old_bridge_NJ_5756_Meeting_20231114_183631.mp4

Shawn [00:00:03] Okay. Most children won't need the protection of this policy, but some might. Children, have brains, too. My work with kids taught me many things. Kids are highly perceptive and usually know much more about themselves and others than we adults give them credit for. Most kids are straight and cisgender, but some are not. LGBTQ plus kids exist, and most of them, like street kids, realize when they were before graduating from high school. Some as early as elementary school. In my experience, was due to share something deeply personal with an adult in school. It's usually the kid's decision to do so because they trust that person, not because the adult is trying to seek out information to hide from parents. For some kids, sharing their gender identity or sexual orientation to the adults at home may be difficult. Many want to tell their parents but aren't sure how. Some fear that they'll disappoint or upset the adults at home, where those adults may have mental health issues or other problems that kids don't want to add to their stress.

Shawn [00:00:59] Some kids simply aren't ready. Most kids will tell their parents sometimes with the support of a trusted adult. For a small minority, telling caregivers that they're anything other than straight and cisgender could have dire consequences. Online in the New Jersey School Board Code of Ethics contains the phrase I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted with those who have been affected by them. And I ask you, do the members of this board truly understand the issues of the LGBTQ community and the issues and needs of transgender students? Have you heard directly from any transgender students or their parents since they are the ones affected by repealing this policy? I am so pleased to see a wider variety of perspectives being shared today and greater awareness and involvement from community. I ask that you carefully consider all perspectives before making the decision, as well as the long term impact. Ultimately, you must protect the rights and safety of transgender students. That is the law. If this policy is repealed, what is the plan to do that? Without this policy or another plan...

Shawn [00:02:27] Good evening, Coach. I'm an active Old Bridge resident.

Civilian 1 [00:02:30] So after thinking about this policy, for the past month or so, I have a few thoughts that I would like to share with the board, that I hope you will consider ...

Civilian 1 [00:02:41] So, I've boiled down to 4 points. So what are the goals of implimenting policy 5756. Is it to subvert the values that families hold and teach at home. We serve the roles of parents and children lives. To further deteriorate the relationship between parents and the school system. These are things that you will achieve from this policy, whether it's the intention or not.

Civilian 1 [00:03:06] Number 2, when did affirming everything a child desires, become the ideal model of parenting. If you consider a bulemic or an anorexic child who is not comfortable with their present body and has an ideal image of themselves that they are pursuing in harmful ways because they believe achieving that ideal will lead to happiness, should I as a parent affirm that behavior. But if we follow the same logic in 5756, shouldn't teachers keep that information from parents as well? God forbid, if a parent gets in the way of their child pursuing happiness through an eating disorder?

Civilian 1 [00:03:35] Point #3. Let's consider some other these children are prohibited from because they considered to be young. They can't smoke or drink, they can't get married. Vote, join the military. They can't even get a tattoo. But somehow they're old enough to make such a life altering decision as to change their gender, to start hormone treatments that wreak havoc on the body, to take puberty blockers that would prevent body development, leaving them chemically castrated as adults to go as far as irreversibly, irreversibly hack away at their bodies through surgery. If they are mature enough to make these decisions aren't they are not mature enough to make those other ones as well.

Civilian 1 [00:04:10] And #4, in the past I've heard board members bemoan the lack of trust between parents and teachers. Policy 5756 will obliterate whatever remaining trust might be there. When you tell parents that a teacher has no obligation to inform parents in such a critical moment in their child's life. By keeping this information from parents, you would ... prevent parents from being able to truly be parents to their child, I'll try to explain them without acknowledging who is truly going on in their child's life. The child, the parents you see at home are only a mirage. They're interacting with a lie and are unable to fully engage in a relationship or parent and child, you essentially rob both the child and parents of engaging in an authentic family dynamic. So if your goal is to disrupt family life and introduce chaos, drive a wedge between children and their parents, increase worries and fears about what are our children are learning and experiencing while in school. That's what I think you accomplish with 5756. Thank you.

