NEW JERSEY — Two Republican legislators say they will introduce bills to repeal new Board of Education policies that deal with gender identity and sexual education in New Jersey schools.
On Aug. 2, the state board approved several changes to the state's equity rules, which include using more gender-neutral terminology and allowing students to attend sexual education classes based on gender identity. Senators Anthony Bucco and Michael Testa are calling on the Legislature to reconvene for a special session, and repeal the changes before they go into effect.
"Decisions of this magnitude should include input and guidance from the Legislature," said Bucco (R-NJ-25). "A board of unelected government bureaucrats should not have sole authority over our children’s curriculum."
Bucco and Testa said the board "should shift their focus to updating curriculum that will help students recover from learning loss," and work with policymakers to update school curriculum.
Some top Democratic legislators have distanced themselves from the rules, as well. Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-NJ-22) and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-NJ-19) said they expected "better communication" with the state board.
“We believe that families should have a voice in what is taught to their children, and as long as we have a say over the matter, they will continue to,” Scutari and Coughlin said. “And as always, all children deserve subject matter that is age-appropriate, posted clearly and transparently for families to review, and free from any politics.”
Related article: New Gender Identity Guidelines For School Sports, Sex Ed OK'd In NJ
The approved rules remove references to “both sexes” and replace them with “all sexes,” and also replace the word “equality” with “equity” throughout. It also clarifies which students are protected classes under the New Jersey Law against Discrimination.
Under the rules, schools that separate sexual education classes must allow students to attend the classes for their gender identity, and not biological gender. Schools can choose to put students together, instead of separating by gender, for sex-ed classes.
"We are hearing from parents that they feel like their voices and concerns are not being heard when they question what’s being taught to their children," said Testa (R-NJ-1). " “Not only should we repeal the controversial decision made by the state board, but we must also go one step further and require legislative approval of any action that would update or revise school curriculum."
Transgender students would be allowed to participate in gender-segregated school activities (such as clubs and groups) based on their identity, as well.
The rule change does not apply to inter-school sports competition, as the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletics Association makes the rules for competitive sports. The NJSIAA has its own guidelines for transgender athletes, which were passed in 2017 and updated in 2022.
Under the rule changes, schools also have a reduced time to implement comprehensive equity plans: from 180 days down to 60 days.
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