Video 1


Speaker 1 [00:00:00] The 10-4-6 this meet. This means that tonight's meeting is as advertised in the News Tribune, on the board of the schools that are Cablevision Channel 118 and Verizon FIOS Channel 24. Notice of the meeting has also been filed with the township clerk. This meeting was scheduled for November 14, 2023. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss policy and health and safety issues related to the district. Please rise.

Speaker 2 [00:00:33] I pledge allegience, to the Flag, of the United States of America. And to the republic, for which it stands. Once nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Speaker 1 [00:00:46] ... There's an agenda up there with you guys out there have recieved, in the back table in the corner. The agenda does say that we're going to be going over policy alerts. There's about 15 or 20 of them. We decided to not go over those at the comittee meeting, but we'll be going over those at the Agenda Meeting under Policy Committee. So because of the size of the room, the size of the audience, I hope you also will respect the fact of the importance of the policy. 5756 and also the policy 9240. We're going to ... Jump right to the open discussion of the public. Couple of housekeeping rules. We do have a microphone set up on our left side to the right side of you guys. If you have anything you'd like to speak about. You can form a line. We're going to give the audience members and 5 minutes time limit to speak. I think that's a three minute time limit to speak. My apologies. ... Just a few commonsense things, we just ask for respect, we don't want any screaming, blurting out from the audience if you want to be heard. That is where you'll be held, that you'll be heard from. Keep it in orderly fashion. You've got students in the audience. Let's be respectful of that. And that's it. So it's just it's just sort of done on a voluntary basis. I'm sorry. And most importantly, no action will be taken tonight on the board. We're not voting on anything tonight. This is an open discussion. I've been a major advocate for community meetings. This is an opportunity to be heard by the public. We were voted in by you guys. So it's important to hear your opinions and we value them, and we'd like you to just respect one another. Thank you. So if anybody wants to speak, have anything to say about the policy because it's following the public speaking, the board will have their discretion on the policy as well. So, please, in an orderly fashion, you can make your way up to the microphone.

Mark Stanton [00:03:03] My name is Mark Stanton, and I'm the Chairman of Memorial Temple in New Brunswick.

Mark Stanton [00:03:10] I understand that the proposal is reversing a chance for kids to have confidentiality, speaking to their teachers, their faculty, administrators of schools.

Mark Stanton [00:03:26] In confidence that whatever they're feeling or whatever they're going through as they're growing.

Mark Stanton [00:03:34] The opportunity to do it in a safe way. Kids don't always have safety at home.

Mark Stanton [00:03:42] When they're going through emotional turmoil of trying to figure out who they are.

Mark Stanton [00:03:49] You know, there's so many things that we learn in our schools that are taught. And then there are others that are not as well known as who we are inside. You know, I started to look.

Mark Stanton [00:03:59] At the beginning of the Bible, the Torah in my community. And when God.

Mark Stanton [00:04:07] Created the earth, heaven and earth, those are two extremes. God created the day and the night, but didn't actually say that God created the afternoon or the evening. But they were described as extremes with the assumption that everybody would understand that everything in the middle was created along with it. God created.

Mark Stanton [00:04:30] Him, God created man and male and female. God created them.

Mark Stanton [00:04:36] But those are kind of the extremes, and there needs to be a way to justify the chance for kids as they're growing up with new understandings of the words that we grew up with. That God is unveiling more and more details as we go along. And we need to have safety. We have safety in camps when we have kids that are away from their parents and can experiment with who they are and try to figure it out. And maybe it's just a phase and maybe it's not. So I really hope that you'll look at the policies that have been approved already and not go back on them and allow kids to have the safety of trying to figure out who they are without potentially endangering them by having the parents brought in. Sometimes the parents are incredibly loving and understanding and will struggle along with them. Sometimes parents are not. They come with their own prejudices and they come with their own biases and bigotry and that it is inflicted on kids. So l, I beg you to reconsider what you are voting on.

Speaker 1 [00:06:04] Just a heads up, we're going to give you a one minute warning to just you have a heads up. ... Thank you.

Kevin [00:06:11] My name is Kevin Ray. I've been a resident of Old Bridge for 16 years and I've had two kids come through the school. They're 2019 and 2021 and extremely proud of the work and of what they did here.

Kevin [00:06:25] I came, when I first came, my kids were homeschooled.

Kevin [00:06:29] And my daughter started here in ninth grade. And I remember coming in with my partner and we and we were seeing the mural of LGBT and it made us cry because growing up as queer people, we didn't get to see that. Now I grew up and I went to that marriage. I grew up in different ways and then I found myself later in life. I will also say I have also been an LGBT advocate person for domestic sexual violence matters. As a state coordinator and I came and.

Kevin [00:06:59] I also worked for Monmouth County, and I would go into schools and I would talk about domestic and sexual violence.

Kevin [00:07:06] And talk about what it means to be outed. And I would out myself as to who I am. I am non-binary. I came out two years ago and then. I lost my family, I lost my, except for my kids, I lost many of my friends. I had my holidays all by myself now. That I can meet, and I'm at 51 and I get to start my whole life over again, but these kids who are in school don't, these kids are in school are terrified. When I would go in and I would talk about outing and what that meant for somebody and these kids in tears going down their face and reaching out to me and after about not learning about themselves or not seeing who they were. Now I've been attacked. I've been sexually assaulted since this has happened to me, and I'm working on it. I am strong and I can do this, and I think I can do this. The money that would be used to pay for ... Legal stuff, can be used to pay to help these kids get a start in life. It would be so much better right now in my life... I have. Like I finally just got a car for the first time in, like nine months. And then you get to come to that meeting and here I am not going to be.

Kevin [00:08:26] In Old Bridge much longer, unfortunately, my house is in foreclosure, But I would say this it was important enough that when this showed up on my newsfeed today, I came here and I started a group called the LGBTQ plus people of Old Bridge, and yall are welcome to come out and join. And even when I leave, i wanna be able to leave that for them. But I just want to say coming as a person who was an adult and had a hard time finding services, and thing that I need, I can't imagine what it's like to be a student here in this school right now. Fearfull. And you want your kids terrified to come home to you. Do you want them terrified or do you want them living? And thats all I have to say. Thank you.

Carolyn [00:09:21] My name is Carolyn. I'm a resident of Old Bridge now.

Carolyn [00:09:28] A mother of four children.

Carolyn [00:09:30] And five grandchildren. And I'm just going to say off the bat that I think all of us want the school to be a safe place.

Carolyn [00:09:38] For our children, no matter what they identify as. But first, I want to thank you for allowing public comment on policy 5756, a controversial policy that was rolled out by Strauss since May of 2018.

Carolyn [00:09:54] And was originally pushed mandatory until two months ago when the deputy.

Carolyn [00:09:59] A.G. James Michael, admitted that it was guidance only and not mandatory. So since then, numerous school districts have recinded 5756 and for good reason.

Carolyn [00:10:12] Abolishing 5756 lines up with the results of a recent Momouth University poll, which revealed that a majority of parents are not in agreement with the terms to remove local autonomy and parental Authority. In fact 77% feel that middle and high school should be required to notify parents of their child wants to be an identifying of a different gender. That 77% of parents who want to know everyone's know about their child, not because we hate. On the contrary, responsanle parents care about all matters pertaining to their children, especially when we see a policy that made it seem like grooming and indoctrination of children. 5756 does this by keeping parents in the dark about a serious and potentially life threatening situation with a minor, as you consider 5756 I believe there are two issues that you as a school board member will wrestle with.

