As a teacher myself, my top priority is to protect my students both emotionally and physically. These policies would help to ensure that ALL students feel safe and protected at school. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs states that students first need to feel safe, feel that they belong, and feel confidence in themselves before they can fully participate in problem solving. It is the responsibility of the VDOE to ensure that policies are in place to help prevent any possible discrimination. Time and time again, we have unfortunately seen discrimination toward transgender people turn violent and even deadly. We must protect all students. Please enact these policies to protect our transgender youth.