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Public speakers urge Watchung Hills board to keep Policy 57‑56; members defer decision to Sept. 30
Summary
Dozens of public commenters and faculty urged the Watchung Hills Regional High School District Board to retain Policy 57‑56, which addresses transgender students' access to facilities and participation in athletics. Board members debated legal scope, safety and procedure and agreed to reserve final action for the Sept. 30 business meeting.
The Watchung Hills Regional High School District Board of Education spent the bulk of its Sept. 9 work session on public comment and discussion about Policy 57‑56, a district rule that governs protections for transgender students and their use of school facilities and participation in athletics. Speakers and several board members said they wanted more time and legal clarity before any repeal or revision.
Patty O’Byrne, a resident who addressed the board, urged trustees not to move ahead while related litigation continues, noting that federal courts and appeals remain active on similar policies. "Why are we wasting the time?…
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