[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: 89227
Title: Opposition to transgender policies proposed by the VDOE.
Body:
I strongly oppose the transgender policies proposed by the VDOE (HB 145 & SB 161).  These policies are certainly not needed and very much take away the rights of parents raising their children according to their own values and beliefs.  The purpose of the public school system is to educate our children--not to take on responsibilities of the parents. Laws and policies are meant to serve the people.  These two policies certainly do NOT serve the majority of people just wanting to raise their children according to what they believe is best.

---
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: 89228
Title: Opposition to transgender bills for schools
Body:
I do not support these transgender bills. These transitions can result in sterilization of the individual, which is a tragedy as they as too young to know if they want children. And why is it illegal to smoke before 18 and drink before 21, but these children can have hormones of the opposite sex (according to their genetics) injected, which is much more dangerous? This bill makes all children less safe and should not pass.

---
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: 89229
Title: Strongly urge support of trans and non gender binary students
Body:
The childhood and teen years are a really important time for people to discover who they are.  For some that means the realization that they do not fit the gender norms set by society or their gender does not match the one assigned at birth.  It is vital for the mental health of these students that they be treated fairly as well as gently and compassionately so that they may develop into healthy adult citizens.  These guides will not negatively effect other students' rights.

---
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: 89230
Title: Undermines parent-child relationship
Body:
Parents can only make good decisions about their children's well-being based on full information. It's important that schools communicate fully with parents, so that all parties can work together to help a child navigate life circumstances. I'd like to see a provision requiring communication with parents, rather than the school hiding very important, life-changing information from a child's legal guardians.

---
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: 89231
Title: Concerned for the safety of our children
Body:
I am opposed to the policies in this document.  We must uphold the safety and bodily privacy of our students, and the parental rights of their parents. These are some of the problems I have with these policies: The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity.

---
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: 89232
Title: SUPPORT
Body:
I SUPPORT the guidance.

---
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: 89233
Title: oppose
Body:
As a human beings,  all creatures have inalienable rights. These are rights to be treated with dignity and respect.  I feel that the children today are being cheated and disrespected by the window of leeway we are placing on their shoulders.  We are born male or female.  If there is confusion in the genetics, we need to find out the reason. It is not just something that over 2000 plus years we can decide is all the sudden changing.  What are we doing environmentally to cause these children such turmoil?  Unfortunately, the children today are having these feelings.  I feel we need to educate them on who they are, allow them separate bathrooms or spaces to feel safe, but do not let their immature minds have to think they are different. Help them to know who they really are.  I oppose this bill for the way it is written.

---
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: 89235
Title: Strongly oppose
Body:
Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”.

---
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: 89237
Title: OPPOSE PROMOTING CONFUSION IN CHILDREN
Body:
It is arrogant and irresponsible for schools to encourage children who are confused about their gender.  Science proves the vast majority of these confused children outgrow it by the time they are adults.  Encouraging them leads to greater depression and ill-health while disrespecting most of the student population and their parents.

---
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: 89238
Title: Oppose the transgender proposals
Body:
I refuse the proposal by VDOE desires to implement on the basis of moral dereliction of duty on the behalf of children.  If this process is permitted our youth will suffer far beyond their ability to comprehend  now in their tender years of development as well as irrevocable damage to their psyche, and clear understanding of their reason for being a stable part of humanity, never fully being accepted in the real world.

---
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: 89239
Title: Please Protect Transgender Students; they deserve equal treatment respecting their identities
Body:
As the grandfather of a transgender student I have seen the difficulties my grandson, formerly grand daughter, has had to face in changing his gender identity.  I applaud the Department for going forward with the proposed Bill and guidance policies, which should produce a more equal educational opportunity for all Virginia's school children, especially including those who question or change their gender identity.

