Vote To Confirm Repeal Of Trans Policy On Holmdel BOE Agenda

HOLMDEL, NJ — A resolution to confirm the rescinding of Policy 5756 is on the agenda for the Holmdel Board of Education meeting on Wednesday.

The policy is to be rescinded "in its entirety," the board agenda says.

Under the board bylaws, a second confirming vote is needed to rescind the controversial Policy 5756 regarding school disclosure to parents should a child "come out" to a staff member as transgender.

On Sept. 27, the board voted to repeal Policy 5756 in a 5 to 2 vote, with two members unable to attend the meeting.

But board members both for and against the repeal suggested developing a board policy that reflects how the district already responds to the needs of transgender or nonbinary students, who might tell school professionals about their gender identity and other issues, such as their wish to have a more fitting name or pronoun.

The district, which has nearly 200 policies on the books, had already decided that all the policies need review. A Policy Committee was to begin a review of policies this month.

Policy 5756 was acknowledged by the state Attorney General as not a mandatory policy and that has led some districts to repeal what is characterized as "guidance."

But the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination is in force and protects students, including those identifying as transgender, the Attorney General's office has noted.

Wednesday's meeting will be at Holmdel High School, with the public portion beginning at approximately 7 p.m.