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ROXBURY – For the second time in a few weeks, a board of education has reaffirmed a state policy that protects transgender students.
The Monday night vote in this Morris County town followed a similar action late last month in Old Bridge in Middlesex County.
Republicans made public schools a major issue in last month’s legislative elections. There were complaints about “pornographic” books in school, a “woke” curriculum, and an agenda that encourages a gay and/or transgender lifestyle.
That sentiment prompted – or at least it did nothing to deter – a reported nine New Jersey school boards to scrap policy 5657, which says teachers and staff must respect a student’s gender identity. Moreover, they are not required to tell parents about it.
Eliminating that policy does not change state laws against discrimination, but it was seen by some as a symbolic protest against a left-leaning school policy.
The November election, however, was not good for Republicans; the GOP lost six seats in the Assembly and the Senate remained as is.
In the wake of that election, two boards have endorsed, or technically refused to scrap, the state policy on transgender students.
It’s hazardous to read too much into one election, but last month’s results tell us state voters are not nearly as unhappy with New Jersey public schools as the GOP’s campaign rhetoric suggested.
In Roxbury, the board agreed to get rid of the policy at an earlier meeting, but when it came to a final vote on Monday – it backed keeping the policy intact in a 6-3 vote.
The makeup of the school board will change next year, so there may be another vote on the issue. But as of now, it’s status quo.
One thing about the so-called culture wars as they relate to gender: the arguments tend to be the same. That doesn’t mean they’re insincere, just that opinions are well established.
Right in step with that view, Greg Quinlan of the Center for Garden State Families reminded the board that he had been there before,
He said “there is something severe and dangerous” about a policy that prevents parents from knowing about their child’s gender-related activities.
Then again … suppose parents are not supportive?
That was a central argument of those asking for the policy to stay in place. As one speaker put it, “Maybe home is not a safe place for them,” – meaning trans-children.
Do away with the policy and you put transgender students in danger, said another speaker.
When board members discussed the issue, Anne Colucci said the policy encourages the keeping of secrets from parents. She added that the policy was “totally unnecessary,” noting state law banning discrimination.
But Board Member Carol Scheneck said the policy is needed, because it offers guidance to teachers and staff.
In the end, that view prevailed – at least for the moment.
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