Attorney General Matt Platkin on Wednesday filed a civil rights complaint against Hanover Township School District, requesting an emergency court order to stop a recently adopted policy requiring teachers to disclose a student’s gender identity and sexual orientation to parents, among other items. The attorney general’s lawsuit says the policy violates the state’s Law Against Discrimination. Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted his support saying the guidelines “out” students and risk their mental health and safety.
In response, the Hanover Board of Education issued a statement defending the policy saying students aren’t being targeted based on a protected status. But staff are required to notify parents and administrators when they become aware of anything that could impact a student’s well-being; listing dozens of issues that range from school performance, depression and anxiety to sexual orientation, transitioning and gender identity.