Carolyn [00:11:16] First is the notion that a child can change their sex. That's the problem. 5756 clandestinely promotes the mutilation of children under the misleading banner of gender affirming care, with gender now being promoted as a social construct. You as a school board member will decide whether to continue swimming in these unchartered waters of reconstructive identity and child mutilation. Or you can aid and stop again. The second thing you will wrestle with is the requirement of all of this to be kept secret from the parents. If tylenol cannot be dispensed in secret, how and why something of this nature radically changing one of one's identity not being disclosed to parents.

Carolyn [00:12:06] If a student is struggling mentally or emotionally with gender dysphoria, and the school is aware, but the parents are not notified, couldn't the district to be found liable for damages if the student were to harm themselves. One survey showed that up to 80% of trans individuals suffer from serious psychopathology and gender affirming care largely fails to remedy those problems. If you truly want to help these children work with their parents on ..., and ditch 5756.

Speaker 4 [00:12:48] We have more people here than we have a minutes, so please tuck it in within 3 minutes or we will ask you to stop. And ask you to move from the microphone. We are trying to hear everybody. Thank you.

Lisa [00:13:02] My name is Lisa McCartney. I come here as a parent, an educator, a social justice advocate, and a Christian. I have two degrees with a concentration in gender studies, and I write in prison workshops on gender identification. I have spent my entire adult life working with children and youth.

Lisa [00:13:20] Christian Theologian William Paley had said, there was a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt. Prior to emancipation, the media and Internet have created and spreads in everything from science and medicine to law. No longer do we respect education, knowledge and actual lived experience that goes into being knowledgeable about the subject. The pandemic highlighted this as all of a sudden we had educate ... we had expert in everything from educating children to baking bread. The repeal of this policy is guaranteed to put at least one child in this district in danger. And I worry that you are rushing to condemn the current policy as being dangerous without investigating extensively. We obviously want school to be a safe place for students, but for all students. With almost 25% of homeless teens identifying as queer and queer students, three times more likely to be rejected by their families or attempt suicide, at least one student will be harmed if they are outed to their parents. What steps will you take to ensure that that student is protected?

Lisa [00:14:22] You are also putting a burden on teachers who should be concerned with educating students. How are you going to help the teacher, who outs a student, and then, because they are rejected by their family, thrown out on the street or worse. Commit suicide. No teacher which really cares about their students is going to be able to shoulder that guilt. Transgender youths have been here forever. It's not their existence that has changed, it is the willingness of society to learn. Just like we now have technical knowledge that we didn't have 100 years ago. So to, do we have more knowledge about gender identity and expression? Please, attend a space and Safe Zone Workshop on Gender. Read one of the many academic books or articles on gender identity. Talk to a trans youth yourself, but I beg you, if you are not actually a gender scholar, please learn a little bit more before assuming that would Panic driven parents with no ... Knowledge tell you is the truth because allowing two children to identify as their authentic selves is not grooming. I could have sent my son to be raised by the Dallas Cowboys. He still would have been gay. Although I am a Christian and I was going to say the Giants, but I am old, I am a Christian. I am not God and I don't try to be God. But I would say this If God truly created all of us, then He created my son to be a gay man. Telling anyone that the way they feel about themselves is not only wrong, it is dangerous and a horrible way for educators to treat children. These children are bullied enough. You cannot legislate gender differences out of existence. Repealing this policy will do nothing more than send kids back into the closet. And I would urge you to please not make that harmful decision without more information and education to back it up and help you. Thank you.

Kimberly [00:16:07] Good evening. My name is Kimberly, I'm from Old Bridge, and I just want to start off with this.

Kimberly [00:16:20] Thank you for taking the time for recinding 5756. 5756 had ... far reaching effects teaching parenting, relationships, First Amendment rights, harmful effects of hormonal drugs, discrimination in the even to name just a few. These areas of concern have emerged from the previous Board of Education meetings also, and not limited to the special education student population, which are affected by the invitation of five, seven, five, six. As a former special education teacher, I would like to remind the board about how five, seven, five six affects all the student diversity. ... Population is comprised of the community and resource diversity, which is 5756 which concerns are not addressed. The development of the brain, especially prefrontal cortex, needs to be addressed when rescinding 5756.

Kimberly [00:17:15] Number one, the stage of the brain development is debate about what age a brain is fully developed. "At what age of the brain is fully developed" is the name of the article, which was published by Mental Health Daily. This article has significant information that should be included in recinding the Act. Due to the containments... Due to time constraints. I would like to highlight a few more points.

Kimberly [00:17:41] One) At the age of 25, the brain is fully developed. Some say 30.

Kimberly [00:17:47] Two) the prefrontal cortex is still growing between 18-25 years old.

Kimberly [00:17:51] Three) During puberty, the prefrontal cortex of the brain begins to develop for impulsive and difficult thinking, and goal setting difficulty during puberty areas.

Kimberly [00:18:01] Five) Puberty. During puberty, a high level reward system is achieved. Brain activity returns to normal in 25.

Kimberly [00:18:09] Organize thinking) hormones affect the concentration ability to organize thinking of teenagers.

Kimberly [00:18:15] Seven) Personality Development. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for personality development with there being more stimulation of the prefrontal cortex, a job you struggled with, identity issues with a favorable personality decision making, which is liberating. Teenagers are, as many of us now have some challenges making good decisions, especially your parent of choices. Another form part of the people the cortex plays in developing your logical thinking and means in the learning situation. Also the ability to make a good versus bad decision is connected to the development of the prefrontal cortex. So significant to the brain development alone needs to be considered because a child goes through all these changes and diversity and the learning of a child of the different spurts. As a teacher you constantly assessing. So this important ... Thank you for your free time.

Jordan [00:19:25] Hello! My name is Jordan ?. I am 29 years old. I am the manager of psychiatric nursing at a large New Jersey hospital. I am the product of Old Bridge township schools . Long time no see Mr. ?. I am also a proud gay man. So. My primary focus is adolescent psychiatry. Although I cover all age groups, all pathologies. I primarily deal with the issues facing adolescents. The one I find the most troubling that I see in my work every single day are kids who identify as transgender and non-binary.

Jordan [00:20:10] My hospital is not a hospital you go to when you break your leg or you have the flu. My hospital is the hospital you go to when you want to end your life. When you feel that you are not worth anything in this world and that before the age of 18, you have made the decision that I would rather die than continue existing. Just today I had a patient who was scheduled to discharge go home to their parents, very conservative Christian evangelical parents. They said to the nurse, I'm refusing to go home. And if I go home, I will kill myself. They canceled their discharge because it was determined that the home environment was not safe for them to go.

Jordan [00:20:56] I'm going to take all back to psychology class for a minute. And one important thing I want you to know is that there's a theory called Erickson's ... Erickson's Theory of Psychosocial Development. The fourth step addresses adolescence, which is identity versus role confusion. We're going to get to the confusion. Don't hang on that word. So identity versus role confusion involves discussing gender identity, discovering it as well as sexual identity, and learning your roles in society, as well as creating your own personal ethos from that. If Adolescence are supported in their explanation and their exploration of their roles and given that freedom and that support. They are likely to emerge from that stage, which is age of 18, leaving high school with a strong sense of self and independence and self control. That's what you're sending kids off to college with. When I was here at Oak Ridge High School, I was suicidal. I spent a good portion of my high school years thinking I was worth nothing even after I started the pride club I dealt with a lot of personal self-hatred because I felt no one wanted to be with me. No one wanted to be near me. I was the fagot and everything that nobody wanted to be. And guess what? I confided in my teachers and they helped me realize I was worth something. Do not use this as a moment to weaponize teachers and make them the police of your children. You are afraid of what you don't understand. You are not going to erase them. They're going to exist. Don't do that.

