NJ Court Blocks Transgender Policies in Three Districts

A New Jersey appellate court upheld a decision blocking policies from three Monmouth County school districts—Manalapan-Englishtown, Marlboro, and Middletown—that would require parental notification if a student changes their gender identity. NJ Attorney General Matt Platkin challenged these policies for potentially violating the state’s Law Against Discrimination and risking harm to transgender students. Superior Court Judge David Bauman initially placed an injunction on the policies, citing risks such as outing students to unsupportive parents, which could lead to mental health issues or suicide. The appellate court agreed with this view, maintaining that the policies could result in irreparable harm, but allowed for the consideration of alternative policies that comply with anti-discrimination laws. Middletown's school board plans to rescind its controversial policy following the court's decision, which the NJ Attorney General sees as a victory.