Caitlin [00:05:15] Hello. My name is Caitlin Migliaccio.

Caitlin [00:05:18] I am the product of the OBHS school system, A 2008 ... And after years of moving my way around the jersey, I found myself once again a resident of Old Bridge. And I have to say, I am so disappointed. Obviously disappointed by the bigotry I see throughout the state from talking about repealing the policy 5756. But I'm more disappointed by the regular appearance of Old Bridge who are reacting out of fear. And fear can be understandable, sometimes.

Caitlin [00:05:44] It's scary to think you might not know something about your own. But I promise those if you are in an understanding and caring and unconditionally loving and caring, nothing ... this momentus in your child's life will remain a secret to you for long. Because I don't think most of the people who want to repeal this policy would do worse than their own child. I assume if you were made aware of your child's gender identity, that you would not render your child homeless or physically harm them because you are not Why this policy is in place.

Caitlin [00:06:15] This policy is in place to protect the students whose parents love is strictly conditional and who would rather hurt their child before accepting them. Repealing policy 5756 would make you as parents aware of what your child is divulging at school, yes. But it is also putting a dangerous weapon into the hands of those who could do the children over to the most harm.

Caitlin [00:06:35] The fact of the matter is trans children, nonbinary children, queer children, have and will always be a part of open schools. Repealing this policy is not going to stop children from being who they truly are. The only thing that is actually in question is how safe they will feel every day when they go to school. It's up to you to put aside your fear and do what's right for all of the children of this district.

Joe [00:07:09] Hello, everyone. My name is Joe.

Joe [00:07:11] I have a member of, well I grew up in Old Bridge my whole life. Most of my life. I'm back in Old Bridge, I couldn't stay away. So I've grown up in the Old Bridge school system. I just want to say a few thoughts.

Joe [00:07:23] So every single student deserves the right to a healthy, safe and happy life. The unfortunate reality that you've heard from a lot of people is that not every single person has that for their personal or home life. But what's amazing is that we have the opportunity here to double down on our efforts to ensure that every child gets that.

Joe [00:07:44] For transgender students, the time that they're in school is an opportunity to take a breath and for the first time in their life and be able to bring their most authentic self to the table and know that they can receive the proper help. This freedom of expression allows them the opportunity to engage more in the educational materials presented and optimizes their exposure to the topics at hand. It allows them to, again, either also learn more and really get the benefits of the system that we're providing. It is our job to provide the highest quality educational experience possible to every student that walks through those doors. This is inclusive of all individuals, not just those of a particular religious background or gender identity. So as we all continue to look forward, please consider and recognize the fantastic opportunity that we have to do the right thing. The job that we were all set out to do and make a positive impact in the lives of every single ... every single student. Thank you.

Kat Hansen [00:08:46] Hello. My name is Kat Hansen, and I am a non-binary adult. I'm from Marlboro, and I am here to speak to you now. Not only am I something who is young and thus knows how it was to be a queer teenager, I also was a ... A caretaker for my older siblings ever since their in their infancy. I understand both sides and being a guardian for our children as well as being a queer teenager.

Kat Hansen [00:09:22] And I just wanted to say that with ... with this law, it does protect children because even if the parents themselves ... aren't ... the what? ... Even if you all parents want the best for your children, not every single parent has that want. And all I have to ask is if you truly want to know if your child is queer, part of the LGBT, would not you want to hear that from your child yourself?

Kat Hansen [00:09:57] It is your it is your responsibility to create a safe space for your child, to let them open up to you and tell you exactly what they are, who they are, and what they want for themselves. And if you are trying to ask for that from anyone else, from their other caretakers, who they trust more than you. Isn't that something wrong? That a teacher or a guidance counselor knows more? Shouldn't you be the one to make that space for your child? That is all I have to ask.