OB Teacher [00:22:46] I don't have anything prepared? I wish I did, but I felt I had to come here and speak out.

OB Teacher [00:22:51] I'm a lifelong resident of Old Bridge. My two sons just graduated this past year from Old Bridge high school and I've been a teacher for 26 years. So what we're talking about today has been around since I've been a teacher, and I've been proud to support these students my entire career. I'm very proud of that, along with a lot of my colleagues at the school. I started the GSA, along with some very brave students 20 years ago, and it is very much needed now, probably even more now than ever before, even though we've gotten many rights. It's ridiculous to me that we're standing here talking about this because it hasn't been a thing for 26 years in the history, maybe even longer than that. And now all of a sudden it's a thing. And it's an oxymoron to say protecting parents rights over the students lives. If you want to rescind protections from the students. That, to me, makes no sense. Listen to that statement. Rescinding protections for students. My whole job, my whole career is protecting the students and protecting my sons. So as a parent and as a teacher and a community member, my kids and your kids come first. I protect them every day, and I don't want them to live in fear, to go home, live in fear of walking down the hallways. I don't want to see this law change. And I've been a proud resident of New Jersey, proud resident of Old Bridge. And now with this has come here. I have been proud to live in this state with a lot of rights. We've been lucky here, but now it's come here so we don't have to fight for our rights every single day. So good luck to all the trans and non-binary. We stand with you.

Vinny [00:24:54] Hello. Like the previous speaker, I don't have any prepared remarks. I just heard about this. Have had to come out. Can you spell your name? Oh, sure. My name is Vinny. I went to school here. I'm a lifelong Old Bridge resident as well. I also know this facility.

Vinny [00:25:16] And I just wanted to come here to say that I was a gay student here. I'm gay, man. Now, I mean. I live happily on Old Bridge still. I'm still an Old Bridge Resident. I live with my fiancee, quite close to here. And I just have a story for you. I'm just, I'm not trans, but I would like to tell a story about a gay man I know that grew up with parents that didn't understand what he was going through or who he was. And unfortunately, this person no longer has any contact with his parents at all. When he came out, they disown him and he doesn't even live in the same state as them anymore. He had to leave and live with a friend in a different state that would take him in. That's the unfortunate reality, is that even now, most parents, the vast majority of all parents, love their children and truly want what's best for them and can help them achieve that, reach their best selves, be nurturing, loving. I came out when I was in seventh grade, so before I was even in this high school and my parents were caring and affectionate. Most parents are caring and affectionate, but unfortunately, the fact of life is that bigoted people exist in this world, and bigoted people can be parents, too, and they can do very harmful things to children. And it's important for kids to be able to have privacy. It really is. I'm not a doctor. I don't have facts about psychology or anything like that. But I know it's important to protect kids privacy.

Vinny [00:27:22] If there's something that about their personal lives and sexuality and gender identity is a personal thing, they shouldn't be compelled to disclose that to their parents just because those people are their parents. You know, if school in the South in the mid 20th century shouldn't have been forced to tattle on children in school, in interracial relationships just because racist parents wanted to know that. That's really all I have to say. Thank you. And, you know, at please protect the students. Please protect their privacy.

16y Student [00:28:07] 16 years old. I'm a lifelong resident of Old Bridge, and I just want to say thank you to the school board for having to listed to all of us for like 3 hours. I have volunteered in our library helps run games for community days and I've even played. It's been a week. I stand before you today, as I have many other days, to encourage you to attend policy 5756. Now, I want to begin this by mentioning that I only want the best for trans people in our country to give you the freedom to live your life. And nobody here is denying that you deserve love and protection from hate and harm. My heart goes out to trans, both transgender and cisgender people who have been sexually assaulted, like a very nice person who came up in the beginning. However, the people around you also deserve their protection.

16y Student [00:28:50] Breale ? deputy director of Garden State Equality said it best when they said, We are losing focus of who is at the center of these policies, which are the youth? So as I speak to you on behalf of other youths to say that this policy actively harms kids of all ages. It fosters a belief that, to paraphrase George Orwell, everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others. So to prove my point, let me paint a picture using the words of policy 5756 itself.

16y Student [00:29:16] The school district shall provide transgender students with the same opportunities to participate in physical education as other students in accordance with their gender identity, and permit its transgender students to participate in ... gender segregated school activities in accordance with the student's gender identity. Essentially, that second part means they can do anything their gender and sexuality is. Unfortunately, people can and will use the system.

16y Student [00:29:41] In a simple 5 minutes Google search. I have come across five schools that have reported sexual assault by a trans woman. Johnson Middle School , ASK? Academy High school, Edwin Memorial High School and ? High School. And sadly, at least 80% of rape cases go unreported. Do the math. That means at least 25 cases judging by commonly held rate metrics that service from a single Google search. Obviously, this does not equal trans women or men are pedophiles because a generalization like that would be harmful and hateful. In our society we need to be aware and hyper vigilant of men who intend to harm vulnerable girls. And unfortunately, girls like Ray from ASK academy describe being afraid to come forward to and not to be labeled bigoted.

16y Student [00:30:23] All we know is many 30 white kids, weapons, everything are just these bad cases. And the reality is the policy 5756 repealed. Trans kids will not be bullied at a high rate. Title nine still applies protecting any child from bullying, harm and heavily punishing inappropriate behavior. The repealing of policy 5756 will not negatively impact trans people any more than the average app on our current bill. Confused, let me explain. Abuse is universal, meaning being trans doesn't necessarily put you in higher abuse category other than being the trigger for it. Unfortunately, anything from playing hopscotch or bring home a ... report card will bring the wrath of an abuser.

16y Student [00:31:02] Being outed as trans will not cause you to be abused. Abusers, cause you to be abused. We don't make policy. I assume people would actually do something. We don't ...

Speaker 1 [00:31:08] Thank you Sir.

Dr. de Grail [00:31:22] Good evening. I'm the Reverend Dr. Ellen de Grail. And as we were in public school, I am not here to speak as a woman of faith, although I obviously am. I'm here to talk to you a little bit about my experience as a high school drama coach. And you can imagine in my years of teaching some of them right here in Old Bridge, New Jersey, I had a number of students come out to me. The one that sticks with me the most is a young man named Joe. He couldn't go home and tell his parents he was abusing alcohol and drugs. He was self-destructive. When it came to me, the safe teacher, what could I do? I called the other drama kids in and I said, Joe needs some extra love right now. And they rallied around that young man, the only safe place he had to be, who he was. And as Joe struggled with his orientation and his gender, those kids stuck by him. And I was not required to go and report to his parents, who needed a lot more education, what Joe's issues were. And I think that we saved Joe's life. So I want you to think about that student and the other students in those situations as you make this decision. We do want to love our students. We keep them safe and we want to affirm them just the way God made them.

Shawn [00:32:54] Hi everyone. I'm Shawn ? . I live in Hillsboro. I have worked with kids for almost 35 years and past 20 years, I was an elementary school counselor here in Oak Bridge, and I retired in June.

Shawn [00:33:04] First, let me say that I understand and respect parents rights and a desire to know what's going on with their children in school. After all, that's what's best for the great majority of students. In my experience, the wonderful teachers and other school staff here in Oak Bridge do, too. As I've said before, I'm deeply saddened by certain accusations in the country.

Shawn [00:33:24] Policy 5756 does not, as some people believe even have asserted, prevent staff from speaking with parents or guardians. It provides that in the district the guidance is designed to protect those children who need it not to serve the parents rights. Most children will need the protection of this policy. Some might. Children have rights, but children have right to left on the mainland.

