Sir, Ma'am: Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
I have serious reservations on aspects of the "Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students in VA Public Schools" and request substantial modification or rescission. While I am supportive of efforts to reduce bullying and harrassment, these guidelines go far beyond supporting a safe school environment by endorsing positions on transgenderism that include controversial and harmful ideas such as male and female being being defined as a 'cluster of physical features' or that gender identity is declared at age 5-6. These ideas are harmful, particularly when shared by authority figures (the public school). They directly oppose the firmly held and scientifically based reality of men and women. I fear for the confusion we introduce into children that will bring them long term harm.
If the intent is to reduce bullying and harrassment, please focus on respecting the dignity of the individual and do not accompany these guidelines with definitions and education that are firmly rejected by science and the Judeo-Christian faith. Parents must have say in the education of their children. The concepts of transgenderism are complex and should not be promoted in public schools.
----------
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.
-