Nick [00:10:57] Hi, I'm Nick Stauffer, and I'm here for the New Jersey project, and I'm here representing the parents and the constituents of your district. I just want to let you know that the problem with policy 5756 is, is the fact that the notification. That's the major problem with the policy. The confidentiality that was stated in the law was confidentiality for the student, for other students and for teachers. When the child didn't want to be outed to the school, it is not to keep that from parents. And the biggest problem is that when you when you socially transition a child, when you take that child and you change their gender and you determine that they're going to use the bathroom of their choice and they're going to be in the school of their choice, that is a medical therapy. That is not in my opinion, that is in psychological terms.

Nick [00:11:52] That is the medical therapy for gender dysphoria. It is a medical therapy, not my opinion. The courts of Wisconsin, who don't allow schools to change the gender of the child without parents knowledge or permission. It is a medical therapy, just like masks were that you forced on the kids in 2020. Okay. You are not allowed to enforce medical therapy on children. That is not your job.

Nick [00:12:22] Your job is to educate the kids. And if a child is in an unsafe home, it is your job and the teacher's job to get that child out of that [un]safe home. You are not allowed to direct medical therapies. And I'm going to tell you why, because you're going to get sued. We have parents around the state where that transition did not go well because there was no support at home and the parents didn't know. The parents were completely willing to support it, but they can't support it. They can't help the kids from bullying. And you can't help the kids from bullying because the parent has a one on one relationship or one on four relationship, five relationship with their kids. You don't have that relationship. So you can't protect them from bullying. You can't protect them from the outside world, and you can't protect them from the psychological problems and you can't protect them when things go wrong. And there was no doctor directing this therapy.

Nick [00:13:15] It is up to you to make sure that the child is safe. The child is not safe when the child decides to direct medical therapy on their own, it is your job to make sure that the child is safe, that they're not confused and are not on another therapy. And just like I wouldn't want you to transition a child from one venture to another, I wouldn't want you to detransition and socially detransition them either. That's not your job. It's the parent's job. And they're the only ones that have the outlook for their parents. I here everybody else here speak about how horrible parents were. I'm sorry. Your parents suck. That's not everybody's parents.

Nick [00:13:57] Parents are the primary protector of their kids. You can't protect them. And if you could protect them, then you would get them out of the home and leave them in there to be abused.

Tricia [00:14:05] Well. Hi, my name is Tricia. I'm a proud parent of two students of the Old Bridge School District. I am in full support of keeping policy 5756. In May 2022, my eldest, Luca, came out to this family as transgender. I am wholeheartedly grateful the the Old Bridge School district for this policy being in place. As it meant he was protected from being outed until he felt safe and comfortable to come out to his family and friends.

Tricia [00:14:44] In our family My children are fortunate. We love them unconditionally. Our love doesn't stop because of their gender identity, who they love, what career path they choose. There is nothing that they can ever say that would stop our love and support. Not every child or teen had that support system at home. For some trans youth because of political views, cultural views, religious views. Love does have boundaries.

Tricia [00:15:10] These youths face a real risk of rejection by adults that love and care for them. This risk of familiar rejection dramatically increases the risk of suicide, substance abuse, Depression, homelessness.

Tricia [00:15:24] I wish...

Tricia [00:15:24] When we hear in the media about youth suicide, many people comment. I wish there was something we could have done. This is the moment and this is something we can do. Keep policy 5756 intact. Right now, because of this policy, students have a safe space, a place where they can start discovering who they are and what type of person they want to be in their own peace. They can choose their gender identity, to reveal their gender identity when they're ready.

Tricia [00:15:55] The consequences of the school outing a transgender youth could be dire. The world sadly does a great job of tearing people down. We now became a society where common sense, common decency and respect isn't the norm. As a community, we need to support our transgender children and keep the rights intact. Thank you.

Tricia [00:16:22] ...[She is presenting a plaque to the BOE]. It says, You said I could become anything, so I became myself.