Notes [00:33:49] Note - The room microphone was having issues. This speech is continued in Video 2

Video 2

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.

Video 3  
  
John Howard [00:00:00] John Howard. I'm from the New Jersey Policy Center for more on New Jersey. We have a bunch of families here in Old Bridge Township. I stated it earlier, the attorney general's office said before a judge Mikowitz, in the Superior Court of New Jersey, in Morris County. That Policy. 5756 is not a mandatory policy and school boards are not required to adopt it where the Department of Education released its guidance. Therefore, and I quote the judge's ruling on September 26, 2023, and I quote, in sum because policy 5756 is not mandatory, the board is free to repeal the same. UnQuote.

John Howard [00:00:40] When it comes to in NJ lag there is no precedent. There's no civil case law in N.J. that has even been implied in any manner that would prohibit parents being informed of the child's social, emotional, mental well-being, including gender identity. Or NJ lag has been used to protect someone based upon gender identity. That adult was always diagnose with gender dysphoria. And these school policy stated, no medical diagnosis is required for someone to change a gender identity.

John Howard [00:01:11] Again, completely out of step with NJ lag case law. So for the attorney general to tell school boards, to keep parents in the dark and to lie to parents, and to view parents as a problem is grossly irresponsible and a serious violation of parental rights. It's both ... unethical and is dangerous. When the loving involved parents become the enemy of the state.

John Howard [00:01:36] On the other hand, the Supreme Court has repeatedly held the rights of parents to direct education and upbringing of the children and make decisions concerning the care of the children. Why? Because parents know what is best for their children. That is why the choice of words used by those supporting maintaining 5756 such outings students puts them for harm. That's very troubling language and it shows a strong anti-parent bias.

John Howard [00:02:09] New Jersey was recently ranked fourth in the nation for the worst problems of bullying in schools. Yet the attorney general is pointing his finger at moms and dads. He has the finger pointing in the wrong direction. Moms and dads are not the problem. They love their children and want to see the best for their children. So I encourage you repeal 5756.

Caitlin [00:02:41] Hello. Good evening. My name is Caitlin, I am an Old Bridge resident and former student of Old Bridge.

Caitlin [00:02:46] Policy 5756 was put in place to protect one of the most vulnerable populations, students who are transgender. It seems like some people are rather confused with the rights of parents policy adopted in 1999 put in place to protect a much more vulnerable population.

Caitlin [00:03:02] In an ideal world, all students would be ... fortunate enough to have a compassionate and understanding home life. Sadly that's not the world we live in.

Caitlin [00:03:11] Policy 5756 was established to protect those students. However, grown adults are willing to take the policy away because they are more concerned about parental rights. Parents are ... policy in place to protect their rights. A policy that allows parents and guardians to access all information regarding their child unless prohibited by law or state or federal law. With all the noise against the policy 5756 the true meaning of the laws and replaced with rhetoric. It's been lost the policy addresses topics of harassment and intimidation and bullying, proper training of personnel, and discrimination. These points have not been the target of conversation. Instead, it's been parental rights that again, have been protected since 1999. When addressing policy 5756, please prioritize students who without this policy are not protected. Instead of parents who, with or without the policy, have the same protected rights.Thank you.

Daren [00:04:05] I want to thank the board and I want to thank the teachers in my own life. [name] Because without them [name], Daren, from Old Bridge.

Daren [00:04:16] I want to thank the teachers and the board because when I was a kid, I was a troubled little kid. I grew up on the streets in Brooklyn and from a single mom. It was tough. I was thrown on the street. I was almost homeless. My father was a compulsive gambler. It was a sickness. My mom strugged as a small kid. But in school, my grades are very small, my behavior was bad because I had a troubled home. I was so blessed and thankful that the teachers had a good relationship with my mom.

Daren [00:04:53] They would call and tell what was going on. They would tell that I was doing something wrong. They would call my parents, go to school and have conversations. Isn't that why we're all here? You love your kids. Transgender. I have a friend of mine, 3 weeks ago, committed suicide. He's not trans anything. I just was depressed and he's death. So, I know it's difficult, but the teachers aren't psychologists. This gentleman that stood up who works in the hospital, respect, that's where kids need to go with this problem. I have two daughters, in Old Bridge. 17 and 13. I'm their father and I love them unconditionally. I am also their protector. And I wouldn't want my girls coming home saying to me that I was talking to the teacher by something and they said, Just keep this secret between you and I. Now, wait a second. That doesn't happen a lot, right? Right? It doesn't. I'm not saying it does. But just imagine if my kid came home and said it to me. It happensm You know why. Because it happened to my best friend.

Daren [00:06:12] And make no mistake, you're putting the teachers and kids at risk because the teachers shouldn't have to hide something from the parents and think it's okay that you protected them and the parents in here are no good! it's ridiculous! The right to report, my right to report.

Daren [00:06:31] And at the end of the day this is school! This is a school. This isn't a psychiatry center. This isn't a hospital. Mind your business. ... Let me speak!

Daren [00:06:45] The bottom line is it's wrong. The parents need to be involved with their children because they love their kids. Period. Full stop! What are we arguing about?! You know why we can't get any more teachers?! Very simple! They don't want to work anymore! because now they're cops. There's psychiatrist, they're social worker, and they're playing God. At the end of the day, it's not their job. If somebody comes in and they want to change their gender, or if they want to cut off their penis, they want to go get on puberty blockers, guess what? Here's the deal. Get social services, get DIFFUS, get somebody because these teachers and this board, the teacher, the teachers, they don't have a license for it! period

Harrison William [00:07:32] Hi. I'm Harrison William. I am a resident of Old Bridge for the past, I'd say around a decade, maybe a little more, of my life. And I am a current student of Old Bridge High Scool. [Hold on].

Notes [00:07:59] [At this time, the previous talker was kicked out of the room. He was starting a commotion.]

Harrison William [00:08:42] Hi. Let me start again. I'm Harrison William. I'm 17 years old and a current student at OBHS. I've lived here for the past, maybe a little over a decade of my life, and much as some of the other people come before I didn't come with any prepared remarks, but I call them as someone who is currently kind of in the situation that's being discussed today. I'm gender fluid and I have been ... My whole life. That's how it works. I don't come with any of my medical knowledge or faith, but it's ... it's important to know that this isn't, like, a contagion as it was said before. It's just who people are. The people are born the way they are. Full stop. I accept this myself. I am Genderfluid doesn't matter what pronouns I use. My little sister over there. I'm always going to be her older brother and I am going to be here to protect her regardless of anything.

Harrison William [00:09:48] And that includes something like this and how people have said very easily before. It's not, 5756 isn't teaching kids to be transgender or harming students who aren't transgender. It's simply to protect students and children who come from homes that aren't capable of protecting them. I come from a house that is capable of that. My mom and my stepdad and my father all love me very dearly. They know who I am as a person. They know everything about me because I can trust them. But I have plenty of friends who live in-state, out-of-state. Even right down the road who can't trust their parents with that information. Because if they do, they run the risk of being kicked out of their house, of being sent to somewhere. [one minute].

Harrison William [00:10:50] All right. Thank you. And it just isn't viable for this to happen. People have come up here with statistics about transgender suicide and youth. And on paper the numbers look great. 95% of kids come out fine. But the fact that there is that 5% lack there is the problem. These people who come and inform these parents who ... can't be trusted with this. I'll just say plainly like that, they drive their children to places like this where they feel like the only option is to kill themselves. And some of them do. I've been in that situation. I have been suicidal. I have been at this school and felt not safe. But I do now, because I have teachers that I can trust to talk about, like my drama teacher, my choir teacher. I have people who I can speak to about these things, freedom. And now I can talk to my parents about it, too.

