aged children have the right to know that their child will be safe at school, no matter if they are black, muslim, jewish,  gay or transgender.  ALL CHILDREN NEED TO BE PROTTCTED FROM DISCRIMINATION."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93617", "author": "Susan", "date": "2021-02-02T14:34:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Parents have the right to raise their children in the religious fashion of their choosing. It is called religious freedom and is protected by our constitution.  Encouraging children to explore gender identity is promoting confusion to healthy children. Body dismorphia has been diagnosed as a mental health issue by John Hopkins. Promoting Transgender issues does not help the child become healthy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93618", "author": "Kevin", "date": "2021-02-02T14:35:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose this draft guidance document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93619", "author": "Randi C Brown", "date": "2021-02-02T14:36:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Allowing our young children who would not make healthy food choices, to chose on a daily basis without the support and knowledge of their parents what gender they want to identify as is dangerous. Our Creator gives our children us as gifts at birth and they are created at birth to be the sex, male or female, He has created them to be. Voted in for this would cause great harm to our children as well the teachers working them. Sincerely, Randi Brown"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93620", "author": "MRDOVE", "date": "2021-02-02T14:37:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAGREE", "text": "I FEAR THAT IF THIS IS PASSED IT WILL HURT MORE CHILDREN. MORE CHILDREN WILL BECOME A VICTIM TO RAPE, OR ANY TYPE OF UNWANTED SEXUAL BEHAVIOR. MORE CHILDREN WILL BE HARMED IN THIS PASSING."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93621", "author": "emillio sanchez", "date": "2021-02-02T14:39:00", "title": "you people have lost your mind", "text": "It is beyond belief that the school and state would extort a family and a child into believing that there is more than one sex. Two genders is all that exist! Any other form of gender or thinking that you are a black male but want to identify as a white frog mailbox is absurd. How can you expect people taccept the forcing of someone else's choice to be different, and embrace it whole heartedly and then threaten to use child services on the family that does not conceed with your satanic agenda. This is not about a child and a choice, it's about forcing a idealogy on people that do not want anything to do with it.  But yet if you disagree you are a criminal and elgible for child removal. You people are going to off the right group of people and will have to deal with the result of your'e own decisions"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93622", "author": "RENEE", "date": "2021-02-02T14:39:00", "title": "DISAGREE", "text": "THIS IS HORRIBLE. WE NEED TO BE ONE NATION UNDER GOD AGAING, THE PLEDGE NEEDS TO BE SAID INTHE MORNINGS AGAIN IN SCHOOLS. PUT PRAYER AND GOD BACK IN SCHOOLS. AMERICA IS NOT AMERICA ANYMORE. IF YOU DONT LIKE IT GET OUT!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93623", "author": "Anti-Violence Advocate and Educator", "date": "2021-02-02T14:40:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans and gender expansive youth in Virginia. Trans youth, across the country, are at higher risks of experiencing harassment, sexual violence, and dating violence, and we must all do better in creating communities that strive to end that violence and prevent it from happening again in the future. Trans youth deserve to learn in environments that are respectful, caring, supportive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93624", "author": "Emma", "date": "2021-02-02T14:40:00", "title": "Strongly SUPPORT!", "text": "I very strongly support legislation to promote non discrimination for transgender students. Prejudice against transgender students not only has no definitive backing, but almost always leads to bullying and depression associated with an unsafe school environment"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93625", "author": "Dawn", "date": "2021-02-02T14:40:00", "title": "Absolutely Support", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93626", "author": "Brian F.", "date": "2021-02-02T14:41:00", "title": "Transgender student protection", "text": "I don't know exactly all the politics on this, that said, Virginia has always prided itself on the best schools in the nation, like GMU, UVA, but some of the best kids come from the best high schools, a lot of them in Virginia.  To further keep that going, I believe Virginia needs to make it safe for Transgender students to learn. I believe anything subpar in safe education for Transgender students would be a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title 9."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93627", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-02T14:41:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!", "text": "DO NOT SUPPORT!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93628", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T14:42:00", "title": "These policies are violence against children", "text": "They don't have the right to do this violence against children, so if they are going to be violent against the children why shouldn't we be violent back? Not advocating for anything, just saying."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93629", "author": "Katie", "date": "2021-02-02T14:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!", "text": "Absolutely ridiculous. This is a private and individual situation! It’s unsafe for both transgender and non transgender people in so many different scenarios! I think there should be a third changing and restroom option in every public building."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93630", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-02T14:42:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93631", "author": "Danielle Z", "date": "2021-02-02T14:42:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this effort to provide safety to our transgendered youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93632", "author": "Rachel Atkinson", "date": "2021-02-02T14:43:00", "title": "Fully support rights of transgender youth", "text": "I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93633", "author": "Kristen Pritchard", "date": "2021-02-02T14:44:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of transgender youth. Transgender students are more likely to experience harassment, bullying, and violence in school due to their gender identity. The policies outlined here will ensure that students at all Virginia schools will have the opportunity to learn and thrive in safer, more inclusive environments. Reject the hateful anti-trans rhetoric proposed by those in opposition."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93634", "author": "M. Greg Green, Transgender Awareness Alliance", "date": "2021-02-02T14:45:00", "title": "Support", "text": "This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth. We can't change their home life, but we can make sure they are safe and welcomed at their school and don’t have to hide or live in fear. Students can get through the day just focusing on classes and graduation!  I support this guidance because I want a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93635", "author": "Cathy Herbert", "date": "2021-02-02T14:46:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "This comment pertains to inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth in Virginia. I find it outrageous that anyone would oppose this. Young people have enough to deal with without discrimination based on who they are or their gender or sexual preference. All students should be accepted for who they are and their perceptions of self. Only acceptance will enable them to grow and succeed as valued and valuable members of society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "93636", "author": "Jennifer Demeo", "date": "2021-02-02T14:46:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I support this needed change. Keep up the good work."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94037", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:50:00", "title": "I do not agree with this. Strongly oppose this", "text": "I do not agree with this. I do not support this in schools. I am strongly against this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94038", "author": "Brian & Chelsea Robinette", "date": "2021-02-02T18:50:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "We strongly oppose as this can lead to an increase in sexual related crimes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94039", "author": "Richmond Area Teacher", "date": "2021-02-02T18:50:00", "title": "Supporting Trans Students Saves Lives", "text": "Trans rights are human rights.  Denying Trans students necessary protections is denying them their human rights.  Statistics show that Trans youth who are not supported are at a much higher risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Failure to support Trans students would be abandoning our moral and ethical directive to protect our youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94040", "author": "LaVerne Waybright", "date": "2021-02-02T18:50:00", "title": "Stop elevating transgender to a special class", "text": "Stop elevating transgender to a special class.  It will only hurt females and males that would have to dress with these people.  Please do not subject the chiro this insanity!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94041", "author": "Ariell Branson", "date": "2021-02-02T18:52:00", "title": "Support!!", "text": "It is essential to take steps to support trans youth and this is a step in the right direction!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94042", "author": "Sharon Matlack", "date": "2021-02-02T18:53:00", "title": "While helping one child you are hurting many others", "text": "I am not in support of this bill.  While transgender students need to be treated fairly, it is not right to unfairly treat all other children.  Just because a boy that thinks he is a girl wants to use the girls bathroom and locker room does not make it right for my daughter to be exposed to the opposite sex biology at any age.  Nor should my son be exposed to female biology.  These are impressionable children at any age and exposing non-trans children to the other sexes biology because a boy want to use the girl's bathroom or locker room or a girl wants to use the boys bathroom or locker room is no excuse to do this.  We need to protect all children not just trans gender children.  This type of exposure is reckless, damaging and dangerous for non trans kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94043", "author": "F Avila", "date": "2021-02-02T18:53:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This policy proposal denies parents the right to raise their children in a manner they see appropriate.  For the Government to tell a child what is acceptable behavior and to punish behavior and values inconsistent with this policy is a form on thought control that is outside the purview of the role of government.  Please reject this policy and reinforce parental rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94044", "author": "CONCERNED you are harming the whole for the .01%", "date": "2021-02-02T18:53:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "There is zero wisdom in enforcing laws and making massive adjustments to accommodate about .01% of children in our society.  Additionally, there is actual HARM in doing this.  Please get informed. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20191007/Hundreds-of-trans-people-regret-changing-their-gender-says-trans-activist.aspx"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94045", "author": "Annemarie Manner", "date": "2021-02-02T18:54:00", "title": "100% SUPPORT", "text": "i think this is very important for all students to be accepted the same and feel comfortable in the school they attend!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94046", "author": "Vicki Keyser", "date": "2021-02-02T18:54:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I fully support transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94047", "author": "Anna English", "date": "2021-02-02T18:55:00", "title": "I strongly support the health and well-being of trans students.", "text": "I strongly support the health and well-being of trans students in Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94048", "author": "Katie Sullivan", "date": "2021-02-02T18:55:00", "title": "Support.", "text": "It it imperative that all children recieve the support,  care, and tools they need to thrive in this world. Shame on those who disagree."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94049", "author": "Josh Turner", "date": "2021-02-02T18:56:00", "title": "Transgender Bill", "text": "This is ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!! These very decisions are what is taking this country farther and farther from GOD!! I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS BILL!! I will most definitely remove my children from public schools in the event that this bill is passed!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94050", "author": "Dean Christesen", "date": "2021-02-02T18:56:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "All students deserve to be safe from harassment in their school, regardless of gender. Trans kids are valid!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94051", "author": "Autumn", "date": "2021-02-02T18:57:00", "title": "100% support", "text": "As a mother whose children have gone to Richmond city schools I wholeheartedly support this! Children need a safe space to be themselves and express themselves however they identify."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94052", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:57:00", "title": "PROTECT TRANS YOUTH", "text": "Trans people are people deserving of a life of love and peace. Trans students are entitled to their identity, livelihood, and happiness. Any act of discrimination, ostracism, or bullying should be swiftly acknowledged and handled in the best interest of the student’s health and well being. Comprehensive sex ed needs to be taught. If your school isn’t safe for Black trans students, your school is not a loving learning environment. The golden rule doesn’t only apply to Caucasian cishet people. God is watching you act like fools defending your idea that trans kids don’t deserve a safe learning environment...we’re talking about human rights here. Your trans/queerphobic opinion is irrelevant. How many more children/people have to commit suicide or be murdered for you to value all human life? Protect trans youth at all costs!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94053", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:58:00", "title": "THIS IS APPALLING", "text": "They are children. Stop pushing your own distorted view of the world on them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94054", "author": "RoxStone", "date": "2021-02-02T18:58:00", "title": "I Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I STRONGY OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94055", "author": "Morgan Nash", "date": "2021-02-02T18:59:00", "title": "As a teacher, I strongly recommend anything that will treat transgender students safely", "text": "Students need the ability to express themselves freely without hate or bullying from their peers, especially in public mandated school systems. As a straight person it’s important to remember this was not a choice and it’s not for them. It is only our job to support and love those around us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94056", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T18:59:00", "title": "I strongly support protecting transgender children’s rights in schools. Shame on those who oppose.", "text": "FULL SUPPORT FOR TRANSGENDER STUDENTS IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS. IT IS ABHORRENT THAT THERE SHOULD BE A DEBATE ABOUT A CHILDS LEGITIMACY AS A HUMAN."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94057", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-02T18:59:00", "title": "I do not understand how we have sank so low.", "text": "I fully believe by heading down this path, it will be one we can not return from. I believe in the Bible.  I believe what God has said in His word. He made man in His image, He made them male AND female. To be born a female, or male and say God made a mistake is a slap in the face. You will also set your teachers up for failure. If a child says one day I'm a boy and the next I'm a girl... How can a teacher not fail?  How many of our children will be molested because a male enters a female locker room?  How can you protect them?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94058", "author": "Christi CanUrlo", "date": "2021-02-02T18:59:00", "title": "VDOE transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy, as these matters are best left in the hands of the students’ family. These policies would completely undermine parental rights. Parents are better able than school administrators and teachers to determine what is best for their own child. Parents have a vested interest in their child. This undermining of parental authority should not be up for debate in the state legislature."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94059", "author": "VA mom", "date": "2021-02-02T18:59:00", "title": "VA mom strongly opposed!", "text": "I opposed 100%!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94060", "author": "Justin Wallace", "date": "2021-02-02T19:00:00", "title": "Transgender Policy- I STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This policy is dangerous to our children and is overreach by the Board of Education. I do not believe anyone should be discriminated against including: Individuals who are not comfortable sharing the bathroom with individuals of the opposite biological sex. Individuals who have strong religious beliefs that would be undermined by such policies. BOARD OF EDUCATION- FOCUS ON EDUCATION."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94061", "author": "Noale Lowry", "date": "2021-02-02T19:00:00", "title": "100% STRONGLY SUPPORT!", "text": "Transgender students deserve nothing but to be treated equally as other students. It is very sad that fair and equal treatment and rights to any type of student is questioned. I hope the right decision is made."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94062", "author": "VA State Resident", "date": "2021-02-02T19:00:00", "title": "OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE", "text": "My family and I have been Virginia residents for over 20 years. It is a real shame that the state of VA would allow women’s rights to be demolished by these transgender policies. All the women that worked hard to reach freedoms and goals for their own gender will be completely removed. Now men/boys can freely join in on what women so strongly fought for to create and pursue AS WOMEN. As a Virginia voter, if these policies are passed, be rest assured I will make sure those who are running the Virginia state government will be voted out and I will do everything in my power to make sure this happens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94063", "author": "Kevin Mills", "date": "2021-02-02T19:01:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Gender and anatomy are not separate and there is no science that says otherwise.  You are not what you \"feel\" you are.  You can't choose your age, race, or gender. What about all the students who feel uncomfortable being in the bathroom or locker room with someone of the opposite sex?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94064", "author": "Geoffrey Maugham", "date": "2021-02-02T19:02:00", "title": "Support for trans students", "text": "The school systems should need to understand how they can support their trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94065", "author": "Diane L Casey", "date": "2021-02-02T19:02:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "Fully support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94066", "author": "Loïs ANDRE", "date": "2021-02-02T19:02:00", "title": "Fully support !!!", "text": "I fully support trans kids rights. Those are human rights, period. Trans kids are nit just a percentage, they NEED to be protected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94067", "author": "Student of LCPS", "date": "2021-02-02T19:02:00", "title": "Opposed, this endangers students.", "text": "Allowing Transgender males into women’s sports is unfair because they have a different biology than women. This will make it very difficult for any cisgender woman to succeed in a sport that she participates in. Allowing Transgender males into women’s bathrooms endangers women to insincere “transgender” males. This is an attack on basic biology and female students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94068", "author": "Eric Fleming", "date": "2021-02-02T19:03:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94069", "author": "Sara Crovitz", "date": "2021-02-02T19:03:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I support treating transgender students with dignity and respect. FCPS should create inclusive environments for all students. Hate has no home in FCPS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94070", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:03:00", "title": "strong oppose", "text": "This is wrong on so many levels.  Opposite sex students should not be using the same bathrooms/locker rooms...that's asking for trouble.  Why confuse the children that believe they are the sex that God created them to be?  Why cater to the handful that wants this policy and cram it down the throats of those who oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94071", "author": "Amy", "date": "2021-02-02T19:03:00", "title": "Protect transgender students", "text": "I fully support the protection of the health and well-being of transgender students in Virginia public schools. All children should be nurtured and encouraged to be their true selves and no student should be abused or tormented to maintain the comfort of bigots who sit at home worrying about whether or not a child should wear a dress or shorts. School should be a safe place for everyone, especially those marginalized by the world outside the school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94072", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:04:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I strongly support the VA Public School proposed legislation for the inclusion of transgender students! Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94073", "author": "Shame on all of you that are pushing this immoral agenda. Especially teache", "date": "2021-02-02T19:04:00", "title": "Loving trans people is telling them the truth!! Not sacrificing innocent kids. We want our tax $ bac", "text": "Don't fall their lies. This is to push pedophilia. Help them overcome and stop playing pretend! Thanks!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94074", "author": "Va Father of 4", "date": "2021-02-02T19:05:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "Support equal rights, however strongly oppose when it is at the cost of someone else's rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94075", "author": "Edna Eckel", "date": "2021-02-02T19:06:00", "title": "Opposition to Virginia's \"Transgender\" Policy", "text": "I am completely opposed to using any gender designations or policies that are contrary to the genetic ones. Additionally, allowing anyone to use whatever bathroom that comports to a  \"choice of gender\" identity is plainly ridiculous. How about using the overly generous tax dollars you receive to bring education in Virginia back to the exemplary standard it used to have and to salvaging the last five months of our children's wasted year of \"education\"?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94076", "author": "a student", "date": "2021-02-02T19:06:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT!!SHAME ON THOSE WHO OPPOSE!!!", "text": "transgender students deserve a right to have protection and support in schools. ABSOLUTELY NO ONE should be shamed for their who they are, regardless of sexuality or gender. shame on those who oppose, you should know better."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94077", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:06:00", "title": "Guidance policies toward transgenders in public schools.", "text": "I l strongly disagree with these new guidelines.  Parents should know what their children are being taught.  I do not want my tax dollars used to distort the minds of our children.  School and teachers should be teaching reading, writing and Arithmetic.  Not social issues.  Please do not pass this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94078", "author": "Ron Jacobs", "date": "2021-02-02T19:06:00", "title": "transgender school polices", "text": "I STRONGLY disagree with this boys and girls are different and should not be in the same bathroom or locker room. There is only 2 genders stop pushing your agenda on little kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94079", "author": "J Middleton", "date": "2021-02-02T19:07:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "This policy seeks to deny cis-gender students the same considerations being given to trans-gender students.  Cis-gender students also desire safe and private places for changing clothes and using the restroom.  Schools must seek options that afford both types of students these considerations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94080", "author": "Karissa Samonte", "date": "2021-02-02T19:07:00", "title": "100 FULLY SUPPORT TRANS LIVES MATTER", "text": "Transgender students deserve the same kind of quality care and teaching. Why introduce more bigotry into a world that's already conditioned with so much hate? Let school and education be a place where trans students can feel comfortable learning in. Trans rights are humans rights, and their lives are valuable and important every single day."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94081", "author": "Jennifer Hanna", "date": "2021-02-02T19:08:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I can’t believe that we are even talking about this. Vehemently oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94082", "author": "Roxaneh Chamlou", "date": "2021-02-02T19:08:00", "title": "Strongly support!!!!", "text": "I fully support human right for all children. It’s our moral duty to create a safe space for self expression for EVERY child. It’s really a no brainer in 2021!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94083", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:08:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94084", "author": "Kiersten Bustos", "date": "2021-02-02T19:08:00", "title": "Fully support transgender youth in our schools", "text": "Transgender youth are valid and should receive the same rights, protections, and opportunities as all students in our communities. It is disgusting that discrimination of any student is open for discussion in our communities. I fully support the guiding document and hope that it ensures the protection of our children from bullying and harm."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94085", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:09:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support any and all people having the right to choose who they are based on how they feel. All should be protected, regardless of the opinions of others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94086", "author": "Jody Cyzick", "date": "2021-02-02T19:09:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose ..... Daniel 9:3-7", "text": "How could we do this to our innocent children?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94087", "author": "Amanda Wimer NCC-VA", "date": "2021-02-02T19:09:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Trans rights are human rights and we need to come beyond this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94088", "author": "Susan H.", "date": "2021-02-02T19:10:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I strongly support the guidance to protect transgender students at school.  It is imperative that our public schools take a clear stand to say that our transgender students have dignity and are worthy of these protections.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94089", "author": "Concerned grandmother of 9", "date": "2021-02-02T19:10:00", "title": "Saying no to transgender bathrooms in schools", "text": "This is so wrong in so many ways, boys need to have separate restrooms from girls and as far as that you cannot tell me these kids know what they want at this age you are asking for trouble letting boys who think they want to be a girl go in a girls bathroom and suddenly they get aroused and boom they make moves on a innocent girl come on people think before you go making crazy decisions"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94090", "author": "Erick Fadeley", "date": "2021-02-02T19:10:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "You people are absolutely Sick letting young boys and girls use the same bathroom. And you people scared to put your name up why don't you grow a Set."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94091", "author": "Sally Johnson", "date": "2021-02-02T19:11:00", "title": "I strongly oppose these measures!!", "text": "Although I feel great empathy for children grappling with sexual identity, the measures proposed are ill advised and could have a negative impact on ALL children and faculty alike. To suggest that gender is fluid is ludicrous and does not support science. There are meaningful, biological differences between males and females, which cannot be redefined just because someone doesn’t identify as such. And it is certainly not the role of the school or faculty to teach, advise, or force children to believe their man made definition of gender. It is the role of parents and families, not schools or the state to provide a child’s moral compass. Furthermore, these policies puts educators and students in compromised situation to support philosophies and ideologies they oppose. I am particularly concerned that parents would not be notified if their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly “violating” these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf.  This is particularly problematic when a child can change their identified gender at any time. How could classmates or educators be expected to keep track of the current gender status of each classmate. I am particularly concerned with the impact this could have in girls bathrooms and locker rooms. These policies put girls in danger as well as disrupt needed privacy. I do not support those policies, but instead suggest adding additional unisex bathrooms to address that issue. These policies would also be devastating to  girls sports. Girls will be negatively impacted if boys are allowed to participate on girls teams and could steal opportunities that female athletes have worked hard fir years to achieve. There are countless other ways that these proposed policies destroy school cultures and the well being of 99 percent of the population to mollify the loud voices of the one. There are better ways to address transgender issues. Please vote against these measures—Protect ALL children!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94092", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:11:00", "title": "*Vigorously* Oppose", "text": "This is an extremely radical proposal that infringes on the First Amendment rights of teachers and students who possess religious (and secular) views that stand in conflict with the goals of this policy. This policy harms children who not in a position to make such decisions; their brains are still developing. Parents must be allowed to be involved in their children's lives and choices. I am vigorously opposed to this absurd policy, which flies in the face of reality, robs parents of their right to be involved in raising their own children, and infringes on the rights of citizens. Do not allow this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94093", "author": "Chad", "date": "2021-02-02T19:12:00", "title": "Protect all children", "text": "Need to consider all children needs..   Oppose when it at another child's well-being."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94094", "author": "Thomas Centrella", "date": "2021-02-02T19:13:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Proposed \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students\"", "text": "Please do not enact the policies proposed in the \"Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document.\" I strongly oppose this proposal, and I exhort you to please reject it. There are several egregious problems with this proposal: This is a grave violation of students' rights, including their Constitutional right to privacy and free speech. This proposal goes to extraordinary lengths to protect the emotions of students claiming to be transgender who wish to use bathrooms of their choice. But it fails to make any attempts to protect the emotional well-being or SAFETY of students who are not comfortable with someone who looks and seems to really be a male but wants to use the girls' bathroom or showers. What about those male students who will simply use this policy to gain access to girls' showers. And you are going to punish parents for objecting to this? Shame on you. It also punishes students for not going along with the speech code that this proposal forces on them, punishing them for expressing their own opinions and making their own conclusions about these issues. That is not education; it is indoctrination. Parents have an unalienable right to determine how to educate their children, including instructing them on human sexuality. It is a grave injustice on the part of the government or schools to threaten to punish parents for disagreeing with the schools' indoctrination. Threatening to remove a child from a parent's home for disagreeing with this transgender ideology is in itself an act worthy of impeachment. It is a scientific fact that every human being is either male or female. In fact, every cell of the human body has the chromosome code stamped on it as either male or female. The transgender ideology is really a denial of reality. And you are trying to force everyone to go along with this lie. This is an example of absolute tyranny. You are trying to force everyone--students and parents--to comply with this indoctrination program, even though it is a scientific fact that this ideology is false. This proposal ignores the beliefs of the vast majority of parents and students, who do not wish to be indoctrinated in this agenda. This proposal will make Virginia's schools a very stressful place for the vast majority or students. Taxpayers pay for public schools. We would like the children where we live to be provided a solid education. It is a waste of taxpayer dollars to use schools as a training ground for a political ideology--especially one, like this, which is not shared by the majority of people. But even if it were shared by a majority, it is still not the role of schools to indoctrinate children. Focus on math, reading, writing, science, and other real subjects that students need to know. For these reasons and more, please reject the proposals put forth in this shameful, unjust document, which in the final analysis would subject our students to harassment and violate their Constitutional rights to privacy and free speech, as well as the rights of parents. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94095", "author": "Deborah Marshall", "date": "2021-02-02T19:13:00", "title": "Full Support for Transgender Students", "text": "I'M IN FULL SUPPORT FOR TRANSGENDER STUDENTS IN ALL SCHOOLS. IT'S UNBELIEVABLE THAT THERE HAS TO BE AN ACTUAL DEBATE ABOUT A CHILD'S LEGITIMACY AS A HUMAN BEING."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94096", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:14:00", "title": "Promote the health and elk", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the health and well being of trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94097", "author": "Enrique", "date": "2021-02-02T19:14:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I fully support the protection of the health and well-being of transgender students in Virginia public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94098", "author": "Amanda ncc", "date": "2021-02-02T19:14:00", "title": "Support transgender rights", "text": "Transgender rights are human rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94099", "author": "Juli Navarrete", "date": "2021-02-02T19:14:00", "title": "FULL SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support the protection of the health and well-being of transgender students in Virginia public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94100", "author": "Destiny", "date": "2021-02-02T19:15:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is absolutely unacceptable, if this passes I will not be sending my child to school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94101", "author": "Ann Zweckbronner", "date": "2021-02-02T19:15:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the protection of trans kids in school. They are the ones being threatened. All they want to do is have a safe place to learn and be treated just like everyone else in their class. It’s simple."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94102", "author": "Thea Brown", "date": "2021-02-02T19:16:00", "title": "Support- all students deserve a safe school environment", "text": "Every student deserves the right to be treated fairly and a safe, welcoming school environment. Trans students deserve the same protection and nurturing and their vision-"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94103", "author": "Cindy speas", "date": "2021-02-02T19:16:00", "title": "transgender rights", "text": "I strongly support transgender rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94104", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:16:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "Oppose 100 percent.  Genes contain the DNA to determine the sex of newborn.  The mothers blood sample determine the fetal sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94105", "author": "Khalil Lemons", "date": "2021-02-02T19:16:00", "title": "I fully support!", "text": "I fully support protecting trans and non binary youth in Virginia schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94106", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:16:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94107", "author": "Lin Amar", "date": "2021-02-02T19:17:00", "title": "Trans Kids Are Kids!", "text": "I am a Fairfax County resident of 25 years. I strongly support this. School is not a place to pass judgement, it is a place to learn without hostility and unnecessary obstacles. Trans children are children, and trans children's right are children's rights. Please allow trans children the dignity that cis children are naturally given."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94108", "author": "Julie Philp", "date": "2021-02-02T19:17:00", "title": "Support all children's safety is priority #1", "text": "The schools efforts should always prioritize safety for all students at minimum"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94109", "author": "Sebastian Gocan", "date": "2021-02-02T19:17:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. There should be no prejudice against any person based on gender. No matter the gender, chosen or assigned at birth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94111", "author": "Longs", "date": "2021-02-02T19:17:00", "title": "? Gender in school.", "text": "Oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94110", "author": "Maxwel Fisher", "date": "2021-02-02T19:17:00", "title": "Emphatic Support for Transgender Rights", "text": "I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise, the callous, self-righteous tone of those speaking out against adopting these new standards. I do find it wildly disappointing that they all seem to show an incredible pattern of ignorance and a gross misunderstanding of what they are speaking out against. To see so many people put their “beliefs” and opinions before the lives and safety of children just to continue to live in their little bubble is truly infuriating. To not adopt these new rules and standards is to openly admit that you are content with the continued abuse, violence, ostracizing and overall torment that students who are transgender or gender nonconforming face everyday."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94112", "author": "Rebecca Breeden", "date": "2021-02-02T19:17:00", "title": "Strongly opposed! The idiocracy has to stop! This effects the kids living by their God given gender!", "text": "This hurts the kids that are living by their God given genders and should not have to feel uncomfortable in school, bathroom or locker room. The majorities still have rights! Trans kids need to learn to navigate their lives just as a person with disability or any other differences would have to. This is opening the door for more sexual harassment, rapes, fights etc. Do not allow this! Do not make the MAJORITY of kids feel uncomfortable to accommodate a few. Stop making gender a thing that can just be changed on a whim, stop shaming those who do not believe in this. There is no neutrality when it comes to gender,  I am a WOMAN, I can have a baby, I have a menstrual cycle and I have God given breasts,  all of the things a boy doesn't have and I will not allow my daughters to be made uncomfortable because some boy may lie to sneak a peak. Use some common sense!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94113", "author": "Dorothy Brown", "date": "2021-02-02T19:18:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support protections for vulnerable trans and non-binary students in Virginia. Legislation such as this can literally be a life-saver for kids and teens at risk of violence, bullying, and suicide. I have trans and non-binary friends, family, and loved ones, and I want them to feel safe and supported. Our local school system has recently adopted strong guidelines to support trans and non-binary youth, and I hope to see all VA students supported in this way. A tolerant and supportive school environment is beneficial to ALL students, regardless of their gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94114", "author": "Stacey", "date": "2021-02-02T19:18:00", "title": "Support protection of children from bullying but strongly oppose this policy", "text": "Support protection of children from bullying but strongly oppose this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94115", "author": "madison sweezy", "date": "2021-02-02T19:18:00", "title": "FULL support", "text": "full support, we should be teaching our students with love and compassion and in ACCEPTING environments. let them grow freely into who they will become--mind body and spirit."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94116", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:18:00", "title": "I fully support legislation to promote the well-being of trans youth", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the well-being of trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94117", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:19:00", "title": "I fully support", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94118", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:19:00", "title": "Support trans and non binary youth", "text": "I urge you to vote to support the rights of transgender and non binary students. As a person with a relative who is transgender I know first hand how challenging and uncertain every day life can be for him and other trans youth. To have consistency, support and understanding in our schools is vital to their welfare and mental well being. If you have concerns, please educate yourself by talking to trans youth so you understand fully their situation. Thank you for your support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94119", "author": "Kristin Fontaine", "date": "2021-02-02T19:20:00", "title": "Trans students need support", "text": "I’m a mom to a trans kid and speak from experience when I say that trans students need all the support they can get as they try to go through a very difficult time. They have all of the stress and anxiety of cis kids and teens with a major medical condition that affects both their physical and mental well-being on top of it. If they are luckily they have the support of their families, if not then they are managing a complex issue while also having to hide a core piece of their identity. School should be a safe place for all students to experiment and find the path that is right for them. Trans kids need that more than anyone to become happy and healthy adults."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94120", "author": "John C", "date": "2021-02-02T19:21:00", "title": "I fully support!", "text": "I fully support Trans rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94121", "author": "Cynthia", "date": "2021-02-02T19:21:00", "title": "I fully support legislation respecting trans rights.", "text": "I fully support legislation protecting trans rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94122", "author": "Jeanette Davis", "date": "2021-02-02T19:21:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94123", "author": "Courtney", "date": "2021-02-02T19:22:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94124", "author": "Jonathan Bennett", "date": "2021-02-02T19:22:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support ALL trans students in VA schools!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94125", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-02T19:22:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "I oppose. Schools should not be able to take a parent's responsibility. It is not the school's duty to decide what decisions a child can make without their parent. Parents and families are the foundation of society. From the document: \"School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status, and schools should address this on a case-by-case basis. If a student is not ready or able to safely share with their family about their transgender status, this should be respected.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94126", "author": "L", "date": "2021-02-02T19:22:00", "title": "VDOE Transgender Guidance Draft", "text": "I strongly oppose this document for several reasons.  The school should stick to education of subjects and not push liberal ideologies on students or parents.  Schools should not help students “explore” their sexual identity.  That should cause serious concerns for the safety of students.  While all students should respect the differences of others in society, this document should stop at that.  The point is non-discrimination, period.  For any reason.  The rest is usual government overreach.  Thank-you for allowing me comment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94127", "author": "Aflatoon Kawsar", "date": "2021-02-02T19:23:00", "title": "Concerned father about Transgender school policy", "text": "I am father of a Daughter. who goes to 2nd grade. I dint want her to go through this BS. Stop where you are, other wise we all will see consequence like NOAH'S time. History never lied. thanks for understanding."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94128", "author": "L B", "date": "2021-02-02T19:23:00", "title": "VDOE Transgender Guidance Draft opposes", "text": "I strongly oppose this document for several reasons.  The school should stick to education of subjects and not push liberal ideologies on students or parents.  Schools should not help students “explore” their sexual identity.  That should cause serious concerns for the safety of students.  While all students should respect the differences of others in society, this document should stop at that.  The point is non-discrimination, period.  For any reason.  The rest is usual government overreach.  Thank-you for allowing me comment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94129", "author": "Misty Glover", "date": "2021-02-02T19:24:00", "title": "Strongly oppose Transgender Litigation in VA schools", "text": "As a mother of two school-aged boys, this litigation is disturbing to me.  God made man and then woman.  I realize with Transgender the person does not identify with their assigned sex however that doesn't make it a reality.  A man's chromosomes cannot be engineered into female chromosomes.  Research shows that only .7 percent of teens 13-17 identify with transgender.  For most people sex and gender align therefore I ask you how is it fair that school systems impose these guidelines on the majority?   I am very open with my boys and we have discussed this litigation; neither of them would feel comfortable with the opposite sex in the restrooms or locker rooms with them.  My oldest son said it would be a distraction for a girl to have her shirt off while playing sports.  I have always tried to instill kindness into both of my boys.  I teach them to be kind no matter what someone looks like, how they act, or even if they treat them wrong (we never know what someone's life is like at home or what they are dealing with).  Parents know their children better than anyone else.  It is a parents job to help their children to figure out who they are and who they want to be.  If a child is struggling with gender then its the parents job to help them by loving them through it.  It is NOT the school's job \"to help a child to explore, facilitate, and make decisions regarding their gender\" especially without the parent's knowledge.  I believe that all children need to be taught and treated with kindness by teachers and their peers.  I do not believe that this litigation will help empower transgender; I believe it will create a bigger divide.  This also violates the 1st Amendment - freedom of religion and freedom of speech.  Please do not pass this litigation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94130", "author": "Jonathan and Donna Pavluk", "date": "2021-02-02T19:24:00", "title": "Road to Ruin for Arlington Public Education", "text": "Road to Ruin for Arlington Public Education We are Arlington parents and 30-year residents of this County. We have considered Arlington’s ability to nurture our youth by providing a public education grades K-12 at no cost, and in pursuit of academic levels robust in comparison with the top levels that this nation has to offer anywhere, to be an occasion for pride. We regret to say that this pride has been overshadowed with dismay over what we perceive to be an aggressive social engineering agenda being imposed now by the proposed expansion and implementation of “model” policies for the treatment of transgender students in the public schools. It is apparent that there is an agenda behind these policies that is being driven not by legitimate academic goals, nor by any imperative to respond to any commonly expressed interests of county residents, but only by the wishes of a small minority of insiders and innovators who would impose policies on an entire community’s school system without having to validate them against the common values of the community. The agenda that these policies represent would, in our opinion, tend to be disruptive if implemented, and would be a disservice to students and non-students alike. While public education outside the home is a value and right, there still is an essential role for parents and families in the development of their children that should not be cavalierly undermined, as these policies appear to do. Minor students are under the tutelage of their homes of origin until legally and financially liberated. Schools should not be elevated to a substitute for parents’ roles; nor should the school system be used as an experimental laboratory for the unharnessing of youth who have experienced gender dysphoria from the norms represented by their families of origin, to see what will happen next. These policies, as we see it, presuppose that there will be adversarial relationships at times between parents and teachers.  Naturally, there will be.  This has always been the case. Then, in the case of the self-identified cases of transgender students, the policies would give the upper hand to school administration in determining the treatment in all the potentially disruptive settings that may occur, such as dressing, naming, and accommodating in bathrooms and other school facilities. This is madness. Youth who are in the throes of a gender dysphoria -- whatever the circumstances, whether by choice, by nature, or by outside intervention; whether mild, convinced, or questioning; whether home-supported or home-conflicted – should of course remain eligible for a quality Virginia public education, which can only be accomplished in an atmosphere of healthy respect, compassion for any anxiety or depression, and opportunity for reference to health care professionals for any acute needs. Wouldn’t this be the norm under existing Virginia public school policies, with any potentially disruptive health condition or behavior?  Without singling out Transgender as a recognized category deserving of special protection, current policies in Virginia can surely accommodate troubled students on a case-by-case basis. The overlaying of these policies is unnecessary and unwelcome, as is the introduction of special educational curricula and training materials for teachers and administrators. We would urge that you suspend imposition of these ill-advised and very disruptive policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94132", "author": "Maron", "date": "2021-02-02T19:25:00", "title": "OPPOSE - THIS WILL LEAD TO SEX IN SCHOOLS", "text": "I fully support transgender rights, however I’m concerned this will develop a loophole in which anyone can disguise themselves as trans, in order to have sex with their fellow peers on school property. That is illegal by law and considered statutory rape"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94131", "author": "Frank", "date": "2021-02-02T19:25:00", "title": "This is not about transgender right, this is about destroying women's rights. Shame on VDOE", "text": "I don’t know how anyone would approve of this policy unless they are extremely ignorant."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94133", "author": "Jeff and Elyse", "date": "2021-02-02T19:26:00", "title": "The degradation of education", "text": "This is exactly the reason we will continue sending our child to a private Christian school.  It is a shame that part of.our tax dollars go to support the trans agenda."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94134", "author": "Lane O’Connor", "date": "2021-02-02T19:26:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support VA passing guidelines and policies to support transgender children. All children have the right to an education, and the safety, encouragement, and exploration that school can provide. Transgender children deserve to have their identities recognized. I want children to grow and flourish in environments that recognize and celebrate differences and diversity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94135", "author": "Caleigh, future school counselor", "date": "2021-02-02T19:27:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "It is in my personal and professional opinion that we have a responsibility to treat all students fairly, with dignity, respect, and as unique individuals. School should be a safe space for students to express themselves and feel secure, validated, and understood. This includes equitable and fair treatment when it comes to pronouns, student records, privacy, restrooms, locker rooms, PE, sports, dress code, and gender based activities. It is of the utmost importance that students are able to feel safe physically, emotionally, and socially, free of discrimination and bullying. We should be able to have these conversations with all students in bringing visibility to trans human rights as we in schools respect and honor people’s differences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "94136", "author": "Shannon Spicer", "date": "2021-02-02T19:27:00", "title": "Educators Support Our Transgender Students", "text": "I have been an educator for over 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with students from a variety of religious, races, cultures and sexual identities.  Not one time, has a trans gender student wanted anything more than to simply be accepted for who they are. The students, in classes with them, on teams with them and in the halls with them aren’t the ones complaining. The ability for transgender youth to have more of a voice is additionally educating their peers that they are not a threat and are simply children trying to be their best self. All teens struggle to find their identity as they grow, why would we not support those who have stated it? Our job is to support, nurture and educate all of students. This should be a non-issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95039", "author": "Ivashka", "date": "2021-02-03T10:18:00", "title": "NOT SUPPORT new transgender policy", "text": "DO NOT SUPPORT!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95040", "author": "Jennifer", "date": "2021-02-03T10:19:00", "title": "Strongly Support - Trans Rights are Human Rights", "text": "Every Transgender citizen deserves to be treated with respect and integrity. Every Trans youth should be given the opportunity to succeed and thrive without fear of discrimination. Every Trans student should be given the same rights afforded to every other student in the Commonwealth. And every educator should be given the proper evidence-based training and tools to support every student, no matter their gender, orientation, or identification. Strongly support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95041", "author": "Valerie Rose", "date": "2021-02-03T10:20:00", "title": "I do not support the eradication of all distinctions of the sexes in regard to public school guides", "text": "I understand the intent to grant the right to equality to the homosexual community. However, in  a free society the rights of any one  group cannot wipe out entirely the freedoms of other groups who must have the ability to dissent in the public forum . I believe that since the public schools are supported by all the people of Virginia , there has to be guidelines in place that support some distinctions of the sexes. In light of the Me Too movement , anti -bullying laws and lawsuits that defend the right to be free of sexual harassment and intimidation , we would be wise to not ignore some distinctions. To do so is to be completely insensitive to the very real and important guidelines that can help protect young people whether at school or a job or when they enter the adult world. Respectfully, I ask you to vote down the bills that eradicate all sexual distinctions between male and female. Please allow the freedom to have privacy in locker rooms and bathrooms for all citizens in Virginia. Thank you for your consideration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95042", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Our government and school system have no right to circumvent a parent(s) on issues of sexuality.  This should not be a conversation held within schools without consent of a parent.  Sure, allow kids to use whatever pronoun they use. BUT sex is biological and not a feeling. Children are also not able to legally consent to anything (marriage, voting, smoking, etc) prior to being 18 so why should  we allow our children to make a life altering decision such as this prior to adulthood????????  The path our schools are going down at this moment is shameful."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95043", "author": "A mom", "date": "2021-02-03T10:21:00", "title": "strongly opposed", "text": "Strongly opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95044", "author": "Bruce Henderson", "date": "2021-02-03T10:21:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "The extreme politicization of transgender issues does not belong in our schools. I do not want my grandchildren to be indoctrinated with challenges to their God-given gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95045", "author": "Lauren Delaney", "date": "2021-02-03T10:21:00", "title": "Trans Child Guidance", "text": "I support the guidance. I don't understand how protecting trans kids is even up for debate; why wouldn't you want to protect children? It's 2021 and you can choose to be hateful, but your choice to be narrow-minded should not endanger anyone, ESPECIALLY a child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95046", "author": "Brad Clark", "date": "2021-02-03T10:21:00", "title": "Trans", "text": "I strongly disagree with this!!!!!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95047", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:22:00", "title": "Fervently Oppose!", "text": "No child should be bullied, singled out, treated poorly, etc, for any reason. That goes without saying. However, this policy goes way beyond protecting children and instead actively promotes gender confusion, something that is deeply harmful to a child's psyche and potentially physical body. Young children are not mentally, emotionally, or physically mature enough to proclaim they're \"trapped in the wrong body\" and so if a child makes that claim, the right response should be to go to the parents right away and let them address it. Public schools should have no authority to encourage and promote gender confusion to developing children. By doing so, they'll be making it 'cool' and creating an avenue for children who don't fit in to find some sort of community or way to fit in that will potentially carry negative repercussions for them the rest of their lives. Stop the child abuse and political BS. Focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic, and leave the social experiments at home!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95048", "author": "Julia Adams", "date": "2021-02-03T10:22:00", "title": "Trans policies encourage all students to become successful, engaged, and enlightened citizens", "text": "The treatment of transgender students is an important element of Virginia's education goals of having policies and leadership that improve student achievement and prepare students to succeed in postsecondary education and the workplace, and to become engaged and enlightened citizens. We know that supporting student physical, emotional, and social well-being contributes to positive educational and social outcomes.  To do anything else encourages the opposite -- impeding trans students' ability to focus on academic and extra-curricular participation, causing confusion and uncertainty for all students, and allowing/condoning mistreatment by classmates and teachers.  These policies are in line with physical and psychiatric science/medicine best practice approaches to supporting people experiencing gender dysphoria that include reinforcing self-identification, and exploration of and integration of individualized identity in a safe environment. These policies in no way negate school behavior expectations and rules."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95050", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:23:00", "title": "I do not agree with this at all,", "text": "I do not agree with this. I do not care if anyone is gay, transgender what ever they chose. But allowing males to go into a female locker room or bathroom is putting these young girls at risk for rape. Who is to say if the male is truly transgender or just wants to be a pervert and look at all the young girls.  And the same goes for if a girl goes in the guys locker room, will she not be subjected to inappropriate comments and gestures. Not many teen boys is comfortable changing infront a girl, atleast not in middle school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95049", "author": "Anonymous Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T10:23:00", "title": "I totally do NOT support this nonsense.", "text": "We are harming our children by teaching them they can make up whatever gender they want. NO! You are born a girl or a boy, stop confusing our children. It is child abuse to teach this in school. The science does not even make sense. I will always speak out for truth and to protect our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95051", "author": "Gaines", "date": "2021-02-03T10:24:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree", "text": "I believe we should not be forced to tolerate anything that goes against the laws and teachings of God or biblical beliefs. My son is a boy and I don't want him being confused. If I'm Black, but identify as White, does that change the color of my skin based off how I feel? While I believe in respecting all people, I don't want my son learning and participating in things not of the Lord."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95052", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:25:00", "title": "Oppose! Parental rights r being railroaded by school authorities who are usurping parent’s guidance.", "text": "School authorities are usurping the rights of parents to guide THEIR children. They are becoming the authority of how children think, act/react and choose. Free speech, free thinking (whether you see an issue the same way or not) is so important! Also, why would a policy like this need to be enacted? What transgender rights are being violated now?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95053", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:25:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "While I do NOT condone bullying or harassment of any person, I oppose this for other reasons. I do not feel that it is safe for transgender students to use bathrooms/locker rooms corresponding to their perceived gender. I do not agree that schools should be involved in helping students explore their sexuality or gender issues without the knowledge of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95054", "author": "Ollie", "date": "2021-02-03T10:25:00", "title": "Support Transgender kids", "text": "I believe we should support transgender kids and/or questioning kids. Transgender students should be able to feel comfortable in school because it is the place they go to almost every day. We shouldn't exclude them. They just want to be normal kids. To avoid the religion problem and pronouns, maybe instead of addressing students by their preferred pronouns, you can just address them by their preferred name. Anyone, no matter transgender or cisgender could change their name. To avoid the problem of other people being uncomfortable in locker rooms, you could let the transgender student use a private changing room. This would seem like a fair compromise. The science argument also isn't the best argument because there is a science to back up why transgender kids are the way they are. With a couple of compromises, I think this would be a great idea."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95055", "author": "Alexandra Rooke", "date": "2021-02-03T10:26:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. From working with transgender youth, it is clear how school can be a place where they're supported by staff and policies, or where they're bullied by those same staff (and students). Policies are a critical structure to both protect students and empowering staff to be supportive of transgender students. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Alexandra Rooke"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95056", "author": "Concerned", "date": "2021-02-03T10:26:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!", "text": "These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. However you choose to identify when you are an adult is entirely up to you, but you are born a male or female with appropriate parts to that fact.  The bible says:  ...male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)  He created them male and female...(Genesis5:2)  [Jesus said,]\"But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female,'\" (Mark 10:6)  [Jesus said,] \"Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female.'\" (Matthew 19:4)  No matter what you \"choose\" to identify with, you are anatomically either male or female.  No male should be allowed to use a female bathroom/locker room or changing room (that opens up all kinds of sexual misconduct/harrassment) nor should they be allowed to participate in girls/women's sports.  Our school systems/government should not be \"teaching\" our children what gender they are. GOD HAS ALREADY DECIDED THAT!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95057", "author": "Mark (Very Concerned Parent)", "date": "2021-02-03T10:26:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree! Example: A boy pretends to identify as a girl in same room with your daughter? NO", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  We must teach our children to love others regardless.. However we cannot put them in harm's way... Example... Would you want your daughter alone in the same bathroom with a boy who pretended to identify as a girl??? NO!  We must use common sense here.  If there are kids who are truly suffering with transgender... We need to reach out to them in love and provide them with a free counselor.  Having two sexes may be confusing for them and they will probably need to have free counseling to help them in their life."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95058", "author": "Danielle", "date": "2021-02-03T10:27:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this movement for transgender students in schools - it is a difficult time in a person's life as they are trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. I myself saw many of my classmates at that time in my life depressed, lost, turning to drugs or other dangerous activities and cutting themselves from bullying even though we were in a well off area in one of the best high schools in Fairfax county. It is not the school system's job to force religious ideals or traditional ideals on kids who just want to explore their identity. Parents are free to think whatever they want, but to oppose a bill that advocates for anti bullying and support of students? That's advocating for the continued terrorizing of these kids who only need support. I strongly support this document because people should be allowed to think whatever they want but they should not be allowed to terrorize other people just because they are different. Schools need to stand up for these kids. The outdated and abrasive opinions by traditional parents who think \"God made us this way\" are harmful - they can teach that in their own home, but if their kid turns out to be transgender and needs support, at least they could get it from school. Additionally, a public school is not a place for enforcing religious beliefs. Let children learn in a safe environment regardless of how they are different. If they are not accepted at home they deserve to be accepted SOMEWHERE. This could save lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95059", "author": "Manda Sesko", "date": "2021-02-03T10:27:00", "title": "*PROTECT TRANS KIDS*", "text": "Strongly in favor of supporting this legislature! Trans rights are human rights and should be protected under the constitution. This matter is irrelevant to the teachings of your Bible or what your liver-spotted pastor has preached to you. Separation of church and state is the foundation in which our laws are built on and should continue to be built on. This is not a political matter, this is a mental health matter. Let's encourage our youths to be who they are freely and without fear of retribution while setting foot in Virginia's learning institutions!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95060", "author": "A mom", "date": "2021-02-03T10:28:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose", "text": "As a mom, I am ABSOLUTELY appalled.....this bill is requiring all school divisions in VA to teach what needs to be addressed at home, and ONLY at home! Children cannot even have sex Ed classes without opt in permission, yet schools will be required to adopt trans-gender policies. And even more appalling, is the fact that children can use whichever bathroom they prefer.....we are asking for disaster here!! This defies common sense. I will NEVER support any legislators who support this bill. Vote this bill down!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95061", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:28:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "do not agree"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95062", "author": "Emmanuel Dabney", "date": "2021-02-03T10:28:00", "title": "Firmly support", "text": "Young people should feel safe and valued at school. It may be the only place where that can happen depending on their household circumstances. Supporting trans and gender non-conforming young people should not be challenging for educators and staff. Let's move Virginia forward!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95063", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:29:00", "title": "No way, no way", "text": "This bill is absolutely ludicrous."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95064", "author": "Joanna", "date": "2021-02-03T10:29:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95065", "author": "Amber", "date": "2021-02-03T10:29:00", "title": "I oppose.", "text": "I oppose.  I will always support good people, and support any child in need of said support. But I do not support forcing a lifestyle choice on EVERYONE. Especially children who probably aren't even fully aware of themselves yet. What we need is better role models, and to stop being ugly toward one another and trying to force beliefs and opinions down each other throats. We all have our own unique DNA and finger prints for a reason."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95066", "author": "LUCINDA MCDANIEL", "date": "2021-02-03T10:30:00", "title": "All policies with regard to to sexual identification", "text": "ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Apparently there is complete stupidity to the implications of having opposite sexes flitting around without discretion in restrooms/locker rooms. Do you honestly think students won't take advantage of the opportunities to go unguarded into facilities just to catch a glimpse of a naked or semi-nude classmate?!  WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95067", "author": "Hope Lemos", "date": "2021-02-03T10:31:00", "title": "Protect Trans Kids!", "text": "What does it say about the state of Virginia that the protection of any child is up for discussion?? Trans kids deserve equal protections and respect just like anyone else. The life expectancy of trans people is about half that of other people and the normalcy of not protecting trans children contributes to that horrible statistic."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95068", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:31:00", "title": "Leave religion out of this", "text": "All the people here are screaming about these new policies being “indoctrination” yet the strict religious teachings that 99% of these bible humpers force on their kids would count as indoctrination. So sit down, shut up, and let the world be progressive"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95069", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:31:00", "title": "I support", "text": "Please support this legislation to allow our children to be who they are with support and non-discrimination laws in place. thank you"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95070", "author": "Annetta", "date": "2021-02-03T10:31:00", "title": "House Bill 145 Treatment of Transgender", "text": "I believe this Bill is an overreaction of the government into the lives of families.. It may even cross the lines of Church and State. It is imperative that we always teach or children to be tolerant and respectful even of those things they do not agree with or understand.. However, having school counselors keep vital information regarding a child’s development secret from  the parent/guardian is toxic and doesn’t help the child. Also, as a mother and a woman, I am concerned how this will affect our girls and their rights to privacy and safety.. Please reconsider this Bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95071", "author": "Harrison Moenich", "date": "2021-02-03T10:32:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "Statistically trans people are more likely to attempt suicide and if you’d like to know why, I bet you can see by looking at some of these transphobic and uninformed comments on this thread. Trans people have been around since the beginning of time. Your bigotry and hatred for them will not stop them from existing. They are here and they will continue to be. Support them or get out of their way. Equality now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95072", "author": "B.", "date": "2021-02-03T10:32:00", "title": "Human Rights", "text": "Leave your judgment for God; you’re no holier spewing hate from your heart. The opposite actually, Christ is tolerance & forgiveness, with unending love for everyone, not just yourself & those that look like you. Trans lives are Human lives"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95073", "author": "Hunter", "date": "2021-02-03T10:33:00", "title": "Transgender! Strongly disagree!", "text": "Strongly disagree with this matter! This is forcing things on children and that dont need to be. It’s inappropriate and shouldn’t even be a thing. My kids will be home schooled if this is passed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95074", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:33:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "We strongly disagree with the proposed transgender policies and urged you to cease and desist. These proposed policies take away protection from my children and have extremely hurtful ramifications to my children. And it directly conflicts with our sincerely held religious beliefs. Again, we strongly disagree with this and you do not have our vote."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95075", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:33:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "There are other ways to “protect” the rights of the trans community than to impose these types of policies in schools in VA. This is infringing on the rights of all others. We have rights too, such as bathrooms where freaks & perverts are not allowed a free pass to hang out,"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95076", "author": "Maeve Quigey", "date": "2021-02-03T10:34:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth. The proposed guidelines in this document will make our education system more equitable and will provide a better learning experience for trans and gender nonconforming youth. Creating a safe and welcoming environment is vital for promoting education, and I think these guidelines will help accomplish that goal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95077", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:34:00", "title": "NO!!!!! strongly disagree... not safe for our children", "text": "Horrible and sickening! Do not support this and our children do not need this. So many bad things could come out of this!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95078", "author": "Mary Kathryn Cronin", "date": "2021-02-03T10:34:00", "title": "IN SUPPORT!", "text": "I am in complete support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95079", "author": "Alison Balzer", "date": "2021-02-03T10:35:00", "title": "Support based on medical evidence", "text": "Support trans children! Please read the American Academy of Pediatrics' stance on the importance of gender affirmation, which includes but is not limited to gender affirming schools and communities , for the biopsychosocial development of trans youth. Link: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/4/e20182162 Creating a safer, more supportive, and evidence-based environment in schools will benefit all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95080", "author": "Marc Rhodes", "date": "2021-02-03T10:35:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "Trans rights are human rights and this bill is about PROTECTING CHILDREN. It’s not meant to teach or indoctrinate anything, it’s just establishing systems to protect marginalized youths. A lot of people seem to be confused about this and the amount of hateful rhetoric in these comments about a bill for PROTECTING CHILDREN is very unsettling."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95081", "author": "Nick Bryant", "date": "2021-02-03T10:35:00", "title": "Fully supported", "text": "I fully supported this measure. No child should be bullied or ostracize by other students OR teachers and staff. Let’s be on the right side of history for once VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95082", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:35:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this matter. Trans rights are human rights and should be protected under the constitution. People are especially impressionable as children and how they are treated at school is very important to their development."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95083", "author": "Parent of 10 children", "date": "2021-02-03T10:35:00", "title": "Re: Government vs. Parents - Vote No (against) “ Model Policies for the Treatment of Trans Students~", "text": "This is absolutely the worst thing to do for kids in school. Your medical panel in favor of this should be ashamed. A child’s identity is determined before birth, and evident in the womb. If you have a penis, you’re a male, a vagina, a female. It’s as simple as that! This radical change is not necessary. My Caucasian male son doesn’t get special treatment and consideration, and neither should this topic. You’re making something out of nothing. You are responsible for teaching academics, not equality, identity, and uncertainty. This is a horrible idea. Parents are responsible for teaching values and virtues, not a government paid person who wants to twist our children’s minds with this garbage. Are you going to pay all the psychology bills for the kids who are preyed upon by these workers and actually confuse the kids even more, and cause them to question their identity, themselves, and even their parents? You are not God. Stop playing God with the lives of others. The human brain does not fully develop until the mid twenties and some people even into their thirties. It seems like you’re trying to brainwash our kids into feeling a certain way about themselves. Kids know who and what they are. Public schools is not the place for psychology and mental counselling. You are starting a swell of opposition who will not tolerate your politics in school. This is more division in our state, and you’re are going to be guilty of all of the wrong that will happen. You can’t expect teachers and staff to be medical doctors and counselors. Are you going to prescribe medication too? You’re caving to peer pressure that activists with nothing better to do than strong arm you into doing this. Where will Virginia public schools be when the opposing parents pull their kids out of school, and even leave the state? You’ll no longer have the numbers of kids, and taxes to fund your experiments will dwindle. I for one am now being called to act. Thank you for showing me how vulnerable you are in not being able to combat this propaganda, yourself, and at your level. You are showing your weakness and inability to lead and manage. You’re in an elected position, and will need to fight to retain it. I’m disgusted and appalled."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95084", "author": "Mallory Kiewiet", "date": "2021-02-03T10:35:00", "title": "Firmly Support - We cannot legislate bigotry into schools", "text": "There's been countless sociological studies about the impact of transgender inclusionary policy in schools which have consistently shown transgender students to be a vulnerable population and more prone to violence, bullying, and poor academic performance when there is anti-inclusionary policies and practices in place or a noted absence of inclusionary policies and practices. To promote student excellence and healthy behavioral habits among the student body, I firmly support and promote transgender student rights within Virginia schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95085", "author": "Evelyn Cherebin", "date": "2021-02-03T10:36:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT TRANS KIDS//PROTECT ALL KIDS", "text": "These kids need support and to feel safe!! Let them be themselves without any judgment!!! THEY MATTER."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95086", "author": "Mary Rohmiller", "date": "2021-02-03T10:36:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this guidance. Trans kids have the right to feel safe and affirmed at school, just like every other child does, yet trans kids disproportionately suffer from bullying and harassment at school. This guidance is critical in ensuring that school districts, teachers, and administrators have the tools to support trans kids and keep them safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95087", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:37:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "While I think it is a persons right to identify the way they want, I oppose this policy. Having child services involved should not be part of the policy. I disagree with the bathroom usage. We are allowed religious exemptions for other this it should apply here. Ultimately you are taking away one persons right to satisfy another persons rights. Bullying is real for lots of reasons each school district should and all already have bullying policies. Transgender should fall under the already existing policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95088", "author": "Séaghdha", "date": "2021-02-03T10:37:00", "title": "Transgender Students", "text": "I fully support transgender students' right to free expression and protection from harassment, and I hope the trans children of Virginia will benefit from protections that can safeguard them against undue harm and allow them to fully integrate into their chosen gender with as little mistreatment as possible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95089", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:37:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I fully support this legislation and support the wellbeing and health of transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95090", "author": "Joanna", "date": "2021-02-03T10:38:00", "title": "Support! Trans Lives Deserve A Safe Education Free From Harassment", "text": "I strongly support this legislation. It should be obvious that ALL students, no matter their orientation or identity, deserve respect, safety and care in their education. Harassment, discrimination or hate should not be tolerated on any grounds let alone someones literal identity.  Please pass this legislation. It is long overdue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95091", "author": "A functioning human", "date": "2021-02-03T10:38:00", "title": "Stop playing the religion card", "text": "stop using christianity and religion as a defense for your bigotry and transphobia"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95092", "author": "Marcie", "date": "2021-02-03T10:39:00", "title": "NO WAY", "text": "This is just plain wrong, now the government it telling us, the parents, what the school systems will be teaching out children in terms of values & morals. No, no, no....."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95093", "author": "Linda dupuy", "date": "2021-02-03T10:40:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "I am opposed to this. This is indoctrination. Leave social issues to patents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95094", "author": "Johanna Fallin", "date": "2021-02-03T10:40:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT. Protect trans youth lives.", "text": "I strongly support this protection of trans human rights in VA!! Trans children must be able to exist freely without scrutiny or discrimination. A change like this would be a monumental push to a better future for trans lives in Virginia!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95095", "author": "Rebecca (Pediatrician)", "date": "2021-02-03T10:40:00", "title": "Strong support from the medical community", "text": "Writing in strong support. We have shown time and time again that models such as this one are essential for the protection, well-being and health of our patients."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95096", "author": "Jordan Blincoe", "date": "2021-02-03T10:41:00", "title": "As an educator, my job is to advocate for the community.", "text": "While encouraging students to embark on a journey of self discovery, I also teach them to think critically, be themselves, and to show respect to everyone they meet. How can we look the children in the face if we aren't holding true to our basic core principles!? TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95097", "author": "A VERY concerned  Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T10:42:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree and Oppose!", "text": "I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. This is sinful and wrong. God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve! I will not be sending my children to any public school if this is considered “ok”. The fact that this is being considered is disgusting and disappointing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95098", "author": "Patrick Filios, Student at TCWHS", "date": "2021-02-03T10:42:00", "title": "SUPPORT TRANS RIGHTS", "text": "Trans kids face unbelievable amounts of harassment from other kids, teachers, and even their own parents. Protect these kids and let them express their identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95099", "author": "Amanda Doggett", "date": "2021-02-03T10:43:00", "title": "Protect, love, cherish our trans kids!!!", "text": "Our children are the responsibility of the dominion to love, cherish, care for, raise, and educate. ALL children. Trans kids included. Protect them, love them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95100", "author": "Terry Ross", "date": "2021-02-03T10:43:00", "title": "Oppose these measures/ Support No Bullying Policies", "text": "To be clear bullying and harassment of any student for any reason should be addressed and come with appropriate consequences. I do not support policies that force secular views upon those with opposing religious and ideological views. There is no scientific/psychological consensus concerning gender identity. Genetically speaking there are two distinct genders. Forcing someone to use a different pronoun to identify someone is illegal. It is a violation of our right to free speech. We can address the bullying/harassment without violating freedom of speech. Mandating the removal of confusion by the use  of certain pronouns does not remove the confusion that still exists. Also, we are doing harm  to our children by not addressing these identity issues in a more appropriate counseling session. Children should not be encouraged to make gender identity decisions in adolescence. Adults have enough difficulty understanding the issues. Parents should be responsible for educating their children in this area of their life not the school system. Our school system should be apolitical and educate our children not make decisions for them. By enacting these policies we are in fact making a decision for them and a political statement. Please stop trying to force our children into your ideological box. Racism is wrong. Bullying is wrong. Harassment is wrong. Limiting freedom of speech is wrong. If you really want to help, work in cooperation with the parents of the child who is struggling with their gender identity to get them the help they need or want. Not just counseling from one ideological perspective, but from all perspectives. The antidote to confusion is not less information, but more. That is the challenge of education. We must impart knowledge of all points of view without bias or we are inherently biased. You may not like my point of view, but that doesn't mean you get to dismiss it. The very freedom you purport is the very freedom you deny. We have a pronoun for that which has no identity, \"it.\" No one wants to be called it. Everyone wants to know who they are, their identity. Unfortunately in a pluralistic society with no moral absolutes and no greater source for determining identity and other moral absolutes, we are left to the whim of the day. We are ok with society dictating our moral absolutes as long as they align with what we want from life. What happens when a corrupt society takes charge and there are no longer any moral absolutes. The laws of the land, which are governed by the society will become corrupt because the society determines what is right and wrong. These policies are indications of a much bigger problem in our society. We cannot force political and ideological views on everyone. Our nation is divided because no one from either side is willing to have open healthy debate in the public forum. If my faith can stand on its on merits in the public forum then my faith is blind and misplaced. I am willing to consider your ideas if you are willing to consider mine. We will never make progress without communication. People who are unwilling to debate are are afraid that their ideas are wrong and they can't live with the life they would have to enjoin if their ideas are wrong. Thank you for allowing me to vent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95101", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:43:00", "title": "Vote no", "text": "As a parent of a child who considers himself “bi,” this is just wrong!!!! It is NOT the schools, and DEFINITELY NOT the place of the state government to teach these morals & values.Yes, WE ALL have rights!! Vote no, absolutely no!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95102", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:44:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I fully supported this measure. No child should be bullied or ostracize by other students OR teachers and staff. Let’s be on the right side of history for once VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95103", "author": "Carol Hubbard", "date": "2021-02-03T10:45:00", "title": "Absolutely no!", "text": "I strongly object to the guidelines proposed for schools on gender issues. 1)  to remove gender terms is offensive and biblically wrong. 2) taking the raising if children out of the hands of parents goes against our freedoms and the rights of parents to make choices for their minor children. 3) this is just one step away from indoctrination of children in a false and dangerous belief that they decide what God has already decided. 4) if I had school age children, I would be pulling them out of school.  I will do all I can to help those who do have children to understand the salacious nature of this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95104", "author": "dm", "date": "2021-02-03T10:45:00", "title": "Support", "text": "While I have no personal experience with transgender public school students, I have children and grandchildren and have myself graduated from the Virginia public school system. I think that a lot of the negative comments posted here are from those who are either afraid of the unknown or driven by hatred of anyone different from themselves. What I am sure of is that school, particularly middle and high school, can be a marathon for anyone who is bullied or seen as different or who doesn’t readily fit in. That must be a nightmare. I cannot imagine that transgender students will ever comprise a majority of any particular school, making the smaller number particularly open to harassment. I fully support this policy as well as any others that help marginalized students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95105", "author": "Virginia teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T10:45:00", "title": "I support", "text": "Seeing some of these horrible comments about innocent human beings is so disheartening. I fully support transgender people having the basic rights that they deserve. Transgender students have been bullied consistently throughout the years. They deserve to be comfortable and accepted at school. I as a teacher want my students to be loved and respected for who they are at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95106", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:46:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "What is proposed is a gross overreach of the government to impose ideology that is NOT shared by all. Stripping control away from parents and giving it to educators and administrators on this sensitive subject is an incredibly slippery slope. We must not allow this in Virginia!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95107", "author": "Michaela M.", "date": "2021-02-03T10:46:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights", "text": "Honestly, reading this bill and reading the comments against it I thought it was pushing for some radical change when in reality it seems perfectly realistic and I am shocked that we do not already have legislation providing these very basic human rights and consideration to trans kids. Trans youth have very high rates of depression and suicide. Let us do everything we can to make their lives a little easier and show kindness and acceptance. Life is precious and we teach kids how to be good and kind adults when we show them compassion ourselves. Protect trans youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95108", "author": "TR", "date": "2021-02-03T10:46:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support any policy that seeks to protect our trans children/students. It is difficult for our children/students these days with so much increased conflict and hatred exhibited in our society. Study after study has shown that trans children/students are vulnerable and at a higher risk of suicide, self-harm, and persecution than other students. All children/students need our love and protection, including and especially our trans children/students. Do the best you can until you know better.  Then, when you know better, do better. - Maya Angelou"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95109", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T10:46:00", "title": "Teach the whole Truth not the agenda!!", "text": "It's a sorrow for a certain percentage of persons who struggle with their gender identity, but to impose that it is healthy on our school aged children is deceitful. Those who wish to offer psychological and emotional support to those who are confused by their gender identity are now considered hateful and uncompassionate, if they are encouraged to embrace the biological and anatomical truths of their bodies and persons. If transgender education will be taught -- include the whole picture of those who regret their decisions to have sex changes and wished that others had helped them with the truth. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20191007/Hundreds-of-trans-people-regret-changing-their-gender-says-trans-activist.aspx"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95110", "author": "mom of transgender identified child", "date": "2021-02-03T10:47:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE - THIS IS CHILD ABUSE", "text": "As the mom of a child who suddenly identified as transgender at age 17, I find these policies promoting the changing of a child's sex to be deplorable. My child is mentally ill and 20 years ago would never have thought they could change their sex, but now that this path is being encouraged everywhere, kids with autism, anxiety, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphia, PTSD and many other mental illnesses are told they can escape their problems by magically changing their sex, and then their actual illness is never addressed. Parents have no say in the matter and schools are now taking over parenting, but they're not the ones up at night with our sick children, or in the hospital with them if one of these \"treatments\" for changing sex goes wrong - what is happening in this State?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95111", "author": "Sungmin Do", "date": "2021-02-03T10:47:00", "title": "I approved", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 words I approved"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95113", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:47:00", "title": "D", "text": "I fully support the rights of Trans, non binary, and gender non- confirming youth. They ought to be protected and allowed to identify as they are!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95114", "author": "Name", "date": "2021-02-03T10:48:00", "title": "Transgenders are not human beings!", "text": "God created human beings as defined by two genders only: male and female. Anyone who is “transgender” or “genderfluid” does not follow the word of God and therefore is not considered a human lifeform. Non-human lifeforms are not integrated into society like humans, so tell me, why the are they being allowed into schools??? This whole legislation makes me lose faith in our government and I will not send my children back to public school if this passes"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95115", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:48:00", "title": "Protect trans/non-binary/gender non-conforming students!", "text": "I fully support the protections for trans/non-binary/gender non-conforming persons. As a gender non-conforming person myself, these protections could have helped me a lot when I was in school. No one should have to fear for their safety because of how they choose to identify, particularly children. It's really disgusting how people try to use their religion as a reason for why they don't support protections. Your religion doesn't extend into the areas of others' lives and ideologies. And what about separation of church and state? And how do pro-lifers justify their views when they're not actively fighting to protect the lives that already are here, even if they don't align with their own views?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95116", "author": "Steve MacDonald", "date": "2021-02-03T10:48:00", "title": "OPPOSE.", "text": "I do not support this bill. I would rather support the curbing of overt harassment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95117", "author": "Jo K", "date": "2021-02-03T10:49:00", "title": "Yes to a gender affirmative school system!", "text": "I think the guidance document is a positive first step in ensuring the safety and positive learning environment for gender-marginalized students, whether they’re cis or transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95118", "author": "Alyssa", "date": "2021-02-03T10:49:00", "title": "Protect trans children", "text": "trans people are human!! We should protect them and respect them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95119", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T10:49:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95120", "author": "Don", "date": "2021-02-03T10:49:00", "title": "Oppose schools over parents", "text": "To suggest that a young child going through the confused state of puberty is somehow wiser than his or her parents concerning sexual identity is absurd. To further suggest a school system should interject their opinion or worse yet to contradict the parent’s wishes is abusive. Leave parenting to parents on this matter of sexual identity"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95121", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:49:00", "title": "Trans kids are LOVED!!", "text": "Trans kids are LOVED!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95122", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:50:00", "title": "Vote no on Transgender Legislation!", "text": "First and most importantly any legislation that cuts the parents out of the conversation should be rejected!!!  Parents have a right to know what is going on in the schools and most importantly what is going on with their own child!  A policy that says children who are under age can decide what gender they want to be addressed at school and having this done in secret without the parent's approval is absurd!  Parents must be informed of any goings on with their children.  It is not the schools place to take over making such important decisions. Secondly it is not appropriate for children of the opposite sex to be allowed in locker rooms or bathrooms.  We need to protect ALL students not just transgender students!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95123", "author": "A mom", "date": "2021-02-03T10:51:00", "title": "This is wrong, time to focus on anti-bullying measures", "text": "This measure infringes on my rights, and I have rights too. I do believe all children should be protected & given the right to decide.....however, in a PUBLIC setting, using MY tax dollars is not the place to mandate these policies!! To protect our children, we need anti-bullying policies!! This is where we need to focus our attention."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95124", "author": "Casey", "date": "2021-02-03T10:51:00", "title": "Strongly Approve", "text": "I strongly approve because no one deserves to be discriminated against for any reason. Transgender individuals and children should be protect under law in order for them to flourish in our society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95125", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:51:00", "title": "Strong support", "text": "Strong support from a pediatrician and child psychiatrist. Trans rights are human rights and it is our responsibility to provide safe, validating spaces for all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95126", "author": "Rebecca Whitten, student", "date": "2021-02-03T10:51:00", "title": "Strongly support!!", "text": "I’m a student, and I have many trans/non-binary friends and classmates. There is no form of harm going from trans students to via students in any way. The only harm is going to trans students from their cis counterparts. Did you know that not a single instance has been recorded where a cis person was assaulted in a bathroom by a trans person, but there have been many cases where the opposite has happened?? What needs to happen is we need to create a strong system of support and protection for trans students as they navigate the difficulties of not only school and adolescence, but also the difficult internal and external struggle of coming to terms with your identity and beginning to outwardly display it. I beg you all, have empathy. Have empathy to the teenagers who may live in a household that is emotionally and/or physically violent to them, and to whom a supportive school environment could quite literally be a matter of life and death. The suicide rate of trans kids with supportive families vs unsupportive families is magnitudes different. This matters."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95127", "author": "Rory Harkleroad", "date": "2021-02-03T10:52:00", "title": "Support: It Saves Lives", "text": "The importance of having support in schools for trans, non-binary, and gender conforming youth is critical for their development and their long term health. Being trans myself, I had the great privilege of going to a school with significant support for trans students, and I think without it I would be in a much worse place as an adult. I am tired of watching my trans peers go back and forth out of mental institutions because they don’t have access to a supportive community and accepting information provided about their identity. During the time of my initial transition, two trans friends of mine from my hometown killed themselves. I am heartbroken when I hear of trans youth in my city getting disowned from their parents, ending up in a homeless shelter, and turning to heroin from the pain of it. Having supportive and non-discriminatory spaces in schools and among school staff can make a world of difference and preventing years of unnecessary trauma and social exile. It has been shown in multiple studies that when trans people have support, their likelihood of suicide goes down significantly. Be there for your students, identity and beautiful differences and all that comes with it. Offer supportive information on what it means to transition and the complexity of personal identity and you’ll create an informed and responsible class of trans, non-binary, and GNC youth. I don’t see how not supporting students does anything but exile people and create a host of issues that are much harder to resolve in someone’s life"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95128", "author": "Erin Persil", "date": "2021-02-03T10:53:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT- Protect and support our transgender students", "text": "As a teacher, I strongly support this policy and believe trans rights are human rights. Trans students should be protected and supported in their expression of identity, and schools should have policies in place to ensure trans students feel safe and welcomed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95129", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T10:54:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95130", "author": "Alex Cook", "date": "2021-02-03T10:54:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "All children deserve support, especially Trans youth. 100% support this policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95131", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T10:55:00", "title": "Do NOT support this bill!", "text": "I am totally opposed to this. This is a violation of parental rights, these are all things parents need to be teaching their kids at home."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95132", "author": "An extremely concerned individual", "date": "2021-02-03T10:55:00", "title": "The amount of vile and transphobic comments here deeply concerns me", "text": "I’ve seen it all in this town hall. It ranges from thinking transgender kids have mental illnesses to saying transgender kids should be mass executed! It’s absolutely disgusting and makes me feel scared for the future of transgenders in school. If this amount of people are coming out of the woodwork and willingly displaying their horrible beliefs, then it really goes to show why lgbtqia+ needs extra societal protection"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95133", "author": "Emily Gordon, EVMS", "date": "2021-02-03T10:55:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a board member of the New Life Metropolitan Community Church of Hampton Roads whose members are of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, I support the guidance. Education is the greatest method to align one’s future with one’s goals and learn how to become a more contributing member of society, regardless of how one identifies. We can’t change how youth and young adults are treated in their homes, but we can keep them safe in their schools. They are our future, and are learning how to lead by the example we set for them. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95134", "author": "Larry Rascop", "date": "2021-02-03T10:56:00", "title": "I strongly support the legislation", "text": "This is the desegregation of this age."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95135", "author": "Kim Nguyen", "date": "2021-02-03T10:56:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "School should be a safe space for every student, and I support creating compassionate systems."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95136", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T10:58:00", "title": "Strongly support our LGBTQ youth", "text": "I am pleased to see measures like this that are inclusive and supportive of our LGBTQ youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95137", "author": "Concerned citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T10:59:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE and DISAGREE with this legislation. Taking away any distinction between the genders is going directly against natural law and is only confusing and hurting our children. There is no scientific evidence showing that enabling gender dysphoria is healthy, in fact all the evidence shows that it is actually harmful to a child’s mental and physical health."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95138", "author": "Maddie", "date": "2021-02-03T10:59:00", "title": "Protect Trans Lives!!", "text": "it is vital that everyone feels safe, welcomed, and seen in school. This includes trans youth!!. It is so important for trans students to feel supported in such an impressionable time in their lives!