By Shawn Hyland
Last night, the Central Regional School Board voted 4–4 on whether to repeal Policy 5756. Because the vote tied, the policy remains in place. This means the district will continue withholding certain information from parents about a student’s mental or emotional wellbeing related to their gender identity at school.
Despite several nearby districts such as Lacey, Barnegat, and Toms River, the state’s largest suburban district—already repealing this policy…
Despite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that a similar California policy is unconstitutional…
Despite a three‑judge panel in the New Jersey Appellate Division, and a Superior Court judge in Morris County, affirming that school boards do have the authority to repeal this policy…
Despite the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office acknowledging in court that the policy is not mandated…
Some board members still voted against repealing it, leaving many parents deeply disappointed and frustrated.
As I left last night, as is my normal custom, I said good night and smiled at the individuals who came out from surrounding towns to oppose my views. I believe everyone should be treated with kindness and respect. The response was telling. One person said good night, most others ignored me, and then one person who identified as a transgender man started mocking a parent that was leaving with me and my wife. “Parents don’t own their children!” This was followed by more vulgar language meant to intimidate us as we walked towards our cars.
Sadly, this is the attitude and behavior half the school board awarded last night as they favored their side over local parents.
Disclaimer: I have friends on this school board on both sides of this issue. Our friendship is greater than our disagreements about policy. I pray all Americans can maintain healthy civic debate.