Video 4

Council Person [00:00:00] I was asked to comment. If you could please stick to the 3 minutes. Respect each other and listening to each other. We're not asking to agree with each other, but these hear each other out and we're going to here this out so we do not have to break this meeting and start over.

Tina [00:00:21] Hi, my name is Tina G Gerard. I've been a resident of Oak Bridge my entire life. My mom was a resident of Madison Township. I have a son that's currently in high school. I have many nieces, nephews and cousins that also went Old Bridge High School. I can only speak from what I know in my own life. My sister, who's my other half, a literal ... Dream, came out when she was in her mid-twenties. My parents would never, ever, ever. And, she knew that, would never do anything but love her. But it took her that strength to find that strength in order for her to say it out. And now that she's said it out now, she's the same person she always was only better.

Tina [00:01:31] My nephew, who is also gay, when he was in fourth grade, said he wanted to commit suicide because he didn't understand why everyone was making fun of him for his backpack and the things that he liked. Now, he graduated high school last year. He is an amazing young man. Amazing young man. And I also have a cousin who I watched grow up who's also gay and went to this high school. In order for people to be able to get themselves ready to tell the world their own personal, beliefs, not beliefs... their own personal what they are. I never had to tell anybody I was straight.

Tina [00:02:37] Unfortunately, I'm straight. If it was a choice? ... So I'd like to know just in general for people think about this. When did you know you were straight? Do you know your straight? Was there something that went off in your head that said, You know what? I like women, no wait I like men. It is what it is. A lot of people have said about treatment that kids are getting gender treatment while other kids. You need to be 17 years old with a parent's consent in order to get any type of drugs, surgery or anything.

Mariah [00:03:48] Can you hear me now? All right, good. My name is Mariah. I've been a resident for over 40 years, so yes there are black people in Old Bridge. I'm a product of the Old Bridge School sustem from the Elementary school, to middle school, to high school, along with seven cousins. I have a few children who also go through the school not to mention, I'm now a grandma. I also go to college football basketball track for boys and girls. I am in even completed my Sacrimental ... as well as my mom teachers CCD their.

Mariah [00:04:26] I give you my background so that you know I have been fully invested in our town for the last couple of decades, as well as invested in mine and all the children of our town, education and school system, just like the rest of the town, it's residents and their kids. I stand before you tonight to request for policy 5756 not to be repealed. It is a communication plan that was put in place by Governor Christie back in 2017. It was created as a policy to protect and address the needs of transgender students and to assist schools in establishing policies, procedures that ensure a supportive and nondiscriminatory environment for transgender students.

Mariah [00:05:04] It is just that, a communication policy. It is not a policy contrary to what many have spoken before in front of the BOE of those that believe that allows teachers to give children medications or offer therapy or help children pursue surgeries or transitioning or to even persuade or help the child along with their transitioning.

Mariah [00:05:23] If you are a parent at OB and you know, nurses can't even give her children Tylenol without permission. So this policy is to safeguard transgender children. It helps teachers and school administration with a plan of how to communicate with children who have a certain their gender identity. This is not all the school staff and teachers are keeping a secret from me policy. It is a protection policy for most parents who have an open communication with your children. Love them unconditionally. It will not harm them in this policy does not pertain to you. This policy is to protect the transgender children that if or because they can't be open with their parents for fear of retaliation, abuse or being kicked out of their homes. This protects them.

Mariah [00:06:06] Unfortunately, some of the parents that are here wanted to repeal the policy or those who have been known to be anti-lgbtqia+. So we need to address the elephant in the room. If you repeal this policy, what safety measures and safeguards do you put in place for the transgender children? For their safety? For those who don't know how to use them, because it is 1.6 million that have been kicked out of those for coming forward. So my thing is, keep the policy for transgender protection and include a safeguard measure that if the parent questions their child's identity or the child is ready to share with the parent. The measures were put in place that there's no harm, no violence or anything happens to those children.

Audience [00:06:55] Can we keep it quiet in the back?

Nina [00:07:04] my name is Nina ?, and I'm going to start with equality and inclusion. This is Old Bridge, we all know this. So don't send the policy 5756. I'm going to continue with Mariah's speech over here because she only had 3 minutes. Because for the most part now they released the violence. Those who think that this is over, the young brother kids in a home.

Nina [00:07:33] She has, Mariah has an experience this. I, by the way, also have a child in mt house whomst is gay because they don't go. Home because they're afraid to go home.

Nina [00:07:45] This team, this team was what this team that Mariah was talking about was put out of the woods for two weeks. We're asking you to keep the policy for transgender protection and include a safeguard measure that if a parent questions their children's identity or the children, is ready to share with their parents that measures are put in place so that no harm will come to the child or worse, that they will be put out of their home. We have learned from other towns that eliminating the policy will not only lead to lawsuits, but not protecting these children will be lost in the lawsuits, the deaths of children and injuries and everything else. And what was going to happen with the money, and the costs of the lawsuits for our town. I mean, we've already lost money in the safe. It was it was $12 million by the state cut our budget. And then what is it going to cut our budget with the 5756 if you rescinded it? How much money are we going to lose? Is anybody thinking about that?

Nina [00:08:42] The attack on this policy can ... In a way that everybody knows in this room. It's been used for six years and it's just a gimmick to attack our town school system. They're just already they attack our the teachers, the education system, classes, health and sex ed and now you're attacking this policy. What's going to be next? Book banning? I'm sorry to ask again. Please protect our children. Please Protect transgender children, because nobody else may be.

Nina [00:09:11] As BOE members, you were elected to protect our schools and education system and protect every child. Not just a few children, not just the select children, not the children and parents who share the same views as every each of you. But all the children and parents in the education system of our town is important. Protect our kids, protector the policy.

Nina [00:09:46] Hi, I am Diane. I am a nurse and a mother of three in the Old Bridge school system. My oldest, I had to get permission from all of them to be allowed to speak, my oldest is transgender and recently she transitioned a long time ago. She would come out to friends and she felt comfortable. She would open up to her friends and tell this was transgender. But recently, within the last three weeks, someone outed her. To what? To her felt like everyone. And recently, she has experienced someone in the cafeteria standing up and pointing at her and yelling, You're an effing man without the abbreviation. She had someone at kickball called her it, and that thing, she's dealt the bulling [and] outing. Those people are bullies. But the person who outed her, outing is bullying. You're opening the person up to this unsafe environment mentally.

Nina [00:10:47] And so if you're opening up a teacher or a counselor to go against the student's wishes and tell a parent, I would say that's bullying. I think you're opening yourself up for litigious action in that in the bullying respect as well. To go to talk about parental rights. I'm not trying to be offensive, but I think it's selfish because I don't think this is about you. I think you're probably really supportive parents. I don't think this is about your children, most probably. This is about a really small, small, small percentage of children that really need to be protected. And if we're not going to protect them, nobody is. And I just, I also want to go towards the grooming that I hear about because I was personally accused of making my child transgender and I can't even get my children to brush their teeth. Thank you. I really hope you keep this polict to protect my children and protect other children.

Bob Hartman [00:12:00] Can you guys hear me? I'm a resident of Oak Bridge since 1971. Enter the school system. [name] Bob Hartman. Some of the teacher wish I wasn't in the school system. But I was here no less. But again, it's just very simple. I've read the the policies and reied to I understand it the best I could. And it's really very simple to just have open dialog between the kids and the parents, not just the kids in the teachers and hiding stuff from the parents.

