New Jersey School Board Approves Controversial Parental Rights Policy

UPDATE: The Colts Neck School Board in Monmouth County, New Jersey, has just adopted a controversial “Parental Bill of Rights” policy, sparking immediate backlash from advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. The board unanimously approved the policy on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, which allows parents to be informed if their children change pronouns or gender identity at school.

This new directive has raised alarms among advocates who warn it could lead to significant harm for LGBTQ+ students. The policy emphasizes parental authority, stating that “parents are the primary authority in their children’s education,” according to board president Angelique Volpe. “Every child in Colts Neck will be protected, respected and treated equally, without exception,” she asserted during the meeting, which has since attracted widespread attention online.

Critics argue that this policy risks “forced outing” of vulnerable students, an act that can be psychologically damaging and is considered discrimination under New Jersey law. Michael Gottesman, founder of the New Jersey Public Education Coalition, labeled the policy a “direct attack on the rights of the LGBTQ/transgender community” and called for the board to reconsider its stance.

On the other hand, proponents of the policy, including conservative activist Shawn Hyland, argue that it reflects the desires of many parents who want full transparency regarding their children’s education. “Thank you for recognizing that the parents in Colts Neck generally want what’s best for their children,” Hyland stated at the meeting.

The policy also reiterates existing provisions allowing parents to opt-out of certain educational content, including health and sex education. Colts Neck serves approximately 1,000 students from kindergarten through eighth grade, and the board’s decision comes amid a broader trend in New Jersey, where many districts are re-evaluating their policies on transgender student privacy.

Earlier this year, a state appellate court ruled on a challenge to gender-inclusive education regulations, influencing some districts to amend or eliminate their transgender policies. Following this, the Middletown Township school board also dropped its policy requiring staff to keep students’ gender identities private.

As this situation develops, the implications for students and families in Colts Neck and beyond are critical. Advocates are urging the school board to prioritize the rights and well-being of all students, stressing that diversity in family backgrounds should be celebrated rather than restricted.

The school board has not yet indicated whether it will reconsider the policy amid the growing opposition. For now, the community watches closely as the fallout from this decision unfolds.