We are in opposition to the draft model policies set forth by the Virginia Department of Education.  An individual's gender is determined at conception by their creator, and is not subject to human manipulation or change.  Attempts to reverse these God given genders will result in lasting physical, emotional, and mental harm.  Children and young people do not have the mental maturity to understand the consequences and make these radical life changing decisions.  It is wrong for the our education organizations to encourage the child in making these decisions.  The policies set forth by this document does encourage children to do this and discourages them from discussing and being accountable to their parents.  This is the responsibility of the parents to teach, train, and make these decisions regarding their child's welfare.  The parent does have the right to discourage the child from altering their birth gender without government interference.  These policies will allow biological males to utilize female restrooms and locker facilities which could cause sexual abuse, fear and trauma for these females.  This policy forces one view of human sexuality on others whose differing views and faith does not agree with this policy.  The government does not have the right to take away this freedom of thought, speech, and belief from the parents, teachers and student.