Bob Hartman [00:12:29] It's just very simple. I mean, just for the whole founding of our Nation for about 250 years, it's been that way. You should continue that way. And secondly, these children are kids, right? They they're not making decisions, at everything at this age. We know that. That's why we have all these things you can do, like the gentleman here said before. You can't go to an R rated movie. PG 13, you can't play school sports without a parents voucher. You can't get a job without a parents voucher. You essentially can't go on a school trip with other parents voucher. Or Anything. And yet we want to say that this kid at 14 years old make a decision on what is the best thing for but not tell the parents. It's very simple. Just have open dialog with everybody. Just keep it open. 99% of parents are safe and everything is good. And I'm not trying to bad mouth these people here, but soon as this guy comes here and shares his heart and has a little bit of trouble what they do? They laughed and mocked him? So this is supposed to be the loving crowd? As soon as this guy hit trouble they just laughed and shouted and mocked. So who's the people should be protected from? Right? They showed they're right.

Bob Hartman [00:13:32] So again, let the parent be completely involved in their kids lifes. And teachers should not have this responsibility. Just teach our kids, that that you are here to do. You don't want to be involved in this? Just teach your kids to let the parents raise their children. It's their kids. They pay the bills, they cloth them, they feed them. They do everything for them. They drive them to here they drive them to there. I'm driving all over the place with my kids. Okay, so the parents raised their kids. Thank you.

Chris [00:14:02] Hello? Hello. My name is Chris Brownport and I'm a graduate of Oakridge High School Year 2008. I am currently a department head at the organization that I work for. I work and maintain the computers for a library in New Jersey.

Chris [00:14:23] I don't bring this up to gloat. I bring this up to say that my first professional experience was in Old Bridge High School with my teachers who I felt I could trust. Learning to trust your colleagues, learning to trust the people that are around you is essential for the rest of your life.

Chris [00:14:50] Making it so that our children cannot trust their colleagues, their teachers means that we are stepping back our responsibility to them. They need to be able to develop the relationships with their colleagues that will set them straight for the rest of their lives. Please, I implore the board to maintain this policy. Trust your children to make the decisions that they need to make to accept themselves for the rest of their lives. Thank you very much.

Jacob [00:15:41] Hi. Jacob Pender. Rutgers. New Brunswick.

Jacob [00:15:44] I'll start with a little fact check on what the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons is, which is something that's been quoted before. The APS as it is label is a politically conservative nonprofit association that promotes conspiracy theories and medical misinformation, such as HIV AIDS denialism, the abortion breast cancer hypothesis, whatever that is, and vaccine and mockism connections. So as much as that may sound like a real scientific organization, it is not. Is a nonprofit, just as many are. Many nonprofits have affiliations like that. But I was speaking tonight on 5756, which is not a policy that goes against parental rights. There's a lot of calls that goes hand in hand with parental rights as a policy that actually supports parental rights. This may surprise all of you, but in policy 5756 is repealed your teachers may out, students to their parents. You know what that does? That takes away a moment that students have that children have to come out to their parents. And every single LGBTQ person that I know has a coming out story about them, coming out to their parents on their own terms. However, if you ever take that away from them, it will never not be the students coming out to their parents. It'll be the teacher coming out to the parents for the students. That takes away that moment that that parent has with that child.

Jacob [00:17:09] Another thing that was said tonight was that, give me one second because I mistakenly turned off my phome, that moms and dads are not the problem. They love their children. Anyone who says that I would like them to look in the eyes of a transgender student was thrown out of their house by their parents and tell that to them because not all parents are like that. Most of them are and that's why we have policy 5756 because we know that the parents, the parents who love their children, who love them unconditionally, those children will come out to those parents before they come out to anyone. Why don't you try to tell a teacher and they've known for less than nine months over the parent who's raised them and loved them their entire life. Why do they come home first to a teacher who has dozens, if not hundreds of students? Why would they do that? There's only one reason, and that means they're not ready. The parent may not be ready. The student may not be ready. And that's why we have a policy 5756 to protect parental rights.

Jacob [00:18:12] I will end with this. What does parental rights look for everyone in this room? What does it look like when you're no longer a parent because your child has committed suicide? What does parental rights look like then?

Christopher [00:18:34] Christopher ?. I am an Old Bridge resident for about 20 years. A little more than that, and I have two daughters in the public school system here.

Christopher [00:18:43] And so this is hard. You know, we hear these kind of policies. I really want to talk a little bit more about really the general concerns here. So I want to know when the public school becomes an exceptable place to explore one's sexuality. And why is it so important to everyone here that people come from all over the state to these meetings? And want to make sure that sexuality is affirmed. Doesn't make sense to me. I just want to ask that question, why do we have to support the sexualization in our public institutions? Why is this supposed to be acceptable.

Christopher [00:19:14] Gender dysphoria as a mental illness. No one is denying that. How is the therapy for this illness to affirm and enables that mental illness? Every other mental illness is the goal is to reintegrate. Correct. Help them see the differences about what they've done wrong, where they're going wrong, and adjust. And then you get the to introduce in society.

Christopher [00:19:37] I know you guys don't want to hear that. You got this is a problem. You want to keep your sexual deviation. I get it. It's fine. So, yeah. So for me, the ... Does not fix the issue of suicide ideation. In fact, the research actually shows that there's minimal to any change in the risk. So other ... Other mental illnesses through affirmation still sustain. So I hear a lot of people here tonight behind me, for example, in support of keeping this policy wanting us to accept this illness as okay. And I'm hearing ad hominem attacks from you and from others out here about, you know, what we're doing here and so forth calling us bigots and so forth. Listen, we love everyone. We're parents. We love everyone but we h... Do not like the behavior...

Christopher [00:20:32] Sorry you're right, this is a board meeting. So everyone here is to make their voice heard to everyone. So we have parents who are sick of the sexualization of our children. That's really what this comes down to. We are sick of all the sexual deviations and pushing our kids through social media and that it is ideology and ideology onto our children. It's indoctrination. That's why they're all here. We would like to see the measures of protection as something more akin to yesteryear, where we encourage abstinence. Why are we talking about abstinence? Why isn't this talk about sexualization? I get it. I was a teenager, wants to but gosh, I wish I had someone telling me, keep it in my pants. Okay, here. Last ... We encourage them putting aside these strange ideas about what sex is and what it's all about and waiting until they are older to help the young people, that's a better decision for them. So I'll leave you with that. I think that's what the policy should look like.

Jeet [00:21:33] Good evening. The board. My name is Jeet Chakraborty, and I have been a resident of Old Bridge since 2002.

Jeet [00:21:41] A little something about me, I was going to the Old Bridge school system. The subject that I liked the most was history, and I was blessed with really great history teachers, in fact, one of them is actually sitting in the back right now. Now, there's a funny thing about history. It's the it's written by the victors. But it remembers the victims.

Jeet [00:22:05] History, remembers the Jews who were slaughtered under Hitler's regime. History remembers the LGBT people who were slaughtered during the Stonewall riots. History remembers the people who have been oppressed and have been abused. And history teaches us to not let those things repeat. Unfortunately, we are currently living in an era where history is repeating itself.

Jeet [00:22:39] Now. I want to encourage everybody to just think long term for a moment. Don't think about next school year. Don't even think about. The next election cycle. Think five, maybe ten years down the line. Now, everybody who has spoken out against policy 5756. Again, it's a changing time. There's a lot of new ideas out there and it feels like there's just so much happening all at once. It's scary. And I genuinely do believe that these people coming out speaking against policy 5756 do love their children from the bottom of their hearts. However, I'm finding that that love seems to be tainted by fear and a desire for something normal in a crazy and ever changing world. Now to all of you who are against this policy, the vast majority of you will never have to deal with a gay or transgender child.

