Dear Members of the Virginia Department of Education,

It is appalling to me that you are suggesting transgender policies for the public schools of Virginia that are so disruptive and unenforceable.

It appears that you believe that all students are perfect examples of humanity who never take advantage of a situation to create problems for others, particularly those in authority.

Do you honestly believe that students will not say they have changed gender just to annoy a teacher or administrator from day to day?

Do you really believe that teenage boys seeking a sexual thrill are not going to invade a girls' restroom or locker room just because they can by saying they are transgender?

Do really want to create the scenario where a student who is unhappy with a grade or a criticism from a teacher can force the dismissal of a teacher on the basis that their gender has not been respected--with no substantiation?

How many teachers' lives have been destroyed by unsubstantiated claims of "sexual harassment" in the past?

What are you thinking when you suggest that all parents (other than yourselves of course) are a threat to the identity of their children? That parents should not be notified when a child is making a life changing, possibly life-threatening decision is ludicrous. If a child has a fever, a sore throat, or any number of other minor illnesses, teachers, school administrators are expected to notify the parents immediately. Why not here? Do you assume that most parents, outside the VDOE, do not love their children and want what is best for them in their lives?

Children with legitimate identity issues need help, particularly psychological help, from as many sources as possible. Children who are taking advantage of a situation, such as these proposed policies, to create problems for others or just to pull a prank, should not be given opportunity to do so in the name of equality or social justice. There is no equality or justice in destroying lives of other people, on a teenage whim.

Policies should be equitable to all--teachers, students and administrators. These proposals are not. If implemented they will create infinite discord in classrooms at all levels, but particularly at the middle and high school levels.

Go back to the drawing board. Put yourself and your family in the middle of this situation and come up with policies that make sense and help more than hurt the children and families of Virginia.