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "95139", "author": "Melissa - A VA Resident + Mother", "date": "2021-02-03T11:00:00", "title": "Agree to equal rights but not this suggested implementation", "text": "I truly believe more needs to be done than simply have a conversation on inclusion and I understand our schools play such a large, influential role in our children's lives but I simply don't agree to the implementation this policy is suggesting. Our schools are to be a safe haven, a place of inclusion, and an institution for learning - FOR ALL. I don't understand how creating \"inclusivity\" for one then changes the field for another in a potentially worse scenario. I'm trying to set my fear of the unknown aside to be very neutral here. If my children were Transgender I would certainly want inclusiveness for them but in that I would want other children to feel safe in their environment as well. We can't take from one to give to another and call it equal. Should teachers, students, and communities treat Transgender without prejudice and judgement? Absolutely. Does that mean we allow a born \"female\" student into designated \"male\" quarters because she now identifies herself as \"male\"? I don't believe so, and vice versa. A born \"male\" student shouldn't be permitted into \"female\" facilities. I clearly see the conflict here for a Transgender person and where they feel they belong but I can't support the policy of full immersion like this. For clarity - I was born female and I identify as female. Thinking of my own experience of middle school through high school; locker rooms were awkward. For gym, for sports, all the above. The dressing out, showering, changing clothing in front of my \"like-bodied\" cohort was an awkward experience as it was and the thought of adding in the opposite sex, even if they do mentally identify as female, is a thought that honestly I am not comfortable with. I also don't agree with the inclusion of sports. In theory - yeah, it's a great idea. But in a real world scenario it isn't going to be fair or safe to everyone. Male sports and female sports have been separate for decades for reason and reasons I agree with. So how do we evolve? My suggestion - if it's for bathrooms or gym scenarios, it's providing more private bathrooms for one person use. If you have to label it, put the sign \"Bathroom\" on it. Male, Female, whoever wants to use it, can use it. If it's environment that needs to be worked on, I believe that's going to come down to the School Board and individual school's Principal to set the culture and expectations to be withheld and the counseling department to assist in support. I am unsure why and how the focus of our education system came to be solely on the gender, color, and sexual orientation of our children and it honestly baffles me that we have these conversations but I feel that if we are going to focus on the emotional support of our children more, then we need to be emphasizing the expectation of inclusion more with faculty and staff and setting the culture in our schools. A no tolerance policy needs to be withheld and if it is more about physical logistics then build more private restrooms. I understand that all students don't come with a supportive home or involved parents and that school is that safe space of love, nurture, and support for those specific situations. It should remain that way and I understand that is the thought behind a policy such as this but it also feels like we are creating too many loop holes that can create a very unsafe space for other students if not handled properly. I just ask that we think of ALL students when trying to change for one."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91005", "author": "Stephanie Prince", "date": "2021-01-22T08:23:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I moved from Fauquier County Virginia in 2020 to my retirement home. As a former public school teacher in Culpeper County I want to state that I support protections for transgender students.  Virginia MUST be a place where ALL students can thrive and we MUST stop the hate!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91006", "author": "Michael Turner", "date": "2021-01-22T08:24:00", "title": "Transgender kids", "text": "Why do these kids need protecting, are they endangered?  I dont think anything special needs to be put in place, treat them like everybody else, they are not a special case."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91007", "author": "Michelle Forcier MD MPH", "date": "2021-01-22T08:36:00", "title": "All our kids deserve to be safe and respected in their schools", "text": "As a pediatrician and a parent, I know how powerful it is for adults and institutions to provide safe, respectful and caring spaces for children and adolescents to live, learn, and grow into their best selves, with schools being an important part of growing up. Additionally,  scientific studies and on-the-ground experience tell us that children have better health outcomes when they are supported in living their authentic selves, including transgender and gender diverse children.  Schools have great opportunities to model how diverse persons can come together, learn from each other,  and create a stronger community. I can't imagine why anyone would argue to make schools a hostile and harmful environment for any child, including LGBTQ+ kids??? All our children deserve to have communities and schools create safe spaces to learn and grow."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91008", "author": "Amelia Warshaw, MD'21", "date": "2021-01-22T08:47:00", "title": "All deserve to learn and thrive in an environment of respect.", "text": "Children should not have to defend their humanity based on their gender, sexual orientation, or any other facet of their identity. All deserve to learn and thrive in an environment of respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91009", "author": "Jennifer Winter", "date": "2021-01-22T08:53:00", "title": "Support: House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161", "text": "Diversity is the key to growth. Our country cannot continue to thrive and grow if we do not start protecting our youth. Every child, teen, and adult has a right to a safe education, free of the stressors that they are already experiencing in social situations and at home. Our job as adults is to create a better world than the one we came into for the next generation, and we can start by creating and following through on policy that's inclusive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91010", "author": "Bea Gruber", "date": "2021-01-22T09:35:00", "title": "DOE Transgender policy", "text": "I want to have a voice in this matter as a parent and grandparent of children in Virginia. I oppose the policy recommendation for DOE Transgender students in the public school system. My thoughts: 1.  This would be in direct violation of the cisgender students rights to privacy and protection.  In the developmental years sexual identity is sensitive.  There needs to be another solution offered that includes protecting and respecting all children according to their belief and choice about gender and sexuality as all are represented in the public school system.  This can only be done when the American way of diplomacy is active.  The goal should be simple, how do we protect all children within the system.  Anything short of this approach is hypocritical by nature and bias.  This policy proposed is bias and disrespectful of cisgender beliefs. 2.  Teachers need to be given the Amendment freedom of speech and religion.  They should not be stifled or allowed to push their agenda to students or fearful of retaliation from other faculty if they oppose the transgender policy. 3.  It is also bias to involve social services if a child's parents disagree with their developing transgender choice.  This is a sensitive issue and families need support and respect to work through raising their children in a loving, gentle environment.  This constraint is assuming that parents are negligent if they don't agree with a transgender approach to sexuality.  To be cisgender is to believe that our gender is given to us for procreation and healthy, loving relationship according to a Biblical world view.  This view should not be regarded as wrong or abusive simply to protect the rights of those who chose otherwise.  We cannot stop racist or discrimination by outlawing the right to live according to one's biological and religious choice.  No one should be harmed by another's choice.  Do no harm must be a driving goal shared by all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91011", "author": "Lauren Hoffman", "date": "2021-01-22T09:57:00", "title": "If you oppose this, ask yourself why you feel so threatened", "text": "As a parent and clinical psychologist, I strongly support this policy. All children need to be able to learn in an environment of safety and acceptance. The rate of suicide and mental/emotional distress among the transgender population far exceeds the rates in the general population, and so it is clear this represents a mental health crisis that as a community, we need to address. Some of the comments I have read make it very clear that many people have not had any training on trans issues, or have no exposure to an actual human being who identifies as trans, and are simply regurgitating unsubstantiated fears. I am disappointed that we can't all come together and choose the obviously compassionate path here. At the end of the day, gender is a social construct anyway. Does it really matter what gender a person identifies with? Many cultures see gender on a spectrum. It is only because someone at some point decided to dichotomize gender that we have decided, in the West at least, that one can only identify as one of two genders, and your gender \"should\" match your genitalia. This forces us to marginalize anyone who doesn't neatly fit into these two categories. We literally don't have a place for them. Can you imagine how that might feel if you were one of the people who experiences a more fluid sense of your gender, or if you have more ambiguous genitalia, or hormonal or chromosomal differences? If we stopped caring so much about a person's gender designation, these policies might not feel like such a big deal. I urge everyone to examine your own worries and fears around this topic and explore where those come from. Your reaction is not about anyone who identifies as trans. It is about you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91013", "author": "Dana Clark", "date": "2021-01-22T10:23:00", "title": "PROUDLY SUPPORT - Much Needed to Ensure ALL Students Safety in Learning", "text": "The 22.1-23.3 Code and regulation is clearly and unequivocally supported by our own Federal and State laws to ensure the safety of ALL students and individuals. This does not need each citizen support because it already has each citizen support in the existence of... - The First Amendment - where we ALL have freedom of expression - Equal Protection under the Fourteenth Amendment - where we ALL have protection (FYI, this is the one we haven't been honoring as our LGBTQIA+ youth have not been protected) - Title VII of the Civil Rights Act - where sexual and gender protections exist - Title IX of Education Amendments - where it PROHIBITS discrimination of these youth in schools!!! Though I am glad to live in a democracy and glad that our State allows for our input in such decisions -- our PERSONAL OPINIONS and PERSONAL FEARS are not of concern here. LGBTQIA+ youth and individuals exist and deserve the same rights and protections of any other citizen in this country. By denying these rights, we are not living up to our Constitution, we are not living up to what it means to be an American, we are not living up to our basic democratic philosophies. Our country was built and has been continuously made better by our differences, by our diversity, by our inclusion. We have proven time and again that though our neighbor may disagree with us, we, together, can find the common humanity that exists between us. Our LGBTQIA+ youth are asking YOU to see their common humanity. How can we deny that? Every child, our most vulnerable population, deserves protection and support - no matter who they are. I am in FULL support of this and believe it is PAST TIME to implement these changes!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91014", "author": "Cara Cook", "date": "2021-01-22T10:31:00", "title": "Not the Answer", "text": "The document claims to seek to assist those students who identify as transgendered. It is of course laudable to assist those who are in need. However, these proposals go much further than just helping and in fact promote the “transgender ideology”. First, the definition of gender identity is itself problematic: “A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary” (p. 6). Thus “School divisions should accept a student’s assertion of their gender identity without requiring any particular substantiating evidence, including diagnosis, treatment, or legal documents. A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth...” (p.12). This amazingly fluid, subjective, and unscientific definition is the basis for the document’s policies. Consider what this means for parental rights: “There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...[A] plan may include addressing the student at school with their asserted name and pronoun while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians” (p.12). In other words, not only could a school leave the parents out of decisions and deliberations profoundly impacting their children; it could also deliberately deceive them. Further, consider students’ privacy, modesty, and safety in the use of bathrooms and locker rooms: “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students... School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom” (p.18). These policies would also compel speech: “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity (p.10)...A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory” (p.12). In other words, one must comply with the transgendered vocabulary. This is forced participation in error, another kind of verbal bullying. It is one thing to claim transgendered status and ask for kindness to those who are transgendered. It is another thing entirely to compel others to use language approving of it. Again, it is laudable to want to ease the sufferings of others. But this document, in seeking to accommodate one group, cuts against parental rights, student safety, and freedom of speech."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91015", "author": "Liz Perzanowski, MD", "date": "2021-01-22T10:42:00", "title": "We have the power to do better, by supporting transgender and gender diverse youth", "text": "As a pediatrician and a parent, I echo support for this document provided by the DOE to protect children who are gender diverse from discrimination. There is strong data that children and adolescents who identify as LGBTQ+, and particularly children and adolescents who are gender diverse, suffer severe mental and physical health consequences, through no fault of their own, when they are taught living as their authentic selves is wrong. The remedy? There is also strong data that putting aside your biases and supporting youth to live authentically in their gender has the power to almost completely eradicate those poor outcomes. Schools and other institutions have particular power in this area, as they model to communities how ALL people can, and should, be safe and respected. And despite fears, there is NO data to support the idea that meeting the needs of gender diverse people of any age is a safety risk for anyone else, including in bathrooms. Instead, it is a clear safety risk to people who are LGBTQ+ to continue to teach intolerance, as we know there are high rates of suicide and homicide against them. We have the power to do better by these children, and in doing so create a more inclusive, supportive environment for all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91016", "author": "Margaret Rush", "date": "2021-01-22T10:51:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "We need to support all of our students to ensure best outcomes for all of us.  Fully Support this initiative."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91017", "author": "Nayntara Rizk", "date": "2021-01-22T10:55:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I support protections for Trans and Gender Non-binary students. As a parent and proud resident of Virginia, I would feel more confident and trusting of a state that values all lives and rejects bigoted viewpoints that are not based on fact or love but based on hateful ideology. I am also a foster care social worker and know that LGBTQ+ youth of color face huge disparities in our state and this is one step in addressing systems that are not built to support them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91018", "author": "Chris Breeden", "date": "2021-01-22T11:13:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Ridiculous"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91019", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-22T11:14:00", "title": "Reject this \"guidance\" based on radical ideology", "text": "We should emphatically reject such misguided \"guidance\" that is being imposed on our schools based on a radical ideology that the vast majority of parents oppose. 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. There is much talk about the need to protect students who describe themselves as \"transgendered.\" Certainly these confused individuals deserve our sympathy and help and respect for their dignity as human beings. But 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 as part of an overnight school activity, or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex (particularly adults!) -- which will inevitably happen under this policy. And the resulting traumatic reactions of students to these situations (especially girls) are also inevitable. Who speaks for them? It also tells you a lot about the intentions of those pushing this guidance that it prohibits schools from even notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. (See the Draft Policy, p.12) Schools should also not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions.\" Nor should they be infringing on the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children, as this \"guidance\" would do. Finally, who will speak up for the students, parents, or teachers whose speech will be compelled under this guidance? This policy provides no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. It would also subject faculty and students to disciplinary action if they are unable to keep up with the ever-changing, totally subjective \"gender identity\" or \"preferred pronouns\" of their classmates. This is madness. Please reject this incredibly misguided and unworkable policy, which will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91020", "author": "Concerned VA Resident", "date": "2021-01-22T11:16:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Transgender children should be treated with compassion and understanding and bullying of any kind should not be tolerated. With that said, cutting off parental knowledge and input is absolutely unacceptable. Parents have the moral and legal responsibility for the well-being of their children and it is in no way the right of the state to remove those parental rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91021", "author": "Future School Counselor", "date": "2021-01-22T11:28:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a school counseling graduate student, I strongly support this policy as a great start for reducing some of the mental health concerns of trans students. This guidance says that they will follow \"evidence-based best practices\" which demonstrates that the suggestions in this guidance are supported by research and have been agreed upon by experts in the field as the best ways to support these students. As others have stated, the rates of suicidal ideation and mental health concerns for trans students are way higher than for other students. If this guidance can help these students in any way, why would anyone question implementing it? This guidance simply states that it encourages the maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students--if you are opposed to this type of learning environment, you need to take a serious look at yourself and your values. These students are human beings and deserve to be treated with the same dignity and respect as everyone else. Before firing off a \"strongly oppose\" comment, I encourage you to have empathy and imagine what this would feel like if YOU were one of these struggling transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91022", "author": "Barbara Powell, Tax payer in the USA and State of Virginia", "date": "2021-01-22T11:40:00", "title": "Transgender guidelines", "text": "I do not support it.  You are what you were born with!  Teachers should leave it alone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91023", "author": "Barbara Powell, Tax payer", "date": "2021-01-22T11:42:00", "title": "I do not support it.", "text": "Teachers need to stay out of itl"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91024", "author": "Laura", "date": "2021-01-22T11:48:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91025", "author": "Elaine Perricone", "date": "2021-01-22T11:54:00", "title": "Strongly oppose for several reasons", "text": "The school system has lost its focus.  It is entering the realm of social manipulation intead of teaching basic knowledge and skills such as \"reading, writing, and arithmetic.\"  Students will be distracted by concerns over recalling what \"identity\" a classmate has and what to call them in order to stay out of trouble, instead of learning actual class content. While you claim to be \"sensitive\" to a transgender student, the result is that you fail to be sensitive to ALL students who don't fall into this category.  What happened to science? DNA shows only 2 sexes, male and female.  Anything else that is claimed is in the area of supposition and unsubstantiated. Your new policies usurp the role of the parent and takes away their rights to raise their children according to their values and beliefs.  It is not the job of the school system.  Threatening a call to child protective services has overtones of a police state, not a school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91026", "author": "Nancy Linton", "date": "2021-01-22T12:08:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am a school counselor and strongly believe in respecting the dignity of all students. This is a complex issue. The current policy of allowing schools to work with the transgendered students and their families to offer a private alternative for using the restroom affords privacy to both that student and all the remaining students. The argument can be made that makes the student stand out form their peers. However, dressing in front of individuals of a different biological sex does that even more. In respecting the needs of individuals we also must consider the needs of the whole student body to feel safe and comfortable. It is important to also get anonymous student input not just that of adult advocates."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91027", "author": "David", "date": "2021-01-22T12:27:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose to Allowing Men and Boys into the Girls Bathrooms, Lockerrooms, and Showers", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE ALLOWING TO MEN AND BOYS INTO GIRLS BATHROOMS, LOCKERROOMS, AND SHOWERS It is biologically impossible for humans to change their sex and their DNA.  Any attempts to claim or pretend otherwise in order to accommodate delusions, and then attempt to re-assign and manipulate existing rights, distinctions, and protections between the two sexes, is nothing more than based on falsifications, fabrications, fraud, and therefore illegal. It is unfair, discriminatory, and inhumane to force biological men and boys into the bathrooms, locker rooms and showers of biological females who may object based on conscience, religion, science, medicine, comfort, and safety. It is unfair, discriminatory, and unjust to allow biological males to compete in female sports, may result in physically harm females, and violates TITLE IX US Civil Rights law (created to protect the rights of females and ensure equality between the two sexes). It is child abuse and cruel for the government to encourage, subsidize, and provide access for sexually confused children to be given dangerous and harmful drugs, permanent surgery to remove healthy and vital body organs, and force sterilization, when medical journals report 9 out of 10 sexually confused children grow out of their sexual confusion by adulthood and align with their own biological sex. It is unfair, discriminatory, hateful, and bigoted to harass, penalize, and violate those who may do not support the unjust impositions from such harmful proposed policies by a confirmed mental disorder, including unjustly discriminating and violating civil rights and first amendment rights against those that are Muslim, Catholic, Evangelist Christians, Orthodox Jews, Mormons, Rape Victims, Medical Professionals, Biologists, Scientists, Psychologists, Counselors, Military Soldiers, Female Athletes, and even the plethora of Ex-Transgenders."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91028", "author": "Leslie Belvin", "date": "2021-01-22T13:11:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "OPPOSED! I am against the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools for the following reasons: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be considered “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. Schools should not be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! Parents should be informed about everything regarding their child and the school system. It takes a team of educator, student and parent in public school education. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. • All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. There are many more reasons to oppose the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. These policies are detrimental to our educational system and will only add more problems then what they hope to solve. Please do not support these policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91029", "author": "Dmitri Lake Fackrell", "date": "2021-01-22T14:23:00", "title": "Support", "text": "as a trans person who came out in high school, I fully support this measure to explicitly include trans rights for students in Virginia. I was lucky enough to attend a school that allowed me to use my chosen name and bathrooms that align with my gender identity. Some of my trans friends who went to other schools did not have the same experience. All students deserve to be treated with respect and equality while they learn. Dealing with bigotry on a daily basis is incredibly harmful to students mental health and leads to higher rates of suicide for trans children. Therefore this measure to provide inclusive rights for trans kids is LIFE SAVING and its potential positive impact cannot be understated."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91030", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T14:27:00", "title": "So VERY OPPOSED", "text": "Usurpation of parental responsibility and involvement."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91031", "author": "Katherine Weber", "date": "2021-01-22T14:31:00", "title": "Transgender Student Policy House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161", "text": "I support the guidance.  I think the time has come for us to stop pushing back on discrimination and inequality.  So much time is wasted on trying to tear people down and treat them as inferior, when we should all be working to build each other up and support each other.  This is particularly important for our youth and particularly when they are just trying to get an education and get a start in the world.  Anything that can help them along their way should be encouraged.  Something set in place to help one person doesn't have to been seen as somehow removing rights from someone else.  It isn't a zero sum game and it's time we started to realize that. I have a niece who called me the day before Christmas to tell me that they had themselves into a mental health facility.  She/they are struggling to be understood at home, and given where she lives, I would imagine that her classmates give her a hard time for her pronouns.  This is a waste of time and energy. Why are we tearing down a child?  What is the point?  To try to get them to conform to an idea that is stale and useless?  We need to broaden our minds, broaden our hearts and start caring for and loving ALL of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91033", "author": "Ellen Ward", "date": "2021-01-22T14:42:00", "title": "Opposed to the proposed Transgender Policy", "text": "Opposed for many reasons. Parental rights need to be protected. End the Government overreach. Enough of the state-imposed social engineering 'mandates'!! Leave  us alone!  Get out of our personal business, and let parents provide their children with the proper guidance and morals, as well as the psychological and medical treatments if and when needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91034", "author": "Karen Neff", "date": "2021-01-22T14:52:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I do not support the proposed policy.  This is an area that should be under the parent's control, not the school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91035", "author": "Joe Morales", "date": "2021-01-22T14:59:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "I strongly disagree with this agenda for our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91036", "author": "Ethan Helms", "date": "2021-01-22T15:18:00", "title": "I support this!", "text": "I support this! Step in the right direction. Inclusivity!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91037", "author": "Kate Matus", "date": "2021-01-22T15:21:00", "title": "Strongly disagree with this proposed policy", "text": "Please respect the rights of parents and the well-being of students and do not enact the proposed changes.  If the new transgender regulations are adopted and implemented by VA Public Schools, it will cause great harm to students.  (It will also drive families who can afford it out of public schools and into private schools that act with more common sense and respect for parental rights and duties.)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91038", "author": "Lauren Clark", "date": "2021-01-22T15:31:00", "title": "Proposal Document", "text": "I agree with this proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91039", "author": "Ted Pezzullo", "date": "2021-01-22T15:34:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This policy is messed up big time.  Spend more time teaching and less time playing God.  Everyone should treat everyone with respect and love no matter their feelings, gender, race etc.  However, you are leading parents and children down a path that supports your ideology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91040", "author": "Colin C", "date": "2021-01-22T15:51:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "A fundamental issue here seems to be acceptance of people who are different, which has been true in our public schools since the beginning. What legislation is in place for bullying and lack of acceptance related to people who are \"different\" with things like cleft palate, down syndrome, missing fingers, learning disabilities... ad infinitum?  Why is the issue of trans-gender such a hot topic when so many teens would already say they get bullied and mocked at school?  Not only is it being singled out as an issue, but these policies (helping a fractional minority) would step on all kinds of people who morally disagree. People can \"accept\" someone's feelings while still disagreeing about those feelings, and can ALSO do so without being mean or cruel. Teaching parents and children about THAT would be way more productive than forcing them to adhere to policies, procedures, and beliefs about something with which they morally disagree. For example, it is NOT OK for girls to share bathrooms and gym showers with teenage young men who think they are women. How many days will we go before some young man is willing to say he's trans-gender (even though he's not) just so he can hang out in the ladies showers. This puts our daughters at risk under the name of \"acceptance and support\". Absolutely ridiculous. Regardless of your religious or moral stance, this is just a big political move that will cost us all a lot more than we think. I completely oppose this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91041", "author": "Kevin Lewis", "date": "2021-01-22T16:13:00", "title": "Very Definitely Opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this policy for the following reasons: No child should be compelled to share private settings such as showers or locker rooms with a member of the opposite biological sex. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. The proposed regulations infringe upon the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children in a manner that reflects their values The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to the issues of sex and gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91042", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T16:14:00", "title": "Strongly against", "text": "I disagree with this idea of including transgender policies in our public schools. The teachers are there to teach. Gender confusion is a private affair that should be handled at home not publicly in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91043", "author": "Helen Moore", "date": "2021-01-22T16:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "We are born as female or male just as God intended for us to be when he created us. The whole society is set up with this in mind as is marriage. We are reinventing the wheel for a few students and not considering all of the other kids that is totally confused about this craziness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91044", "author": "Nancy Archiopoli", "date": "2021-01-22T16:17:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed to implementing transgender policies in our public schools. Please respect our parental rights in this matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91045", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T16:19:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose the guidelines put forth by the schools. While all students deserve protections, these guidelines exceed protections and indeed are quite the opposite. They are inherently abusing those who choose to support traditional gender forms; they are overstepping the boundaries of any sort of educational system; they are setting forth a moral code defined by a school administration and enforcing it against anyone who does not agree. Further, the ages at which schools are seeking to encourage children to choose gender forms they desire does not jive with appropriate psychological and emotional developmental guidelines in which parents should be the first and foremost authority and confidant in their child’s decision and lives. Further, to conspire with a minor in subjugation of a parent’s authority is essentially criminal and should not be supported."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91046", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T16:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose the guidelines put forth by the schools. While all students deserve protections, these guidelines exceed protections and indeed are quite the opposite. They are inherently abusing those who choose to support traditional gender forms; they are overstepping the boundaries of any sort of educational system; they are setting forth a moral code defined by a school administration and enforcing it against anyone who does not agree. Further, the ages at which schools are seeking to encourage children to choose gender forms they desire does not jive with appropriate psychological and emotional developmental guidelines in which parents should be the first and foremost authority and confidant in their child’s decision and lives. Further, to conspire with a minor in subjugation of a parent’s authority is essentially criminal and should not be supported."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91047", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T16:23:00", "title": "STOP THIS NONSENSE NOW!!", "text": "Give me a break!  Young children are still learning about life and who and what they are.  WE, as adults, have a responsibility to assist them in this endeavor.  Guidance along biological lines IS appropriate.  God created a man, and then He created a woman.  He DID NOT create two men or two women.  If, as they grow and mature, they decide that this is what they want, then so be it.  We don’t put young children behind the wheel of an automobile, we don’t give them the right to vote, etc.  Their minds have not yet mature; they require guidance, not to be left alone to wander like mindless sheep!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91048", "author": "Kathy Jinks", "date": "2021-01-22T16:23:00", "title": "I strongly disagree with this agenda for our children", "text": "I strongly disagree with this agenda for our children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91049", "author": "Werner A, Lind", "date": "2021-01-22T16:34:00", "title": "Opposed to this harmful policy", "text": "I agree that every child, including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion, should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question on that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized and sexualized ideology, by assuming that every child with gender confusion should obviously change genders and by essentially criminalizing any effort to help children be comfortable with their own bodies. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing.  It also pits schools against parents, and requires schools to teach that sex is arbitrarily and randomly \"assigned\" at birth (rather than determined by DNA and manifested in male or female genitalia), which is objectively false."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91050", "author": "Bary Hausrath, BaryLaw", "date": "2021-01-22T16:34:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I support the model policies. As an attorney, I run a legal clinic that helps transgender people change their name and gender marker on legal documentation. In the clinics and my own private practice, I have helped dozens of transgender youth. Even when things go smoothly, the process can take a year or longer. Trans students awaiting correct documents should not face persistent misgendering or deadnaming in school. It is well documented that the risk of suicide is dramatically lower when students are identified by their intended name and according to their gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91051", "author": "Douglas F Turner", "date": "2021-01-22T16:36:00", "title": "Gender confusion", "text": "I recommend that all legislators see the DVD's \"In His Image\" from the American Family Association.  Also that all parties interested in gender issues see www.changed.com."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91052", "author": "Effected Parent", "date": "2021-01-22T16:37:00", "title": "Virginia Public Schools are heading for disaster", "text": "Virginia public universities are heading for disaster.  Teachers unions and the democratic party are trying to eliminate male and female identification. Their goal is to reeducate our children.  Look at Nancy Pelosi's banning the use of father, mother, sister, brother, gender based pronouns, etc in the House of Representatives. Democrats claim to follow science when in reality they are facists.  I don't hate anyone who identifies as a gender besides their God given sex, but do believe that they are confused at best.  When you hear a  lie long enough you start believing it.  I think this is what the democratic party has done.  Now they are forcing this lie on our children and the public."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91053", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T16:40:00", "title": "Stop this nonsense, don't harrase innocent kids", "text": "Stop this nonsense. Do you want your daughter to share bathroom and locker room with guys?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91054", "author": "Paul Perrone", "date": "2021-01-22T16:44:00", "title": "Stop the Insanity Presented as Loving and Caring", "text": "This policy is ludicrous.  Instead of attempting to help children during their maturation process which is sometimes confusing, the education department is sentencing confused children into life long turmoil under the guise of fairness.  This is not loving or kind, but merely a political payoff to a well funded lobby that would like everyone to submit to their lifestyle choices. It is contrary to science and will only lead to more heartache and destruction in the future.  Moreover, it is in violation of the First Amendment which protects the rights of parents in freely practicing their religion.  (Which you suspiciously left out in your description.) Do not put this policy in place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91055", "author": "Effected & Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-22T16:45:00", "title": "I strongly & whole-heartedly disagree with this proposed policy.", "text": "I strongly & whole-heartedly disagree with this proposed policy for the following reasons: The proposed regulations infringe upon the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children in a manner that reflects their values The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to the issues of sex and gender identity. No child should be compelled to share private settings such as showers or locker rooms with a member of the opposite biological sex. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Please respect the rights of parents and the well-being of students and do not enact the proposed changes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91056", "author": "Joseph", "date": "2021-01-22T16:45:00", "title": "Don't eat a bowl of stupid!", "text": "See comment regarding Transgender policies and indoctrination. Lets actually tell kids the truth and not submit them to further confusion and make them think they can change their gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91057", "author": "Jane A. Quill", "date": "2021-01-22T16:46:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "As a former teacher and elementary school principal, I want to speak out against the transgender policy in the Fairfax County Public Schools. NO schools should be promoting any POLICY about sex. Apart from the fact that children are male or female, this policy promotes personal confusion, social problems and difficulties for parents who under no circumstance accept this immoral teaching. I would suggest that the Fairfax County Public Schools get back to teaching the normal curriculum for each grade and STOP promoting social policies. The result of not concentrating on the curriculum is that students are now UNEDUCATED and ill-informed. As a result, corporations can NOT hire students from the Fairfax County Public Schools since they are NOT prepared for the REAL world. As a result, more of them are committing suicide and turning to drugs and crime. Jane A. Quill 3179 Lindenwood Lane Fairfax, VA 22031"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91058", "author": "Dr. William Olsen", "date": "2021-01-22T16:48:00", "title": "Transgender indoctrination", "text": "I am opposed to teaching transgender as an assignment of sex at birth. I believe that we are all born with a biological sex and our DNA proves that fact. I also believe that parents have the right to teach their children what the Bible says about being born as male or female and that the government has no compelling right to deny them of that teaching. I also believe that present laws protect so-called transgender children through the no bullying statutes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91059", "author": "Marilyn Knoppp", "date": "2021-01-22T16:50:00", "title": "Opposition to DOE Proposed Transgender School Policies", "text": "I am writing to strongly oppose the Virginia DOE Proposed Transgender School Policies.  Current school policies already protect transgender students, together with all students in Virginia public schools, from discrimination.  These new proposed policies go far beyond this protection to single out transgender students for privileged treatment above other students.  The result of these policies will be the denying of rights to other students such as the rights to privacy, freedom of association, parental involvement, and a school environment free of coercion.  There is also much medical evidence coming to light as to the devastating affects of encouraging gender confusion in children.  Encouraging children  to decide for themselves if they are male or female irregardless of their biological gender and DNA is emotionally detrimental; and if they are encouraged to pursue a course of medical gender transition, the devastating physical outcomes are also well documented.  These polices are not for the good of our children, but are being used to promote a political agenda which will also further lessen the effectiveness of our educational system as valuable personnel and material resources are spent on enforcement of these polices rather than on a sound academic education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91060", "author": "Gail Dove", "date": "2021-01-22T16:50:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I am saddened by this atrocious “Guidance Document”. Children being used as political pawns by misguided adults has no place in our schools or our culture. God have mercy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91061", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T16:51:00", "title": "Do not put our kids in a potentially dangerous situation!", "text": "Do not put our kids in a potentially dangerous situation!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91062", "author": "Gabriel Holliday", "date": "2021-01-22T16:58:00", "title": "Unacceptable", "text": "This is unacceptable and should be allowed to be taught to our children of any age. This should be left up to the parents to teach. This is a disgrace and a abomination."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91063", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T16:59:00", "title": "Transgender policies harmful to majority of students", "text": "Students who are sincerely struggling with gender issues should seek professional help handling it, always with their parents involvement, if it is to be successful.  That said, it is very short sighted and harmful to the majority of students, or any students, who don't have those issues, to be subjected to all the problems your new policies would create. The students who are not struggling with this issue would have their personal space, modesty, untroubled attitude, and play in sports, for starters, all be questioned if not outright attacked. All this harm to untroubled students would not even benefit who it's supposed to help since even with much professional help they still have many issues to resolve."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91064", "author": "Phillip Higgins", "date": "2021-01-22T16:59:00", "title": "I strongly oppose the new Transgendered Public School Policy", "text": "I am writing to strongly oppose the Virginia DOE Proposed Transgender School Policies.  Current school policies already protect transgender students, together with all students in Virginia public schools, from discrimination.  These new proposed policies go far beyond this protection to single out transgender students for privileged treatment above other students.  The result of these policies will be the denying of rights to other students such as the rights to privacy, freedom of association, parental involvement, and a school environment free of coercion.  There is also much medical evidence coming to light as to the devastating affects of encouraging gender confusion in children.  Encouraging children  to decide for themselves if they are male or female irregardless of their biological gender and DNA is emotionally detrimental; and if they are encouraged to pursue a course of medical gender transition, the devastating physical outcomes are also well documented.  These polices are not for the good of our children, but are being used to promote a political agenda which will also further lessen the effectiveness of our educational system as valuable personnel and material resources are spent on enforcement of these polices rather than on a sound academic education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91065", "author": "Patricia Hamburger, DoD", "date": "2021-01-22T16:59:00", "title": "Strongly disagree with gender, transgender teaching in schools", "text": "At a time when our country is significantly behind other countries in the areas of reading, writing, math, science, languages, etc. even though those other countries spend much less money on education than we do, I truly believe those should be the things that are taught in our schools.  By trying to weave in gender and transgender issues which can be very confusing for many children and even teens, it requires teachers to be \"pretend\" psychologists without the training or understanding to be effective and can cause significant harm to young people.  We need our teachers to focus on their area of education/expertise and learn the best ways to be effective in teaching the core subjects that we expect our children to learn at school to be able to succeed in future jobs and life.  If a child truly struggles with a gender issue, that is the place to have a well qualified counselor (Take the money you would spend on incorporating gender into other studies and spend it on getting outstanding, well-trained counselors while better preparing teachers to teach their core subjects!) work with the child in combination with the parents, but that is no reason to take up valuable core-subject classroom time for everyone which will by definition keep them from learning the topics needed to succeed and also potentially confuse children that have absolutely no question about their gender.  As a woman with many female friends who have been successful athletes, I also 100% disagree with having anyone with male genetics and hormones compete in women's sports.  That is not fair to young girls and women and is terrible for their self-esteem.  We need to FOLLOW THE SCIENCE on this.  Males have a biological advantage.  It is totally not fair to future opportunities, including athletic scholarship opportunities for girls.  We've spent years trying to get funding into schools for girls sports only to now consider disadvantaging biological girls in sports."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91066", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T17:00:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "I strongly oppose these policies.  This is the parent's responsibility; not government.  Some of these policy changes are a real danger to our society and our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91067", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T17:00:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the transgender policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education, as they would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity. Please do not enact the proposed changes!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91068", "author": "Adam Gifford", "date": "2021-01-22T17:02:00", "title": "Bad Policy", "text": "this measure could penalize parents who would encourage their child’s birth gender, and also provides no religious exception for students or teachers who would have different beliefs. It is neither moral nor ethical to favor one persons freedom of speech over another. If this measure passes, the failure of logical foresight as to the issues this would cause would be shameful."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91069", "author": "Robert", "date": "2021-01-22T17:04:00", "title": "This transgender policy does not support biological reality.", "text": "Haven't you read that in the beginning, our Creator made us either male or female? We do not make that decision, our Creator made that decision for us at the point of conception. Does your own biological body not teach you this most basic concept of our existence on this planet? So how is it that you profess yourself to be wise by creating gender confusion among the people of Virginia through your appointed policies that ignore the basics of mankind? Why do the nations rebel and the people plot in vain?  The governor of Virginia and certain delegates and people take their stand and conspire together against their Creator saying, \"Let us tear off their chains and free ourselves from their restraints.  The one enthroned in Heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them.  Then, He speaks to them in His anger and terrifies them in His wrath. So now governor and delegates, and people... be wise, receive instruction, return to sanity, and end your foolishness with \"transgender\" confusion policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91070", "author": "James Hutton", "date": "2021-01-22T17:05:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Students can be supported when struggling with any personal issues and confusion regarding gender identity without resorting to adopting curriculum and instruction that creates more issues and confusion for students who are not struggling with this. Appropriate support for a transgender student who is being bullied is to teach bullies that their action is wrong, not to try and convince the bully and every other student, bully or not, that the transgender student is right and allow their confusion or ideology to negatively impact countless other students and families. This is not education. It is indoctrination to an opinion that is not shared by everyone. Our education system should teach character that is easily agreed upon by the families it serves, not attempt to have everyone think the same way on issues that are not easily agreed upon by the majority of families that are entitled to public education in the United States. It is agreeable to teach that bullying is wrong. This will not create controversy. It is not agreeable to teach that gender is fluid and that genders are randomly assigned at birth. This will create enormous controversy, and this isn't the role of our educational system. Legislators need to think of better ways to help students, families, and teachers. This is NOT a good idea."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91071", "author": "Concerned Virginian", "date": "2021-01-22T17:08:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "No explanation necessary.  This is wrong, wrong, wrong.  Not only goes against Common Sense, but Decentcy and Morality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91072", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T17:08:00", "title": "Gender Identity", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91073", "author": "Jane Quill", "date": "2021-01-22T17:09:00", "title": "Transgender Policy   Virginia", "text": "As a former teacher and principal, as a citizen and as a resident of Fairfax County, I do NOT approve your \"Transgender Policy.\" Preferred pronouns, gender expression of sexual identity at school without knowledge of parents, subjective gender identity, reporting parents for child abuse if they disagree with this immoral policy, transgender bathrooms and locker rooms, outlandish  dress codes, allowing girls to go topless in pools because boys do, interrogating students about what their parents think and ignoring the religious beliefs of families are all OUTRAGEOUS in my opinion. Schools must get back to the curricula at each grade level NOW and STOP this socialist propaganda. If schools do not teach the curriculum, they should be defunded immediately! Jane Quill 3179 Lindenwood Lane Fairfax, VA 22031"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91074", "author": "Margaret K. Reynolds", "date": "2021-01-22T17:09:00", "title": "Respect children and their parents!", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91075", "author": "LaVerne Waybright", "date": "2021-01-22T17:10:00", "title": "Terrible policy", "text": "This is a terrible policy that affects both sexes, male and female.  It especially harms the females who are the fairest sex.  Dispose of this policy which is helping the homosexuals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91076", "author": "Diane Fiazza", "date": "2021-01-22T17:11:00", "title": "Vehemently oppose transgender proposal!", "text": "As a former teacher I vehemently am against this proposal from the VA Department of Education encouraging gender confusion and emotional harm among its students by allowing girls in boys bathrooms and locker rooms and visa versa.  At this age, that is a travesty and a disgrace! The proposal is also filled with deception and poor policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91077", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T17:14:00", "title": "Stongly Oppose", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91078", "author": "DR. FRANK ZALAR", "date": "2021-01-22T17:14:00", "title": "STOP TAKEOVER OF CHILDREN GENDER DETERMINATIONS BY LOUDOUN CO. SCHOOL BOARD!", "text": "MUST STOP THE INTRUSION OF LOCAL AND STATE EDUCATION INTO QUESTIONS OF GENDER AND SEXUALITY WHICH ARE THE LEGITIMATE DOMAIN OF PARENTS.  THIS IS MORE OVERREACH BY GOVERNMENT!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91079", "author": "John W", "date": "2021-01-22T17:15:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "At a time when our country is significantly behind other countries in the areas of reading, writing, math, science, languages, etc. even though those other countries spend much less money on education than we do, I truly believe those should be the things that are taught in our schools.  By trying to weave in gender and transgender issues which can be very confusing for many children and even teens, it requires teachers to be \"pretend\" psychologists without the training or understanding to be effective and can cause significant harm to young people.  We need our teachers to focus on their area of education/expertise and learn the best ways to be effective in teaching the core subjects that we expect our children to learn at school to be able to succeed in future jobs and life.  If a child truly struggles with a gender issue, that is the place to have a well qualified counselor (Take the money you would spend on incorporating gender into other studies and spend it on getting outstanding, well-trained counselors while better preparing teachers to teach their core subjects!) work with the child in combination with the parents, but that is no reason to take up valuable core-subject classroom time for everyone which will by definition keep them from learning the topics needed to succeed and also potentially confuse children that have absolutely no question about their identity. I also 100% disagree with having anyone with male genetics and hormones compete in women's sports.  That is not fair to young girls and women and is terrible for their self-esteem.  We need to FOLLOW THE SCIENCE on this.  Males have a biological advantage.  It is totally not fair to future opportunities, including athletic scholarship opportunities for girls.  We've spent years trying to get funding into schools for girls sports only to now consider disadvantaging biological girls in sports."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91080", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T17:19:00", "title": "Opening Pandora's Box", "text": "These proposed policies place an unreasonable burden on our kids at a place (school) and time (the school day) to protect themselves when their time and energy should be focused on their studies. I  spoke to a recent graduate from a Virginia Beach public high school last week. She was grateful she was out and scared for those young girls still in school if this comes to pass. She stated consensual sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, stairwells was already a problem in her high school. These new proposed policies would only increase that problem many times over while at the same time completely undermining the school environment as a place for learning. If that was not cause enough to reject these proposals then certainly the blatant attempt to place barriers between the student/parent relationship should be. If adopted as proposed, I see a great exodus from public education which is certainly something I would highly recommend to any parent concerned about their child's well-being."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91081", "author": "Peter Schmidt", "date": "2021-01-22T17:24:00", "title": "Respect the fundamental rights of parents to bring up their children", "text": "If public schools are allowed, let alone required, to adhere to the proposed guidelines, they will unleash substantial harm on families. They will step into the role, previously reserved to parents, to guide children through one of the most personal and private transitions of life, namely their attitudes toward their own sexuality. It's one thing to teach students about sex and procreation; it's entirely another to \"counsel\" them about topics such as gender identity without parental involvement. Please respect the foundation of human society as it has been known and developed over millennia: the family."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91082", "author": "joe sixpak", "date": "2021-01-22T17:24:00", "title": "UNconstitutional", "text": "This planned teaching approach wrt 'gender'  is UNconstitutional. This teaching is also illogical and tries to ignore true facts and replace them with woke PC lies. It would be the teaching of a religion founded on evil and doing what satan wants done to destroy the USA before Armageddon arrives. It would be another assault on religion and what the majority knows is correct.  Unfortunately too many people who say they are 'christians'  are mistaken and deluding themselves by staying silent. The constitution guarantees us freedom OF religion not freedom FROM religion.  And this attempt to further destroy the truth must be stopped now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91083", "author": "Kim McFee", "date": "2021-01-22T17:28:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "This is not protecting all children's rights.  The state education officials are not including kids’ bodily safety and privacy into their definition of “safe for all.” Because according to this policy, schools must allow boys identifying as girls, for instance, to use the girls’ bathrooms or change in female locker rooms and this can all be done without ever notifying parents. Sadly, no one ever talks about the harm done to very young girls, for example, who feel powerless to expect physical privacy in the present of biological males, not to mention young men who don’t want to change in front of biological girls. Also, considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91084", "author": "Alan Preisser", "date": "2021-01-22T17:28:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "This program will cause gender confusion in students at their most vulnerable stage of life. It will also endanger girls by having boys comingling with them while in the locker room in partial states of dress, and it will destroy any privacy they may desire. Further, parents are responsible for their children until the age of 18 y/o and this program takes away any knowledge or parental input into the situation! Please do not pursue this terrible program further for the benefit and safety of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91085", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T17:32:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE.  Do not allow this to happen.  Parents need to be in charge of their children not the state!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91086", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T17:34:00", "title": "Being for Transgender Sports is Being Against Women!", "text": "How does the party that claims to be for women propose these policies that eviscerate women's/girl's sports?  There is nothing fair about this, and is damaging to the psyches of women and girls.  News flash - men and women are different!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91087", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T17:39:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "I can't wait for transgender males to take over girl sports. Boy will that make some liberal heads spin off their body! You all deserve exactly what you get for messing with God, nature and science."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91088", "author": "Elizabeth A Blessing", "date": "2021-01-22T17:39:00", "title": "Stop School Administration from Indoctrinating Children with transgender policies", "text": "as a Christian parent , I want to teach my children and grandchildren Biblical values and truths. I want the public school system to support my decision and allow parents to view any materials relating to transgender policies. If they are not in line with Biblical truths, please allow parents to withdraw their children from having to read or participate in activities related to this subject. We believe counseling and information in personal, emotional and purity so matters should come from the family only. Allow the teachers and administrators in our public school system to teach the educational foundations of reading, writing, math, science and social studies as they are trained. Families should be allowed to raise their children with their own values without government interference."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91089", "author": "T", "date": "2021-01-22T17:43:00", "title": "Strongly opposed - New DOE guidelines for transgender students", "text": "We absolutely need to protect, support, and care for children. In situations where students are being deprived of food, shelter, or where words are used to berate them (words used to express a different viewpoint, when shared with kindness, are NOT berating or damaging) or physical harm delivered to them, we should be unmoved in our resolve to protect and give parents tools to support their children. But this policy regarding transgender rights allows for the watering down of what constitutes abuse, leading to unnecessary and dangerous calls for child removal from the home and strips parents of their rights to guide their children. No person should control the flow of information that goes to a parent. This policy will allow for serious subjectivity and bias and tie the hands of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91090", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T17:47:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed.", "text": "I didn't know we were no longer the home of the FREE.  If a person chooses to change their sex, that's their business and to force others to play their charade is wrong on so many levels. If they want to be a different pronoun, that's their business but forcing others to go along with something they don't believe in is saying one person's rights are more important than another person's rights.  Treat everyone with respect, absolutely, but allow teachers and students to use the transgender students first or last name to reference them instead of swallowing the lie of a pronoun. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91091", "author": "Tameka Grimes", "date": "2021-01-22T17:49:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I would like to offer my support for the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. This document demonstrates thoughtful considerations for ways to maintain a safe and inclusive school environment with a specific focus on transgender students. As a former school counselor, I can attest to the positive impact that attending school in an environment that feels safe and welcoming has for transgender and gender non-binary students. Additionally, creating a school environment where one group feels safe (especially a group that has been significantly marginalized) increases the likelihood that all students will feel safe and supported. Many have commented that \"this issue\" should be left to parents. While I agree that parents should have conversations about gender identity with their children, this document more explicitly addresses school safety and culture which is not under the purview of parents. Everyone should feel affirmed in the educational setting and this model policy provides specific guidelines towards that end. My only suggestion would be that all school staff, teachers, and administrators have the requirement of annual training related to LGBTQ+ issues. This directive should not be limited to school mental health professionals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91092", "author": "Thomas Bradley", "date": "2021-01-22T17:51:00", "title": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policy for public schools!", "text": "I am writing to strongly oppose the Virginia DOE Proposed Transgender School Policies.  Current school policies already protect transgender students, together with all students in Virginia public schools, from discrimination.  These new proposed policies go far beyond this protection to single out transgender students for privileged treatment above other students.  The result of these policies will be the denying of rights to other students such as the rights to privacy, freedom of association, parental involvement, and a school environment free of coercion.  There is also much medical evidence coming to light as to the devastating affects of encouraging gender confusion in children.  Encouraging children  to decide for themselves if they are male or female irregardless of their biological gender and DNA is emotionally detrimental; and if they are encouraged to pursue a course of medical gender transition, the devastating physical outcomes are also well documented.  These polices are not for the good of our children, but are being used to promote a political agenda which will also further lessen the effectiveness of our educational system as valuable personnel and material resources are spent on enforcement of these polices rather than on a sound academic education. Plus, this proposed policy makes no allowances for religious exemptions and is therefore a violation of 1st Amendment-Freedom of Religion guarantees  There will be lengthy and expensive court challenges as a result of this which will further strain the already tight school systems budgets. There will be many parents that will simply pull there children out of public school and opt to homeschool rather than subject their children to this indoctrination. That will be a further detriment to Pubic education. You need to think through ALL the ramifications of this action!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91093", "author": "Bill", "date": "2021-01-22T17:56:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Strongly oppose this policy. It is insane. This is not a subject for schools to teach but parents. This is why our education system is falling behind the rest of the world. We are teaching kids things that do not obtain to education but philosophy(religion). Get back to teaching our kids math, reading and writing. I am all for protecting individual rights but not at the expense of what the majority believes to be correct. Please do not sign onto this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91094", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T17:57:00", "title": "I Strongly Oppose Transgender Policies", "text": "I strongly oppose transgender policies in Virginia schools! As a Va. teacher for 42 yrs., I feel that it is damaging to teach gender confusion to minors!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91095", "author": "Bob Riordan", "date": "2021-01-22T18:07:00", "title": "Gender is not negotiable", "text": "Gender is biological. Neither words, policies, laws nor medical intervention can change that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91096", "author": "Holly Mosley", "date": "2021-01-22T18:13:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policy", "text": "I oppose this policy. For one thing, I am the parent and I know what’s best for my children. No one should have the authority to undermine my parental rights. I don’t want my children or anyone else’s children to be confused by these detrimental policies. Why are these policies being introduced? Why are heterosexuals being discriminated against and being forced to agree with psychological damage to their children? Where are the laws that protect underaged children?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91097", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T18:16:00", "title": "Equality Bill", "text": "On Equality bill, I think it'd be great for the trans students to have their safety and be free for who they are! I am one of the trans person, specifically genderfluid, who really needs that bills to pass!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91098", "author": "RIO", "date": "2021-01-22T18:22:00", "title": "Home Schooling Available; Parents ARE the main educator of their children.  Look into home school...", "text": "The Parents ARE the first and main educator of their children.  There are many home schooling businesses now that can help with curriculum, testing, and materials.  This is a great option to accepting a curriculum that is 'unacceptable' to the parent (s).  The taxes we all pay ?  Well, vote for administrators, representatives that are less 'progressive' in their educational agendas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91099", "author": "Chris Bowers", "date": "2021-01-22T18:28:00", "title": "I oppose this radical policy", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE the proposed model policy for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia’s public schools.  In the guise of inclusivity and protective compassion, it promotes a radical anti-family, anti-establishment and anti-science agenda.  It escalates gender confusion, removes student’s privacy, mandates speech, and creates a wealth of punitive measures to use against any student, parent or teacher disagree with or refuse to affirm the “LGBTQ+ cultural competency” it mandates.  If enacted, disagreement with any of the policies can be defined as harassment, bullying and discrimination. It promotes indoctrination by “rewriting of educational content (history, literature and science)” to add ‘transgender affirming content’.  Far from protecting gender-confused students, it directly threatens the free speech, free exercise of religion and freedom of conscience of the entire school community.   This ‘nondiscrimination’ policy appears to be a cudgel created specifically to discriminate against and crush any who disagree with its extreme and harmful transgender ideology. This is NOT the way to educate and protect our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91100", "author": "Affected Parent", "date": "2021-01-22T18:35:00", "title": "Gender Ideology is Child Abuse", "text": "The new, proposed policy goes far beyond prevention and help for trans students and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence.  To push gender ideology and sexualization on children is child abuse. According to the proposed policy, schools must allow boys identifying as girls, for instance, to use the girls’ bathrooms or change in female locker rooms—and this can all be done without ever notifying parents.  This is an utter violation of children's privacy and as well as parental rights. While paying lip service to “safety” and “respect,” the proposed policy obviously disrespects religious and socially conservative families and educators, as well as students who simply want physical privacy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91101", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-22T18:48:00", "title": "Misguided and damaging policy", "text": "Possibly well intended, this transgender public school policy is severely misguided and puts everyone in a vulnerable position. While bullying and abuse should never be tolerated, this is not a logical solution."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91102", "author": "April Morrison", "date": "2021-01-22T18:48:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "The new, proposed policy goes far beyond prevention and help for trans students and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence.  To push gender ideology and sexualization on children is child abuse. According to the proposed policy, schools must allow boys identifying as girls, for instance, to use the girls’ bathrooms or change in female locker rooms—and this can all be done without ever notifying parents.  This is an utter violation of children's privacy and as well as parental rights. While paying lip service to “safety” and “respect,” the proposed policy obviously disrespects religious and socially conservative families and educators, as well as students who simply want physical privacy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91103", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-22T18:51:00", "title": "Follow the science", "text": "It is a scientific fact there are only two sexes.  One is called male and the other is called female.  This truth has existed for thousands of years and this truth will continue to exist no matter what leftist crackpot theories claim otherwise.   Now that you know this fact, indoctrination of children to believe fraudulent information is destructive to children, families, religious beliefs, and society.  It is small wonder the Virginia educational system is declining and becoming dangerous to the mental, physical, and emotional health of children.   Follow the science stupid!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91104", "author": "Rose Davis", "date": "2021-01-22T18:56:00", "title": "I am vehemently opposed to DOE proposed transgender school policy", "text": "I am vehemently opposed to the DOE proposed transgender school policy. Stop government overreach. Protect parental rights. Political and state imposed social engineering mandates are unconstitutional."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91105", "author": "Kristene Jordan", "date": "2021-01-22T19:03:00", "title": "Wholly opposed", "text": "I wholly and completely oppose this proposed DOE proposed policy on Transgender Policy for public schools. It is wrong to adopt a policy that in any way undermines the parents as the primary source of care and leadership, regardless of what a school board member or educator believes. Anti-bullying policies are appropriate, policies that encourage secrecy or force a view on all students for a position held by only some is overstepping boundaries. Represent the majority and vote against this policy rather than pandering to the loud minority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "91106", "author": "Alex", "date": "2021-01-22T19:06:00", "title": "This Will Help So Many Kids", "text": "This could of really really helped me 3 years ago. My school outed me to my parents. I was kicked out of the house and I lived with my friend for the rest of the school year. I had to go to therapy with my parents to be allowed back home. Even then, I endured verbal abuse and more ‘therapy’ through my church until they were satisfied and believed I was “cured”. I am now safe but my high school life would of been a lot easier if this has been in place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96542", "author": "Patrick Meckley", "date": "2021-02-03T21:11:00", "title": "Common sense", "text": "I oppose this document. Let's not confuse children and complicate matters. Keep it simple. Two facailities for two genders. It biology not perception."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96543", "author": "B. Hoffman", "date": "2021-02-03T21:11:00", "title": "Disagree with the proposed policy", "text": "As a parent and a teacher, I oppose the proposed transgender policies to take place in public schools. Parents should be allowed to intervene as needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96544", "author": "Julie K", "date": "2021-02-03T21:11:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender policy", "text": "Strongly oppose this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96545", "author": "Brandy", "date": "2021-02-03T21:11:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose and can not fathom that this is even up for discussion. Schools are for teaching reading, writing, math etc. It is not ok for the school to decide what is taught to my child outside of learning those things. I will not have my children conform and obey a school systems beliefs over our own. We are the parents of these children and have the right to teach them what we believe. The school has absolutely no right to do that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96546", "author": "Lena", "date": "2021-02-03T21:12:00", "title": "NOT SUPPORT", "text": "NOT SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96547", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:12:00", "title": "Support", "text": "strongly support!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96548", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:12:00", "title": "transgender guidelines", "text": "Strongly oppose. This takes away parents rights to seek counseling for students who have gender dysphoria. If a student wants help, they have the right to receive it. \"Conversion therapy\"  does not exist and is a term used to scare people. Therapy for those who want help with this transgenderism is similar to therapy for anorexia. The term \"evidence-based\" is used very loosely here. No hate here. Love all children. Science is very shoddy and one-sided in this study."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96549", "author": "Catalina Marquez", "date": "2021-02-03T21:12:00", "title": "Strongly Support!!!", "text": "Protect all trans kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96550", "author": "Concerned mother of four", "date": "2021-02-03T21:13:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "Strongly oppose! I strongly oppose this policy. Do not take away the rights of our biological boys and biological girls to have safe and private restrooms and changing rooms without the fear of opposite biological sexed people in their safe spaces. Do not take away the rights of biological girls to fair competition in sports."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96551", "author": "Elizabeth Couchmsn", "date": "2021-02-03T21:13:00", "title": "I support this", "text": "I support this. All students should feel safe while at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96552", "author": "Paul Wooldridge", "date": "2021-02-03T21:14:00", "title": "Absolutely and strongly SUPPORT!", "text": "This guidance is long overdue for VA Dept of Ed, other departments and agencies in VA, plus the same in all other United States. My kids grew up in Fairfax County schools in VA. I have a transgender son who came out his sophomore year of high school. He was incredibly brave and resourceful in educating the school administrators how to make changes within the school systems in order to make him be more welcome and accepted as who he was, as the administrators had limited experience in such matters, plus had no guidelines from the county school board or the State DOE. The school administrators also were unprepared to anticipate and then handle discriminatory actions by faculty that included homophobic slurs, offensive attempts at gender humor, unsolicited and unacceptable personal questions, and, of course, no concrete approach to providing adequate bathroom allowances. A true effective learning environment for all students requires a diverse, accepting environment for all students, no matter who they are, what their differences are, who they love, or how they dress. Any religion I ever studied held a common theme that God loves all humans and accepts his diverse creation no matter what. All people deserve equal, human rights, no matter who they are. Thank you for taking this very important step in VA, plus for your courage being one of the first state legislatures to pave the way for this country wide. This will greatly help countless students going forward who, like my trans son, just happen to be different than you, me, and many others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96553", "author": "Tanya Kilimnik", "date": "2021-02-03T21:14:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. No No No", "text": "Strongly oppose. No No No"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96554", "author": "Abby Roae", "date": "2021-02-03T21:14:00", "title": "I strongly support", "text": "this should be implemented every where ! I strongly support this policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96555", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:14:00", "title": "No. Just no.", "text": "This policy would open a whole new “can of worms.” The fact that a school would be prohibited from telling the parent about a biological male using the same changing facility as a female is ridiculous. So many false allegations and other mishappenings could easily come from this. Not to mention the easy access for underage and unsafe sex and abuse would be easily accessible. Another concern is the fact that those parents who chose to teach their children about their God-given gender and identity would be more than likely frowned upon and open to bullying. Due to religious beliefs this definitely would cross a major line in numerous religions. I am definitely opposed I this and think it should NOT be passed. If it does then you will see the downfall of public education because parents will simply feel like their children are unsafe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96556", "author": "Jane", "date": "2021-02-03T21:14:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "for the safety of our children I strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96557", "author": "Anonymous Mom", "date": "2021-02-03T21:15:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!", "text": "The schools should not have the right to push this nonsense on our children. I do agree to teach your children to love one another even if different. But seriously this is beyond ridiculous. Let the parents parent their children. Also when I was in school I would have felt very uncomfortable using a bathroom/locker room with the opposite sex so I don't agree with the bathroom policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96558", "author": "Lynn woolwine", "date": "2021-02-03T21:15:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96559", "author": "Grace Weniger", "date": "2021-02-03T21:15:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This change in policy will have detrimental effects to our children, and will put many girls at risk of sexual assault. What will it take to decide that the safety of our daughters is an important matter as well?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96560", "author": "Taras Mauch", "date": "2021-02-03T21:15:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a parent, this is exactly the type of evidence based public policy I want to see implemented in my community. It is abundantly clear that the opposition has a fundamental misunderstanding of the intent and scope of these guidelines, which is unfortunate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96561", "author": "Parent of 3 VA public school children", "date": "2021-02-03T21:15:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree", "text": "I urge you to reconsider. This a disgrace to parents and students. There are many religious beliefs you are trying to disrespect. I think transgender students should be handled on a case by case basis privately with administrators and accommodations made with in reason. But the rights and safety of my children who identify with their God given gender shouldnt have their rights infringed upon by those who decide to live different nor should their safety be risked by another gender entering their bathroom. It is not your right to discipline a child without contacting a parent either. You have a problem I want to know, I raise my children not the school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96562", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:16:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Menstrual products should not be in the boys bathroom. While every student deserves respect, fair treatment and equal education opportunity, this policy goes too far and will create more problems than it solves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96563", "author": "Alison", "date": "2021-02-03T21:16:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Trans students should be supported and protected from bullying and harassment.  They deserve to be free to express their identities and to have the opportunity to thrive.  These policies seem like a step in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96564", "author": "A Very Concerned Student", "date": "2021-02-03T21:16:00", "title": "An Immodest Proposal", "text": "I am shocked, grieved and frightened by this proposal. To even suggest that the culture and the government care more for the well-being of any student than the student's own parents is in nearly all cases absurd. That any child should be in danger of sexual exploitation in the bathrooms and changing rooms because of another student's feelings about their identity on any given day is a horrible prospect. If any of you believe that schools should be a safe place, I beg you to consider how dangerous this proposal would make them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96565", "author": "Samuel Matthew Garcia", "date": "2021-02-03T21:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this is not a civil rights issue this is privilege", "text": "I don't understand why this anti-science move is being awarded. This is not a civil rights issue. Please stop."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96566", "author": "Julie Benkovitz", "date": "2021-02-03T21:16:00", "title": "I support trans youth", "text": "I am a parent of a child of the lgbtq+ community. He had struggled in school both in Henrico county and Powhatan county. Although the staff in the school is very supportive, the issues that are faced daily make it difficult to feel safe and comfortable as a student. He has to use the clinic bathroom and gets bullied for being himself. He is an awesome, compassionate individual who deserves - all students deserve to feel safe at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96567", "author": "Brian", "date": "2021-02-03T21:17:00", "title": "NO SUPPORT. What next...any thing goes for pedophiles?", "text": "Outrageous! You are out of your minds.  Please throw away this garbage legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96568", "author": "C. Wolfrey", "date": "2021-02-03T21:17:00", "title": "Support Trans Kids!", "text": "Protect Trans Lives!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96569", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:17:00", "title": "Transgender mandates", "text": "These mandates obviate the role of parents in protecting their children.  The state does not have the right to use tax dollars to override conscientious objections to this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96570", "author": "Mark Anderson", "date": "2021-02-03T21:18:00", "title": "I support!", "text": "i believe in equality !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96571", "author": "K.B.", "date": "2021-02-03T21:18:00", "title": "Oppose!", "text": "Children should feel safe at school, not wondering who might be peeking at them in the bathroom. Strongly opposed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96572", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:19:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96573", "author": "Jack Brynda", "date": "2021-02-03T21:19:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Why disregard science, that is - biology!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96574", "author": "Virginia Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T21:19:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "While the thought of anyone being bullied is horrible we can not support this bill as written. Please don't overreach by taking away parent's rights and forcing these topics on young children. There is a place for these discussions but it's not in elementary school. Please also keep mind that young girls and boys might not be comfortable with members of the opposite sex in their restrooms and locker rooms. Write a bill that addresses safe solutions for all of children! And for the love of all that is good please don't teach the nonsense \"that sex is arbitrarily “assigned” to babies at birth\". Just teach the subjects that will help our children graduate and move on from this school system!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96575", "author": "Kendra Sheard", "date": "2021-02-03T21:19:00", "title": "Transgender school bill", "text": "I strongly oppose this bill! It will put girls as young as 5 at risk for exploitation and violence at the hands of male students. It is an assault on women's rights and violates our Title IX rights. Passing this bill would violate the dignity and safety of all women in Virginia, takes a massive step backwards towards inequality, and excludes us from fair and equal participation in sports. This is insanity and reflective of your complete disregard for the women of Virginia. You will disenfranchise and anger millions of women by passing such ludicrous legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96576", "author": "Ellen Wilkinson", "date": "2021-02-03T21:20:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!!", "text": "This proposal will adversely affect women's sports programs.  Biological males will be competing against us women and THIS IS NOT FAIR.  Stop this insane transgender nonsense!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96577", "author": "Roxana Solis", "date": "2021-02-03T21:20:00", "title": "Every student deserves respect", "text": "Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but someone’s identity is not an opinion. It is a bathroom and everyone has the right to a bathroom. As a student who identifies as Non-binary, it is upsetting to be misgendered or looked the wrong way simply for having to use the girls bathroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96578", "author": "Lisa Cole", "date": "2021-02-03T21:20:00", "title": "Opposing the \"Model policies for the treatment of transgender students in VAPS", "text": "I wanted to state I'm opposed to the policies in this document which have restrooms and locker rooms open to any student and forbids educators/administrators from questioning them.  This will cause problems and will be abused by students who aren't truly transgender or gender fluid.  In trying to make some feel safe, this policy will make no student safe. I am opposed to the whole policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96579", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:20:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Opposed to this proposal.  Parents are responsible for caring for their children, not a government mandate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96580", "author": "Ben", "date": "2021-02-03T21:20:00", "title": "Support Support", "text": "Absolutely support this bill"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96581", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:21:00", "title": "Absolutely NOT", "text": "This is absurd and will be leading to things happening that shouldn’t be happening in bathrooms and locker rooms i general. Sports should be based on their given abilities. Girls will not hold near the abilities as boys and vice versa. I just can’t understand how that is fair for either student. Parents have every right to know as the child is technically under the age of 18 and they are responsible for the child not the school. Their is no grounds there. Schools need to take a step back and   Take into consideration how uncomfortable this is going to make others as well. I certainly don’t want a girl looking at my son in the boys locker room who “may” identify as a boy who’s to question. You may as well let them all dress and have community bathrooms and locker rooms that they all use.(sarcasm inserted) I’m beyond upset this is even being considered and may look to boy only private schools if this becomes a thing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96582", "author": "Virginia Council on LGBTQ+ Advocacy", "date": "2021-02-03T21:21:00", "title": "Strongly support this!", "text": "The VA Council on LGBTQ+ Advocacy strongly supports this. Thank you for your consideration!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96583", "author": "B Klein", "date": "2021-02-03T21:21:00", "title": "Transgender Student School Policies", "text": "This policy goes waaay too far by stripping parents of their authority over their own children, being secretive, causing more confusion and fear of saying the wrong pronoun or not obeying their child’s wishes and to students and teachers and parents who do not adhere to this radical policy.  Students can change daily,if desired,  their sexual identity whenever they feel like it and teachers, parents, and children will be reprimanded if they do not address them with the proper pronoun.   Parents ought to be able to help guide their child until an adult. That said ,” transgender “ children should be respected and not bullied, as any other student. This policy as written, is too restrictive, not allowing for freedom of speech, freedom of religious beliefs which have molded our country and policies for centuries. Please, please, please, let’s rewrite this so there is freedom for ALL."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96584", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:21:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "What about the other students who will be uncomfortable in the locker rooms because a boy who wants to be a girl is changing with them?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96585", "author": "Sherry", "date": "2021-02-03T21:21:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Opposed to this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96586", "author": "Atticus Gore", "date": "2021-02-03T21:21:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "As a member of the LGBT community, providing equal protections for marginalized groups is extremely important and should be passed to ensure the success of all students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96587", "author": "Moses Perez", "date": "2021-02-03T21:22:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly Oppose for those rights to be allowed by our government."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96588", "author": "Sharon Thayer", "date": "2021-02-03T21:22:00", "title": "Absolutely NO to transgenders going into bathrooms if the opposite sex.", "text": "I am absolutely opposed to boys being allowed in girls locker rooms and bathrooms. What in the world are you trying to do to our children? Give the transgenders their own bathroom. Girls are going to be spied on or raped. Governor Northam, it’s bad enough you are for killing babies, now you want to make it open season for gang rape. You and your cronies have ruined our great state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96589", "author": "S Evans", "date": "2021-02-03T21:22:00", "title": "Absolutely OPPOSE this!", "text": "Absolutely OPPOSE this! Against every moral and family value."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96590", "author": "RICHMOND GLSEN", "date": "2021-02-03T21:22:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "The Richmond chapter of GLSEN strongly supports this effort."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96591", "author": "Jaime", "date": "2021-02-03T21:22:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "This is a slippery slope. I am in favor of finding a solution to ensure that people who feel the need to transition are embraced with love, but I am not in favor of any of these actions, and I fervently oppose adopting this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96592", "author": "Michael Wu", "date": "2021-02-03T21:23:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE ! THIS IS RIDICULOUS !!", "text": "God made man and woman, all other genders were created by men, not from God."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96593", "author": "Jessica Berry", "date": "2021-02-03T21:23:00", "title": "PROTECT OUR TRANS KIDS", "text": "Please protect our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96594", "author": "Leah Daniel", "date": "2021-02-03T21:23:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Policy", "text": "This is wrong. To go behind a parents back and try to convince an innocent child of this is horrible. Stay out the house and teach children how to read and write."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96595", "author": "Fairfax  parent", "date": "2021-02-03T21:23:00", "title": "shame!", "text": "To propagandize children with the transgender ideology is a human rights offense of the gravest kind. The \"Laws of Nature of Nature's God\" cry out against this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96596", "author": "Concerned Virginia parent and citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T21:23:00", "title": "I strongly oppose transgenderism being encouraged in schools. It is damaging to all exposed.", "text": "Children are not able to make this type of decision about their body before their body is fully formed. Their parents have a right to know what is going on. Other children in the school should not be exposed to this kind of behavior. Boys should never have access to girls locker rooms and vice versa. There are reasons that they are separated. A bathroom needs to be completely private and should never be accessed by the opposite gender weather or not the child “feels like” the opposite sex. This is damaging to our society and the future of our country and world. Children should be children and they should not have to be exposed to this type of brainwashing. You are born with one sex, accepting it and embracing it should be encouraged and not discouraged. Everything else needs to be addressed by the parents and not the school or teacher. Any problem should be discussed with a parent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96597", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:24:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "no"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96598", "author": "Christopher Bowman", "date": "2021-02-03T21:24:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96599", "author": "parent, former educator", "date": "2021-02-03T21:24:00", "title": "very strongly opposed!!", "text": "PLEASE do not do this!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96600", "author": "S Gluck", "date": "2021-02-03T21:24:00", "title": "LGBTQ agenda in schools j", "text": "I absolutely oppose adopting this agenda. It is wrong for the state and the country."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96601", "author": "Michael Squire", "date": "2021-02-03T21:24:00", "title": "Adamantly oppose", "text": "The government should not be strong persecuting children and parents for their beliefs.  This is against the the first amendment which allows free speech and freedom of religion.  It is completely outrageous that children would be taken from their home and their parents because they disagree with a militant minority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96602", "author": "Nedra", "date": "2021-02-03T21:25:00", "title": "In Support", "text": "Simply put, if this proposal for model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia public schools had been the operating policy for the treatment of transgender students in the Kentucky public schools that I attended, I would have had a much less stressful time coming to know myself as transgender, would have had a more fruitful time in school, and been a more successful student because of it. I firmly believe the well-researched and evidence based positions this proposal motivates for it's model policies would improve outcomes for all students; even cis students benefit when their Trans peers can know themselves thoroughly and publicly, without fear or professional, academic, or social friction. Nedra (they/them)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96603", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:25:00", "title": "Protect transgender students and staff!", "text": "I strongly support protecting transgender students at all Virginia schools!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96604", "author": "G Klein", "date": "2021-02-03T21:25:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I have several objections regarding the proposed regulations. In effort to protect students regarding sexual identity matters the regulations overreach. They endanger the safety of students (especially females) by permitting access to rest rooms and licker rooms, they infringe on parental rights by degrading the parents roles in such an important matter their children face, they provide problematic use of pronoun protections that cannot effectively be enforced resulting in potential capricious disciplinary actions against teachers and students, and they infringe on respect of traditional religious beliefs of many that have consistently endured for centuries."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96605", "author": "David Aponte, GLSEN Northern Virginia", "date": "2021-02-03T21:26:00", "title": "STRONG SUPPORT", "text": "According to GLSEN’s 2019 National School Climate Survey, 20% or more of students surveyed in Virginia are prevented from using the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity, using the locker room corresponding to their gender identity, and using their chosen name and pronouns. It is long past time that we do right by trans students and their allies in school communities across Virginia. I strongly support this proposal as does GLSEN. You have our support in passing it and in implementing it across northern Virginia schools!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96606", "author": "R Gluck", "date": "2021-02-03T21:26:00", "title": "Oppose implementing this agenda.", "text": "I absolutely oppose adopting this agenda. It is wrong for the state and the country."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96607", "author": "Not a happy parent!", "date": "2021-02-03T21:26:00", "title": "This TOO much! Oppose!!!!", "text": "This is awful! These policies are written for advocate groups and special donors. This is not what our kids need! It is not the responsibility of the school division to raise children. God made them! A guidance counselor should not be encouraging them to try to be a he/she or both. These are conversations for parents!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96608", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T21:26:00", "title": "I strongly oppose", "text": "Hi, I have nothing against same gender adults around the same age with each other. I oppose it when it is children. I believe undesturbed children should play with other children their same age. By play I mean sports, recreational activities and doing kid things. Yes, there might be a child with more advanced thoughts or experiences. I wish that child to always know its only play time and nothing more. I don't want my children returning to me sexulized or even pondering it in any symbolic, mystical, artistic, political or nuanced way. My fear is that society today is taking youth and streamlining them for a confused existence that is more than a simple challenge for parents. I don't want my kids playing doctor with other kids today. I prefer them to not know any of these things until they are over 10. Finally, I want my kids to be respectful to all walks of life but always be aware and listen to the seeds of thought coming from others. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96609", "author": "J", "date": "2021-02-03T21:27:00", "title": "No way", "text": "I am amazed that anyone would condone this. Obvious violation of our parental rights and religious freedoms. Some of these young kids are still learning to count, tie their shoes, etc. and the government thinks they have the mental maturity to \"decide\" their gender?? Another tactic of destroying the family dynamic. Drugs have already taken a toll on our families and now the school systems are encouraging another divide. This has nothing to do with education but clearly indoctrination. Those support this agenda, have every right to encourage this behavior at their own homes. The ones that oppose it, also have the right to teach their beliefs to their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96610", "author": "Nancy", "date": "2021-02-03T21:27:00", "title": "In support of Transgender rights and protective policies", "text": "I am in support of any and all states who support transgender rights and provide protective policies. Especially to the youth of their communities. Thank you for this forum to help educate people on the need for equality to ALL people, regardless of gender identities and sexual orientation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96611", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:28:00", "title": "Transgender Proposal - Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposals put forth.  Any attempt to force this issue will be very divisive and unfair to ALL children and Educators. If it’s that important to those proposing, then work through the process to put it forward as a voting referendum to the Virginia Constitution.  Put it forward this year on the Gubernatorial platform. If those proposing it are proud of their effort they will be happy to have this issue debated by the Candidates and all affected voices will be heard."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96612", "author": "Ben", "date": "2021-02-03T21:28:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "Strongly OPPOSE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96613", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T21:28:00", "title": "Vehemently oppose.", "text": "I vehemently oppose and disagree with  this Transgender policy.  It is state sanctioned child abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96614", "author": "Matthew", "date": "2021-02-03T21:28:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy.  Changing the rights of our biological male and female children for a small percentage of confused and misguided children is not the answer.  There are other avenues we can explore in order to resolve these concerns, but forcing children of each sex to coexist, in what should be private areas and compete against one another in athletic activities, is just wrong.  This should not be forced upon our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96615", "author": "Karen L Whitlock", "date": "2021-02-03T21:28:00", "title": "TRANSGENDER POLICY IS RECKLESS", "text": "Our poor children! Why can't they enjoy their youth? Why must they be exploited and manipulated by social activists who just use them to push their own deviant agendas? Transgender programs DO NOT belong in the public education system: If any young person struggles with learning, physical, social, or emotional issues, then a nurse, counselor, or caring teacher can initiate private support. There are policies in place now for struggling students. Public education has deteriorated, so to divert attention from this widespread abysmal failure, social radicals have to create their next victim/cause. Also, transgender males should never compete against females in sports. They have a natural advantage and can deprive female athletes of scholarships. Protect young people from this dangerous trend."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96616", "author": "Leo", "date": "2021-02-03T21:29:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policy. PARENTS - must not be left out of THEIR child's decision regarding such a life altering action.  Taking action without parental knowledge is unacceptable.  I can't fathom why any school district would prevent a parent from knowing what is happening to their child.  What I find hypocritical is that a school system MUST notify a parent if they are giving the student a \"Tylenol\" or \"Advil\" for a headache, but will take a girl out of the school to an abortion clinic to have an abortion, all WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT.  That's crazy. BIOLOGICAL GIRLS/WOMEN - must be protected at all costs.  The hyper-sexualization of women and girls is unacceptable in today's society.  