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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96764
Title: No
Body:
I don’t agree with this!

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96765
Title: STRONGLY OPPOSE
Body:
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.

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96766
Title: Strong Oppose
Body:
[No body text provided]

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96767
Title: Strong Oppose
Body:
[No body text provided]

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96768
Title: Strongly Support
Body:
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!!

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96769
Title: Strongly Oppose!!!!!!!
Body:
Strongly oppose!!!!!’

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96770
Title: No! No! No!
Body:
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!!

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96771
Title: Transgender
Body:
Strongly oppose -

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96772
Title: STRONG SUPPORT. TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS
Body:
strongly support this measure! TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. This will SAVE LIVES!

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96773
Title: Our trans students deserve protections!
Body:
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.

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96774
Title: Very Strongly Support - Protect Trans Kids
Body:
"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.

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96775
Title: Better than nothing but could go farther
Body:
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

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96776
Title: I strongly oppose. This is an infringement on religious liberty and parental rights
Body:
I strongly oppose. This is an infringement on religious liberty and parental rights & bad for our children.

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96777
Title: Model Policies Should Serve to Benefit All Students, While Accommodating Specific Concerns
Body:
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.

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96778
Title: I strongly oppose this Document
Body:
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.

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96779
Title: Very Strongly support
Body:
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.

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96780
Title: Support the Guidance for Safe & Equal Learning Environment
Body:
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, th... [truncated]

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96781
Title: SUPPORT!!
Body:
I Support this!!

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96782
Title: Strongly Oppos LLP
Body:
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.

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96783
Title: Strongly oppose state control of gender modification
Body:
Strongly oppose State usurping rights of parents concerning minor children and gender issues, including changes physically, mentally or emotionally.

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96784
Title: Imposing these views unilaterally oppress religious views. Accommodations can be made to support TG
Body:
[No body text provided]

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96785
Title: Strongly agree
Body:
LBGT+ deserve to be safe from bullying, harassment and discrimination, especially at school.

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96786
Title: Inclusion Policy
Body:
Strongly support this

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96787
Title: Strongly oppose - Quit politicizing the schools
Body:
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.

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96788
Title: Strongly oppose
Body:
I strongly oppose the transgender policy!!!

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


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

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

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

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

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 96789
Title: "Gender fluidity" is made up of nonsensically garbage used to balkanize the working class
Body:
"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.

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