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Residents urge board to revise policy 5145.7 on gender identity; board cites New Jersey law
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged revision of district policy 5145.7, arguing it conflicts with recent federal court rulings and that parents should not be excluded; the board replied that New Jersey law and Commissioner of Education guidance are binding and promised review by the policy committee.
Several members of the public used the board’s public comment period to call for immediate revision of district policy 5145.7 on gender identity and expression, arguing the policy’s confidentiality provisions conflict with recent federal legal developments and with parents’ rights.
Ellen Hanley opened the comments urging the board to "immediately review and revise policy 5145.7" and cited a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision referenced in her remarks as a legal basis for changing the district’s policy to avoid future litigation and attorney‑fee awards. "If the district does not amend its current policy, a new lawsuit could be filed which would be even more expensive than the last one," Hanley said.
Paul Cesco and Wendy Pearson made related comments, arguing the policy places school officials in decision‑making roles that belong to parents and that the confidentiality provisions—where a student’s birth name may be withheld from parents—risk eroding trust. Cesco suggested accommodations such as unisex restrooms as alternatives and emphasized protecting parental religious beliefs; Pearson asked how teachers should respond if a parent directly asks about a student’s status.
The board responded that the specific federal decision raised by commenters is not binding in New Jersey and emphasized that the district must comply with New Jersey’s anti‑discrimination law, Commissioner of Education regulations, and NJDOE guidance. The board also noted that unisex restrooms and facility accommodations are available and encouraged students to speak with teachers, counselors or principals about accommodations.
Board members said the policy committee will review new policies provided by the district legal firm; no immediate policy change was adopted at the meeting.
