Highland Park approves ‘progressive’ transgender policy

A new transgender policy approved by the Highland Park Board of Education on Monday night went into effect on Tuesday.

The unanimous vote on the policy which is considered to be one of the most progressive policies in the state came following the work of a committee headed by Superintendent Scott Taylor and several members who have transgender relatives.

Board President Darcie Cimarusti said before the vote that she is glad that the district can "present a positive example of a community coming together to address this issue." She said that the national discussion on transgender rights have put Highland Park's policy in the media spotlight and hoped that the district policy can serve as a "beacon of light"

Although time was allotted, there was no public discussion of the policy before the vote was taken.

Earlier in the day, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone held a press conference at the high school and said Highland Park's policy was inspiring. "This proposal can serve as an example of how schools in New Jersey can be fair, compassionate and inclusive of all their students," said the Democrat.

The policy offers students access to any bathroom, locker room or sports team based on their declared gender identity without notifying parents or legal guardians. Students will also not have to convince school administrators of their gender identity. "Our policy says, 'if you come to us and you are identifying yourself as a male or female, that's what we are gonna go with," Taylor said.