Allowing biological boys who identify as a girl to use girl designated bathrooms or locker rooms is unacceptable and a threat to girl/women safety. Case in point, in another state, a transgender boy (biologically a male) identifying as a girl was allowed to use the girls locker room.  Three girls complained about the situation that they felt uncomfortable and threatened by the boy's presence and school administration continued to allow the boy to use that locker room.  The administration allowed this despite the boy's inappropriate behavior while in the girls locker room, while in his underwear, the boy would prance and gyrate his hips in a sexual manner in front of the girls. They felt very threatened by his behavior.  The three girls decided to use an alternate locker room to feel \"safe.\"  However the trans-boy followed them to the locker room and while the girls were changing, the trans-boy his inappropriate behavior in his underwear in the presence of the girls. GIRLS SPORTS - Allowing transgender boys to participate in girls sports will devastate girls sports entirely.  Transgender boys, even those that have taken hormone blockers, STILL have a distinct advantage over girls in any sport due to muscle mass and bone structure.  At the molecular level, any trans identifying as the opposite sex is still biologically the sex they were born as, male or female.  The fastest female Olympian runner the United States can run the 400m in ~49 seconds.  That's fast.  However, about 300 high school boys can run the 400m in less time.  How is that fair to girls?  It's not. HOW MANY STUDENTS? - My son informed me that out of 1,000 randomly chosen students, you'll have two \"2\" that are transgendered.  I agree with that statement especially after being a teacher for 10-years.  Out of the almost 1,500 children I taught in high school, a dozen were homosexual, about the same number were lesbian, and one was transgendered.  That said, if you were in my class, you were treated with respect and dignity by myself and I commanded it of my students.  Further, at my son's school, any trans student could use the bathrooms in the guidance counselors office.  It was safe, clean, and nobody challenged them. However, having unlocked bathrooms for use at any time is a recipe for disaster. Should this policy be implemented, I fear that our young girls will lose educational and sport opportunities as well as scholarships because they can't compete with transboys.  Further, girls will be subjected to boys in rooms they don't belong in simply because they identify as girl. Please don't implement this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96617", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:29:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. This being passed will make trans students feel like they are seen as real people, not just people pretending to be something they aren't. Sexual assault is most commonly done by someone the victim knows, and is usually an adult cis male. Sexual assault among minors should not be a concern, and even if it were, would be as much of a concern now as if this were to be passed. Sexual assault does not always occur between an assigned female at birth person and an assigned male at birth person. Additionally, I believe that all the opposition here based on religion should not be valid. There is a separation of church and state for a reason, and the laws should not be based off of the bible. As a trans person, I am hoping to see this bill passed. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96618", "author": "T", "date": "2021-02-03T21:29:00", "title": "Def not ok!", "text": "i disagree! I see where people are saying all kids should feel safe at school (in agreement with this policy) ALL kids should feel safe not a small small minority. My kids should feel safe without sharing a bathroom or being scared to get in trouble for calling someone he/she instead they/them!! Kids need to focus on education they have their entire life to make decisions about things like this WITHOUT THE PUSH FROM OTHERS!!!! Money spent on this is crazy when it can be spent towards children suffering ACTUAL abuse at home."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96619", "author": "Va parent", "date": "2021-02-03T21:29:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose,  for the safety of all children this will cause more problems than it would solve."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96621", "author": "M. Walker", "date": "2021-02-03T21:29:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "These policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable in the day to day running of schools.  It would force teachers/administrators to go against their fundamental beliefs in order to comply with these policies. If they don't, they run the risk of losing their jobs.  It is totally unfair and as most governmental policies it sounds good on paper but the carrying out of it is impossible and would place an undue burden on the educational system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96620", "author": "Dan Bond", "date": "2021-02-03T21:29:00", "title": "Strongly appose", "text": "Simply abnormal"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96622", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:29:00", "title": "Forcing beliefs.", "text": "it’s sad that as a Christian I cannot express my opinions because I’m being cruel to someone who disagrees. But if your bisexual pan sexual transgender etc you can force your views and opinions onto others and it’s viewed as expressing yourself. Hypocritical is what it is. This is absolutely insane. Basically me being a big chested woman if I was in school I could take my shirt off and “go free” outside if I falsely said I’m a boy. So many people are going to be bullied even more, sexually assaulted and no one seems to care. People only care if the “new” views and opinions are allowed. No one truly cares about the safety of children. Forcing these rules/topics/beliefs is so wrong. You say it’s neglectful if you as a parent tell your child your a girl because you have a vagina but it’s not neglectful for anyone to use whatever bathroom cause they “want” to. So kids can go have sex whether it’s consent from both parties or NOT. Adults need to grow a pair and tell people no. If someone wants to start a private school system where this is allowed by all means go for it and then those that agree can send their children there. We have two genders. Female and male. There is nothing else, whether you look at this biblically or scientifically. This is all nothing but scared ignorant people scared to make one person upset even if it means harming handfuls of children. I can tell you right now if this is allowed my child and many more will not go to public school and the counties funds can dry up for all I care."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96623", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T21:29:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Schools must deal with mental health without denying physical facts and ignoring reality. To do otherwise is a disservice to all children, including transgender children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96624", "author": "Sane Individual", "date": "2021-02-03T21:30:00", "title": "Do NOT take away our parental rights!!", "text": "Do not kowtow to less than 1% of the population who are gender-confused. And do NOT take away parents' right!! STOP your cowardice and stand up for the truth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96625", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:30:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "STRONGLY Oppose!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96626", "author": "Leslie", "date": "2021-02-03T21:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Parents and teachers MUST work together to guide students. This bill creates division between parents and students. My middle and high school children strongly oppose this. They fear feeling uncomfortable in a restroom or locker room. It is NOT okay for students to have this much decision-making power. Teachers need to remain authority figures who are allowed to question a student’s intentions or actions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96627", "author": "Dennis Woodson", "date": "2021-02-03T21:31:00", "title": "Guidance Document", "text": "Strongly oppose. A person's gender is determined at conception and cannot be changed. Jesus spoke these words in Matthew 19:4: \"Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female?\" These proposed changes are outrageous and clearly against God's design and His creation.  Implementation of this transgender school policy would result in government mandated promotion of gender confusion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96628", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:31:00", "title": "Fundamentally Flawed", "text": "The proposed model would be devastating to Virginia’s families, children, and parents, as well as many teachers and other school staff. It would deny their right to freedom of speech, including freedom from compelled speech. It would also violate the right of parents to raise their children according to their own values and beliefs, which is specifically protected by Virginia Code Section 1-240.1. There is already a prohibition against harassment and bullying of students and unauthorized disclosure of their personal information, regardless of their gender identity. The proposed model would make transgender students a specially protected class of people above cisgender students (e.g., by treating the status of a transgender student as “particularly sensitive”), thus violating cisgender students’ constitutional right to equal protection of the laws. The proposed model would create an unsafe and stressful environment for cisgender students by requiring them to share their bathrooms and locker rooms with transgender students who have not fully transitioned. This would be especially unsafe and stressful for cisgender girls. If the Board of Education truly cares about the well-being of all students and their families, then it must revise the proposed model to correct these fundamentally flawed policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96629", "author": "Dr. Noelle St. Germain-Sehr, William & Mary", "date": "2021-02-03T21:31:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS VITAL POLICY!", "text": "As a faculty member in the School of Education at William & Mary, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Counselor Educator, and the parent of two transgender teenagers, I believe this policy is essential to the physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of transgender youth. A 2020 survey of transgender youth indicated the following: Over 60% reported engaging in self-harm in the past twelve months More 50% seriously considered suicide in the past twelve months 3 in 4 reported symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in the past two weeks 1 in 3 LGBTQ youth reported that they had been physically threatened or harmed in their lifetime due to their LGBTQ identity 46% of LGBTQ youth report they wanted psychological or emotional counseling from a mental health professional but were unable to receive it in the past 12 months 29% of LGBTQ youth have experienced homelessness, been kicked out, or run away 61% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported being prevented or discouraged from using a bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity Transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by all or most people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected ( https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2020/ ) My own child came home from school today extremely distressed at being misgendered by a substitute teacher because he wore makeup. For those who cannot understand the experience of having you personhood denied by others, please try to image how it would feel if you were continually referred to by others as a gender other than the one with which you identify. Moreso, imagine how it would feel if the person you loved most in the world (your child) lived in a world where every day they were told they were sick, damaged, wrong, unnatural, mentally ill, and the many, many other messages that they get from a cisnormative culture daily. Youth suicide can be prevented. Youth homelessness can be prevented. Youth self-harm can be prevented. Youth anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns can be prevented. Discrimination and harassment of LGBT youth can be prevented. This policy can make a difference in preventing harm to our children. We can make a difference in protecting our youth and ensuring their right to a safe and supportive educational environment. Please put this policy in place so that all children are guaranteed the safety to learn and grow in a supportive and safe environment; so that they know that their lives matter! Thank you. Dr. Noelle St. Germain-Sehr"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96630", "author": "Destiny Kuhlman", "date": "2021-02-03T21:32:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "This is a travesty to public schools. Why are bills continually being implemented that go against the majority of Virginia voters wants? This bill has no place in the Virginia school system. This opens up the door for sexual assault on an unprecedented level! This is nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96631", "author": "Sammie Mays", "date": "2021-02-03T21:32:00", "title": "I strongly oppose.", "text": "Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96632", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:32:00", "title": "Transgender in Schools and women’s Sport", "text": "I total against this transgender in school. No women should subjected to a transgender man in her bathroom and never the locker room. Children that are under age right will be violated .  Woman sports will die.  Women have gained freedom in sports and you are planning to put men.  No matter how much the transgender uses drugs to learn their man muscles and genetics the women loses everything they have fought for in freedom to be a women"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96633", "author": "Aaron & Jennifer Stroop", "date": "2021-02-03T21:32:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As followers of Christ we are strongly opposed to this legislation. The Bible clearly states God created them, male and female. As a Christian we are called to follow his word which goes against everything in this legislation. As parents of 2 young daughters this legislation is terrifying. Passing this opens the door to potential sexual abuse in bathrooms, locker rooms, etc.  The thought of a man being in the same bathroom with our girls is nauseating.  There is nothing that stops a sexual predator from using this label as an excuse to get closer to our children and yours. As an educator who frequently takes students on overnight trips this is also concerning for the reasons mentioned above. Further, your legislation suggests giving accommodations to someone who feels uncomfortable. These trips are already expensive and allowing someone to have a room to themselves because they are uncomfortable just doesn't makes sense. Sports are not addressed yet but we know this will be a stepping stone. We want our young girls to have the opportunity to compete against other young ladies in the future in fair competition.  Any athletic event where a girl will be forced to compete against a transgender male will not be fair and put the girl at a disadvantage. This is common sense and just plain science. We believe everyone to be equal and no one should be harassed or abused but when your rights tramples on the rights of our girls, we have now become the victims. Please do not pass this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96634", "author": "LISA G THOMAS", "date": "2021-02-03T21:32:00", "title": "Transgenders in Public schools", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE! IF THEY HAVE A PENIS, USE \"BOYS\" BATHROOM. IF NOT, USE \"GIRLS\" BATHROOM OR ---   MAKE THEIR OWN SEPARATE BATHROOM \"OTHER\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96635", "author": "Kasey", "date": "2021-02-03T21:33:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "I support the protection of all children, gender aside"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96636", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T21:33:00", "title": "Trans guidance - Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy. School-aged children under the age of 16 should not be able to identify for any school-related reason as anything other than their birth gender and certainly not without their parents consent. There should never be a biological boy in a girls restroom/locker room or vice versa. It is not fair to the privacy concerns of non-confused  males and females. It is also totally unfair for males to compete against females in any sport. It would make a farce of all female athletic competitions. It's not nice to try and fool Mother Nature. School authority should not trump parental authority on this subject. Ever. Thank you"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96637", "author": "Michael Bellecourt", "date": "2021-02-03T21:33:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96638", "author": "Joseph Forstall", "date": "2021-02-03T21:33:00", "title": "100% support this.", "text": "Trans and non binary kids need are support and compassion. They are some of the most at risk for suicide and continuing to ignore their needs will only continue this. We need to protect these kids and it is clear by some of these hateful and vile comments that this is needed now more than ever. So do what is right and pass this bill into law!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96639", "author": "Keith", "date": "2021-02-03T21:33:00", "title": "Strongly oppose. Distracts from real education. Leave our schools alone.", "text": "The proposed education policy is unscientific, contrary to true human biology, and unconstitutional. Leave our children alone. Stop pandering to the political agenda of transgender activists who don't care about real education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96640", "author": "Michael M", "date": "2021-02-03T21:34:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSED!!", "text": "Strongly opposed to this measure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "96641", "author": "Mother and grandmother", "date": "2021-02-03T21:34:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This program is psychologically damaging to all children involved.  Those participating and the ones who are witnessing it.  They are all too young to see or make decisions that will alter their lives forever."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97042", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:24:00", "title": "Very opposed!", "text": "I'm disturbed by many points in this document, just one of which is that school staff and students can receive disciplinary action for not speaking to a transgender child in their preferred pronoun!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97043", "author": "George and Donna Machen", "date": "2021-02-03T23:24:00", "title": "WE STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "We agree that all children should be protected from harassment in public schools.  However, this policy will promote harassment against those who hold Judeo-Christian values on which this beautiful country was founded.  We believe the policy is in violation of the right to freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97044", "author": "Tyler H", "date": "2021-02-03T23:24:00", "title": "NO Strongly Oppose", "text": "ABSOLUTELY NOT."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97045", "author": "Wenger Family", "date": "2021-02-03T23:24:00", "title": "Strongly oppose government over reach", "text": "our family supports all human beings and their rights to make their own choices. These policies are not about individual choices but, rather, about government directing and regulating families and the varying value structures of families across the Commonwealth. How dare any school personnel attempt to teach, “advise,” or influence my children without my wife and I being aware of it. This type of over reach is not leadership and is not about the health and well being of transgender students. It appears, however, to be all about political gamesmanship and shameful attempt to consolidate electoral power on false premises. Our family strongly opposes this ridiculous policy, and that opposition is shared by our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97046", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:24:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose this proposed enforcement", "text": "The schools have absolutely no right to discuss these issues with children, especially without the parents present. Pushing these viewpoints on impressionable children is heinous.  It is 100% up to the parents to have these conversations, not up to the schools to do so. Threatening parents with CPS intervention only further solidifies this as a statist agenda set out to  divide parents and children.  Quite obvious it is not about children’s welfare. If your Political affiliation is in support of reuniting families, why are you pushing an agenda to tear others apart?  No thanks."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97047", "author": "JG", "date": "2021-02-03T23:25:00", "title": "In support of this document and in support of transgender students!", "text": "My niece is a Virginia elementary school student and she is transgender. My brother and his family have already had to move school districts because of the transphobic environment they found in their former community. This was a burden, but not every family is so privileged to have it as an option; for equity's sake, it is SO IMPORTANT that you provide statewide guidance to EVERY SCHOOL in support of evidence-based best practices for inclusion and support of trans and other queer students. To many of the other commenters who seem to be against the idea of supporting trans students, let me say from seeing it play out in my own family: if you think it is a burden on YOU to have trans people in your life... it's far harder to BE that trans person who apparently makes you so uncomfortable. Every student deserves love and acceptance for who they are! (Love all students -- I thought Virginia was for lovers?) I support this Guidance Document because I support all Virginia students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97048", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:25:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this idea."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97049", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:25:00", "title": "Reject the policy guidance document", "text": "Every child, including those struggling with sexual confusion, should be protected from harm and harassment. Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into the mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push the involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. This policy is \"anti-science\", totally ignoring the reality of basic DNA science and biology. Students should be treated with respect, protected from bullying, and taught scientific truth. Instead this policy would force them to to have their privacy, and educational and athletic opportunity destroyed in misguided and destructive ideological brainwashing. Unless this policy is significantly revised, it should be rejected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97050", "author": "Anonymous Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T23:26:00", "title": "Absolutely Against", "text": "You better have a good lawyer. When my daughter gets raped in a school bathroom by Tyler who says he’s Taylor that day and can not be stopped from entering the girls bathroom because of YOUR rules, you will be taken to court as an accessory to the crime and we will win. And don’t say it won’t happen, because it can and it will and when it does, you better have a good lawyer because I will take that all the way to the top. Additionally, how I parent my child is my right as a parent and it is not for you to tell me how I can and cannot instruct my child.  You did not go through the effort to bring them into this world and until you figure out how to birth my child for me, you cannot supercede my parental authority in or out of the school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97051", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:26:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "These proposed changes will hurt EVERYONE and will not help anyone at all.  Please do NOT implement these changes.  Thank you for your consideration."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97052", "author": "unnamed", "date": "2021-02-03T23:27:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE -absurd for the 0001%", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE -absurd"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97053", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:27:00", "title": "No to trans", "text": "Do not pass this bill. Keep boys and girls separate...follow the science! We vote.  We will remember."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97054", "author": "Melissa Gostel", "date": "2021-02-03T23:27:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I support state guidance documents such as this that minimize legal ambiguity at the local level with respect to Title-IX protected students' and families' rights. These policies serve as a baseline of recommendations that affirm the diverse range students' identities and increase access to essential public education services."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97055", "author": "Julie J", "date": "2021-02-03T23:27:00", "title": "I do not support this policy", "text": "Everyone should be treated with respect.  However, these policies will be confusing to young children as they’re building their sense of the world, they don’t align with actual biology and science, and they potentially can make our older students very uncomfortable in bathroom and locker room settings.  These policies put girls’ sports in jeopardy and our female athletes at risk.   Make reasonable accommodations for anyone struggling and have compassion, but you can not infringe on the rights of so many."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97056", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:28:00", "title": "Strongly AGAINST!", "text": "This is ridiculous! Everyone is afraid to speak up for what is right. You are either a boy or a girl. You can’t be both, undecided or change what you were born with. This world is twisted and parents nowadays are afraid of hurting their kids feelings by not letting them do or “be” what they want. I homeschool and would NEVER let my children be exposed to this garbage! Public schools even considering this junk makes my reasoning for homeschool even stronger!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97057", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:28:00", "title": "Vehemently against proposed trans guidelines", "text": "These proposed transgender guidelines, if passed, would wreak havoc on VA’s children, families, and public schools. Doesn’t this create more of a stigma for trans kids to overcome and make it harder to adjust to the social culture of school? What kind of character would a trans child in that environment develop? I imagine this would only embolden bullies to make the lives of trans kids harder when no one is looking. And how are you helping these kids by pitting them against their parents, the very people who brought them into the world and love them more than life itself (and certainly have their best interests at heart)? Frankly, it seems to me that by suggesting it would be necessary to take such extreme measures against teachers, you’re discriminating against trans kids by suggesting that they’re somehow weak and unable to stand up for themselves if needed, or more proactively to build a respectful relationship with a teacher. And by the way, aren’t teachers the heroes and the backbone of our school system? Mark my words: Should these guidelines pass, students and teachers will leave the VA public school system in droves and you will have an unprecedented crisis of your own making on your hands."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97058", "author": "taylor", "date": "2021-02-03T23:28:00", "title": "I support", "text": "I strongly support the protection of trans children and their rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97059", "author": "Wendy", "date": "2021-02-03T23:28:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS! Protect and support our Trans children!!!!!", "text": "our children, trans and cis alike, deserve to be treated with respect and they deserve to be protected and supported!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97060", "author": "Anu Sharma", "date": "2021-02-03T23:29:00", "title": "Strongly Support. Absolutely. YES.", "text": "Protect Trans Youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97061", "author": "Vic", "date": "2021-02-03T23:29:00", "title": "is wrong with all? Trans rights are human rights dumbos", "text": "Yall backwards thinking dumbos need to chill out and let trans people do theyre thing"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97063", "author": "Janice Caldwell", "date": "2021-02-03T23:29:00", "title": "OPPOSE The VA Dept of Education teaching children their sex is a choice", "text": "You cannot change your DNA; its determined in the womb, before birth; therefore, I strongly oppose the Va Dept of Education's intent to teach children otherwise."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97062", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:29:00", "title": "Horrible proposal", "text": "Children have parents for a reason. Parents are there for their children every day to love and to guide them. Is Virginia’s government planning to take over this roll? Childhood is a formative time, a time of learning. The Virginia government is not with a child every day helping, listening, giving advice, nor should it be. You can’t tell me that a five year, ten year, or older child does not need love and guidance, because they do. Do not take away a parent’s right to be a parent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97064", "author": "Gizem Kalay", "date": "2021-02-03T23:29:00", "title": "Strongly support transgenders rights, at school and beyond.", "text": "I have a transgender niece who is almost 7. She knew her persona was a girl starting very early, around age 3. However, she was not able to understand and verbalize it until a few years later. During that time she was not the happiest kid and just did not seem comfortable in her own skin. However, once she made the transition from being a boy a being a girl, she seemed to have found herself. She was so happy, cheerful and creative, everything that was already in her was able to come out and it was delightful to see. We all admire and love her so much just the way she is. And we care so proud of her: she was very brave and was able to recognize and pursue who she really is, something not all of us are able to do really. We are, at the same time, very concerned about possible difficulties, biases and prejudices that she might face throughout her life. All kids need our support in this life, but this is even more true for transgender kids. We as a society have the responsibility to try our best to fulfill the dreams of all kids. I support all guidance that recognize and implement transgender students’ rights and those that are written to create a healthy environment  for them at school. There is nothing weird/unnatural about being transgender and it’s about time everybody understands this. New generations should grow up knowing they’ll be accepted whatever gender form they choose to be and kids who do not change genders should know that they can have happy friendships with their transgender friends. Transgender kids are our kids and transgender rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97065", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:30:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth! They need us. Help them be themselves. Support happiness.", "text": "Support Trans Youth! They need us. Help them be themselves. Support happiness. Trans youth need our support in this. Denying and ridiculing how they feel doesn’t help, and divides us. Support them through their discovery. This is how our youth stay alive and connected to us vs. feeling rejected, ousted and alone. Love everyone, stop the hatred."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97066", "author": "Leslie", "date": "2021-02-03T23:30:00", "title": "Stop Transgender Indoctrination in VA Schools", "text": "Our family opposes this policy. This is another example of how the family unit is being undermined with the intent of destroying it. Why do we need the government telling us how to raise our children? Why do they think they know better than we do? This policy is being presented under the guise that it is in the best interest of our children and they will be protected from bullying and harassment. This is much deeper, and we all better wake up."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97067", "author": "E. Marshall Buckles", "date": "2021-02-03T23:30:00", "title": "Transgender Students", "text": "I once worked with a male to female transgender person. This person had ALL of the surgery, psychiatric counseling and was taking hormones.  I disagree with the concept of someone being able to change their birth gender, however, if this fiction is to continue to be allowed then it seems to me that before someone is legally declared to be a member of the gender opposite their birth gender then they should have had all of the counseling, all of the surgery and be taking the appropriate hormones to at least achieve the appearance of a person of their desired gender.  It seems to me that anyone who has not had all of the surgery, counseling, taking hormones, etc. should NOT be regarded as a person of their desired gender and should NOT use facilities for persons of their birth gender.  If this fiction of being able to change one's gender is to continue then separate facilities for those who object to using the same facilities as transgender persons should be provided. I also think that our state and nation is getting into something very dangerous when our young people are taught that the truth is something which can be manipulated."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97068", "author": "Virginia parent & teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T23:30:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "These radical policies are absolutely unacceptable and will force children (and teachers) to comply with a false view of sex and gender. These troubling policies endanger the children's emotional and physical safety and deceives the parents by cutting them out of the loop.  It is irresponsible for our public schools to promote this ideology and more importantly, it's very damaging to our children that are still developing.  Do NOT adopt any of these policies in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97069", "author": "Lena C.", "date": "2021-02-03T23:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose these policies! Children need to be taught to accept who they were born to be!", "text": "Your foundation for these policies is wrong. Your terminology is different than my understanding of those same words. Children must not be encouraged to \"try on\" a different anatomy!! \"Gender\" and \"anatomical features at birth\" are one and the same! Socially accepted views of female and male \"activities\" is a completely different thing from \"gender\". As a parent, i want to encourage my child to learn to do things in life that they enjoy while accepting who they are, not try to change who they are! Don't push the opposite into the schools! How can my child accept who he is of you're out telling everyone that if he doesn't like his p3nis, he should get surgery and get a lab1a?!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97070", "author": "Mia", "date": "2021-02-03T23:30:00", "title": "SUPPORT & PROTECT TRANS/GNC KIDS!! STRONGLY SUPPORT!", "text": "The protection of and rights for trans people are extremely important especially for trans kids. The education system has to step up to educate all children and to make the place they learn safe for all of the children not just cisgender kids. This forum just proves that not enough people have been educated in why policies like this are necessary. Trans/GNC rights are human rights. Our right to feel safe shouldn't be up for debate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97071", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:31:00", "title": "Strongly support protecting the rights of trans kids", "text": "Trans kids are kids. They deserve to feel safe and supported at school. Policies like these are literally saving lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97072", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:31:00", "title": "No", "text": "No I don’t think this is good"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97073", "author": "CMC", "date": "2021-02-03T23:31:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Schools cannot even give over the counter medication without parental permission, yet with this policy parents have no rights to know what's going on with their own child/children and have a say in that. We are talking about children and adolescents whose prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls reason and logic and common sense, is scientifically proven to not be fully developed until age 25 and we are going to allow them to make these types of profound, life-altering decisions without the people who know and love them the most."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97074", "author": "Concerned parent of children not yet of school age!", "date": "2021-02-03T23:32:00", "title": "Absolutely Oppose!", "text": "This endangers the safety of our girls! This absolutely can not be allowed into our schools. I will not sit silently by while these laws are put in place. Absolutely Not! Who will be there to protect the children while they are in the trust of the school system when the state and system itself has failed to put basic protection in place by ensuring that children of the same sex are using separate bathrooms? Boys use the boys bathrooms, and girls use the girls bathrooms. Then girls don’t get raped by boys in unsupervised “girls” bathrooms when they were permitted to use the bathroom of their “choice”."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97075", "author": "Tonya Zwain", "date": "2021-02-03T23:32:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Schools are supposed to be a safe, accepting, and loving environment. I support this guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97076", "author": "LGBTQ+ Rights For All!!!", "date": "2021-02-03T23:32:00", "title": "To all homophobes.", "text": "homophobic people trans rights is where it's at!!!!!! But on serious terms would you really not accept your son, daughter etc. because of a religion? why would you have a child in the first place when you know there would be a small chance of that happening? If you've raised a child you should already know that children wont listen to opinions, so please just dont. go shove maggots up your ass and pull them out of your ears homophobes -marshal"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97077", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:33:00", "title": "I oppose.", "text": "I oppose.  This completely removes parents and legal guardians in any part of the conversation.  Why would you seek to do this?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97078", "author": "Rick", "date": "2021-02-03T23:33:00", "title": "Strongly oppose, this is wrong", "text": "This is NOT okay! The government is definitely overreaching here."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97079", "author": "Derrick W", "date": "2021-02-03T23:33:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!", "text": "I think this is sickening to even be considered. I am a 20 year old college student and I cannot behind to even think of the many issues this would cause. This is an ungodly act and not what America is built on. I strongly disagree with this and hope many others see through the devilish spirit behind it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97080", "author": "Brittany Hough", "date": "2021-02-03T23:33:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth", "text": "I support trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97082", "author": "Karissa B", "date": "2021-02-03T23:33:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Childhood is a time of learning and exploring. Children need to have counsel, not only from teachers, but also from parents and religious leaders. This bill oversteps the bounds of education and prohibits community, particularly a child's own parents from being involved in helping a child as they form their own identity and observe classmates forming theirs. I oppose this bill."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97081", "author": "Concerned parent and citizen", "date": "2021-02-03T23:33:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE TRANS IN SCHOOLS POLICY", "text": "We were created male or female by a loving God as backed by science.  Parents have the God-given responsibility of lovingly and wisely educating and guiding their children through life, also a legal right.  This policy defies both science and parental rights and is therefore fundamentally detrimental to the mental and physical well-being of the children it claims to support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97084", "author": "Rebecca Luu", "date": "2021-02-03T23:34:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Transgender children deserve a safe, accommodating school environment!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97083", "author": "LGBTQ RIGHTS FOR ALL", "date": "2021-02-03T23:34:00", "title": "Support!Support!support!!!!", "text": "support it. do it now. this is a very real threat. on a serious note trans rights are human rights! please support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97085", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:35:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!", "text": "Strongly oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97086", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:35:00", "title": "Dangerous", "text": "This is dangerous on so many levels!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97087", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-02-03T23:35:00", "title": "Very Strongly Oppose", "text": "It's strongly against the Bible and we as citizens and taxpayers have rights to believe the Bible and determine what our children will be taught and not accept this modern foolishness."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97088", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:35:00", "title": "Propose to change or oppose full policy", "text": "Education under a safe and inclusive environment is much needed at school, however, there are boundaries that must be set. 1. How can the school tout as promoting a safe environment when you want to allow children to use any types of restroom facility regardless of their biological gender?  Have we forgotten the #metoo movement?  I stand against putting my children at risk. Unless the schools are willing to build single unisex restrooms then I oppose this. 2. Our ideology and faith should not be intervened by the schools.  We will raise our children and be accepting of them without the schools adding on to the confusion of a young child’s mind. 3. Sports shall remain separate for the biological gender students to avoid unfair disadvantages. Women have worked so hard to pave way for women’s sports let’s not take that away.  If we want to have a unisex team then create one and provide informed consent for those participating. 4. Schools shall allow ALL students to request for accommodations at the expense of the parents. Accommodations requires more of the taxpayers dollars and would only be fair if the parents of the requested child pays for it since not every children gets to benefit from this special policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97089", "author": "Hollie Cave", "date": "2021-02-03T23:35:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly and without any reservation oppose the model for treatment of transgender student guidelines.  They cater to less than 1 percent of the population while imposing privately-held beliefs of an out-of-touch administration onto unsuspecting innocent children.  Authority to give instruction/encouragement on sexuality should NEVER be put into the hands of the public school system.  Who do you really think you are?  When did educating end and brainwashing begin?  If this passes you will have way overstepped the boundary and I will make it my personal mission to see to it that as many children are yanked out of the public schools as is humanly possible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97090", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:36:00", "title": "Strongly support protecting kids!", "text": "I strongly support these model policies and appreciate the thoroughness in which they were written to protect our children in Virginia public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97091", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:36:00", "title": "Wholeheartedly, Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "I cannot express how opposed I am to this proposition!!  I am greatly disturbed by our ruling bodies in the USA and Virginia at the moment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97092", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:37:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97093", "author": "Sonia", "date": "2021-02-03T23:38:00", "title": "Protect trans youth!!", "text": "Protect trans youth!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97094", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:38:00", "title": "Support for non-discrimination policy", "text": "Transgender youth are disproportionately discriminated against in schools (I would know, I was one of them back in the day). This legislation would do worlds to support and protect them, and is a massive step towards equality for all students, regardless of who they are. Listen to the kids, even if you don't understand them! They are our future!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97095", "author": "tran", "date": "2021-02-03T23:39:00", "title": "Support ALL Students", "text": "Support ALL students, including trans and nonbinary youth. They are an underrepresented and marginalized group, and are entitled to respect and dignity. I support this well-researched and evidence-based proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97096", "author": "Very concerned parent", "date": "2021-02-03T23:39:00", "title": "Strongly disagree to this!", "text": "i can’t help but fear for our children’s lives especially my two girls who at the moment attend Virginia’s public schools. If this falls into motion I will take my children out of public schools. It’s not fair for my girls to have to be worried about what they will face or come across in a GIRLS bathroom. I will not stand for my family being in a place to have something uncalled for happen in our schools. A chance for some to take advantage of this horrible idea and to think my children will be in the same restroom as some. Please take into consideration of our high concern and lives of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97097", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:40:00", "title": "trans youth", "text": "support trans youth"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97098", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:40:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97099", "author": "Wanda Wylam", "date": "2021-02-03T23:40:00", "title": "Adamantly Oppose", "text": "I am adamantly opposed to the model policies. VA Law Section 1-240.1. Rights of Parents is ignored--\"A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent's child.\"  The model policies undermine the role of parents in raising their children by leaving parents out of the loop on every level, including allowing children to \"transgender\" without parents' knowledge. Diversity (pgs 3-4) is lacking in the group that developed the model policies as evidenced by no representation from parental rights groups, family advocacy groups, faith-based higher education, the faith community and people no longer identifying as transgender. Only one parent representative was included. \"Our true identity, as male and female persons, is given by God. It is not only foolish, but hopeless, to try to make ourselves what God did not create us to be\" (Nashville Statement, cbmw.org)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97100", "author": "Julian Stapleton", "date": "2021-02-03T23:40:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "Setting these standards to promote safe and healthy learning conditions is vital for development. I think the positive consequences outweigh the negative"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97101", "author": "Hannah", "date": "2021-02-03T23:40:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "This is so important. We need to protect our trans students and affirm their identities in order to promote their mental health and academic performance and to save lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97102", "author": "Virginians for Liberty and Justice", "date": "2021-02-03T23:40:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "May we clearly remind the men and women who have been sworn, paid, and presumed to know the law that Article I. Of the Virginia Bill of Rights in Section 2.  States that People are the source of power. That all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people, that magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times amenable to them. May we also remind oath takers that Section 3. states that government is instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people. We, the People, did not give authority to government run schools to overstep and to assume authority over our children. Government was instituted for one purpose and one purpose alone, to safe guard the unalienable rights of the PEOPLE. Public Servants are elected to represent the PEOPLE. To pass legislation of this kind is a clear usurpation of power. It is not the job of government to parent the children of the PEOPLE. And ignorance of the LAW is no excuse. We, the People, are putting you on notice. Any PUBLIC SERVANT who votes in support of this bill will be in clear violation of their oath and will be held accountable. Teaching same-sex marriage and transgenderism at any stage is a bridge of parental right especially to those of faith that do not support these issues. This is a clear violation of the Virginia Constitution Article I. Bill of Rights Section 16. Free exercise of religion; no establishment of religion That religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and, therefore, all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other. No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of religion, and the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities. And the General Assembly shall not prescribe any religious test whatever, or confer any peculiar privileges or advantages on any sect or denomination, or pass any law requiring or authorizing any religious society, or the people of any district within this Commonwealth, to levy on themselves or others, any tax for the erection or repair of any house of public worship, or for the support of any church or ministry; but it shall be left free to every person to select his religious instructor, and to make for his support such private contract as he shall please. It is also a violation of the Republic’s Constitutional First Amendment. It is also a clear violation of one of Virginia’s most fundamental legal documents, The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. This sort of teaching violates not only parental authority, but the right of children who are endowed by their Creator with the right to not be mentally molested or depraved with topics that would serve to destroy their innocence and which serves no real purpose. This is a guise. If schools truly wish to teach children kindness and equality, they can do so without having to give specifics about how some people feel that their genitalia doesn’t match what they feel. Transgenderism is a tricky topic for most adults to fully understand. Even among clinicians, there’s not universal concurrence that female brains sometimes actually develop in male bodies and vice versa. If adults, even medical professional have a difficult time grasping such topics, naturally, children will have an even harder time. However, that is a side note, that’s beside the point. The bottom line is that schools do not have the authority to parent the children of We, the People. To do so would be a violation of real laws and a complete usurping of power. Sincerely, The over 10,000 men, women and children represented by Virginians for Liberty and Justice"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97103", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:41:00", "title": "No", "text": "absolutely not"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97104", "author": "W Byrd", "date": "2021-02-03T23:41:00", "title": "NEVER ENDING SUPPORT TO PROTECT TRANS CHILDREN", "text": "It’s 2021, what the hell is going on that we have to speak up to ensure children are protected for being themselves!!! Trans children deserve to live happily and freely, stop treating people as if they are less than other people and stop debating if children deserve protection, THEY DO!! STRONG, NEVER ENDING SUPPORT FOR TRANS LIVES!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97105", "author": "Jeffrey Wooters", "date": "2021-02-03T23:41:00", "title": "PROTECT TRANS YOUTH", "text": "I strongly support this measure! Trans youth in Virginia and nationwide face horrific levels of oppression and violence. In order to make this Commonwealth open and inclusive to everybody, we must protect trans students and grant them full protections under the law from vile transphobia. YOUR HATE SPEECH IS NOT YOUR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97106", "author": "Mom, Community Organizer, Citizen of VA", "date": "2021-02-03T23:41:00", "title": "I OPPOSE - this violates religious freedoms & parental rights", "text": "I oppose this law. This is unconstitutional. It's criminal that you would willfully seek to violate the 1st, 9th, and 10th amendments and then wait for ill-informed and impoverished parents to sue the courts to overturn this law AFTER the damage has been inflicted. You know it's wrong to discriminate against a Christian, Muslim, or those of other religions who will sin before their deities if they accept or recognize all sexual behaviors/orientations. Be wise, because the tables could get turned REAL QUICK -- you don't want the right getting control and then forcing women to marry whoever impregnates them or forcing them to donate to churches against their conscience. It's wrong to knowingly allow a child to make SERIOUS life decisions and \"explorations\" without the knowledge or consent of his/her parents. All rights and authority belong to parents UNLESS the parents can be proven in court to be in criminal or incompetent. I'm not sure if your intentions are to willfully separate children from their parents and make them dependent on the state or if you're trying \"to do the right thing,\" but I implore you to look at what countries have done in similar situations and what the results were -- it was not good."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97107", "author": "A Mother, Teacher", "date": "2021-02-03T23:42:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the state inserting itself between a child and the parent/family. Surely no child or person should be maligned, however, this document seeks to destroy the family by inserting the state into matters it has no business being involved in. Parents routinely make choices for their children—what they eat, how much screen time they use, where they go, what they do. As developing human beings whose minds and bodies are still growing, children lack wisdom and need guidance. The problem here is that the state is assuming it and/or the child knows what’s best for each child—especially in a matter of profound importance—identity. Additionally, rules and guidelines are being proposed that would profoundly impact the entire student population. These principles ignore basic biological facts and place the emotions and feelings of a small minority over all other concerns. The door is open wide for abuse. The transgender movement as a whole requires one to divorce feelings from physical reality. Unfortunately, science has yet to make the fastest woman as fast as the fastest man, and no male transitioning to female has yet to menstruate and bear the possibility of pregnancy. Yet these guidelines and others like it are asking society to see the biological female as the same as the transgender one. These proposed principles are telling girls and boys that their only difference is one of psychological choice. If you’re the parent and you want to teach your child such—that’s one thing. To have the state insert itself and force such a philosophy is another matter. Where will the intrusion of the state into family matters stop? Hopefully here and now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97108", "author": "A concerned uncle of a niece in 9th grade", "date": "2021-02-03T23:42:00", "title": "It's not bathrooms; it's locker rooms & showers", "text": "No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97109", "author": "Christy bibb", "date": "2021-02-03T23:42:00", "title": "I am totally against this being put in our public school systems", "text": "This is not right to allow the opposite sex no matter what they identify as, to enter a locker room where others change and shower or to use the restroom, you tell me how that’s fair to ALL STUDENTS??? If they want the right to choose then the school systems need to make separate locker rooms and restrooms for them to have that option if they are uncomfortable, I’m sorry but if they choose to live a different lifestyle, then why should everyone else who doesn’t choose to live that lifestyle have to be subjected to that embarrassment of having to change or shower in front of someone if the opposite sex regardless of what they identify as....also parents right should not be allowed to be taken from them, if that child lives under their parents roof then it is every bit of their business what is going on in or out of school"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97110", "author": "Loves To Support Trans Kids", "date": "2021-02-03T23:42:00", "title": "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS", "text": "Hey guess what your religion doesnt matter to me and also your kids are seeing you and your behaviour and trusting you less and less every day!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97111", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:42:00", "title": "Protect our children", "text": "Adults can make all the bad decisions they want to make, but should innocent children be subjected to terrible policies such as this?  Provide a unisex bathroom, but do not allow males in female bathrooms or females in male bathrooms.  This is not safe for children in our public schools.  Children will not go to the bathroom at school and will be dehydrated, stressed, or have UTIs as a result of this.  Who is being OFFENDED here?  Who is being protected?  Adults in office voting on this need to use some common sense and quit being part of the progressive, liberal agenda at the expense of our children’s safety and well being.  Is this OK for YOUR child or grandchild?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97112", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:42:00", "title": "Pray this doesn’t happened", "text": "Prayers for our schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97113", "author": "Arlington Resident", "date": "2021-02-03T23:42:00", "title": "Stop The Social Experiment", "text": "Gender is determined in the womb. It is not a choice.  Follow the science! Stop burdening children with your social experiments.  Stop making children victims of your abuse by putting these false perceptions in their minds.  Stop trying to force these non-scientic ideas, these falsehoods, on parents and children who know this experiment is not truth.  To lead your children down a path to alter their bodies is horrific. The psychological affect this is having on children is a crime, one they will never overcome."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97114", "author": "Katherine", "date": "2021-02-03T23:44:00", "title": "Transgender students deserve respect and dignity", "text": "I have personally witnessed the effects of harassment from teachers and classmates on transgender youth. This treatment has made my peers fear for their safety and exacerbated depression and hopelessness among many. One particularly egregious incident involved one of my Virginia public high school teachers not only refusing to respect my classmate’s identity but making unprofessional and disparaging comments about them in front of the class, as well as refusing to provide instruction to them solely on the basis of their transgender status. No person should be subjected to this vile and traumatizing behavior from others, especially an adult in the public school system. There is no excuse for this type of behavior and these guidelines make that clear. Every student deserves respect, dignity, privacy, and freedom from discrimination. Transgender youth deserve this and more, to be not only tolerated but included and listened to."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97115", "author": "Sarah Trussell", "date": "2021-02-03T23:44:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Trans lives matter. We must protect trans kids in our education system. The Trevor Project's National Survey shows Transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by all or most people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected as well as more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth having seriously considered suicide. We can prevent this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97116", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:44:00", "title": "No", "text": "absolutely not"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97117", "author": "Trans lives matter", "date": "2021-02-03T23:44:00", "title": "Stop sexualizing children/ they’re going to do things in locker rooms stop demonizing trans children", "text": "You’re literally talking about children assaulting other children you people should be ashamed TRANS LIVES MATTER"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97118", "author": "Suzanne Blanks", "date": "2021-02-03T23:45:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I am strongly opposed to gender promotion within the public schools. This is a significant violation of parental rights and has no place within the educational system.  Having my child exposed to this topic is unacceptable. . Promotion of this within the school system, without the insight and guidance of parents and caregivers, is deplorable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97119", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:45:00", "title": "Department of education", "text": "By trying to enact a law slowing trans genders into schools you are going to ruin schools. First off this takes away individual freedoms when it is scientifically proven there is only male and females. By allowing boy's to \"claim\" themselves as girls you are going to corrupt young minds from thinking it's ok to follow the opposite sex into the changing rooms or restroom. Let me ask how high are the rape rates? Be ready for those numbers to sky rocket if this \"law\" goes through. The only reason these young minds think this is at all ok/normal is because adult are lieing to them saying that it is ok, the only reason we even are having to fight idiotic laws such as this is because we have gotten away from our country's core values which was all based off of Christianity. By taking the Bible and God out of schools we continue to ruin out country and our young minds"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97120", "author": "Sarah Anderson", "date": "2021-02-03T23:45:00", "title": "Support LGBT Youth", "text": "I support the proposed bill and think it's important to protect LGBT Youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97122", "author": "Ed Nix", "date": "2021-02-03T23:46:00", "title": "strongly opposed to transgender indoctrination", "text": "The guidance document I have reviewed is Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. My concerns are addressed not only to my home county of Loudoun, but to the whole Commonwealth of Virginia. The basis of the transgender policies that are the subject of this public-education institutional guidance document is that individual gender preference should take precedence over binary biological sex.  It should not, and ought not.  The policy is one of comprehensive repudiation of binary gender.  It attempts to contradict a fact of nature -- that the chromosomes, and all resulting gender characteristics of a person's body, determine the sex of a person. I am not accepting the redefinitions of what gender means or ought to mean that are promulgated by the ideology of transgenderism.  But the subject document does that and far more.  It presses for full-throttle indoctrination of children, on numerous levels, toward gender deconstruction.  Not just for young people who may question their sexual tendencies, but for all students walking into the classrooms of public schools.  And no doubt authors of this policy template would have such proposals go beyond public classrooms in the not-too-distant future. I call upon the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia to reject this and any similar program of transgender propaganda tools.  It represents \"progress\" in a dark, slick, downhill direction. I hope that affirmation of nature's gender identity will take its place, to the better mental and spiritual health and welfare of children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97123", "author": "Cole B", "date": "2021-02-03T23:46:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is wrong in so many ways."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97124", "author": "Danielle Crouch", "date": "2021-02-03T23:46:00", "title": "Disgusting", "text": "I completely disagree with the transgender agenda being pushed in Virginia and in America in general. This is extremely immoral and, frankly, unscientific. It is against the laws we have known and against God’s laws. If we let this happen, where will our country be? It’s just perverted to allow this to pass."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97125", "author": "John", "date": "2021-02-03T23:47:00", "title": "Support Kids- Believe Kids", "text": "Nobody else should get to determine another human being's body, identity, or basic dignity. Our kids deserve love and support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97126", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:47:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This shouldn’t even be considered, this is wrong in so many ways."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97127", "author": "Trans rights are human rights", "date": "2021-02-03T23:47:00", "title": "Trans children deserve to be protected", "text": "please take a look inward and know that you are pure slime for demonizing trans children and your transphobia is know and will be reported to your jobs! Have fun :)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97128", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:47:00", "title": "Supopoart Trans Students, who are STUDENTS just like other students", "text": "Please support trans students.  They are STUDENTS just like other students and their needs should be addressed.  Support of people who look, sound, or act differently should start immediately and be ingrained in our educational system and society at the youngest ages.  We should be a community of INCLUSION not EXCLUSION."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97129", "author": "Maria S", "date": "2021-02-03T23:47:00", "title": "Totally opposed!!", "text": "This is putting our children at great risk!! Boys allowed in girls bathrooms and locker rooms??!! The state has no business instructing our children in regards to gender. Removing parents from this equation is WRONG!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97130", "author": ".", "date": "2021-02-03T23:47:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I do support trying to make sure kids have a safe & healthy school life but this is not the way to gain it. The rights & opinions of MANY groups of people have been taken away or not even considered with this. If you have to push legislation quietly then you're not doing the right thing. Parents should have rights & the rights that are taken away with this is absolutely wrong, public schools do not have time or resources to parent AND teach EVERY student, this is a problem already. It would be much more productive to teach respect. I respect you are trans but I don't have to agree with it as long as I respect you as a human being & treat you accordingly. You don't have to accept my opinion on the subject but if you have learned respect then you'll respect I have a different opinion. This level of respect will carry kids much farther in life than making them resent each other for some being treated differently."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97131", "author": "Parent of a Transgender child", "date": "2021-02-03T23:48:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I'm a parent of a transgender child currently in the Arlington, VA school system. It's vital to protect these kids' right and need to be themselves, free from harassment and discrimination. I strongly support this effort."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97132", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:48:00", "title": "Truth not transgender!", "text": "Stop corrupting our children! The majority of the country says no to immorality but the 1 or 2% always get their way! Now please tell me why?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97133", "author": "Cindy Savin", "date": "2021-02-03T23:48:00", "title": "I am in support of Trans and non binary children attending public schools in VA", "text": "I am in support of guidelines proposed by the VA department of education allowing Trans and non binary children to be included in public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97134", "author": "Timothy Cotman, Arlington Public Schools", "date": "2021-02-03T23:48:00", "title": "all", "text": "Good evening, I am writing to support protections for transgender and non-binary students in Virginia's public schools. All students have the right to learn in a safe place and these protections will help facilitate a positive learning environment for everyone. I have been an educator for over 25 years and I understand the responsibility we have to ensure that all of our students feel valued and affirmed.  When I worked at the middle school level, I was one of several educators who created and co-sponsored a Gay-Straight Alliance at our school.  I have vivid memories of students who came to the first meeting.  They entered the room with such enthusiasm and expressions of joy that there was a safe space for them to be their authentic selves. Students should have that feeling all of the time.  These protections are crucial to this effort.  If we truly believe that all students have the right to learn in a safe place then we must do everything we can to make this a reality.   Otherwise they are just empty words. All means all ! Timothy Cotman, Jr. Equity and Excellence Coordinator Wakefield High School Arlington, Virginia"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97135", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:48:00", "title": "Decided", "text": "Our children deserve the right to be children! To not be pushed into grown folk business!!! Let them decide when they are age for other adult decisions such as joining the military or smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol !  Once their minds are fully developed to make a life decision!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97136", "author": "Kenneth E. Smith", "date": "2021-02-03T23:48:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Guidance Policy on Treatment of Transgender", "text": "This guidance is couched in being all about transgender students.  In reality, it is more  directed at addressing the transgender issue in a vacuum, exclusive of consideration of moral values, religious vales, and most importantly family values.  THE MOST CRITICAL component of moral value development is within the family unit and particularly within the role of parents.  Parental prerogative and authority are being dangerously trampled upon by this Guidance Policy.  Regardless of where an individual stands on the transgender in general, to \"deputize\" classroom teachers and/or other school staff to decide when OR if a parent is informed of THEIR child's transgender.  It also places teachers in a compromising position relative to their own respective religious consciences.  This is not a matter of children (student's) rights or protection or transgender.  This is about the public school system \"kidnapping\" children form their parents to allow free range decision making among children at ages and stages of maturity not appropriate to make responsible life changing decisions.  To the extent the child is receiving influence, it would be from the school in the absence of the parent.  To even use words like abuse or neglect is an affront to me as a parent.  Parental teaching of deeply seeded religious beliefs to their children in their home is the dominant \"right\" at risk of infringement from this policy guidance.    This public comment period is essentially a joke and insult to parents, as it was not distributed to local school boards, local schools or parents and communities at large.  Public awareness would be non-existent, if not promoted through action alerts of various family oriented organizations.  Such government agency operation in darkness is un-American and cultivates an atmosphere of distrust.  It is a despicable abuse of power and exaggerated government over-reach.  I vehemently and passionately oppose this Guidance Policy and consider it offensive and unconstitutional in violation of religious freedom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97138", "author": "Sane Person", "date": "2021-02-03T23:48:00", "title": "No. Take your children out of indoctrination camps aka schools.", "text": "This isn’t something children need to learn in school. This is a sick agenda to confuse and sexualize innocent children. Anyone in support of this are 1) sick 2) misguided and victims of indoctrination. Parents take your children out of indoctrination camps called schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97137", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-02-03T23:48:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose transgender guidelines. Respectfully, Eileen"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97139", "author": "Proud supporter", "date": "2021-02-03T23:48:00", "title": "All “concerned” parents are bigoted trash support trans lives", "text": "Refer to comment title :3"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97140", "author": "Waynesboro Resident", "date": "2021-02-03T23:49:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose this new Legislation", "text": "Absolutely do not agree with this new legislation. It's putting innocent children at risk by allowing these kids to use the bathrooms of their choice! If these laws go into effect in our area, we will probably be home schooling our children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97141", "author": "MTT", "date": "2021-02-03T23:51:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "Strongly support this policy. I'm not sure how this policy infringes on one's religious rights/freedoms as I have seen many comments regarding. Some Christians you are. What happen to \"love thy neighbor \"?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "97142", "author": "Shain M. Neumeier", "date": "2021-02-03T23:51:00", "title": "Strongly support the rights of transgender youth", "text": "Please enact the guidelines to protect the rights of transgender youth.  The costs of failing to protect them against bullying, involuntary disclosure to unaccepting parents, and similar forms of harm are too significant to ignore in favor of intangible forms of harm stemming from alleged infringements on alleged parental rights or religious freedom.  If this policy helps even one trans kid to come through their childhood unscathed, that’s more than enough reason to enact it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89037", "author": "George and Laura Reagan", "date": "2021-01-08T15:28:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89039", "author": "Tom Howard", "date": "2021-01-08T15:29:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Do not intrude on parent's rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89041", "author": "Edward", "date": "2021-01-08T15:29:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose immoral transgender policies", "text": "While 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. Children will 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.  Adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not accommodate the gravely harmful view that age 5 or 6 is an appropriate time to be encouraging irreversible “gender transitions”. The proposed policies of the Virginia Department of Education is immoral, asinine, and infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children.  Virginia has no right what so ever to force these misguided policies on the parents of Virinia. To the parents of Virginia, some food for thought for the safety of your children: private school and home schooling."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89042", "author": "jANET AND CHUCK WOODS", "date": "2021-01-08T15:31:00", "title": "Transgender Regulations", "text": "I oppose the regulations because it intrudes on parents' rights to raise their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89044", "author": "Nancy Muir", "date": "2021-01-08T15:36:00", "title": "Children are BORN with gender identity.Asking them to choose causes psychological confusion", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89046", "author": "A. Lee", "date": "2021-01-08T15:39:00", "title": "I support the model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I support the model policies for the treatment of transgender students. Creating policies and best practices will help create a safer and more inclusive environment for students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89047", "author": "Alan Clune", "date": "2021-01-08T15:40:00", "title": "Oppose VDOE transgender policies devloped under  HB 145/SB 161", "text": "The transgender policies imposed by HB 145/SB 161 attempt to force schools to implement a severely flawed transgender ideology that denies the basic nature of mankind, as created by God.  This ideology forces children and parents to accept deviant sexual tendencies as \"normal\".  Rather than helping those few individuals deal with their sexuality issues, such policies exacerbate the incredible harm such abnormalities do to individuals so afflcted and to the larger society.   No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms when on a school trip or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex.  Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students--students who are gender-confused or who are uncomfortable in showering/using toilet facilities in the presence of students of the other biological sex should have recourse to private accomodations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89048", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T15:40:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I am in strong opposition to this measure. It is in direct contradiction to my religion to support this, or any other policy in relation, in any fashion. This is absurd that taxpayer money would be used to support policies or procedures that are in direct contradiction to the taxpayers morals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89049", "author": "H Malcolm", "date": "2021-01-08T15:41:00", "title": "Do not support this policy", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89050", "author": "Neal Lineberry", "date": "2021-01-08T15:43:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. stated in his 1963 \"Letter from Birmingham City Jail\": \"A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law.\" What you are doing is the very essence of an unjust law and goes against the laws of nature and God."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89051", "author": "Maja", "date": "2021-01-08T15:43:00", "title": "Support for Trans teachers and students", "text": "I support any legislation that will protect the rights of trans individuals. Teachers and students should be free to express their gender identity.  Genuine discussion and support will help students of all identities learn.  Pretending trans people don't exist, because it feels too difficult to have these discussions endangers students. State guidelines will help teachers make the right decision."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89052", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T15:44:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Absolutely oppose this immoral policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89053", "author": "Strongly oppose all efforts to execute transgender procedures.", "date": "2021-01-08T15:45:00", "title": "Desist from efforts to Mandate Transgender Procedures", "text": "Natural law and God's law cover issues regarding transgender matters.  Above all, our children must be protected.  Adults concerned with doubts about their own sexuality should seek counsel from reputable religious and medical practitioners and not draw solace from self gratification, peer pressure, and liberal pundits."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89054", "author": "Patrick Reilly", "date": "2021-01-08T15:45:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Please oppose this bill! It will do great harm to Virginia schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89055", "author": "Marie Sibeni", "date": "2021-01-08T15:46:00", "title": "Transgender rulles", "text": "I oppose these policies"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89056", "author": "Louis Volchansky", "date": "2021-01-08T15:47:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "I oppose the proposed regulations.  Schools should focus on education and leave the raising of children to the family/parent/parents. The Virginia Department of Education should not be subsuming the role of parents to provide family values and define the rights of students. The State of Virginia should not be spending tax dollars to provide gender-based supplies (e.g., menstrual supplies, ref Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students, pg 17) at no cost. While it may provide statistical fodder in the Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students report (pg 9), how will any change in policy change the percentage of students with depression or difficulty sleeping? The Virginia Department of Education's proposed policies, while perhaps initially well-intentioned, have grave impact on our next generation as they continue to mature.  Do not disregard the role of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89057", "author": "Kelley Bourassa", "date": "2021-01-08T15:52:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policies", "text": "I strongly oppose the normalization of transgender anything. The Lord creates them Male and Female. Anti-Bullying doesn’t need to be compartmentalized to every different little group. Nor do"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89058", "author": "Ramon R. Luina Jr", "date": "2021-01-08T15:53:00", "title": "The VDOE Transgender Model Policy", "text": "The proposed policies articulate views that are opposed by many voters.  THe Model Regulations infringe the first amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. VDOE has gone far beyond the path of the VA General Assembly guidance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89059", "author": "Denis A Girard", "date": "2021-01-08T15:54:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89062", "author": "Seth Oldham", "date": "2021-01-08T15:58:00", "title": "Completely in support of supporting trans kids", "text": "I am wholeheartedly in favor the  Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools. All kids should be secure in knowing that respect and safety are cornerstones of their school experience. Transgender kids have had precious little of that for too long. Those who try to deny transgender kids these rights, which they assume so automatically for their own children, would carelessly trample on the well-being of living, breathing, vulnerable, young people. They attempt to do so with a small edit to the dehumanizing arguments that they have used for so long to marginalize and attack African Americans, Jews, gays, foreigners of all persuasions, and hosts of others not like them. I'm not going to tell those people what it means to be them. I expect them to leave me and my children to exercise that same freedom ourselves, and to get out of the way as the teachers and administrators in Virginia's public schools work to create an environment where we are all free to do that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89064", "author": "Douglas Gilbert", "date": "2021-01-08T16:01:00", "title": "Virginia must not disregard the role of parents in public education.", "text": "Virginia must not disregard the role of parents in public education. This would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89065", "author": "M.kim", "date": "2021-01-08T16:02:00", "title": "Is the VA Dept of Education going bonkers?", "text": "I strongly oppose everything. What in the world is going on with this society?  Who in the right mind came up with such nonsense?  Where is your sense of priority for important things that truly benefit the community?  Get working on important issues instead of stupid stuff like this.  Don't succumb to the radical transgender overzealous push!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89066", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T16:02:00", "title": "Transgender polices are anti-science", "text": "Current thinking on transgenderism is born out of social and political pressure and discards everything biology tells us about sex and gender. Equally disturbing is Virginia's willingness to usurp parental rights, succumb to the insanity of made-up pronouns, and allow boys and girls to share locker rooms (what about the rights of girls who don't want a boy watching them undress in their locker room?). Virginia, this is absurdity on a new level. You are discriminating against those who hold fast to the biological understanding of gender. You leave no room for disagreement, no room for parents to live by their own convictions. Children who are confused about their gender need to be helped, but not in the way you think."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89067", "author": "Karla Albracht", "date": "2021-01-08T16:03:00", "title": "If VDOE approves the draft policies, they would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their c", "text": "If VDOE approves the draft policies, they would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students. The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89069", "author": "Bessy Ramirez", "date": "2021-01-08T16:04:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY OPPOSE!", "text": "FCPS needs to focus on teaching HISTORY, ENGLISH, MATH AND SCIENCE. let parents do their jobs at home regarding sexuality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89070", "author": "Karla Albracht", "date": "2021-01-08T16:05:00", "title": "If VDOE approves the draft policies, they would undercut parents’ involvement i", "text": "If VDOE approves the draft policies, they would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students. The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89071", "author": "Robert Albracht", "date": "2021-01-08T16:07:00", "title": "The draft policies would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school", "text": "If VDOE approves the draft policies, they would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students. The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89072", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T16:09:00", "title": "DO NOT APPROVE THESE POLICIES", "text": "THIS APPLIES TO POLICIES RELATED TO HB 145 AND SB161: -The proposed policies & model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children based on their norms. -Schools should not promote or accommodate the harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to encourage irreversible \"gender transitions\". -With due respect and consideration for parents who have children with such tendencies, it is their sole responsibility to raise their children. -While public schools have the duty to protect all children, it should not be done by forcing children to to share bathrooms, showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms, or other intimate settings, in school activities, with a member of the opposite biological sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89074", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T16:12:00", "title": "Trans Guidelines Hurt Girls, Women and Lesbians", "text": "These changes are harmful to women and the lesbian community. Sex is determined by objective, physical criteria, not mental states. Mammals can’t change sex. Some doctors and scientists,  may go along with changing social or legal markers out of an attempt to be polite or ease suffering, to save their careers from the online mob, or to attract a new market in patients: but they’re never going to submit a peer-reviewed paper documenting a case in which a human being changes from male to female Nor will they submit a paper worrying over the pronouns of cows, or classifying any animal research subjects by sex on any basis other than the type of gamete they’d produce if they were healthy and reproductively active. Stop encouraging the idea that sex is a “social construct.” Stop claiming that the fact that sex exists is “white colonialism,” as though colonial-era Europeans were the only people who ever figured out how babies are made, and no one else knew until they showed up. This is nonsense on par with claiming that the Earth is flat and it makes everyone who repeats it sound ridiculous. Misuse of suicide statistics – In addition to basing claims of high suicide rates mainly on poorly designed surveys, trans leaders advance the idea that suicide risk is both a reason to immediately give in to their demands, and to immediately admit that the undefinable category of “transgender people” are the most oppressed of all. Suicide rates are related to a mix of cultural and socioeconomic factors, and prevention experts warn strongly against the counterfactual and simplistic attribution of self harm to any single cause. Not only that, but extensive data gathered over decades demonstrates that the phenomenon is not straightforwardly tied to oppression. If oppression were judged by that standard, white men would be the second most oppressed people in the US, after only Native American men, having a suicide rate more than twice as high as Hispanic, black, or Asian men, or women of any ethnic background. We implore you to invest some time becoming familiar with the guidelines issue by the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention for developing responsible messaging about suicide, and learning to avoid the very real threat of spreading suicide contagion. As to coercive suicide threats — which LGBT leadership seems to have trained people to issue on behalf of themselves or others, often related to medical transition and compelled speech demands — many abused women remember this type of abuse for what it is: a tool of coercive control that will soon wear out its welcome as more people come to that realization. Cosmetic sterilization of healthy children – In the US, healthy 13-year-old girls are getting mastectomies, 14-year-old girls are getting deliberately thrown into menopause by their doctors, and 16-year-old boys are being chemically or surgically castrated. Many of these children will also face a lifetime of sexual immaturity, without the likelihood of ever experiencing mature desire or its satisfaction. For girls, in particular, this is being done without significant attention to the potential risks to cardiovascular health and life expectancy already known to be posed by ovarian failure before the age of 40. Survey data and past studies on gender dysphoria indicate that most of these children would otherwise have grown up to be same-sex attracted, and many more than expected are on the autism spectrum. Everywhere that early puberty blockers are being followed immediately by cross-sex hormones, children are being chemically sterilized, when the majority of them would have become comfortable with their bodies through the course of a natural puberty, and because of the mechanisms of puberty. Targeting LGB and autistic children for sterilization, and encouraging it as a way for these often marginalized or abused children to feel “normal,” is a eugenic crime against humanity. The world deserves better from all of you. Lesbian & gay erasure – Calling heterosexual men who enjoy dressing “as women” lesbians, or calling heterosexual women who’ve undergone extensive body modification gay men, is an erasure of the unique experience of being exclusively same-sex attracted. Stop calling straight people lesbians, or gay. Particularly, your guidelines will allow heterosexual men to represent themselves as lesbians, or be promoted as if they were lesbians and entitled to speak for women on that basis; this is homophobic and insulting to all women. Trans Ideology categorizes women and girls by degrading, dehumanizing names – Your guide lines will allow women to be called menstruators, bleeders, breeders, cervix havers, egg producers, uterus bearers, pregnant people, people with vaginas, non-prostate owners, non-men, vulva owners, front-hole havers, chestfeeders, or any other term that submerges our humanity into an anatomy lesson, for the sadistic purpose of telling us that our anatomy doesn’t matter to you. We are not “cis,” or “cisgender,” suggesting that we picked, or were allowed to pick, being female or being expected to conform to feminine sex stereotypes. We are women and girls, which are the proper terms for human females. Your guidelines will appropriate intersex language. Do not approve calling all women and girls AFAB, assigned female at birth, unless you’re using an intersex person’s terms for herself, or vice versa with using AMAB. You can’t identify into or out of having an intersex diagnosis, whereas only 0.02% of the population has a condition that makes it medically difficult to determine their sex, and it’s insulting to suggest otherwise. There is also no such thing as having an intersex condition of the mind. Mental traits or predispositions are not passed to children solely and automatically from mother to daughter, or from father to son, and sex is nowhere determined on the basis of such elusive mental traits."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89075", "author": "Catherine R Daughtrey", "date": "2021-01-08T16:16:00", "title": "VDOE Gender policies", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89080", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T16:27:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89081", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T16:27:00", "title": "Let the Parents Discuss Gender Issues with their Children", "text": "The model - Virginia HB 145 and HB 161 - regulation infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children.  Please let the parents or church leaders teach the children their religious beliefs on Transgender Identities instead of the school teaching our children the goverments' Identities beliefs. God bless!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89086", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T16:41:00", "title": "Opposed to transgender regulations proposed by DOE", "text": "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. Opposed for the 3 reasons stated above."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89087", "author": "MMC", "date": "2021-01-08T16:42:00", "title": "In opposition to transgender policies", "text": "VDOE should NOT approve the model policies giving special accommodations to students who self-identify as transgender.  These policies disregard the rights of the many, many students who would be negatively affected by these accommodations for the very, very few students in question. These policies particularly hurt girls and young women by creating opportunities for those of the opposite biological sex to victimize and abuse them in private settings, such as locker rooms, hotel rooms, and bathrooms.  Why on earth, in this political and cultural moment, would you open up avenues for this exploitation of and assault on women? Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. Students have the right to this privacy.  Parents have the right to demand the upholding of these rights for their children. Let me repeat this last point: The model regulations infringe upon the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children, protection of them from all harms -- bodily and psychologically are key here -- being paramount. Oppose these proposals immediately."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89088", "author": "Judy Miron", "date": "2021-01-08T16:44:00", "title": "new transgender policy", "text": "I am totally appalled by the news of these new transgender policies by Virginia. This is totally wrong and unAmerican. We are born with the body God gave us and that does make us all women and men. We are NOT the same.  You will be scaring children, to tell them to go to the same bathroom as all boys and girls, yes boys and girls. As often as kids do get harassed this is an open door for rape in the bathrooms. I cannot believe what I am reading. And to not  have any parental control over your child is just wrong. They are kids not adults. Making decisions are in the hands of the parents not children. I totally find this unacceptable and unconstitutional. Please do not go down this path."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89092", "author": "Joanne Hansinger", "date": "2021-01-08T16:55:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose this plan."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89093", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T17:03:00", "title": "Disapproval of gender policies in school", "text": "I absolutely agree with zero tolerance for bullying or discrimination against anyone— that includes children who are confused about their gender. Kindness and inclusivity is on the rise and I appreciate that. These policies are way too extreme and give children who don’t know enough about the topic too much liberty. This is confusing and distressing for kids. There is science in child psychology to back this up. It also discriminates against anyone who has a religion that teaches God created them the way they were meant to be. My bet is that the number of religious families in the schools greatly outweigh the number of gender confused children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89095", "author": "Ronald N Quasebarth", "date": "2021-01-08T17:06:00", "title": "Transgender Changes in Education", "text": "I'm opposed to these changes, why not have a public discussion first and get all opinions"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89096", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T17:06:00", "title": "God made us male or female and we can’t change it", "text": "God made us the way we are man or woman he didn’t make 2 in 1"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89098", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T17:07:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender policy", "text": "A boy is a boy and a girl is a girl.  DNA does not lie.  This transgender stuff is a sickness and not normal.  I oppose for the following reasons: 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89099", "author": "Ron Quasebarth", "date": "2021-01-08T17:08:00", "title": "Opposed to changes in transgender policy", "text": "Opposed to these changes, please have a big discussion first"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89100", "author": "paul", "date": "2021-01-08T17:08:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policies.", "text": "Oppose transgender policies in public schools. Let parents parent their children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89101", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T17:10:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I oppose this legislation.  It infringes on the rights of parents and students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89102", "author": "Patricia Johnson", "date": "2021-01-08T17:14:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Stop corrupting and indoctrinating our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89104", "author": "Lauren Schierer", "date": "2021-01-08T17:18:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I am opposed to this bill, especially the idea that school personnel could be influencing a child's gender transition without notifying the parents. From the proposed document: \"Regardless of the circumstances, the school should support the student’s need for privacy and not disclose a student’s gender identity to other students or parents.\" The school has the responsibility to inform parents of major changes to a child, whether injury, mental health decline, or any sort of new behaviors. Whether or not you agree with the idea of transgender theory, parents MUST be informed of such a large issue in the life of their child. Allowing schools and teachers to withhold the fact that a student is suffering from gender identity issues is serious, and will lead to delayed mental health treatment that is vital to the student. There is very little scientific fact regarding transgenderism except that almost all students affected by it have co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses. Schools and teachers do not \"know better\" than parents and cannot provide the adequate counseling needed in such situations. Thank you for your time, Lauren Schierer"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89105", "author": "A Mother", "date": "2021-01-08T17:20:00", "title": "Don’t Implement!", "text": "It’s vital that the parents remain the sole authority with their children and what they are exposed to.  These model policies are counterintuitive to parental authority and should NOT be implemented.  If there are parents who feel inadequate to discuss these topics with their children, they should seek help elsewhere.  These type of policies and thought policing only misleads the educational system to think they have the ultimate authority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89106", "author": "Catherine Thompson", "date": "2021-01-08T17:24:00", "title": "Transgender Policies Proposal", "text": "Reasons for opposing transgender policies: 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. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89107", "author": "Brenda Weisenberger", "date": "2021-01-08T17:26:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) SHOULD NOT disregard the role of parents in public education! I do not want the VDOE to undercut parents’ involvement in the life of our children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students.  P rotect children and parental rights in public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89108", "author": "David Thompson", "date": "2021-01-08T17:27:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Policies", "text": "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 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89109", "author": "KAYSI SANDEN", "date": "2021-01-08T17:29:00", "title": "I oppose the new transgender policies!", "text": "I am the mother of two high school children and I oppose this change on religious and moral grounds, and believe it will cause emotional harm to our children.  It is unfair to impose my children to sharing bathrooms, locker rooms, or any other location that requires physical privacy with other transgendered children; or worse adults of a different sex.  This policy infringes on my rights as a parent to raise my children based on our religious and moral beliefs. It will cause emotional harm to our children to be forced to deal with situations that deny their needs for physical separation from the opposite gender. Children should be raised with a level of modesty and respect for privacy until the time of choosing as adults."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89110", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T17:29:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "Oppose this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89114", "author": "Kathleen Bledsoe", "date": "2021-01-08T17:35:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support the implementation of this guidance document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89115", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T17:39:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89116", "author": "VA Transgender Graduate", "date": "2021-01-08T17:43:00", "title": "I just wanted to attend school", "text": "As a recent graduate of a VA high school, I fully support this document. I was lucky enough to attend a relatively accepting school, but I still attended every day in fear of discrimination. I stopped playing soccer, something I had done for 13 years, because I would have to petition the VHSL to even let me play on either team. I paid extra money to take gym online because of the intense amount of anxiety that surrounded locker room situations. I almost ran down hallways to the other side of the school every time I had to use the restroom so that I could use the only single stall bathroom. I lived in fear and anxiety. Sometimes it feels like I didn’t even attend high school or graduate at all. My transcripts and other documents that were sent to colleges had only my legal name in them. I had to petition my counseling office to even let me graduate under anything other than my legal name and then, when the  ceremony fell to administration after the virus, I was deadnamed at my own graduation. I want for transgender students in Virginia to not have to face the anxiety and disappointment I did during the years I was out as transgender at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89117", "author": "retired", "date": "2021-01-08T17:43:00", "title": "disgusting", "text": "You are attempting to break down the laws of nature and religion.  We, as a nation, should be upholding these laws, rather that tearing them down."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89118", "author": "Dan Burroughs", "date": "2021-01-08T17:47:00", "title": "Do not approve this policy.", "text": "This policy is wrong. Anyone with common sense can see that. Our school system is already bad but this would make it impossible for a normal child to attend. Any parent who would keep there child in a school system with a police like this is not and I repeat NOT a true parent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89119", "author": "Shannon Mills", "date": "2021-01-08T17:49:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "As a former public high school teacher, observing and enforcing many of these proposed regulations seems problematic to impossible.  If a student considers his/her gender to be fluid, he/she could change it daily thus making it difficult to impossible for teachers and fellow students to keep up with \"preferred pronouns.\"  This is a serious concern if failure to do so means risking disciplinary action for \"harassment.\" The language regarding parental authority vs. school authority on this matter is very concerning. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13). Would encouraging one's child to embrace their biological sex/gender be construed as abuse or neglect?  Could a parent be reported for neglect for not providing a second wardrobe for a child who has decided to \"transition?\"  Likewise, the “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) raises concern.  If parental consent is required to excuse an absence or approve a field trip, it would seem negligent of the school system NOT to inform parents if their child was considering or exploring gender reassignment under the guidance of school counselors, health personnel, etc. If the guidelines are enacted as proposed, you WILL have students taking advantage of these policies to gain access to restrooms and locker rooms of the opposite sex; individual restrooms and individual changing stations in the locker rooms would become the only way to protect the safety and discretion of each student. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18). Lastly, the policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. As a teacher and as a mother sending her children to public school, I oppose this draft of trans policies and advise that language revisions be made, parental information and consent policies be reconfigured, and consideration be given to protect religious liberties within the school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89120", "author": "Donald Schwab", "date": "2021-01-08T17:53:00", "title": "treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools", "text": "Please oppose these proposed policy changes presented in HB 145 and SB 161"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89121", "author": "Amanda Kline", "date": "2021-01-08T17:54:00", "title": "This is an amazing step forward!", "text": "This is a great policy that will allow our transgender students to feel safe in their learning environment! This is an absolute great step forward."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89123", "author": "Matt Misener", "date": "2021-01-08T18:11:00", "title": "I oppose Transgendered policies in public school.", "text": "Children that are struggling with body or gender dysmorphia should be told the truth about their gender. They are either male or female. This is determined by Biological forces. They should be helped to understand that it is impossible for a female to become a male or a male to become a female. This is basic science. Lying to our children is never the right answer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89124", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T18:16:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSED!", "text": "We believe that schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students.  As such, no child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex.  Without a doubt, 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.  Science shows that children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations.  It is abhorrent for schools to accommodate the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”.  It is clear that these proposed regulations infringe on my First Amendment rights as a parent to raise and care for my children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89125", "author": "Pat Miorin", "date": "2021-01-08T18:17:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Oppose this bill for the protection of the children. God created them male and female. Period."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89126", "author": "Juan Velasquez", "date": "2021-01-08T18:21:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89127", "author": "Ryan Malanga", "date": "2021-01-08T18:23:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "It is not the duty of the school system to impose specific views and beliefs on their students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89128", "author": "Phyllis", "date": "2021-01-08T18:23:00", "title": "Opposse", "text": "This stuff has to stop for the security of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89132", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T18:35:00", "title": "fully support", "text": "fully support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89133", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T18:36:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Children are not a commodity or product. The are persons with inherent dignity but are immature in their development - physically, emotionally, intellectually and in their sense of self.  