Civilian 2 [00:16:37] ..., Proud resident of Old Bridge. And it has been my contention that the government is deliberately putting in plans to take children away from their family. And this 5756 is proof that they're looking to separate children from the parents.

Civilian 2 [00:16:56] Now, a loving parent knows what their children are doing. Or, they should. But if my kids are participating in behaviors that I don't know about, the school owes me that phone call.

Civilian 2 [00:17:10] And my second point is right here. US Code 18, sub section, 1470 prohibits the dissemination of obscene material to children under 16. My question is. Why do we need a law like this? Does your heart tell you that this is unacceptable. I don't want to threaten you with criminal charges. I am appealing to the goodness of your heart. cause I want you to understand this a battle between good and evil through sexual propaganda, reporting on children, is targetting the extermination of the next generation. The enemy's plan is depopulation. I've read that you examine their heart to reject the sexualization of our children and preserve the population of this country. Thank you.

Marsha Shapiro [00:18:03] Good evening, I'm Marsha Shapiro of South Brunswick residents.

Marsha Shapiro [00:18:16] And I'm also a licensed clinical social worker with the elite status, and I do see families through Old Bridge. Tonight we're considering a revision of a board policy that would have a dramatic impact on the mental health stability of the LGBTQIA+ community in your school district. An already marginalized segment, with a high rate of kids considering suicide and those who actually succeed in doing so. Students at risk, because of ... students are at risk, because of messaging, saying they are broken and unwanted.

Marsha Shapiro [00:19:01] According to new research. Of the LGBTQ teens ages 13 to 17 by Detroit Chapter project. 41% seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. Versus 22% of all teens. 14% made a suicide attempt. That's significantly more than the rate of suicide attempts among all the US teens, which is 9%. 81% wanted Mental health care in the past year. However, only 56% of those youth were able to access care as board members were ethically and legally obligated to do what is best for all children, including those that might not fit in your personal viewpoint of society, those students who choose a path different from that of your own.

Marsha Shapiro [00:20:10] I ascern that presently you can not do right.. [one minute] Do any of you truly understand the communities. Have made an attempt to do so? Do you have any expertise or understanding of this community? I charge all of you with making an attempt to do so before you take action that will have a negative impact upon them. The New Jersey Division of Civil Rights has three two hour training modules. They include sessions on affirming LGBTQIA+ identities in school. Understanding the needs of LGBTQIA+ youth and having anti bias discussions in class. Have any of you taken these courses? I'm sure you have. You cannot fulfill your obligations to act in the best interests of the LGBTQIA+ community. Well, now is the time for everyone of you to educate yourselves. Thank you.

Louise [00:21:34] Good evening. My name is Louise ?. I'm a retired psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 25 years experience. And treated many children, families from Old Bridge over the years, I'm also a mother and a grandmother. Pro family, protect life, justice. We all believe in those things. Yet we have difficulty coming to an agreement. This puts our children's lives at risk ... some families I work with many trans children, some of whom come to me with a history of suicidal ideation and attempts due to stigma, bullying or parental invalidation or threats. Children living in homes with no history of abuse, or one coming out and told by their families they won't be accepted. What do manage? Do they feel like they go on to take the streets or take their lives? You've already heard the statistics on how many kids, trans kids commit suicide. 45% of homeless LGBTQ youth have been kicked out of their homes by their parents. The largest percentage of homeless youths are trans. Although, they make up a point .5% of the population. The average age of homelessness, the transients, 13 and a half years of age. I know these children and I've worked with.. I was certainly enlightened.

Louise [00:22:43] From that perspective. I'm going to say, please don't repeat 5756. It saves lives, I helping trans children transverse this difficultly fairly safely. Here's the flip side of that. I also treat families, Children need supportive parents as well as supportive teachers and counselors. As a psychiatric professional, I think what we really need is a bridge to optimize safety. Adhere to the laws against discrimination and support the family unit. I am going to borrow a gift from the superintendent of Hunterdon Central High School.

