I would like to go on record with my strongest possible opposition to the proposed policy.  Overall, this is an overreach by the government to impose ideologies that are harmful to children and families, and contrary to natural law.

The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed.

Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students.

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

Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity.

Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations.

From the beginning of time, parents have been entrusted with bringing children into the world, and making decisions for their children until they are legal adults.  The proposal is an infringement of parental First Amendment rights to raise and care for their children.  

We feel compassion for children and adults experiencing mental health conditions such as gender dysphoria.  The solution is to get them the mental health help and counseling they need, and not to promote irreversible bodily mutilation.

Thank you.