Parents, not the schools/school board/Dept of Ed,  is responsible for the raising of their children and who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89135", "author": "Jorge Miguel Rienzi-Lemus", "date": "2021-01-08T18:38:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "Transgenderism is against God's Will. God made them  Male or Female. God sets the rules because He is God. We obey. Period!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89136", "author": "PROTECT OUR TEACHERS", "date": "2021-01-08T18:40:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "Let me begin by saying ALL children should be treated with respect.  However, this is not the way.  These policies take it too far, and will only further the division we unfortunately witness in our nation today."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89137", "author": "Marie Grewe", "date": "2021-01-08T18:40:00", "title": "Guidance Document", "text": "I oppose this policy. Parents are the first caregivers and educators of their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89138", "author": "Jorge Miguel Rienzi-Lemus", "date": "2021-01-08T18:42:00", "title": "I OPPOSE TRANSGENDERISM", "text": "I OPPOSE TRANSGENDERISM."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89140", "author": "Kendra Niehaus", "date": "2021-01-08T18:58:00", "title": "Fully Support These New Guidelines", "text": "It's as though the people opposing haven't even bothered to read the document. Transgender students deserve as much protection as all other students and the laws of our country already say as much. This report has been well-researched and explained. I hope the state adopts these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89141", "author": "Elizabeth Berger", "date": "2021-01-08T19:04:00", "title": "Oppose legislation that opposes parental rights", "text": "Please oppose this bill which is harmful to children, families, and teachers. Please allow teachers to focus on teaching and caring for children lovingly without introducing harmful legislation that disrupts that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89143", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T19:09:00", "title": "transgender policies", "text": "Girls are girls and boys are boys.  Anything else is misguided nonsense at best, intentionally harmful at worst.  People need to wake up to the truth.  Protect our children.  Reject this misguided nonsense."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89145", "author": "Sara R.", "date": "2021-01-08T19:23:00", "title": "I oppose restrictions to parent's rights", "text": "Parents' rights should not be denied. Schools should have no right to facilitate gender exploration w/o the parents' knowledge or consent. Parents should have every right to be able to discuss sexual/gender topics with their children w/o the risk of being accused of child abuse. Bathrooms and locker rooms should be limited to use by the person's biological gender. We should be encouraging communication and support between teachers and parents. Dress codes should remain consistent and not allowed to be changed according to a child's whim. Parents should be informed immediately if any disciplinary action is to be taken against their child. Teachers should be allowed accommodations based on religious faith or conscience."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89146", "author": "Wanda Collins", "date": "2021-01-08T19:24:00", "title": "I oppose these transgender student policies", "text": "These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are impractical and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with rules that will conflict with their own fundamental beliefs. The administration of such policies could be confusing to the children and disruptive to the classroom where the primary  goal is to teach our children the basics-reading, language, the arts, math, science etc. If such policies are implemented you can be assured that many parents will move their children out of Virginia public school systems to private schools or homeschooling."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89147", "author": "Ann Misener", "date": "2021-01-08T19:26:00", "title": "I strongly oppose transgender policies", "text": "I strongly opposed transgender policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89148", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T19:31:00", "title": "Protect the dignity of ALL children", "text": "This policy does not protect the rights of ALL children. While intended to protect privacy and dignity of those that do not consider themselves Male or Female according to their birth sex, it forgets to protect the privacy of those that do consider themselves Male or Female. How is the school going to protect the right of privacy and dignity of a girl when someone with male genitalia enters the locker, shower or restroom pretending to consider themselves a female? How is the school going to protect the cisgenders from emotional harm and depression when they constantly have to avoid entering lockers, showers, restrooms because of fear that someone believing to be the gender different from their biological sex? Parents have the duty to protect and educate their children and not the Dept of Education or the State or the Governor or the School board. The parents should be the only ones that make all decisions for their children. If you want to protect and not discriminate against religious views of the children, then you have to allow them to keep their believes even when they do not believe that genders are fluid. No bulling or harassment should be allowed from neither part. While we have to protect all children, do not discriminate one group for the benefits of the other."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89149", "author": "Stephen R Shook", "date": "2021-01-08T19:33:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policies", "text": "These policies would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89150", "author": "Sharon Burch", "date": "2021-01-08T19:37:00", "title": "Against the transgender guidance in schools", "text": "I believe that God has created everyone as either a male or female.... in His image. We don't need someone being lead by demonic forces to change what God has created and say that something that God has created as good is now considered evil because a person wants it changed. I'm opposed to anything involved with the transgender changes including language."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89151", "author": "Dr. Daniel McInerny", "date": "2021-01-08T19:48:00", "title": "These Policies Are an Egregious Overreach of State Power", "text": "I am writing strongly to oppose the model policies. These policies make state power the determining factor in philosophical and theological questions regarding human identity and sexuality and thus usurp the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children; i.e., to be the primary educators of their children. Sincerely, Daniel McInerny, PhD"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89152", "author": "Kathleen Foltz", "date": "2021-01-08T19:48:00", "title": "Harming our youth through gender confusion/distortion/manipulation", "text": "Children are happiest when they can live in truth. Living in a false “reality” only leads to sadness, depression, and low self-esteem, and even suicide. Catering to the depraved state society has sunk to through the sexual revolution’s systematic rejection of truth has brought us to this point in history where gender is rendered meaningless.  As you already know in your heart of hearts a persons gender, either male or female, cannot be changed by thought, hormone “therapy” or surgery. Sexual abuse and immortality has become so acceptable, children are now actively being sexualized and groomed by adults to be objects, and not persons of infinite value, loved by God and created in His image and likeness. Schools should in no way support this mutilation and twisted distortion of the human person. Sexual activity is to be exclusively for the bond and union of husband and wife, the gift of children, and the stability of the family.  Outside of these parameters sexual activity brings disorder and disaster, disease, broken hearts, depression, loss of dignity and self-worth, and emotional emptiness in individuals. It causes social unrest and resentment, makes life seem meaninglessness and without purpose and leaves people emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually empty. Immorality in the sexual sphere has reduced sex to a recreational activity between two people, using each other for sexual gratification. The sexual target gets younger and younger, leaving children used, abused, and confused. Why are the schools supporting this? Why are you supporting this? You are harming children by promoting this travesty. Get back to truth. Come back to God. Only then will there be peace."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89153", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T19:52:00", "title": "I do not approve of this!", "text": "This is not something I would ever approve of!  It goes against everything I believe in!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89154", "author": "Michael Bankston", "date": "2021-01-08T20:01:00", "title": "I object", "text": "This will do more harm than good because it will lead to an increase in the number of cases of sexual assault."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89155", "author": "Nancy Harris", "date": "2021-01-08T20:03:00", "title": "Privacy", "text": "The gender of a child is a private/family matter.  Schools do not have any right to control this.  Bring the child and family together PRIVATELY to resolve any issues, and stick to what you are being paid to do by taxpayers:  EDUCATE NOT DICTATE!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89156", "author": "Jenna Korff", "date": "2021-01-08T20:06:00", "title": "Support for this life-saving policy", "text": "Thank you for these life saving guidelines. The trans people I know and love are directly affected by their everyday treatment in public spaces and this begins at our public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89157", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T20:19:00", "title": "Transgender Policy Considerations", "text": "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 This policy goes beyond the roles of state government and infringes on the roles of parents in the lives of their own children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89158", "author": "Emily Franz", "date": "2021-01-08T20:19:00", "title": "Do Not approve Policy/ uphold children's dignity", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89159", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T20:28:00", "title": "Strong support of the model policies", "text": "I strongly support the model policies, because they protect the rights of transgender and gender creative children. All children need our love and support. When transgender and gender creative children are forced to suppress who they are, it increases their rates of depression and can lead to a range of negative thoughts and behaviors, including suicide. We have the tools and knowledge we need to support young people: which is to listen to them, allow them to be themselves, and ensure an environment where they are free from discrimination and hate. When we support our transgender and gender creative kids, we create an environment that helps ALL kids flourish. It builds trust, mutual understanding, and celebration of the ways in which we are all different. These model policies should be adopted by public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89160", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T20:32:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this proposal. As a parent and VA public school employee, I believe that this transgender ideology needs to stay out of schools. Alternatively, I would support funding for counseling and other resources to help these students who struggle with their gender, as most often it corresponds with history of abuse or trauma for which transgenderism is even more damaging."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89161", "author": "B. Gipe", "date": "2021-01-08T20:40:00", "title": "Fully support Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I fully support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. I thank all the professionals who worked to produce these thoughtful model policies. I especially support removing the gender marking on all forms where it is not necessary, and replace it with the student's pronouns."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89162", "author": "Patricia Bailey", "date": "2021-01-08T20:45:00", "title": "Transgender regulations proposed by VA Department of Education", "text": "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. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89163", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T20:49:00", "title": "I Support this!", "text": "Approve"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89164", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T20:51:00", "title": "Opposed!", "text": "Opposed to this policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89166", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T21:05:00", "title": "I support", "text": "I support inclusion regardless of sexual orientation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89168", "author": "Dinah", "date": "2021-01-08T21:09:00", "title": "opposed!", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation that strips parents of their rights and is so confusing for teachers and other students.  It is wrong to have a young student just say what sex they feel they want to be and make everyone around them have to change pronouns depending on what the student determines.  Just because they're confused does not mean they have to confuse everyone else.  This is the only diagnosis in the medical field that is now self-diagnosed which is wrong and obviously politically motivated.  Don't make the other children suffer.  Don't expose our daughters to boys who just want to get into their bathroom/changing rooms to see them.  That's wrong! Vote what is right!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89169", "author": "Martha Ellis", "date": "2021-01-08T21:19:00", "title": "Model polices regarding transgender students", "text": "I strongly disagree with the VDOE model polices regarding the treatment of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89170", "author": "Deacon Tom Grodek", "date": "2021-01-08T21:22:00", "title": "OPPOSED to the policies in this guidance document.", "text": "I am opposed to the policies in this document.  We must uphold the safety and bodily privacy of our students, and the parental rights of their parents.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89171", "author": "Cari Morris", "date": "2021-01-08T21:44:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "the VDOE should not disregard the role of parents in public education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89173", "author": "James McAdams", "date": "2021-01-08T22:01:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this document so that all children's rights to a healthy educational environment are protected.  No matter what gender a child identifies as, I demand their right to receive quality education without being made to feel miserable.  I will not tolerate people making my fellow Virginians feel like they're less worthy of participating in society because of the type of person they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88437", "author": "Mr.Paul", "date": "2021-01-05T18:09:00", "title": "The epitome of Inhumanity = abortion of  on display", "text": "Disordered Minds searching for a cure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88438", "author": "Mr.Paul", "date": "2021-01-05T18:11:00", "title": "The epitome of Inhumanity = abortion of the Mind on display", "text": "Disordered Minds searching for a cure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88439", "author": "R. Atkinson", "date": "2021-01-05T18:13:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT", "text": "Recommend this not be adopted for the following reasons. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88440", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T18:16:00", "title": "Do not agree; protect children and don't deny parental involvement in our children's lives", "text": "I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88441", "author": "Brittany Russell", "date": "2021-01-05T18:22:00", "title": "Full, 100% support the guidance!", "text": "This is absolutely necessary to protect our trans and non-binary youth, because this is when they need it the most!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88442", "author": "Steve Robinson", "date": "2021-01-05T18:23:00", "title": "Good intention taken too far, which will cause significant damage", "text": "We are residents of FFX County and proud parents of a graduate.  This proposal, while well-intentioned by those who wrote it, contains significant danger to the mission of our schools to provide a nurturing and learning environment.  Our schools can provide positive learning environments and a quality education, but they should NEVER come in between the parents and their children.  This attempt to expand parental responsibility to become defined as something dangerous to children is a leftist extremist approach to control and has no business here.  I look at San Francisco CA, and this push is another symptom of an extreme view that will cause extreme damage.  Ask yourselves, is this the Fairfax School System, or the Democrat Leftist Lab for destroying families?  I know the answer."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88443", "author": "Sharon", "date": "2021-01-05T18:24:00", "title": "Fully Support  the draft guidance provided by the VDOE.", "text": "Fully support!  All LGBTQ+ children should feel safe and supported especially in school.  If a child does not feel safe and accepted in their school environment they can’t effectively learn."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88444", "author": "Liz Sussan", "date": "2021-01-05T18:25:00", "title": "In support of the guidelines", "text": "I support the guidelines and schools supporting transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88445", "author": "Marion", "date": "2021-01-05T18:26:00", "title": "I oppose all that is against natural affections as outlined by God and our forefathers", "text": "I oppose all that is against natural affections as outlined by God and our forefathers Transfender is not how we were created and I disagree with this being pushed on innocent children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88446", "author": "dustboy", "date": "2021-01-05T18:30:00", "title": "Transgender indoctirnation", "text": "There are 2 genders, male and female. They are determined by the chromosome coupling that produces an individual. An X+Y chromosome pair produces a male, an X+ X pair produces a female, this is what you call... science. Cutting and pasting human body parts does not produce a different sex/gender it is simply adding accessories to the already established individual. The word \"individual\" means: can not be divided . You people are trying to fix inner problems by trying to manipulate the outside environment. You might as well graft antlers to your head and call yourself a DEER. Your proposed teaching is indoctrination of falsehoods, based on false premises and lies. It is unscientific, unhealthy, damaging to the young minds who will be exposed to this garbage."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88447", "author": "Cheryl", "date": "2021-01-05T18:42:00", "title": "Transgender guidelines", "text": "The state has no right to require the teaching of transgender beliefs.  It is NOT scientific and is only a \"belief.\"  It is a sickness that is being spread by liars and haters of a healthy society.  I am completely against this indoctrination of young minds and hearts.  Allow parents to teach their children the morals of society.  The schools should stick to teaching true history, reading, writing and mathematics.  Teach...don't indoctrinate!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88448", "author": "Concerned mom", "date": "2021-01-05T18:43:00", "title": "Transgender indoctrination of our children", "text": "I think that making this a law and forcing our children to try to 'address' someone a certain way (he, ze, etc) who quite possibly can change their minds on an hourly basis (feeling like a girl in morning but a boy later in the day!) is absolutely ridiculous and very, very confusing. DNA shows you are either a male or a female as created. You shouldn't legislate something different and force it to be taught in our schools or punish those who don't follow your crazy ideas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88449", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T18:49:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the model policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88450", "author": "AS Underhill", "date": "2021-01-05T18:54:00", "title": "Support.", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88451", "author": "M Hash", "date": "2021-01-05T18:55:00", "title": "I am strongly opposed to this initiative", "text": "I do not approve of this proposal. It is illogical, inappropriate and irresponsible. It would not only eradicate all distinctions between males and females, but this kind of immoral  indoctrination would also do irreparable damage to our children and our society. As I read this, I thought I was seeing the moral fiber of our nation being corrupted before my eyes. I seems like we have lost all consciousness of right and wrong in every aspect of our society.   Please allow me to summarize the main reasons I am against this proposal: Parental permission would not be required for their children to explore their gender and sexuality. This is unthinkable to put a child in this kind of perverted environment. Elimination of personal pronouns (he/she) would be required and violations would be subject to disciplinary action. How disgusting is this? Children can change their gender identity at will. We say follow the science in every other aspect of life, but not in this one. Science say you are born with either X or Y genetics. Biology does not lie. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex identity would be reported for child abuse. We were formed in the womb as male of female, and parents have the responsibility to nurture their children to become responsible men and women. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male wants use the same changing rooms designated for the girls. What if your daughter was a rape victim as a result of this kind of idiotic guideline? Boys and girls will be able to use any bathroom they wish. Privacy and decency will become a thing of the past. I would never expose my kids to that kind of environment. Gender neutral dress codes will be required. Girls being able to wear the same kind of swim suits as boys will be a disaster. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for alleged violations of these new rules. Get ready for the law suits on this one. There are no accommodations for a student of teacher of faith or conscience that would prevent them from compliance. This is a violation of the First Amendment. This proposal is reprehensible and should be trashed. MH"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88452", "author": "Kara Trivigno", "date": "2021-01-05T18:57:00", "title": "SUPPORT -", "text": "Do not become complicit in the suicide of minors. Believing and supporting all kids, especially, trans kids is vital to their mental health and over all well being. Creating a healthy environment for trans kids at school means they are able to learn and reach their potential. My child's existence does not need to be dismissed to align with other families' believes. My child is a valid human who deserves to be respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88453", "author": "Kim Russell", "date": "2021-01-05T18:58:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "I fully support the guidance.  It is so important to provide an inclusive educational environment for our children.  Both of my daughters have trans and non-binary friends.  These are smart, sweet children who have a right to a positive school experience."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88454", "author": "Carl Wiegand", "date": "2021-01-05T19:00:00", "title": "I do not agree with this at all.", "text": "There is only 2 genders, we should not allow anyone to teach anything different. Can a boy feel as a girl or vise versa. I’m sure of it and that is fine and they should not be harassed or treated any different. But regardless their born gender should be what rest room or locker room they use. They can dress as they like even ask to be called a different name that is on their given by birth, but no one should be held to calling them such name. He, she are pronouns that are normal for anyone. If you look like a boy he if a girl she. That person can say at that time what they prefer you to acknowledge them by.  If it addenda the role rain no action should be taken upon either. Nor should the other be ridiculed for their choice."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88455", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T19:02:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT", "text": "These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty, and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. RMB"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88456", "author": "Alana Potter", "date": "2021-01-05T19:05:00", "title": "A crime against science", "text": "the proposed policies are not only ridiculous, they are discriminatory and unenforceable.   Any student can flow through various “identities” on a day by day or even hourly basis, choosing what particular “identity” may be most advantageous at the moment.   Biological gendered boys can decide to be girls for the next gym class period in which they can join the real girls in the showers.  The girls will not be allowed to complain without facing disciplinary action.  This idiotic scenario would totally be supported by these policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88457", "author": "Mary Ellis", "date": "2021-01-05T19:07:00", "title": "Note almost all supporting are women / gay men = EMOTION, not fact/mind based", "text": "Almost ALL supporting this insanely damaging 'policy' are women or gay men.  This perversion is supported by pure emotion. I'm a woman, but have chosen to use my mind and apply some critical thought and love toward our young impressionable children. Follow the 'science' huh?  well, you can lop off a penis or take unnatural hormones and drugs, but you can't alter DNA... our natural signature.  THAT is science.  Not this destructive BS. Wake up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Stop doing this with our tax dollars!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88459", "author": "Dianne Gaudiose", "date": "2021-01-05T19:13:00", "title": "This policy is outrageous and harmful to students and families!", "text": "This policy is a travesty! All common sense and ethical standards have been thrown out the window. These children suffer from gender dysphoria. They need help and support as well as teachers and administrators being transparent with their families. Parents need to be involved in their children’s struggles. A reality check is needed so educators get off this politically correct       Narrative and do what is best for children. I am appalled that people in my profession have become so misguided that the welfare of students is compromised in an effort to appease the so called woke crowd!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88460", "author": "Cecelia Parks", "date": "2021-01-05T19:21:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this document and the guidance it contains on creating inclusive and equitable environments for transgender youth. These measures will go a long way in supporting transgender students in Virginia schools, allowing them to pursue their education in schools that affirm their identity and don't harm their mental health. As the document points out, there are serious consequences such as increased rates of depression, suicide, and anxiety for transgender youth who are not supported. I have personal experience with this, as my sibling is transgender and did not feel that they could come out in high school and were very depressed. Additionally, I urge that the Department of Education work with VHSL and other athletics organizations to allows transgender students to participate in the athletics programs that align with their gender. I also support the inclusion of information about all kinds of gender and sexuality throughout the curriculum, including Family Life Education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88461", "author": "Brian Maslowsky", "date": "2021-01-05T19:21:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Unlike a surprising number of my fellow Virginians, I fully support the implementation of this guidance and feel it will be extremely beneficial to our educators and our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88462", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T19:23:00", "title": "Do not support", "text": "Do not support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88463", "author": "MB", "date": "2021-01-05T19:24:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT.", "text": "I do not support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88464", "author": "Chris Tighe", "date": "2021-01-05T19:24:00", "title": "Are we adhering and teaching science or something else", "text": "i am against this, not because of whether a child should be allowed to choose their ‘identity’ or not, but due to “ Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing!” As a parent, I should be informed of any conversation with my child that concerns health matters.  I know what is best for my child, not a school administrator in addition, if VA is teaching climate science and basic biology in classrooms, by ignoring the biological makeup of a child you are relinquishing  scientific fact.  Again, I don’t have a problem whether a child self identifies, but the school system, if adhering to all other principles of scientific fact like climate change, basic biology should not then be countering that by agreeing to a choice....that is not science, that is politics and emotion. In addition, if true that if I as a parent choose to have my child embrace their biological fact gender, that should be my choice......I should not be ‘reported’ to child services because of that.  You are relinquishing the role of a parent to the government.  I would be dead set against this if it it was based on politics, science, or any other item (like religion).  What if I wanted my child to embrace Judaism?  Should I then be reported to child services?  The role of a parent should not be abridged. Those are my major concerns....thanks"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88465", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T19:26:00", "title": "I do not support this at all!", "text": "i do not agree with this at all!  This is not moving forward, it is shameful and a disgrace to our children to even have this as a subject matter."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88466", "author": "Joe Baird", "date": "2021-01-05T19:27:00", "title": "\"transgender theories\" ultimate child abuse by schools", "text": "This theory of transgenderism is the ultimate child abuse, because the school will be teaching extreme immorality in indoctrinating confusion to little children and grooming them for child abuse and prostitution. We are what we are: male or female scientifically speaking and God's children created in His image and likeness. Besides you (the school administrations) are proposing to take away God given parental custody to indoctrinate children with extremely evil and filthy theories that are demonic in essence leading to grave/destructive consequences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88467", "author": "Lee Biggs", "date": "2021-01-05T19:31:00", "title": "Richmond, Born and Raised- And Also Transgender", "text": "First, I would like to humbly thank you for your time and consideration to this issue. I hold the safety and security of transgender and nonbinary youth very near and dear to me. I was a Virginia public school student, having spent the entirety of my life within the greater Richmond area. When I was in elementary, middle, and even high school, I did not know who I was. All of us in these formidable years are searching for the traits that will define us and who we are to become. For some, including myself, that searching involves questioning why we feel so out of place everywhere—including our own bodies. Most reading this, I am sure, would state this is a normal part of growing up. But how many of you have found yourselves gripping the bathroom counter, staring at yourself in the mirror, and not seeing yourself in your reflection? Maybe you see parts of yourself you do not like, but that is not to what I am referring. When I looked at myself in the mirror, all I saw was a stranger. The fear you have when you see an unfamiliar figure while fumbling for your car keys late at night in an unlit parking lot- that is the fear I felt when I looked at myself in the mirror. The body that was continuing to grow around me was not the body I knew in my soul to be. In middle and high school, when I had to use the girls’ locker room to get dressed for gym class, I was told that we could not use the bathroom stalls to change. Instead, we had to change in front of everyone. Changing in front of others, particularly in these formidable years, can be both a humiliating and humbling experience. For transgender and nonbinary youth, it is the moment that we fear the most. I can tell you for a fact if a gym teacher had given me the consideration of changing privately or even allowed me the ability to confide in them, it would have drastically changed my public school experience. I spent many of my early years in education, as many transgender and nonbinary youth do, being bullied, berated, and antagonized over my body. When I went home and looked at myself in the mirror, I was antagonized more. I do not look back on my years in public school fondly. Instead, I remember the fearful person who would not be able to fathom the man I have become today. I am the man I am because I have resisted and persisted through the discrimination I have had to face. No child should have to go through the pain, suffering, and self-doubt I had to work through. This policy would be the first steppingstone into ensuring no child ever feels like that again. It is shown educational growth cannot be fostered if students do not feel safe. The accommodation of transgender and nonbinary students does not directly harm any individual. There are many who may disagree with this idea, but the implementation of this policy does not directly threaten their life. We stand to lose much more by not implementing this policy. If no lawful consideration is given to these students who are only asking for the right to exist, how can you expect these students to feel safe enough to learn? According to the Trevor Project's 2020 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 1 , “… more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth [have] seriously considered suicide.” I am a part of this statistic. I can say if this policy existed when I was in school, I would have been considerably less likely to consider suicide. In the same survey, “Transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by all or most people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected.” As I mentioned previously with my experience, transgender and nonbinary youth constantly must shoulder the burden of bullying by peers, mentors, and superiors only to come home and continue that burden when they see that stranger in the mirror. It is a feeling that I admittedly find myself unable to describe any better, but it is a feeling all transgender and nonbinary people experience. The crude fact is you stand to lose nothing but your own pride should you allow the passing of this policy. If you decide your opinion matters more than the safety of Virginian students, you stand for perpetuating discrimination and pain in our education system. Do not allow any more transgender or nonbinary students to experience what I did in your schools. Do not allow them to feel so isolated that they believe their only option is to die. You can help stop this cycle of discrimination. You can help stop this cycle of pain. Pass the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Lee Biggs Pronouns: He/Him/His 1 More information on the Trevor Project's 2020 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health can be found here: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/The-Trevor-Project-National-Survey-Results-2020.pdf ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88468", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T19:35:00", "title": "Opposed to Guidance Document", "text": "As someone who is a father, grandfather, and served in the behavioral health field for 45 years; I am appalled at the Transgender Guidance Document.  It will definitely create an unsafe school environment for young girls and encourage many puberty age students to mistakenly believe they have gender dysphoria.  The guidance permits students to have a \"gender of the day.\"  Talk about ridiculous!  Furthermore, school staff should not be a substitute for parents.  It's interesting that there are many instances of school administrators not reporting physical abuse by parents or sexual abuse by school staff.  But now school staff will always be Johnny on the Spot to report a parent who stands up for their rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88469", "author": "Mike", "date": "2021-01-05T19:39:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Opposed.  The State should not usurp the rights of parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88470", "author": "Chris Corbett", "date": "2021-01-05T19:41:00", "title": "DO NOT Support, this has no basis in biological science", "text": "We do not support this. This has no basis in science and in fact is putting every kid at risk."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88471", "author": "Alan McColl", "date": "2021-01-05T19:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this document. We should be teaching our children skills to help them become productive citizens capable of solving problems and thinking critically. Let’s leave the social engineering out of the classroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88472", "author": "Tom Bagby", "date": "2021-01-05T19:50:00", "title": "Strongly oppose gender discussions and accommodations for change", "text": "Two genders exist: male and female. They are identifiable at birth. No other discussion needs to be held. I resent my tax dollars pushing this liberal transgender agenda. Period!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88473", "author": "Bill Rooney", "date": "2021-01-05T19:50:00", "title": "Transgender guidelines", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed transgender guidelines. I especially object to the parents of the student not being actively engaged nor included in the welfare of their child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88474", "author": "Derek Britton", "date": "2021-01-05T19:53:00", "title": "DISGRACEFUL....LET PARENTS RAISE THEIR KIDS", "text": "How about you focus on educating our children -- math, reading, writing, and science.  Why does the state feel it has the right to create an environment that encourages kids to explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school?  AND without a parent even knowing?  I don't understand how anyone thinks this is acceptable.  Instead of spending time on what 'pronoun' to be called, let's figure out how to make sure our kids aren't falling behind with all this virtual learning. In fact, theses policies are discriminatory and is child abuse.  It defies biological facts about the sexes and leaves children confused and unprotected...they are being encouraged to be confused.  This is a violation of my family's freedom of religion, it is indoctrinating my kids with ideas contrary to our religious beliefs.  If a child is experiencing sexual dysphoria, how about you show them love, grace and understanding, and inform the parents.  This policy further divides and segregates these young kids from their peers.  LET PARENTS RAISE their kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88475", "author": "Deborah Gick", "date": "2021-01-05T19:53:00", "title": "Guidance Document on transgender issue", "text": "Our children should only be taught academics, not social issues.  Schools have no business indoctrinating our school children. Please bring the focus back on academics for this year and the future of our children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88476", "author": "Pedro L. Capestany, Sr.", "date": "2021-01-05T19:54:00", "title": "VDOE Draft Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "As a Catholic Christian, and a citizen of and taxpayer in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am emphatically and unequivocally opposed to the proposed policies. These policies defy natural law, science, and basic common sense. It is completely absurd and beyond comprehension that these are being considered for implementation by serious professionals. The State is attempting to usurp the rights of parents to raise their children in accordance with their own moral and faith values, especially when the majority, if not all of the children attending schools in Virginia are minors who lack the maturity to adequately discern and make the decisions being promoted by these proposed policies. This is nothing more than indoctrination of impressionable children who do not know better, not to mention the accusation of child abuse against parents who oppose these policies. Rather, the child abuse is being committed by the State by imposing these unnatural principles on innocent children who, as stated earlier, do not know better. I sincerely and strongly urge the responsible officials in the VDOE to cease  and desist in their efforts to pursue and impose these policies. It is a shame that taxpayers resources are being spent on this effort. The role of educators is to educate our children, not to indoctrinate them and take the role of their parents in their upbringing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88477", "author": "Christopher McElfresh", "date": "2021-01-05T19:56:00", "title": "I Support", "text": "I support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88478", "author": "Chris Wade", "date": "2021-01-05T19:56:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Agenda and Accomodations", "text": "I strongly oppose all of the proposed guidelines.  Children are binary, male or female.  There should be no discussion, \"exploration\", or accommodation for anything other than male or female in public schools.  When a child terns 18 and is no longer a minor, they can make whatever decisions they like.  The proposed use of preferred pronouns and even instruction on anything other than male/female biology is absurd and completely inappropriate for any minor.  The proposed guidelines are radical, dangerous theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children with incredibly damaging results."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88479", "author": "ESO", "date": "2021-01-05T19:56:00", "title": "What will happen to the young girls?", "text": "Adopting these \"guidelines\" is astonishingly dangerous for everyone involved, specifically school-aged girls that were born as girls, raised as girls, are glad that they are girls, and who will be trying to learn, compete in sports, or simply try to use the restroom during the school day.  The confusion, conflict, self-destruction, and chaos that these guidelines (and the mindset behind them) would bring about is difficult to comprehend."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88480", "author": "Mike Thompson", "date": "2021-01-05T19:57:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "With two grade school age children in FCPS, one male and one female, I strongly oppose this new VDOE guidance. I believe in equal rights but this guidance seems to be very one sided and not take into account my family’s beliefs pertaining to this subject. I’m afraid in the effort to appease the LGBTQ community we are putting our children at undo risk. If this guidance/policy goes into effect my family and I might have no choice but to pull our children out of FCPS. On another note has FCPS considered all the litigation these new policies will foment?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88481", "author": "Ellen Benegar", "date": "2021-01-05T20:04:00", "title": "I do not support this when only 2% of students ID as trans", "text": "This is a travesty in that you are willing to support only 2% of the student population leaving the other 98% to be victimized by a law that breaks down scientific law of chromosomes as well as tearing apart the family structure by keeping information from parents. In addition, what about students using locker rooms and bathrooms that can be used by both sexes. This will open the state up to multiple lawsuits if there is sexual assault and really discrimination against the 98% who are straight. Do not pass this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88482", "author": "Abby Guskind", "date": "2021-01-05T20:10:00", "title": "Keep transgender students safe in VA schools", "text": "“I support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools” Keep transgender students safe in VA schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88483", "author": "Virginia Student", "date": "2021-01-05T20:14:00", "title": "fully support", "text": "It has nothing to do with anyone other than the student. Support like this has been shown to reduce trans students suicide rates. Save our trans and queer students, change like this is more than needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88484", "author": "Jacquelyn Braswell", "date": "2021-01-05T20:14:00", "title": "VDOE", "text": "This is an attack on families - I do not support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88485", "author": "Shiva P", "date": "2021-01-05T20:17:00", "title": "No major decision without parental consent - do not agree", "text": "I am all for inclusive. However, nothing should happen without parental consent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88486", "author": "Clay Caperton", "date": "2021-01-05T20:21:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Some of these are TOTALLY ridiculous and SO difficult to enforce in real world situations. I see boys claiming transgender to get in girls’ locker rooms and vice versa.  I would not be comfortable with a fully developed girl competing topless in say swimming or any other sport.  If it is a minor parents should definitely be informed what THEIR CHILD is doing at school.  How does freedom of religion fit in???  How does freedom of see how fit in???  They don’t if you happen to believe that none or few of these guidelines are valid.  Transgenders certainly have rights but so do  parents of children and the children who are not transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88487", "author": "Rudy Cancino", "date": "2021-01-05T20:29:00", "title": "Oppose Policies for the Treatment Of Transgender Students", "text": "I oppose the model policies being presented for the treatment of transgender students.  As written, these proposed model policies will restrict my student's  First Amendment: protection and freedom of speech and expression.  And, the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment: which guarantees every citizen equal protection under the law.  You may believe that this protects only your thoughts as minorities, but it protects those in the majority as well.   Do not force others to believes as you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88488", "author": "Tom H.", "date": "2021-01-05T20:29:00", "title": "Strongly disagree.", "text": "First, this is like giving a fifth grader the right to vote or to join the army. They do not have enough life experience nor cognitive maturation to make these decisions. Further, making the wrong decisions may hurt them more in the long run than in the short run. Second, this reminds me of “Brave New World” or “1984” where parental experience and responsibility is surrendered to others - the school or the state. Societal norms, religion, and culture determine civilizations and when “anything goes” it portends the fall of civilization!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88489", "author": "Sharon Watkins", "date": "2021-01-05T20:34:00", "title": "These guidance policies are unnecessary", "text": "-The truth of the dignity of each human being is God-given and not determined by the state.  Every human being is due \"this respect\" regardless of any subjective differences.  The dignity of a human being is a \"given\" and is already affirmed in the Constitution.  A policy of this kind is in error and makes a \"right\" based on \"subjective\" opinion that ignores the \"universality\" of the truth of human dignity.  These policies fail to recognize their promoting further discrimination by \"dividing\" a  human person into \"subjective parts\".  These policies in fact promote a denial of human dignity by imposing same in schools and elsewhere."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88490", "author": "Anna Ensley", "date": "2021-01-05T20:36:00", "title": "Trans/LGBQT", "text": "The teenage years are already so difficult as it is, even for straight kids. Please do what you can to make school and these formative years as enjoyable and inclusive for these students. They need our support and love. These are some lovely, smart and creative kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88491", "author": "Nick Jensen", "date": "2021-01-05T20:38:00", "title": "Do not approve of guidelines", "text": "Hello, I do not approve the guidelines. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88492", "author": "Eliza O.", "date": "2021-01-05T20:39:00", "title": "Protect trans students!", "text": "I support the policies to protect trans students in VA! Transgender kids deserve to feel safe at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88493", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T20:40:00", "title": "Draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  I strongly oppose these draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88494", "author": "KF", "date": "2021-01-05T20:46:00", "title": "Strongly support the model policies", "text": "I strongly support the adoption of these model policies because it is important we support all our public school students in their learning. This cannot happen when we do not *at a minimum* call students by their preferred name/pronoun and protect them from bullying based on gender identity. I attended Fairfax County Public Schools for K-12 and teachers were always willing to address Michael as Mike or Katherine as Katie when asked because that is the proper way to treat children. This is no different. As a parent, I have had children attend several Virginia public school systems (Culpeper, Madison, Albemarle) and I would love to have these policies adopted while my children are still attending Virginia public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88495", "author": "Heather", "date": "2021-01-05T20:50:00", "title": "Slippery Slope in the Wrong Direction", "text": "I fail to see how these policies protect transgender students.  I DO see how they will allow trans students to manipulate situations for their benefit, put teacher’s job’s at risk for using long-established rules of grammar, and destroy parent’s rights in raising their own children. Schools are not prepared to handle the fall-out from the many bad situations that will arise.  Much more thought, research, and fair and balanced discussions are needed before POLICY changes are made."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88496", "author": "Virginia citizen", "date": "2021-01-05T20:55:00", "title": "I do not support this policy", "text": "This policy mandates many of the causes of secularism as a religion in public schools, and seeks to legislate certain language in public schools. Both of these actions fly in the face of freedom of and from religion in public institutions and free speech in public institutions. I do not support this policy. Let's refocus on academics, please."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88497", "author": "Alicia McCarthy", "date": "2021-01-05T20:57:00", "title": "Supporter", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88498", "author": "Debbie B", "date": "2021-01-05T21:03:00", "title": "Authority does not grant privileges, It DEMANDS  Responsibility.", "text": "Will any of you \"Authorities\" take responsibility when a young girl or boy is raped or beaten because of these insane measures.  If a child commits suicide due to the confusion which these \"rules\" bring about.  Didn't think so.  School regulations are to be written to protect students and faculty.  These, however, remove viable guidelines and safety measures for the sake of an agenda that deems to dissolve individuality and families.  GOD's Word says in Gen. 1:27 \" God created man in his own image, in the image of GOD; male and female he created them.\"  God BLESSED them.  Why are are the schools trying to tell our children something different?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88499", "author": "Melody Bradshaw", "date": "2021-01-05T21:14:00", "title": "Protect parental rights - Oppose perverted agenda", "text": "Who cares most for the welfare of the children of this Commonwealth?  Who invests in the lives of young people, seeking to train them to be honest, hardworking members of society who serve rather than seek to be served?  The only hope for our youth is not twisted government policy seeking to subvert parental authority and take our children down a confused path.  The hope lies in supporting the role of fathers and mothers; not trying to bring to naught all they have poured into the lives of their precious children.  In the schools, teach our children true history, true science, etc. and leave the rest to the parents - where it has always belonged."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88500", "author": "Lisa Fricano", "date": "2021-01-05T21:18:00", "title": "Vehemently opposed", "text": "Vehemently opposed to these 'transgender policies'. They are so wrong on so many levels. Undermining parents, demonizing parents, encouraging deviant sexual practices, disrupting normal natural identity growth, creating havoc in young minds, punishing the conservative or religious, detrimental to everyone- kids all of whom need stability and right guidance, the teachers who oppose this agenda of chaos and have to go along with it or lose their jobs, the parents who struggle enough as it is to keep their kids safe and happy. It opens the door to abuse by students who will play games with these 'rules'; gone are protections for girls in locker rooms, bathrooms, on sports teams, overnight field trips, etc, etc. These policies are completely baseless, absurd, unnecessary, and unenforceable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88501", "author": "Lisa Gunderman", "date": "2021-01-05T21:18:00", "title": "Fully support! Policy like this is well overdue", "text": "Fully support! Anyone against this hates children and they are the “affront to God”! Stop listening to these hateful conservative garbage bags and always giving them what they want. This is an anti-bullying and harassment policy for children for God’s sakes. Why would any good and decent person be against that?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88502", "author": "A very concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-05T21:55:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose these totally inappropriate guidelines", "text": "I do not even know where to start except to say NO, NO, NO! I don’t understand the necessity of this or where such extreme guidelines even came from. It is complete madness to allow a child of any age to decide one day that they might be a boy and the next a girl or even no sex at all, completely at whim. It makes no sense. Why restrict parental involvement? To allow boys or girls to use any restroom or locker room that they feel like without question or restriction is ludicrous. This completely infringes upon any sense of privacy or decency and caters only to the extreme. Toplessness? This is appalling, disgusting and a recipe for disaster. I am totally against every part of this. What is the real agenda behind this perverse thought process? I cannot protest vehemently enough!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88503", "author": "Vivian C.", "date": "2021-01-05T21:55:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "As a new resident to Loudon county with 3 children in elementary school, we strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88504", "author": "Brian Hill", "date": "2021-01-05T21:56:00", "title": "Model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines that are based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and also the indoctrination of our school children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88505", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T21:58:00", "title": "Strongly opposed.", "text": "This defies science.  Strongly opposed to this dangerous indoctrination and the undermining of parental rights and responsibilities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88506", "author": "Marcus Heffner", "date": "2021-01-05T21:59:00", "title": "Disapprove of VDOE transgender policy", "text": "Your policy starts in a very non-scientific way when it uses the phrase, \"sex assigned at birth.\" Sex is not assigned at birth but simply recognized and recorded. There are only two genders. To say that isn't so is meaningless, especially when no transgender advocate can specify exactly how many genders there are. If gender is a continuum, then male and female are meaningless distinctions and all the talk about sexism, discrimination against women etc is also bunk. By adoption these policies, you will reap irreparable harm on the very people you purport to help. The students with gender disphoria need counseling, not affirmation of their incorrect self-view. If you indeed believe that gender is self-determined, then why is your race also not similarly fluid and self-determined?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88507", "author": "Liz Hildebrand", "date": "2021-01-05T22:03:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE VDOE transgender draft policy guidelines", "text": "These proposed policies are a detriment to all involved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88508", "author": "Ellee Walker", "date": "2021-01-05T22:11:00", "title": "I DO NOT AGREE", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. This is wrong and absolutely horrifying. Boys are boys and girls are girls."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88509", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-05T22:14:00", "title": "Virginia parent of 4 strongly opposed", "text": "As a parent of 4 school aged children, I am strongly opposed to this massive infringement on my rights as a parent.  I am dismayed at the lack of concern for the mental well being of these children by those in favor of this policy.  It sickens me that there are people on this post who believe fragile children, whose brains have not fully developed, should be encouraged to explore ideas and lifestyles that they could not even fathom without the perverted indoctrination from our culture.  I am opposed to using the supposedly secure and safe school system to push reckless and dangerous policies upon our most vulnerable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88510", "author": "Christina K.", "date": "2021-01-05T22:16:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "I strongly support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. All of our students have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and these policies will help ensure our gender expansive students can learn in a safe and supportive environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88511", "author": "Sheryl Smith", "date": "2021-01-05T22:20:00", "title": "VDOE draft of treatment of \"transgender\" students", "text": "I take great issue with the guidelines being proposed for our students.  I will just mention a couple. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect.  This completely flies in the face of our constitutional rights to practice our religion, the rights of parents to make decisions for their minor children, and that this whole issue flies in the face of biological science and DNA.  You are actually telling parents and God Himself that God, the perfect creator of the universe can make mistakes.  When you allow any boys and girls to use whatever locker rooms you are just asking for sexual harassment  especially of young girls, many who will be intimidated, fearful and hurt. You are not using common sense but rather allowing a small minority who need care, understanding and counseling to set the rules for everyone else and putting everyone at risk in several ways. Also, if you let biological males on female athletic teams it has been shown over and over you are very much discriminating against biological females because there IS a difference in physical makeup."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88512", "author": "David", "date": "2021-01-05T22:27:00", "title": "No support from this parent of 4", "text": "While I understand the intent to cater to and protect the transgender population, I do not agree with the sweeping changes that would put the vast majority of other students at risk and in potentially compromising situations. One person’s “freedom” to choose endangers others who are stripped of that freedom by the nature of these rules/changes. There is no protection or provision for children to have the ability to go to the bathroom, change clothes , or have a safe/private space without the uncertainty/risk of someone with questionable motives present and abusing the freedom/choices being offered. Also as a parent, we need to be aware of our kids choices and actions, a school cannot take that responsibility away by saying they are “protecting” the students. As these rules stand now, I could not in good faith send my children to school in Virginia and would have to look elsewhere."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88513", "author": "Donna Hanneman", "date": "2021-01-05T22:29:00", "title": "Absolutely AGAINST", "text": "If the VDOE passes and supports this ludicrous document, I believe and sincerely hope that the teachers will resign in droves. The teachers and administrators are in a no win situation. As the saying goes, \"The inmates should not be allowed to run the asylum.\" Rules are meant to be followed. Period. Another good saying to remember- \"Majority rules!\" Incredible."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88514", "author": "James Hildebrand", "date": "2021-01-05T22:33:00", "title": "Unbelievable that this is even a debate.  What is our world coming to?", "text": "I absolutely do not now, nor will I ever support such an abomination.  I urge our legislators to stop and think about what they are considering.  In what world would such things even be whispered about, let alone actually considered as public policy?  This must stop."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88515", "author": "AD", "date": "2021-01-05T22:39:00", "title": "Parents nurture, schools partner", "text": "The proposed guidelines for transgender students proposed by the VDOE have nothing ultimately to do with caring for students as a whole.  These policies take the responsibility of raising children away from parents and placing that responsibility in the hands of the state.  I do not support it.  We do not hire the VDOE with our tax dollars to indoctrinate our children on cancel culture ideology and sexuality.  We hire them to educate our children in academics. These policies discriminate against victims of prior physical or sexual abuse by allowing the opposite gender to be present in changing rooms and bathrooms and punishes that victim if he/she protests, they discriminate against families of religious faith who teach their children a Torah, Bible, or Quran-based view of sexuality, they further confuse children at a time in their life when parents or a licensed therapist/counsellor of the parents' choosing should be guiding them.  Please do not adopt these guidelines.  Children and families will suffer because of it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88516", "author": "Raleigh Contreras", "date": "2021-01-05T22:49:00", "title": "Strongly support our potential", "text": "In the past, I haven't been the best at understanding these type of issues. But now, I think that our society should simply accept that the identity issue has existed for years under different names, titles, etc. In general, just let our kids express themselves without fear of retribution from their peers or state and simply find that they are our future. Our children can pave the way to s brighter future if only they are not held back by antiquated norms (which in terms of race and gender) have not advanced us in ways we could have enjoyed. Let our students be free of the bounds that held back our greatest minds so we can enjoy their full potential. Godspeed and here's to the future."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88517", "author": "Deeply Concerned Virginia Family", "date": "2021-01-05T22:51:00", "title": "Think about what the Chief Justice predicted!   We oppose these policies.", "text": "As Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his dissent to the majority opinion of 14-556 Obergefell vs. Hodges on June 26, 2015 \"The majority expressly disclaims judicial “caution” and omits even a pretense of humility, openly relying on its desire to remake society according to its own “new insight” into the “nature of injustice.” Ante, at 11, 23. As a result, the Court invalidates the marriage laws of more than half the States and orders the transformation of a social institution that has formed the basis of human society for millennia, for the Kalahari Bushmen and the Han Chinese, the Carthaginians and the Aztecs. Just who do we think we are?\" Chief Justice was 100% correct. Who do we think we are to attempt to rewrite the social building block of the State of Virginia? In less than 5 years from this controversial court decision, our American society has rapidly declined as projected by the Chief Justice.   This decline is obvious by looking at the turmoil experienced within our nation just in 2020 alone.   The very fact that these laws are being presented is proof that we are we have surpassed the warning track of societal destruction.  We must swallow humble pie and reverse course immediately. Any form of governance that eradicates the HONOR of being named a father, mother, son, daughter, grandfather, grandmother, aunt or uncle and replaces it with the ambiguity of social constructs of the marginalized is DEMANDING the entire society to live as slaves .  As someone who works internationally, I strongly warn us to take heed.  By throwing away our constitutional freedom of speech  we will be rewarded with communism.     \"Give me liberty, or give me death!\"  God created family and God gave us the State of Virginia too.   Let's not lose either."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88518", "author": "EB", "date": "2021-01-05T22:56:00", "title": "I strongly SUPPORT these policies for protecting trans and non-binary youth", "text": "I am so hopeful to see the possibility of a brighter, safer future for today's LGBTQIA+ youth in Virginia through the implementation of policies and practices like those outlined in the proposed document. You need look no further than some of the comments on this very page to see why protections against harassment, bullying, and discrimination are vitally necessary. Creating an environment where it is safe for children and teenagers to explore and express their gender identities during the formative years of their lives is so important to the development of healthy, happy adults. Building the mechanisms to respect and defend their identities saves lives. We can simultaneously protect LGBTQIA+ youth while helping their peers unlearn misguided fear and hatred so that for future generations, policies like these seem like mere common sense. Growing up, I had no such policies or support, and I grew up just thinking I was weird and wrong. It wasn't until I was nearly thirty that I began to figure out my own queer identity, and another five years or so until I became comfortable inhabiting that identity. I don't want to see my or my sister's children having to struggle so long to find themselves, if they do not fit in the gender they were assigned at birth or do not love the genders that they were told to love, just because the school system will not support them or protect them from reckless hate. I support trans youth, and I applaud all those who came together to research and develop these policies and put them forward for implementation. You are heroes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88519", "author": "S lee, parent", "date": "2021-01-05T23:13:00", "title": "Don't support infringing parent rights, non-definable status, one sided inclusivity education", "text": "For: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools I believe the parent has the right to direct and shape their own child, more than the school system. Parental rights should be upheld. Children that are abused for any reason should be reported to CPS. But this document seems to convey that the school system has more authority than the parent in determining what is best for a child. I do not agree with this premise and therefore do not support that language in the document that can easily lead to a parent not being informed of a child's transgender struggles. I would like to see more evidence and research that clearly shows that not telling parents results in a child having reduced suicide, depression, and illicit drug use before it is codified as fact in a school policy. I also do not agree with the choice to leave gender status so non-definable and ambiguous. Even if it is a process for the transgender child, the process should not cause others undue chaos. Why does this policy determine that a school should not require particular substantive evidence including diagnosis or a set duration? Other accommodations (handicap, food allergies, religion) require someone to substantiate their need for accommodations both so that there can be order and so that accommodations are not taken advantage of. The school should be able to set guidelines for how a student proceeds to identify themselves as a gender other than their assigned sex. The process should include counselor input, medical doctor input, parental involvement and I believe a set duration of a persistent behavior. The policy to include inclusivity education specific to LGBTQ issues infringes on my right as a parent to educate my child when I feel is most appropriate and on what I feel they need to know. Parents will not be able to opt out of this education if it is infused throughout the curriculum (vs just in a FLE unit) as this document seems to propose. General education on bullying (caring about the feelings of everyone) does not necessitate the need for children to be overtly taught the definitions of the LGBTQ vocabulary nor do elementary children need to read books about Drag Queens and Transgender Boys or Girls. I do not agree with these topics being taught by the schools because it is someone else's belief in what is normal. Additionally, is there adequate evidence that such education does not increase harmful outcomes in students? I personally know staff that reported many many issues among the kindergarten children that were read \"I am Jazz\" in an Arlington elem school. Is there substantive evidence that such activities are harmless? There should be a strong body of evidence (like in medicine - the first law is to \"do no harm\") before it is prescribed and enforced across the board for all classes/ages/schools as this document seeks to do. I also do not support the school requiring LGBTQ education for all of its staff. This education is biased in that it is only one side of the facts. It often does not inform of the benefits of counseling a child in so labeled \"conversion therapy\". The curriculum is not vetted nor supported by strongly peer reviewed reproducible research, yet it is used as factual. There are no provisions for staff members and students to practice their own beliefs (which may be contrary to those in this document) in a protected manner."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88520", "author": "Kara Zinchuck", "date": "2021-01-05T23:18:00", "title": "Parents have the legal right- via the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 1974),", "text": "In regards to the \"Draft Model Policies of the Treatment of Transgender Students\" I am deeply concerned for the wellbeing of my children, the children in my community (Greater Fulton in Richmond's 7th District) and the children of our State. I'm deeply concerned for the children of our State who identify as transgender - and I do not approve of many of the guildelines proposed in the \"Draft Policies\" and \"Recommended Standard.\" Both of these, based on radical social theories, eradicate valuable distinctions between male and female (1)(2)(3)(..and more), remove parents' protections for their own kids through reducing/denying communication to parents (4)(7)(8)(9), place undue burden on teachers and administrators, (5)(6) and try to remake basic social constructs that have been foundational building blocks of stable civilizations for milennia. Just like we value and protect race and ethiniciy -because it is given by God and is sacred, we need to value and protect sex/gender -because it is also given by God and is sacred. I'm deeply concerned that these draft policies not only erode the sacredness of an individual's sexuality, they go far beyond paving the way for ample opportunity to penalize those who do value it as an inate, biological reality and sacred. (10) Thank you for your consideration of my comments. (1) “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) (2) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) (3) “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression.  Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) (4) “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) (5) “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) (6) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) (7) “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) (8) “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) -Parents need to be notified AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL if there are alleged infractions to policies, not just if accusations of their child are unresolved at the school level. (9) “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88521", "author": "April Whipp", "date": "2021-01-05T23:24:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a teacher myself, my top priority is to protect my students both emotionally and physically. These policies would help to ensure that ALL students feel safe and protected at school. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs states that students first need to feel safe, feel that they belong, and feel confidence in themselves before they can fully participate in problem solving. It is the responsibility of the VDOE to ensure that policies are in place to help prevent any possible discrimination. Time and time again, we have unfortunately seen discrimination toward transgender people turn violent and even deadly. We must protect all students. Please enact these policies to protect our transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88523", "author": "Katherine M Scott", "date": "2021-01-06T01:16:00", "title": "Schools should be inclusive - I support the guidelines", "text": "Public schools must be inclusive for ALL students, including transgender students. Denying an aspect of a student's identity as basic as their gender makes school a painful and potentially intolerable place -- leading to suicide, dropping out, or simply tuning out, which is a waste of human potential. As noted in the guidelines,  reporting a student's transgender status to parents can have dire consequences, including homelessness. Approaches like those described in the guidelines are the best chance for transgender students to remain successfully engaged in their education and avoid deep emotional harm. The guidelines do not unreasonably burden cisgender students; they simply allow transgender students to be themselves in the same school. Please stand firm in protecting transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88524", "author": "Karen Psimas", "date": "2021-01-06T01:23:00", "title": "SUPPORT INCLUSIVE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS", "text": "I am 100% in support of your draft guidance outlining best practices for creating inclusive school environments for trans and non-binary students.  When people in general feel supported, they thrive.  They suffer less from depression and are less likely to commit suicide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88525", "author": "Chris", "date": "2021-01-06T04:33:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "creating healthy environments in the school leads to more positive outcomes. Treat trans students with respect and dignity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88526", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T05:06:00", "title": "Oppose this radical and harmful legislation", "text": "Forcing people to use pronouns etc which could change on a daily basis is ludicrous. There is constant push to follow science. This is not following science. This is wrong. Taking parents rightful authority from them is also wrong and sets a horrible precedent.  I do not support this insanity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88527", "author": "Marvie", "date": "2021-01-06T05:22:00", "title": "Strongly DISAGREE this absurdity.", "text": "The safety and innocence of the kids will be stripped off.  They’re just kids who doesn’t know yet what they really are.  As a mother I need to know wafts is going on with my child all the time.  This pronoun thing is absurd.  You can be inclusive but not on the expense of children’s"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88528", "author": "Al", "date": "2021-01-06T06:20:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I vehemently disagree with and oppose the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.  It is yet another unconstitutional, leftist intrusion as well as criminal and illegal subterfuge into the lives of private citizens, our children and families.  Stop now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88529", "author": "jackson", "date": "2021-01-06T06:21:00", "title": "Why are the children always the pawn of radical agendas that want permission tmutilate their bodies?", "text": "I strongly oppose any agenda that removes the right of parents and gives it to the state. Children are children and they should be allowed the opportunity to be children without the interference of the state.  The very fact that counselors are silenced in communicating all aspects of this radical and damaging agenda reveals a darker side to what the true agenda is for our youth.  Where is the equity in a one sided presentation of information, where is the equity in removing the parent from the equation.  Do we really want the state telling us how to raise our children, that sounds a lot like communism to most."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88530", "author": "KKL", "date": "2021-01-06T06:38:00", "title": "There is no part of this that is acceptable.", "text": "I was more horrified with every line I read.  We are talking about children under the age of 18, and you are removing parents from all discussions and awareness.  And choosing which children's rights you want to accept at the expense of others.  Even taking out my religious beliefs and what God says, this policy ranges from completely absurd to an unacceptable  violation of the rights of the majority.  I am not sure how teachers, who are already going above and beyond, would begin to comply with this.  Please reconsider how this effects not only the students and teachers, but the parents as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88531", "author": "Benjamin", "date": "2021-01-06T07:03:00", "title": "Please do not pass these", "text": "Please do not pass this"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88532", "author": "Katie", "date": "2021-01-06T07:14:00", "title": "I fully support this new policy!!!", "text": "Schools should be a safe and inclusive place for everyone!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88533", "author": "Mike", "date": "2021-01-06T07:27:00", "title": "School district is walking into a legal minefield", "text": "What gives a school district the right to not disclose a child's behavior to his or her parents, especially when it comes to something that might potentially have implications for the child's health and well being? If a child was cutting herself at school, or displaying symptoms of severe depression, or something of that nature, it would be outrageous for teachers and administrators to hide that from parents. Yet when it comes to this, if a kid says they're a different gender (despite perhaps not even knowing what that means or the implications of it) the school is not only supposed to go along with or encourage the kid's thinking, but also hide it from his or her parents? The school district is opening itself up to so many lawsuits it'll be unbelievable. Look for property taxes to skyrocket to pay for all the damages and litigation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88534", "author": "Beth", "date": "2021-01-06T07:28:00", "title": "Wholeheartedly support", "text": "I WHOLEHEARTEDLY supportModel Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88535", "author": "BT", "date": "2021-01-06T07:39:00", "title": "I support this", "text": "Schools must be inclusive, allowing and supporting all children. This looks to be good policy to ensure that another marginalized group is ensured inclusion."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88536", "author": "Justin Westbrook", "date": "2021-01-06T07:45:00", "title": "Strongly support! All children deserve to feel safe and secure", "text": "Growing up in Florida there was no acceptance for LGBTQ kids and I can't imagine the harm that caused those who had to hide their true self. Even worse, I think of the children bullied and tormented for being different than the proposed norm. This policy can help educate kids to be more accepting of others, protect these kids, and move the ball forward to a more accepting and peaceful world. Education is the first step! Please enact this policy and protect all of our kids and our future."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88537", "author": "PT", "date": "2021-01-06T08:04:00", "title": "We strongly support", "text": "We strongly support protecting these fundamental human rights. These are innate qualities of our fellow human beings. No child would choose persecution, discrimination, or bullying. Even though some opposing individuals may be uncomfortable with people they don’t understand, there is no societal cost to protecting our most vulnerable populations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88538", "author": "Elaine Miller", "date": "2021-01-06T08:05:00", "title": "Absolutely support these important guidelines - all children should feel safe to be themselves", "text": "As a parent of a child in Fairfax schools (and two others that have already graduated), I feel these guidelines are extremely important. High School, in particular, can be hard for children due to puberty and all the emotions that go along with it. If the child has dysphoria of any kind, they should be able to express themselves without fearing retribution or being ostracized. Great job Fairfax!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89174", "author": "Gosia", "date": "2021-01-08T22:14:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE to NO PARENTAL CONSENT on meds - bad even for families with TRANSGENDER children!", "text": "This bill should be rejected because of all important issues I am listing below. It is clear that this bill was not properly thought through, many scenarios and opinions were not considered and covered for the safety of all children, families, educators and even families with transgender children. 1. LACK OF CONSENT This bill lacks parental consent! Parents MUST know all medication their children take, all mental and physical issues their children experience and all procedures at all times! This is critical in case of emergency and when parents make decisions for any treatment on behalf of their children outside of school to avoid any adverse reactions or complications. See page 12: \"There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity, and school staff should work with students to help them share the information with their family when they are ready to do so. \" School cannot hide from parents any medication or procedures administered to children! What this bill proposes is unacceptable, it did not consider this situation, even families supporting transgender kids should strongly oppose this bill. 2. SIDE EFFECTS Some of the medication or treatments that could possibly be provided carry short and/or long term mental and/or physical side effects, children should not be deciding to take them, they should not even be exposed to them or have them in their reach on school grounds.  Parents must always be informed at earliest time possible. Examples of medication or treatment: PrEP pill for HIV, hormonal or other treatments for gender conversion, anticonception and/or even abortion. 3. PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY Parents are best advocates for their own children, they know their children's health situation best and they can provide the most loving and compassionate approach. NOT school! Parents are also ultimately responsible for their kids' overall well being. Parents are also responsible for their kids' health insurance along with other expenses. This brings up another question: how would these services and medication be paid for if parents are not supposed to be aware? This is unacceptable! 4. REDUNDANCY There are already other bills put in place to protect transgender children (such as discrimination act or bill on conversion therapy (which prohibits correcting gender to that at birth!)), so part of this bill is redundant. 5. CONSCIOUSNESS This bill encroaches on freedom of expression and religious liberty. It collides and goes against consciousness of many families, especially religious ones. It dismisses feelings and believes of a much larger group of students, in favor of much smaller transgender community. 6. PREDATORS This bill will provide new avenues to exploit for child predators (it is important to note that many child predators start at young age, about 9-11 and many victims do not report any offenses until their adulthood). 7. FACILITIES Sharing bathrooms or locker rooms will put many children in uncomfortable and even dangerous situation. It is an impossible expectation to have a separate locker room or restroom for each child made available by the time this bill be enforced, therefore many children will end up compromising themselves in shared facilities. Many children will end up either viewing or being viewed undressed by the opposite sex. 8. OVERSEXUALIZATION This bill will distract and oversexualize children, it will destroy current privacy rules. \"Whenever schools provide sex-segregated activities such as physical education classes, students should be allowed to participate in a manner consistent with their gender identity.\" (on page 16) - does that mean that girl claiming to be a boy can attend soccer or swimming topless? 9. OPPOSITION There is a large number of parents and educators opposing this matter for years now. There are organizations such as Concerned Parents and Educators of Fairfax County, Parent And Child Org, The Family Foundation and other. Their opposition have been dismissed over the years and it has not been heard or considered when this bill was created."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89176", "author": "Sean", "date": "2021-01-08T22:22:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "These model regulations infringe upon the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89177", "author": "J. Kohlhaas", "date": "2021-01-08T22:34:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines.  The proposals will usurp parental rights and could lead to discrimination against teachers whose deeply held beliefs would prevent them from going along with the changes."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89178", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T22:35:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89179", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T22:54:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.   Keep our children safe.", "text": "Keep our children safe.  Do not trample on the role of the parent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89180", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T23:05:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this.  People deserve fair and equal treatment. Judgement should be left to the parents regarding transgender matters."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89181", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T23:07:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose. Will undermine the role of a parent for their child", "text": "Also non reversible surgery should not be perform on a young child who can easily be manipulated, and may come to regret when becoming of mature age."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89182", "author": "Brian Kubecki", "date": "2021-01-08T23:23:00", "title": "Opposed - As proposed, model policy undermines and bypasses Parents - this is wrong", "text": "Opposed - As proposed, model policy undermines and bypasses Parents - this is wrong"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89183", "author": "Chris Smith", "date": "2021-01-08T23:36:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "We oppose this. Ensure bathroom and locker room settings are accessible based on the person's sex assigned at birth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89184", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T00:02:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "It is not the place of taxpayer-funded systems to push for policies that are based on nothing more than philosophical differences in opinion on gender theory. No student should be bullied, but existing rules relating to bullying are more than enough. Above all it is possible to treat children with dysphoria with dignity and love while maintaining the fought-for and necessary separate spaces for biological boys and girls. Sex is well-documented and sex-based differences are verifiable based on scientific observation and evidence regarding physical traits, hormonal differences, and behavior. The school has no place imposing a newly-thought up philosophical belief on children who are there to learn and who deserve safe spaces with members of their own sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89185", "author": "Melanie S.", "date": "2021-01-09T00:05:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I support the guidance document. Deadnaming, fear, discrimination are not what our transgender students should encounter . School should be a place of safety and learning, not a place of constant trauma and abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89186", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T00:29:00", "title": "Strongly support! Keep our children SAFE!!!", "text": "Keep our children safe; respect their choice for gender identity. Avoid suicide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89187", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T00:30:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "Oppose LGBT ideology"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89188", "author": "Peter Merkel", "date": "2021-01-09T00:44:00", "title": "Control Rights", "text": "We keep the right of parents to act in the behalf of their children.  I am not for document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89189", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T01:14:00", "title": "No way no how", "text": "This bill and any similar to it rejects the rights of parents and the legal rights and guardianship thereof. This bill is a direct violation of those rights and is discriminatory as such against people of religious faith, parents, and any school staff members who disagree with this manifesto on moral grounds. No where in this bill do you affirm the rights of any of those groups to reject this indoctrination. This is a shameful and disgusting bill that seeks to make religious beliefs criminal and goes directly against the 1st amendment in the us constitution. similarly this is yet another unfunded mandate passed down by the state, on an already over burdened school system. You want to push your agenda and punish any who reject it but also want us to not support parental wishes including minors in elementary school and you further choose to hide any of this from parents who do not approve. School documents are legal documents, not documents that can be changed on a whim one day or the next bc you feel like a man or woman or nothing and want to change your name or gender. School documents need to reflect the students legal name and gender as given them at birth by their parents and determined by the physician.  You further want the schools to produce new documents for any student who graduated but now wants to be called something else, even if it’s not legally changed, you expect us to spend our time and money to reproduce diplomas and schools records with their new desired name. Come work in a school for one year and tell me we are not over worked, under staffed, and under paid, and discriminated against bc of our religious beliefs, it’s do this or be fired."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89190", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T01:27:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE These Policies", "text": "Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students! The model regulations infringe on the First Amendment Rights of Parents to raise and care for their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89191", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T01:48:00", "title": "The draft policies would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students.", "text": "The draft policies would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89192", "author": "Chris Glode", "date": "2021-01-09T03:20:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children.  I strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89193", "author": "D. Wolfe", "date": "2021-01-09T05:13:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89194", "author": "Chris Prado", "date": "2021-01-09T05:50:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Many children have learned very early how to manipulate well intended guidelines for their own purposes. These guidelines, although well intended, will generate chaotic situations that will significantly detract from a healthy school learning environment.  Please consider more moderate adjustments.  Emphasizing respect for all individuals should cover most of what you hope to accomplish."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89195", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T06:17:00", "title": "I oppose this infringement of parents' rights.", "text": "I oppose this infringement of parents rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89196", "author": "Susan Thompson", "date": "2021-01-09T07:02:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "I am strongly opposed to these transgender policies, and I will not support any lawmaker who supports them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89197", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T07:02:00", "title": "I strongly oppose ignoring parental rights", "text": "I strongly oppose ignoring parental rights in this proposed policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89198", "author": "Dr. Dallam Ferneyhough", "date": "2021-01-09T07:03:00", "title": "Draft Policies for Treatment of Transgendered Students", "text": "Until relatively recently, the understanding of gender identity has been that a person's gender is fixed at conception and is readily ascertained by examining one's chromosomes.  The recent ideas of the flexibility of one's gender identity are without sound scientific basis.  Because they are not based on a sound, easily verifiable scientific basis, the draft policies will produce a system that is easily exploited and impossible to administer fairly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89199", "author": "D J JUDGE", "date": "2021-01-09T07:08:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "LET PARENTS’  DECIDE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89200", "author": "Craig Mays", "date": "2021-01-09T07:25:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policies proposed by VDOE", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89201", "author": "none", "date": "2021-01-09T07:30:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "This cannot stand. Taking the rights away from parents, what is next? Our public education system is too emboldened righty now, this is very dangerous and an affront to families and religious people."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89202", "author": "Shawna Bass", "date": "2021-01-09T07:38:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "Fully support this. All children should feel safe to be themselves in a school setting. This is not over reach but supports for the child/young adult and Parents, that is much needed. If the parents support their children’s choices, or even if they don’t, we should as a community and provide a safe space."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89203", "author": "Crystal Pollitt", "date": "2021-01-09T07:45:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Oppose. Public schools are not meant to be a vehicle for encouraging transgender.  They are for education.  Having boys and girls using the same locker rooms is unsafe and disrespectful for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89204", "author": "Cynthia Helffrich", "date": "2021-01-09T07:52:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Part of the job of our education system is to protect our students. There is proof that encouraging and promoting this idea that sex doesn’t matter and you can be whatever you want is harmful to individuals. Sex DOES matter. Men and women are different. They are different in beautiful ways and this should be celebrated. One is not better than the other and individuals cannot switch because they feel like they don’t fit in. No one feels like they fit in to their body. You have to grow and learn to appreciate it.  Bathrooms, locker rooms, classes, and groups designed limited to students of a certain sex in no way offends or diminishes the importance of the other. Instead, like different ethnic clubs, they allow people to be who they are in safe spaces. Treat the bullying, treat the unhealthy relationships students have with their own bodies, other students, and the world in general. It stems from a lack of love and acceptance on both the part of the individual and the group. Throw out this transgender agenda. It is only harmful."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89205", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T07:54:00", "title": "Warped mines", "text": "NO!! NO!! NO!! NO,"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89206", "author": "Brian C", "date": "2021-01-09T07:59:00", "title": "Parents supported not demoted", "text": "Parents should be promoted and not demoted. I oppose the transgender policies proposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89207", "author": "James Dulan", "date": "2021-01-09T08:00:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Stop all of this liberal insanity that is warping the minds of our youth and dividing this nation!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89208", "author": "Philip Glass", "date": "2021-01-09T08:29:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89209", "author": "anon", "date": "2021-01-09T08:29:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "I only got as far as page 6, read the definition of gender which is not correct and stopped reading. Please revise doc and then I will reread and evaluate"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89210", "author": "Maria Christian", "date": "2021-01-09T08:38:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "Why you people are so threatened by actual natural facts, is beyond reason !!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89211", "author": "Sarah G Priestman", "date": "2021-01-09T08:40:00", "title": "Support", "text": "All young people need the support of their school.  The Transgender Student Policy will help schools provide support and guidance to all students. The policy will ensure that ALL students can attend school feeling safe and included, which is critical for every student.  We want our young people to make the best individual choices.  The Transgender Student Policy will support that goal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89212", "author": "Rickey Blankenbaker", "date": "2021-01-09T08:41:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I fully support the proposals. Please ignore all of the ignorant bigots and do what is best for our trans students. Those who do not grow and progress with the rest of the world are simply waiting around to die. I urge the DOE to stand on the right side of history and take a strong stance in favor of trans Virginian students and their families."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89213", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T08:50:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this transgender policy. I respect all individuals but this is an over-reach by the schools. Making children share restrooms and locker rooms with members of the opposite biological sex is absolutely wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89214", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T08:57:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Allowing children to decide for themselves what gender they are is child abuse. Children need to be guided by parents. If a child decided they wanted to eat cake for every meal, would a parent allow them to do that? Alternatively, if an underweight child decided they were too fat and only wanted to eat one small meal a day, would a parent let them do that? Of course not!! How is this any different? Biology is not a mistake. “Follow the science!” If a child is created a boy, he is a boy! If a child is created a girl, she is a girl. To deny this is to deny science and genetics. To try to change science and genetics of one’s child is child abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89215", "author": "William Cook", "date": "2021-01-09T09:03:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "I think that, generally, people shouldn't be talking about \"transgenderism\" with five to six-year olds, considering that they haven't even learned very basic things about the world and about sex and sexuality. Frankly, it's pretty much child abuse to make a child, who doesn't understand anything about this sort of stuff, doubt whether or not they even \"are what they think they are.\" They do not have the knowledge or the wisdom to make a good judgement on whether or not they \"feel like a man\" or \"feel like a woman,\" since their brain isn't even fully developed yet. There have also been many examples of transgender people changing their minds about \"what they are\" later in life and regretting having ever made sex-change surgeries or filling themselves with horomones of the opposite sex. These things have catastrophic effects on these peoples' health, and you should never expose a child to something like that. This whole set of policies is based on the idea that child transgenderism is legitimate, and that's just not true, so I can't support any part of this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89216", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T09:09:00", "title": "Vehemently Oppose This Nonsense", "text": "There are two genders. Male and Female. For the parents who support their CHILDREN as they pretend to be the other sex is absurd. Worse are the parents who push their children at a young age to do this. Just stop this nonsense. None of this should be discussed at any level in public schools. Disgusting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89217", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T09:12:00", "title": "Public Education is no place to address illnesses", "text": "Just stop the lunacy of using the public education system to address physical and mental maladies. The school system has no right to invade personal privacy by asking sexual preference.  That is quite a perverse invasion by the school board. everyone has a birth certificate issued by a doctor or health department that the student should have registered with at entry to their first school year.  That does not change a year or ten years later.  It’s none of the school’s business what physical or mental condition a student is dealing with.  That student should seek medical care and the school should excuse absence for treatment. stop trying to address maladies that must be addressed by the proper professionals and dedicate school efforts towards education of students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89218", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T09:22:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I strongly oppose reductions in parental rights"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89219", "author": "Mary", "date": "2021-01-09T09:25:00", "title": "Transgender regulations proposed by VDOE", "text": "This model proposed by the VDOE infringes on the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. They are the primary educators of their offspring, not the VDOE or the teachers. We need to respect parental rights and not usurp them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89220", "author": "Dennis Huyck", "date": "2021-01-09T09:26:00", "title": "Transgender Education Policy", "text": "It is up to parents to discuss their beliefs and understanding regarding transgender education for their children, not our schools.  Transgender wishes reflect mental illness and should be treated as such, not a topic in schools.  The proposed policy is in direct opposition to the beliefs of most parents and schools should not express ideas that are in conflict with family beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89221", "author": "Margarita Figueroa", "date": "2021-01-09T09:28:00", "title": "I support the guidelines", "text": "I support the guidelines to keep trans students safe at school. Just like any other student or person, trans students have the right to be safe in all public spaces including schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89222", "author": "Phoebe Cook", "date": "2021-01-09T09:31:00", "title": "Strongly support - will save children's lives", "text": "This guidance will allow children to explore their gender identity and presentation safely and with support. As the guidance points out, such affirmation has been proven to dramatically reduce rates of depression and suicide in transgender youth (Ryan et al 2010; Russell et al 2018). There are absolutely no evidence-based risks to treating young people as they wish to be treated, and doing so will literally save the lives of vulnerable children and teenagers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89223", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T09:34:00", "title": "Support", "text": "All children (all people) require a safe environment in order to learn. It is basic human development. Children (people) are children (people) regardless if the clothes they wear or the pronouns they use. We, as adults, have a responsibility to advocate for and protect children. We can disagree about whether or not transgender is \"normal\" or \"ok\" (it is), but I hope we all agree that children are minors needing adults to protect their rights and safety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89224", "author": "D Carter", "date": "2021-01-09T09:52:00", "title": "Strongly disapprove", "text": "I strongly disagree with the proposed guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89225", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T10:01:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I fully support this measure to help keep Virginia's children safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89226", "author": "Leslye Morrison", "date": "2021-01-09T10:07:00", "title": "Strongly disapprove of Virginia Depart of Education policy on treatment of Transgender students", "text": "The government should not be pushing its own liberal agenda down to the schools which must obey or be punished by reduction in funds.  There are only 2 genders, male and female.  Girls should not have to be afraid using the bathroom or locker rooms by giving boys access to them.  You have completely ignored and refuse to give parents information about their child in school.  What happened to the school working with parents on issues, this policy completely cuts parents out of the decision making regarding their child.  The child is not the property of the state to do with what ever the state wants."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89227", "author": "Charlcie Fielding", "date": "2021-01-09T10:16:00", "title": "Opposition to transgender policies proposed by the VDOE.", "text": "I strongly oppose the transgender policies proposed by the VDOE (HB 145 & SB 161).  These policies are certainly not needed and very much take away the rights of parents raising their children according to their own values and beliefs.  The purpose of the public school system is to educate our children--not to take on responsibilities of the parents. Laws and policies are meant to serve the people.  These two policies certainly do NOT serve the majority of people just wanting to raise their children according to what they believe is best."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89228", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T10:26:00", "title": "Opposition to transgender bills for schools", "text": "I do not support these transgender bills. These transitions can result in sterilization of the individual, which is a tragedy as they as too young to know if they want children. And why is it illegal to smoke before 18 and drink before 21, but these children can have hormones of the opposite sex (according to their genetics) injected, which is much more dangerous? This bill makes all children less safe and should not pass."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89229", "author": "Gerda Keiswetter", "date": "2021-01-09T10:26:00", "title": "Strongly urge support of trans and non gender binary students", "text": "The childhood and teen years are a really important time for people to discover who they are.  For some that means the realization that they do not fit the gender norms set by society or their gender does not match the one assigned at birth.  It is vital for the mental health of these students that they be treated fairly as well as gently and compassionately so that they may develop into healthy adult citizens.  These guides will not negatively effect other students' rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89230", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T10:28:00", "title": "Undermines parent-child relationship", "text": "Parents can only make good decisions about their children's well-being based on full information. It's important that schools communicate fully with parents, so that all parties can work together to help a child navigate life circumstances. I'd like to see a provision requiring communication with parents, rather than the school hiding very important, life-changing information from a child's legal guardians."