To whom this may concern--

As a Virginia citizen and a mom, I am concerned that the Board of Health is entertaining a policy/rule that would label transgender women a threat and ban transgender women and girls from playing sports.  First and foremost, our schools have the responsibility for providing safe and affirming spaces for ALL young people.  

Trans students are few, but are also some of our most vulnerable youth.  According to CDC data, trans young people suffer much higher rates of depression and suicide ideation than other young people.  The cause can be traced to the way too many in our communities feel it is acceptable to bully and other these youth.   Trans young people have the right to live and go to school free from discrimination and recrimination.  

Young women in sports come in all shapes and sizes.  Some are small, some tall, some stronger than others.  Having a transgender young person play sports does not necessarily give them the upper hand in competition. Sports are important in a young person's development--they can learn team work, strive for success and learn how to handle failure.  Many trans young people already feel isolated.  To further isolate them by banning them from sports is dangerous.

Further, it is imperative that all of our students learn empathy and understanding for one another.  A policy that demonizes trans youth sends the wrong message.

Banning transgender students from sports is not founded in science but in ideology.  It is unnecessary and hurts all young people.  Research shows that when schools institute policies that support ALL young people in their care--when they don't tolerate bullying based on ability, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender--all of our students benefit. 

I urge you not to pass a rule that would demonize trans youth or keep trans young women from playing sports.  While such a policy might be politically expedient in this political atmosphere, it is damaging to all of our children and teaches them that it is ok to bully those who are different from them. 

Sincerely,

Deb Hauser