New Jersey School Board Mandates Parental Notification on Pronouns

UPDATE: The Colts Neck school board in Monmouth County, New Jersey, has just approved a controversial “Parental Bill of Rights” policy that mandates schools to inform parents when their children change pronouns or gender identity. This decision, made on Wednesday, has sparked fierce backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates who warn it could endanger vulnerable students.

The unanimous vote comes amid heightened tensions surrounding educational policies on gender and identity. The new policy allows parents to inquire about their children’s pronouns, a move that many argue could lead to harmful consequences for LGBTQ+ students. Colts Neck, which serves approximately 1,000 students in grades K-8, is now at the center of this heated debate.

School board president Angelique Volpe expressed firm support for the policy, stating, “Parents are the primary authority in their children’s education, and this district will never sideline that role.” She emphasized the board’s commitment to ensuring that “every child in Colts Neck will be protected, respected and treated equally, without exception.”

However, critics are raising alarm bells. Michael Gottesman, founder of the New Jersey Public Education Coalition, called the move a “direct attack on the rights of the LGBTQ/transgender community.” He warned that the policy could lead to “forced outing” of students, which he described as psychologically damaging and potentially illegal under New Jersey law.

Conservative activist Shawn Hyland, who previously challenged New Jersey’s gender-inclusive education regulations, supported the board’s decision. He stated, “Thank you for recognizing that the parents in Colts Neck generally want what’s best for their children, and that school policies should reflect that reality.”

The policy also reiterates existing rules allowing parents to opt-out of health and family life education, further dividing opinions in the community. Supporters argue that parents deserve transparency regarding their children’s education, emphasizing that “no parent should ever have to chase answers about their own child.”

As New Jersey grapples with gender identity policies, many school districts have implemented measures to protect transgender students’ privacy. However, following a February 2023 appellate court ruling, several districts, including Edison, have reconsidered these policies, stoking fears of a wider rollback on protections for LGBTQ+ students.

The Colts Neck decision is a critical moment for education policy in New Jersey, highlighting a national conversation on parental rights versus student privacy. The board’s vote has prompted discussions about inclusivity, parental authority, and the psychological safety of students.

WHAT’S NEXT: Stakeholders on both sides of the issue will be closely monitoring the impact of this policy on students and families. Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights are expected to mobilize in response, while supporters of parental rights are likely to push for similar measures in other districts. As this story develops, the implications for educational practices and student welfare remain to be seen.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.