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89231", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T10:29:00", "title": "Concerned for the safety of our children", "text": "I am opposed to the policies in this document.  We must uphold the safety and bodily privacy of our students, and the parental rights of their parents. These are some of the problems I have with these policies: 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89232", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T10:48:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "I SUPPORT the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89233", "author": "N. Gingras", "date": "2021-01-09T10:52:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "As a human beings,  all creatures have inalienable rights. These are rights to be treated with dignity and respect.  I feel that the children today are being cheated and disrespected by the window of leeway we are placing on their shoulders.  We are born male or female.  If there is confusion in the genetics, we need to find out the reason. It is not just something that over 2000 plus years we can decide is all the sudden changing.  What are we doing environmentally to cause these children such turmoil?  Unfortunately, the children today are having these feelings.  I feel we need to educate them on who they are, allow them separate bathrooms or spaces to feel safe, but do not let their immature minds have to think they are different. Help them to know who they really are.  I oppose this bill for the way it is written."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89235", "author": "Eileen Castelli", "date": "2021-01-09T10:55:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89237", "author": "Sidhu", "date": "2021-01-09T11:07:00", "title": "OPPOSE PROMOTING CONFUSION IN CHILDREN", "text": "It is arrogant and irresponsible for schools to encourage children who are confused about their gender.  Science proves the vast majority of these confused children outgrow it by the time they are adults.  Encouraging them leads to greater depression and ill-health while disrespecting most of the student population and their parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89238", "author": "Rachel Paul", "date": "2021-01-09T11:09:00", "title": "Oppose the transgender proposals", "text": "I refuse the proposal by VDOE desires to implement on the basis of moral dereliction of duty on the behalf of children.  If this process is permitted our youth will suffer far beyond their ability to comprehend  now in their tender years of development as well as irrevocable damage to their psyche, and clear understanding of their reason for being a stable part of humanity, never fully being accepted in the real world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89239", "author": "John Surr", "date": "2021-01-09T11:24:00", "title": "Please Protect Transgender Students; they deserve equal treatment respecting their identities", "text": "As the grandfather of a transgender student I have seen the difficulties my grandson, formerly grand daughter, has had to face in changing his gender identity.  I applaud the Department for going forward with the proposed Bill and guidance policies, which should produce a more equal educational opportunity for all Virginia's school children, especially including those who question or change their gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89240", "author": "Chris Durel", "date": "2021-01-09T11:28:00", "title": "opposed - stop the madness", "text": "The model requires more than the legislation does to the point that if implemented it will transgress on the rights of other students, parents, and even school staff.  It should be revised to do what the law requires and no more.  It is one thing to reinforce things like compliance with existing non-discrimination laws but to require school staff to use pronouns that are contrary to sex assigned at birth (and really at conception as we know from science) is to force them to lie.  And when the teachers are required to lie about one truth then where will the line be drawn?  Our schools must teach truth (and truth is immutable or it isn't truth) or we will become like the dystopian societies that we read about only in fiction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89241", "author": "Dr Erica Ehrhardt", "date": "2021-01-09T11:40:00", "title": "Support the transgender student policies", "text": "It is essential that children be able to learn without suffering discrimination or harassment. These policies will promote that critical goal. A recent study found that over 70% of gay or transgender kids received threats because of their identity; schools have a moral and legal obligation to protect their students from this kind of harassment at school. These policies are necessary. These policies lay out how schools can prevent gender-based harassment or address it effectively to support and protect students if harassment occurs. These policies will help transgender students feel safe and respected at school, which is necessary for them to have equal access to education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89242", "author": "Emily M", "date": "2021-01-09T12:00:00", "title": "Don’t approve", "text": "I do not approve of this! Parents need to be advised and involved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89243", "author": "Jacqueline F", "date": "2021-01-09T12:08:00", "title": "Strongly appose", "text": "Children are children, some still need support outside to ensure their safety, when adults they can decide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89244", "author": "Ruth and Ira Shapiro", "date": "2021-01-09T12:12:00", "title": "oppose Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89245", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T12:13:00", "title": "Transgender policy document", "text": "Strongly oppose adoption of these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89246", "author": "F. Wall", "date": "2021-01-09T12:15:00", "title": "OPPOSE strongly the VDOE proposed policies re: transgender", "text": "I oppose the alleged need for new VDOE policies regarding so-called transgender children.  They are CHILDREN, who do not have the maturity to determine that they \"belong to another sex\" other than the one they physically have. My reasons for opposing these proposed policy changes have been clearly articulated by many others who have responded."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89248", "author": "Jennifer G Glade", "date": "2021-01-09T12:36:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Dear Legislature, I would like to request that the legislature oppose the proposed Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students .  While I certainly appreciate the difficulties of students facing gender dysphoria the proposed policies are not fair to their teachers & fellow students nor to them. Students at this age are wont to change their minds (which is fair & normal) so teachers would readily find themselves unfairly charged with harassment on any given day. With respect to their fellow students, it is entirely inappropriate to be introducing this to the majority of students who will not suffer from gender dysphoria as a state wide mandate.  Most students are not concerned with nor interested in these matters and to introduce this to them is wrong at young ages.  I have known many students to be overwhelmed by the information at young ages and labeled as something they are not if they do not \"check the box\" as something once introduced. The proposed agenda is far ahead of the AMA standards for natural development and introduction of these issues.  Especially given that parents are not required to be informed first. Students who have wrestled with gender dysphoria have been violated by this type of well intentioned proposal.  Being too young to fully know their minds and bodies they have felt encouraged and emboldened by their academic institutions and have made dramatic decisions at impressionable ages to their disappointment & despair at adulthood.  If we tell our youth that their minds are not fully developed enough to handle drugs and alcohol until age 25 (see all VA Drivers Ed requirements) then why would we encourage them to take hormones and consider transitioning at such young ages?  We frown upon them drinking milk with hormones!? Finally, this challenges Women's Rights.  The transgender movement violates Title IX.  The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations including athletics.  Scientific data has found and worldwide athletic organizations have concluded that no amount of hormone therapy evens the playing field for a male athlete who identifies as a female.  The Economist published articles throughout the Fall of 2020 to this effect, most recently: Liberalism and its contradictions (10/24/2020.)  \"Ending discrimination against one group of people should not depend on discriminating against another.\"  Look no further than states that have passed these initiatives and note the rate at which female athletic records have been claimed by male athletes identifying as women.  Our eldest daughter chases a 20 year track record at her high school that would undoubtedly be claimed by a mediocre male athlete within the year of this decision.  It is already frustrating enough to train with male athletes much less compete against them.  What are we telling our female athletes?  We will lose them. Please be very careful with our youth.  There are a myriad of ways to help ALL of our youth navigate the difficulties of coming of age, this proposal is not one of them. Jennifer Glade Alexandria, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89249", "author": "Irene Maria.DiSanto", "date": "2021-01-09T12:45:00", "title": "Protect Parent and children's rights", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89251", "author": "Anna Strong", "date": "2021-01-09T13:08:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "These policies are deeply harmful to children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89252", "author": "James Casey", "date": "2021-01-09T13:10:00", "title": "Oppose As Being Clearly Unconstitutional on Several Fronts", "text": "This proposal is beyond misguided, because it is inherently unconstitutional on a number of grounds.  Hence, it will result in an unsuccessful and wasteful struggle within court systems, which should be utilized for real issues, not agenda-driven and hypothetical issues. It would violate and interfere with : [1] parental rights in raising and educating children on innate matters pertaining to sexuality and sexual identity; [2] the privacy rights of parents in implementing [1]; [3] the privacy rights of the children themselves in their self-awareness of their sexual identities; [4] the privacy rights of children in avoiding exposure to members of the opposite sex while undressed; [5] the rights of children to be educated solely in matters that pertain to academic matters, which exclude hypothetical matters about which there is a huge amount of academic disagreement and which is contrary to the teachings of most of the mainstream religions within the USA; and [6] it would expose children to concepts and theories about which they unequipped to fairly apply mature examination and assessment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89253", "author": "Melissa", "date": "2021-01-09T13:13:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED, protect parental rights! Protect chilren!", "text": "this goes totally against parental rights and children well being. protect children innocence Opposed completely"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89255", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T13:36:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Transgender students deserve to be safe and supported in school. Thank you for considering policies aimed at ensuring the safety and support of these students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89257", "author": "Richard Dunbar", "date": "2021-01-09T13:48:00", "title": "No to Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I oppose the “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.” I do not condone discrimination against transgender students, but I oppose any accommodation for these students that violates the right of privacy of all other students and discriminates against all students by forcing them to follow arbitrary rules that cannot be reasonably enforced. These rules force most students to give up their right of privacy, especially where the use of bathrooms, gym locker rooms and showers are concerned. Biological differences between male and female persons are scientifically undeniable. Boys who think they are transgender or female cannot be allowed to use girls facilities and conversely, girls who think they are transgender or male cannot be allowed to use boys facilities. Adolescents are impressionable and sensitive about their identity. Forcing them to accept transgender behavior and putting them in embarrassing situations that violate their privacy will cause confusion and psychological trauma. Teachers and school administrators should not be trying to enforce arbitrary rules that distract from their primary responsibilities to educate. Parents are responsible for raising their children to deal with societal situations. School personnel must not usurp the parents’ responsibilities. Students and parents risk being harassed, humiliated and punished because they uphold the universal truths of natural law recognized by the overwhelming majority of people in the world which recognize the fundamental differences between boys and girls, men and women. Biological differences are not arbitrary, they are a scientific fact. Anyone who thinks they are of a sex different from the one evidenced by their DNA and physical attributes need compassionate medical and emotional help to deal with their situation, not arbitrary rules forcing others to accept their situation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89258", "author": "Jesus T.C", "date": "2021-01-09T13:54:00", "title": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "This new found \"law\" is ridiculous! This is going against the idea of free will. And unconstitutional. The fact of the matter is, the school board is forcing a new code, against the children and the parent's of the children. 1] parents can't raise their children. It should not concern the school how to raise other people's children. The school should concerns themselves with the subjects of school (math, science, history) the overall academic performance of the student. 2] The negligence of the school to not inform the parents of the student?! That's absurd, the parents should be the first to be informed. That's a stab in the back to parent's. How is the child suppose to form a healthy relationship with the parent, if the school is interfering? Overall the idea to introduce such atrocity is beyond comprehension. And the plan to put such idea into motion is not justifiable. The school has no right to invoke themselves into an delicate issue that shouldn't be there problem. Don't concern yourself with something that is not your problem."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89259", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T13:59:00", "title": "transgender", "text": "Strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89260", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T14:06:00", "title": "Practices for trans students", "text": "Oppose, there has to be a better way to protect trans students and non-trans students at the same time. Gender surgeries should only be for adults. Young children are still developing sense of self, please do not place this conversation on five year olds. More trauma could come from this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89261", "author": "Mother/Grandmother/Catholic", "date": "2021-01-09T14:17:00", "title": "VDOE Guidance Document on Transgender Policy", "text": "I strongly oppose any effort by government, locally or nationally, to implement \"teaching\" or  establishing any guidance policies regarding the transgender ideology. Stop taking the primary role of teaching away from parents and grandparents, most especially when it comes to subjects of morality, of which sexuality falls under. NOT YOUR JOB!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89263", "author": "Colin Davis", "date": "2021-01-09T14:25:00", "title": "This is a violation. There are other ways to help kids with gender dysphoria.", "text": "This only damages children and their relationship with their parents, while violating the rights of parents. There are other ways to help kids with gender dysphoria."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89264", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T14:29:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "Strongly Opposed. Parents raise and educate their children, not the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89265", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T14:33:00", "title": "This is absurd. Totally against this transgender education", "text": "There are two sexes and genders as defined by science at birth. As much as wacky liberals may want to change who they are sexually, they cannot. You are either male or female. You can’t switch. You can’t chose. It is what it is. So quit messing with kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89266", "author": "Former Public School Teacher/Grandmother", "date": "2021-01-09T14:39:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As a 39 year public school teacher, I cannot imagine the damage these proposed guidelines will do to the Virginia Public Schools. Private schools will become the norm if these are passed, and staffing for public schools will be difficult to find. This is NOT the way to protect transgender people, it is giving all power to those that may identify one way one day and change the next. One part of these guidelines, in particular, appalls me. It is that male and female locker rooms can be invaded by the opposite biological sex on a whim. I do not approve of these proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  Please do not approve."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89267", "author": "Barbara Yambor-Kim", "date": "2021-01-09T14:40:00", "title": "(HB 145 and SB 161).", "text": "regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89268", "author": "Sue", "date": "2021-01-09T14:52:00", "title": "treatment of transgender students in VA public schools", "text": "Saddened and outraged by this proposal"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89270", "author": "John Cooney", "date": "2021-01-09T14:57:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "I strongly disagree with this policy which is another example of the destruction of the family unit and values in this country brought on by socialists who disguise their agenda by calling themselves progressives. If you have a penis you use the boys restroom and the boys locker room. If you have vagina you use the girls restroom and girls locker room."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89274", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T15:38:00", "title": "strongly oppose, this is insane", "text": "I cannot believe sane people would put such a proposal onto our children at school.  Little girls may be scarred for life if a boy comes into their restroom and molests them or more. Parents know more about their children than teachers could ever know and should be aware of what is happening to their children by an overzealous teacher.  I know a boy who refused to wrestle against a girl because he knows better on how to treat girls with respect. Another friend's daughter cannot get an athletic scholarship to college because a boy claiming to be a girl has won all the races.  What has happened to Title 9 that we all fought so hard to get? In my own family, a boy raging with male hormones, then decided he was a girl, no, now he's a boy again, but the latest report was that he's not sure.  His mental and emotional change in development is driving him crazy. This is a cruel and torturous way to treat our children.  Stop it now."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89275", "author": "Carolynn Nguyen", "date": "2021-01-09T15:40:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education", "text": "What happened to \"my body, my choice\", a slogan pushed by the liberal party?  \"Choice\" implies consent and of free will.  These policies are nothing but propagandas imposing on young children who don't even have a chance of exploring and learning as part of growing up.  They are deprived of the childhood that every children should have.  Remember the phrase \"teaching appropriate content at appropriate age\"?  How is it that pre-puberty children should even be forced to learn about transgender materials?  Girls don't even know about menstruation & its role in the productive system.  Yet, they are supposed to learn that they may want to have a sex change?  This is how the human race actively participates in choreographing its own demise."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89276", "author": "Stephanie Gatewood", "date": "2021-01-09T15:47:00", "title": "Fully support policies to support LGBT+ students", "text": "All students deserve to learn in an inclusive, safe environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89279", "author": "VA Parent and Grandparent", "date": "2021-01-09T15:58:00", "title": "OPPOSED to VDOE Proposed Transgender Guidelines", "text": "While I fully agree that any student should be treated respectfully, I absolutely do not approve of these proposed guidelines! They are a state overreach of power based on radical, unscientific theories that seek to eradicate all distinctions between male and female and treat our school-aged children as social experiments in sexuality. Rather than making children feel safe, these policies create chaos and confusion in the hearts and minds of children where none existed before. Additionally, these guidelines especially endanger girls, making them subject to possible abuse and/or harassment in bathrooms, locker rooms, etc., and also subject to biological inequities in sports competitions. Furthermore, the family is the most foundational and fundamental unit in society, and these policies only serve to destroy that family unit by undermining parental authority and involvement in their children’s lives. Unquestionably, the vast majority of parents love and care more about their own children than the state or anyone else ever will. What automatically qualifies the state to be more loving/caring/responsible in handling these crucial, life-altering matters than the parents themselves? This usurping of parental authority by the state sets a dangerous precedent for the abuse of public power in other arenas as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89281", "author": "Sara L", "date": "2021-01-09T16:11:00", "title": "Strongly in favor of policies that protect the rights of transgender children", "text": "Transgender children face so many challenges. We owe it to them, and to all our children, to do anything we can do to make their public school experience a safe and positive one."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89285", "author": "Bill", "date": "2021-01-09T16:45:00", "title": "Trabs Use of Rest Rooms and Locker Rooms", "text": "I do not believe this is a  properly thought out set of policy instructions.  I recognize that transgender persons should be given the same rights as anyone else, but mixing people with different sexual organs in common places would be at the least very emotionally upsetting, and at the worst, possibly an occasion for violence against trans people.  In recent years many public buildings have added a third restroom, usually labeled \"Family\", but these also afford a way for trans people to use facilities without danger or discomfiting others.  I think we need this accommodation for sports and other facilities that may have male and female facilities.   Much safer and less disturbing for all. but"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89286", "author": "CEB", "date": "2021-01-09T16:59:00", "title": "As a concerned uncle I strongly oppose this! This is an absolute blatant infringement of our rights!", "text": "As a concerned uncle I strongly oppose this! This is an absolute blatant infringement of our rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89287", "author": "Bethany Henderson", "date": "2021-01-09T17:09:00", "title": "Strongly Support!!!  All Kids Deserve to Feel Safe and That They Belong at School.", "text": "All children deserve to feel safe and that they belong at school regardless of their identity (gender, race, religion or otherwise).  Our government has the obligation to provide all children an equitable education.  No child should be made to feel unsafe or unwelcome simply because of their identity. I am not transgender, nor are my school-age children or other members of my family.  However, this issue is deeply personal to me as a person who cares about others and believes in the ideals of our state and country that all people should be treated equal. Our government has an obligation to protect and educate ALL children, not just those whose gender identity conforms with some Virginians concepts of what is \"normal.\"  No human being is harmed by another human being living as their true self. I urge you not only to ratify and release this Guidance Document but to make it abundantly clear that hate has no home in Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89288", "author": "Michael Wagner", "date": "2021-01-09T17:19:00", "title": "Strongly oppose several key provisions", "text": "As both a father of school aged children and a licensed clinical psychologist, I am horrified at the lack of privacy protections for cisgender individuals, as well as, the assertation that schools should be encouraged to actively intrude into family dynamics by affirming identities within children, which are opposed the guidance of parents. I agree with the need to continue to work to eliminate open hostility toward transgender individuals and affirm their ability to participant in all non-gender-specific activities (e.g. chorus). However, that a transgender individual with male anatomy would have the right, without being questioned/challenged to share the same undressing and showering space as my daughters some day seems like an outrageous intrusion on her privacy. This may be one of the more obvious difficulties with this guidance; however, there are several similar concerns. Additionally, the routine affirmation of the unsolidified identities can be very destructive to proper maturation and have extremely detrimental long-term impacts on youth. I think the very delicate/complicated work of identity exploration and solidification needs to be done in dialogue with the parents, with the assistance of experts as needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89289", "author": "Concerned citizen", "date": "2021-01-09T17:35:00", "title": "Transgender School Policy", "text": "As a concerned citizen, parent, grandparent, I oppose in the Strongest terms possible-this is horrible policy.  It is NOT up to our schools to enforce the politically correct agenda of the moment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89290", "author": "Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-01-09T18:10:00", "title": "Oppose these dangerous policy changes", "text": "I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. Some of the dangers are: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89291", "author": "Mrs. Keel", "date": "2021-01-09T18:18:00", "title": "No to transgender regulations proposed by Va. Dept. of Education!!!", "text": "This is highly dangerous to allow students of opposite sex using each other's bathroom or locker rooms.  No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex! This generation is sexually active at a very young age.  Do you realize this will invite all kinds of sexual assaults?  It is very dangerous!  You have extremely advanced, mature kids and the innocent ones will loose out on this!  This will be a hot bed for assaults, and lawsuits!!  Don't do it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88539", "author": "April", "date": "2021-01-06T08:06:00", "title": "I strongly oppose. Confused children need time to grow up& understand more before adults condone.", "text": "This legislation is totally pushed by an anti-family, anti-religious agenda. It's forcing teachers and schools, despite personal beliefs to support a radical, destructive idea that is not based in reality, science or anything reasonable, but is simply a rebellious teenage cry for attention. As a teacher and parent, the children that I have seen attempt to be gay, are only seeking the approval of peers and to be rebellious to the normal order of things. The children I've known who have pretended they were gay, have been redirected by parents to reality and returned to affirming the sex they are at birth, and in reality, always should be. Gay life is caused by abuse, not heredity, and should not have to be accommodated by teachers. In my younger days, children sought attention by growing long hair, the way to get attention now is by pretending to be gay or transgender. It is not a good life, gays die younger than the normal population, and the only transgender person I know was in prison, long term. Do not make schools support this aberrant behavior. They have plenty to do teaching and do not need this aggravation and all the problems it will cause."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88540", "author": "Teresa", "date": "2021-01-06T08:06:00", "title": "None of this is in the best interest of children.", "text": "Our school recognizes the parents responsibility until it comes to “gender”. Nothing should happen at school that the parents don’t know about. It is ridiculous to me that my child might be confused and feeling alone and the school wouldn’t be obligated to let me know."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88541", "author": "A.R.", "date": "2021-01-06T08:07:00", "title": "Do not support this policy", "text": "I do not support this policy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88542", "author": "F.d ffx county parent", "date": "2021-01-06T08:16:00", "title": "Parents are the primary teachers", "text": "I do not approve of this and its anti parent, anti teacher"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88543", "author": "Tess", "date": "2021-01-06T08:17:00", "title": "support", "text": "I strongly support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88544", "author": "Ed Speare", "date": "2021-01-06T08:33:00", "title": "VDOE Proposed Public School Transgender Policies", "text": "I strongly oppose the guidelines proposed by the Virginia Department of Education.  These guidelines are based on the fundamentally flawed assumption that feelings trump the facts of DNA. These guidelines are simply and attempt to codify ultra-progressive dogma and use public education as its indoctrination tool.  The percentage of children legitimately experiencing gender dysphoria is incredibly low, less than 2%. To subject over 98% of a student population and their staff, teachers, and administrators to the rules proposed is a severe trampling of freedom, to say nothing of setting up educational authorities as the ultimate authority over that of parents responsible for the raising of their children. These rules will ensure that school systems will spend scarce time and resources on a radical social engineering concept that will adversely affect the actual learning that needs to take place in our public schools. I would not send my children to a public school where these rules were in place, nor would I teach in one of them. This is all bad social science run amok and further erode support of public education. Our public schools have an enormous challenge on their hands catching up with the effects of Covid-19 on the education of this generation and should have these added burdens laid on them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88545", "author": "John Huber", "date": "2021-01-06T08:56:00", "title": "Transgender Rules, model policies - oppose", "text": "I oppose the proposed rules since it removes parents from being involved in the decision process."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88546", "author": "Alexandra Sward", "date": "2021-01-06T09:01:00", "title": "Long overdue, 100% support - this is suicide prevention", "text": "Transgender youth are at extremely high risk for suicide and studies show that increased social acceptance lowers that risk. This is the least school systems can do to protect a very vulnerable population. Support 100% from this Church Hill resident."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88547", "author": "Maryann Pearson", "date": "2021-01-06T09:03:00", "title": "Do Not Support.", "text": "Do Not Support this policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88548", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T09:04:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support this!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88549", "author": "liz", "date": "2021-01-06T09:07:00", "title": "We Do Not support these policies", "text": "Please! My family does NOT approve these proposed guidelines, based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. It is an attack on our Rights, our conscience, our Fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88550", "author": "CF Kane", "date": "2021-01-06T09:07:00", "title": "Protect transgender students!", "text": "Protect transgender students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88551", "author": "Kathleen", "date": "2021-01-06T09:10:00", "title": "Do not support taking away parental guidance", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy for several reasons.  One: it prevents parents from being parents to guide and advice and support and encourage their children if they are kept unaware of their in-school behavior and decisions.  Keeping parents uninformed of what and when sexual or gender material is taught and conversations are had only creates further discomfort for children to discuss personal desires with their parents.  Second: it prevents students from being allowed to voice discomfort if they are opposed to sharing dressing rooms, bathrooms, etc.  In an era where we are trying to give children voices over their bodies, these policies take away their voice and teach children that their comfort is less important than others.  I agree we need to prevent suicide, but taking away the voice of children and parents to be speak up for themselves is not the way.  Please I urge you do not continue with these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88552", "author": "Mike Lewis", "date": "2021-01-06T09:16:00", "title": "Parents are the primary educators", "text": "These \"guidelines\" usurp parental authority and suppress dissent.  The proposed regs allow the schools to both keep parents in the dark AND report them to CPS if they are not deemed sufficiently supportive. Additionally, it compels speech and belief from other students, who are forced to participate/indulge in an individual's alternate reality. This is an ill-conceived setup of a legal minefield for schools, teachers, parents, and students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88553", "author": "Concerned grandmother", "date": "2021-01-06T09:17:00", "title": "I strongly disagree with  this policy!", "text": "I do not agree with this policy and it goes against  a lot of people's  religious values and beliefs.  No teacher or student should have this ridiculous  policy forced on them . Seems as if other people's  rights are not important at all!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88555", "author": "Becky McMAhan", "date": "2021-01-06T09:28:00", "title": "I strongly disagree with  this policy!", "text": "I don't  agree with  this policy at all. It goes against  a lot of people's  religious beliefs  and it should not be  forced on anyone.  Does anyone  else's  rights  matter  at all or just the transgenders? Easy to see the answer to that question!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88556", "author": "Very Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-06T09:29:00", "title": "Opposed: Unnecessary and unintended consequences", "text": "While I fully support providing a safe and secure environment for all children to learn, these policies will not achieve that goal. The state should trust parents, teachers, and communities to provide a safe and secure environment.  As a born and raised Virginian, Virginia public schools have done so successfully for years. These policies are unnecessary and will result in confusing and complex rules and prevent parents and educators of caring for children.  These rules, while intended to protect a few, will have unintended consequences and be harmful to Virginia students and educators. These policies are an overreach and will result in a violation of teachers and students religious rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88557", "author": "Mary Smith", "date": "2021-01-06T09:29:00", "title": "I strongly disagree with this policy", "text": "Parents are the primary educators for their children. These policies will create further confusion for everyone"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88558", "author": "Laraine Bennett", "date": "2021-01-06T09:36:00", "title": "I strongly oppose", "text": "I do not approve of these proposed guidelines which are based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. The worst thing about this is that young children are so malleable and easily misled by the latest trend (think about how the skinny model trend caused many young girls to starve themselves, sometimes to death). And this latest \"fad\" will do irreparable damage. To change one's gender at a young age when they aren't even yet fully aware of sexuality will damage them forever."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88559", "author": "Dyrell Hicks", "date": "2021-01-06T09:40:00", "title": "RE: VDOE draft model policies for the treatment of transgender", "text": "If you want to end the public school system, this kind of regulation and government overstepping behavior WILL end in parents pulling MANY students out of the public school system. So please continue your trajectory. The corrupt unionized indoctrination system needs to be defunded and dismantled.  This type of policy will ensure that it will not take too long."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88560", "author": "E.R. McIvor", "date": "2021-01-06T09:42:00", "title": "Trans Rights are Human Rights", "text": "I have several trans family members, including a child who attends school in VA that I love with all my heart. I am glad this policy exists to protect her throughout her education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88561", "author": "Vince Ashley", "date": "2021-01-06T09:42:00", "title": "We Strongly Disagree", "text": "We do not approve of the proposed guidelines from the VDOE. Our rationale is based on the theory mitigating the scientific distinctions between male and female (XY and XX Chromosomes respectively) school children. Follow the science and rescind this radical ideology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88562", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T09:45:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "I am absolutely opposed to this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88563", "author": "j law", "date": "2021-01-06T09:58:00", "title": "VDOE policy proposal", "text": "The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools contains content which will increase problems identified in the document rather than decrease those problems. According to the document, the key guiding principle of the model policies is that all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment. The policies identified in the document do not increase this right for all children but do decrease for some children. House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, required the model include \"evidence-based best practices\". The following sections contain no evidence that this model will support the key guiding principle: Student Privacy/Confidentiality, School Records, Dress Code, Access to Activities and Facilities. The one section with evidence does not indicate this model will increase the key guiding principle but will only \"lower\" self harm behavior. If enacted, this model will increase discrimination and harassment of groups of students. No evidence was presented that this model lowers discrimination and harassment for all students or increases the right to learn by all students. Before adopting this model, VDOE is encouraged to evaluate how this model will affect some students negatively."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88564", "author": "Evelyn Hildebrand", "date": "2021-01-06T10:07:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This Model Policy creates risk for targeted religious discrimination against people of faith and people who because of their firmly held religious beliefs cannot comply with the mandated use of gender preference pronouns.  This sets schools up for lawsuits. This Model Policy normalizes and mainstreams gender dysphoria in the name of political correctness.  Peer reviewed studies show that children at this age are very susceptible to peer pressure and to taking on the struggles of their peers including in the area of gender dysphoria.  (This article is an excellent example: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0202330 ).  School should be a place of structure and learning -- free from politically driven distractions -- not a place for questioning or exploring gender identity.  This policy was crafted to broadcast political correctness and not to work for any child's best interest.   Everyone agrees children should have a caring and kind school experience, but creating that type of environment is not what this policy was designed to do."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88565", "author": "Liz Keenan", "date": "2021-01-06T10:08:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "I am in full support of these model policies. Every student absolutely deserves a safe, supportive learning environment, and to be treated with respect and dignity; accommodations for transgender and gender-expansive students are long overdue. I know of a number of people who would have benefited from such policies existing when I was growing up in Fairfax Co public schools. I’m saddened, though not very surprised, to see abounding ignorance and intolerance in the dissenting comments. People need to stop trying to use “science” (or rather, their gross misunderstanding of what it actually tells us) to justify their transphobia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88566", "author": "Jennifer Stubbe", "date": "2021-01-06T10:11:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support the guidance and believe Virginia should be a model for inclusivity and support for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88567", "author": "Outraged Mom/Lawyer/Taxpayer", "date": "2021-01-06T10:13:00", "title": "New  VDOE Policy puts children and taxpayer dollars at risk", "text": "This proposed policy is heavy on ideology and light on common sense. School districts will be exposed to massive amounts of litigation from the foreseeable consequences of this policy as well as the unintended consequences. Regardless of your feelings on the issue, responsible legislators must protect the Commonwealth and its school districts from liability and be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and respectors of parental rights to make decisions for their minor children. Do not be confused by the demands of an incredibly well-funded minority who seek to eradicate those who disagree with their agenda. This heavy-handed policy does not meet the needs nor conform to the vision of Virginia held by the majority of taxpayers. This is not the Virginia way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88568", "author": "Will Lloyd", "date": "2021-01-06T10:13:00", "title": "SEVERE ISSUES WITH PROPOSED CHANGES", "text": "These proposed changes are absolute INSANITY and while trying to be \"inclusive\" is actually incredibly discriminatory to the MAJORITY of kids in school and is taking advantage of a non-fully developed mind by indoctrinating them into a \"new normal\" with absolutely no scientific or logical backing! This is the type of action taken under a totalitarian organization."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88569", "author": "Edna Gorman", "date": "2021-01-06T10:20:00", "title": "Joy not agenda", "text": "Joy not agenda!  Love of teaching & love of all children!  Where did we go so wrong? I remember the joy my awkward but joyful son showed the first time he entered Glebe School.  I remember Mrs. Mountain who loved all the students & showed her love every day by her joy!  She did not have an agenda!  Unless you regard the desire to want All of her children to thrive.  She was kind & showed her joy & expertise to all children & included All The parents in every phase of their child's life. She knew, as we all did at that time, adult issues should remain adult issues until a child is able to understand those complicated issues. Teachers protected their children from harm both physically & mentally.  Parents & teachers & the Arlington School Board, most of the time, wanted their children to grow up to be well educated & caring individuals. That is their jobs in their individual capacity.   When my son  transferred to Drew SchooI I was amazed.  Every week there was children's choice & parents actively taught on those days.  Teachers had personal conferences with parents keeping parents abreast of every aspect of their child's life.  Parents were not the enemy.  They were the intricate part of their, yes, their child's life!  Mrs. Hu was a big influence on my son's life & I think in all the children 's life.  She was wonderful. Later my son graduated from HB Woodlawn & I think Arlington County Schools, their teachers & their programs, at the time, were a good influence on almost all children.  I am so very proud of my son.  He is a caring, hard working, intelligent individual who with the help of those teachers, is a wonderful man.  Where did lose our way?  Arlington County Schools, behind the parent's back, brought in an individual who addressed Adult issues to a Kindergarten class!  Unbelievable!  Arlington County Schools, want to take away the rights of the parents who bore their children.  They are the ones who remain their children 's guides through life, not the schools. They feed, cloth, educate at home & are their for them in times of joy as well as trouble.  I suppose any law that usurps the parents rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88570", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T10:22:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "As a public school teacher and parent, I strongly oppose these policies. It is not the school’s place to guide a student through a gender identity process."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88571", "author": "Carolyn Spratley", "date": "2021-01-06T10:23:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88572", "author": "Carolyn Spratley", "date": "2021-01-06T10:24:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose.", "text": "Strongly Oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88573", "author": "Lizette Krajnak", "date": "2021-01-06T10:24:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Each time you go to the bathroom, do you have to consider which bathroom to use, walk out of the bathroom because somebody is in a stall, wonder if you will be victimized while in the bathroom, or simply decide you should hold it in until you are in a safe environment to go do your \"business?\" That is what goes through my daughter's mind any time she has to use a bathroom outside our home. Until our society is ready to accept All Gender Bathrooms, trans people need access to bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The statistics do not support a notion that it is safer for everyone for individuals to use the bathroom that aligns with their assigned gender at birth. Now that you have considered using the bathroom, which is a minuscule part of your day, do you expend any energy avoiding aggression, perceived and real, as you perform your job or join an activity outside your home? My daughter has been chased in her vehicle; her former co-workers liked to remind her that she would be an ugly woman; strangers feel the need to ask personal questions about her anatomy and her healthcare. Imagine every day is groundhog day and you worry about the bathroom, about embarrassing comments and intrusive questions, about whether or not today will be the day when an acquaintance or random stranger will finally commit an act of violence against her. My daughter does not want special treatment. She wants the same protections that cisgender folks enjoy. She quit her part-time job because the small business where she worked advised her to \"ignore the haters.\" Instead of contributing to society, our daughter is now completing her studies online, cannot find a job, and constantly wonders if it will ever be OK to be her true self outside the safety of our home. There are so many incorrect assumptions about transgenderism: Our daughter comes from an intact home, where neither drugs nor alcohol is abused. Our daughter was not physically or mentally abused. Our daughter tried to \"fix\" herself for years, until the burden was too great and she surrendered to what she knows is true - her body does not match her personhood. Live and let live, please, my daughter's life depends on it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88574", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T10:25:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I can't believe we are even talking about this.  The State wants to have control over our kids and subvert God-given parental rights which is wrong.  God made a Man and a Woman with a penis and a vagina for a reason!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88576", "author": "Rev. John De Celles", "date": "2021-01-06T10:26:00", "title": "We are not stupid", "text": "You draft policies for the treatment of \"transgender students\" are are completely ridiculous. Psychologist tell us that this is a form of child abuse of these sexually confused children. Moreover, your attempt to control the free speech and common sense of the rest of the students is tyrannical, and abuse of their rights and the rights of their parents.  Were parents or students even consulted on this? Do they want this? NO!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88575", "author": "Virginia Parent", "date": "2021-01-06T10:26:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Of course I support this. Lives will literally be saved by providing a safe environment for kids who clearly hear enough bigotry and hate at home, if all the scarecrows and tin men on this board are any indication. Signed, A person with a brain AND a heart"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88577", "author": "Lamar Banister", "date": "2021-01-06T10:27:00", "title": "Draft Model Policies", "text": "RE:\"Draft Model Policies of the Treatment of Transgender Students\"  We are very concerned for our children and grandchildren who live in our area and for those living throughout our state. For the sake of  those children who  identify as transgender, I cannot endorse many of the guildelines proposed in the \"Draft Policies\" and \"Recommended Standard.\"  Both of these, based on radical social theories, eradicate valuable distinctions between male and female (1)(2)(3)(..and more), remove parents' protections for their own kids through reducing/denying communication to parents (4)(7)(8)(9), place undue burden on teachers and administrators, (5)(6) and try to remake basic social constructs that have been foundational building blocks of stable civilizations for millennia. We have strong religious foundational beliefs, a freedom granted by our constitution. Just as  we have always valued and worked to protect race and ethiniciy,  a sacred trust given by God, so too have we worked to value and protect sex/gender -also given by God and is sacred. Many of these draft  policies not only erode the sacredness of an individual's sexuality, they go far beyond paving the way for ample opportunity to penalize those who do value it as an innate, biological reality and sacred. (10) It is not a small minority that we represent- but a very large portion of our state. To ignore our concerns is to ignore this population and literally overrule any representation or our concerns- simply because the current state legislation has a slim power margin. This is not the Virginia that we used to have whereby all had a voice to be heard and considered- not just a political power struggle. Thank you for hearing our concerns. (1) \"Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student's gender identity shall be available to all students.\" (Draft Policy, p.18) (2) \"School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.\" (Recommended Standard, p.18) (3) \"Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression.  Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.\" (Draft Policy, p.16) (4) \"School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status ... There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student's request to affirm their gender identity...\" (Recommended Standard, p.12) (5) \"A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth... it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...\" (Recommended Standard, p.12) (6) \"Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.\" (Draft Policy, p.13) (7) \"In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student's transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.\" (Draft Policy, p.12) (8) \"Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. ...The [School Division's Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.\" (Draft Policy, p.10)  -Parents need to be notified AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL if there are allegid infractions to policies, not just if accusations of their child are unresolved at the school level. (9) \"School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. ... Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.\" (Recommended Standard, p.13)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88578", "author": "Outraged Virginia Parent", "date": "2021-01-06T10:35:00", "title": "Vote NO!", "text": "Are you kidding me? Wake up, Virginia. Stop using my taxpayer money to feed this transgender kid epidemic. I have many teacher friends and every single one tells me they have never seen so many kids actually believe they are the opposite sex. And they are all scared to say anything because of what will happen to them if they do. This used to be a rare mental disorder, and now it's everywhere and your teachers are scared about what is going on with their students and what will happen to them if they express valid concerns. Don't you know that after a few years, these kids end up realizing they are going through an identity crisis. Just google \"detransitioner\" and read about what happens to these kids when they grow up. https://www.feministcurrent.com/2020/01/09/detransitioners-are-living-proof-the-practices-surrounding-trans-kids-need-be-questioned/"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88579", "author": "De Sube; Transgender Assistance Program of Virginia - TAP VA", "date": "2021-01-06T10:36:00", "title": "TAP VA is in full support", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. Virginia schools should provide transgender and non-binary youth a safe environment in which to learn that allows them to live their authentic lives."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88580", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T10:36:00", "title": "STRONGLY DISAGREE", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88581", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T10:47:00", "title": "STRONGLY disagree!!! Protect children from the political chess game.", "text": "As a parent and medical professional, I strongly disagree with children changing their gender association on a daily basis...it’s not even healthy for their psyche. Remove children from the political chess game."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88582", "author": "CC", "date": "2021-01-06T10:48:00", "title": "Completely oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose these proposed policies for our public schools for the following reasons: 1) Science is about learning from what nature reveals to us. We can't impose on nature our ideas of what it should be. 2) The human body reveals to us its masculinity or femininity. We can't impose on our bodies our idea of what it should be. 3) The proposed policy changes would effectively ban thinking about the human body according to #1 and #2. 4) For many people, this is also a moral an faith-based issue, and to implement the proposed policies would be to say, \"If you disagree with our point of view (read: our beliefs), you will be penalized.\" This is tantamount to religious discrimination, and is unacceptable. 5) It is better to affirm the natural masculinity or femininity of a particular person, rather than to affirm the idea that something is wrong with the way his/her body is."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88583", "author": "Alicia K", "date": "2021-01-06T10:55:00", "title": "Strongly support these protections for trans students", "text": "These guidance provide a way forward to ensuring all students have a safe and equitable opportunity to learn and grow to become valuable members of society. Trans students need extra protections and support due to the biases and misunderstandings many hold. Thank you for creating the guidance document and I strongly support its passing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88584", "author": "B Cahill", "date": "2021-01-06T10:59:00", "title": "Use of legal/deadnames", "text": "Please consider a new policy on the use of Dead names (names used prior to transitioning/ legal names/ birth certificate names) instead of preferred names on anything public in k-12 schools. There is no legal reason to use someone's dead name on school documents and doing so can reveal the fact that they are transgender/non binary whether they want it known or not. Getting a legal name change for a minor in Virginia can still be a difficult process depending on circumstances. Using someone's preferred name in school databases and on documents like report cards and progress reports would go a long way in schools being inclusive and helping kids protect their own privacy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88585", "author": "Paige Lindblom", "date": "2021-01-06T11:00:00", "title": "In Strong Support of This Guidance", "text": "As a teacher and parent, I strongly support any VDOE guidance that supports the mental health and basic rights of gender expansive students.  Thank you to VDOE for providing this important document to school boards across Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88586", "author": "Billy", "date": "2021-01-06T11:04:00", "title": "Treatment of Transgender", "text": "Transgender is a mental disorder and these people should be seeking professional help. So instead of helping them you want to make sure that a girl/women can never win another event (the entire purpose of having a boy team and girl team is to give girls a chance to win as science dictates that boys are physically stronger and faster than girls). Also you are now going to make it unsafe for girls in locker rooms and showers, by letting a boy who can say any day that he fells like a girl. you are putting girls at risk and are taking the chance of ruining a young girls life by ensuring the chance that they will be abused. This madness has to stop. I bet you don't let boys in the same bath or shower as your daughter. lets put your daughter in the boys locker room first, then if that works out, lets talk. oh that's right, your daughter will be in private protected school!....get the mental kids help and stop trying to attack young girls. You are either born with a X or a Y chromosomes, that is the science. Also try to hide from a parent and then turn them in to social services for abuse if they don't think that there own kid is a biological boy or girl. You should be put in jail for even suggesting this. You do not parent my kids. teach them math, reading, and the real HISTORY! Leave the rest to parents, its their kids, not yours! If you want to mess your kids up then that's fine, but leave mine the hell alone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88587", "author": "Sammy", "date": "2021-01-06T11:04:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I oppose the changes proposed in this document. Why would the vast majority of people be subject to these unreasonable proposals for the convenience of a tiny fraction of people? On a case by case basis reasonable accommodations can be made for a child who needs them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88588", "author": "Susie", "date": "2021-01-06T11:05:00", "title": "INSANITY", "text": "TOTAL INSANITY!!! GOD SAVE US"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88589", "author": "Nicole Steele", "date": "2021-01-06T11:05:00", "title": "As someone who works with children I wholeheartedly SUPPORT!", "text": "I have worked with children in several capacities over the course of my career. I have years of experience working in Youth Services in both the Virginia Beach Public Library and Norfolk Public Library systems. I now work with children as a Lead Teacher in a private school. Based upon direct experience through my profession and through knowledge I have gained through work trainings and independent research, I wholeheartedly support this guidance. I believe the guidance is incredibly important for the support, health, and well-being of ALL students. While hatred, bigotry and discrimination are the most harmful to their direct victims, everyone is harmed by them in the long run. I believe this guidance is the first in many necessary steps to a future of true peace and happiness for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88590", "author": "Heather", "date": "2021-01-06T11:11:00", "title": "Support", "text": "As a Fairfax County school district parent, I 100% support policies to include and protect transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88591", "author": "SD", "date": "2021-01-06T11:12:00", "title": "I disagree", "text": "Schools should be for teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. Parents should be taking care of their childrens' other needs. We have to draw a line somewhere."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88593", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T11:13:00", "title": "This protects no one", "text": "Good child safety protects children and those providing childcare. This protects no one and is some of the poorest child safety policy I have ever seen. Far from protecting transgender students these policies will inevitably be weaponized against teachers and other students. The end result will be greater abuse. These policies need to be rejected and new ones drafted up which can actually accomplish the goal of protecting students from bullying and abuse."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88594", "author": "Leslie Reppard", "date": "2021-01-06T11:14:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to this draft of policies for transgender student", "text": "These policies will do more damage than good for any student as well as teachers, and parents.  They will cause more discrimination and bullying, they infringe on parental rights, freedom of religion, privacy rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88595", "author": "Dr. Ghazi", "date": "2021-01-06T11:16:00", "title": "NO this is not right", "text": "These guidelines can not be inflicted on 99.9% of the student population. Help the ones who need help but stop pushing this on others and creating more problems."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88596", "author": "VERY concerned citizen and Teacher", "date": "2021-01-06T11:18:00", "title": "DO NOT", "text": "I highly oppose the model policies.  The model policies read like ones drafted with little consideration other than a biased, one-sided narrative. Since these policies are not evidenced based and ignore studies and accounts (and now legal action) of those who suffered harm and who regret transition, they do not serve students who identify as transgender. The impact on the individuals who identify as the gender to which they were born and those who detransition is completely disregarded. Teachers who validly object face professional discipline. Objecting students face discipline. This is ABSURD that nand teachers who object face disciplinary action!  So Freedom of Speech only for some? Most concerning  is authority given to schools to interfere with and undermine parental prerogative. No one concerned for the welfare of children should champion these \"model\" policies. “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Parents have the legal right, via the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 1974), Public School staff and faculty DO NOT have the legal authority to withhold information and/or knowingly HIDE information from parents. DO NOT approve the recommended standard, p12 as written as it is in violation of parental rights.  legal lawsuits may follow against schools for withholding info . There are SO many problems with these policies that I could continue on.  Do the RIGHT THING and OPPOSE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88597", "author": "Lily", "date": "2021-01-06T11:30:00", "title": "Protect Trans Youth", "text": "Trans youth are amazing, wonderful, and deserve the same access to education that all youth deserve. This document outlines ways to ensure that trans youth are protected from discrimination and able to access their education like any cisgender student.  I fully support the implementation of anti-discrimination policies and practices into the VA school system. Thank you for including the voices of young people when developing this guidance document. Looking forward to more inclusive spaces for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88598", "author": "Edna Gorman", "date": "2021-01-06T11:31:00", "title": "Joy not agenda I  strongly oppose this law!", "text": "I wrote previously, but I want to clarify my comment. I strongly oppose this regulation!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88599", "author": "Ryan", "date": "2021-01-06T11:40:00", "title": "Support strongly to save our youth", "text": "The proof is in the pudding. Science and research have confirmed in various sources that following the kinds of guidelines you are proposing helps to support and enrich the lives of trans and gender non conforming children. We must not let willful ignorance and unfounded fears have a real impact on students and families who want their children to grow up in a supportive school environment. We know that trans and gender nonconforming students are in no way some kind of threat to other students. Flat out, ZERO evidence. It is your duty to make sure no pupils are left to suffer the consequences for someone else’s ignorance or “religious” choices. There are many schools in other states that we can look at for precedent that shows this in no way harms cisgendered pupils or their families. No reason to hurt one group when you can pass this proposal and hurt no one."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88600", "author": "Darrell Elder", "date": "2021-01-06T11:52:00", "title": "Strongly disagree", "text": "I strongly disagree with this policy because it is another move to completely destroy society. Let's teach children not to bully anyone instead of forcing the concepts of a very small percentage of the population onto the other 99.9 percent. This is a form of reverse bullying. To mandate that my children and the rest of the population condone a concept (LGBTQ) which they believe is not right, is utterly deplorable. This policy is wrong and I pray that our general assembly and VDOE wakes up and sends the message that this is wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88601", "author": "Heather", "date": "2021-01-06T11:54:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!!", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88602", "author": "Kara West", "date": "2021-01-06T12:01:00", "title": "In full support of the proposed guidelines to portect transgender students", "text": "I fully support the proposed guidelines to protect and respect Virginia's transgender students. Please ignore the fear mongering bigots and implement these vital guidelines so that transgender students feel safe in our public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88603", "author": "Mary", "date": "2021-01-06T12:02:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "I strongly disagree. You are either born a girl or a boy, male or female. Promoting anything else is insane, and mentally cruel to any child."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88604", "author": "Virginia Voter", "date": "2021-01-06T12:03:00", "title": "I strongly support this much needed guidance", "text": "Thank you, thank you, thank you to the people who made the laws and wrote this much needed guidance for helping our children. Gender expression worries should not be ruining our children’s lives. I have learned a valuable lesson these past few years, as the plight of non cisgendered individuals has finally been widely recognized. There are as many ways to express gender and sexuality as there are people in this world, and we all need to support this fact. I truly hope that we can take this opportunity as a fresh start in educating people that someone else’s gender identity does not threaten their own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88605", "author": "Mary", "date": "2021-01-06T12:03:00", "title": "This is a totally wrong policy for our children!!", "text": "This policy puts children and teachers in a NO-WIN situation.  There are Male and female and the sexes are not the same.  LOOK AT THE SCIENCE!!!!   Females should be allowed to have sports without males and for sure males should not be allowed in the locker rooms. People have issues with men being in women's dressing rooms in retail establishments and this is no different!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88606", "author": "Josiah", "date": "2021-01-06T12:04:00", "title": "Strongly disagree!", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88607", "author": "Mina Adibpour", "date": "2021-01-06T12:04:00", "title": "Showing support", "text": "As a parent, my husband and I constantly try to instill values in our kids to treat EVERYONE with the love and respect they deserve, regardless of their gender, skin color, religion, ethnic background, etc and we must all be able to thrive without the constant fear of being shamed or bullied based on any of the characteristics listed above. My family fully supports this guidance because I want my children and all of their friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone ."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88608", "author": "A.P.", "date": "2021-01-06T12:09:00", "title": "ABSOLUTELY NOT!!", "text": "Under no circumstances do I approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88609", "author": "Days", "date": "2021-01-06T12:11:00", "title": "This is not a healthy influence to such a fundamental time for child development.", "text": "The education system has no place in the influence of a person's gender or identity. Stick to teaching and focus on the education of fundamental Math, Language(not to include personal Identity), Science(not to define who has what gender beyond born genetics), history(do not add social applications of body Identity), physical fitness and arts(not to include the expression of what is in your pants)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88610", "author": "H.P.", "date": "2021-01-06T12:15:00", "title": "SPEAKING AS A TEACHER AND PARENT, THIS IS WRONG!!", "text": "As a teacher and parent, I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88611", "author": "Kara Pitek", "date": "2021-01-06T12:15:00", "title": "Strongly Support Inclusivity in our Schools", "text": "All children across the Commonwealth should be able to receive a quality education, free from discrimination or harassment, regardless of their gender identity. Ensuring student inclusion and safety should not be a political issue and all members of the General Assembly should support measures that create supportive learning environments for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88612", "author": "william T griffin", "date": "2021-01-06T12:22:00", "title": "Destructive Policy for students, parents and teachers", "text": "There are so so so many destructive elements to this proposal, such as the following: It circumvents the responsibility and right that parents have to direct the development of their children. It denies the obvious biology of male and female differences, in favor of personal whims, which can change daily. Allowing members of differing biologic genders in the same rest rooms creates great potential for sex abuse - and those who might enact this policy should rightly be held liable for any and all damages that result. It is a very small fraction of children who \"identify\" with the opposite gender, and almost all of them grow out of this identification with time.  For a policy to encourage them to pursue a lifestyle not in keeping with their biological makeup has far more potential for harm than for good. Teachers have far better things to do with their time than to respond to whatever each of their students wants to be called each day.  The policy places a huge potential burden on them. I will stop here, but it is an embarrassment that the state of Virginia is even considering such a socially harmful policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88613", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T12:24:00", "title": "I support the guidance in this document", "text": "I strongly support the guidance in this document. As a lifelong Virginian and an educator with over 20 years of experience, we need to do whatever we can to make all students feel valued, included, and respected. The research on school staff making connections and building relationships is clear: it leads to positive outcomes and increased student success. I see the guidelines as being an essential part of helping to make these connections for some of our most vulnerable students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88614", "author": "Misty Pernot", "date": "2021-01-06T12:28:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "This is the height of ridiculousness. We are not looking out for transgender people at all. This is political. This is ignorance. Allowing CHILDREN to make hard and fast decisions about their sexuality and cutting families out? That is a recipe for destruction. Families should make a mass exodus from public schools if they are able. Find a way. Or else don’t be surprised when your child has utter contempt for their parents, their country and actual science. In case this is not clear, I am commenting on the mod policies for the treatment of transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88615", "author": "Stephanie Vogelzang", "date": "2021-01-06T12:32:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender guidelines being put forth - especially not informing parents of what their child is going through."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88616", "author": "Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott", "date": "2021-01-06T12:43:00", "title": "I Support Policy", "text": "Greetings VDOE, My name is Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott and I'm a previous school counselor and special educator, as well as a current associate professor in school counseling and the immediate-past chair of the VA School Counselor Association board. I specifically teach my graduate students (future school counselors) the importance of being an ally to students who identify as LGBTQ+, and we spend ample class time investigating strategies to build an inclusive school climate. I was very pleased to see the impressive advisory board used to create this policy, and that the policy statement is based on best practices, research, and organizations dedicated to serving and advocating for students who identify as LGBTQ+. As this policy statement discusses, there is a tremendous need to support students who are transgender, and I appreciate that this policy statement is a place to begin with our Virginia schools. Further, this policy appears to be in alignment with the ethical standards of the American School Counselor Association. Thus, I am in full support of this proposed policy. Thank you for your commitment serving students in Virginia, and for promoting a more equitable and inclusive school community. Sincerely, Emily Goodman-Scott, PhD Associate Professor of Counseling, Old Dominion University"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88617", "author": "Jennifer S", "date": "2021-01-06T12:46:00", "title": "In Support", "text": "As a parent of an Albemarle County elementary student I am writing in strong support of the guidelines being put forth. Every student should feel included and protected by our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88618", "author": "Susan Hastings", "date": "2021-01-06T12:46:00", "title": "Former Public School Teacher saying good goal to protect ALL students-BUT NOT AT OTHERS' PERIL!", "text": "It would seem as though our school board has forgotten the heart of the issue here: the safety and care of ALL people within the walls of our educational system. As a former public school teacher, I recognize the need to protect and consider each and every student...but there should NOT be in place any rule/law/directive that outlines the favorable treatment for some that actually can endanger others. The transgender community may be on the rise in numbers and have been the victims of cruelty and misunderstanding--every student should feel as though the school environment is a place of safety and welcome, otherwise they will be unable to learn--but, have we considered the ultimate ramifications of such a countywide decision?? Rather than take the rare situation on a case-by-case basis, these broad brushstrokes painted across the landscape of teaching (which is already challenging enough) will make it virtually impossible for a teacher to navigate a minefield from day to day that should NOT be their primary concern (which is the well-rounded, successful imparting of knowledge and grasping of skills to their classroom)! If these premises were in place when I was teaching, I would have found it virtually impossible to NOT bring the law down on my own head, even inadvertently, as I would be greatly moved and troubled by other non-transgendered students feeling as though their privacy and rights to peace and safety in their learning environment were being trampled, ignored, and compromised!   Why, just the proposed bathroom and locker room situation ALONE would be enough to alarm anyone! Reflecting on my many years of teaching experience, I PLEAD you to consider the potential misuses of these edicts schoolwide! Elementary school children--who may seem the most innocent--will easily use the awkwardness of hearing a child claim varying gender changes of identification from day to day, correcting teachers for the misuse of a pronoun in reference to that student, etc., to either boost their advantage of wasting a teacher's precious classtime and/or target a child who may need extra attention or guidance in addressing their struggles or confusions. This only HIGHLIGHTS AND INCREASES the chances for abuse and misuse of the exact behavior we are trying to protect and care for! Middle and high school students (of which I have taught thousands!) are the most susceptible of all to capitalize on the opportunities these proposals set forth , potentially enabling (rather than discouraging) voyeurism in opposite sex bathrooms/locker rooms, indecency/immodesty in sporting situations (e.g., allowing for inappropriate dress and exposure), the easy opportunity to manipulate the system and \"trap\" a teacher into disciplinary action by the school system simply because they do not like a teacher--or his/her methods--or wish to delay testing or assignments, etc.! Elevating this issue in such fashion is a recipe for disaster and should be seen as actually HEIGHTENING THE DANGER for the vast & overwhelming majority (99%+) of non-transgendered children, rather than helping to increase sensitivity, safety, and protection for less than 1% of our student population! If approved, the precedent that these proposed measures will set is that ANY particular or unique case can raise more than awareness, but actually incite an entire school district to favor their situation, make new rules and restrictions (even upon penalty and punishment to those whose under-venerated, -appreciated, and -paid position is already challenging enough: our honorable teachers), and influence our county to make forced accommodations that profoundly affect the many in order to pacify the few. PLEASE DO NOT FALL FOR THE FOLLY!!! There are ways of ensuring the oppressed and attacked are protected, considered, and nurtured alongside those who do not share such victimization WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE ENTIRE NATURE AND PURPOSE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL!!! To endanger the majority for the purpose of consideration and caring for a slim minority is FOOLISHNESS, and needs to be called so! There ought not be a need to create such \"laws\" or \"recommended guidelines\" (that, more than suggestions, may cost a hard-working & skilled educator their job now, but also ever-after!) to force people to abide by philosophies, alter behaviors, and embody attitudes that simply need to be taught, shaped, and guided as ANY SUBJECT A CHILD NEEDS TO LEARN IN SCHOOL...THAT'S WHY THE LAW MANDATES THAT THEY BE THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!! SENSITIVITY & KINDNESS CANNOT BE FORCED...and, sadly, these proposals are all too easily abused and misused for personal gain, rather than to foster the heart they are meant to convert, from discriminating into accommodating and accepting. Although attention and care need to be given to this cross-section of our student body, the same could be said for those struggling with acceptance and accommodation for differences in appearance, custom, costume, hygiene, academic capability, religion, handicap,...the list could go on that targets a child for bullying and cruelty! Bullying of any nature (including hate speech, violence, ostracization & social exclusion, etc.) needs to be the subject under scrutiny, not the sex/gender issue over others! None should be tolerated in the least to ensure a safe, pleasant, inviting, and relaxing learning environment FOR EVERY STUDENT, regardless the issue for targeting!! Creating accommodations specific to one group like this IS ACTUALLY A FORM OF DISCRIMINATION IN ITSELF!!! One may not grasp this until the focus is widened to see how INSULTING it is to call out only this ONE group of targeted unkindness! It will not be long before other groups who feel victimized seek to create their own set of laws schoolwide and on and on until it has become impossible to both please everyone AND teach all content areas to a class at the same time! I URGE you to reconsider pushing this targeted agenda and, instead, institute countywide strategies and objectives for achieving bully-free classroom & extracurricular environments FOR EVERY STUDENT!!! Thank you for taking time to consider your TEACHERS, and not only your STUDENTS, as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88619", "author": "E. Lemon", "date": "2021-01-06T12:47:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "All children should feel safe in school. I know that if my children were struggling with these issues or being bullied, I would do everything I could to make sure that they have the same safe education as everyone else. I support this guidance because I want my children and all of their friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88620", "author": "Chelsea Hilliard", "date": "2021-01-06T12:48:00", "title": "Strongly SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support these changes. Our transgender students need protections, and need to know that their educators will support them. This is long overdue in my opinion, and I’m glad action is being taken! I also appreciate the use of pronouns in the acknowledgment sections. THANK YOU. Chelsea Hilliard School Counselor"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88621", "author": "JAMES HEIDT", "date": "2021-01-06T12:49:00", "title": "WHY NOT JUST TEACH  LIKE YOUR PAID TO DO  AND KEEP POLITICS OUT OF SCHOOL", "text": "WHY NOT JUST TEACH LIKE YOUR PAID TO DO AND KEEP THIS GARBAGE OUT OF THE SCHOOL ROOM."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88622", "author": "Mother and Father of VA student", "date": "2021-01-06T12:56:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED THIS INSANITY!!!", "text": "PRAY TOGETHER TO STOP THE INSANITY! SAVE OUR CHILDREN !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88623", "author": "Juan", "date": "2021-01-06T12:56:00", "title": "DETRIMENTAL TO MENTAL HEALTH", "text": "The proposal is detrimental to our kids. My son is already mentally affected because of the forced narrative on transgender. If you do this, then a kid that identifies as a goat, will be addressed as a goat. Only a person that does not like himself or herself would proposed  such an atrocity. Perhaps, the aothors were bullies as kids and were called names, which have negatively impacted their mental health. I suggest getting mental help instead."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88624", "author": "Joyce Richards", "date": "2021-01-06T12:59:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!", "text": "Rather than saddle our teachers with more oversight of students’ personal lives, I’d rather see resources used to actually teach our children the basics of learning and to operate successfully in our world. Sex is a tiny part of life. Let’s not focus on it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88625", "author": "Noah Lynn", "date": "2021-01-06T13:07:00", "title": "Strongly support for the mental health of young people of all genders", "text": "This proposal is extremely important for the affirmation of all youth, whether cisgender, questioning, or transgender and/or non-binary."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88626", "author": "Jennifer Brecht", "date": "2021-01-06T13:13:00", "title": "strongly support", "text": "As a parent and lifelong Virginian, I strongly support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88627", "author": "Stacy Barber", "date": "2021-01-06T13:17:00", "title": "This has my full support", "text": "First and foremost, as a parent, but also as a School Nurse, I am please to see the work done on this guidance. I believe that these policies are essential to supporting our transgender youth. This has my full support. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88628", "author": "Edward", "date": "2021-01-06T13:18:00", "title": "STRONGLY oppose", "text": "I completely disagree with and strongly oppose these policies for various reasons. First off, every single parent SHOULD know about their child. Not notifying a parent about their child, especially in regards to gender issues, is absolutely wrong. Secondly, schools should be a place where children go to learn about things that will help them in life, NOT a place where teachers and faculty can affirm their gender identity, especially if the parents don't know. Third, I agree that we should respect EVERYBODY, including transgenders, but the fact that if you call somebody a different pronoun other than what they believe themselves to be and get in trouble for it is atrocious. Fourth, its complete destruction of privacy. No boy should be allowed to go in girls bathroom, and vice versa. That can easily make boys and girls who oppose extremely uncomfortable. Finally, it's a shame that there are no exemptions for people who hold religious beliefs about gender identity. Many people believe their are TWO genders, and calling anybody outside of their obvious gender violates their God-given convictions, and for people who hold those convictions to get in trouble is appalling. With that said, DO NOT allow these polices to take place. -Thank you-"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88629", "author": "Earman", "date": "2021-01-06T13:25:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose", "text": "This plan to educate immorality is disgusting."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88630", "author": "William", "date": "2021-01-06T13:29:00", "title": "These new policy proposals make no sense", "text": "I have read this email and the comments and policy info a couple times. As a father to several kids, boys and girls, I am deeply concerned with these potential policies.  Schools do not have the right to decide things for their students that their actual parents aren't allowing. And as they are public schools and subject to taxpayer dollars, they should not be allowed to withhold information from parents regarding their child at school ... at least not without justifiable cause. Honestly, some of the policy language is written way too broadly and can easily be interpreted extreme, so those proposing the policies should cite more specific examples of how these policies will be enacted. I do not see how children, as a whole, can really feel comfortable in school. While I think our schools have at times turned a blind eye to students who may be different (special needs at one point in time), this causes the pendulum to swing badly the other way.  My own kids have shared they would not feel comfortable to (say) walk into a restroom or a locker room and have to do what they need to do in the (potential) presence of boys, whether they feel like they are a boy or not. These policies are way too broad in how they can be interpreted and, in some cases, appear to intentionally keep parents out of the loop, which is inconceivable and wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88631", "author": "Madison Fenton", "date": "2021-01-06T13:39:00", "title": "I fully support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE", "text": "I fully support the proposed language and am optimistic that the changes and plans will make for a more equitable learning environment. It is imperative that all students feel supported and safe - this is a step closer to that objective."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88632", "author": "Robin Burkholder", "date": "2021-01-06T13:53:00", "title": "Transgender pronouns agenda sent to students", "text": "As a Grandmother to 20 children,  I ask that this 'bill' being brought to our county, (Augusta),  our State,  be REMOVED....CANCELLED.. taken DOWN... DELETED from any possibility in our schools, In the Name of our Almighty God."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88633", "author": "Heather", "date": "2021-01-06T13:59:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose - Sexual Identity Provisions Within Schools", "text": "I would appeal for a sense of caution, especially for the protection of our students. Some could very well use the new appropriations to take advantage of other classmates (in particular, those who are younger and/or more vulnerable and of a different sex). Allowing for shared bathrooms to be used freely by students of any sex automatically removes a certain amount of protection and opens more opportunities for sexual abuse. For example, an older teenage boy could use a temporary claim to a different sexual identity (being given the right to do so under protection of the new laws) only for the purpose of stalking a young girl in a bathroom. This is a path that will only lead to devastating results. As to the provisions that prohibit the school from sharing information on a student’s perceived sexual identity with the parents of that child - again, I ask for extreme caution. Are parents not given an innate role to lovingly protect and nurture their children, giving them what they need to grow into responsible, wholesome, mature adults that contribute positively to society? How are well-intentioned parents able to fulfill that role when the divide between parents and students is marked more deeply by students being taught to avoid going to their parents with their naturally sensitive questions about identity and self worth? Without a strong sense of family, children and young adults often struggle with identity and worth, turning to extremely unhealthy choices like drugs. Please do not make provisions that encourage deeper division and less protection. With respect and great concern, Heather Ryan"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88634", "author": "Concerned grandparent", "date": "2021-01-06T13:59:00", "title": "Model treatment for transgender students", "text": "Absolutely not"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88635", "author": "Concerned grandparent", "date": "2021-01-06T14:02:00", "title": "Absolutely not", "text": "Absolutely not"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88636", "author": "Holly Dodd", "date": "2021-01-06T14:02:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I want to thank you all for taking the time to hear the concerns of the public.  Thank you for being public servants and truly seeking to make the best decisions for those living in your community. I know that the topic of transgender is a difficult one.  I also know that we need to have laws to protect everyone, even if we do not agree with others opinions.  That being said, I oppose  the law as the failure to use a students choice of pronoun, which can change on a daily or even hourly basis would result in charges of harassment or discrimination for which disciplinary action can then be taken. In order to protect our teachers and students from being disciplined for not knowing which pronoun a particular student would like to utilize in the moment, I encourage you to stand in opposition to this law. Thank you for your time. Holly Dodd"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88637", "author": "Concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-06T14:17:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "This \"new\" society has gone a bit too far, in my opinion.  School was developed to teach the basic principles of education: Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.  Since when does the school board (teachers) need to concern themselves with teaching gender dysphoria and any other type of sexual education?  I understand teaching basic biology and touching on sexual abstinence, birth control, STD's.  However, teaching different practices that mainstream America is trying to popularize is just plain child abuse.  These children are much too young to be learning the scandalous ways of the world.  They are much to immature to understand and make sexual, gender changing decisions.  Accommodating the transgender community, without any sensitivity to the Christian community (students and faculty) is just wrong.  To bully, strong arm teachers to go along with this \"fad\" is inappropriate and against their rights. How about we just get back to teaching the core subjects and educate our children to succeed and be able to compete with global students for decent paying jobs?  They will have plenty of information available once they are adults, and mature enough to make such decisions. Please do not push for these policies.  Our children need us to be adults and make educated decisions based on their best interest.  Thank you"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88638", "author": "Robert Baker", "date": "2021-01-06T14:29:00", "title": "As a parent of 3 in Virginia I strongly oppose.", "text": "As a parent of 3 in Virginia, I oppose.  I will not let my children be sent to school with adminstration thinking they know better than parents how to raise kids. Supporting parents in raising kids is the job not to take over the parental role.  This is divisive and destructive to society to oppose parental wishes especially in something as controversial as this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88639", "author": "J. Coulson, parent", "date": "2021-01-06T14:35:00", "title": "Support the guidance!", "text": "As a parent, I strongly support this guidance. Many of the comments that oppose the guidance are proving why this population of students needs support. I don't want any child to have to face this type of criticism and disrespect at school. Transgender and non-binary students are not infringing on anyone else's rights. They are only asking for basic dignity and respect while at school. If these students feel threatened or the environment at school is hostile, they cannot learn. When LGBTQ students are provided with affirming environments and their mental health is supported, their life outcomes are much better. Tolerance of differences and support for any marginalized student is the compassionate approach. Science and the medical community back up the need for a supportive approach. Tearing down our community members only weakens the entire community. Let us lift one another up. Be kind."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88640", "author": "Andy Gordon", "date": "2021-01-06T14:39:00", "title": "Reject over reaching policy", "text": "?The Virginia Department of Education has no right to infringe on ?anyone's rights of free speech?, parent responsibility and student privacy?. ?This a stepping stone to more policies to manipulate, control? and punish people for disagreeing. If transgenders are uncomfortable using the other or non-sexed bathrooms;  then one can understand that many straight children would be uncomfortable being forced to disrobe among transgenders in traditionally sexed bathrooms and gym locker rooms.   Being safe is an expectation for everyone without exception. Fundamentally changing the English language or any language will create confusion, fear and chaos. Parents are responsible for their children and must always be informed and make the decisions that are best for their family, not the government or anyone else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89292", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T18:27:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Not too long ago I was in school myself. I never felt safe enough to be myself, I already faced bullying from peers and teachers for simply the way I acted. It would have been much worse if I was out. Due to this I often fell behind in school and many of my mental health issues worsened. Many times I chose to skip class altogether. I do not have to imagine how tough it is for kids who are out. I’ve spoken to them in trans support groups, they are incredibly frustrated and saddened that they feel that nothing can be done about the harassment and discrimination they face in school. Having these guidelines would help so many actually have the right to basic respect and be able to argue what’s happening to them is wrong."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89293", "author": "Mom and Teacher", "date": "2021-01-09T18:27:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "Absolutely Not!  It would violate and interfere with parental rights in raising and educating children on innate matters pertaining to sexuality and sexual identity.  The children (yes they are children!!) must not be  exposed to members of the opposite sex while undressed. This would expose children to concepts and theories about which they are unequipped to fairly apply mature examination and assessment.  The mature, sexual kids will be the bullies.  Bullies still exists and this will open a lot of violent behavior instead of what you're trying to do!!  It will have the opposite effect!!!  There will be bullying and rape in those bathrooms!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89295", "author": "Mom", "date": "2021-01-09T18:37:00", "title": "This is abhorrent and absolutely should not be allowed in a CHILDRENS environment.", "text": "You can’t even handle “normal” bullying. Much less keep up with someone’s “preferred pronouns” on a daily basis if it can change DAILY. And you’re going to allow MINOR girls to go topless around boys and men that are potential PREDATORS?! How absolutely moronic can you be?!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89296", "author": "A Virginia Parent", "date": "2021-01-09T18:52:00", "title": "TI stransgender policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education.", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policies by the Virginia Department of Education.  Transgenderism is NOT a topic for children or teens."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89297", "author": "Grandmother and teacher", "date": "2021-01-09T18:53:00", "title": "PURE EVIL! Transgender school policy.", "text": "Parents are relinquishing their rights to parent while also allowing the left to dictate that you have the right to doctor assisted murder.  Which is it far left...abortion (right to choose) or parenting?  As for me and my household we will serve the Lord and raise our children to honor life and those that are born with difficulty.  Parents think they have the right to choose their child’s gender ...no kindergartener wants to be a different gender.  Only the selfish parent does.  But we all have to live with their inability to parent by submitting to cultural abuse.  Forget it!  You will lose the right to teach ( not that you are teaching anything of truth anymore). The Zinn facts are non facts.  Look into it!  You are adding stupid to the qualifications of being a teacher.  It isn’t their right to tell me how to parent.  I will no longer support the school system.  I will fight my taxes going to schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89298", "author": "A Very Concerned Citizen", "date": "2021-01-09T18:54:00", "title": "This proposed transgender policy is irrational and completely bizarre. Bring back common sense!", "text": "The proposed transgender policy is irrational and completely bizarre. Let’s get back to common sense!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89299", "author": "Grandmother", "date": "2021-01-09T18:59:00", "title": "Transgender equality?", "text": "Obviously those that support this policy did not read it.  No one is trying to oust the child who’s stupid parents choose their gender.  This doesn’t help anything .  This policy is against everyone else and totally lacks help for the child who is hurting and feeling left out to ever fit in.  It doesn’t answer any problems it only makes for more.  Have you ever seen a healthily, normal, transgendered child.  They are on medications and aremutilated at a young age to satisfy their stupid, selfish parents.  Ask any doctor that has dealt with these children. Pure stupidity!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89301", "author": "John Feroldi", "date": "2021-01-09T19:02:00", "title": "I will never acknowledge such a human travesty", "text": "Natural law is the basis for our US Constitution - observe it!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89302", "author": "FE", "date": "2021-01-09T19:05:00", "title": "I do NOT support this forceful over-reach", "text": "I strongly oppose this indoctrination process. It is unbelievable at what our society is devolving into. This is not natural and is being pushed by a self centered immoral fringe of humanity; even animals don't condone such actions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89303", "author": "Gloria Sumter", "date": "2021-01-09T19:07:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!! What a travesty!", "text": "This is taking matters way too far beyond gender choice. This is eliminating parental guidance as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89304", "author": "Frank E", "date": "2021-01-09T19:14:00", "title": "Strongly & Adamantly OPPOSE", "text": "This is indeed the craziest and most irrational thing I have ever hear of... Our society is in absolute decay for even considering such nonsense. I, along with hundreds of others in our church, do not support such a thing as this immoral and illogical policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89305", "author": "Robert St Thomas, USAF (ret)", "date": "2021-01-09T19:15:00", "title": "Objection to Gender Confusion Institutionalization in our Schools", "text": "I find it disturbing that our Government and Education Boards continue to codify policies that entrench gender confusion into our society, especially in age-inappropriate settings.  Our biological sex was determined by God, when He allowed conception to occur at a specific point in time and location, to create us to serve Him and each other with our lives.   Any attempts to alter His will and purposes for us are personally risky, with eternal consequences. But when governments attempt to institutionalize these personal relationship issues, it caters to the \"me-centered\" approach to our lives and society, which continues to disrupt our nation. The president we elected 60 years ago said,\" Let us not seek the Republican answer, or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix blame for the past.  Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.\"  If 300 million Americans continue adopting \"me-centered\" approaches to our lives, then there are no right answers and we will continually argue and fight over what we perceive to be right and wrong by our own imperfect standards with no moral compass.  And as we are seeing, our \"one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all\" will cease to exist.  The Bible says it much better in Proverbs 28:2, \"When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.\"  Daily, we are seeing too much of this truth in our struggling United States.  The proposed transgender policy in Virginia education is another step in that direction.  There are better ways to show our love for \"me-centered\" people -- especially in the sexuality domain -- than enabling the confusion of the few to confuse the many.  In God we Trust."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89306", "author": "Joe B.", "date": "2021-01-09T19:16:00", "title": "Come on man - kids are failing and this is what you are focused on?", "text": "Focus on the education of students- that is your responsibility in the school system. Look how many kids are currently failing. Fix that problem."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89307", "author": "Donna Budway", "date": "2021-01-09T19:16:00", "title": "Support guidance to support transgender youth", "text": "Please show some compassion to these children and teens. They need to be safe and protected from discrimination and hate.  Please."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89308", "author": "Tom R", "date": "2021-01-09T19:24:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to these transgender guidelines", "text": "Schools should support parents, not be parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89309", "author": "Concerned Parent", "date": "2021-01-09T19:26:00", "title": "Let parents be parents and schools be schools.", "text": "Parental rights matter. Keep the the school focused on education and preparing students to work or pursue advanced education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89310", "author": "Joe Matrarats", "date": "2021-01-09T19:28:00", "title": "Strongly Disagree - This is a priority with so many kids failing?? So so wrong...", "text": "How has this been circulated since families I spoke to never heard or seen this proposal? Where is the science/studies/analysis behind this proposal that examines the ramifications on the non-gender-challenged kids?  There needs to be transparency on if ANY study has truly been done to show this. Teachers - this truly can have a significant negative impact on teachers and could end their lively-hood if vindictive kids purposely change their choice everyday to get rid of teachers.  STUPID. So wrong to exclude parents on what the school would do and to ignore the parents.  Kids belong to the parents NOT the STATE!!! Focus on educating kids not this social engineering.  Not your job."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89311", "author": "Teacher and Parent", "date": "2021-01-09T19:34:00", "title": "No. No. No.", "text": "This will harm students and teachers. There are already adequate accommodations available."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89313", "author": "Concerned Mom", "date": "2021-01-09T19:45:00", "title": "This policy endangers young girls.", "text": "Letting any student choose which bathroom and locker room they want to use with no explanation needed will only lead to a dangerous situation for all girls and women in Virginia schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89314", "author": "Jill Watt", "date": "2021-01-09T19:49:00", "title": "Transgender School policy", "text": "I fully support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE for transgender students!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89315", "author": "Brian", "date": "2021-01-09T20:10:00", "title": "NO!!! I strongly Oppose this!  NO!", "text": "THIS WOULD ENDANGER THE PRIVACY AND SAFETY OF ALL STUDENTS!!  It would also take away our parental rights!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89316", "author": "Mary B. : Mother, Wife, Veteran and Humanitarian", "date": "2021-01-09T20:13:00", "title": "Bigotry and Prejudice is alive and well in this town hall", "text": "Each generation has faced thier time to end prejudice and bias. Transgender children and young adults need to be treated with dignity and respect in all regards. If needed we can have a bigots only bathroom for those still living in the 50's."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89317", "author": "Angelica", "date": "2021-01-09T20:21:00", "title": "Transgender oppression is not a \"Family value\" it's pure hate", "text": "This is long past due. I am horrified by the backwoods and ignorant people that are opposing transgender equality. Shame on you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89318", "author": "Brenda", "date": "2021-01-09T20:35:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I strongly support this and wish this could have happened sooner for the sake of all transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89319", "author": "Meredith", "date": "2021-01-09T20:37:00", "title": "This is an inclusive environment", "text": "Inclusive public school means a school for transgender children, too."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89320", "author": "Dan, father of 4", "date": "2021-01-09T20:51:00", "title": "An outrageous usurpation of parent and human rights", "text": "These grotesquely intrusive and unnatural regulations attempt to make comfortable students who are suffering with gender dysphoria, by twisting everyone and everything else (other students, parents, the English language, sincerely held religious and other beliefs) into a distorted pseudo-reality.  Respect ALL students, respect the right and responsibility of parents to teach and raise their children, respect civil liberties, respect religious freedom.  It is NOT bigotry to believe that gender should align with sex - it is simply recognizing that one must align one's feelings with science (objective reality of the presence of X-X or X-Y chromosomes).  Accommodate and affirm students without forcing transgender orthodoxy on everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89321", "author": "Mother and VDOE Certified Teacher", "date": "2021-01-09T20:55:00", "title": "The VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed.", "text": "The draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools ( HB 145 and SB 161 ) regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children and school staff against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity. 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”."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89322", "author": "Pastor Tim Carroll", "date": "2021-01-09T21:14:00", "title": "Opposed to \"draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students\"", "text": "Respectfully, I plead with you to not pass these draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students. I will begin my argument against these policies with noting that referring to people in non-binary terms and without respect to their biological gender goes against many religious peoples religious beliefs and practices. It is not only Christians of a more conservative stripe who will have an issue with this. More conservative Muslims and Jews will also take issue, not to mention Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and many others. What protections are in place for them? Secondly, in Virginia one must be 18 to change their legal name. Citizens of the Virginia are not allowed to drive until they are 16 years and 3 months old. The minimum age for enlistment in the U.S. military is 17 years of age. One cannot consume alcohol or tobacco legally in VA unless they are 21 years of age.   