Jeet [00:23:44] Your children will have gay and transgender friends, and by being against this policy, you're creating an environment in your homes where they know they're not safe to bring their friends to your house. In five, maybe ten years down the line. The people who are against this policy may be resented by the very children they're seeking to protect. Furthermore, I know some people on this board actually intend to use the school board as a springboard to higher office. Let me ask you this. Do you want your opposition to this policy to be used as a bludgeon against you by your opponents later down the line? Because let me tell you one thing.

Glen [00:24:57] My name is Glen ? , and I appreciate the extra time to be able to speak. I did not come here planning to speak, but. I can't. Not say something.

Glen [00:25:09] There is a grain of ignorance going on here. That this law is about the child sexuality. This law is about protection. This law is not about loving parents with loving homes who bring their children to errands and can talk to them about anything. This law is about the one child who can't go home. And every parent sitting here, I have no doubt is loving. And you are in this room because you care deeply about your children and about their experience in school. But don't be naive to think that every child in this high school goes home to the same kind of parents as you.

Glen [00:25:56] It could be your neighbor. It could be somebody around the block that that house in the name of normal, in the name of whatever they consider God, is capable of putting their child out for being queer, for not following the norm that they want them to be.

Glen [00:26:16] So when the school takes responsibility for outing the child before they are ready, before they are strong in their skin, then how can you be sure? That that child shows up for school inspection because she doesn't know. Nobody knows what happens in someone's home and in someone's experience. And trust me when I tell you that no child signs up to be transgendered, to be queer, no one is enticed to live in this discomfort. It is very difficult to be someone different, to feel different in your skin. And you go to school surrounded by people who are normal. Nobody volunteers for that.

Glen [00:27:06] Please keep a child's security in mind before you send them home. And giving their parents information that they know in their hearts, their parents aren't going to be able to respect. Ensure these kids come to school safely. Make sure they go home okay. And they come back the next day feeling secure. Thank You.

Alison [00:27:30] I'm Alison Parker. I've been an activist for 50 something years.

Speaker [00:27:47] I'd like to start by saying sexual deviation is a pejorative. I like to point out to you that if you've listened to everyone that spoke, hoping that this gets repealed. I would like you to imagine being there child. And I would like you to imagine that you, on the inside, do not match you on the outside, whether it is a genetic anomaly, regardless of what it is. Because I'm looking at some guys who I know that there's there's no way I'm going to tell you, put on a skirt. like you feel like you should be in a skirt and you're a Kid. And some of these people who love their kids or are their parents.

Speaker [00:28:35] And we're saying that kid who comes to school and feels safe with a teacher who is just struggling to find their way. We're going to call some of these people this evening and tell them, and then we're going to hope that they don't put that kid out. And if they do put that kid out or ... that kid does suicide. It's going to be behind the decision you're making this evening. And if you save one kid, you save the world. So when you do this ... do I one to save a kid who's going to go home and be on the streets or suicide or be on Jordan's unit? Thank you for your time.

Council Person [00:29:27] Thank You. I want to thank the public for their bravery to get up and speak. It's very difficult. We appreciate your passion. This concludes the public speaking. We are going to open up, an opportunity for the board to discuss. To give our input. Just so you can hear our views.

Council Person [00:30:07] ...

Council Person [00:30:10] It would seem redundant to highlight a policy that's been in force since 2014 and revised in 2019, that hasn't disrupted our child's education, hasn't caused any social disorder, and according to our HIV reports, there's been very little to no activity. So I attribute that to the administration ... the district. Some say it's luck. I advocate that you make your own luck. But our school system isn't a working rehabilitation center for our children. Life decisions such as gender selections should be needs to be collaborative with parents, guardians, and counselors. Not on the backs of our teachers.

Council Person [00:30:49] The number one priority is safety. Safety for all, and some of the high points on 5756 were not discussed. Okay, so with that, I'm going to ask to revise policy 5756 on important issues.

Council Person [00:31:09] Number one, use of facilities. We need to have a safe designated space for all children, transgender, even since there are no transgender. But we need to have a safe space, i.e. bathrooms and locker rooms, not giving access of choice.

Council Person [00:31:25] Number two, participation in sports, not being able to participate in a sport of choice based on gender selection. It all goes back to saying, I just disagree with that. I mean, I look at the case of Lia Thomas the swimmer. Broke records of females, was able to participate in a female sport. It's not so much given the ability to swim even with children, you just damaging the hopes of women who are trying to achieve greatness in their sport.

Council Person [00:32:00] Students records. Not keeping 2 sets of student records for identity purposes. I believe that's a safety factor. Imagine being blindsided as a parent, picking up your child, and then at that point you find out they're being victimized by another name. I personally understated.

Council Person [00:32:18] And then we talk about parent notification. I know that's a hot topic, but any changes in student records, a parent needs to be notified. That brings me to policy, 9240. That was not ... But we didn't give out ballots. And policy 9240 is the right of parents. And I'm ... excerpts from it.

Council Person [00:32:40] The board believes that the interests of the child are best served by the continuing involvement of all parents in the child's life and will be. The board will presume that each natural adoptive parent or legal guardian of a pupil enrolled in this district positions full parental rights and access to the pupil and information about the pupil. The board directs the school administrators to accommodate the needs of both parents and legal guardians from access to the child to the child's teachers and information about their child. This notion that if you ask information about the child, the administration school cannot deny you that. You can have .. Open school last night or parent teacher for the school. My daughter got high honor roll that's her plug for tonight, but I didn't go to ask about her grades. I asked about her behavior, about how she interacts with her kids and respect for teachers. So I was more concerned about her well-being as a person as opposed to education. That's something that we all do. So policies are a living document. Again, this thing hasn't been touched in ten years. But although our system is not currently compromised, policies need to be set for the near future. Success is not by design. It is by design is not by chance. So I need to make a motion to revise that policy and all sorts of other topics. Thank you.

Council Person 2 [00:34:27] So I talked a little bit about this in the last meeting. I want to say tonight is everyone in this room believes in parental rights and fueling policy 5756 involves a moral dilema and underscores the problem between parental rights and the well-being of the child. The idea is to ensure that parents have the autonomy to raise their children in a way that aligns with their values and beliefs, but within the boundaries set by society to safeguard a child's welfare. It's important to note that sacrificing any child to any form of harm is ethically unacceptable. Especially when we are aware that these situations do and continue to exist. The well-being and safety of LGBTQ students. Every student, even one student, should be a top priority, and their rights to a safe and nurturing environment are paramount. In any society. There are legal and ethical limits on parental rights to protect children from harm. Policy 5756 exists just to do that.

Video 5  
  
Council Person Jen [00:00:07] When I was thinking about the policy. I go everywhere as Jen. I don't go as Jennifer, Jennifer is my given name. My mom goes by Pat. Not as Patricia. So if I, if my parents are not getting a phone call because I choose to change my name from Jen to Jennifer. Why would I do that to any other student? My child, when we were talking about this last night, one of our friends goes by a nickname that has nothing to do with his name. They've known him for years. She's like, That's his name? I had no clue, because his name and nothing to do.

Council Person Jen [00:00:45] So when we're asking anyone that we associate, whether it's our friends, our teachers, to call us by a different name, I don't think that warrants a phone call home. So that was my standing on that part as far as when I was reading the policy for a child to go into sports. As far as I know, the children can't do that on their own. That's in the parent portal. So there there's your parental knowledge of it on that.

