Courtesy of Angelique Volpe and Colts Neck Kids First
(New York, NY) – At the end of February, the Colts Neck Board of Education rejected a proposed policy change regarding transgender students. Now, they’re reversing course. Wednesday night, the Colts Neck BOE voted to require parental notification if a student informs educators they plan to change their gender identification. This was a goal of a parental group “Colts Kids First,” whose members include Angelique Volpe, who WABC’s Bob Brown spoke with.
This applies to students grades 6-8, while for Pre-K through grade 5, the policy goes even further. Parents of the younger age group will not only be notified, but also be asked for consent, when it comes to referring to a child by a different name, in line with gender transformation. The neighboring town of Marlboro has a policy to inform parents, but not require consent.
Starting in 2018, the Department of Education ordered that schools should adopt a “student-centered approach,” regarding students that identify as transgender. That meant schools ought to honor the student’s stated gender identity, without informing parents as to what’s going on. That policy has upset a number of parent groups, who say it violates their rights as guardians and caretakers. Some note there are multiple mental health issues that could be associated with such a change, yet parents wouldn’t be aware. Under the since-rejected revised policy, students who felt uncomfortable using a same-sex bathroom could opt to use the nurse’s bathroom or a unisex restroom.
In late February, a public comment period ahead of the most recent vote was largely dominated by individuals who opposed changing the policy. Some wore shirts and held signs reading things like “hate has no place here.” At the time, “Colts Neck Kids First” argued the loudest voices that night were from out-of-town activists.
As is usually the case with things like this, the Board of Ed has to be hyper aware of any potential lawsuits, and how policies like this put the district at risk of legal action.