You have to be 21 to rent a car. Did I mention that we cannot change our names till we are 18? Why then does it follow that children as young as five or six are ready for the great and life-altering responsibility of determining their gender identity and appropriate pronouns? Third, although students are prone to take advantage of any school policy (given their youthful lack of maturity), these policies will lead to stupendous abuses. The future manifestations of possible abuses seem almost infinite. For example: a 7th grader who dislikes her teacher thereby changing her pronoun every day only after being \"harrassed\" by the teacher for using yesterday's pronoun. Another example: an 11th grader who likes to see girls undress identifying as a girl so as to be in the girls locker room. Another example: a student who is fed up with their parents rules in the home purposefully begins to identify in a way that they know will get them out of the parents house forever. Yet another: a student is not clear with each and every student and teacher regarding their pronoun and then is back in the office every other day accusing people of gross harassment. Finally, many students may threaten to do drastic things (and in some cases carry them out) if they are not given the authority to choose their gender and pronouns. That is truly sad and tragic. Yet, although this may be hard to hear, that is not a sound way to determine if authority should be granted. My daughters, ages five and two, want the authority to make all kinds of decisions that are harmful to them. A good parent, I believe we all can agree, will not allow them to make and take action on those decisions - even if it leads to whining, complaining and even dire threats. I have no doubt that some who are proposing these policies do so from a sincere belief that it will lead to a more just school system. My question for you is: Who are the authorities that you are listening to and why are they so worthy of your trust? Why are you so persuaded by them? It is possible they are wrong. Why not take more time and create study committees before enacting these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89323", "author": "MKF", "date": "2021-01-09T21:20:00", "title": "Transgender Students", "text": "I am opposed to this draft.   Schools need to educate our students.   This policy would try to influence our children who are too young to fully understand their sexuality.   This policy would take away a parents rights related to their children.   Stop all this nonsense.  Allow teachers to do their job of educating, not influencing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89324", "author": "Timothy Mayer", "date": "2021-01-09T21:28:00", "title": "This is a power grab and an insult to parents", "text": "These policies are insulting. Rather than serving the best interests of the students of Virginia, the only real agenda here is to enact and enforce gender ideology in our schools. I believe my daughters are truly endangered by this proposal, not to mention the thousands of students targeted by radicals who'd MAKE us believe one's feelings define us. I endorse the comments by Jeff Caruso of the Virginia Catholic Conference for his clear and well-cited explanation of MANY good reasons to oppose these policies. Virginians, call your government to account for engaging in this radical power grab."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89325", "author": "Eleanor Bell", "date": "2021-01-09T21:29:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this guidance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89326", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-09T21:31:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "The model regulations infringe on the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of ALL students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89327", "author": "Joe B", "date": "2021-01-09T21:46:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Times are changing and so must we. We must teach our children to accept everyone regardless of their beliefs or gender. Stop living in the past and join the rest of us in the present."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89329", "author": "Concerned Mom", "date": "2021-01-09T22:04:00", "title": "VDOE Transgender policies", "text": "As a public institution and taxpayer funded department- You should not disregard the role of parents in public education. By alienating children from the nurturing values they are raised with at home- you are forcing children to make decisions they are not mature enough to understand. Focus on their education and leave the important lessons in life to their parents/ guardians."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89330", "author": "K Nguyen", "date": "2021-01-09T22:18:00", "title": "Doc does not support all students", "text": "The intent to establish the school environment as safe and conducive to the study of knowledge is noble. However, the pervasiveness of the separation of gender from biological sex in learning areas and environments outlined in the guidance document will be detrimental to the learning environment. This will further encourage the growing division between families with the financial means to send their kids to private school and those who rely solely on public education. Already the effect of this division in socioeconomic class is apparent when considering the in-person learning environment offered by private schools during the pandemic versus the virtual learning environment offered by public schools. There is a real brain drain in the potential creativity and talent of future Virginian youth in the public education system. Those \"left behind\" in public schools are unfairly disadvantaged."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89331", "author": "Kathy J. Mother and wife of Retired Police Officer", "date": "2021-01-09T22:19:00", "title": "Strongly Supported by a deeply conserned parent", "text": "For too long the same formats for justifying discrimination have been pushed by people that spew that same rhetoric as close minded racists. Yes, the same that called for the \"preservation of segregation for the safety of thier children\". It is just as ugly now towards the civil rights for trans youth as is was back then towards the African American Youth. When will we as a society learn???"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89332", "author": "Cindy Fitz", "date": "2021-01-09T22:38:00", "title": "An excellent interpretation of the two bills", "text": "I'm not sure why there are so many individuals in opposition to these model policies.  I guess they did not read where the bills state that policies MUST exist.  It seems that the opposing individuals are not necessarily opposed to the wording of the policies, which I think is the feedback being requested, but rather to the idea of LGBTQ+ individuals and their rights.  However, that ship has sailed!  All individuals have the right to attend school in a safe environment free from harassment and bullying.  That is all these policies do....make sure that students are free to be themselves without fear.   These policies ensure that students who are LBGTQ+ no longer face a hostile environment on a daily basis in their schools.  Public schools are inclusive places and should support everyone.  If you do not agree with this, then send your child to a private school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89334", "author": "Timothy Good", "date": "2021-01-09T22:50:00", "title": "I do not approve", "text": "I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89335", "author": "A concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-09T23:06:00", "title": "NO TO ALL. OF. THIS.!!!!", "text": "Firstly, can we please focus on one crisis at a time?? Also, this is pure insanity. Completely inappropriate and totally irresponsible to let children “decide” what gender they are! Topless girls?!..er I mean “girls”?! Have you all lost your minds?!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89336", "author": "Andrew, father of 1", "date": "2021-01-09T23:43:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89337", "author": "Alayna Hornsby", "date": "2021-01-09T23:55:00", "title": "Oppose VDOE “Transgender guidelines", "text": "Oppose VDOE “Transgender guidelines... While I fully agree that any student should be treated respectfully, I absolutely do not approve of these proposed guidelines! They are a state overreach of power based on radical, unscientific theories thatseek to eradicate all distinctions between male and female and treat our school-aged children as social experiments in sexuality. Rather than making children feel safe, these policies create chaos and confusion in the hearts and minds of children. Additionally, these guidelines especially endanger girls, making them subject to possible abuse and/or harassment in bathrooms, locker rooms, etc., and also subject to biological inequities in sports competitions. Furthermore, the family is the most foundational and fundamental unit in society, and these policies only serve to destroy that family unit by undermining parental authority and involvement in their children’s lives. Unquestionably, the vast majority of parents love and care more about their own children than the state or anyone else ever will. What automatically qualifies the state to be more loving/caring/responsible in handling these crucial, life-altering matters than the parents themselves? This usurping of parental authority by the state sets a dangerous precedent for the abuse of public power in other arenas as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89339", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T06:17:00", "title": "Enthusiastic support", "text": "Our children deserve all of the understanding and safety that we, as trusted adults in their lives, can extend to them. ALL of our children. I see a lot of uninformed fearmongering in these comments and I have great hope that our children will outgrow all of us in time."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89340", "author": "Mike Hallberg", "date": "2021-01-10T06:18:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I support the guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89341", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T06:41:00", "title": "I oppose this policy", "text": "I oppose this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89342", "author": "Daniel, Husband & Father", "date": "2021-01-10T07:10:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to pushing transgenderism opinions", "text": "I am writing because I am shocked and strongly oppose the measures being pushed regarding opinions on transgenderism in our public schools. These opinions do not align with those of a vast number of our families as well as science, and have no proven grounds in actually supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our children. These efforts will absolutely keep me from enrolling my children in public schools, and I am deeply concerned for those families who are unable to seek other options like homeschooling or private school, which we will have to do. Specific points I have: 1) Most importantly, schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. 2) 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. 3) No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. 4) 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. 5) Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. 6) The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89343", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T07:51:00", "title": "Absolutely not!", "text": "I could not be more appalled and disgusted! This is insane and inappropriate on all levels. Our Children need to be protected and kept innocent. I wholeheartedly object to the approve is such nonsense within our schools. In God We Trust, Military Christian Wife of 4 children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89344", "author": "Richard D.", "date": "2021-01-10T08:37:00", "title": "Do Not Support:  Concerned Parent", "text": "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.  Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89345", "author": "Ginger", "date": "2021-01-10T08:58:00", "title": "concerned", "text": "Very concerned about this change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89346", "author": "Dan Henderson", "date": "2021-01-10T09:18:00", "title": "Absolutely Support!", "text": "One of my closest childhood friends has three kids, one of whom is transgender.  I've witnessed close up and personally how difficult it has been for he and his wife to raise a transgender child.  Like all of us parents who love their children and would do anything for them, they only want the best for their child.  And in fact, they moved states to find a supportive environment for their child.  This is not a question of if we should do this, and it's not a question of personal opinion, this is a human rights issue.  People are born the way they are and all people deserve dignity and respect, like every one of us."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89347", "author": "anon", "date": "2021-01-10T09:33:00", "title": "NO!!", "text": "NO!!!! I do not approve"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89348", "author": "Dan Mostacciuolo", "date": "2021-01-10T09:59:00", "title": "Do not undermine family rights, responsibilities and authority", "text": "If VDOE approves the draft policies, they would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89349", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T10:01:00", "title": "Absolutely NOT!!", "text": "We should not provide any transgender \"opportunities\" for kids. By allowing this policy we are presenting the option and awareness that it exist and possible in our society. With kids undeveloped minds we are pushing them in a  wrong direction and even if there are some possible cases, by creating the policy we enabling all kids to think and act to try new \"wrong\" things. We should treat this topic like \"alcohol\" and maybe allow experimentation with it when person has a more stable mind to make decisions (after 21 or 23 years old), and only after full mental evaluation. A full phycological evaluation is a must for all cases!!!. Do not allow kinds to do mistake that would ruin their lives for ever!!! In addition, there needs to be a absolute notification to parents from teachers if some transgender behavior happens. Schools and teachers are NOT responsible for kids but parents are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89350", "author": "Dawn B.", "date": "2021-01-10T10:06:00", "title": "Opposition to HB 145 and SB 161 - protect children and parental rights", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89351", "author": "Sue M", "date": "2021-01-10T10:29:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policies by the Va. Department of Education", "text": "We are a product of God's creation. Not what we want to create ourselves to be. When God created us in the palm of His hand, He was proud of His creation and loves us dearly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89352", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T10:39:00", "title": "re:  you're hurting transgender kids, and I hope you're held accountable", "text": "There are so many reasons to oppose transgenderism, especially since it is hurting these kids - health issues, anxiety, psychological issues.  You're complicit in hurting these kids. Here's an article that sums it up: Why we oppose the normalization of transgenderism By Bryan Fischer November 22, 2014 Follow me on Twitter: @BryanJFischer , on Facebook at \"Focal Point\" The Scriptures tell us that one of the consequences for a nation that turns its back on God is \"confusion of mind\" (Deuteronomy 28:28). Nowhere is this more evident than in the tragic case of transgenderism. Having accepted the lies of \"that old deluder Satan\" that they are trapped inside the body of the wrong gender, many resort to hormone therapy and even sex reassignment surgery in a vain, dangerous and enormously destructive effort to obliterate their true sexual identity. In the civil code God gave to Moses on the mount, the normalization of transgenderism was flatly forbidden. \"A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God\" (Deuteronomy 22:5). Why would God be so insistent that his people not allow themselves to become so disordered in mind and soul that they begin to think of themselves and present themselves as members of the opposite sex? Is it because God hates transgenders? Do we oppose the normalization of transgenderism because we hate transgendered individuals? Absolutely not. We flatly and unequivocally oppose the normalization of transgenderism because it destroys people. We do not oppose transgenderism because we hate people. We oppose it because we love them. We do not want to see anyone's life ravaged by the pathologies that accompany this disorder of the mind and soul. Until 2012, the American Psychiatric Association classified transgenderism as a \"gender identity disorder.\" It has since relabeled it \"gender dysphoria\" in an effort to soften the stigma that properly should attach itself to this problematic lifestyle choice. But \"dysphoria\" means \"a profound state of unease or dissatisfaction,\" indicating changing terminology does not nothing to change a heart and a life wracked with a profound inner disturbance. Most Americans are blithely and blindly unaware of the mental, psychological and emotional devastation transgenderism wreaks on those who get trapped into this lifestyle. But the results are tragic. Transgender regret is now a sad and sorrowful reality in our cultural landscape. A survey conducted in 2010 by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force – neither of them members of the vast rightwing conspiracy – revealed the heartbreaking reality that a staggering 41 percent of transgendered American have attempted suicide. This is a rate more than 25 times higher than the population at large. Social research has revealed that 65% of all those who undergo cosmetic surgery live to regret it. How much higher must that figure be for those who have undergone genital mutilation? The homosexual lobby itself knows that there is something wrong with transgenderism. The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association – again, not a part of the evangelical pro-family movement – lists a number of pathologies that are so common among transgenders that the GLMA warns the transgender community about them. Among these pathologies are an increased risk for heart attacks and strokes, sexually transmitted diseases (they are at four times the risk of HIV/AIDS as the general population, for instance), substance abuse, depression and obesity. In other words, transgenderism is an enormously risky and unhealthy lifestyle. Stella Morabito has written a sobering column at the Federalist exposing the buried truth about the striking numbers of transgenders who regret going through sex reassignment surgery, finding in the end it didn't make them happier or more well-adjusted at all but left them instead shattered and broken in mind and body. Some of the most prominent transgenders in our culture have expressed such profound regret. Well-known transgender Alan Finch of Australia said this: \"[T]ranssexualism was invented by psychiatrists. . . .You fundamentally can't change sex ... the surgery doesn't alter you genetically. It's genital mutilation...It's all been a terrible misadventure. I've never been a woman, just Alan . . . the analogy I use about giving surgery to someone desperate to change sex is it's a bit like offering liposuction to an anorexic.\" Tennis champion Renee Richards was perhaps the most famous transgender of our time, undergoing sexual mutilation surgery in the 1970s. But in 1999, in Tennis Magazine, she said the following: \"I know deep down that I'm a second-class woman...As far as being fulfilled as a woman, I'm not as fulfilled as I dreamed of being. I get a lot of letters from people who are considering having this operation...and I discourage them all.\" Mike Penner, a sportswriter for the LA Times, famously outed himself in 2007 as a transgendered individual and overnight became Christine Daniels. He then transitioned back to becoming a male in 2008 and finally killed himself in 2009. So do we vigorously resist the normalization of transgenderism because we hate people? Hardly. It's the other way round. We resist it because we love people. We don't want to see anyone wind up profoundly regretting something they cannot undo and ending their own lives as a result. God knew what he was doing when he assigned each of us our gender at the moment of conception. And he stands ready to help any willing individual come to a place of resolution and acceptance of the gender God assigned him at the moment of conception. \"Confusion of mind\" can, with God's help, become clarity of mind. ( Unless otherwise noted, the opinions expressed are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Family Association or American Family Radio. ) © Bryan Fischer The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates. (See RenewAmerica's publishing standards .)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89353", "author": "Jennifer", "date": "2021-01-10T10:56:00", "title": "Transgender education", "text": "Let parents be parents and schools be schools.  This is dangerous for all. Strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89354", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T11:21:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "We, the parents, will decide what is best for our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89355", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T11:51:00", "title": "Safe environment for all - this is NOT it", "text": "In an effort to supposedly provide equal treatment and a non threatening environment for some you are set up a chaotic non supporting environment for ALL. Who can relax when you are afraid you will misspeak at every turn?  How can a teacher teach when their actions or words can be misconstrued on the whim of a child's mood of the day? My sons speaks of kids urinating in the sink just to have fun and many teenagers not just young children are even afraid to go in a bathroom because of what goes on - this would be worse and allows for NO sense of privacy and no rights of authority to step in and help.  Really - please just focus on teaching proper education - our kids are getting less and less true education and it shows in our society!  Parents need to be encouraged and supported to teach their children at HOME. It is not the responsibility of the government or school systems to do it all.  We are creating lazy parents and students and warping all sense of humanity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89356", "author": "WS CAMERON", "date": "2021-01-10T12:09:00", "title": "Proposed Transgender Public School Policy", "text": "In the public school system where I taught we had a sound policy to deal with transgender students. First, it was handled confidentially and very seriously involving the child, parents, psychological counseling, clergy if desired by parent, school administrator, student's guidance counselor, school nurse and student's teachers. Second, the transgender student used only unisex bathroom(s) provided at school and was exempted from physical education and extra-curricular sports activities. This took into account fairness and comfort consideration for other students. Thirdly, the student was addressed by the name they enrolled with by the parent or guardian. This policy worked successfully."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89357", "author": "Tammi Slovinsky", "date": "2021-01-10T12:11:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "This is a question of human Rights and safety of children, and very simply the ability to be who you are. Schools need guidance on this issue and having a policy in place will help to protect students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89358", "author": "Emma billings", "date": "2021-01-10T12:31:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I just Graduated high school last year. This is not what we need. You’re going behind the parents backs while dealing with minors. You’re also putting children at risk. We are already dealing with sexual harassment and poor judgment we don’t need someone pretending to be a different gender to come into our bathrooms and locker rooms ( please work to making a separate bathroom so we can all choose which one to go in ) some of us wouldn’t feel comfortable with knowing some of our peers are lying about how they identify themselves just to get in the locker room. You can’t make rules like this and ignore the fact that it is a huge risk allowing 15-18 year olds together in unsupervised spaces like that. If kids are already finding a way to harass each other and/ or have sex in school then making it easier is not a good plan. Please adjust the rules. It should be a subject in school like learning to have safe sex and it should be able to be discussed safely in school but school should also be a safe place for everybody attending."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89359", "author": "Kyle Dunbar", "date": "2021-01-10T13:00:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As a parent, educator, friend, and human, I support the guidance. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89360", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T13:06:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "The reality is  there is diversity in our world. All students have the right to attend school where they can learn in a safe environment. Protect those students so they won't have to battle bullying every day of their lives. Model acceptance and recognition of differences in humans. It is unfortunate that measures like these have to be put in place to make us do what decent human beings should do on their own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89361", "author": "Viviana Madalo", "date": "2021-01-10T13:14:00", "title": "Opposed to the bill", "text": "This bill goes against the right to choose our own children's education and against freedom of religion. When parents choose a religious school based on specific values they are not discriminating but freely deciding what their children should learn, acting under the clout of their faith. This is a cherished and protected right in our Constitution, thus an obligation to allow transgender children to act against the school policies and wishes of all parents who want a religious education in a private school is discrimination against their own freedom of thought and action according to their faith."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89362", "author": "Kris K", "date": "2021-01-10T13:20:00", "title": "Opposed to the New Transgender Policy Proposals by the Virginia Dept. of Education", "text": "I am opposed to the transgender policy proposals by the Virginia Department of Education, HB 145 and SB 161, because I believe it undermines parents rights in public schools, and may also weaken the privacy and safety of all students. Research on gender identity is an ongoing process yet the VDOE would base its policies on views stated as fact. An example of this is the statement, \"Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five or six.\" What study or studies is this concept based upon? Who carried out the studies? Parents and guardians have a right to know the answer to this and other questions raised by the proposals, before the regulatory process goes further."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89363", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T13:22:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "This bill is terrible. It goes against parents rights to and freedom of religion. Parents have the right to choose the proper education for their children, and forcing transgender ideology as a blanket rule across schools will cause MANY problems."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89364", "author": "Anon", "date": "2021-01-10T13:22:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "I think these model policies are excellent. I graduated high school back in 2015 and I wish more polices like these were placed and implemented. Transgender students deserve to feel heard and safe at school. For some students, school is the only place where they feel safe. Kids can't learn well if they are constantly in fear of being who they are and expressing themselves. I believe if these policies were implemented, kids would feel safer, be more open and honest about their struggles, feel more supported, feel like they can talk to faculty, etc. We go to school not to just learn how to read and write - we go to school to learn about social issues, diversity, how to debate effectively, how to problem solve, etc. It is a place to learn, grow, and be exposed to differences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89365", "author": "Lauren Donlon", "date": "2021-01-10T13:37:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT — these are human rights", "text": "I strongly support this bill, and encourage anyone who opposes it to look deeply within themselves as to why not. Transphobia and homophobia have no place in this world, especially not in schools with developing children. Having access to basic information about your body and sexual orientation is a HUMAN RIGHT. If your “religious beliefs” are the reasoning behind opposing this, I’m disgusted. No matter what, the LGBTQ+ community isn’t going away. These are real children and people with real emotions and questions. Why wouldn’t we teach our kids love is love? That’s it. Let’s accommodate with the times and allow EVERY kid to have a chance to learn about who they want/are going to be in this world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89366", "author": "Mona P.", "date": "2021-01-10T13:47:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose HB145, SB161 + Model Policies 4 Treatment of Transgender Student in Public Schools", "text": "My comments are provided with sincerity and all due respect for all parties involved. The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools guidance document clearly lacked input from the faith community. This is a construction apart from God. Although changes were made at the Federal level years prior, it wasn't until Virginia's General Assembly majority changed last year that HB145 and SB161 was able to pass - and now look what we are facing. Why wasn't the faith community adequately heard and considered? They aren't listed in Acknowledgements or the Appendix. Why are there higher standards for reducing bias and harassment in the enforcement of any code of student conduct with respect to transgenders? All students should benefit from the same level of care and protection from bias and harassment. Parents have a right to know if their child is changing their gender status. This sets a dangerous example for the child for future life decisions. It will put undue mental and emotional stress as they will have to eventually disclose changes that have been made to their bodies. With regard to the last paragraph on page 14; this is another example of rewriting history. Please, involve the faith community and parents; and re-do this document. Parents need to know."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89367", "author": "Emily, Wife and Mother", "date": "2021-01-10T13:53:00", "title": "I strongly oppose. Parents you are giving up your control of your Children.", "text": "This should not be allowed in school! School needs to be kept to education. If this sort of teaching is allowed then I want Creationism, the Bible and many other conservative beliefs that have been thrown out of public education reintroduced. Children should not be groomed at school to be able to choose their gender. If there are issues that arise the parents should be able to control the situation and find ways to help their own child. Parents take your control back!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89368", "author": "Dr. William Olsen", "date": "2021-01-10T14:20:00", "title": "Transgender guidelines", "text": "I am totally opposed to the proposed regulations concerning transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89369", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-10T14:30:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "As a parent in Virginia, I am opposed to this policy change regarding transgender students.  I agree that no student should be subjected to harassment due to their sexuality or gender.  However, issues with harassment can and should be dealt with without making the drastic changes proposed in this policy. The phrase \"sex assigned at birth\" is not scientific.  Each baby is born with biological sex; it is not \"assigned\" by anyone.  This new policy will only create confusion. Not everyone is in agreement with these ideas about gender.  There is no option for staff or students who disagree to opt out of these policies; they can be charged with harassment for not complying. Let's focus on creating safe, positive schools for all.  Please do not pass this change.  Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89370", "author": "JB", "date": "2021-01-10T14:31:00", "title": "Vehemently Oppose Transgender Guidelines", "text": "As a Virginian, I am vehemently opposed to the Model policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. I believe that many children (and even many adults) are confused about many things in today's society, and that adoption and implementation of these guidelines will only lead to further confusion among the most innocent and impressionable among us, our children.  Biological truth dictates that there are only two genders, as there have been since the beginning of time, and that it is against the laws of nature to recognize any other genders or to recognize a girl as a boy or vice-versa.  In the Bible, Genesis 5:1-2 states that \"When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God; he created them male and female.\""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89371", "author": "Susan Bond", "date": "2021-01-10T14:40:00", "title": "Regarding transgender policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education", "text": "Dear Members of the Virginia Department of Education, 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. Please do not approve these draft policies because they would severely undercut my involvement as a parent in the life of my children at school.  These policies will also endanger the bodily privacy of my children and the safety of all children.  The Virginia General Assembly must protect children! Thank you for your attention to this. Sincerely, Susan Bond"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89372", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T14:46:00", "title": "Stronly oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose this should not be handled by the school. This issue should be handled at home with the childs family. I cannot imagine how the school should be in charge in a matter that does not involve them. The parents should always be informed of everything in order to be there the best way they can be for their child. This approach will not only destroy families but will also destroy the child. Absolutely not, this is irresponsible & destructive. Do not support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89373", "author": "KS", "date": "2021-01-10T14:52:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose to the draft model policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools.  I wish to reiterate the comments of \"JB\" who articulated this so well.  \"The adoption and implementation of these guidelines will only lead to further confusion among the most innocent and impressionable among us, our children.  Biological truth dictates that there are only two genders, as there have been since the beginning of time, and that it is against the laws of nature to recognize any other genders or to recognize a girl as a boy or vice-versa.\"  It is a scientific fact that we are created as two genders - male and female.  I am appalled that these policies are even being considered and will pray for good sense to prevail and for these policies to not be implemented."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89374", "author": "Holly G.", "date": "2021-01-10T15:14:00", "title": "FULL SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support the thoughtful and comprehensive Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools. In reviewing the mission statements of various public school districts across our state it is made very clear that families and schools strive to partner together with the community to empower every student to become a lifelong learner, responsibly and ethically engaged with the global community. The words “ ALL ” and “ EVERY ” are included in each statement. The following are just a few examples taken from missions/values/beliefs of public school districts across the state of Virginia dedicated to EVERY child. Being \"open to change and valuing differences\" (VA Beach) Viewing \"diversity as our strength\" (Fairfax) Recognition of \"each students individuality\" (Floyd) \"Every child, by name and by need to graduation\" (Lynchburg) Being \"an inclusive community that empowers\" (Arlington) Valuing \"physical safety and emotional well being\" (Montgomery) Dedication to \"success for all\" (Harrisonburg) \"Treating all individuals with dignity and respect\" (Albemarle) Now is the time to help every school district align to their mission statements/values and beliefs by ensuring that transgender and non-binary people are included in \"ALL\" and \"EVERY\" in our Virginia Public Schools. My past experience as a parent in the public school system was spent advocating for basic decency and best practices for gender expansive children in an elementary school setting. Some people may feel that some of what is included in the policy goes without saying. I can say from first hand experience, that the intentions and directions must be explicit. For example, in working with my child’s school I was asking that the school discontinue separating kids by binary gender for a class project and modify greetings by saying “good morning kids” instead of “good morning boys and girls.”  Despite my efforts to show the statistics that these types of gender affirming changes create space in the community and SAVE LIVES, the administration responded to this request with, “we cannot provide this direction and make these changes until there is a district policy.” Virginia public schools are asking for this explicit support and the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools provides thoughtful, comprehensive support for school districts and the families they proudly partner with. My opportunity to see, love and grow with my gender expansive child has been my life’s greatest gift. I have learned more about myself and the world we live in through them and can see the negative effects of the binary gender normative in our society. I often say, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” Before my child, I honestly did not know. I did not have the understanding that I do now. Creating space for gender diversity in our schools will benefit all people. I also live by, “the more you know, the better you can do.” We can all do better and The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools has been thoroughly reviewed and endorsed by psychologists, social workers, student representatives, and the Executive Directors from three of the leading LGBTQ+ support organizations in the state (Equality Virginia, Side By Side, and He She Ze & We), along with policy and education experts to help us ALL do better. I fully support the adoption of this policy because the more we know the better we can ALL do. Our school districts can become better aligned with their stated missions/visions and we can make space in our communities for everyone to be their authentic selves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89375", "author": "Jennifer Alluisi", "date": "2021-01-10T15:15:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "The data gathered by psychologists over years of practice is clear: Affirming a child's gender identity leads to dramatically lower rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among transgender children. This alone is a reason that schools should affirm a child's gender identity, protect their privacy as needed, educate school staff, and provide appropriate accommodations to gender-expansive students. Schools have a responsibility to keep their students safe, both physically and mentally, during school hours and school activities. This bill goes a long way toward doing that, and I fully support it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89376", "author": "Meaghan Burkett", "date": "2021-01-10T15:17:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 Strongly oppose because in the words of Dr. Meg Meeker, pediatrician, “They [children] are young people with hearts, minds and souls. Every child deserves protection from trauma and humiliation. And every child can learn to be accepting and kind to those who are different. But to force “acceptance” on children when it means causing them to see very private genitalia of the opposite sex, questioning their own ability to believe what they see, and causing more suffering to already troubled children is fair to no one—except, perhaps, the adults who want to see their own agenda promoted.” Young children, especially, should not have to endure the confusion which arises from policies such as this. The authority and influence of parents should absolutely not be undercut by the educational system simply to promote political agendas. The Virginia Department of Education should be focused on the academic needs of our children only."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89377", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T15:26:00", "title": "We Should Not Play Politics With the Serious Mental Illness of Gender Dysphoria", "text": "Until very recently, the scientific consensus was that gender dysphoria was a mental illness. Those who suffered from it were of course to be treated with compassion and understanding. But that didn't mean playing into the patient's disorder, i.e., telling a person with a man's organs that he was a female, and vice versa. In the last several years a vocal political minority has pushed transgender riots as the \"next frontier\" of the civil rights movement, even though no meaningful scientific evidence has arisen to overturn the medical consensus on gender dysphoria. At a time where politics often times seems to trump objective scientific truth, I think it is paramount that our educational establishment hold the line. Children in particular are among the most vulnerable in our society. With that in mind, I believe it's imperative that the State of Virginia and its Department of Education: 1) Seek to treat children with the mental illness of gender dysphoria. 2) Not confuse or traumatize young, impressionable children by normalizing transgender behavior with (i) multigender facilities (i.e., bathrooms, locker rooms) or (ii) pushing fringe third gender pronoun terminology. 3) Not force this latest fad of gender identity politics, which is not supported by the preponderance of current scientific evidence, on private educational institutions (e.g., private schools and religious schools) that do not share these views. I am simply a concerned citizen who believes truth and the good of society, especially its youngest members, should be promoted above politics."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89378", "author": "Brian Tanenbaum", "date": "2021-01-10T15:31:00", "title": "comment", "text": "As a parent, educator, friend, and human, I support the guidance. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89379", "author": "LNC", "date": "2021-01-10T15:43:00", "title": "Govt and Education should NOT be Meddling in Gender Identification", "text": "The Govt and School has NO business meddling in a student's gender identification. If parents MUST make sure students attend school or face truancy, then the SCHOOL and GOVT should stay out of a family's guidance of their child's gender identification. If you want to raise kids without morals and values, then God would have made it possible for the Govt and School to reproduce them without human parents. STAY OUT OF Gender Identification Education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89380", "author": "Andrew", "date": "2021-01-10T15:45:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This proposal infringes on the rights of parents to teach their children that gender is NOT subjective and the scientific reality that biological sex means something. Our psychological understanding of self should follow biological reality of who we are vs the other way around."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89381", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T15:50:00", "title": "Acceptance", "text": "Schools should provide a safe environment for all students.  I support this policy to the extent it is focused on accomplishing that objective."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89382", "author": "Ubaldo Cisneros", "date": "2021-01-10T15:52:00", "title": "Regarding transgender:", "text": "Would not be easier and without controversy to build a unit for the transgender. These guidelinnes clearly violete the rights of the non transgender"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89383", "author": "Mark Davis", "date": "2021-01-10T16:14:00", "title": "I support this policy", "text": "Schools should provide a safe environment for all students and teachers.  I support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89384", "author": "FaerieEq", "date": "2021-01-10T16:26:00", "title": "No to these ideas; Protect children", "text": "As a child, it is fun to pretend we are something or someone other than we are. Over time, however, we need to grow and mature. We cannot remain in fairyland forever. It is time to grow."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89385", "author": "Linda Gurka", "date": "2021-01-10T16:32:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE Proposed VDOE Transgender Policy", "text": "I strongly OPPOSE the proposed transgender policy. Boys and girls need separate facilities. Children should not be encouraged to be transgender. Please let the children grow up with PARENTAL GUIDANCE on transgender and as God and nature intended.  The proposed policy goes to far. The schools have no responsibility for the children after they leave the classroom and should not meddle in a lifelong decision. Once a child reaches adulthood when they understand fully the repercussions of their decision, they can decide on their own."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89386", "author": "FREDRICK A LOURENZO", "date": "2021-01-10T17:02:00", "title": "Tran teaching", "text": "Not your  place to teach vdoe to any kid"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89387", "author": "Jonathan Lash", "date": "2021-01-10T17:03:00", "title": "Opposed to forcing children of different genders into mixed settings without privacy rights", "text": "I oppose the revolutionary notion that children should be forced to share locker rooms, bathrooms, hotel rooms, and other spaces where they have no personal privacy protections.  My daughters should never be in a situation where they have to undress or be unclothed in the presence of a biological male, regardless of that male's decision that he is female.  They also never be required to view a biological male in the act of undressing or being unclothed.  The opposite is also true.  The indecent exposure law is still in force. This is simple common sense.  As long as restrooms exist in Virginia on public or private property for either a single sex or for use by one person or a parent and children, e.g., a recreation center or a private swim club, the indecent exposure laws should apply.  If the VA government is foolish enough to repeal those laws, we'll happily leave the state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89388", "author": "Caroline Megargel", "date": "2021-01-10T17:06:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As an LCSW who works with youth, I support this guidance. It is important we provide support for all students. In order to succeed, kids and teens to feel comfortable in their homes and at school, and this guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89389", "author": "Paul Kiechlin", "date": "2021-01-10T17:15:00", "title": "Oppose transgender regulations proposed by VA Department of Education", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89390", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-10T17:28:00", "title": "I am opposed to this guidance document", "text": "I disapprove of the VDOE's proposed guidelines based on the radical theories to eliminate the distinction of male and female distinctions and indoctrinate children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89391", "author": "BettyJo Lash", "date": "2021-01-10T17:30:00", "title": "opposed", "text": "Schools should not be accommodating the 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89392", "author": "Corita B O'Brien", "date": "2021-01-10T17:33:00", "title": "HB 145 AND SB 161  Transgender Policies", "text": "These two proposed policies, HB 145 and SB 16l  articulate views that are far different from those of many parents.  Especially one view, \"That gender identity is considered an innate quality that most children declare by age five to six.\" Through endorsement of views like these that infringe on the First Amendment rights of parents, 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 and no child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a student of the opposite biological sex.  Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations.  I STRONGLY OPPOSE THESE TRANSGENDER POLICIES PROPOSED BY THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89393", "author": "Sarah Whelan", "date": "2021-01-10T17:33:00", "title": "treatment of transgender students", "text": "As a parent, educator, friend, and human, I support the guidance. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89394", "author": "Jim Draper", "date": "2021-01-10T17:40:00", "title": "please be kind and supportive to transgender students", "text": "\"As a parent, educator, friend, and human, I support the guidance. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all. \""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89395", "author": "A concerned parent", "date": "2021-01-10T17:48:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I fully oppose the transgender policy being proposed/instituted by the Virginia Department of Education for the upcoming school year. It is inherently wrong for my daughter to be subjected to possibly intimate situations with a Male just because he identifies as a female. This is morally wrong and harmful to those children with traditional views of male/female identification. Please do not enact this policy change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89396", "author": "Betsy Wong", "date": "2021-01-10T18:11:00", "title": "Support strongly", "text": "As a parent, educator, friend, and human, I support the guidance. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89397", "author": "RM", "date": "2021-01-10T18:13:00", "title": "I oppose", "text": "I oppose this policy as it will create chaos and confusion to all parties involved, please vote NO"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88641", "author": "William A Harrison Jr.", "date": "2021-01-06T14:50:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "These changes for protection of transgender students are critical. And obviously much education needs to be conducted regarding transgender issues. I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of people voicing opposition have never even net a transgender person"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88642", "author": "Barbara Compter", "date": "2021-01-06T15:07:00", "title": "Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I am outraged and strongly object to the  Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools being considered.  It is destructive and divisive.  It creates an aura of secrecy and mistrust among our teachers, students, and their families.  It violates the rights of parents and undermines the authority of teachers and school officials.  It encourages adolescents to \"make a decision\" about something that is already decided by their DNA thus causing more harm and confusion for students that are already struggling in the uncertainty of our current times.  I cannot imagine what could possibly cause our government to consider imposing such harmful policies on our citizens.  PLEASE DO NOT APPROVE THESE UNFAIR POLICIES!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88643", "author": "Rollin Mohler", "date": "2021-01-06T15:27:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "While this policy may be on the table to promote equal treatment of all regardless of gender or sexual identity, it in effect will create an atmosphere that is impossible to manage and will result in greater problems.  The policy is overreaching, taking away the roles and responsibilities of parents and guardians.  It will cause greater confusion in students who already are dealing with so many confusing things in the culture.  If the policy is followed as proposed, it seems like a young man may end up seeing a young woman, who identifies as a man, topless.  I understand striving to promote equality, but the young men seeing young women topless will not equate to a proper environment for education or school athletics.  The rights and protection of all are endangered in this policy.  Not to mention, if a person may identify as a man one day and a woman the next, how will any in position of leadership be able to provide proper care and protection in such cases?  This policy needs significant work to accomplish what it is generally striving to accomplish.  I strongly oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88644", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T15:27:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "In order to truly support the life of each and every student and teacher within the Virginia Department of Education's system, I STRONGLY OPPOSE the proposed model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia's public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88645", "author": "Alex Weathersby", "date": "2021-01-06T15:38:00", "title": "Support This Guidance and Trans Students", "text": "As an educator who has worked in Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg, and Charlottesville, I support this guidance. Studies have shown that affirming policies like the K-12 guidance reduce the risk of bullying, peer violence, harassment, suicidal thinking*. Transgender students deserve to feel supported and affirmed in educational spaces. They are then better equipped to learn, engage with peers, and positively contribute back into their communities. This guidance will help schools to provide the best learning environment possible for creating a truly equal Commonwealth. *Source: Russell S.T., Pollitt A.M., Li G., & Grossman A.H. (2018). Chosen name use is linked to reduced depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior among transgender youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 63 (4), 503–505."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88646", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T15:43:00", "title": "Please Support", "text": "Transgender students face high rates of abuse, suicide, murder, homelessness - the barriers are endless. This guidance will allow them to feel safe for at least a moment in their schools. I encourage anyone with concerns or suspicions over this guidance to do some real research on the experiences of transgender children and to try and have some empathy for an experience that, while not matching your own, is still valid and important."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88647", "author": "anon", "date": "2021-01-06T15:46:00", "title": "Yes to this Guidance", "text": "this would have changed my life had it been in place when i was going to school. i would have felt more loved and accepted. i would have felt more okay with going to school, instead of terrified. it woudl have protected me from some of the painful experiences that teachers and kids brought into my life. please support this guidance"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88648", "author": "Hartwell Gary", "date": "2021-01-06T15:49:00", "title": "I strongly oppose these policies", "text": "While we must show compassion to those experiencing gender confusion/dysphoria, policies such as these are a dangerous move toward state influence on children, placing its authority over and above that of parents. A move toward normalizing state indoctrination of youth on matters of sexuality will lead us in a regressive direction as a nation. Matters of gender and sexuality are the purview of parents and families, not of public school teachers. Though some parents/guardians may teach or encourage ideas some may view as harmful, to believe that the state will be a better actor is truly misguided, and we dare not move in that direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88650", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T16:18:00", "title": "dangers of proposed transgender policies", "text": "The proposed transgender policies can have a very harmful effect on large numbers of student while only a slight possible effect on a very few. 1.Girls sports could be practically demolished by these transgender rules as can be seen by their effect in Connecticut. Dozens of girls were denied wins and notice by college recruitment because two boys said they were transgender. 2.Girls, especially those who have already suffered sexual abuse, could be very traumatized by boys in their personal space such as lockers, bathrooms, sleeping arrangements, etc. 3.Focusing in on the outward signs for transgender claims halts most other attempts to help students with transgender claims. 4.These policies would negate many of the positive benefits girls and women have striven to attain for the last fifty years while still not addressing many of the problems doctors and psychiatrists have documented that transgender people actually have."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88651", "author": "MB", "date": "2021-01-06T16:24:00", "title": "Absolutely oppose", "text": "If we are truly concerned about trans youth and not the desire to force others to kowtow to an 'agenda', then this is going about it the wrong way. Parents need to be aware of what is going on in their children's lives or they will not be able to help. Trans youth have a statistically higher risk of suicide. It is a very rare parent who would wish that for their child. Giving parents information to help their child instead of hiding the child's desires, mistakenly gives 'woke' writers of this bill that educators and administrators, many of whom do not have children themselves, are helping a kid that they see for a year instead of parents who have loved their child over a lifetime. Why aren't we encouraging children how to have actual conversations with their parents instead of lying (by omission) to the parents? Why would parents ever trust teachers again? All teachers I know tell me that dealing with parents is the worst part of their jobs. Is this somehow going to make those relationships better? In regards to punishing teachers for slip ups that could occur when addressing a child, has anyone of the sponsors actually been to a school? My best friend thirty years ago in high school would have switched genders every other day just to stick it to teachers. But I'm sure no child would do that today."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88652", "author": "B.D. Swank", "date": "2021-01-06T16:30:00", "title": "Vehemently OPPOSE ALL", "text": "As a father  of a public school child and husband of a public school teacher of 20 years, I strongly opposed any and all adoption of said gender policies. They are absolutely abhorrent to our civilized society, not to mention in direct violation of our constitutional rights regarding religious beliefs. If adopted, and I fervently pray that our leaders do what is right and not what they think or feel is popular in today’s culture and dismiss these proposals, I will immediately withdraw my daughter from the system and my wife will most likely resign. These actions are crossing the line of what is not only scientifically and biologically established but in direct conflict with what my and millions of Virginians’ religious affiliations teach and abide by. Citing specific parts of these guidelines is futile because it is absolutely preposterous that any of them should be considered. There is no compromise without violating the 1st Ammendment of the U.S. Constitution of those of us who vehemently oppose these ridiculous measures. I implore you to do what is right and not force Virginians like my family to make the decision between leaving the teaching profession and withdrawing from public school or answer for complying on judgement day. THAT is the direction the VDOE is heading. Do what is right. Do what is noble. Do what is CONSTITUTIONAL and reject and/or dismiss implementation of these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88653", "author": "Margaret Hess", "date": "2021-01-06T16:44:00", "title": "Inclusion, safety, and support for all learners.", "text": "A safe and inclusive Education for all learners is an essential foundation of public education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88654", "author": "Wendy Young", "date": "2021-01-06T16:52:00", "title": "Totally opposed", "text": "I am totally opposed to this legislation on transgender identity. You are bypassing parental authority, infringing on student's moral sensitivities, and asking teachers and school personnel to forfeit their beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88655", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T16:57:00", "title": "School “Transgender” Policies", "text": "I strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88656", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T17:28:00", "title": "Do not approve VDOE draft model policy for transgenders", "text": "DO NOT APPROVE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88657", "author": "Jean and Franklin Debrot", "date": "2021-01-06T17:42:00", "title": "Strongly oppose these proposed transgender policies", "text": "We recommend that those at VDOE who are considering policies for the treatment of transgender students should familiarize themselves with a book by Abigail Shrier entitled Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters. Based on thousands of interviews she documents the epidemic of young teenage girls suddenly exhibiting \"rapid onset gender dysphoria\" following intense social media immersion or as part of a friend group with other members suddenly claiming to be transgender, without previous signs of gender confusion. \"These are the same girls that would have been anorexic. They would have been bulimic. They are high anxiety, very precocious girls but they don't really fit in.\" Confused, lonely, misguided and vulnerable, they find that if they declare themselves to be transgender they see a big improvement in their social status. They are praised online, gain attention, new friends and their teachers hold them up as being courageous.  They can self-diagnose as transgender and get access through Planned Parenthood to testosterone. This begins a dangerous, life altering path. This \"craze\" needs to be discouraged, not encouraged in the school system by making it \"cool\" to be transgender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88658", "author": "Sandra Blake", "date": "2021-01-06T17:45:00", "title": "Gender", "text": "There are only two genders.  Male and Female."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88659", "author": "Very Concerned Virginia parent", "date": "2021-01-06T17:51:00", "title": "Absolutely reject to ALL of this!", "text": "I do NOT approve of these proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  It is appalling that these are even being put into consideration.  The Commonwealth of Virginia has gone off the deep in the past 20 years!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88660", "author": "Jk", "date": "2021-01-06T18:13:00", "title": "New rules for Virginia schools", "text": "Nobody want these children’s to be bullied or to suffer in any way but why is so important to make everybody else suffer instead??  You and I both know the middle school/high school boys are going to put on skirts or whatever and go into the girls bathrooms just to create chaos.  They can’t be questioned you say (according to the new rules).  I come from a genetics background and know of all the variants that can occur that we also don’t know all the reason/causes this happens.  They exist all around us.  We’ve taught our children to love and be good to everyone because God loves everyone and has placed all people here for us to live with and be kind to.  We did not teach them that others would try to press an agenda on them so as to not allow them privacy they may want while they’re are in school. If a person presents as a girl/boy you treat them like a girl/boy.  They have entered the REAL world you have not entered theirs.  I’d think those poor children suffering would understand that above everybody.  They want to be normal ... or what they perceive as normal.  Men transitioning to women and taking over sports and venues because of the natural enhancement that comes with a male Y doesn’t sound fair to me.  The only fair way to address this is male sports, female sports, and all the rest in a group category of male to female and female to male.  That way all competition will be fair and equal which is what everyone wants.  The new rule makers are not seeing the forest for the trees. Maybe they should spend their time making “rules” for how parents should raise their children...or make it simple...bring God back into the schools instead of communists.  You all are reaping what you have sown."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88661", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T18:26:00", "title": "School Gender Policy", "text": "This policy, like so many being proposed these days, is absolutely RIDICULOUS!!!  It is beyond my comprehension how so-called educated leaders of our state and country can even have the gall to present this ludicrous policy!  This would not solve ANY issue, but it would create so many more, and only prove to make life so confusing for the children, but for some reason, you seem to think would be beneficial.  Your thinking is very flawed!  There are ONLY 2 GENDERS, male and female, and they were created by God, whether you believe in Him or not!  Human beings need to understand that they have no authority OR ability to change or create new genders. I say put yourself in the place of ANY ONE OF THESE CHILDREN and imagine how you would react and how you would handle the total confusion you are proposing to put them through.  Would you want to be faced with this?? As a citizen and a tax payer, I EXPECT SO MUCH MORE from our elected officials, so please use some common sense and BURN THIS PROPOSAL!!!!! The fact that the gender disphoria affects such a minor percentage of our population, how is it that you cannot focus on HELPING these children by proposing mental health help for them, and let the parents help their children through these trying times rather than shutting them out. I pray for those of  you in office to find some COMMON SENSE!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88662", "author": "Dr. G.S. Rosenthal", "date": "2021-01-06T18:31:00", "title": "Trans Educator Here. I Support this Document.", "text": "As a transgender educator based in Virginia, I have worked closely with transgender and gender non-conforming youth for the past six years, and I know quite well—better than many of the other commentators here—the many barriers that trans students currently face. Even in my own adult life, I have faced situations wherein people have refused to use my correct name or my pronouns. I have been mistreated when seeking services, including medical assistance. I have had to jump through many hoops in order to get access to the same basic protections and rights that so many cisgender Virginians enjoy. Transgender students in Virginia face these same challenges yet amplified even further by the circumstances of their age and their lack of agency in their educational settings. All of the model policies outlined in this guidance document are a step in the right direction: they provide clear guidance for school systems in how to create safe and supportive educational settings for transgender and gender non-conforming students. Title IX stipulates that a student's access to education cannot be limited on the basis of sex. To that end, we must act to protect the rights of students to be free from gender-based discrimination and harassment in our schools. I wish when I was a student, back in the day, that these policies had been in place. Let's act now to make our schools safer for the young people of today and tomorrow. I support this guidance document 100% and I am grateful to all the people that worked on it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88663", "author": "Doug Parente", "date": "2021-01-06T18:34:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "It is unclear how this does anything to make children any smarter and seems to strongly encourage bad behavior. It removes all accountability from the students. Boys will be able to follow little girls into bathrooms because they decided the are now a girl too? Other countries’ children are crushing our children in today’s global economy. Please explain how this makes our children smarter. It seems putting more effort into teaching STEM topics and/or personal finance would be far more fruitful then spending resources on this. Please rethink this approach."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88664", "author": "Martha Walker", "date": "2021-01-06T18:38:00", "title": "This is crazy! I do not support any of this", "text": "These policies undermine parental rights. These are children, minors and the school does not have the right to go against parents. These policies are insane."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88665", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-06T19:01:00", "title": "fully support", "text": "trans students deserve safety and resources"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88666", "author": "Pat /Bill Coulson", "date": "2021-01-06T19:09:00", "title": "We support", "text": "we wholeheartedly support all positive guidelines for transgender students.  We support wholeheartedly"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88667", "author": "A Parent", "date": "2021-01-06T19:10:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "You would do terrible damage to young people by incorporating these policies.  Much of what is introduced is scientifically questionable.  Suggesting that a genetic male is interchangeable with a genetic woman or vice versa is patently absurd and contrary to elementary school science. Studies show that adults who have received gender re-assignment surgery have exacerbated symptoms of depression and suicidal tendencies and regret their decision to have surgery.  Presenting this option to children in the guis of education is a sick form of abuse that should not be countenanced. Ultimately, girls will be the greatest victims of this bizarre re-ordering of reality, as they are forced to compete with boys on the athletic field and change with them in a locker room.  I really can't believe this is even being debated, and it shows how irrational and insane our society has become."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88668", "author": "Ashton Cumpston", "date": "2021-01-06T19:31:00", "title": "fully support", "text": "Hi, my name is Ashton Cumpston I'm a transgender student at a high school in Manassas Virginia. I strongly support this policy as school is a type of escape for a lot of individuals I know as their parents/guardians are not supportive. Rights are rights and should not be argued against"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88669", "author": "Jordan Hilliard", "date": "2021-01-06T19:37:00", "title": "Full Support", "text": "This is an amazing idea. Respect EVERYONE! I am in full support of these policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88670", "author": "Concerned Mother!", "date": "2021-01-06T20:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "You are endangering the minds of young children and trying to indoctrinate the young. Schools have no right to do this. We will promptly remove our children from public school should this occur. We are the parents not you. Stop wasting your time and energy on nonsense. Start focusing your energy on keeping the schools open !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88671", "author": "Dave S.", "date": "2021-01-06T20:28:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Oppose the proposed guidance document for basis of future legislation in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Proposed legislation on any of these proposals should be held by statewide referendum."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88672", "author": "Alison S", "date": "2021-01-06T20:35:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As a parent of a child in Albemarle County I am writing in strong support of the guidelines being put forth. Every student should feel included and protected by our schools without question."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88673", "author": "Wendy Radding, Harmony Psychotherapy Center", "date": "2021-01-06T20:54:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "Every student deserves the same treatment under the law. Transgender students are no exception. I urge our legislators to protect transgender students and help people get beyond their prejudices and rigid ideas of who is deserving. This nation was built on the premise of equality and fairness and this is a good way to embody that. Wendy Radding, LCSW, RPT, CATP"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88674", "author": "Ashley Rephlo", "date": "2021-01-06T21:00:00", "title": "STRONGLY oppose - Let LEGAL GUARDIANS parent", "text": "My husband and I are looking into private schools and public school alternatives specifically BECAUSE of these proposed policies. The main reason is that it is TAKING AWAY PARENTAL RIGHTS. My husband and I are the legal guardians of our children. The school not advising us of an identity that my child has adopted (or possibly been convinced of by peers and other influences) at school is WRONG. The school should be a place of PARTNERSHIP between families and their children. It is not up to the school/state to allow my child to make decisions about their body without my consent. This applies to other issues as well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88675", "author": "Kathleen Sweeney", "date": "2021-01-06T21:03:00", "title": "I strongly oppose these policies and guidance", "text": "I am strongly opposed to the Virginia Department of Education’s proposed model policies and guidance regarding transgender students in the public schools.  If enacted, these guidelines will endanger children’s cognitive and psychological development because they cause confusion about the reality of the human body and the meaning of sex.  The reality is that every human has either xx (female) or xy (male) chromosomes in every cell of the body, and the human being is a unity of mind and body.  Thus no one is ever “born in the wrong body.”  A mental decision does not change this reality.  It is not possible for a boy to become a girl or a girl to become a boy, despite what one might desire.  Gender dysphoria is condition that needs to be compassionately addressed with counseling by a therapist knowledgeable about this condition and its healing. It would be abusive to encourage children in a delusion that will be harmful to their healthy development and their future.  It is also harmful to other children who will be confused about the reality of their sexual body. Moreover, these guidelines violate parental rights.  Parents have the primary responsibility for raising their children and only delegate this responsibility secondarily to schools, yet these guidelines recommend keeping parents in the dark about their child’s delusional desires.  Children cannot know the consequences of decisions based on such desires.  Parents need to be informed and involved with the positive sexual development in their child and with any counseling provided. Teachers also have the right to be well-informed on these issues and not forced to adopt a gender ideology they don’t agree with.  Both teachers and parents may have religious principles that need to be respected and that would be violated by imposing a conflicting ideology."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88676", "author": "Todd Cumpston", "date": "2021-01-06T21:04:00", "title": "Support the Transgender Policy Guide!", "text": "I wanted to voice my strong support of the Virginia Transgender Policy guide. This policy guide will help protect trans students (my son included), while giving direction to others so they can easily understand how to make schools inclusive and welcoming."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88677", "author": "Mark", "date": "2021-01-06T21:22:00", "title": "I Oppose this subversion of truth", "text": "I 100% oppose this subversion of truth. It is scientific fact that we exist as men and women and there are no other genders.  Let's stick with the truth and reject the nonsense of gender identity and fluidity.  Teach children to accept the gender they are and work with it.  The more complicated the state and local governments make the laws, the more miserable society will become.  Rules rules rules!  Ease up and back off and let the truth prevail.  It will set people free."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88678", "author": "Concerned Virginian", "date": "2021-01-06T21:56:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "All students should be treated fairly and with respect.  These policies, however, DO NOT provide fair or equal treatment. In an attempt to provide equal treatment, these guidelines actually make matters worse for other groups. It is absolutely unfair for females to be forced to share a bathroom or locker room with a biological male.  It is also unfair, and I believe unconstitutional to force school employees to disregard their personal religious beliefs in order to comply with these guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88679", "author": "Michelle Lane, MSN, RN", "date": "2021-01-06T22:25:00", "title": "Antidote Treating Gender Confusion Known to NIH for Two Decades", "text": "https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/pimozide#section=Other-Identifiers It is necessary to prevent non-reversible mutilation of a child's body which would forever prevent them from leading a normal life and having children. There is a known antidote to Gender Confusion. It is a medication known as Pimozide. We know that Abortion Clinic receive at least millions if not billions in Federal Money to give out life altering hormones which will alter a young person's body, again irreversibly.  However, generally it can be said that almost everyone is unaware that there is a medication which successfully treats the feelings of Gender Confusion prior, curing these confusing feelings certain children/young adult suffer with at different times in their lives. If schools are going to receive acknowledgement to allow Best-practices, Gender Transgender Policies, disseminating and educating people about Pimozide, as the first time treatment to permanently altering one's bodies, making them forever unable to be the person they were born, must be allowed. More than 50% of people who are Transgender, who commit suicide, do so just after they complete gender reassignment. Obviously, there is regret to their decision. Giving every option to going through this process and possibly having a typical family must be attempted. Please review the link with the medication at the top of the comment. Thank you for your time. Michelle Lane, MSN, RN M.Lane@MiddleburgHomeCare.com Michelle Lane-Smithwick"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88680", "author": "John", "date": "2021-01-06T22:26:00", "title": "Draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "Luke 17 : 1-3. Jesus said to his disciples: Thing’s that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves. I strongly oppose any of these policy proposals"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88681", "author": "Jim Fisher", "date": "2021-01-06T22:39:00", "title": "DO NOT PASS THIS.  God does not make mistakes!!!", "text": "This is an abomination if passed.  Legislation such as this only proves that Jesus Christ is coming back very soon."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88682", "author": "Christi", "date": "2021-01-06T23:30:00", "title": "I do not agree with this guidance.  This is not in the best interest of ALL of the students.", "text": "I do not agree with this guidance. This is not in the best interest of ALL of the students.  This takes family issues outside of the family.  What about students that would feel violated or have their privacy rights violated by the bathroom/locker room issue.  Or a family’s right to not introduce their children to these topics at young ages."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88683", "author": "Darlene Eaton", "date": "2021-01-07T02:12:00", "title": "Against", "text": "I am 100% against teaching students of any age and in any school that males and females are not different sexes to be determined at birth by the child being born with either a penis or a vagina. This should not be taught during school but at home by their parents however they feel as to rather they consider being transgender as normal and should be examined further or like my family that it is not normal and believe male's are males and females are females period. No muti-sex public restrooms, no letting males who identify as female take gym classes or other classes where clothes will be removed. I will never understand how this was ever even seriously taken as an issue especially to be a part of teaching at school. So, in today's society this is acceptable in todays schools but Prayer, teaching and reading the Bible is prohibited, you can no longer decorate your classrooms for Christmas or even wish others a Merry Christmas as it is now considered politically incorrect, which always seems to be listened to while Christians and our beliefs and traditions are no longer allowed in todays society and schools and you can surely tell by the wicked ways of today. So a great big no on this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88684", "author": "Brad K.", "date": "2021-01-07T07:41:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "I disagree with this policy on a number of fronts. I believe in maintaining student safety, but this should not been done in a manner that forces ideologies upon others that they do not believe. I also would never agree with ANY policy that blatantly usurps parental knowledge or requests parental guidance/rights be transferred to a public school teacher or anyone else. This policy is short-sighted, one-sided, seemingly agenda-laden, does not make common sense and is ultimately self-defeating. It will not provide safety, but division, confusion, destruction and anger. STRONGLY OPPOSED."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88685", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-07T07:56:00", "title": "Strongly disagree with these policies", "text": "I not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. These policies would create chaos in our school system and are not in the best interests of ALL our children. What about the rights of the children who are forced to visit the same bathroom as the opposite sex or the rights of the family to teach their own children about these delicate topics. The school system seems to want the families' support with helping the students manage their homework, etc., but then they want to take the rights of the family away with issues like this. It is scientific fact that human beings are born either male or female. If there was another option, we would see it at birth. Adding these policies to the school system would create more confusion and chaos on both sides of this issue than currently exists."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88686", "author": "Jaime", "date": "2021-01-07T08:29:00", "title": "Do NOT Support", "text": "No way I will support this. There are better ways to help the few students that this affects other than forcing everyone to conform."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88687", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-07T08:46:00", "title": "Completely opposed to this rejection of basic biology", "text": "Will remove my children and my tax money from the district if this passes. My children's understanding of male and female is not something you or anyone else has the right to distort just because a very small percentage of people feel a certain way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88688", "author": "C. Smith", "date": "2021-01-07T08:49:00", "title": "I strongly oppose the proposed gender policies", "text": "The VDOE's draft transgender policies fall completely outside the mission and purview of public education. Schools have no business engaging in this level of social engineering."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88689", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-07T08:53:00", "title": "Educator in full support!", "text": "Schools should be a safe and inclusive place for all students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88690", "author": "Joy Chappell", "date": "2021-01-07T09:05:00", "title": "FULL SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. As a dance teacher, I have the privilege of working with students from multiple school systems including Fairfax County, Loudon County, Frederick County and Winchester public schools. A child's experience in the education system can be both positively and negatively transformative. The above guidance is one that will set ALL students up for success, specifically LGBTQ+ students. EVERY CHILD is worthy of such success. This guidance will allow schools the opportunity to be properly equipped with policies and procedures needed to provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for EVERY student."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88691", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-07T09:05:00", "title": "Dress and address policy in regards to transgender people", "text": "I strongly disapprove of these guidelines.  Not only are they inconsistent they also put an unfair burden on other students and staff."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88692", "author": "Majel Wallen", "date": "2021-01-07T09:07:00", "title": "Transgender school policy", "text": "I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88693", "author": "Tyler Midgett", "date": "2021-01-07T09:10:00", "title": "I support a safe and inclusive environment for all of our children.", "text": "I support a safe and inclusive environment for all of our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88694", "author": "Catherina Hurlburt", "date": "2021-01-07T09:14:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a parent of a transgender student who was able to thrive because of supportive educators, mentors, and counselors, and thus graduate with honors from both high school and university because of that inclusive support, I strongly support the proposed guidance for ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for all transgender and non-binary students. Not all transgender/non-binary students have that supportive environment, and it's a detriment both to their mental health and academic thriving. And when their home environment has hostile/toxic parents/grandparents, schools are a haven when they have supportive counselors, administration, and teachers/mentors supporting those students for who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88695", "author": "Larry Clapp", "date": "2021-01-07T09:29:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "I care about children that are confused about their gender identity, but it was wrong to have outlawed the unbiased counseling that could have helped them, and it will be doubly wrong to put into place these proposed guidelines.  These guidelines will lead to tremendous confusion and chaos from children sincerely seeking help, as well as from those students (and parents) simply seeking to disrupt our educational system and to use it as a tool to indoctrinate all children into a lifestyle meaningful only for a miniscule portion of the population."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88696", "author": "Lynne Marie Kohm", "date": "2021-01-07T09:31:00", "title": "Gender Transitioning Policies Harm Vulnerable Children who Deserve Educator Protection", "text": "Referring to https://townhall.virginia.gov/l/GetFile.cfm?File=C:%5CTownHall%5Cdocroot%5CGuidanceDocs_Proposed%5C201%5CGDoc_DOE_4683_20201208.pdf&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=c88e8b38-0b61-495c-b4b5-bad1b745bd0d&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=ba2a2c32-3602-4793-a87a-c65e1e2bba9a . This agency may not yet understand that the U.K. has ruled that Doctors Have a Legal Duty to Protect Children in Gender Transition.  It is a matter of time before a similar ruling happens in the U.S., and will affect any such policy in Virginia.  Children deserve educator protection. A young woman in the United Kingdom (U.K.) has prevailed in her lawsuit that doctors should have protected her from her gender transition. Ms. Keira Bell, a 23-year-old woman who began taking puberty blockers when she was 16, was injected with testosterone at 17 and had a mastectomy aged 20, before 'detransitioning.'  She brought a law suit against the U.K.’s National Health Service gender clinic, arguing that she was too young and vulnerable to understand her circumstances, and that doctors should have challenged her transition. The Daily Mail reported that while Bell was cancelled by social media for her legal actions, the U.K. High Court found in her favor, holding that children under 16 cannot properly consent to their own gender transition.  See Ms. Bell’s post-judicial video , putting her own voice to her concerns about protecting vulnerable children. The Court held that children must understand “long-term consequences of treatment.” The judges said in their ruling: “It is highly unlikely that a child aged 13 or under would be competent to give consent to the administration of puberty blockers.”  It added, “It is doubtful that a child aged 14 or 15 could understand and weigh the long-term risks and consequences of the administration of puberty blockers.”  Hereafter doctors must seek court approval before prescribing puberty blockers. That protection is not in the policy. Legislators and educators concerned for vulnerable children understand this process of protecting children dealing with gender dysphoria is key to healthy children and families.  These new proposed policies should be opposed to protect children, and to avoid lawsuits like this one, against Virginia educators."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88697", "author": "Tara West", "date": "2021-01-07T09:43:00", "title": "Parent support LGBTQ+ Students", "text": "I support the draft guidance provided from VDOE. I have a personal relationship with a transgender child and I want schools to be an inclusive, safe space for her and for all children. This guidance will provide a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students. It will make school be a place for children to grow and learn, and not be discriminated against. This is a step in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88698", "author": "Linda", "date": "2021-01-07T09:58:00", "title": "Vehemently Oppose", "text": "This legislation is to the detriment of the vast majority of students and completely eliminates parents from having in say in the life of their child. You cannot expect teachers, principals, guidance counselors to monitor all of this. Young girls should NOT be subject to any boy who wishes to \"claim\" a different sexual orientation coming in their restroom or locker room - the potential for abuse is very high. This DOES NOT protect all students and is incredibly discriminatory."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88700", "author": "Elizabeth Bryant", "date": "2021-01-07T10:45:00", "title": "Oppose this very much!", "text": "The goal of education is to educate.   The primary goal is for students to attain an education that will gain them access to a more productive life. We are not to address one group of people as more important and take away from our primary goal. School is for education only."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88701", "author": "Virginia Education Coalition", "date": "2021-01-07T10:52:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate my grandchildren. Gender-based policies stand in opposition to natural law and settled science. The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88703", "author": "Catherine F. Lukehart", "date": "2021-01-07T11:13:00", "title": "This is pathetic.  STRONGLY STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "In an effort to \"protect\" an incredibly miniscule portion of the school population, you impose compelled speech on your teachers and staff, not to mention overstepping your role.  You are supposed to be academic educators. PERIOD.  You are not arbiters of social policy and you are not guardians of psychological health.  You are overstepping your role and the hubris and condescension is remarkable. Let's stick to a basic rule and we'll all be OK:  Treat others as you would like to be treated.  Use common sense!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88704", "author": "Emily Hannah", "date": "2021-01-07T11:18:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "LGBTQ+ kids are at a greater statistical risk for being bullied out of school or kicked out of their home. Nobody deserves that but especially young people without any means or even a fully-developed brain. Comprehensive, kind, data-supported measures with positive outcomes for LGBTQ kids often translate to positive outcomes for society once those young folks grow into adulthood. Do it up!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88705", "author": "Meghan Smith", "date": "2021-01-07T11:20:00", "title": "\"I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE", "text": "I strongly support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. If it were my child struggling with these issues, I'd do everything in my power to make sure he/she was given the same safe education as his/her peers. I support this guidance because I feel that every single student should be in a school environment that is nurturing, safe and welcoming."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88706", "author": "Kimberly Warnick", "date": "2021-01-07T11:23:00", "title": "I support a safe and inclusive environment for all of our students-fully support!", "text": "I fully support a safe and inclusive environment for all of our students.  Thank you to all who created this document and guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88708", "author": "James Cooke", "date": "2021-01-07T11:48:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am a parent and Virginian and write to oppose these policies, which run counter to human biology that has proven conclusively that male and female chromosomes are part of our DNA. This policy violates parental rights and undermines the parent-child relationship.  Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing!  Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.”  All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. In addition, the policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Finally, the requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88709", "author": "Nma Okafor", "date": "2021-01-07T12:07:00", "title": "I strongly support", "text": "As a student here at the University of Virginia, I see how it can hinder students learning capabilities when all parts of their identities are not recognized or acknowledged. I fully support this and hope you all do as well. Every place meant to educate should be a safe and welcoming space."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88710", "author": "Lucille", "date": "2021-01-07T12:14:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT PROPOSED TRANSGENDER POLICIES IN VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS", "text": "Research this travesty, parents.  Read the book When Harry Became Sally . Suicides increase over the attempt to be another sex.  It is impossible.  Genes cannot be changed. Separate bathrooms, separate showers are in order. Common decency and respect for modesty is the norm, not the exception."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88711", "author": "Michelle Lane, MSN, RN", "date": "2021-01-07T12:16:00", "title": "Pimozide: Dopamine Antagonist Reverses Feelings/Thoughts of Gender Confusion As First-line Treatment", "text": "Best Practices School Gender Confusion/Transgender Student Issues There is a known antidote to Gender Confusion. It is a medication known as Pimozide and has been used for several decades. This dopamine antagonist should be discussed and offered as a first-line treatment for Gender Confusion as a comprehensive part of Best Practices for Public School Education. The medication's NIH Links is: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/pimozide#section=Other-Identifiers Having children begin Hormone Replacement/Blockers then battle the traumatic threshold of changing bathrooms/sport teams, etc, has been proven unnecessary, when offered Pimozide first. Further, taking opposite sex Hormones has been linked to serious health and psychological and educational dysfunction including: Loss of bone mass/Shorten Stature Liver damage/Risk of Liver Failure Reduced Brain Growth/Learning Disabilities/Lowered IQ If schools are going to receive acknowledgement to allow Best-practices, Gender Transgender Policies, disseminating and educating people about Pimozide, as the first-line treatment for children is the most reasonable approach. Children should not move directly into medications which will halt normal physiological and psychological function. Children should never move to Hormone replacements until they are over the age of Eighteen years old and make their own decisions due to the life-long negative impact on brain growth, and other physiological issues, leading to reduced long-term scholastic, educational and career goals. More than 50% of people who are Transgender, who commit suicide, do so after they complete gender reassignment. Obviously, there is remorse to their decision that everyone always agrees they tried to help manage prior to the suicide. Surviving Transgenders often state that they felt they were too far gone or, they believed they had passed the point of no-return because the Hormones drastically and typically permanently altered their bodies . Further, schools should never encourage the use of getting quick access to Hormones from Abortion Clinics, which are nearing street level assess of these hormones with little or no medical over-sight and medical management. Taking hormones require long-term observation and frequent lab testing, diagnostic testing and clinical evaluations to prevent injury or death. Moreover, it can be said that most people are unaware of Pimozide, despite being used to treat feelings of Gender Confusion for multiple decades. Therefore, schools must discuss the medication Pimozide first, as Best Practices, to any, and all students who have any belief that they have Gender Confusion before they are confronting the changing gender bathroom issues and sports teams, friend groups, clothes, hair cut, etc., and all of the increasing the disruptiveness students will experience which increase their overall stress at school and at home. Please review the link with the medication at the top of this comment. Thank you for your time. Michelle Lane, MSN, RN M.Lane@MiddleburgHomeCare.com Michelle Lane-Smithwick"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88712", "author": "Vincent Drouillard", "date": "2021-01-07T12:16:00", "title": "I Strongly OPPOSE", "text": "This policy is agenda-laden and forces educators and students to accept an ideology that contradicts reason and religious beliefs.  It will not be upheld by the courts."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88713", "author": "Jen Arcidicono", "date": "2021-01-07T12:17:00", "title": "Support for Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in VA Public Schools", "text": "Hello, I'm writing to voice my strong support for model policies for fair, kind, welcoming, affirming, and inclusive treatment of transgender students in Virginia Public Schools. I have many friends, peers, and young children of said friends/peers who identify on the LGBTQ+ rainbow.  I believe all people should be treated with respect, inclusion, and affirmation of their identity.  I support this guidance because I want all children to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone. Thank you, - Jen Arcidicono"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88714", "author": "Emily Mathon", "date": "2021-01-07T12:21:00", "title": "Strongly support VDOE guidance", "text": "I strongly support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE granting transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive students equal rights and protections under the law. As a former school administrator that worked directly with this population, I experienced the limitations of the existing protections and witnessed the discrimination faced by vulnerable students. Having clear guidance that is promoted by the students and families most negatively impacted by discrimination, will improve the lives of children, school staff, and community members. I urge you to support the VDOE guidance so that children can experience a healthier school environment more consistently across the state. Sincerely, Emily Mathon"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88715", "author": "Isaac", "date": "2021-01-07T12:32:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSED-  DO NOT SUPPORT model policies for the treatment of transgender students in VA", "text": "Please opposed this dangerous policies strongly opposed the degeneration of children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88716", "author": "Lynsey Wyatt", "date": "2021-01-07T12:49:00", "title": "Support Evidence-Based Policy to Protect TGNC Youth", "text": "As a youth arts educator based in Virginia, I’m commenting in support of implementing the policies outlined in this guidance document. I am an advocate for the implementation of evidence-based policies that protect the mental and physical health of our students. I have worked with transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth and am aware of the unique barriers they face. Studies funded by the NIH have highlighted the lack of services for TGNC youth within public schools and have demonstrated an “urgent [need for] implementation of social and educational measures of gender identity support”. Transgender students do not have the same protections as cisgender students in Virginia and the policies outlined in this guidance document are a step in the right direction that provide clear guidance for school systems in how to create safe and supportive educational settings for TGNC youth. Please act to protect the rights of students to be free from gender-based discrimination and harassment in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88719", "author": "Mark Lofthus", "date": "2021-01-07T12:59:00", "title": "No! (me / myself / I)", "text": "I am submitting a negative comment regarding this draft guidance document. As a human being, and someone who is objectively professional I am offended by this document in many ways. Please do not have guidance on this topic. Instead, if there is too much pressure to address it - please address things as becoming co-ed. The simple use of parenthesis and pronouns after a person's name is not professional and offensive to me. I am aware that there is a positive spin on it where you are to let people know what you want to be called, however that entire idea is counter to so much of what we teach young people to make generalizations and develop a notion of patterns, opposites, and a variety of topics. When someone uses parenthesis, even in a document like this - it is full of bias. To me it shows that both the authors and reviewers of the document already accept transgender topics as morally acceptable, normal and are creating ways to fill a new chapter book in an English class. If we are to be accepting of everyone you also have to consider a large group of people that do not believe this is OK. Forcing everyone to be OK with everything will reduce enrollment (maybe that's the hidden purpose?). Beyond the formatting, the content strikes me as so strange and uncommon that I can't help but wonder why is this a public school issue please remove this topic from needing a guidance document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88720", "author": "Cece Garner", "date": "2021-01-07T13:23:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this in order to create a safer and more equitable environment for ALL of our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88721", "author": "Richard Brink", "date": "2021-01-07T13:32:00", "title": "VDOE transgender treatment policy", "text": "Why are the schools pushing an ideology that is wrong? Whatever happened to free speech and respect for individuals to do the good and proper thing? Who is pushing this ideology that isn't supported by biology, you know, that we are born male or female?  Suggest reading Romans 1:18-32 to understand why we are opposed to the direction this type of policy is headed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88722", "author": "David Dietrich", "date": "2021-01-07T13:38:00", "title": "Absolutely Opposed!", "text": "Gender confusion is part of a much larger problem.  First, the confused individual should be removed from mainstream society and put into a special reeducation facility to bring him around to biological reality.  And second, any organization that thinks this quack notion is good for society needs to be shut down immediately, with its principle functions either transferred or eliminated completely.  Imagination is a wonderful thing, but a rose by any other color is still a rose.  Let's get back to reality and once again teach our children what they really need to succeed in a competitive world."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88723", "author": "Dawn Aeagon", "date": "2021-01-07T14:03:00", "title": "I Strongly support", "text": "I 100% support this issue!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88724", "author": "Holly Thompson", "date": "2021-01-07T14:27:00", "title": "Well Done - Yes - Rights for All", "text": "I support having schools that ensure a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students, treating all students with dignity and respect. I have a brother who, at age 5, knew his ideas about his identity did not match the ideas his teacher had about who he should be. As teachers shape young minds, instilling societal values, it is important that our laws protect students’ rights to be themselves. Thank you for your excellent work on this guidance document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88725", "author": "Jeff Caruso, Virginia Catholic Conference", "date": "2021-01-07T14:33:00", "title": "Model policies disregard role of parents", "text": "The Virginia Catholic Conference is the public policy agency representing Virginia’s Catholic bishops and their two dioceses. For the following reasons, the Conference opposed HB 145 and SB 161 during the 2020 Virginia General Assembly session and now urges the Department of Education to reject the proposed model regulations drafted in response to that legislation: 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. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. For a school system to facilitate a child’s, particularly a young child’s, “gender transition” is not leadership but rather irresponsibility. Role of parents Just as parents must give consent for over-the-counter medications, field trips and extracurricular activities, they have the constitutional right to guide the healthcare and education of their children. The U.S. Supreme Court has noted: The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations. [1] Parents know their children better than anyone and have their best interests in mind. When children find themselves struggling with gender dysphoria, they need their parents’ support and counsel. Yet, t he Department has premised its regulations on a blanket endorsement of gender identity theory that diverges sharply from the views of many parents. In doing so, it has made a policy determination not referenced anywhere in the underlying legislation and therefore not delegated to it by the General Assembly; that unauthorized policy assumption states: For many people, their gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. For others, their internalized gender identity does not necessarily correspond to the sex assigned at birth, where the gender identity may be one in a range such as transgender, nonbinary, or gender-expansive . Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six (Lamb & Lerner, 2015). Alarmingly, the proposed regulations assert as fact that children declare their gender identity by kindergarten or first grade. Moreover, the document would virtually codify gender identity theory into statewide educational policy without acknowledging that there are undisputed scientific truths to the contrary. For example, neuroscientist and author Debra H. Soh, Ph.D. , has written, “Biological sex refers to whether we are female or male, based on our anatomy and reproductive functions. The concept of sex is, by definition, binary.” Dr. Stephen B. Levine, M.D. , a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, has testified that : Sex as defined by biology and reproductive function cannot be changed. While hormonal and surgical procedures may enable some individuals to \"pass\" as the opposite gender during some or all of their lives, such procedures carry with them physical, psychological, and social risks, and no procedures can enable an individual to perform the reproductive role of the opposite sex. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity: “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Dr. Levine has also noted: For a child to live radically different identities at home and at school, and to conceal what he or she perceives to be his or her true identity from parents, is psychologically unhealthy in itself. The DOE proposal thus undercuts open and honest conversation between parents and their children. It also obstructs parents from active involvement in the life of their child at school. Moreover, the proposed guidance document violates the presumption of parental autonomy in Virginia. Code Sec. 1-240.1 provides that a parent has the fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education and care of the parent’s child . Finally, the proposed regulations provide no accommodations for students and teachers whose sincerely and deeply held religious beliefs and understanding of matters of gender and human sexuality do not accord with the views underlying the proposed policies. The Conference, therefore, opposes the proposed “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.” [1] Pierce v. Society of Sisters , 268 U.S. 510 (1925). See also Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88726", "author": "None", "date": "2021-01-07T14:44:00", "title": "Unnecessary", "text": "Government and NGO's have no business to deprive 99.9% of students and their parents the right to speak their thoughts and force the improper use of pronouns, nor impose this on education staff and certainly should not be taught or promoted.  Strong arming, intimidating, retribution of children, parents, and teachers to comply could result with this kind of policy.  Elevating one group over another only makes things worse. Government and NGO's have no right to force any child to disrobe in bathrooms and gym lockers rooms with the opposite DNA sex.  A right to privacy is paramount.  Transgenders already have the choice to use handicap or teachers bathrooms for their needs.  Forcing the world to accept a false presentation of one's real DNA sex is unnatural.  