---
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: 89240
Title: opposed - stop the madness
Body:
The model requires more than the legislation does to the point that if implemented it will transgress on the rights of other students, parents, and even school staff.  It should be revised to do what the law requires and no more.  It is one thing to reinforce things like compliance with existing non-discrimination laws but to require school staff to use pronouns that are contrary to sex assigned at birth (and really at conception as we know from science) is to force them to lie.  And when the teachers are required to lie about one truth then where will the line be drawn?  Our schools must teach truth (and truth is immutable or it isn't truth) or we will become like the dystopian societies that we read about only in fiction.

---
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: 89241
Title: Support the transgender student policies
Body:
It is essential that children be able to learn without suffering discrimination or harassment. These policies will promote that critical goal. A recent study found that over 70% of gay or transgender kids received threats because of their identity; schools have a moral and legal obligation to protect their students from this kind of harassment at school. These policies are necessary. These policies lay out how schools can prevent gender-based harassment or address it effectively to support and protect students if harassment occurs. These policies will help transgender students feel safe and respected at school, which is necessary for them to have equal access to education.

---
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: 89242
Title: Don’t approve
Body:
I do not approve of this! Parents need to be advised and involved.

---
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: 89243
Title: Strongly appose
Body:
Children are children, some still need support outside to ensure their safety, when adults they can decide.

---
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: 89244
Title: oppose Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools
Body:
The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed.

---
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: 89245
Title: Transgender policy document
Body:
Strongly oppose adoption of these policies.

---
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: 89246
Title: OPPOSE strongly the VDOE proposed policies re: transgender
Body:
I oppose the alleged need for new VDOE policies regarding so-called transgender children.  They are CHILDREN, who do not have the maturity to determine that they "belong to another sex" other than the one they physically have. My reasons for opposing these proposed policy changes have been clearly articulated by many others who have responded.

---
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: 89248
Title: Oppose
Body:
Dear Legislature, I would like to request that the legislature oppose the proposed Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students .  While I certainly appreciate the difficulties of students facing gender dysphoria the proposed policies are not fair to their teachers & fellow students nor to them. Students at this age are wont to change their minds (which is fair & normal) so teachers would readily find themselves unfairly charged with harassment on any given day. With respect to their fellow students, it is entirely inappropriate to be introducing this to the majority of students who will not suffer from gender dysphoria as a state wide mandate.  Most students are not concerned with nor interested in these matters and to introduce this to them is wrong at young ages.  I have known many students to be overwhelmed by the information at young ages and labeled as something they are not if they do not "check the box" as something once introduced. The proposed agenda is far ahead of the AMA standards for natural development and introduction of these issues.  Especially given that parents are not required to be informed first. Students who have wrestled with gender dysphoria have been violated by this type of well intentioned proposal.  Being too young to fully know their minds and bodies they have felt encouraged and emboldened by their academic institutions and have made dramatic decisions at impressionable ages to their disappointment & despair at adulthood.  If we tell our youth that their minds are not fully developed enough to handle drugs and alcohol until age 25 (see all VA Drivers Ed requirements) then why would we encourage them to take hormones and consider transitioning at such young ages?  We frown upon them drinking milk with hormones!? Finally, this challenges Women's Rights.  The transgender movement violates Title IX.  The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations including athletics.  Scientific data has found and worldwide athletic organizations have concluded that no amount of hormone therapy evens the playing field for a male athlete who identifies as a female.  The Economist published articles throughout the Fall of 2020 to this effect, most recently: Liberalism and its contradictions (10/24/2020.)  "Ending discrimination against one group of people should not depend on discriminating against another."  Look no further than states that have passed these initiatives and note the rate at which female athletic records have been claimed by male athletes identifying as women.  Our eldest daughter chases a 20 year track record at her high school that would undoubtedly be claimed by a mediocre male athlete within the year of this decision.  It is already frustrating enough to train with male athletes much less compete against them.  What are we telling our female athletes?  We will lose them. Please be very careful with our youth.  There are a myriad of ways to help ALL of our youth navigate the difficulties of coming of age, this proposal is not one of them. Jennifer Glade Alexandria, VA

---
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: 89249
Title: Protect Parent and children's rights
Body:
The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity.

