District temporarily tables policy for transgender students

Toms River, N.J. (AP) — A southern New Jersey school district has temporarily tabled a proposed policy that would allow transgender students to decide which restrooms and locker rooms they wish to use.

The Asbury Park Press reports the Toms River Regional district had introduced the policy in December and was planning to adopt it in the near future. But officials recently decided to table it for "additional discussion and review" after some parents and religious officials raised objections.

Among the issues they want addressed are concerns that female students would potentially be forced to undress in front of biological males.

The proposed policy would allow students, with their parents' written consent, to enroll or re-enroll in the district as a member of the opposite sex from the gender they were identified as at birth.

If a parent or guardian objects to the student identifying as the opposite sex, they and the student would have to meet with the district's superintendent, who would decide how to best address the student's gender identity.

District employees also would be barred from disclosing or acknowledging that a student had changed their gender.

Several districts in New Jersey have adopted policies similar to the one Toms River Regional is considering.

Information from: Asbury Park (N.J.) Press.

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The Gayly – February 21, 2016 @ 3?25 p.m.