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Policy committee tables revision on gender‑identity policy; board to revisit student athletic participation
Summary
The board's policy committee reviewed extracurricular and gender-identity policies and agreed to table changes to Policy 5756 (gender identity and expression) until the next meeting to further study transgender student athletic participation and align with NJSSAA guidance.
At its Nov. 24 meeting the Morris School District policy committee reviewed Policy 2430 (extracurricular activities) and Policy 5756 (gender identity and expression) and agreed to postpone a first reading of revisions to the gender-identity policy.
Beth reported the committee heard from Smitty Horton of the MHS athletic department, who described how individual coaches and sports handle cuts differently and why the committee concluded that cut policies are best developed within athletic departments. On Policy 5756, Beth said the administration and guidance counselors have handled related situations to date, but the committee wanted more time to research NJSSAA guidance and consider specific language on transgender students' participation in sports.
"Although we have not had this situation arise as of yet, the committee had agreed to table the policy for first read until next month's meeting so we can specifically discuss transgender extracurricular and athletic participation," Beth said. The committee scheduled further review and anticipates bringing a first-read draft at the next policy meeting.
The decision preserves the current practice while the committee seeks additional guidance and any recommended language changes for a formal first read.
