All children deserve to feel safe and that they belong at school regardless of their identity (gender, race, religion or otherwise). Our government has the obligation to provide all children an equitable education. No child should be made to feel unsafe or unwelcome simply because of their identity.
I am not transgender, nor are my school-age children or other members of my family. However, this issue is deeply personal to me as a person who cares about others and believes in the ideals of our state and country that all people should be treated equal. Our government has an obligation to protect and educate ALL children, not just those whose gender identity conforms with some Virginians concepts of what is "normal." No human being is harmed by another human being living as their true self.
I urge you not only to ratify and release this Guidance Document but to make it abundantly clear that hate has no home in Virginia.