Teachers Union Speaks Out As South Brunswick Tables Transgender Policy Vote

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A proposal to abolish Policy 5756, which addresses South Brunswick school district's responsibilities to transgender students, was pulled from the Board of Education's agenda before Monday's meeting, board officials said.

Policy 5756 originated as a statewide model policy that New Jersey school districts were directed to develop following a 2017 law signed by then-Gov. Chris Christie.

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The policy calls for school officials to have confidential discussions with transgender students to determine their preferences on chosen names, pronouns, and how much information is shared with parents. The policy is not mandatory, and after state officials acknowledged that in court, a handful of New Jersey districts have since repealed it.

Because the item was no longer on the agenda, it was not open for public comment or a vote under the meeting's rules for agenda items. Chris Hines, president of the South Brunswick Education Association, spoke on the issue during the general public comment period to address it.

Hines said the union recognizes "the legal landscape surrounding this issue continues to evolve," but argued that abolishing Policy 5756 "does not abolish the district responsibilities to transgender students." He said those obligations are separately protected under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination based on gender identity or expression, "whether policy 5756 exists or not."

Hines said union members "should not be placed in a position where individual teachers, counselors, nurses, and administrators are left to determine for themselves" how to handle questions involving a student's identity, privacy, name, pronouns, records, facilities or communication with families.

He pressed the board for specifics, asking what would replace Policy 5756 if it is abolished, "what guidance will staff receive," and whether the change had been discussed with staff who support students. "Has the abolishment of this policy been discussed with staff who provide support to students?" he asked.

"Most importantly, removing the policy does not remove the students who relied upon it," Hines said. "Every student who walks into South Brunswick School still deserves to feel safe, respected, and able to learn."

Hines said South Brunswick "has long taken pride in being a district where every student belongs," and asked that "whatever action the board takes," it make clear to students that "this commitment has not changed." He closed by asking the board and administration to "provide clear guidance and training so that our educators understand exactly what is expected of them."

The board's next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.

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