Policy 5756 and The Emperor’s New Clothes

Policy 5756 and The Emperor’s New Clothes

I’m reminded of the old satire where the Emperor parades through the streets naked, believing he is dressed in magnificent attire. The townspeople cheer and pretend to admire his clothing, afraid to speak the truth—until a child blurts out: “The Emperor has no clothes!” Some of us feel like that child today.

Young people are being led to believe that a boy can decide to be a girl, or a girl can decide to be a boy—and many adults, including some school personnel, affirm this. More students are experimenting with this idea. While they may not yet be taking hormone blockers or undergoing surgery, they may request a name or pronoun change.

Policy 5756 allows schools to keep this a secret from parents, while Staff are expected to affirm the student’s new identity at school, even if some students and personnel are uncomfortable with the charade. This is called “social transitioning,” and it can lead youth down a destructive path.

Our own Bridgewater Raritan Board of Education—except for Dr. Lucy Li and Jeremy Li—has chosen not to repeal Policy 5756. That silence, like the silence in the Emperor’s court, speaks volumes.