Louise [00:23:13] If Chuck comes to you and has been questioning gender identity, do the parents know? You may be surprised to learn, the answer is usually yes, especially if they are young. If they say no, ask if there's a reason they are comfortable telling the parents and if there's a way you can help them. Explore the realities of that situation. While supporting and validating that child, research shows safe schools save lives.

Louise [00:23:39] Work with the teachers and therapists to develop a specific policy to guide them when negotiating talking to the children. Create a student centric approach is required by law while partnering with parents to create a family centered approach. Identify red flags for children who would be at risk of identity exposing. How are you going to handle those? That is the key to supporting trans children and their families. Preserving life and increasing the likelihood of costly lawsuits. Because it would be one way to be insure that all laws are to be followed with a consistent manner while performing, promoting family unity, I urge you to do so. Either petition to publish 5756 only choose to repeal it. Please don't put any children out of themselves to anyone without reasonable assessment, guidance and support. I ask that you consider this policy decision. Their mental health life depend upon this. Thank you.

Teresa [00:24:42] My name is Teresa Espisito, I'm a [Hallow?] Resident. I have two sons in the greater ...

Teresa [00:24:49] Over 18 from a letter written by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons who runs the New Jersey State BOE regarding an equity amendment mirroring 5756. Here's some of what they said. The amendments are not based on science but on ever changing sociological ideas and political influence. Biology dictates there are two sexes animals and humans, males and females. Publicly funded entities straying away from basic science into such ideologies were clearly harm, not help, our children. There's been an explosive increase in children who identify with the concept of a gender different from sex and an age where identity is easily malleable and brain development is not fully completed.

Teresa [00:25:31] The board's actions risk further exacerbated historical trends. We're talking about children 5 to 14 years old here, 85% to 95% of gender dysphoric youth emerge physically and psychologically intact after passing through puberty without social approbation.

Teresa [00:25:48] Additionally, we want to take this opportunity to oppose any policies that prohibit schools from alerting parents of a minor child's gender confusion. We are perplexed as to why anyone would take any position other than empowering families and partnering with parents. This is a dangerous position for placing caring, dedicated teachers in an adversarial relationship with the very people they are here to support. Privileged health information must be kept in confidence from other people and entities that must be shared freely with parents who have ultimate responsibility for the upbringing of their own children.

Teresa [00:26:20] I'm going to read you two ideas of consequence. The 45 goals of communism were first published in March of 1961, and the Naked Communist, and these goals were read into the Congressional Record In 1963.

Teresa [00:26:34] Number 26 present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as normal and natural and healthy, and number 41 emphasizing the need to raise children away from the influence [one minute] of parents. A tribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppress the influence of parents.

Teresa [00:26:53] Communism. These are the goals of communism, they twist our emotions and distort our logic. Maybe this is the reason for the explosive increase our children's exposure with these ideologies. It's injected into threr psych through their mass media for kids. Nickelodeon. Cartoon Network. PBS. Of course. Disney. Businesses who want [to meet] their corporate equality index. Parents are not the enemy. Parents need to know if and how their children are being groomed. This is the most celebrated independent special interest group in America in covering regional government. Our media, our schools. Confusing our children and stealing their innocence, destroying their future. They become fodder for pedophiles. And medical industry poachers. Don't let them. Get rid of it. Be the gatekeepers. We stand with you when you fight fires.

Jennifer Woodruff [00:27:50] Jennifer Woodruff, a Marlboro resident.

Jennifer Woodruff [00:27:54] Thank you for your time and dedication and a school board members. We appreciate it and it does not go unnoticed. Thank you.

Jennifer Woodruff [00:28:01] I am against the 5756 policy and rather than providing valid points on why this policy is objectionable, I want to talk about this new contagion that is infecting and endangering our children, and that is transgenderism.

