Edison board repeals transgender student privacy policy after hours of public testimony

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 students who are not ready or safe to disclose their gender identity at home. Licensed clinicians and school counselors testified that policies like 5756 reduce suicide risk and provide trained staff with a clear framework for protecting vulnerable young people. “If their families are abusive, outing a child can ruin lives,” student Cameo Silva told the board, speaking as a JP Stevens student.

Several parents described how school-based privacy permitted their children to come out when they were ready, allowing families to process the change on their own terms. Clinicians including Harvey Gatrell, a licensed clinical social worker, cited peer-reviewed findings that affirming school environments correlate with lower rates of suicidal ideation among LGBTQ youth.

Speakers in favor of repeal raised concerns about due process and parental rights. Some who opposed the policy said the district should not keep parents “in the dark” about major identity or medical questions. Others warned about fairness in athletics and privacy in locker rooms if schools were required to treat students' chosen names or restroom use as confidential from families.

President Jerry Shei, who supported the repeal, said administrators would continue to have discretion and that other district policies (5750 on equal educational access, 5512 on harassment and bullying, and board-approved procedures) remain in force. He said the district would work to ensure staff and families are supported during the change.

The board’s roll-call vote recorded a majority in favor of repeal; the motion carried. Several board members used the post‑vote period to explain their views: those who voted to repeal emphasized parental notification and said protections for students would still be enforced under other policies; those who voted to retain 5756 urged greater caution and cited clinical and community testimony on student safety.

Next steps were not completed during the meeting: administrators were directed to coordinate implementation and clarify procedures for staff, families and students. Board members and community speakers urged ongoing engagement and training to avoid confusion as the district transitions away from the former policy.

The board adjourned after committee reports and additional business.

Reported votes: The board recorded a roll‑call vote on the policy slate (including repeal of policy 5756); the motion carried with a majority of members voting to approve the policy changes.