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Edison board repeals transgender student privacy policy after hours of public testimony
Summary
After more than five hours of public comment and testimony from students, parents, clinicians and clergy, the Edison Township Board of Education voted to repeal policy 5756, which had guided staff handling of student gender identity and privacy. Supporters of repeal cited parental rights; opponents warned of increased risk to vulnerable students.
The Edison Township Board of Education voted on May 20 to repeal district policy 5756, the local guidance that had allowed some school staff to withhold a student’s gender identity from parents in certain circumstances. The decision followed an extended public hearing during which students, parents, educators, medical professionals and clergy offered sharply divided testimony.
Supporters of repeal, including several board members, said the move restores parents as partners in decisions affecting children and argued that state and federal anti-discrimination laws already protect students. Board member Ronak Patel said the change “brings parents back into the conversation” while ensuring students remain legally protected under other district policies and state law.
Opponents described the repeal as dangerous for…
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