Jennifer Woodruff [00:28:16] The tremendous spike in gender confusion would not even be an issue if it wasn't promoted by social media or left woke philosophy and affirmed by the schools. First, let me say I understand that gender dysphoria is a real thing. It affects with only .1% of the population, primarily males. That amounts to one in 10,000 people. Before 2007, there was no documentation of gender dysphoria among girls between the ages of 11 and 21. Today, a bare majority of adolescents conceived in the American secret programs. Why the sudden and rapid change? In June 2007, there was one gender clinic in the United States. Now they're popping up all over New Jersey, particularly now that insurance companies must pay for the costs of puberty blockers, hormonal treatments and surgeries.

Jennifer Woodruff [00:29:16] There's big money in transitioning. Follow the money and follow the backers. Social media is a huge factor for this contagion. Tumblr, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube are saturated with transgender influencers grooming troubled kids. They coach the kids what to do, What to say to the parents, how to get puberty blockers, where they attain free ? finders, get prescriptions for testosterone, etc. These kids are encouraged. They become part of a group. They have an identity. They feel very special.

Jennifer Woodruff [00:29:50] If their parents find out about it, that they don't want them ... [one minute, good God] ...

Jennifer Woodruff [00:29:56] Most gender confused kids today, are middle upper class white families often bright and stellar students. Many have a history of psychological problems such as anorexia, bulemia, depression, anxiety and the like. But interestingly, none of them show signs of wanting to be a different gender prior to coming out. According to most parents of these gender confused children.

Jennifer Woodruff [00:30:25] Now, how about the schools? Although not publicly broadcasted, schools are not only teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity, they are creating further gender confusion. Once an educational institution for three R's, schools have now become a hub for social services, and social justice. Laws in our state mandate LGBTQ history being taught in schools. Rather than recognize those, who have made great strides.... or accomplishments. Thank you.

Amy [00:30:55] Thank you. Well, you get a breather, huh? Yeah. All right.

Amy [00:31:12] My name is Amy. I live in Matawan, Old Bridge Township. I have a wife and three kids. My wife is here tonight. We'll be attending Shepherd Elementary School next year. I'm part of the LGBTQ plus community.

Amy [00:31:36] My wife, my wife and I moved into Old Bridge over six years ago and we have generally felt very accepted and welcomed in this community. I think the board members, for their continued commitment to provide the best educational and safe environment for our children.

Amy [00:31:54] You know, it's time to be a role model to the kids in our community and show them what equality and inclusion looks like. I've been with members of the board on our ... And I committee meetings where we support inclusion and diversity of meeting, and now I can't. Visibly see diversity. On the board. I know I don't even know if I'm still black. I don't even know. If I see a black person here. But I do see, you know, my LGBTQ plus community, which is encouraging. And I just don't want us to go in a backwards direction where people are going to want to come to Old Bridge. Over to the LGBTQ+ if you recind this policy.

Amy [00:32:43] For the majority of parents, you will not be affected by this policy as there are only 1.4% of children aged 13 to 17 years that identify as transgender in the U.S. So the odds that you will be affected by this are pretty small.

Amy [00:32:58] There is a friend I talked to that brought up a point in which they were afraid that kids would exercise their right to pretend to have a gender identity change, only to get into a different bathroom or locker room. Could this happen? Maybe. Can we also say that preventive measures by parents and teachers could help prevent this. Maybe. There are so many hypothetical questions we can come up with, but the scariest one is if we take this policy away, will transgender kids suffer? Maybe. And is that a maybe you can live with?

Amy [00:33:30] Now, the board has all the power. And we're elected by our community to provide a safe environment for our children. Please continue to do so and allow me to feel proud that I live in Old Bridge. A town that is just now following, that is just following the path of a few school districts and rescinding this policy. There were 600 school districts that adopted this guidance when it first came out. Only a handful of schools have rescinded this policy. It's called protest, caused protests, controversy, mistrust and division in these communities. If any of the board members are wavering in their decision, this should be a sign to you. This is not the time to rescind this policy and throw our town into the spotlight. Unfortunately, our town has been in the spotlight through negative Events and we've got to get back on track.