Another New Jersey school rescinds its transgender policy

A New Jersey school board voted 6-3 to eliminate its transgender policy after parents raised concerns.

The Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education’s decision last week followed a similar decision of nearby Franklin Lakes grade school district, which abolished its policy earlier this year.

The board’s vote will affect the district’s two high schools, Ramapo and Indian Hills, serving Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff and Oakland.

During the board meeting last week, Kerri Wright, the board attorney, cautioned members about potential legal repercussions, emphasizing existing state mandates may come into play. 

“So, you’ve heard some comments today about access to certain programming or access to bathrooms,” Wright said, according to North Jersey. “Those are not up for the board’s discussion at this point, because the law does very clearly protect the rights of transgender students.” 

Brain DeLaite, who voted against the ruling, argued that it prioritized certain community interests over “those that need the most protection.”  

Board President Kim Ansh, who voted in favor of rescinding the policy, emphasized the importance of parents’ rights.  

“One of the most sacred bonds in education is the trust that parents put in their school administrators, teachers and their board of education,” Ansh said. “When you are now in a situation where the school may be lying to you about your child, that trust is broken.” 

With its decision, Ramapo Indian Hills joins 24 other districts in the state that have revoked similar policies.