Forcing it to be normal is a disservice to all.  Embracing one's born gender, for a few, may be difficult to reconcile but that is why we have medical people who can help. Government and NGO's should never infringe upon parent's rights and responsibilities, and never circumvent the parent."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88727", "author": "Kristy", "date": "2021-01-07T14:56:00", "title": "Full Support", "text": "I fully support this guidance document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88728", "author": "Kennie & Harry Watson", "date": "2021-01-07T14:57:00", "title": "Absolutely support.", "text": "We have a teen grandchild who is non binary.  If our country & world had more people like them, there would be no hate, only love, kindness, consideration & respectful.  Our belief is that our grandchild is exactly who God means them to be & we wholeheartedly support them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88729", "author": "Bernice Thieblot", "date": "2021-01-07T14:58:00", "title": "OPPOSE", "text": "Permitting or encouraging still-growing school-age children to change their gender is child abuse. Writing policies to govern accommodation of such children is insane. Their parents should be held accountable and schools should stay out of it. There is no way to follow the  rules proposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88730", "author": "Nancy Baker", "date": "2021-01-07T14:58:00", "title": "I strongly support this protection.", "text": "I strongly support this protection in our schools as no childern or adult deserves to be harassed or  to be made to feel inferior to any other human."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88731", "author": "Bill rutledge", "date": "2021-01-07T15:00:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "These policies are outrageous and far outside of common sense and scientific knowledge. I hope these policies are not accepted by our school district nor any school district in our state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88732", "author": "C Donley", "date": "2021-01-07T15:01:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As an educator, I hope we all can see the importance of being welcoming to ALL students!  I strongly support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88733", "author": "Katherine Loiselle", "date": "2021-01-07T15:01:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "The fact that we need to determine whether or not transgender students have the same rights as cisgender students is appalling.  OF COURSE I support this policy because I am a human who respects other humans.  Everyone who opposes this policy needs to deeply reflect on why they believe not all students should be respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88734", "author": "Ashley Sandoval", "date": "2021-01-07T15:05:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT RIGHTS FOR ALL!!", "text": "As a teacher in the state of Virginia, I strongly support these policies to be put in place. Unfortunately, the need for policies to PROTECT children are needed in the school system. All children that attend public school should be protected against discrimination of any kind. Additionally, it is the job of the public school system to put policies in place to maintain safety for any persons who enter the school building. Plus, it is the job of the teachers to provide a safe learning environment for their students while educating them through the avenues of life especially those subjects surrounding social justice and rights for ALL citizens. Lastly, I want to note that the family life education curriculum which falls under the Health Education federal laws allows families to opt-out of instruction based on their personal beliefs which is already in place to identify the wants/needs of different family dynamics which provides a pathway for those who do not agree with the instructional materials. By doing so, this provides both sides of the argument to be recognized in a safe and fair manner. Therefore, putting the policies in place will help aid the success of the public schools by providing a free and appropriate education to all students under the federal law."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88735", "author": "Katherine Deglans", "date": "2021-01-07T15:08:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I am fully in support of this motion.  The number of negative comments clearly shows how we desperately need protection for our trans students in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Please do what is right and just for these individuals."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88736", "author": "Maria M.", "date": "2021-01-07T15:15:00", "title": "IN FULL SUPPORT", "text": "My child has every right to attend a safe accepting school, just as every child in the United States does. No child should fear being harassed or bullied for they way they look, dress, or by being who they truly are. I am and educator and parent and am in FULL SUPPORT of this policy that will protect transgender students. Read the opposing comments...they alone are PROOF why these protections are needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88737", "author": "Monica Pendergast", "date": "2021-01-07T15:16:00", "title": "I fully support this policy", "text": "I am a public school educator in Virginia and fully support this document. Every student (and human being) deserves the same rights. Students deserve to feel safe and respected. Anyone who is against this policy, is against basic human rights. This is a time to be on the right side of history."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88738", "author": "Thomas Coker", "date": "2021-01-07T15:20:00", "title": "FULLY Support", "text": "I totally support any measures to ensure fairness and equality to ALL students!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88739", "author": "Christine M.", "date": "2021-01-07T15:29:00", "title": "Educator in support", "text": "As an educator in VA, I fully support this! The people who oppose this should sit in on some kindergarten kindness lessons. They apparently do not believe that ALL children and ALL people deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. It is appalling."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88740", "author": "MaryAnn", "date": "2021-01-07T15:37:00", "title": "Opposition to model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "While I'm sure people who are writing these guidelines are concerned with the welfare of children, I am totally opposed to these \"model policies\" proposed by the Department of Education. The premise is wrong at its inception. First, males and females are different. No amount of policymaking will change that; no amount of brainwashing or indoctrination will remove those distinctions. Second, emphasizing sex in any way detracts from a child's ability to concentrate on his/her education. Public schools should be focusing on teaching children reading, writing, mathematics, history, geography, science, music, art, and vocational and social skills that will give them the ability to set goals for their future, get good jobs, establish homes, and become productive members of their community. I am not insensitive to the psychological aspects and problems of \"transgenderism\"; I am saying it is overemphasized, which causes more harm to such a student because that becomes his or her overarching motivator. Constant discussion of sexual matters causes a child to focus on his/her biological functions, hormones, emotions, etc., not on learning. Sex is not the most important topic in the real world. It is only being emphasized by a small but vocal group of people. The idea that the English language has to be changed because of a child's preferences is actually tyranny. No person deserves such special treatment--a \"transgender\" person is no more or less valuable than any other person, and has no right to be singled out specifically because he or she decides he or she does not want to be he or she. And no teacher or student ought to be disciplined, reprimanded, intimidated, or otherwise targeted for misusing a pronoun. If children were taught proper respect, common courtesy, politeness, manners, and civility instead of politically correct propaganda, the issues of harassment and discrimination would be moot. Gender identity is a divisive \"hot topic\" that wastes time, money, and emotional energy; it strains civility, and insults common sense. Ultimately, how it is dealt with can ruin a person's life. It should not be central to a classroom environment. It is a personal issue to be handled by a child and his/her parents or guardians. How parents choose to address this issue is their prerogative and responsibility, and they need to be respected. Let the school stick to educating children so they can compete with children from other nations in math and science. Let them learn to communicate their ideas intelligently, and learn to read, comprehend and think critically. Teach them to live as civilized members of a community who consider others first; not isolated, navel-gazing, narcissists who can't function without thinking about what gender they are. The majority of the students have rights too, and they have biological features that show they are male or female. They should have restrooms and locker rooms that respect their identity. If a student wants to be something other than his or her biological sex, and the school administration feels the need to accommodate that desire, that student can use the faculty's facilities. There are many other points to be made in opposition to these proposed policies. Suffice it to say that the infringement on parental rights, interference in family responsibilities and relationships, keeping information from parents, overemphasis on sexuality, spurious discipline of students and faculty, psychological and emotional damage to a student caused by constantly being singled out for special treatment, lack of accommodation and/or exceptions for religious beliefs of all students, parents, and teachers, and violation of the privacy rights of the majority of students are reasons enough for my opposition. Thank you for reading and considering my opinions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88741", "author": "Bella Martinez", "date": "2021-01-07T15:42:00", "title": "Fully Support!", "text": "As an educator, I believe every student deserves a safe and supportive environment, and be treated with respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88742", "author": "Patricia M Tryal", "date": "2021-01-07T15:43:00", "title": "I strongly oppose", "text": "There is no room in these ideas for the rights of those who disagree with or are made uncomfortable in the presence of those who chose to dress or act like the opposite sex.  Do they have no rights?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88743", "author": "Dina R", "date": "2021-01-07T15:55:00", "title": "I fully support", "text": "I fully support this policy. All students should be treated equally."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88744", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-07T16:07:00", "title": "I oppose this measure", "text": "I believe that adequate provisions for the consciences of religious people need to be written into these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88745", "author": "Ferdinand Hartman", "date": "2021-01-07T16:07:00", "title": "VDOE Draft Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I strongly oppose the VDOE Draft Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students.  Many studies have shown that transgender people have a very difficult life compared to straight people.  Therefore, it is best not to have a policy that is and will be detrimental to the student."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88746", "author": "John C.", "date": "2021-01-07T16:10:00", "title": "100 % oppose - MALE and FEMALE created He them", "text": "In Genesis 1:27 is says, \"So God created man in His own Image, in the image of God created He him, MALE and FEMALE created He them.\"  This violates the very created order of God."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89398", "author": "Timothy Mossop", "date": "2021-01-10T18:57:00", "title": "Draft policy on sharing intimate spaces", "text": "No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms, or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex.  This policy would be a gross violation of a person's right to privacy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89399", "author": "Stephen W Fuller", "date": "2021-01-10T19:11:00", "title": "Strongly oppose, our children need protection from people who have a flawed idea of gender.", "text": "This policy is a ploy by the radical left to take parental control of their progeny away and place it in the hands of people who do not have the real interest of the children in mind, rather an agenda to indoctrinate the children with a fundamentally flawed idea that there is no difference in the male and female genders.  Rather than helping the few individuals with confused ideas about gender, this policy is bent on blowing a small situation into a totally outsized problem and thrusting it into the lives of the vast majority of children who should be allowed to grow up with an innocence of these radical, flawed ideas."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89400", "author": "Matthias Paul Telkamp", "date": "2021-01-10T19:23:00", "title": "Fully Support this. We need to move the country forward on bringing equity to all students.", "text": "I want to make sure that I am clear on my support for the VDOE policy that has been put forth entitled “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.” This is something that should not have taken so long to be done and should be fully supported. There are several benefits to this document (Linked below) that held students that are dealing with many different issues. No matter the student’s course in life, this should be a fun time and one that they can reflect on positively. The time has come for society to accept that this is normal. Continuing to have bias and warped sense of right and wrong should not longer be accepted. I have read several of the comments on the document and I am appalled that people are being so negative about this issue. There are students everyday that are dealing with issues and those kids need to feel that they have protections too. Most of the comments come from people claiming to be Christian, but they are not caring nor compassionate with everyone. Instead, they are showing how little they know of Jesus who accepted anyone that wanted to be in his presence. We should strive to be more inclusive. Not less inclusive. I fully support this as policies that should be implemented and approved to improve the lives of our students. https://www.facebook.com/MPTelkamp/posts/247776963424214"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89401", "author": "Katie, teacher and mother in Chesapeake, VA", "date": "2021-01-10T19:35:00", "title": "Strongly opposed to the proposed transgender equality plan", "text": "Strongly opposed to the proposed transgender equality plan"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89402", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T20:07:00", "title": "Respect Parental Rights for Their Children", "text": "Dear VA D.O.E. My purpose of this note is to ask you to please respect the rights of parents in the raising of their children.  Let them make the decision to accept or reject the state's goals of sexual education.  Some of our religious beliefs do not coincide with your secular values.  Do not compromise the modesty of children by forcing them to \"accept\" children who have confusion of their own gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89403", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-10T20:14:00", "title": "Respect the Role of Parents", "text": "Education is a partnership. The role of parents should be heard and respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89404", "author": "Carole Murphy", "date": "2021-01-10T20:24:00", "title": "I support this policy.", "text": "I support this policy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89405", "author": "Kendra Sheard", "date": "2021-01-10T20:35:00", "title": "School \"Transgender\" Policies", "text": "I completely oppose these policies for many reasons, but first and foremost because they rob parents of their God-given and legitimate rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89406", "author": "Mark", "date": "2021-01-10T21:05:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "While there are individuals who are biologically intersex we must not allow these exceptions to undermine the rule that human beings are binary.  This biological reality is established before birth and any attempt to deny that scientific truth is a lie.  If the purpose of school is to teach what is true, and one aspect of truth is something that can be determined scientifically then it would be wholly inconsistent--and irresponsible, to teach otherwise.  I strongly oppose this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89407", "author": "Michael Pryor", "date": "2021-01-10T21:31:00", "title": "Protecting our Youth", "text": "Good Evening, Recent changes throughout modern society has made me more and more fearful as an educational leader, and now as a parent.  In our Catholic institutions, we teach the children to love the sinner and hate the sin, and that every man and woman is a child of God and deserves to be treated with that such dignity and respect.  This in itself is all-inclusive language that does not discriminate against any person or ideal.  What is being proposed is that we deviate from that teaching and mention specifics that are not always age-appropriate, nor biologically factual.  The idea that there are more than two genders is absolute lunacy because there--in fact--not.  Having educators teach something that is contrary to both their faith, as well as against scientific study, is hazardous to their young minds.  We vehemently oppose teaching any such content to children the same way we oppose teaching them that 2 plus 2 equals 6: we can say that it is 6 and even convince millions of people to agree with us, but ultimately, 2 plus 2 is always going to equal 4. Our Catholic Schools are not releasing bigots into our society as adults.  We are releasing God-loving, and God-fearing men and women of all races and ethnicities.  This indicates that our institutions are doing well, and are not coming out ignorant, but rather well-tempered, and civil to those with whom we disagree. Our faith has been disallowed in the public school system for a reason. Please do not force your beliefs into our school system, as such an act would be an abuse of power, hypocritical, and heartbreaking on a multitude of levels. I continue to pray for our leaders at both the local and national level, that they reshift their focus back to the reparation of our country from within.  Our nation cannot be healed until our hearts are healed, and healing begins in the HOME.  Please revert back to encouraging abstinence in our schools, and WHY we teach kids that pre-marital sex is an unwise and selfish decision.  Teach young men of all races to act that way, and court young women with intent to wed, not bed.  The divorce rate in this country is skyrocketing, yet the birth rate is not subsiding.  This means that many of these youngsters are going to grow up without their mom and their dad living in the same home.  Ever statistic suggests that their is a strong correlation between the level of success one attains in life, and the type of family structure they had growing up.  Family is ahead of economic status, color, sex, orientation, etc. I appreciate you allowing myself and others to weigh in.  I would love to discuss this further in an open forum should the opportunity arise. I pray that God will bless you always."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89408", "author": "Carrie Rocket", "date": "2021-01-10T22:01:00", "title": "I strongly support these policies.", "text": "Thank you for looking out for ALL students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89409", "author": "Cheryl Bauer", "date": "2021-01-10T22:07:00", "title": "Emphatic support", "text": "I'm in full support of this proposal. Trans youth deserve dignified treatment by peers and even more so, by authority, and it is proven to save lives. Whether or not people understand the decision a person makes to transition has no bearing on every person's right to self-determination and basic respect. Please pass and implement this guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89410", "author": "Gordon Goetz", "date": "2021-01-10T22:57:00", "title": "Virginia Department of Education to draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "If the VDOE approves the draft policies, I believe they would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of tour children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students. The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – are far different from those of many parents including my own. 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89411", "author": "Kathy", "date": "2021-01-11T00:16:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!!", "text": "Strongly oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89412", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T00:34:00", "title": "Strongly oppose draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "Aldous Huxley's \"Brave New World\" (1932) became a reality in the 2021 U.S."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89413", "author": "A mother and grandmother", "date": "2021-01-11T00:59:00", "title": "Read below", "text": "Oppose: Aldous Huxley's \"Brave New World\" comes to mind. It took this country only 90 years."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89414", "author": "Foreign American", "date": "2021-01-11T01:18:00", "title": "Some thoughts - please read", "text": "Propose laser focused attention to classical world class education in VA schools. It shall benefit all - with no exceptions and/or discrimination - children. It must include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Ancient History, World History, History of the XX Century, English, English/American/World Classical Literature and at least one foreign language. History of World Arts would not hurt young inquisitive minds also. As a minimum, all teachers must have Master degree in the subject they teach, e.g. Physics is to be taught by physicists, Chemistry - by chemists, etc. Ph. D. level is preferred. A strong academic focus in VA schools shall leave no time, energy and, as a result, any desire on part of any educational system overhead committees for discussing anything unrelated to the core function of the system educating the future of our country. We will then succeed and become competitive on the world stage. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89415", "author": "Chelsea Hamilton", "date": "2021-01-11T01:52:00", "title": "VA proposed adoption of transgender policies", "text": "As a concerned voter with school aged children in my VA household and one who believes in the need to protect children, I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on eradicating all distinctions between male and female and the indoctrination our school children.  It is the job of the parents to guide the social, gender, religious and natural development of their children, not the school.  It is completely unacceptable to propose that a school knows better and should encourage development of a child's sexuality without the parents' consent.  This is a huge over reach of government upon the rights of parents to raise their children according to their believes instead of those of politicians who wish to use schools as locations to explore their social agendas.  If a parent wishes to support their child through a gender transition, that is their choice as the care givers of that child.  It is not the choice or right of a school.  And if the parent does not believe such a transition, which has been shown in study after study to be harmful at younger ages, they have the right to protect their children from that.  This is bad policy and must be rejected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89416", "author": "Becoming braver", "date": "2021-01-11T02:17:00", "title": "If you want mutilate the society, go for it", "text": "When my friend sent this information to me, I thought it was a hoax. The absurdity of the topic and the details that followed were almost numbing. Do you realize that the United States' school children are singled out to be tested by English schools in Scandinavian countries for meeting their respective countries standards? It means that simply showing your grades does not automatically translates into similar academic attainments of their peers in those countries and therefor does not open doors to schools in Norway and Finland. Americans are way behind and below. to be clear, on average, American children get education inferior to that of their peers in public schools in those countries. Does it bother anybody?  And we are discussing body parts, sexual orientation and sexual flavor of the day, while removing parents from even knowing what American schools drag our children into? This is not evil, this is criminal. I became braver after reading what others had to say. I strongly encourage American educators - and many of them are on the right side of the discussion here - to focus on what schools are created for - educating our children, while respectfully resolving very rare instances of deviation of the norm in private. That would serve the country well."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89417", "author": "A Longtime-Virginia Local", "date": "2021-01-11T02:21:00", "title": "To all the people telling you that this hurts children, I promise it doesn't", "text": "I can't possibly imagine what something like this might have done for me as a kid. Maybe I would have had the courage that many seem to find these days. Trans kids are always going to be here, the question is only of whether you'll support them, or tell them they're wrong. At this point, there can be no doubt that trans kids in supportive environments live better lives than in unsupportive environments. Give them the support they so desperately need. This is exceptional, don't let right-wing Bible-thumpers convince you otherwise. You should support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89418", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T06:53:00", "title": "I oppose and do not approve", "text": "I oppose and do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that confuse, not clarify sexuality. Sexuality is based on genetic choices at birth and not on your environment or how you feel."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89419", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T07:09:00", "title": "Enough already!", "text": "We should be working to help children who are experiencing confusion about their sexuality, not changing our policies on bathrooms, athletic participation, etc. in order to accommodate their confusion to the detriment of the overwhelming majority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89420", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T08:32:00", "title": "I do not approve!", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89421", "author": "S.Duncan", "date": "2021-01-11T08:45:00", "title": "Unacceptable!", "text": "This is unacceptable and NOT healthy.  WHY are we putting so much pressure on children to make these decisions can't they just be children?  It is not acceptable for any male child or female child to dress with the opposite sex and it will become a problem.  If the public schools continue down this path more and more children will be pulled from public schools and either home schooled or placed in private schools.  If this is approved it WILL BE damaging to all children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89422", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T08:46:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "Mind your business! Teach these children! That is what you should be most concerned with. You are taking the rights of parents away. You are harming children and opening them up to predators and unsafe situations. You are taking away the ability of these teachers to protect our children in such situations. I hope schools never reopen. My child is only safe at home. Sad world we live in. PS this is for all children. You are opening all children up to harm. Parents of the transgender community should voice their opinions against this. Your children are equally in danger if this is passed!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89423", "author": "Scott Rayome", "date": "2021-01-11T08:50:00", "title": "transgender policies", "text": "Handcuffing our school teachers and administrators with a responsibility they should not and are not qualified to bear is a dangerous policy and threatens to undermine chains of authority. Students will learn to manipulate these guidelines for their own benefit, and we will be harming the rights and morals of the majority of students and faculty for the whims of a very small minority. If there is ANY concern over the hurt feelings of a student, we should instead institute a policy of school uniforms where everyone will dress the same with name tags on both the front and back. School administrators and educators would then be able to address any student by the name chosen at the beginning of the year WITH the parents' knowledge and consent. This addresses a perceived problem without attacking the remaining majority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89424", "author": "george", "date": "2021-01-11T09:03:00", "title": "policies regarding transgender students", "text": "I strongly disapprove of proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89425", "author": "Mike", "date": "2021-01-11T09:05:00", "title": "Please don't", "text": "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. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89426", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T09:05:00", "title": "Not workable", "text": "Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression.  Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. This is asking people who believe in science to go along with a fantasy that changes on a whim.  Will we also be changing our biology classes to include fake genes and our English classes to include all these new pronouns that are not used in the real world?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89427", "author": "concerned grandmother", "date": "2021-01-11T09:31:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly disagree. Children who identify as transgender deserve appropriate counseling  to explore and identify underlying psychosocial issues contributing to their identify crisis....not affirmation leading to irreversible medical and surgical interventions. Focus on teaching academic subjects and do not infringe upon the rights of parents by supporting this self-diagnosed rapidly growing phenomenon."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89428", "author": "Christine Robinson", "date": "2021-01-11T09:35:00", "title": "I urge you to implement this guidance document.", "text": "Please implement these measures to help support the dignity and well-being of young people in our schools. This will go a long way to help protect them from harm and to encourage employees in school systems to treat each person with respect. There is a substantial body of research that shows how bulling and mistreatment in schools (by students as well as school employees) leads sexual and gender minority youth to skip school and drop out of school, and puts them at much greater risk for ending up in the juvenile justice system. Thank you for the work you have done to craft this important document."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89429", "author": "annonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T09:36:00", "title": "strongly opposed to transgender education in the school system", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89430", "author": "Debbie Bourne -Grandparent of 5th grader", "date": "2021-01-11T09:38:00", "title": "Absolute OPPOSITION! Transgender policy", "text": "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!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89431", "author": "Sean Kelly", "date": "2021-01-11T09:39:00", "title": "Protect our LGBTQ students!", "text": "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!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89432", "author": "Bill W", "date": "2021-01-11T09:58:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "These policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89433", "author": "edward strickler", "date": "2021-01-11T10:01:00", "title": "Definitions in the guidance are already outdated, inaccurate, incomplete and unsatisfactory.", "text": "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 morally and ethically ir-responsible.  Furthermore even when the school system is acting ‘in loco parentis’ it is still ethically obliged to do nothing with the valid continuing consent of the youth. The guidance, as stated, show no interest in these paramount ethical concerns for consent. For example: there are no definitions of the protected human rights of all students, including the manifold particular individuals who are transitioning, who are detransitioning, who are retransitioning, who are nonconforming to sex assigned at birth, who are nonconforming to social norms of transitioning, who are nonconforming to social norms of SGM or other advocacy groups, who are nonconforming to social norms of a particular faith or moral community,  who are conforming to the social norms of a particular faith or moral community, who are nonconforming to social norms of a particular school system or school community (including by conforming to the social norms of their family, faith or moral community). In fact the definitions and various items in the model appear to reify inhumane and harmful social constructs at the same time as resisting as inhumane and harmful a culturally inherited ‘binary system’.  In this way the model already appears profoundly outdated, as well as un-scientific, un-ethical, un-healthy and un-workable (as it is)  - if the document intends to protect human dignity and rights.   Despite the language in the document – “The key guiding principle of the model policies is that all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment” – there is no full discussion or operationalization of how the human dignity of each and every student who is cisgender affirming, non-transitioning, transitioning, detransitioning, retransitioning, nonconforming to social norms of transitioning, nonconforming to social norms of SGM or other advocacy groups, nonconforming to social norms of a faith or moral community, nonconforming to social norms of a particular school system or school community, conforming to the social norms of the family, faith or moral community, and other students will be protected – and moreover – be protected equally. This raises serious Constitutional concerns as well as concerns for justice as well as calling into question the meaning of the document’s assertion of its purpose, that no student, anywhere, at any time will feel un-free to learn. Fifth: The guidance is especially muddy in matters that we know to be of primary importance to health and safety. For example: We know that biological systems – including at a genetic level – respond differently to environmental conditions.  The field of research  - epigenetics – is providing further clarification of the complexity of the biological/social/psychological human being including regarding gender.  See for example: https://www.newsweek.com/transgender-people-gender-dysphoria-gene-variants-study-1486270 This inherent complexity - at the biological and genetic level - requires the utmost vigilance when school systems become involved in the supervision of medications. How does the guidance ensure proper medical proper administration and use of any and all medications and treatments  for transitioning, destransitioning, retransitioning and other students take while at school, in school functions, while under the supervision of the school system?  How does the guidance ensure that no student provides their medications to other students? How does the guidance ensure that no student advocates that other students start of use their medication plan, their treatment plan, their transitioning/detransitioning/retransitioning plan? What is the school system’s responsibility to ensure valid continuing consent? What is the school system’s liability? The guidance – which as stated above – may appear intended to appease or to indoctrinate rather than to support all members of schools’ communities – may also appear to do that at the risk of individuals’ health, safety and well being. As stated above definitions in the guidance are already outdated, inaccurate, incomplete and unsatisfactory to protect the human dignity, human rights, non-coerced valid consent of each and every youth in the school system. And parts of the guidance appear infected by outdated, inaccurate, incomplete and unsatisfactory thinking in other harmful, not helpful, ways. I do have other input but will stop here for now. Respectfully, Edward Strickler MA MA MPH CHES I will provide a more complete commentary for other format."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89434", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T10:05:00", "title": "No, No, No, NO!!!", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89435", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T10:24:00", "title": "Chromosomes don't lie", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89436", "author": "Dewey L Davis", "date": "2021-01-11T10:25:00", "title": "Sexual Preferences are personal and optional.  Biology is not.", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89437", "author": "Austin Farinholt", "date": "2021-01-11T10:46:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89438", "author": "Kristina", "date": "2021-01-11T10:49:00", "title": "Forcing teachers to accept and teach empirical falsefhoods", "text": "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!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89439", "author": "Me", "date": "2021-01-11T11:02:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Strongly Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89440", "author": "Me", "date": "2021-01-11T11:04:00", "title": "Transgender Policies: Strongly Opposed", "text": "Strongly Oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89441", "author": "Christina", "date": "2021-01-11T11:05:00", "title": "biology is not optional", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89442", "author": "V incent Puccio", "date": "2021-01-11T11:06:00", "title": "Transgender breakup of the family", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89443", "author": "Jackie Claure Lapidus", "date": "2021-01-11T11:26:00", "title": "Protect LGBTQ Students", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89444", "author": "Edward Strickler", "date": "2021-01-11T11:34:00", "title": "Re: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Elementary and Secondary Scho", "text": "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 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 morally and ethically ir-responsible. Furthermore even when the school system is acting ‘in loco parentis’ it is still ethically obliged to do nothing with the valid continuing consent of the youth. The guidance, as stated, show no interest in these paramount ethical concerns for consent. For example: there are no definitions of the protected human rights of all students, including the manifold particular individuals who are transitioning, who are detransitioning, who are retransitioning, who are nonconforming to sex assigned at birth, who are nonconforming to social norms of transitioning, who are nonconforming to social norms of SGM or other advocacy groups, who are nonconforming to social norms of a particular faith or moral community, who are conforming to the social norms of a particular faith or moral community, who are nonconforming to social norms of a particular school system or school community (including by conforming to the social norms of their family, faith or moral community). In fact the definitions and various items in the model appear to reify inhumane and harmful social constructs at the same time as resisting as inhumane and harmful a culturally inherited ‘binary system’. In this way the model already appears profoundly outdated, as well as un-scientific, un-ethical, un-healthy and un-workable (as it is) - if the document intends to protect human dignity and rights. Despite the language in the document – “The key guiding principle of the model policies is that all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment” – there is no full discussion or operationalization of how the human dignity of each and every student who is cisgender affirming, non-transitioning, transitioning, detransitioning, retransitioning, nonconforming to social norms of transitioning, nonconforming to social norms of SGM or other advocacy groups, nonconforming to social norms of a faith or moral community, nonconforming to social norms of a particular school system or school community, conforming to the social norms of the family, faith or moral community, and other students will be protected – and moreover – be protected equally. This raises serious Constitutional concerns as well as concerns for justice as well as calling into question the meaning of the document’s assertion of its purpose, that no student, anywhere, at any time will feel un-free to learn. Fifth: The guidance is especially muddy in matters that we know to be of primary importance to health and safety. For example: We know that biological systems – including at a genetic level – respond differently to environmental conditions. The field of research - epigenetics – is providing further clarification of the complexity of the biological/social/psychological human being including regarding gender. See for example: https://www.newsweek.com/transgender-people-gender-dysphoria-gene-variants-study-1486270 This inherent complexity - at the biological and genetic level - requires the utmost vigilance when school systems become involved in the supervision of medications. How does the guidance ensure proper medical proper administration and use of any and all medications and treatments for transitioning, destransitioning, retransitioning and other students take while at school, in school functions, while under the supervision of the school system? How does the guidance ensure that no student provides their medications to other students? How does the guidance ensure that no student advocates that other students start of use their medication plan, their treatment plan, their transitioning/detransitioning/retransitioning plan? What is the school system’s responsibility to ensure valid continuing consent? What is the school system’s liability? The guidance – which as stated above – may appear intended to appease or to indoctrinate rather than to support all members of schools’ communities – may also appear to do that at the risk of individuals’ health, safety and well being. As stated above definitions in the guidance are already outdated, inaccurate, incomplete and unsatisfactory to protect the human dignity, human rights, non-coerced valid consent of each and every youth in the school system. And parts of the guidance appear infected by outdated, inaccurate, incomplete and unsatisfactory thinking in other harmful, not helpful, ways. I do have other input but will stop here for now. Respectfully, Edward Strickler MA MA MPH CHES 104 Russell’s Way, Farmville VA edwardnvirginia@hotmail.com"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89445", "author": "Bridget Lamb, Chesterfield County Public Schools", "date": "2021-01-11T11:55:00", "title": "Strongly Support This Proposal", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89446", "author": "Wayne Mead", "date": "2021-01-11T11:58:00", "title": "Memo Date 12/18 from Dr. Lane", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89447", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T12:05:00", "title": "Transgender policy: do not pass this!!", "text": "This is a horrible policy! Do not let this pass! This will add to the demise of our children! They deserve better than this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89448", "author": "Michelle", "date": "2021-01-11T12:08:00", "title": "All have the right to learn free from discrimination and harassment", "text": "Can't summarize my support more clearly than repeating \"...all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment\". Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89449", "author": "Christopher Kelly", "date": "2021-01-11T12:28:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89450", "author": "D. Wyckoff", "date": "2021-01-11T12:38:00", "title": "not science", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89451", "author": "Tea L.", "date": "2021-01-11T12:50:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89452", "author": "Allie Pesch", "date": "2021-01-11T12:56:00", "title": "Support", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89453", "author": "Connor K", "date": "2021-01-11T13:21:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Trans children deserve support and if we can find a way to prevent just one of them from experiencing abuse that can lead to suicide then such action needs to be studied and taken. Let's not forget that in the face of progress there has always been dissenters that will deny their dissent years later. White people did not want Black people in their schools, but the children of those white people would never admit their parents held those beliefs. Cisgender, heterosexual people did not want queer people to be happy but now queer people enjoy overwhelming support in national polls. The same will be said of trans students. People will wrongly oppose to their happiness and limiting the unequal and unnecessary treatment they face, but in 10 years will deny they were ever of that mindset. Please set an example, today, that you stand with marginalized people and not their oppressors."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89454", "author": "Eric C", "date": "2021-01-11T13:23:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I believe we can provide support for all. These policies and procedures will provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89455", "author": "Emily", "date": "2021-01-11T13:24:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "There is no reason not to support our states children. I strongly support providing support to all LGBT+ children in our state!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89456", "author": "Kate S", "date": "2021-01-11T13:24:00", "title": "Strongly support!", "text": "All students are entitled to a free and appropriate education. PWC and all districts have a responsibility to ensure students feel comfortable and safe, and these policies are a good starting point to that end. Transgender students are one of the most vulnerable populations, and it is absolutely essential to ensure they feel accepted and understood and to instill that acceptance and understanding beginning at a young age."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89457", "author": "Jennifer Breseman", "date": "2021-01-11T13:27:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As a parent with children in Fairfax County public schools and as a Registered Nurse, I strongly support this guidance.  It is critical that all our students be given the support they need to succeed in school and that evidence based guidelines be put in place to guide educators to help make this possible.  We know that transgender and non-binary students who receive support at school and at home can be healthy and thrive and those who face discrimination struggle with their education and their physical and mental health.  No one should need to worry about being called the wrong name or pronouns or not being able to use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identitiy at school.  Additionally, educators need guidelines to help them do their best for their students.  All Virginians deserve the opportunity to thrive."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89458", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T13:36:00", "title": "Comments show the need for this policy!", "text": "Many of the comments in opposition to this proposed guidance are ostensibly from parents and community members who express hateful, transphobic opinions. Their trans or gender-nonconforming children may be unable to be open about who they are at home. This only makes it more clear that students need school to be a refuge where they can express themselves safely and receive support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89459", "author": "Cosima Pellis", "date": "2021-01-11T13:37:00", "title": "strongly support!", "text": "strongly support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89460", "author": "Jillian G.", "date": "2021-01-11T13:41:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "We need to support LGBTQ+ students in the school systems. And those who are intolerant need to learn why their views are wrong and how they hurt people.  Strongly support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89461", "author": "Janet Sheffer", "date": "2021-01-11T13:44:00", "title": "Absolutely support", "text": "There is no reason not to want to make our students, and everyone, feel safe, supported and loved regardless of their differences.  I cannot imagine why anyone would be opposed.  We need to embrace differences in the world, isn't that why the US is in such turmoil today - maybe not because of LGBTQ, however, because we are not trying to accept that it is ok to believe something other than what our personal beliefs or values are.  It saddens me that people can't care more for each other than to even have to ask permission or have to ask what others think to do the right thing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89462", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T13:48:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89463", "author": "Zarien Morris", "date": "2021-01-11T13:48:00", "title": "Pass This!", "text": "I 100% support this!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89464", "author": "P.C.", "date": "2021-01-11T13:58:00", "title": "Scientist in support of this policy", "text": "As a professional biologist who also has training in human gender and sexuality studies, I strongly support this evidence-based policy. We are in a period of rapidly learning more about the incredible diversity of human beings, at all levels of both biological sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. This policy applies that new knowledge to making schools safer for our children. Opposition to this policy which claims to be based in biology or \"common sense\" ignores decades of work in biology, psychology, and the social sciences. I strongly encourage the VDOE to listen to the research, and to the many transgender people who would have benefited from similar policies. We have an obligation to make things better for the next generation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89465", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T13:59:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Stop playing around."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89466", "author": "Kent Husted", "date": "2021-01-11T14:02:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools At a time when all efforts should be focused on returning students to in-person instruction, amidst a student population struggling academically, it is illogical and maddening to see the Virginia Department of Education continue to prioritize social engineering indoctrination over providing quality academic instruction. As a resident of Loudoun County, from the diverse classroom libraries debacle to the scandal of promotion of Critical Race Theory to this most recent transgender fiasco, this school system seems hell-bent on implementing progressive policies, which undermine parental rights and the family, and promise to produce an ill-equipped generation, characterized by division, confusion and frustration. Additionally, requiring untruthful pronoun usage by teachers is a compelled speech violation, and demanding that students participate in such a lie violates their right to free speech as well. President Reagan warned of those forces that would weaken or destroy the family, whether from external totalitarian societies that see in the family a natural enemy, or domestic forces within America that erode the stability of the family.  This is what we are witnessing. This policy would be in keeping with and a furtherance of LCPS’s societal assault, as it fails to realize that “progress” does not always progress toward the good (sadly, quite often the contrary), particularly when it latches on to the latest cultural whim or dictate. Continuation down this path of social engineering at the expense of core mission will lead to end of the public school system as we know it, as more families will be forced to opt for homeschooling, private or charter schools, recognizing that through laws and coercion the education of America's youth is being taken out of parent's hands and placed in the hands of secular educators. Virginia should lead the way in abandoning these \"fool's errands\" and return to building a school system whose academics are the highest priority. These efforts go far beyond existing rules already in place to ensure all students are educated in an atmosphere of tolerance to mandated advocacy, where majority students are required to keep up with the ever-changing expectations of the cultural progressives, and memorize what is appropriate or inappropriate—depending on the latest determinations of groups that perceive themselves as beleaguered. Please return to the basics... Respectfully, Kent Husted"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89467", "author": "Katherine Toomey", "date": "2021-01-11T14:03:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I strongly support this guidance document. We need better education and policies to support transgender students and their families. Transgender students deserve equal, respectful, and non-discriminatory treatment. If our schools are to be a place for children to learn and grow, they must be a safe environment for ALL children, and this guidance document will help promote such an environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89468", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T14:05:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Transgender youth are deserving of the same support and respect that cis youth receive. PWC schools have an opportunity to exist as a supportive atmosphere for these students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89469", "author": "Haley P.", "date": "2021-01-11T14:09:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "All youth MUST be protected. The absolute ignorance and hatred evident in many other comments is proof we need this more than ever. I strongly support these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89470", "author": "Vincent G", "date": "2021-01-11T14:10:00", "title": "FULL SUPPORT", "text": "Do not let hate win. Let the kids be who they are."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89471", "author": "Emma McElwain, Future Teacher", "date": "2021-01-11T14:16:00", "title": "STRONGLY SUPPORT", "text": "Students need a space to feel safe to be themselves in school. These are BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89472", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T14:18:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "I support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89473", "author": "Shelby", "date": "2021-01-11T14:24:00", "title": "LGBTQ+", "text": "STRONGLY SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89474", "author": "AB", "date": "2021-01-11T14:24:00", "title": "Concerns of a Potential Teacher", "text": "As a Catholic, college student, and potential future educator, I cannot condone the policies that the Virginia Department of Education desires to put in place regarding transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals. It appears that the Department believes that these policies are in the best interest of our children. However, I must respectfully disagree. As an educator under the proposed policies, I would fear for the safety and well-being of my students, and for my own safety and well-being. I do not want to enforce policies that go against my belief that God created us \"very good\", male and female (Genesis 1:26-31). To teach anything other than that would keep children from embracing who they are and growing into who they are meant to be. Allowing the proposed changes would only confuse them during a time when they should be reaching further clarity of self. We must not take away a child's right to express their beliefs and grow into responsible citizens. We must also not take away the right that parents and teachers have to pass on their beliefs to their children. While the Department is trying to limit abuses through the proposed policies, I believe that they would allow for more safety violations. I am afraid that my students and I would be victims of harassment and discomfort if forced to use co-ed facilities. Please avoid enacting the proposed policies in order to preserve the physical and mental well-being of our community and our nation. I say this all out of love of our children, and with respect for our policymakers."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89475", "author": "Sebastian Vázquez Amaro", "date": "2021-01-11T14:27:00", "title": "Full Support", "text": "This is the future of educating our children - please protect our trans youth. It does not hurt anyone to include ways to educate and protect people’s identities. Thank you, and please see the comments from those who offer their continued support for the advancement of inclusion and ethical pedagogy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89476", "author": "Jordan Helsel, Future Teacher", "date": "2021-01-11T14:30:00", "title": "Education for ALL", "text": "I vow to be a teacher that teaches all. It’s 2021. Why are we still discriminating others?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89477", "author": "Janet Koroma", "date": "2021-01-11T14:31:00", "title": "I fully support", "text": "Basic human rights and protections are not a debate"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89478", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T14:40:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "This should not even be up for debate, change is needed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89479", "author": "Emily, Concerned Mother", "date": "2021-01-11T14:46:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "As a former VA school teacher, I strongly believe in protecting children and advocating for their safety and well-being.  Bullying is never acceptable anywhere, in any form.  However, as a VA resident and mother of school-aged children, I am very concerned about the guidelines proposed in this document.  \"There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” It is completely unacceptable that the school/government would propose to allow the exclusion of parents from something so important as the sexual development/gender identity of their child.  While I believe it is important to create safe spaces for children who struggle with gender dysphoria, the parents must be informed/included in the process.  There are many other parts of this policy that are highly concerning and it must be rejected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89480", "author": "Tom", "date": "2021-01-11T14:48:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "This is a good and right thing for our schools to do.  Thank you for protecting our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89481", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T14:49:00", "title": "About time! Strongly support", "text": "Inclusion and safety for all"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89482", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T14:55:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "All youth must be protected and feel safe in schools regardless of how they identify!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89483", "author": "Dianne Smith", "date": "2021-01-11T14:57:00", "title": "Strongly Support!", "text": "I strongly support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89484", "author": "Debra Maddrell", "date": "2021-01-11T15:08:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools The proposed policies exclude parents from their proper role in the lives of their minor children, deliberately disrupting the nuclear family dynamic; and take virtually no notice of the increasing amount of evidence that gender dysphoria is a disorder that can be treated, not a choice. Further, this policy imposes behavior on teachers with which they must comply or face dismissal. It imposes behavior on children they are not equipped to understand and which may very well be strenuously opposed by their families and religious communities. It's hardly necessary to go to this extreme to teach children to treat their peers with kindness, particularly those suffering from disorders or disabilities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89485", "author": "Kristen Mork, PhD", "date": "2021-01-11T15:13:00", "title": "Fully endorse", "text": "There is a ton of great content in here. Thank you for putting this together. Some sentences struck me as particularly great: \"Regardless of the circumstances, the school should support the student’s need for privacy and not disclose a student’s gender identity to other students or parents.\" \"When a student undergoes a public gender transition, schools should work proactively to set clear boundaries about being gender inclusive and respond to negative reactions from the school community should they arise.\" \"School divisions should accept a student’s assertion of their gender identity without requiring any particular substantiating evidence, including diagnosis, treatment, or legal documents.\" \"A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.\" \"The protection of the student’s legal name and gender as sensitive information would prevent a student’s transgender status from being disclosed, such as by a substitute teacher.\" \"Dress codes, including hairstyles, should encompass broad guidelines that are not gender-specific and free of gender stereotypes.\" \"Students should be allowed to use the facility that corresponds to their consistently asserted gender identity.\" Great job putting this together. The only deficiency I see is that the guidelines seem to avoid extending protections to transgender children who participate in athletic activities. I urge you to rectify that gap. Otherwise, this is stellar. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89486", "author": "Susanna", "date": "2021-01-11T15:14:00", "title": "Strongly opposed", "text": "I do not agree with this, and strongly oppose and do not want the government or school systems involved with this at all! I do not want your radical view on male and female indoctrinated into our school systems to sway our children and confuse them further."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89487", "author": "Gabi", "date": "2021-01-11T15:42:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "Every student, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves a safe and welcoming learning environment. Transgender students, like any student, must be respected and protected by the school. As a recent VA public school student, I am certain that the student body will only benefit from the passage of this policy, which is vital in protecting the most vulnerable student populations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89488", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T15:43:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "Leave our children alone to learn. This social engineering is harming them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89489", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T15:45:00", "title": "Strongly oppose transgender policies", "text": "The proposed VDOE transgender policies are an egregious attack on the Constitutional rights of sexually normal students and of parents and teachers who oppose the prejudiced agenda of the Virginia Department of Education.  The policies cater to the wishes of a few students, while violating the legitimate concerns of the majority of students, parents and teachers. It is an undeniable fact that sex of a child is determined at the moment of conception when the child either receives XX (female) or XY (male) chromosomes.  Even very young children know the difference between girls and boys.  It is sad that some teens and older children develop sexual confusion, possibly due to molestation, peer pressure, and media influences.  My wife once worked with some teenage girls who said that in their high school it was considered “cool” to identify as “gay.”  In that instance, peer pressure and status in the high school environment outweighed reality and common sense. Parents of minor children, not the VDOE, have the primary responsibility for the upbringing and welfare of their children. The proposed policy would violate the rights of parents and prevent them from properly fulfilling their God-given responsibilities.  Moreover, the policies allow minor children to be the undisputed authority in the schools rather than teachers. The wishes of the students become paramount and the teachers relinquish their adult authority to become servants of the students.  Historically, education in the US inculcated moral values along with the three R’s.  The result was a cohesive society which allowed the US to flourish.  Without a moral foundation, societies disintegrate into selfish unsustainable cultures. Minor children are not able to comprehend the future implications of their decisions to “change” their sex.  Many adults who surgically changed their sex later regretted the decision.  Because they could not change their DNA, they are living a lie and become a second-class member of the opposite sex, rather than a first-class member of their God-given sex. We are glad we didn’t have to worry about the opposite sex being in our locker rooms when we took physical education. Going through puberty is difficult enough without creating an additional, unnecessary, source of stress. We urge the Virginia Department of Education to use good judgement and common sense and drop the proposed transgender policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89490", "author": "Lucifer", "date": "2021-01-11T15:50:00", "title": "Supporting Trans Rights!", "text": "I absolutely support this! with everything in me. As a trans person myself, it means a LOT to me to see other kids like me get the support that they need when i didnt have it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89491", "author": "Jacob (:", "date": "2021-01-11T15:54:00", "title": "I support!", "text": "I fully support the transgender community. The world is changing and so should we. We shouldn't hate or shame these people for being themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89492", "author": "G. Glassman", "date": "2021-01-11T15:54:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "As a parent, educator, friend, and human, I support this guidance.  This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89493", "author": "Anne Loeser", "date": "2021-01-11T15:56:00", "title": "support", "text": "As a parent, educator, friend, and human, I support the guidance. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89494", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T16:08:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Please recognize and respect the role of parents in the policies that affect their children in the school environments."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89495", "author": "GREGORY L ENGLISH", "date": "2021-01-11T16:13:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I strongly oppose this type of dangerous legislation which is intended to legislate immoral cultural movements onto the men and women and boys and girls of Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89496", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T16:13:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students in the state of Virginia. All children should be respected, and this document does not sufficiently respect or protect the privacy rights of children who do identify as their sis gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89497", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T16:21:00", "title": "Strongly support", "text": "Strongly support, any and all should have equality, no exceptions."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88747", "author": "Randall Kresge", "date": "2021-01-07T16:14:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I am \"for\" equal treatment and non-discrimination pretty much across the board.  At the same time, I am opposed to chaos in the classroom and in schools that may be caused by students \"playing games\" with gender identity. I have heard numerous stories from well-meaning teachers being subjected to disciplinary discussions after failing to use the proper names and pronouns when calling on students in the classroom who have decided to switch identities back and forth. I agree that guidelines are needed.  Make sure the final product is in the best interest of both the students AND the teachers who are trying to keep order in a classroom.  Gender confusion for adolescents is a concern in relatively small percentage, but keep in mind it is a concern for the adults we hold accountable to teach our adolescents. Also concerning is that information can be withheld from parents.  Parents must accept responsibility for their childrens' learning and their actions while in school.  To keep them in the dark is problematic."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88748", "author": "Celeste Cull", "date": "2021-01-07T16:23:00", "title": "Strongly Against Transgender Teaching", "text": "Addressing transgender identities is ludicrous. No “child” has any TRUE notion if they should change their sex. In the 1970’s, I worked at Hopkins as an RN; patients needed to be 21 years of age & have a minimum of 1 year psychotherapy before any sex change. The program was a failure due to severe psychological trauma to the individual. Now we are at it again with no age designation or psychotherapy. You can ask anyone if they want to be called male or female, but they are a boy or girl at birth. Why would the schools decrease the amount of American history taught in school, but force this insanity to be addressed. Those that say, Good Idea, have No Idea! But the schools will follow demented NANCY PELOSI’s lead & prohibit correct & rational pronouns. Go right ahead, the school board will proclaim to all how insane they are. WOKE?  I think not. INSANE? Yes. I am too disgusted with anything in the government, including the public schools, to respect what they think, believe or ram down our throats. P.S. I am a female."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88749", "author": "Michael McCollum", "date": "2021-01-07T16:46:00", "title": "Support all people", "text": "Why would you not support this? Evidence based and in a framework of love and acceptance of others."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88750", "author": "L.M. Compter", "date": "2021-01-07T16:50:00", "title": "Do NOT approve this inhumane, destructive and counterproductive policy!", "text": "I am outraged and strongly object to the Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools being considered. It is destructive and divisive. It creates an aura of secrecy and mistrust among our teachers, students, and their families. It violates the rights of parents and undermines the authority of teachers and school officials. It encourages adolescents and even younger children to \"make a decision\" about something that is already decided by their DNA, thus causing more harm and confusion for students that are already struggling in the uncertainty of our current times. I cannot imagine what could possibly cause our government to consider imposing such harmful policies on our citizens.  PLEASE DO NOT APPROVE THESE UNFAIR POLICIES!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88751", "author": "Tom Templeton", "date": "2021-01-07T17:07:00", "title": "transgender proposal", "text": "This is so insane that I thought it was a joke.  Thank God for private schools. This would result in uncontrolled voyeurism and direct violation of an expected right to privacy."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88755", "author": "Katherine James, parent, educator", "date": "2021-01-07T18:23:00", "title": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly OPPOSE this measure. This is harmful to society and DISCRIMINATORY against students whose own world view, identity, and/or religion prohibits them from acknowledging transgenderism."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88758", "author": "K.Rice", "date": "2021-01-07T18:43:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose this as a parent and an educator. My job as a parent is to guide and teach my child. It is not the responsibility of the school. Their job is to education my child in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, etc.. As an educator, my job is to educate students in the subjects that I teach and to not worry about being charged with discrimination or harassment. I need to be able to educate without having to worry about this. My focus is on the whole child and one that can read and write and perform in order to better society in the future. My middle schooler should be able to go to the locker room or bathroom with the same sex and not have his education thwarted by worrying about who he will find there."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88759", "author": "Greg Moser", "date": "2021-01-07T18:56:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose VDOE's Transgender Guidelines", "text": "As a local pastor, I can without hesitation state that the overwhelming majority of my membership stand strongly AGAINST the VDOE transgender policies.  This is an extremely dangerous policy that will without question bring emotional, and potentially, physical harm to many students in the future.  We need courageous leaders who will stand for the safety of girls especially, but boys as well.  Please do not let this move forward!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88761", "author": "A. Dalton", "date": "2021-01-07T19:06:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I am opposed to the Treatment of Transgender policies. This would only open up a Pandora’s Box of issues, and it would be more hurtful than helpful to our students. Please don’t pass these policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88762", "author": "David Lang", "date": "2021-01-07T19:15:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose this policy", "text": "I strongly oppose this policy.  It is detrimental to parental rights, destructive in its aim to corrupt our children and ignores basic science.  Our schools should be facilities of education and not indoctrination.  When our schools are graduating students that are illiterate, have low math scores and no grasp of history or life skills, there are much higher priorities than gender \"choices\".  Our current political climate shows our schools are failing our students.  They are graduating college with high debt and no skills.  We have college graduates that cannot make a budget or balance their checkbook. There is little personal responsibility and no real understanding of the debt the students chose to take on. Parental rights should be given top priority.  Our students should not have to be re-educated when they get home to learn family values and gain emotional stability.  Parents should not have to fight the school system to prevent schools from teaching unbiblical and unrealistic new norms.  As this reaches into personal and religious beliefs, it is the parents choice as to whether this should be taught to their children.  Any attempt to bypass the parents decision should be immediately dismissed as a course of action. How would you determine at what age this is acceptable to be taught?  The truth is you can't determine it.  Children drive at 16, vote at 18 (and are considered legal adults) and yet we restrict them from drinking until they reach 21 because they do not have the maturity to make that decision.  If they are not mature enough to have an adult beverage, they are certainly not mature enough to \"choose\" their gender.    No child under the age of 18 should have this propaganda taught to them.  They lack the maturity to have stable relationships and adolescence is difficult enough with out having this nonsense pushed on them. Finally, there is a lot of discussion about science and science deniers.  We cannot have it both ways.  We cannot say follow the science on climate change at the same time saying ignore the science that there are two genders.  We cannot claim that we are teaching facts that the earth is round and then turn around and say gender is fluid.  Facts and data matter.  The greatest generation had the advantage of going through tough times and realize that there are facts in the world we may not like.  That made them stronger, not weaker.  We are weakening our youth by letting them choose the facts they want to believe.  Science is the study of facts and learning based on data.  We cannot teach our children that facts and data do not matter and expect to excel as a society. Thank you"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88763", "author": "Sheila Ormond", "date": "2021-01-07T19:28:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "I fully support any and all efforts to improve transgender student rights, services and support. Please continue to work to make Virginia a safer and welcoming place for transgender youth."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88766", "author": "Lisa B.", "date": "2021-01-07T20:03:00", "title": "I Strongly Oppose!!", "text": "I strongly Oppose! This is not good for our students, staff or community. Please think about the negative outcomes this will bring forth; instead of just pleasing one small group."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88767", "author": "Ann", "date": "2021-01-07T20:24:00", "title": "Completely Against", "text": "This is an outrage! Completely against this policy!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88768", "author": "Allan Marrazzo", "date": "2021-01-07T20:26:00", "title": "I strongly oppose this public school policy initiative regarding self-declared transgender students", "text": "I strongly oppose any and all Virginia Department of Education policy initiatives outlined herein regarding the recognition and special treatment of self identified transgender students. This is one of the most misguided, destructive policy initiatives to ever come from the state legislature. Transgender students need special attention and help, but that help MUST be in the form of mental health services, not pandering to another special interest group that you think you can turn into a voting block. This initiative hits a new low, even for a democrat. You should be jailed for treason to even suggest such an absurdity. The good news here is if you go through with this, you WILL pay the price at the ballot box."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88769", "author": "Dan M.", "date": "2021-01-07T21:02:00", "title": "IN FULL SUPPORT", "text": "I whole hardly support this initiative because my child deserves to be in a supportive and caring environment that allows them to succeed in school. I fail to understand how my child’s identified gender affects anyone else’s liberties or freedoms."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88770", "author": "Daniel J Swartz MD", "date": "2021-01-07T21:06:00", "title": "This policy endangers trans and non-trans students!", "text": "I read the VDOE suggested policies regarding trans students and have a number of concerns I'd like to share. First and foremost, literally decades of research have shown that the vast majority of children and teens that identify as trans, actually transition to their biologic gender by adulthood with watchful waiting, and are happy with that decision! I find it concerning that schools would interfere with parental guidance about sexuality, especially if deemed non-affirming. Non-affirming is not automatically, or the equivalent of, abusive. Pushing a trans agenda because a student \"feels\" that way for a time can lead to irreversible consequences of hormone treatments and/or surgery. We don't have solid evidence-based medicine to endorse these policies; we are likely causing future harm for the majority of trans students that will switch (or wish they could switch) back in future years. Particularly concerning is the utter disregard for the vast majority of non-trans student rights! Without some form of verification of trans status, what will prevent curious/devious/predatory persons from taking advantage of these policies for their own pleasure. I doubt it will take long for a number of teen boys to realize they can enter a girls locker room to watch girls change, and they can't even be questioned. Even if questioned, they could claim they \"felt\" like a girl that moment, day, etc. This will cause psychological harm to many children. A similar concern involves the discrimination policy. If students can change their preferred gender, name, and pronoun at will, it'll be nearly impossible to keep up for peers and faculty. It won't take long for a clever student to change as needed to claim he or she or ? is being discriminated against by someone they don't like. How would you ever be able to sort this out the way the polices are written. We're asking for more problems than providing solutions. Lastly, while students are wrestling with these important issues, I agree they should not be harassed or abused. However, I don't see how current policies fail to protect them from bullying the same as anyone else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88771", "author": "Elizabeth Smith", "date": "2021-01-07T21:13:00", "title": "I support the vdoe guidance", "text": "I do support the guidance as I believe all people should be treated with respect, dignity and kindness"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88772", "author": "Dan", "date": "2021-01-07T21:49:00", "title": "draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "Strongly oppose this guidance...its morally wrong and will lead to unintended consequences   further eroding the fabric of our society and the value of our family structure."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88773", "author": "joseph guadalupe", "date": "2021-01-07T21:51:00", "title": "I fully oppose this guidance", "text": "This guidance includes potential discipline based on persistent use of incorrect pronouns.  It is quite literally impossible to know which pronouns someone prefers unless they decide to wear it on their shirt. There are also at least 7 different terms for gender identification in this document (definitions).  If you have to create a dictionary for people to understand what you are trying to convey then it is madness to even consider discipline based on the shifting sands of gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88774", "author": "Grace K", "date": "2021-01-07T21:53:00", "title": "I strongly oppose!", "text": "I strongly oppose these transgender policies.  These policies will endanger all students not just the transgender students.  It will create a school environment that’s hostile towards faculty and students with deeply held religious and personal convictions on traditional definitions of sex and gender. This is too difficult for faculty to facilitate and not practical.  This will cause more confusion for the kids and teachers.  Teachers have enough to deal with on their hands.  The main focus for all schools is to educate the basics so they can be competent in reading, writing and math and history especially American history that is NOT based on critical race theory."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88775", "author": "John Leary", "date": "2021-01-07T22:03:00", "title": "ALL NOTIONS OF TRANSGENDER SUPPORT IN EDUCATION ARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL", "text": "This policy clearly violates the 1st Amendment to the Constitution.  It amounts to law made by Congress and implemented through VDOE which DIS respects many if not all establishments of religion. This policy violates the 8th Amendment to the Constitution.  It leads children to a mode of existence that ultimately conflicts with their biological nature, leading to the cruel and unusual punishment of persons, who, having made ill-informed and ignorant choices as children, will be forced into situations from which they may never be able to retreat, which will destroy, prevent and twist the actualization of their natural talents and abilities towards the pursuit of happiness. This policy violates the 9th Amendment to the Constitution in that inevitably leads to situations wherein the rights of some members of the population will be denied and disparaged, e.g. rights of women to compete in sports without competition from men. This policy violates the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in that it creates and encourages a situation of involuntary servitude to a transgender existence. This policy violates the 14th Amendment to the Constitution in that it creates situation that ultimately deprive transgendered adults of their natural rights to unconstrained life and liberty to exist as a naturally sexed person. This policy confounds the terms of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution by creating a class of persons who can not be identified under the terms of this amendment, e.g.: the pronoun \"his\" and \"he\" are used seven times in this Amendment.  The import of this Amendment is vitiated by this policy's elimination of these terms from common parlance.  Before any such policy is created, an Amendment to the Constitution must be obtained to prevent the policy from vitiating this Amendment. The legal system of the United States abounds with distinctions based on identification by Sex.  No policy should be instituted which forces a change to the legal code of either State or Federal Government.  Changes to legal terminology should not be the product of educational policy but rather driven by top down legislative action, including first having amended to the Constitutions of each of the States and of the United States.. It is beyond the charter for the VDOE to institute policy which will change the underlying nature of any or all parallel and superior elements, systems, or agencies of government, commerce, science et al.  VDOE policy MUST be subordinate to the needs of all other departments so to \"educate\" to the needs of others.  This proposed policy is tantamount to an initiative by VDOE to undermine ALL other elements of government, commerce, religion et al in the State.  Such an initiative is UNCONSTITUTIONAL, and it is clearly OUT OF SCOPE for VDOE."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88776", "author": "Liz Brennan", "date": "2021-01-07T22:12:00", "title": "I do not support this!", "text": "Oppose transgender student policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88777", "author": "Lauren Roberts", "date": "2021-01-07T22:12:00", "title": "all documents on self declaration of transgender and treatment of transgender .", "text": "I strongly oppose these documents on self declaration of transgender and treatment of transgender students A family is the first Institution ever formed and parental input and guidance is a first  for a child. Transgender is a world defined label with no legal or moral standing that needs a deep look at .  This will surely endanger all students. The implications and building up and forming the character of a child with such policies is horrendous mis-guiding  with far reaching adverse consequences to a future society."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88778", "author": "Concerned parents of four", "date": "2021-01-07T22:24:00", "title": "Against all proposed policies", "text": "I’m thankful for the opportunity to offer a comment. These proposals bewildered me as a parent. As I looked at the names of contributors to these proposals I was shocked to see the names listed. I am writing as a parent. But these proposals should be concerning for anyone considering having children, who has children, or grandchildren. These proposals are a clear violation of parental rights. Why should the government be interfering in the parent-child relationship and hiding information from the parents? There must be clear evidence of abuse for that to occur and these proposals are clearly overstepping of the government’s role. It also sets a scary precedent for what the government may try to infiltrate. This is absolutely an area that the government has no basis for meddling in. The parent-child relationship ought to be unmeddled with. The importance of the parent-child relationship and the family unit is so strong that we have moved away from orphanages for those truly abused or alone and have placed those individuals in foster care. In a family unit. Because the parent (or acting parent) has the best understanding of their child’s needs. And as anyone who has served in the foster system can attest the government generally does a lousy job “helping” those children. Having a school staff member support a child through a gender change without the parents’ knowledge or consent is devastatingly destructive to that child and family. Overwhelming statistics show the incredibly high suicide rate for people who identify as transgender and then go through with hormone therapy/surgery. It’s obvious that continuing down the road of pursuing a transgender lifestyle is hurtful and destructive to that individual. A parent would have the child’s best interests at heart more than any unrelated staff member. No parent aware of the risks would willingly allow their child to be subjected to a pseudo-medical procedure that is statistically proven to increase the odds of confusion, regret, and suicidal thoughts for their child - for a lifetime. Stripping parents of their ability to protect their child from these hazards is an unprecedented violation of their rights, knowingly places children in harm’s way, and ignores numerous psychological studies.  I’m baffled that anyone would think these policies could save lives as other comments have suggested. That’s statistically untrue. Freedom of speech is infringed upon here too. There are some things that are just facts. The sky is blue. Say a teacher or student addresses a boy in the class as “he”, who decides they want to be addressed as a female (that hour, which may change 3 hours from now... as the proposal is written) and use the wrong pronoun for that moment. How can they be held accountable for that? The pronoun use is written completely arbitrarily in a way that asks to be abused by an angsty child with a disrespect for authority. Letting a child decide which dressing room to use on a whim is asking for all kinds of abusive scenarios. This is ludicrous. Has anyone who contributed to the proposals been or met a teenage boy? Of course this will be abused. Unbelievable that it’s being considered. For the safety of the students and the protection of the parent-child relationship these proposals should be abandoned in their entirety."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88779", "author": "COL(Ret) Wally Bunyea", "date": "2021-01-07T23:30:00", "title": "Follow the science.", "text": "Follow the science.  There are two sexes, male and female, as identified by XY and XX chromosomes. Don't confuse helpless children by wielding your power to promote gender dysphoria.  That is child abuse. Each sex deserves their own changing and rest room facilities.  So, don't violate their privacy rights.  That should be a crime. In addition, girls and young women deserve their own sports programs.  They shouldn't have to compete with biological males which puts them at an unfair disadvantage. Finally, do not demand that school employees lie about the sex of anyone.  That is a violation of First Amendment rights, and does a disservice to everyone including the person you want to help. The fact that I have to remind you of these basic truths, should embarrass you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88780", "author": "Dusty Sabourin", "date": "2021-01-07T23:56:00", "title": "I support protections for trans students in Virginia", "text": "I support protections for trans students in Virginia!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88781", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T00:00:00", "title": "I support the proposed protections", "text": "Anyone citing science hasn't likely looked into the science community's views on gender and needs to start educating themselves before they try to educate others. I am glad to see these proposals to protect our students  in the LGBTQ+ community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88782", "author": "Rebecca", "date": "2021-01-08T00:04:00", "title": "Follow the science.", "text": "COL(Ret) Wally Bunyea said what needed to be said most eloquently below.  Unapologetically, I'm not quite so eloquent.  All teachers unions need to be eliminated and many of our school board members need to be fired for pushing their social agendas onto our children of all ages.  This includes our Marxist professors in our American colleges.  STOP THE INDOCTRINATION NOW!  I don't shove my belief systems or heterosexuality down your your throats.  How DARE you think you can do so to OUR children!  They are NOT your children to mold and influence about sexual matters.  Ridiculous how obviously wrong this is.  Leave your personal sexual preferences and agendas where they belong:  In your personal life.  Stop trying SO HARD to convince the world your belief system is \"normal\" and HAS TO BE everyone's belief system.  Perhaps you need to look inward to see why it's so important you need our impressionable children's/college-aged adults' approval.  Next thing you know, pedophilia will be legalized.  One deviation leads to one more, then one more.  Where does it end?   STOP THE MADNESS NOW!   Parents have finally opened their eyes and WE ARE ONTO YOU!  LEAVE OUR CHILDREN ALONE! Follow the science. Follow the science.  There are two sexes, male and female, as identified by XY and XX chromosomes. Don't confuse helpless children by wielding your power to promote gender dysphoria.  That is child abuse. Each sex deserves their own changing and rest room facilities.  So, don't violate their privacy rights.  That should be a crime. In addition, girls and young women deserve their own sports programs.  They shouldn't have to compete with biological males which puts them at an unfair disadvantage. Finally, do not demand that school employees lie about the sex of anyone.  That is a violation of First Amendment rights, and does a disservice to everyone including the person you want to help. The fact that I have to remind you of these basic truths, should embarrass you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88783", "author": "Pastor Mark Vaughan", "date": "2021-01-08T00:04:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose VDOE's Transgender Guidelines", "text": "Strongly Oppose VDOE's Transgender Guidelines As a local pastor, I lead a congregation that overwhelming opposes and stands strongly AGAINST the VDOE transgender policies.  This is an extremely dangerous policy for children, parents, teachers, and for the government, citizenship and our freedoms.  These policies will without question bring emotional and psychological and likely physical harm to many students in the future.  We need courageous leaders with common sense enough to let God’s obvious biological design of male and female be honored in a way that protects girls especially and also boys.  Please oppose this and do not let anything resembling it move forward at all."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88784", "author": "Crystal", "date": "2021-01-08T00:39:00", "title": "In full support", "text": "I fully support this guidance. All children should be  educated in an environment that accepts them and is safe for them. It’s also important to me that my own children attend schools that respect diversity and value equity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88785", "author": "Kelly Smith", "date": "2021-01-08T03:58:00", "title": "Reject these transgender guidelines", "text": "Please reject these transgender guidelines 100%"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88786", "author": "Cheralyn Potts", "date": "2021-01-08T05:00:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I support this guidance because every student deserves a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88788", "author": "Glenn Shelor", "date": "2021-01-08T06:14:00", "title": "Transgender", "text": "I strongly oppose these rasdical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children and ask that you vote NO on this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88790", "author": "Wayne Davis", "date": "2021-01-08T06:55:00", "title": "Totally opposed to all", "text": "These people are sick and need to treated that way. Stop this insanity. Liberalism is a mental disorder."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88791", "author": "Christina Coleman", "date": "2021-01-08T07:00:00", "title": "I strongly oppose these proposed gender policies", "text": "I strongly oppose the proposed gender policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88792", "author": "Debra Slater", "date": "2021-01-08T07:04:00", "title": "Reject", "text": "Strongly oppose!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88794", "author": "Jenise", "date": "2021-01-08T07:26:00", "title": "As a parent with public school students, I see so many issues with this policy. Please vote NO!", "text": "As a public school parent, I see many issues. You are making other students uncomfortable having to share intimate spaces with other genders. Will my high school student be provided a private place to change if he is uncomfortable in a locker room situation? Will my high school student be provided special accommodations in an overnight trip situation? The rest of us have to forego long traditions of homecoming courts, father-daughter dances, etc. because a person might find it uncomfortable? That is not equitable. Pandering to the desires of a few at the expense of most of the others is not equity. Assemblies against all bullying in all forms no matter what the reason is applauded, but assemblies promoting transgender lifestyle is  a promotion of certain beliefs that may counter the beliefs and religion of many students. It is not the purpose of education. Teaching transgender victories is recent and current politics and should only be taught in a class focusing on current events. It should not be part of regular social studies curriculum."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88797", "author": "Hazel Palmer", "date": "2021-01-08T08:02:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "I am strongly opposed to this whole set of regulations re: transgender in our schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88798", "author": "Jennifer W.", "date": "2021-01-08T08:10:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Policies", "text": "I strongly disagree with schools adopting gender-neutral policies. There are innumerable risks to the safety of other students, and it ignores the natural state in which God has created people. The potential for abuse by teachers toward students who are vulnerable, and by other students, aside from the general affront to the decency of many people's beliefs, is great. This is a political, moral and religious issue that families need to handle in their own way. Children are not wards of the state, and school officials should not be in the position of handling a situation like this, particularly outside of the parent's knowledge. Schools will lose a number of very talented teachers if they are forced to adopt these policies. It puts teachers in too vulnerable of a position should a student change their 'identity' from day to day. Not to mention, this completely ignores a teacher's right to believe what they believe about this issue. We can be free until it destroys other people's beliefs, and the gender at birth is clear. The fact we're debating this as a society shows how far we've gone from logic and reality. How can teachers and other students be forced to adopt policies that will go against their conscience so that the minority are comfortable?  This is outrageous. God has entrusted children to their parents, not the school administrators and not the government."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88799", "author": "Christina T.", "date": "2021-01-08T08:21:00", "title": "STRONGLY AGREE", "text": "I am in full support of these polices. As a school counselor, it is my ethical duty to make sure ALL students are treated with respect and have equal rights. Students should feel safe and included at school and these polices will help transgender students feel this way."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88800", "author": "Laura Lowden", "date": "2021-01-08T08:21:00", "title": "In Full Support of All Children Being Accepted and Safe", "text": "I am in full support of the Virginia Depart of Education’s guidelines. All students deserve to feel safe and accepted while at school (and elsewhere). Having been a former teacher and central office professional development employee, i know this guidance will be helpful to provide consistent guidelines across the state in all school divisions. Thank you for thoughtfully creating these guidelines to protect the future."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88801", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T08:21:00", "title": "this could be easily abused, oppose", "text": "I'm worried that my child could be negatively affected by the school or governing body for stating an observation that my child may not have been made aware of.  Why would disciplinary action be taken for a student OR teacher that may honestly not have known there was a 'preferred' pronoun. If it is not made obvious to the student or faculty member, it should not be considered harassment or discrimination as a 'preference' may not be obvious.  The schools already do an extremely poor job at 'stopping' bullying regarding students, maybe that should be worked on before more occurs. This could easily be abused by an individual to use this against another for selfish reasons (bullying) if this is the action that would be taken for a common and obvious assumption that has otherwise not been brought to the \"harasser's\" attention."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88802", "author": "Matthew DeGrave", "date": "2021-01-08T08:26:00", "title": "Support", "text": "This seems like common sense, trans kids are kids and deserve to be in a supportive environment where they can grow and be safe. I fully support this as it is a step in the right direction. Don't let religious bigots dominate the narrative, we are talking about protecting children in school, all kids deserve to feel safe while in school and this can absolutely help with that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88803", "author": "Jennifer A Durham", "date": "2021-01-08T08:34:00", "title": "Wholeheartedly SUPPORT", "text": "We ABSOLUTELY need to support this policy, and protect our young trans folx from bullying and harassment.  We need to adopt and foster INCLUSIVITY in all areas of society as well.  I'm also glad to be able to read the opposing comments to this policy so that my family and I can actively AVOID people who have such ignorance, bigotry, and hatred in our community.  Those people should be ashamed of themselves."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88805", "author": "Katie Fox", "date": "2021-01-08T08:40:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth", "text": "I strongly support our trans youth & making them feel safe & accepted at school is a basic, fundamental right. So many of these students are lost to suicide every year because of hateful bullying & lack of acceptance of their true selves. Please vote to support this legislation & to support the trans community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88806", "author": "Sunny Troxell", "date": "2021-01-08T08:44:00", "title": "Guidance Document", "text": "FULLY SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88807", "author": "Sunny Troxell", "date": "2021-01-08T08:45:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "Fully Support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88808", "author": "Julia Meredith", "date": "2021-01-08T08:47:00", "title": "Support our Transgender Community", "text": "Our Transgender community needs to be supported. Especially Transgender teens have a much higher rate of suicide, we need this to end. They need to know that their school system has their back and is supportive of them and is doing everything in their power to do these things."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88809", "author": "Ryan L.", "date": "2021-01-08T08:54:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support these common sense guidelines for making sure ALL students are safe and welcome at school."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88810", "author": "Laura C", "date": "2021-01-08T08:54:00", "title": "Strongly Support Trans Youth", "text": "Bigotry, discrimination, bullying, and transphobia have no place in Virginia schools. This guidance document change simply affords to all students the agency provided all others. Virginia must comply with nondiscrimination laws. All students ARE entitled to a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students. There can be no question that these are fundamental rights of all people. I strongly urge Virginia to adopt the guidance document change and fully embrace non-discriminatory, inclusive, guidance and access to public education for all Virginia students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88811", "author": "Nicole Subryan", "date": "2021-01-08T09:11:00", "title": "Support of transgender student guidelines", "text": "I am in full support of the proposed guidance. I have a close friend with a transgender son who homeschools him in order to shield him from discrimination and the pain of non- acceptance. Every child has a right to a good education and the right to live their truth. These students are no different than others with the same hopes and aspirations. Please pass the proposed guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88812", "author": "Will Keenan", "date": "2021-01-08T09:18:00", "title": "100% Support", "text": "I fully support this evidence-based, common sense guidance. EVERY student in the Commonwealth has the right to learn in an environment that is safe, equitable, and inclusive - regardless of gender identity. As an employee of Richmond Public Schools, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that a nurturing school environment can have on the health and well-being of students. LGBTQ+ students, who face bullying and discrimination at higher rates than their cisgender and heterosexual classmates, must be afforded the same opportunities to feel safe and cared for while at school. These model policies are a necessary step in ensuring equity for all students across Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88813", "author": "John Green", "date": "2021-01-08T09:21:00", "title": "Oppose proposed Transgender Policies", "text": "Gender confusion among school age children is not unknown. Most of these students outgrow their gender/sex confusion and become comfortable with their biological bodies as determined by their DNA.                                                                                                                                      Our biological bodies are either boy or girl, man or woman. Confusion over sex and gender are the same thing. Confusion over your sex and gender is a mental problem. You don't solve mental problems with hormones and surgery.                                                                                  The proposed Transgender Policies for Virginia schools would open up a Pandora's box of problems. You're acting on a students without any other information. This makes no sense. And it will have students gaming the system.                                                                                             The proposed policies completely take the parents out of the picture. They either accept the school's dictates or are told to get lost. What happened to parental authority for children under eighteen years of age? That's a big change in the law.                               Transgenderism, when it exists , should be treated by professionals who have experience in this area. Our children and students must not be sent down a road leading to confusion, high risk, depression and possible suicide. This policy is not in the best interests of our children.                                                                                                                    John Green"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88815", "author": "Christy Solomon", "date": "2021-01-08T09:28:00", "title": "Strongly oppose!", "text": "We need to keep the distinctions between genders for our children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88816", "author": "Brian M", "date": "2021-01-08T09:29:00", "title": "100% support", "text": "I urge you to completely support these standards to provide basic decency to transgender students.  These are long overdue.   Transgender students have a much higher suicide rate than cisgender students.  All this asks is that we treat them with basic decency."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88818", "author": "Ali Heck", "date": "2021-01-08T09:33:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support this common sense guidance because all students are entitled to a safe and non-discriminatory learning environment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88819", "author": "Liz Finkelstein", "date": "2021-01-08T09:34:00", "title": "100% support", "text": "This is necessary guidance."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88821", "author": "Fred Alibaster", "date": "2021-01-08T09:41:00", "title": "INGSOC & Newspeak does not overwrite real definitions of male and female", "text": "Male: noun - a person bearing an X & Y chromosome pair in the cell nuclei and normally having a penis, scrotum, and testicles, and developing facial hair; a boy or a man. Female: noun - a person bearing two X chromosomes in the cell nuclei and who has a vagina, uterus, and ovaries, and developing a relatively rounded body and enlarged breasts at puberty, and retaining a hairless face; a girl or woman. There is a war on women by the international left. They seek to turn all sports into sports dominated by men just to start. A man wearing a skirt, a wig, or who has breast transplants is still a man because of his biological makeup, which cannot change no matter how the man “feels” on a given day and irregardless to the level of indoctrination he, and those around him, have been programmed with. Just as a woman will always be a woman no matter how she dresses because chromosomes cannot be changed. Instead of lying to Americans and trying to force them to believe INGSOC and newspeak definitions for well established words, we should be celebrating the differences between men and women. Most women are awesome at being women just as most men are awesome at being men. When we demand that there be no difference between anyone, we eliminate just another part of what being an individual truly means. I pulled my son out of lefty centers of indoctrination (public “schools”) last year as I saw this nonsense coming. Stop indoctrinating the next generation into Orwellian BS. This proposed change is designed to drive a wedge between Americans and it will forever damage the relationship we have with our fellow Americans. ”The (democrat) party seeks power entirely for its own sake. [They] are not interested in the good of others; [they] are interested solely in power, pure power.” ~ George Orwell, 1984."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88822", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T09:41:00", "title": "Support, 100%", "text": "Gender fluidity has been present all over the world for as long as human history can show. Gender norms change constantly over time, by region, and religion. These strict human constructs have shown to do harm. Numerous studies show suicides decrease with acceptance, https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=transgender+suicide+decreases&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88824", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T09:46:00", "title": "No way", "text": "It is about time that we the people of VA fight to support our Christian values with common sense. We have to stop government telling a parent how to parent.  