We, the undersigned, request the repeal of Policy 5756. 

About this policy:

• Prevents schools from informing parents about their child’s gender identity change. This policy states that:
  * The school district must accept a student’s asserted gender identity and name change, without requiring parental consent. A legal or court-ordered name change is not necessary.
  * Schools will not notify parents of their child’s identity change.
  * Records of “permanent student records containing the student’s birth name should be kept in a separate, confidential file”
• Determines sports participation based on the student’s asserted gender identity
• Poses privacy risks by allowing the use of facilities, such as locker rooms and bathrooms, according to the student’s asserted gender identity.

Our Concerns:

• Parental Exclusion: The policy prevents school from notifying parents in their child's important life decision about gender.
• Weakens Student Support System: by excluding parents the policy diminishes the family's ability to support.
• Lack of Verification and Control: "asserted gender identification" as criteria for "affirming" approach, allows potential false claims of being transgender, and the policy requires no proof
• Fairness and Protection of Women's Sports: There are concerns regarding fairness in women's sports, especially when participation is based on asserted gender identity.
• Concerns About Privacy and Safety: Allowing students of different biological sexes to share facilities such as locker rooms and bathrooms may violate privacy and safety for students.

Benefit when Repealed

• Repeal Policy 5756 to ensure parents are informed.
• Maintain transparency, communication and a collaborative relationship between schools and parents to support student well-being and success.
• Protection of Woman's sport opportunities and privacy and safety
• Re-enable teachers and staff to use their professional judgement
• Stop overriding and instead allow other policies already in place to maintain protection for all students including transgender student.

Continued Support for Student Rights Without This Policy:
It is important to note that this petition is not about violating or undermining the rights of transgender students. We remain committed to protecting the rights of all students, including transgender students, as required by New Jersey's anti-discrimination laws, such as the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). Repealing this policy does not diminish protections.

This petition is not about taking away anything from one group of students, but rather about being fair and protecting all students. It is about ensuring that parents are informed about their child’s life decisions and fosters transparency between schools and families, allowing parents to fulfill their role in supporting their children. Parental involvement is essential for a child’s success and well-being, and transparency is key to fostering a trusting relationship between schools and families.

Signatures indicate support for the repeal of Policy 5756. As anyone can sign this petition, and change.org does not provide means to offer address, if you are local in Bridgewater Raritan, you can further show your support and strengthen the petition by providing your local address in addition at this link.

Petition with local address

Let us protect our children and family together.