As a Catholic, college student, and potential future educator, I cannot condone the policies that the Virginia Department of Education desires to put in place regarding transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals. It appears that the Department believes that these policies are in the best interest of our children. However, I must respectfully disagree. As an educator under the proposed policies, I would fear for the safety and well-being of my students, and for my own safety and well-being. I do not want to enforce policies that go against my belief that God created us "very good", male and female (Genesis 1:26-31). To teach anything other than that would keep children from embracing who they are and growing into who they are meant to be. Allowing the proposed changes would only confuse them during a time when they should be reaching further clarity of self. We must not take away a child's right to express their beliefs and grow into responsible citizens. We must also not take away the right that parents and teachers have to pass on their beliefs to their children. While the Department is trying to limit abuses through the proposed policies, I believe that they would allow for more safety violations. I am afraid that my students and I would be victims of harassment and discomfort if forced to use co-ed facilities. Please avoid enacting the proposed policies in order to preserve the physical and mental well-being of our community and our nation. I say this all out of love of our children, and with respect for our policymakers.