---
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: 89251
Title: Oppose
Body:
These policies are deeply harmful to 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: 89252
Title: Oppose As Being Clearly Unconstitutional on Several Fronts
Body:
This proposal is beyond misguided, because it is inherently unconstitutional on a number of grounds.  Hence, it will result in an unsuccessful and wasteful struggle within court systems, which should be utilized for real issues, not agenda-driven and hypothetical issues. It would violate and interfere with : [1] parental rights in raising and educating children on innate matters pertaining to sexuality and sexual identity; [2] the privacy rights of parents in implementing [1]; [3] the privacy rights of the children themselves in their self-awareness of their sexual identities; [4] the privacy rights of children in avoiding exposure to members of the opposite sex while undressed; [5] the rights of children to be educated solely in matters that pertain to academic matters, which exclude hypothetical matters about which there is a huge amount of academic disagreement and which is contrary to the teachings of most of the mainstream religions within the USA; and [6] it would expose children to concepts and theories about which they unequipped to fairly apply mature examination and assessment.

---
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: 89253
Title: STRONGLY OPPOSED, protect parental rights! Protect chilren!
Body:
this goes totally against parental rights and children well being. protect children innocence Opposed completely

---
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: 89255
Title: Support
Body:
Transgender students deserve to be safe and supported in school. Thank you for considering policies aimed at ensuring the safety and support of these students.

---
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: 89257
Title: No to Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Body:
I oppose the “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.” I do not condone discrimination against transgender students, but I oppose any accommodation for these students that violates the right of privacy of all other students and discriminates against all students by forcing them to follow arbitrary rules that cannot be reasonably enforced. These rules force most students to give up their right of privacy, especially where the use of bathrooms, gym locker rooms and showers are concerned. Biological differences between male and female persons are scientifically undeniable. Boys who think they are transgender or female cannot be allowed to use girls facilities and conversely, girls who think they are transgender or male cannot be allowed to use boys facilities. Adolescents are impressionable and sensitive about their identity. Forcing them to accept transgender behavior and putting them in embarrassing situations that violate their privacy will cause confusion and psychological trauma. Teachers and school administrators should not be trying to enforce arbitrary rules that distract from their primary responsibilities to educate. Parents are responsible for raising their children to deal with societal situations. School personnel must not usurp the parents’ responsibilities. Students and parents risk being harassed, humiliated and punished because they uphold the universal truths of natural law recognized by the overwhelming majority of people in the world which recognize the fundamental differences between boys and girls, men and women. Biological differences are not arbitrary, they are a scientific fact. Anyone who thinks they are of a sex different from the one evidenced by their DNA and physical attributes need compassionate medical and emotional help to deal with their situation, not arbitrary rules forcing others to accept their situation.

---
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: 89258
Title: I STRONGLY OPPOSE!!
Body:
This new found "law" is ridiculous! This is going against the idea of free will. And unconstitutional. The fact of the matter is, the school board is forcing a new code, against the children and the parent's of the children. 1] parents can't raise their children. It should not concern the school how to raise other people's children. The school should concerns themselves with the subjects of school (math, science, history) the overall academic performance of the student. 2] The negligence of the school to not inform the parents of the student?! That's absurd, the parents should be the first to be informed. That's a stab in the back to parent's. How is the child suppose to form a healthy relationship with the parent, if the school is interfering? Overall the idea to introduce such atrocity is beyond comprehension. And the plan to put such idea into motion is not justifiable. The school has no right to invoke themselves into an delicate issue that shouldn't be there problem. Don't concern yourself with something that is not your problem.

---
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: 89259
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: 89260
Title: Practices for trans students
Body:
Oppose, there has to be a better way to protect trans students and non-trans students at the same time. Gender surgeries should only be for adults. Young children are still developing sense of self, please do not place this conversation on five year olds. More trauma could come from this.

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