Neighbors urge Neptune board to rescind policy 5756; supporters defend district safeguards
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Summary
Public comment at the Neptune Township Board meeting featured calls from parents and community groups to rescind policy 5756 (gender identity policy) while other speakers argued the policy protects vulnerable students and that staff misconduct should be investigated.
A large portion of public comment at the Neptune Township Board of Education meeting focused on calls to rescind board policy 5756, which several speakers described as allowing gender identity recognition without parental notice.
Gerald Maglio of the Dolores Turco Foundation urged the board to repeal "transgender policy 5756," arguing it "violates parental rights" and referenced litigation and professional organizations in support of his position. Kim Linley and Dan Finney presented similar arguments, saying the policy is "divisive" and undermines trust between parents and schools.
Other public speakers pushed back. Jasmine Sacotelco and Tara Samuels defended the district’s inclusive approach and warned that policies that protect transgender students are necessary, citing a past student suicide and urging that allegations about staff misconduct be investigated rather than dismissed.
The board did not take action to rescind or amend policy 5756 during the meeting. Multiple speakers asked for clarity on policy provisions cited during public comment (for example, whether and how parents are notified and how the district balances student privacy and parental involvement). The transcript shows no formal board vote on policy 5756 at this session; proponents and opponents made statements during the public-comment portion.