Millstone Township School District has policy to keep gender identity of students secret from parents; threatens to bring in attorney for parents who disagree with their children’s preferred gender identity

The Millstone Township School District has a policy titled “Transgender Students” that explicitly states parents can be kept in the dark regarding their children’s gender identity. The policy states: “The school district shall accept a student’s asserted gender identity; parental consent is not required.” The policy then adds that “there is no affirmative duty for any school district staff member to notify a student’s parent of the student’s gender identity or expression.” The policy then tells staff to ignore parents who disagree with their children’s gender identity. The district will involve an attorney if parents disagree.

There may be instances where a parent of a minor student disagrees with the student regarding the name and pronoun to be used at school and in the student’s education records. In the event a parent objects to the minor student’s name change request, the Superintendent or designee should consult the Board Attorney regarding the minor student’s civil rights and protections under the NJLAD. School staff members should continue to refer to the student in accordance with the student’s chosen name and pronoun at school and may consider providing resource information regarding family counseling and support services outside of the school district.

The policy further states:

The Principal or designee should have an open, but confidential discussion with the student to ascertain the student’s preference on matters such as chosen name, chosen pronoun to use, and parental communications.” District staff will also receive training “on sensitivity and respect towards transgender students.

Students are allowed to use the restrooms and locker rooms that match their preferred gender identity. Students are also allowed to participate in sports according to their preferred gender identity.