It is about time the people of Virginia stop and stand up for our values and rights. This state is trying to erase everything that we stand for as Christians and citizens of this once fine State of Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88827", "author": "Born a female by God - His decision not mine", "date": "2021-01-08T09:53:00", "title": "Transgender Proposal for VA school systems.", "text": "I oppose this current proposal of Transgender policies for VA school systems!!  This will affect all humans and totally goes against our creator GOD!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88828", "author": "Brennan Lee", "date": "2021-01-08T09:58:00", "title": "??SUPPORT??", "text": "Transgender individuals, especially young ones, deserve the basic respect of everyone. I believe this piece of legislation is very helpful!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88829", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T10:07:00", "title": "Support", "text": "I wholeheartedly support the guidance document for the treatment of trans and gender non-binary students in middle and high school. These young people are at increased risk for being harassed or bullied, and are at increased risk for mental health problems which are not intrinsic to their gender status, but are the result of  bullying by classmates, or worse, by teachers or administrators. Inclusive policies based on current research and understanding of gender issues won't solve all the problems these students encounter--but it's appropriate for a school system to set the tone for how students are treated, and to lead the way in meeting their needs. Schools must be part of the solution, not part of the problem."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88834", "author": "Amber Rodenbo, NNPS", "date": "2021-01-08T10:11:00", "title": "Progress in the right direction", "text": "I strongly support this piece of legislation. It was thoughtfully crafted. All peoples, particularly those belonging to marginalized groups like the transgender community, deserve respect, understanding, and legal protection of their freedoms. I am proud of this legislation, and I hope to see it implemented with fidelity soon."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88839", "author": "Anjali Singh code", "date": "2021-01-08T10:14:00", "title": "Whole heartedly approve", "text": "Approve!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88843", "author": "David Sale", "date": "2021-01-08T10:19:00", "title": "I am in FULL SUPPORT", "text": "I fully support the implementation of these Model Policies in every school in Virginia. At their root, they are about nondiscrimination -- surely an idea that everyone can get behind. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals face regular harassment, bullying, and discrimination in workplaces, schools, and public areas, and these policies will go a long way to making sure that every Virginia child has a safe space. To the dissenters, these policies are not the result of random experiences or a specific agenda, they come from the lived and shared experience of 100s and 1000s of transgender folx who experience depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts on a daily basis because of the way they are treated, as well as thorough and non-partisan research conducted by the VDOE, school psychologists, school social workers, and family specialists. It has the support of stakeholders from across Virginia's school systems, professional associations, and individuals who have either the academic expertise or lived experience to conclude definitively that policies like this would help."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88852", "author": "Christy", "date": "2021-01-08T10:28:00", "title": "Support!", "text": "To be ready to learn, kids need to feel safe. These policies will help make schools safe for our LGBTQ kids."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88854", "author": "Lana Beecher", "date": "2021-01-08T10:36:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I strongly oppose the VDOE's proposed guidelines in regards to \"transgender\" policies!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88856", "author": "Christy (a native Virginian and resident of VA)", "date": "2021-01-08T10:36:00", "title": "Vehemently disapprove", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines. They are based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. Virginia is rapidly becoming the laughingstock of the nation.  I don’t want our tax dollars supporting such nonsense.  We are seriously thinking about moving to another state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88857", "author": "Tracy", "date": "2021-01-08T10:41:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "i Strongly Oppose this very much!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88860", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T10:45:00", "title": "Hold teachers and administrators accountable!", "text": "Teacher's tenure contracts should hold a clause that if they do harm to any student or demographic that they will be fired, regardless of the protections tenure holds for them. This would include if they have been investigated and found to have expressed any anti-LGBTQ, racist, misogynist, or ableist beliefs to any student or staff. It would go on record and be cause for termination. Any teacher who holds anti-LGBTQ sentiments are a threat to LGBTQ students and create an environment that allows discrimination and harm. Secondary to that they should also be enrolled in the databases police search to conduct background checks for churches, scout organizations, sports organizations, and any other background check conducted on adults who have contact with students so organizations are aware of the threat posed by that person for their LGBTQ children. That information should be provided to these groups requesting background investigations so they can make the determination if the (former) teacher still poses a threat to minors."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88862", "author": "Samara Strauss", "date": "2021-01-08T10:46:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support the humane and equal treatment of transgender and non-binary students so that they can fully thrive and safely attend VA schools. As long as this bill is encouraging guidelines in support of maintaining safe, encouraging, and empathetic learning environments for transgender and non-binary students* — which I think it is — then I'm fully in support. *Allow transgender and non-binary students to do the following: to live fully within their gender identity; to go by chosen names and pronouns; dress according to their gender identity; fully participate in all school activities, including sports teams that are in line with their gender identity; feel safe because there are programs in place to prevent of anti-transgender/non-binary bullying; etc."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88865", "author": "J. Dean", "date": "2021-01-08T10:51:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose Transgender Proposals", "text": "These proposals are very unreasonable: gender is determined at birth, and cannot be proven otherwise. If gender is a choice, then it is subjective.  Such permissive policies would lead to (among others): unfair sports competition, sexual abuse caused by elimination of privacy, inappropriate dress, and the challenging of parental authority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88868", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T10:53:00", "title": "Create a Safety Plan for LGBTQ Students", "text": "Clearly, the plethora of negative comments for this indicates the lack of safety for LGBTQ students in schools. Each school should have an active safety plan for each LGBTQ student to address harassment, active shooters, abuse at home, abuse from the community, and abuse from teachers and administrators, to include safety officers assigned just to protect the LGBTQ students from physical and social/emotional assault and harassment. The safety officers would be able to keep and submit records of harassment and assault to the city, county, or state PD, as well as enter the information into CJIS if the offender moves to another state, or moves on to other groups to conduct their anti-LGBTQ harassment."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88869", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T10:54:00", "title": "Strongly disapprove!", "text": "I strongly disapprove of these policies. Children under the age of 16 or 18 in particular are not mature enough to drive or vote. How can young children, who don’t even understand what sex is all about, be mature enough to make such a decision."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88870", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T10:57:00", "title": "Create safe zones for LGBTQ students to go to, give representation for them in meetings", "text": "LGBTQ students would benefit from having a space similar to a teacher's lounge to go to if they are facing harassment or assault. There should also be an LGBTQ student support association that would advocate for LGBTQ students for any policy changes within schools or administrations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88871", "author": "Christopher Bugaj", "date": "2021-01-08T10:58:00", "title": "I fully support the Model Policy.", "text": "Everyone means everyone! This is a step to help further bring people together and create a more inclusive culture."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88873", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T11:06:00", "title": "Proposed changes are not strong enough", "text": "The language used does not provide enough support for students to actively participate in all levels of the school as a cis-gender, heteronormative student would. Stronger language requiring the changes and sanctions for failing to establish or adhere to the standards of inclusion should be inserted into the proposal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88874", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T11:09:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "First, I apologize for not having ample time to review this document thoroughly. However, I think my observations and questions are valid. What I find confusing is on page 5 Section 22.1-23.3 - why does the VA code not include athletics? If Trans students are to be treated fairly as Title IX indicates on page 7 - why are VA public schools excluding athletics? Is this to say that Trans students should have all of these considerations put in place, except for when they want to play a sport that is opposite of their physical characteristics? Under the Student Policy/Confidentiality section on page 11 \"When a student undergoes public transition...schools need to set clear boundaries about being gender inclusive.\" How is this to be enacted? How are schools going to control students from making fun of each other/bullying? Are schools going to impose zero tolerance policies for harassment of trans students? If so, how will schools ensure Black and Brown students are not over-represented in discipline and referral actions now that, for example, if a student says something negative about a Trans students - they are now suspended or given detention? It is clear that his policy was not created with the input of parents, as not one is listed on pages 3-4. It is a shame that this policy was not created with the consideration of scholarly work such as The End of Gender: Debunking the Myths about Sex and Identity in our Society by Dr. Debra Soh; Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters by Abigail Shrier; and Ostgathe et al., (2014) found here: https://www.researchgate.net/deref/http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.11648%2Fj.ajap.20140306.14 .; and Douglas Murray's The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity. There is not conclusive evidence to suggest that Trans students should not be diagnosed with BIID or Gender Dysphoria. This policy goes on to perpetuate the raising of children absent of parental input. Meaning, this policy is usurping parent's rights to be involved in their child or adolescent's life. This is ethically and morally unjust."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88876", "author": "Barbara", "date": "2021-01-08T11:35:00", "title": "transgender policy changes for Loudoun schools", "text": "I am tired of paying taxes in order for schools to run their social experiments on children, dividing people, causing confusion and neglecting real education for all of this insane nonsense, not to mention the \"teaching\" of horrible grammar.  Distracting teachers from their duties, making everyone uncomfortable and leaving no one with any sort of conscientious objections to being used and abused this way.  This is ridiculous"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88877", "author": "Chuck Aikman", "date": "2021-01-08T11:42:00", "title": "This LGBTQ AGENDA does NOT belong in our schools!", "text": "Parents MUST be notified about ANY changes to what is being taught.  Otherwise, pornography, communism, or coven theory could be taught. Attempts to enforce this will be grounds for child abuse lawsuits. The child's or teacher's or parents' morals/ethics are completely disregarded. Boys invading girls' toilets would require suing the principal & school board. [rape, invasion of privacy, etc.] Child can change identities any time: nobody will know WHAT to call it. Children with breasts can go topless in locker rooms & swimming activities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88878", "author": "Laura M", "date": "2021-01-08T11:54:00", "title": "Why this? Why now?", "text": "Why is this a priority item for the education department?  There are so many bigger issues to focus on, specifically education itself.  With over 300 days since our children have been in a physical school building, they are falling behind.  This issue is not a priority and frankly needs to be discussed when we can debate this in person due to the many flaws in your assessment. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” Parents wouldn't be notified?  How is it possible that LEGAL GUARDIANS wouldn't be notified about an issue that pertains to their children? If students are allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, how do the teacher comply?  How will you keep our children safe?  If a biological male claims to identify as female and has full access to bathrooms and locker rooms, how are you protecting biological females and giving THEM a choice on whether or not they want a boy in their locker room? You are proposing big changes that would negatively impact the majority of your student population for a small group of people.  Why not make individual exceptions for this small minority, rather than force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically debatable view of sex and gender, especially if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88879", "author": "NR", "date": "2021-01-08T11:58:00", "title": "STOP CONFUSING OUR CHILDREN-- TOTALLY DISAPPROVE TO THIS PROPOSAL!!!!", "text": "Who we want or decide to be from minute to minute CANNOT change what GOD created us to be, we have to remember that we are creatures not \"The Creator\"! Please do not confuse our children and spread more errors -- this is why there is so much chaos and strife in the world, government leaders keep injecting false and erroneous policies.  The government does not have authority over GOD's authority! Gen. 1:27 \"God created man in HIS own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.\"  There is nothing in between. Please meditate on this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88880", "author": "Anna", "date": "2021-01-08T12:17:00", "title": "Not the truth", "text": "this is not the truth. This leads to a dark future"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88881", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T12:18:00", "title": "Please wake up", "text": "This is just insane."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88882", "author": "Mary A Rudy", "date": "2021-01-08T12:19:00", "title": "Protect parental rights and religious freedom in the counseling of children", "text": "No, I strongly oppose this bill. Stop wasting time with all of the nonsense bills. The needed bill is to bring God back to our children maybe we will have less suicide."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88885", "author": "Joseph Ellena", "date": "2021-01-08T12:22:00", "title": "Opposed - Don't disregard role of parents", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88887", "author": "Brenda Pierce", "date": "2021-01-08T12:23:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the VDOEs proposed guidelines in regards with transgender policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88889", "author": "Paige Bond", "date": "2021-01-08T12:25:00", "title": "I am against the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students", "text": "I am against the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools for the following reasons: Failure to use a student's new \"preferred pronouns\" - which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (\"ze/hir/hirs\", \"they/them/their\")- would be \"harassment\" and \"discrimination\", for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boy can- such as swimming or teams. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these polices, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child's behalf. UNLESS the complaints are not resolved \"at the school level.\" The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the \"transgender\" ideology and policies. There are many more reasons to oppose the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools.  These policies are detrimental to our educational system and will only add more problems then what they hope to solve. Please do not support these policies!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88891", "author": "Donald P Sell", "date": "2021-01-08T12:28:00", "title": "Oppose this Strongly", "text": "If passed this will undercut parental rights to raise their children.  How can we say that there are more than two sexes?  You are born male or female.  If a person eventually chooses to associate with the sex opposite of what they were born as, so be it, but do not place those non-science based beliefs on others via law."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88893", "author": "Rev. Donald Spitz Pro-Life Virginia", "date": "2021-01-08T12:29:00", "title": "No child", "text": "No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88894", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-08T12:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "By taking an affirming stance towards gender transition, you are limiting teachers and counselors in doing their job of holistically assessing a student and his or her needs (and entirely negating parental rights).  There is no other psychological condition in which a diagnosis precedes an evaluation.  I encourage you to read “Irreversible,” which discusses the long term damage of hasty affirming diagnosis. Sadly, the children who have been hastily “guided” through transitions they later regret as adults are the victims of this misguided and scientifically ignorant movement."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88895", "author": "Joanne Welsh", "date": "2021-01-08T12:30:00", "title": "Strongly oppose--protect parental rights and child safety and religious freedom", "text": "Strongly oppose. Please protect child safety, parental rights, and religious freedom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88896", "author": "Tom Bayer", "date": "2021-01-08T12:30:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I oppose this document. It is based on the falsehood that people have a sex \"assigned at birth\" but which can subsequently change."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88898", "author": "Theresa Courtillet", "date": "2021-01-08T12:33:00", "title": "No transgender teachings at all!", "text": "You are disregarding parents when you make decisions. PARENTS ARE THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88901", "author": "Peter Ekstrand", "date": "2021-01-08T12:37:00", "title": "gender issues", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88902", "author": "Cynthia Rouse", "date": "2021-01-08T12:37:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Don't make young children uncomfortable by forcing them to share bathrooms and other facilities with the opposite sex. The rights and privacy of each individual should be respected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88903", "author": "Terry B", "date": "2021-01-08T12:38:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "Child's brain not developed to make such judgments. Gender dysphoria is temporary. Parents, Doctors, and Psychologists need to be involved.  Oppose."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88904", "author": "Agnes M T", "date": "2021-01-08T12:38:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Stop confusing the  children. Strongly opposed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88905", "author": "Hugh Owen", "date": "2021-01-08T12:39:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "The proposed policies show the extent to which policy-makers have lost their common sense.  Don't the policy-makers realize that transgendered individuals are much more prone to mental illness and premature death than the non-transgendered population?  (Cf. https://soundsliketransedu.com/uncategorized/suicide-stats-in-trans-comm/ ) Why do you want to encourage children to pursue a path that leads to mental illness and premature death?  That is not a rhetorical question! 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89498", "author": "RICHARD BOHMER", "date": "2021-01-11T16:22:00", "title": "Virginia DOE Transgender proposed policy", "text": "Some good ideas especially on bullying but some very poorly thought out ideas on students expected to share bathrooms and showers with members of the opposite sex. If kids are really confused as to what bathroom or shower they should use, build them new ones and as a taxpayer I will gladly pay the increase in my taxes.  All the requirements under this proposed policy will likely cost more than just modifying your facilities.  Your trying to fix a problem by creating a bigger one that abdicates your responsibility to your students.  What about the rights of students and their families who are very opposed to these radical ideas that seems to be written more to address the needs of the adult authors than the student population ! You are driving people out of your schools instead of solving a problem.  Good luck with this poorly thought out plan."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89499", "author": "VA Teacher", "date": "2021-01-11T16:45:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "These policies are absolutely crucial for transgender students.  We must do what we can to support the social and emotional wellbeing of all students, regardless of their gender identity.  These are excellent policies that respond to real issues impacting transgender youth's accessibility to learning."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89500", "author": "Informed parent", "date": "2021-01-11T16:57:00", "title": "Strongly Support Transgender Student Policies", "text": "Thank you for codifying rights and protections for our most vulnerable students and not allowing ignorant or hateful voices to derail these protections. My child suffered immensely due to lack of understanding in public school. Please stand up and do the right thing by all our children and protect the rights of our transgender students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89501", "author": "Mia", "date": "2021-01-11T17:01:00", "title": "Strongly support!!!!!!", "text": "this is extremely important for lgbtqia+ youth. They deserve to feel welcomed, supported, seen, and heard. Religious or personal interests groups ideals and opinions should have no influence over public education and over the lives of children attending those public institutions. Every child deserves an education where they are safe and protected."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89502", "author": "Laura", "date": "2021-01-11T17:03:00", "title": "Mind your business", "text": "these children just want to be accepted for who they are, imagine how much this could help that! This could also teach our kids to accept differences at such a young age, strongly support!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89503", "author": "Hannah", "date": "2021-01-11T17:03:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose!", "text": "Do not pass this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89504", "author": "Cydnei Walker (SJHS(unity reed) Alumna)", "date": "2021-01-11T17:09:00", "title": "SUPPORT EVERYONE", "text": "I’m in favor of this being passed. There’s absolutely no reason trans folk of ANY age need to discriminated against, ESPECIALLY at school!! Don’t be hateful and nasty. If you don’t want you children around people of all walks of life, go to a new school. Your hate is unwelcome here."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89505", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T17:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "Allow parents to make decisions about the worldview and values with which they raise their own children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89506", "author": "Vanessa Langdon", "date": "2021-01-11T17:17:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT!", "text": "I fully support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89507", "author": "Allyson Gray, Future Teacher", "date": "2021-01-11T17:28:00", "title": "Complete Support", "text": "The comments of opposition are absolutely sickening and disheartening. A school should be a safe and supportive environment of every single student within it, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, and religion. Transgender students 110% deserve these rights and protections just as much as any other student. No child should be discriminated against, and every child in a school deserves to be protected. It does not matter what your opinion is, take you child to a private religious school if it bothers you so, but religion is left out of public schools for a reason and they shall not cater to your bigoted and outdated belief systems."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89508", "author": "Joanna Keller", "date": "2021-01-11T17:29:00", "title": "support for transgender students", "text": "I Fully support all transgender and binary students in Virginia schools. Don't allow these wonderful students to have to hide as I had to back in the 60's and 70's. It is tough enough to deal with the peer pressure they have to endure but having the state make them hide their true identity is inhumane and so destructive to their health and well being."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89509", "author": "Allison Brown", "date": "2021-01-11T17:35:00", "title": "Support for Model Policies for the Treatment for Transgender Students", "text": "I strongly support inclusion regardless of sexual orientation and identity.  Please implement the model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia's public schools.  All students should be treated with dignity and respect, and the model policies are a critical step toward that goal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89510", "author": "Yeleni Lopez", "date": "2021-01-11T17:38:00", "title": "Fully in support!!", "text": "Fully in support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89511", "author": "VA teacher", "date": "2021-01-11T17:45:00", "title": "em", "text": "em"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89512", "author": "Leah Mullin", "date": "2021-01-11T17:47:00", "title": "Strongly support!!!", "text": "I strongly support this!!! Youth are already subject to so much hate for trying to be themselves, and LGBTQIA+ deserve to feel SAFE, loved, respected, and heard by their community. We create productive members of society but nurturing them and giving them a healthy chance, not by hating and pushing certain groups aside because of the ridiculous notion that they don't deserve the same respect."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89513", "author": "Mary Hamilton", "date": "2021-01-11T17:55:00", "title": "Policies for the treatment of transgender students", "text": "I do not agree with the proposed guidelines regarding transgender students.  I have long been a proponent of various types of civil rights and strongly believe all people and all segments of our society should be equally respected and cared for.  Being caring and respectful of transgender students does not mean that we need to go overboard in our eagerness to make sure they feel included and respected.  These guidelines go way overboard and do not make common sense.  Also, it is important for the parents of students under 18 years of age not be to blocked from what is happening in their child's school or classroom."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89514", "author": "Monique Klinger", "date": "2021-01-11T18:02:00", "title": "I support this change. Thank you to those grueling to make schools a better, safer place.", "text": "Thank you to those grueling to make schools a better, safer place."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89515", "author": "Nicole", "date": "2021-01-11T18:04:00", "title": "I Fully support!", "text": "I fully support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89516", "author": "Tyler Clift", "date": "2021-01-11T18:10:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "I fully support this positive change. No one should be discriminated against based on their gender identity, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89517", "author": "Maggie Mae Young", "date": "2021-01-11T18:26:00", "title": "Fully support!!", "text": "Fully support!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89518", "author": "Kendall Wilkinson", "date": "2021-01-11T18:36:00", "title": "support!!", "text": "School is supposed to act as a safe space for students to learn and grow. This should be the case for all students, including those of the LGBTQ+ community."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89519", "author": "Gianna", "date": "2021-01-11T18:45:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "STRONGLY SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89520", "author": "Heather Reed", "date": "2021-01-11T18:55:00", "title": "Fully, emphatically support", "text": "thank you for recognizing the value in affirming every child"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89521", "author": "Donna Quintanilla", "date": "2021-01-11T19:00:00", "title": "Fully Support Transrights!", "text": "Everyone one should have the same rights, regardless of gender."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89522", "author": "Jillian Smith", "date": "2021-01-11T19:02:00", "title": "Protect Trans Youth (and all trans people)", "text": "Trans youth are extremely vulnerable members of our society and need as much protection and support as possible. Protection and safety within the schools are the most key factor. I fully and 100% give my support to this proposal and believe these policies will increase the livelihood of many people. The oppression in hate in these comments are the minority when you look at the bigger picture of the world and are downright disgusting. Trans people must be protected and be given full and equal support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89523", "author": "Julia Kellum (student)", "date": "2021-01-11T19:05:00", "title": "i fully support this as a student!!", "text": "i’m currently a sophomore in high school, and i 10000% support this. by doing this, trans kids will be much more comfortable at school than they are right now. as a friend of several transgender and non-binary students, i want them to be the most comfortable and accepted at school as they can be. the fact that these policies don’t already exist in 2021 is just unfair and disgusting. many people have been commenting about how it’s “weird” and “against science,” which is completely untrue. there is a big difference between SEX and GENDER. sex is female, male, and intersex. gender is a social construct. these people believing that there’s only two genders need to go back to biology class. everyone who is opposing these policies are transphobic scum of the earth who need to stop being ignorant and actually learn to be a decent human being. many people opposing this policy have also been writing their name in as “anonymous,” and it just shows how cowardly they are. these people have also been commenting on how “this will confuse kids,” but these policies would in fact normalize it, and help them better understand transgender people. i have never once felt uncomfortable around someone who’s transgender or gender non-conforming, so i’d have absolutely 0 issue with a transgender girl using the same bathroom as me, and i fully support all of these policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89524", "author": "Marissa Clay", "date": "2021-01-11T19:06:00", "title": "I FULLY SUPPORT!!", "text": "I fully support trans students"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89525", "author": "Anon", "date": "2021-01-11T19:10:00", "title": "Fully Support", "text": "Fully Support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89526", "author": "Amelia S", "date": "2021-01-11T19:16:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "Protect and support all trans people"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89527", "author": "Matthew Sklaw", "date": "2021-01-11T19:16:00", "title": "I support!", "text": "I support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89528", "author": "Omega Ilijevich", "date": "2021-01-11T19:19:00", "title": "Fully Support.", "text": "This proposal would be an incredible step forward for the protection of transgender students. School is a fundamental part of every young person’s life, and every student deserves to feel accepted and embraced there. The transgender community is very vulnerable to harassment and bullying, so helping the youngest members is an important and urgent cause. I offer my full support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89529", "author": "Taylor Gray", "date": "2021-01-11T19:26:00", "title": "I 100% support this.", "text": "Everyone deserves to feel protected, especially in a learning environment. There should be no questions or debates about this, regardless of someone’s personal hatred towards a group of people. Seeing as many object to this, these people definitely need to be protected from those close minded around them."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89530", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T19:34:00", "title": "it’s an illness b", "text": "down with the sickness"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89531", "author": "Catherine Cote", "date": "2021-01-11T19:34:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "As the parent of two wonderful LGBTQ+ children, I fully support this document. We need written guidelines to ensure that all students are affirmed, respected, and able to learn safely in schools. Thank you!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89532", "author": "Charlie Bowles", "date": "2021-01-11T19:38:00", "title": "Strongly Support", "text": "There's no such thing as a transgender student, only a student who is transgender. Gender identity has nothing to do with being a student therefore should not impact one's right to learn in a safe learning environment. Virginia schools are already falling behind other states with more inclusive policies. Protecting students is not \"radical\" it's a basic expectation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89533", "author": "Kristen Hardy", "date": "2021-01-11T19:38:00", "title": "Full support", "text": "As the parent of two Virginia public school students (one he, one she), I fully support this proposal to move towards are more inclusive, supportive environment for all.  We can make a difference, and this is a step in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89534", "author": "Julian Stebbins-Sharpless", "date": "2021-01-11T19:45:00", "title": "Strongly Support.", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. I strongly support these guidelines."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89535", "author": "Arnelle Clark", "date": "2021-01-11T19:50:00", "title": "I Support", "text": "I full support the protection of trans students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89536", "author": "Madeline", "date": "2021-01-11T19:56:00", "title": "I support! :)", "text": "I support! :)"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89537", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T19:56:00", "title": "These policies should not be adopted", "text": "Schools should not adopt these or any transgender policies.  Schools should not be able to help students explore or make decisions about their gender identity.  It is up to the parent or guardian to make decisions concerning their minor children.   Students should not get to pick which bathroom or locker room they go into.  I would not want my daughter to be made to change in a locker room with males present or use a restroom where males could also be present.  This is a big safety concern.  Religious freedoms will be violated if parents are told they cannot discuss God with their minor children in relation to their biological sex.  This topic is best left at home; it is not for the schools to teach."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89538", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T19:57:00", "title": "Strongly oppose.", "text": "schools should focus on academics and let parents focus on social issues."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89539", "author": "Christine Jones, Virginia State Co-Leader, Free Mom Hugs", "date": "2021-01-11T19:58:00", "title": "Dignity for all and equity under the law starts with education - I support wholeheartedly!", "text": "I have seen the mental and emotional toll of inequities and cruelties in our schools against transgender students.  You have only to look at statistics from The Trevor Project to begin to understand the seriousness of this issue.  Almost 1 in 2 transgender youths have considered suicide.  This discrimination can only be ended with education.  Thank you for finally addressing this issue."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89540", "author": "Jaelyn", "date": "2021-01-11T20:04:00", "title": "PROTECT TRANS YOUTH", "text": "I absolutely support this!! TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89541", "author": "Bryan Olvera", "date": "2021-01-11T20:04:00", "title": "In full support of this.", "text": "To people who are disagreeing please put yourself in someone else’s shoes for once."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89542", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T20:04:00", "title": "STRONGLY OPPOSE", "text": "I STRONGLY OPPOSE the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. These policies exclude the parents from their proper role in the lives of their children, deliberately disrupting the nuclear family. Parents have the primary responsibility for the upbringing and welfare of their children. The proposed policy would violate the rights of parents and prevent them from properly fulfilling their God-given responsibilities. I urge the Virginia Department of Education to use good judgement and common sense and drop the proposed transgender policies."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89543", "author": "Tammi Wengerd", "date": "2021-01-11T20:07:00", "title": "Transgender Bill", "text": "Trans rights are human rights. Please implement this policy to help protect all children. Let’s teach children that kindness to all people is important"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89544", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T20:07:00", "title": "I support!", "text": "I believe that schools should create safe spaces for students in general. This definitely applies to those who find school unsafe or where they may have the opportunity to be treated unequally."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89545", "author": "Tara Casey", "date": "2021-01-11T20:12:00", "title": "Support Trans Youth", "text": "Virginia Department of Education's best practices outline meaningful ways to create more inclusive school environments for trans students. This draft guidance should receive full support and implementation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89546", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T20:13:00", "title": "Transgender laws", "text": "Strongly oppose!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89547", "author": "Kim M", "date": "2021-01-11T20:18:00", "title": "This teacher strongly supports", "text": "Every child deserves to be treated equally.  They have a right to be educated no matter what their race, economic status, gender, or life choices are.  Having taught a primary grade for more than 20 years, I have seen and learned that students are born the way they are born.  We need to love, support, and educate them as we do with all our students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89548", "author": "Carmen", "date": "2021-01-11T20:19:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "This needs to happen for their emotional and mental well-being. Definitely a yes from me. It does so much more harm to deny or ignore this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89549", "author": "Michelle ONeal", "date": "2021-01-11T20:20:00", "title": "Our children", "text": "All students need and deserve our support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89550", "author": "Olivia A", "date": "2021-01-11T20:20:00", "title": "choose to show love and not hate— protect trans rights", "text": "It’s a simple choice we are presented with daily— to conduct a life of love or hate. Protect trans rights, notice those who need support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89551", "author": "anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T20:22:00", "title": "oppose", "text": "Chromosomes are assigned at birth by God. If we act on our feelings regardless of the truth, the result can be disastrous. These kinds of laws along with the encouragement of the LGBQT movement from such a young age, steals a child's innocence. It contributes to confusion, depression, and suicide. I oppose this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89552", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T20:24:00", "title": "I STRONGLY SUPPORT TRANS YOUTH!", "text": "I support the LGBTQ+ community, trans youth are already going through a lot by coming out as trans we need to support them throughout their journey to living their truth. The gender these individuals identify as is not anyone’s concern. If opposing individuals have so much hate towards the trans community they need to reconsider their values and beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89553", "author": "Pamela Barrett", "date": "2021-01-11T20:30:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT AND STRONGLY ENDORSE!", "text": "The protection of our youth regardless of race, gender, sexuality etc... should be our top priority in education and reality. We need to protect them especially in an educational environment even if students/faculty do not understand them. Bullying and discrimination of youth regarding their identity is completely inexcusable no matter the environment but especially in schools. Our students should not have to worry about their safety at school. Those opposing this are ignorant of acceptance and equality of all. “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 upmost protection of youth via protective and inclusive policy,” (Téa Le). Think about if you had a child... would you want them to be discriminated against and bullied due to their own identity?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89554", "author": "Joanna C.", "date": "2021-01-11T20:31:00", "title": "Disagree with transgender education", "text": "I do not want to see transgender education come to Loudon county. As a mom of elementary school students, I think it is totally inappropriate for children that have no interest in the topic of sexuality. I do not want my child’s educators telling them that a person can change their gender, and believe that will only create confusion. Furthermore, it is wrong for an educational system to impose their moral beliefs on countless families of faith who do not share those beliefs. I support anti-bullying/kindness training, and this should be more than enough to support a transgender student, without forcing innocent students into premature discussions on sexuality for the sake of a small minority."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89555", "author": "Alexandra Iannucci", "date": "2021-01-11T20:35:00", "title": "Teacher in FULL Support", "text": "I am a middle school teacher and I am in FULL support of these guidelines. Over the past few years, I have had multiple students who identify as transgender or nonbinary, or who are beginning to explore their gender identity. Overall, their peers have been understanding and supportive. The kids get it--it's about time policy caught up! Having these guidelines will be great to help shift unintentionally discriminatory wordings (such as concert dress codes) as well as build a future that is inclusive of our non-binary students (such as designing new buildings with plans for single-use bathrooms). It will also help educate teachers who are not as aware or informed about how to navigate having a non-binary student. Our goal should always be to create a safe and welcoming environment for ALL of our students, and this is a huge step in the right direction."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89556", "author": "Josie D", "date": "2021-01-11T20:37:00", "title": "If you are a parent or teacher please read and SUPPORT this policy", "text": "I fully support this policy. We must protect our trans youth in a time where they are most vulnerable while  providing them with our support and safety. Please rethink if it were to be your child and the support, guidance, and love that they would need from you.  If you do not support or agree maybe homeschooling or private school may be a better option for your child. Religion is kept out of PUBLIC schools and should never be an excuse, you’re only spreading hate. If you are a parent and do not support this I am scared for your child’s future and the wrong, hateful ideas you put into their heads. If you are a teacher and do not support this policy you should reconsider your career because the only job you have is to educate and support children, never discriminate. The importance of safety for all kids should never be a debate."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89557", "author": "Bailey Wilson", "date": "2021-01-11T20:38:00", "title": "I support", "text": "I support!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89558", "author": "Kayla Noto", "date": "2021-01-11T20:39:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT!!!!", "text": "Fully support this move!!! Protect all trans youth!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89559", "author": "Student Teacher", "date": "2021-01-11T20:39:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "There is absolutely NO reason to not support this. Our education systems NEED to change along with our world and society or we will forever be failing our youth and regressing."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89560", "author": "Casey", "date": "2021-01-11T20:43:00", "title": "Basic Human Rights! Protect trans kids!", "text": "Access to equitable and identify agreeing resources are a basic right to all youth. Trans rights are human rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89561", "author": "Liv", "date": "2021-01-11T20:49:00", "title": "I SUPPORT", "text": "I SUPPORT! no one should be discriminated for their identity!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89562", "author": "Allison", "date": "2021-01-11T20:51:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "No doubt our children are facing many decisions and challenges. I fully support adults  coming alongside to offer wisdom and support, but I cannot support these purposed policies. I am an educator and mother. Evidence is overwhelming to show the need for boundaries and rules for children. When we give children the ability to choose anything they want with no correct or incorrect they become lost. Children questioning gender identity need support, however, I am very concerned that instituting policies such as these will only cause more children to question something they never would have considered before."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89563", "author": "Talula", "date": "2021-01-11T20:53:00", "title": "i support.", "text": "I FULLY SUPPORT THIS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89564", "author": "Truc Luu", "date": "2021-01-11T20:54:00", "title": "SUPPORTING 100%", "text": "Happy to support!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89565", "author": "Nicole Schroeer", "date": "2021-01-11T20:59:00", "title": "Support our trans kids!!", "text": "Support our trans kids!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89566", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T21:00:00", "title": "SUPPORT!!", "text": "We HAVE to support and protect LGBTQ+ children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89567", "author": "Toriana Rollins", "date": "2021-01-11T21:00:00", "title": "Fully Support: Protect Trans Children", "text": "There’s absolutely no reason not to fully support this. Trans children should feel safe and comfortable while receiving their education as well. The lack of accommodation school systems make for students in the LGBTQ+ community significantly puts them at a higher risk. We should be doing the upmost to make sure all kids are not only safe and comfortable but getting the education they deserve."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89568", "author": "Cristina", "date": "2021-01-11T21:00:00", "title": "I support", "text": "I support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89569", "author": "JC, former parent with kids in public schools in VA", "date": "2021-01-11T21:01:00", "title": "Oppose New Gender Policy from both Natural and practical reasons.", "text": "At what point does it end?  Depending on if you are in Europe or in the US, the number of these \"identities\" varies greatly.  I understand that one site in Europe lists 71 such identities, and does not give you the option of male and female.  If you do press forward with this, I strongly argue that EVERY IDENTITY be give their own restroom.  That way NO ONE would be forced into a restroom with an IDENTITY that they do not want to be with. Additional issues include 300% higher suicide rate than two gender kids.  This rate does not decrease even in the most permissive and accepting situations. From natural standpoint, our species is two-gendered.  While there is an occasional, genetic anomaly, the actual occurrence is not sufficiently large that would justify this extensive and self-declarative policy where anyone could make up whatever they or a parent wants.  I would strongly argue that sexuality is a learned response pushed by our media.  A media that glamorizes the different for shock value."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89570", "author": "Hannah R", "date": "2021-01-11T21:01:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "I fully support this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89571", "author": "Anonymous teacher", "date": "2021-01-11T21:07:00", "title": "Policies for treatment of transgender students", "text": "STRONGLY OPPOSE!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89572", "author": "Sarah", "date": "2021-01-11T21:10:00", "title": "I SUPPORT!", "text": "I support!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89573", "author": "Brenna", "date": "2021-01-11T21:13:00", "title": "PROTECT TRANS KIDS", "text": "Everyone opposing this is concerned about schools “taking over the parental role”... if you want everything your kids are taught to be streamlined through you, homeschool your kids. Newsflash: respecting transgender rights in school won’t ruin your precious kids, it’ll only make them more tolerant and respectful of others. To any transgender kids/adults reading this: you are valid, valued, and loved."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89574", "author": "Jennifer J Johnson", "date": "2021-01-11T21:15:00", "title": "In full support of trans children", "text": "We are in a time where we have two options: have some adults feel somewhat uncomfortable or have children committing suicide. The suicide rate for trans kids without support is heartbreakingly high. It plummets when we treat them with respect and dignity. I'm going to take the option that doesn't result in dead children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89575", "author": "Anonymous teacher", "date": "2021-01-11T21:16:00", "title": "Policies for treatment of transgender students", "text": "Strongly oppose! I do not agree with the proposed guidelines for transgender students. What is proposed is not something initiated by or promoted by our children. Rather it is part of the agenda of the radical left that wants to take parental control away from where it naturally belongs. Radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children have no appropriate basis in our culture."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89576", "author": "Jenny", "date": "2021-01-11T21:18:00", "title": "Absolutely fully support!!", "text": "Students need to know that they are not only safe, but also accepted and supported in school environments! Personal beliefs held by staff/peers must be disregarded, considering that there is present harm towards a community of students. Think about how this would affect not only the young trans community, but the entire community of LGBTQIA+ youth in our education system!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89577", "author": "Kat", "date": "2021-01-11T21:19:00", "title": "FULLY SUPPORT", "text": "FULLY SUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89578", "author": "Ellen M", "date": "2021-01-11T21:22:00", "title": "I fully support", "text": "happy to support this brilliant cause!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89579", "author": "Former Teacher", "date": "2021-01-11T21:24:00", "title": "Strongly Opposed", "text": "These policies have gone too far. The school system cannot take the place of the family in these serious matters. I left the teaching profession halfway through my career because of the radical policies that damaged students and attempted to force teachers to support the one narrative that is tolerated by our culture today. Enough is enough."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89580", "author": "madison o", "date": "2021-01-11T21:29:00", "title": "i support!!!", "text": "i support!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89581", "author": "Former VA student", "date": "2021-01-11T21:29:00", "title": "Trans rights are human rights, fully support.", "text": "Trans rights are human rights, fully support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89582", "author": "Nicole Ardovino", "date": "2021-01-11T21:35:00", "title": "I fully support!", "text": "Happy to support this!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89583", "author": "Dana", "date": "2021-01-11T21:36:00", "title": "I support Trans and LGBTQIA+ Rights.", "text": "I support LGBT+ Rights fully and people who are transgender deserve the same rights as cisgendered people. Make trans people feel comfortable in our state please."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89584", "author": "Javeria Qureshi", "date": "2021-01-11T21:40:00", "title": "I SUPPORT", "text": "I strongly support"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89585", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T21:41:00", "title": "Fully support!", "text": "i fully support! Trans youth must be protected and there needs to be more measures in place to ensure that."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89586", "author": "Susan", "date": "2021-01-11T21:49:00", "title": "Opposing the Public Schools Approach to Transgender Students", "text": "God made Man (Male) and Woman (Female).  There is no other gender no matter what someone may think or feel. It is very unloving to lead our children into a very dangerous life where they think they can change what they were born as.  In most cases the child will grow out of their need to be the other gender. Please watch \"In His Image\" that very lovingly shows how persons have lived as another gender and changed back.  We need to be giving these children help to accept their gender and thrive the way God meant it to be for them. I am very opposed to the radical agenda that Virginia has proposed for our Public School Students in regards to Transgender Rights."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89587", "author": "Ananya Soni", "date": "2021-01-11T21:53:00", "title": "I support securing the natural, inalienable rights of lqbtqia+ students.", "text": "LQBTQIA+ students deserve the same rights as cis-gender, heterosexual students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89588", "author": "Joan Anderson", "date": "2021-01-11T22:02:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "I oppose transgender policies that, in particular, limit or exclude parents' rights to educate and mange their children's live in these matters.  No child or teen should be subjected to using bathrooms, dressing rooms, etc. with others of the opposite biological sex.  The primary responsibility of handling these situations needs to be left to parents.  Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion. Sincerely, Joan Anderson"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89589", "author": "Teagan", "date": "2021-01-11T22:07:00", "title": "I support.", "text": "I support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89590", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T22:07:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "These proposed radical policies go far beyond the path prescribed by the General Assembly. The views articulated are harmful and contrary to the experience and views of most parents. For example, that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” is controversial.  And even more terrifying is the view that schools should be advocating for the (in many cases) IRREVERSIBLE \"gender transitions\" in young children. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. And finally, schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students so 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89591", "author": "Kira", "date": "2021-01-11T22:10:00", "title": "I fully support this", "text": "I fully support!!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89592", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T22:12:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "strongly oppose"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89593", "author": "Cameron McQuillan", "date": "2021-01-11T22:16:00", "title": "I Fully Support!", "text": "Is there any way the Virginia Department of Education can accomplish any of their goals if they aren’t protecting and supporting ALL students? Just the fact that this is even up for debate is sickening. SUPPORT LGBT STUDENTS!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89594", "author": "A. Nony Mous", "date": "2021-01-11T22:19:00", "title": "What ever happened to science??", "text": "I keep wondering what ever happened to science. Anyone who has studied basic biology knows that humans are either male or female at birth, and that does not change, no matter how you feel about it. These policies are based on lies, subvert parental authority, and are harmful to ALL children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89595", "author": "Mia", "date": "2021-01-11T22:21:00", "title": "I wholeheartedly support", "text": "I absolutely agree with helping the students in our community feel safe and supported."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89596", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-11T22:24:00", "title": "I do not support.", "text": "I do not support."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89597", "author": "Juliet Johnson", "date": "2021-01-11T22:24:00", "title": "Fully Support!", "text": "As a person who has worked in education for over ten years, I strongly support clear and compassionate directives for transgender and non-binary students. Every school system in the Commonwealth should require professional development for staff members regarding the lgbtq+ community. From what I’ve witnessed, the children have mostly grown to accept their peers’ identity, it is the staff members (including teachers and counseling staff) that often do the most harm due to a lack of knowledge and understanding. We need clear guidance. Trans/non-binary students not only face harassment & discrimination at a much higher level than their cis peers, they also face increasingly high rates of suicide and self-harm. For many, the school is their only opportunity for a safe haven. Please move forward on state-wide clear directives for this population that so desperately needs our support. Thank you."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88906", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T12:42:00", "title": "First Amendment Rights of Parents", "text": "The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88908", "author": "Jan Jessie", "date": "2021-01-08T12:42:00", "title": "oppose; do not disregard the role of parents in public education", "text": "oppose; do not disregard the role of parents in public education"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88909", "author": "Kathy Clark", "date": "2021-01-08T12:42:00", "title": "Transgender policy", "text": "Good bye public schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88910", "author": "Stephen Hertz", "date": "2021-01-08T12:43:00", "title": "Parents cannot be ignored wrt to transgender issues", "text": "Transgender policies like those suggested are damaging to our vulnerable youth especially when implemented without regard to the parents. The view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” is not based on any scientific study and contradicts the experience of anyone who was ever five or six."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88911", "author": "Jane E Pisano", "date": "2021-01-08T12:44:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose these measures. Let's come up with some better solutions so that all parties are respected and feel safe."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88912", "author": "George Elliott", "date": "2021-01-08T12:44:00", "title": "opposed", "text": "I can understand for the sake of freedom allowing a gender confused child or parent wanting to segregate from their biological identical members, but to force them upon members of the opposite biological sex is imprudent, immoral and criminally dangerous. If you insist on perpetuating this confusion ideology then find another solution even if it is an \"other\" bathroom or locker room for all the confused."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88913", "author": "Patricia Spencer", "date": "2021-01-08T12:45:00", "title": "Object to gender policies in schools", "text": "It is bad enough that the true professional mental health experts are not allowed to give true guidence to people who are confused, now we want to encourage kids who are seeing things in the media and on TV that what they are feeling at their current age that they are one of how many genders?  When I was growing up there were two - male and female - that has not changed, by pushing this in the manner that they are doing so, they are confusing kids, taking the power away from the parents and giving it to the state.  No way should a young person walk into their restroom/lockerroom and find a person of the opposite sex there.  You are asking for trouble!  This is something that they should be encouraged to wait until they are in their 20's and fully grown.  Science tells us that their brains are not fully developed until around age 25, not 5! Enough!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88914", "author": "Arthur V. Schultz", "date": "2021-01-08T12:45:00", "title": "Transgender Policies - Opposed", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88915", "author": "Marge", "date": "2021-01-08T12:45:00", "title": "Oppose these regulations. Parents have authority over their children, not schools", "text": "I am opposed to having schools decide for my children what is best, this is the first point. Parents should have ultimate authority over their children, knowledge of what happens in schools, knowledge of what their children 'declare' in school, knowledge about birth control and/or abortions and transgender medicines, surgeries , etc. that are sponsored, suggested or offered through schools. If the Virginia Dept of Education really looks at the scientific (non-woke) literature, child suffer immense crisis of identity when they become 'transgender', suicide rates increase, life long damage is done in many many cases. These kinds of policies should NOT be pushed in our VA schools, nor shoved down their - or our- the parents- throats. Why is this being done? To protect the incredibly small number of students who declare themselves as transgender, some not even knowing what it means? In doing so, you, the school system is ignoring and NOT protecting the majority of students. Where are their rights? Trends across the country signal their voice is ignored, dismissed or worse criticized for not being 'in trend' (or woke- enough), in with the times, in step - with what- the minority? Individualism is lost. There will be no freedom to be individual, because these policies will translate into \" you must agree with transgenderism, you must not make fun of, you must condone.\" Religious freedom to speak out or even to voice one's opinion - I am a Christian or Jew or Muslim and I believe there are two genders -a man is man and woman a woman , will be persecuted. We are already seeing this in a number of places. Why would Virginia, my lovely Commonwealth choose such destructive paths? Please listen to the people, the parents. Please do not enact these transgender policies. They are and will be extremely destructive for families and for our children and for the rights of parents to be the authority for their children. Respectfully, M Morris"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88916", "author": "Alex and Jeanne Combos", "date": "2021-01-08T12:46:00", "title": "DO NOT SUPPORT ON ANY LEVEL", "text": "PARENTS are the ones who should be teaching anything about human sexuality to their children. This effort to undermine parents and indoctrinate children in schools is abhorrent to any person who believes that gender is not AND NEVER WILL BE \"FLUID.\"  The insane idea that children as young as 5 or 6 can decide to \"change\" their gender is a form of child abuse that will cause mental and emotional problems for the rest of their lives.  This would also create unsafe environments to allow so-called \"transgender\" children to share the same locker rooms, play in the same sports teams with children who do not share this mindset."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88917", "author": "Deacon Dave Maurer", "date": "2021-01-08T12:46:00", "title": "Parents must have the right to decide", "text": "Parents have the right know and to have a say in what their children are taught and the responsibility to raise them in the truth. It is outrageous that schools are teaching such controversial and scientifically unsupportable positions against the wishes of the parents. The decision to teach our children about most fundamental truths of the human must not be controlled by a committee with such an agenda. Parents want what is truly best for their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88918", "author": "John J Dooley", "date": "2021-01-08T12:48:00", "title": "Preserve Our Parental Rights to Monitor and Guide Our Children's Education", "text": "Parents are the primary guides of young children and their guidance must not be subverted by the current \"vogue\" of the sickness of transgender-ism."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88919", "author": "Drake Hoffman", "date": "2021-01-08T12:49:00", "title": "Transgender Regulations by VA Dept of Education Are An Illegal Intrusion Into Every Child's Identity", "text": "No school system has a right to impose regulations which violate any child's privacy or sense of self-worth nor do they have the right to require that any child of one biological sex be required to permit anyone, adult or child, to view or share with them any state of undress.  Furthermore, it is up to the decision of every child to formulate his/her own sexual identity at whatever stage in his/her physical development they choose to decide \"who\" or \"what\" they are physically and mentally.  No governmental organization has the right to intrude in/on that process.  The proposed VDE regulations are therefore an illegal intrusion on a child's privacy and self identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88920", "author": "Kathleen Latimer", "date": "2021-01-08T12:49:00", "title": "Virginia Dept. of Education transgender policies", "text": "OPPOSED: I am opposed to the Virginia Department of Education or the Virginia Legislature making any policy advocating or attempting to describe or promote transgender education of any kind.  This is the responsibility of parents, grandparents, or other family members to decide what their children need to know about this topic. Counselors or other government employed individuals are not proper channels for introducing this subject to children of any age."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88921", "author": "Hugh E. McGuire, Jr.", "date": "2021-01-08T12:50:00", "title": "Parents must have the right to decide !", "text": "Parents must have the right to decide !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88922", "author": "LJT1", "date": "2021-01-08T12:51:00", "title": "Transgender Education.", "text": "I am opposed to having this subject part of the curriculum. 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. VDOE should not disregard the role of parents in public education. Thank you! Leo J. Titus Sr."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88923", "author": "Marcia O McGuire", "date": "2021-01-08T12:52:00", "title": "Parents must have the right to decide !", "text": "Parents must have the right to decide !"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88924", "author": "Samuel N", "date": "2021-01-08T12:52:00", "title": "Support", "text": "Children need emotional support from people in their lives and this guidance is necessary because educating teachers and administrators on how to help kids with questions as well as support children that are not heteronormative is vital. Not doing so will likely exacerbate painful and destructive experiences for everyone at the schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88926", "author": "Paul Joseph", "date": "2021-01-08T12:53:00", "title": "Fully support", "text": "I fully support the humane and equal treatment of transgender and non-binary students so that they can fully thrive and safely attend VA schools. As I understand this bill it encourages guidelines in support of maintaining safe, and empathetic learning environments for transgender and non-binary students. As a child I was made fun of because other kids thought I was homosexual which I am not. I was very confusing for me and hurt deeply. We need to teach our children to be more unederstanding. Transgender and non-binary students should be able: to live fully within their gender identity; to go by chosen names and pronouns; dress according to their gender identity; fully participate in all school activities, including sports teams that are in line with their gender identity; feel safe because there are programs in place to prevent any anti-transgender/non-binary bullying; etc."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88927", "author": "Edward Hara", "date": "2021-01-08T12:55:00", "title": "Forced Transgender Policies", "text": "Sirs and Madams: It is unthinkable that you would consider allowing biological males into the locker rooms and bathrooms of biological females. Not only is this an unwarranted intrusion into the most private areas of a woman's life, it is pandering to an extrememly small minority of people who are deeply confused and in need of psychological help. More people are coming forward every month to state that surgical mutilation of their bodies did not take care of the deep psychological problems which caused them to think they were females \"trapped in a male body.\" Recently a woman in France sued the doctors who cut off her breasts as part of her \"transition to a male.\" She has come to realize that at the age of sixteen, when this horrible mutilation was done to her, that she was not emotionally mature or stable enough to make such a decision.  She needed counseling, not mutilation. I strongly urge you to do the right thing and resist the emotional wailings of those who are neither scientific in their approach to life nor concerned with the damage that pandering to the idea of transgenderism as a reality will do to young people not mature enough to understand what they are doing. This entire scheme is being pushed by a lobby of homosexuals and other persons who are trying to normalize that which can never be considered normal."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88928", "author": "Patti Hardy", "date": "2021-01-08T12:55:00", "title": "VDOE has gone far beyond the path prescribed by General Assembly--strongly oppose", "text": "The proposed policies give a blanket endorsement to such controversial and disputed views as \"Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by ages 5 to 6\".  A view far different from that of many parents. Schools should not be accommodating that or the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible, \"gender transitions\". These proposed regulations infringe the First Amendment Rights of parents to raise and care for their children, and would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88931", "author": "Susan Thornton", "date": "2021-01-08T12:58:00", "title": "Policies for treatment of transgender students", "text": "This policy should not be imposed on the classroom teacher or applied in the school setting. Teachers have more than enough to worry about without implementing this craziness. This is a personal family matter one in which a child and the parents should have counseling. You should not disregard the role of parents in public education. Regards, Susan Thornton"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88932", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T12:58:00", "title": "SUPPORT", "text": "sUPPORT"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88933", "author": "Jeff Mingin", "date": "2021-01-08T12:58:00", "title": "Model policies disregard role of parents", "text": "The VDOE should not disregard the role of parents in public education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88934", "author": "Susan Thornton", "date": "2021-01-08T12:59:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88935", "author": "Erica D", "date": "2021-01-08T12:59:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "Opposed"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88937", "author": "P. Vega", "date": "2021-01-08T12:59:00", "title": "Totally opposed to this lie", "text": "ALCON: Genderism is an ideology, not a science. Its premises and conclusions are false. Applying this ideology will result in the distortion of human nature and the misinterpretation of the true, valid needs of Virginia's citizens. There are only two sexes: male and female. I oppose our state jumping into this bandwagon of lies. Best regards, ~P."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88938", "author": "Jean-Michel Rusangiza", "date": "2021-01-08T13:01:00", "title": "Parents are in charge of the children, NOT THE STATE! More reason to homeschool!", "text": "No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Parents should be in charge of the children NOT THE STATE!!!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88939", "author": "JM", "date": "2021-01-08T13:02:00", "title": "Transgender policy’s", "text": "Please don’t disregard the parents role in public schools. Children should not be exposed to such ideals as transgender beliefs. It could endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students. As a parent this deeply troubles me that the public schools system would do this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88940", "author": "Mark Mitchell", "date": "2021-01-08T13:03:00", "title": "Opposed to Transgender Ideology", "text": "All students must be treated with compassion and respect but the implementation of transgender ideology in the school system is odious, mendacious, and harmful to other students. Transgender ideology is riddled with scientific lies, logical fallacies, and harmful consequences; it has no place in the education of our children. It is shameful that the Virginia General Assembly and Governor passed this harmful legislation and worse that the VDOE will mandate its implementation. I firmly and strongly oppose the imposition of this ideology on the children of Virginia."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88941", "author": "Silvia Park", "date": "2021-01-08T13:04:00", "title": "I support protecting trans students", "text": "These kids are vulnerable. Please help to make them safer at school, and to allow them the same rights to participate as other students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88942", "author": "Rev. Thomas P. Ferguson", "date": "2021-01-08T13:07:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88943", "author": "CAROL LOCKWOOD", "date": "2021-01-08T13:09:00", "title": "I OPPOSE THIS PROPOSAL", "text": "CAN'T WE JUST HAVE COMMEN SENSE AND JUST GET ALONG."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88944", "author": "Ann Russo", "date": "2021-01-08T13:10:00", "title": "VDOE should not disregard the role of parents in public education.", "text": ""}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88945", "author": "Owen Sisbarro", "date": "2021-01-08T13:13:00", "title": "I OPPOSE THIS", "text": "This proposal endangers all students, regardless of what they identify as!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88946", "author": "Pam Wilgus", "date": "2021-01-08T13:14:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the VDOE's approval of the draft policies for the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools.  These policies undercut parents' involvement in the life of their own children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students.  These policies articulate views that are so far removed from the views of most parents in the Commonwealth of Virginia (and the country), and would only serve to create more confusion in the minds of our children who are constantly bombarded by outside forces seeking to divide the family.  Furthermore, no child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or any other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88947", "author": "Parent", "date": "2021-01-08T13:15:00", "title": "NO-This is Parent's Domain    Transgender Inst.   Guidance Survey  Va. Town Hall", "text": "NO-This is Parent's Domain"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88949", "author": "Regina Stupak", "date": "2021-01-08T13:15:00", "title": "I oppose this action.  Parents should be informed.", "text": "I oppose this action; parents should be informed."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88950", "author": "Joseph V Puglise MD", "date": "2021-01-08T13:17:00", "title": "transgender policy", "text": "I am opposed to the proposed transgender policy. Parent view needs to be honored."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88951", "author": "Ann Petrie", "date": "2021-01-08T13:17:00", "title": "Transgender policies", "text": "I have 5 grandchildren in the Fairfax County, VA Public Schools. I vehemently oppose the  proposed  transgender  \"policies\" proposed by the Virginia Department of Education.  They  are another attempt to impose a political minority's views on the majority. .  These policies endanger the privacy and safety of all children.  As a parent of three, children as well, my experience and conventional wisdom belies the assumption that children have fixed gender identity by age 6.  No child should be forced to share a locker room, hotel room, or shower with a person of the opposite biological sex. Parents are the ultimate authority when i comes to raising their children.  No forced imperatives or practices regarding gender politics should prevail."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88952", "author": "M. V.", "date": "2021-01-08T13:18:00", "title": "Guidance Document (Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in VA Public School)", "text": "Oppose because only Parents have the right TO DECIDE. NOT STATE OR SCHOOL"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88955", "author": "Teresa O’Brien", "date": "2021-01-08T13:18:00", "title": "This bill is a danger to children, physically, mentally and emotionally", "text": "Views such as “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – are contrary to reason and nature, let alone common sense! Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has lost all sense of reality. Schools have a duty to protect the safety of all students as well as their bodily privacy and dignity. 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 extremely uncomfortable and possibly even scared 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 encouraging the incredibly harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”, especially since the vast majority of children who don’t transition grow out of these feelings and no longer want to as older teens or adults. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children, and on the rights of children to be protected by adults in authority. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88956", "author": "Donna Lipresti", "date": "2021-01-08T13:19:00", "title": "I oppose.  The role of parents in  public education should not be disregarded.", "text": "I oppose.  The role of parents in public education should not be disregarded."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88957", "author": "Ruth Falgiano", "date": "2021-01-08T13:21:00", "title": "oppose mixed-gender toilet/shower/changing facilities in schools", "text": "All children should be welcomed, valued, and safe in our schools.  Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students.  No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, and the like with a member of the opposite biological sex.  Many children can experience long-lasting, traumatic reactions to this situation. Private (one-person-at-a-time), unisex facilities are acceptable."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88958", "author": "Matt Klima", "date": "2021-01-08T13:22:00", "title": "I Oppose This Legislation", "text": "Sex is innate and biological.  Extreme outliers should not force legislation on the majority.  This legislation will lead to unquestionable child abuse and violation of privacy.  This is a travesty and a predator's dream.  No sane person wants this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88959", "author": "KO", "date": "2021-01-08T13:23:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "I am opposed to this breach of parental rights by the VDOE"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88960", "author": "Darcie Caine", "date": "2021-01-08T13:24:00", "title": "Opposed", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88961", "author": "Andrew Rich", "date": "2021-01-08T13:25:00", "title": "Cutting out parents harms families", "text": "Any policies that is open to ignoring or dismissing parents runs counter to schools' mission of supporting students. Supporting discord between a student and parents harms the family and parent-child relationship.  Parents should be fully informed at all times, doing otherwise infringes on the parents' First Amendment rights Additionally, young children should not be forced to share restrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations with some of the opposite biological sex. There is a hightened risk of trauma in those situations."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88963", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T13:31:00", "title": "Gender identity doesn't belong in elementary school", "text": "All, It is psychologically confusing to teach a child the biology of male and female in the animal kingdom and then imply that this only applies to every animal except humans. Elementary age children play doctor, house, and other forms of imagination play as they learn the roles in society. They even play as other animals. This doesn't mean they identify as that animal in later years. Therefore we have no business pushing children to identify as the opposite sex simply because they played at it trying to understand it. Let children be children and keep sex out of it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88964", "author": "Susan Klobuchar", "date": "2021-01-08T13:31:00", "title": "I fully support inclusive schools", "text": "I completely support making our schools more inclusive and supportive of LBGT youth. The other comments made here are reflective of exactly why this needs to happen - they are steeped in fear and misinformation. As a parent I can give my child and other children in our state no greater gift than showing them that schools are a safe place where kindness and understanding lead."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88965", "author": "james borowski", "date": "2021-01-08T13:35:00", "title": "Strongly oppose", "text": "This is utter nonsense. Since when does an elementary age child have the full capacity to make this decision. And if you permit this to occur, I cannot even imagine what my grandson would feel like when a person who was born as a female who pretends to be a male, and wishes to use his restroom or locker room. This is just another way of destroying the family structure that our Lord created. A man and a woman to procreate. Not those who wish to be a man or woman."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88966", "author": "Isabelle W", "date": "2021-01-08T13:35:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policy from VA Department of Education", "text": "I urge the VA Department of Education not to enact transgender policies. People who have gender dysphoria and identify as transgender should be treated with compassion and respect, but these policies do not do those things and will infringe on the rights and protections of others, especially the most vulnerable. I believe the issue surrounding bathroom and dressing room usage should be done on a case by case basis instead of imposing it on everyone. The truth is that there are only two sexes, and people with gender identity disorder should seek support and therapy to accept their biological sex."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88967", "author": "jeff", "date": "2021-01-08T13:35:00", "title": "treatment of transgender in schools", "text": "opposed! this hurts children"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88968", "author": "M. Reilly", "date": "2021-01-08T13:38:00", "title": "I oppose any legislation that lessens parental power", "text": "I oppose any laws that diminish parental power over decisions made for children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88969", "author": "Frederick Costello", "date": "2021-01-08T13:38:00", "title": "Transgenderism and Objective Reality", "text": "Reality exists in the world around us.  It is not a figment of the imagination.  If a person's mind does not agree with reality, he is insane.  If a male thinks he is a female, he needs psychiatric treatment that gets him to accept his physical body.  If a male thinks he is an eagle and goes to the top of a building to demonstrate his flying ability, would you encourage him to fly? Stop facilitating the denial of sexual reality."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88971", "author": "Pat Kolakoski", "date": "2021-01-08T13:40:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this legislation", "text": "I strongly oppose this legislation.  Parents should continue being parents and do what is right for their children.  The government has no right to override this duty."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88974", "author": "Kristin Mehigan", "date": "2021-01-08T13:44:00", "title": "I support inclusive schools", "text": "I support inclusive schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88975", "author": "Eric P. Hogan", "date": "2021-01-08T13:48:00", "title": "These bills pre-suppose an ideology that is not shared by the majority of americans", "text": "Nobody will argue that discrimination, bullying, and harassment are wrong and should be prevented no matter the person.  However, these laws do more than attempt to prevent those things.  In fact, it can and should be argued that additional legislation is superfluous and not necessary.  All of the discrimination identified in these bills are already covered in other state and federal laws.  Instead, this bill forces an ideology that a person's sex can change and that society should embrace this at the expense of the personal rights of parents, and other children (Check out the lawsuits that have occurred in Connecticut, Lexington VA and other places.  Does Virginia want to invite more of these?  Just the monetary cost of these lawsuits would be enough to shy away from this bill). This ideology is not based on any scientific fact, but rather a societal movement pushed by the agenda of very few.  Furthermore, we should recognize the rampant damage that this ideology has on society, families, and the children who are encouraged to embrace a belief that they will be happier if they modify their external appearance to match their inner feelings.  As if the external should take precedent.  There are now thousands of individuals who regret their sex transitions.  They realize that changing their outward appearance was not a cure for the incongruent feelings they had.  Worse still, there is little evidence that transgender transitioning has any meaningful effect on the depression, isolation, and social awkwardness that individuals suffering from gender dysphoria struggle with.  They do permanent, irreversible, damage to their bodies, and feel no better.  The suicide rate for those suffering from gender dysphoria and those who transition is nearly identical.  As are many measures of mental health.  Transitions don't' work.  And yet, we are willing to accept this ideology and allow it to be taught to the most vulnerable and impressionable of the population.  This is nothing short of child abuse and it should be rejected wholeheartedly."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88976", "author": "Maureen Barrett", "date": "2021-01-08T13:48:00", "title": "Transgender Policy", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88977", "author": "Nader", "date": "2021-01-08T13:48:00", "title": "Support trans students", "text": "I commend Virginia’s efforts to protect trans students, using an evidence-based approach. Current policies do not do enough to protect the welfare of LGBTQ+ students, which contributes to the murder & suicide epidemic amongst LGBTQ+ students, particularly people of color. Virginia will be better for it, accessing the infinite potential of these students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88979", "author": "Colleen Legare", "date": "2021-01-08T13:50:00", "title": "transgender policies", "text": "The big lie is that hormone replacement therapy, sex reassignment therapy, and/or misguided notions about one's sexual identity change the facts. A person's sex is determined at conception by his or her genes. Period. So let's keep it simple, folks. What does the original, unaltered birth certificate say? It's time to stop this nonsense about transgender \"rights\", protect all our children in the school environment, and get on with the business of educating them. Colleen Legare"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88980", "author": "Lorraine Floryan", "date": "2021-01-08T13:53:00", "title": "Transgender Regulations by the VA Dept of Education", "text": "Parents or the legal guardians of children should have input and in some cases the final say as to their children in regards to the issue of transgender. Parents or legal guardians are legally and morally responsible for their children!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88981", "author": "Amelia", "date": "2021-01-08T13:54:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Bringing up children is primarily parents’ responsibility. Intrusive Government rules undercutting parents’ rights and involvement are not acceptable. I strongly oppose this."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88982", "author": "Kevin McGraw", "date": "2021-01-08T13:55:00", "title": "A few reasons why I oppose the transgender policies proposed by the VDOE", "text": "Good afternoon! I comment today to strongly oppose the transgender policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). A few reasons why are: The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. The VDOE should not disregard the role of parents in public education. Thank you for the opportunity to express my view and take care!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88983", "author": "Gregory Thompson", "date": "2021-01-08T13:55:00", "title": "Rights of Parents and Science", "text": "I oppose any effort on the part of the Commonwealth of Virginia to undercut the role of parents in educating their children in the area of human sexuality. The science is actually very clear that sex assignment happens genetically and that no amount of hormone therapy or surgery can change the genetics of a man or woman to become the opposite sex. There is also data available with regards to the long term effects of transgender surgery that are not positive. See the following article: https://www.heritage.org/gender/commentary/transitioning-procedures-dont-help-mental-health-largest-dataset-shows"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88984", "author": "Robert Lee", "date": "2021-01-08T13:56:00", "title": "Strongly Oppose", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theriods that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88985", "author": "Alexis Mazzocco", "date": "2021-01-08T13:57:00", "title": "Transgender Regulations", "text": "I am firmly opposed to this proposal, which disregards parents’ role in bringing up their children and only serves to strengthen the decline of Virginia’s public school system."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88986", "author": "Susana Hill", "date": "2021-01-08T14:01:00", "title": "I strongly support the efforts to protect trans students!", "text": "I commend Virginia’s efforts to protect trans students, using an evidence-based approach. Current policies do not do enough to protect the welfare of LGBTQ+ students, which contributes to the murder & suicide epidemic amongst LGBTQ+ students, particularly people of color. Virginia will be better for it, accessing the infinite potential of these students."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88988", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T14:04:00", "title": "OPPOSED", "text": "The VDOE has gone far beyond its mandate in drafting this guidance.   Educators need to stop trying to replace parents and focus on academics. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other settings with a member of the opposite biological sex.   The proposal is inappropriately attempting to inject school board ideologies into young minds creating confusion, division, and harm to children, families, and communities."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88989", "author": "Keith A. Snider", "date": "2021-01-08T14:05:00", "title": "Transgender Policy Change", "text": "Dear Sir or Madam: I write in opposition to proposed changes to transgender policy language. The proposal oversteps the Department’s role and contravenes deeply-held parental convictions and should not occur. Please reconsider. Respectfully, Keith A. Snider Alexandria, VA"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88991", "author": "Tim Klobuchar", "date": "2021-01-08T14:09:00", "title": "Support from a teacher", "text": "I strongly support this guidance. I’ve taught high school English for 19 years, and know the importance of schools explicitly doing everything they can to ensure the well-being of all students. This guidance is not “imposing” anything. It’s protecting transgender students’ right to the same educational experience as everyone else."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88992", "author": "Jim Feeney", "date": "2021-01-08T14:09:00", "title": "Sexual Preference and eduction", "text": "One's sexual preference and or identity does NOT give them the right to expose another's child to his/her views!"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88995", "author": "Claudia seely", "date": "2021-01-08T14:12:00", "title": "Oppose Transgender policies that aren't allowing parent involvement in a the life of their children", "text": "No child should be forced to share bathrooms, showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms when on overnight school activity, 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. Schools shouldn't encourage talks about transgender issues, promoting approval in any way, influencing children's opinions and creating issues with families believes or moral standars."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88996", "author": "Daniel L Yasenchak", "date": "2021-01-08T14:13:00", "title": "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools)", "text": "The departments proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity.  This is another action that will further diminish support for public schools in our state."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "88998", "author": "Timothy Edward Keeney", "date": "2021-01-08T14:15:00", "title": "Oppose, science shows that children have not yet developed consequential thinking at this age", "text": "This does not protect children.  Scientist tell us that consequential thinking does not fully develop until sometime in our early twenties.  Because of this parents need to have a role in protecting their children from rash decisions that have lifetime consequences."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89000", "author": "Marianne Mazzatenta", "date": "2021-01-08T14:20:00", "title": "OPPOSE Transgender policies proposed by the VDOE", "text": "I OPPOSE Transgender policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education. The VDOE should not disregard the role of parents in public education. If VDOE approves the draft policies, they would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students. The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity. These bills pre-suppose an ideology that is not shared by the majority of Americans. Thank you, Marianne Mazzatenta"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89001", "author": "Stacey", "date": "2021-01-08T14:20:00", "title": "VDOE guidelines", "text": "I do not approve of the proposed VDOE guidelines. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. The proposed guidelines are based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89003", "author": "Vanessa Dominguez, PhD, LPC-R, LMFT-R; ODU, Wholehearted Counseling of HR", "date": "2021-01-08T14:24:00", "title": "SUPPORT THE EQUITABLE TREATMENT OF TRANS STUDENTS", "text": "The proposed model policies for treatment of transgender and gender diverse students in the state of Virginia are in comportment with the ethical codes of the American Counseling Association and American Psychological Association, as well as the World Professional Health for Transgender Health Standards of Care."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89005", "author": "klark D.", "date": "2021-01-08T14:28:00", "title": "transgender mandate", "text": "I strongly oppse the transgender mandate that is under discussion.  It is not the role of VDOE to get involved in such matters.The proposal injects leberal anti-family ideas into the eduacation process and effectively undermines basic moral values. I do not want my daughter to be placed in a position where she has to accept various arrinagements with a boy  who mentally decides he wants to be a girl. Should this pass I will insure that no child of mine will participate in the school system. Thank you. Klark"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89006", "author": "Maureen Titsworth", "date": "2021-01-08T14:35:00", "title": "Transgender Policies", "text": "Please do not disregard the role of parents in public education.  Students that consider themselves transgender should gain guidance and direction from their parents and medical professionals.  The proposed policies encourage young people to adopt transgender ideology when convenient and seemingly to their advantage."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89007", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T14:40:00", "title": "Opposed to cutting out parents", "text": "Any policies that is open to ignoring or dismissing parents runs counter to schools' mission of supporting students. Supporting discord between a student and parents harms the family and parent-child relationship.  Parents should be fully informed at all times, doing otherwise infringes on the parents' First Amendment rights. Additionally, young children should not be forced to share restrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations with someone of the opposite biological sex. There is a hightened risk of trauma in those situations. Additionally, there is risk to health and wellness of a child by encouraging them to choose their gender preference at such a young age. As a child I was a tomboy growing up and liked to play video games and sports with the boys in our neighborhood and didn’t like to play dolls with my sisters. My parents and teachers knew these things but did not encourage any thought around gender preference but encouraged me to do what I was interested in. I am grateful that I never gave any thought to the things children are exposed to today, which would have led to confusion and anxiety.  I am now a well educated, well employed FEMALE engineer and work in the data science realm with many male coworkers. Being interested in topics that are typically associated with males does not mean that one should be encouraged to choose a different gender, but they so often are today at too young an age to fully understand. They should be taught that they can be whatever they want to be and their gender does not prevent them from doing so. I grew up always fully confident in my identity, and parents are most capable of handling any situation in this realm, not schools."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89009", "author": "Darcy McCabe", "date": "2021-01-08T14:46:00", "title": "VDOE Guidelines", "text": "Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex, particularly adults, in gendered facilities or on an overnight school trip when they may have to share a room. This regulation would go against the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89010", "author": "Sam Camacho", "date": "2021-01-08T14:46:00", "title": "Absolutely OPPOSE to this! Parents should have and responsibility overall in regards to their kids", "text": "Absolutely OPPOSE to this! Parents should have and responsibility overall in regards to their children and their education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89011", "author": "Kevin OBrien", "date": "2021-01-08T14:46:00", "title": "Protect Biological Women from Adverse Effects of Transgender Dogma", "text": "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. We can accommodate Transgender students without traumatizing non-transgender students nor infringe on the parental responsibilities to instills morals and values."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89013", "author": "Francis Brenner", "date": "2021-01-08T14:46:00", "title": "Strongly oppose this legislation", "text": "Strongly oppose this legislation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89014", "author": "anne", "date": "2021-01-08T14:48:00", "title": "wrong!!!!!  should never be enforced", "text": "These \"rules\" are dangerous for individuals as well as educational personnel.  parents should be the ones to make these decisions and it looks as if they are cut out completely.  I would not want to be a teacher having to abide by these corrupt and evil rules."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89016", "author": "Adrianne Rutledge", "date": "2021-01-08T14:53:00", "title": "Strong oppose", "text": "Strongly oppose eliminating parental involvement at all levels. If you are trying to support the child you need to facilitate communication between all parties The term child abuse being used when sharing biblical knowledge. 3. restrooms open to all eliminating privacy"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89017", "author": "Disabled Veteran", "date": "2021-01-08T14:54:00", "title": "The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools", "text": "What is maddening about this whole topic is the millions of wasted dollars spent by our career bureaucratic politicians crafting these House and Senate bills and then additional millions of dollars wasted by the VDOE developing these policies for implementation.  This is parents business, not the school.  Our House and Senate need more direction. They would be better off developing policies that encourage economic growth and ensuring fair elections by registered citizens than wasting time on this clearly first world problem."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89019", "author": "Jim Felkel", "date": "2021-01-08T14:57:00", "title": "Opposed to proposed policies", "text": "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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89021", "author": "Daniel Rutledge", "date": "2021-01-08T14:58:00", "title": "Oppose", "text": "This infringes upon our parental rights to know what education is being force fed to our children. With intentionally excluding communication with parents."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89024", "author": "Penelope Bender", "date": "2021-01-08T15:05:00", "title": "Support Our Trans Students", "text": "We strongly support this policy.  All children must be nurtured, cared for, and protected, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89025", "author": "Andrea Elliott", "date": "2021-01-08T15:06:00", "title": "Opposition", "text": "To put the majority of children/adults in an uncomfortable and dangerous situation to accommodate a few is irresponsible and unfair. Any human but especially a child should never be forced to share a room/shower/bathroom with a member of the biologically opposite sex.  This document must be opposed and common sense must prevail."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89027", "author": "Tamela Frick", "date": "2021-01-08T15:09:00", "title": "Strongly OPPOSE these transgender policies", "text": "I strongly oppose these transgender policies. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and inherent dignity of all students. Parents and children should not be pitted against one another in this situation. The model regulations infringe upon the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. So many children will feel afraid to go into a bathroom at school if they are not assured that someone of the opposite biological sex will not be in that room. These guidelines are absurd and have no place in any school at all. Boys are boys and girls are girls. Biological sex is determined at conception and cannot be changed because someone feels like they should be the opposite sex. The Virginia Department of Education has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. No child should be forced to shower with, share a locker room or hotel room or other intimate setting with someone of the opposite sex. Schools should not be accommodating this harmful view during youth or encouraging these harmful irreversible \"gender transitions\" Parental rights are at stake. Schools cannot permit major life decisions to be made by children and adolescents without parental knowledge or permission. These model policies are not safe for children physically, mentally or spiritually. I strongly oppose these transgender policies. They are highly immoral, unethical and oppose common sense completely."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89029", "author": "Fr. Stephen Vaccaro, Nativity Catholic Church", "date": "2021-01-08T15:11:00", "title": "Oppose transgender policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education", "text": "As a Faith Leader in Fairfax County, I feel the proposed policies are misguided and gravely harmful to the people of this community.  My thoughts are as follows: 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."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89030", "author": "Student Fairfax County", "date": "2021-01-08T15:11:00", "title": "Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing f", "text": "Does anyone have a problem with this?  What about my right to privacy especially if a male student who is not trans or nonbinary decides he wants to play a joke and goes into my locker room or bathroom?  Where are my rights? What about my right as a person to not feel safe in these situations that will go unchecked? \" Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student's gender identity shall be available to all students.\" (policy draft p. 18) \"school staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom \" (p.18) Give trans and nonbinary their own bathroom........  what is so wrong with that?  You are still not hiding anything, everybody knows who is who......  keeps everyone happy that way.  Some kids will always be mean and treat others with disrespect, so keep trans and nonbinary's (some of my friends) safe from the bullies. You can't force this on kids......  some will never buy it."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89031", "author": "Brian Prindle", "date": "2021-01-08T15:12:00", "title": "Stop experimenting with the innocence of our young children", "text": "Innocent children should not be subjected to newly created so called (gender ideology) theory for the most fragile and easily terrified of our society. Brian Prindle"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89032", "author": "Ed Dudash", "date": "2021-01-08T15:22:00", "title": "Oppose the proposed transgender policies", "text": "You are proposing changing the rules for less then 5% of the school population. These changes are in direct opposition to the vast majority of parents. What about the rights of the 95+% of the students?"}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89033", "author": "Chris Russo", "date": "2021-01-08T15:23:00", "title": "Respect Parental Rights", "text": "The VDOE should not disregard the role of parents in public education. If VDOE approves the draft policies, they would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students. The VDOE should respect the role of parents in public education."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89034", "author": "James Bertine", "date": "2021-01-08T15:24:00", "title": "Stop harmful transgeneral policies", "text": "The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children.  Schools are important to help educate children so that when they are adults, they can then handle the issues they will face when mature. Why mess with young minds, when reading, writing, and arithmetic are the important tools they will need to succeed - not sex issues."}
{"forum_id": "452", "comment_id": "89036", "author": "Anonymous", "date": "2021-01-08T15:28:00", "title": "strongly oppose", "text": "I strongly oppose the VDOE concerning transgender.   This is another liberal attempt to take over parental responsibilites and concerns.  These children need counseling, not accommodation for what is when it comes right down to it body dysmorphia. Additionally, I provide the following thoughts 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."}