Council Person Jen [00:01:17] And then when it was talking about bathrooms, any child, who feels unsafe in a bathroom or a locker room has the right to go to a private changing space regardless of what their gender is. If they feel that they want more privacy, things like that.

Council Person Jen [00:01:36] My child is also trying to write their speech and didn't make the cut off. So I'm going to take a moment and read some of this.

Council Person Jen [00:01:44] Hello, I'm ?, I am 15 and I am a non cisgender student in OBHS. I have utililized this policy before and I think it's important to hear from someone who has. I did not use it because my family was unaccepting. In fact. I know they are. They know now and they are effective. I use this policy to make sure I'm comfortable, and sure of myself before coming out to my parents. Teachers and the schools around me will not be in my life forever, but my family will be.

Council Person Jen [00:02:12] Changing my name within this school will not affect my life in a significant way as it will if my family knew.

Council Person Jen [00:02:19] At the time when I used It was not that I was out. I was confirming what I know to be safe within the school walls. The policy not only for the safety but for the growth of our kids. Middle and high school is a time in students to develop independence and find themselves. Making so that parents must know about a child self discovery stunts the growth to the individuals that [they will grow into to] change the world.

Council Person Jen [00:02:42] By repealing this policy is to erode the diversity in Old Bridge schools and the safety in Old Bridge schools. Please don't undo a decade of this policy.

Council Person Jen [00:02:51] So, you know, they went on to say that this has been around since 2014. You know, we had an opportunity to inject what it was before, why it became an issue. Again, I don't know. But this isn't the only topic where we as a society keep saying, wait a minute, we are going backwards. Whether it's race, creed, you know, anything like that.

Council Person Jen [00:03:15] So that's my thoughts on this.

Council Person 3 [00:03:47] I am just going to say that I also agree with Mr. Stynings, who advised the activities section in the use of civilty section in the policy. And there was nothing else for or against it that changed my mind on my previous opinions on the policy except the activities and recent facilities.

Council Person 4 [00:04:08] And I will give you my opinion after the policy is revised. Thank you.

Council Person 1 [00:04:20] I will express again, there's a lot of interpretation of the policies, of how it is read and ... And Chris maybe you can elaborate on some of topics that were discussed within 5756.

Council Person Chris [00:04:38] I can provide you with the perspective as across our state right now, obviously looks a lot like what we saw in the last 2 hours here. There are districts almost contiguous with you that have provided us their policy [on] 5756. It is a stress estimate policy. It is not a state mandate. It is not a state law. It's something that was adopted here in November 2014.

Council Person Chris [00:05:05] Middletown, Marlboro, Manalapan, and Englishtown. All of Monmouth County, all very close to here, all advised. They were met with an injunction from The state attorney general. That case is now before the formal division of civil rights, where the attorney general, Polaris, said that he hopes to have an answer in the next couple of weeks. Now, the Division of Civil Rights does not operate on that kind of a timeframe. The case will linger for a while and we'll see where it goes.

Council Person Chris [00:05:35] The other side of that has been Hanover, which many people spoke about tonight. They also got an injunction Issued against them by the attorney general that allowed Morris County Court rather than Momouth County court. Hanover then after the deputy attorney general acknowledged that 5726 is not Mandated by state law simply repealed it. Holmdel and several other districts have followed suit, and that is a very New Jersey thing in that we have learned, we believe that repealing this policy is legal, but revising it is not.

Council Person Chris [00:06:22] So I cannot recommend that you revise it unless you want to get an injunction in place against the board. We have no finances. This policy has been in place for a while. It is grounded Largely in the Jersey law against discrimination, which was most recently revised in 2021, November 20, 2021.

Council Person Chris [00:06:48] It does speak in terms, as one of two said, that have not been defined by case law yet. This is a nine year old policy that has been tested largely in the last nine months. So the state law against discrimination is unlike the Wisconsin laws that were cited earlier tonight in New Jersey. In New Jersey. And you are strictly as a place of public accommodation forbidden from discriminating against anybody in terms of access by the NJSIAA and state law that require equal access as well. And what that means with regard to Any specific change in this policy simply does not define it. This is a nine page long policy. The general language, which is not owned by any law whatsoever, is that there should be no affirmative duty to notify it now. That seems to be the last issue. That is not grounded in the New Jersey law against discrimination. That is, in theory, within the discretion of the board. Unless you look. At what happened in Marlboro, Manalapan, and Milton.

Council Person Chris [00:08:04] So the legal underpinning of this is that the state of New Jersey right now says that if you revise this policy, it is going to be met with an injunction. That may or may not be the case in Middlesex County. No one in Middlesex County has been has taken that step. ...

Council Person Chris [00:08:24] The provision is a tough one. The repeal of this, should that be the pleasure of the board, appears to be legal this morning. However, removing these nine pieces of paper would not eviscerate the New Jersey law against discrimination or the rules of the New Jersey state and scholastic Employment Association. So it's a difficult position right now.

Council Person Chris [00:08:54] As far as the four changes that you've outlined, three of them, this is to be addressed by state law. So, if we move, places of, forward from junction situation, and yes this order, some executive session discussions. But rather than say after hearing all this public input, what we're talking about those behind closed doors, I think the beginning of this conversation belongs in public, and beyond that, have to answer more questions privately or, you know, right now. But that is where we stand from from the ... perspective. That law against discrimination is what it is. It's new in terms of the law as far as being the November 2021 version and ... anything else I can clarify.

Council Person 1 [00:09:43] We still can go forward because again, everything has to be voted on by the majority. So if it was decided, you can move forward with the revision. Put it on the agenda that we have to have two meetings before? ...

Council Person Chris [00:10:01] Yes, it would take effect the second meeting.

Council Person 1 [00:10:07] The 2nd meeting for a vote?

Council Person Chris [00:10:09] Correct. That's the way our policies work, and all policies work is that, The first. There be a revised policy created and that's the rule of the board it would be on the agenda and kind of acknowledged and discussed. And the second month would be the action on the second. So witll the second reading at which point it could be voted on for adoption.

Council Person 5 [00:10:36] I also wanted to add that when we're talking about Hanover Township, you can open The invoices for their legal representation. I have the invoices here. If anybody would like to see from February, March, April, May, June. I'm still waiting for July. And I have August and waiting for September and October. But they've already spent upwards of $60,000 in defending themselves because of the state lawsuit. So if you think that's a good use of our money, then I absolutely disagree with you. And that money is going to come from programs and things that benefit our kids.

Council Person Jen [00:11:25] That was part of my conversation. What is your question? Not that we can totally prove that by not approving the full healthcare committee to cut our budget. But it seem to coincide the districts and didn't approve the health program didn't get the same funding.

Council Person Jen [00:11:44] We're running at least $25m in state funding, which is about $20 million that we've lost. And the district's done a great job holding the programs we have and not cutting and hate to lose more funding.That would be I don't know ... as Chris's Statement. I didn't keep tally, we had 20 people come up and speak in favor of keeping the policy as is and the 13 that spoke against. And I also count the people that didn't come, to the meeting to speak as being on the part of OK with the policy. So by my count, the majority of Old Bridge would like to keep as as.

Council Person Chris [00:12:45] That concludes the policy committee from here we are going to the TV studio have our agenda meeting. Thank you for coming. Thank you for your input. Have a great day.

Video 6 Summary:
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Mr Jordan [00:00:26] Good evening. Pursuant to New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by advertising such notice in the Home News Tribune, the Asbury Park Press, the Board Office, the schools, and on Cablevision, Channel 118 and Verizon FIOS Channel 24. And by filing such notice with the township clerk. This meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, November 14th, 2023. The board will take formal action on payment of bills and other agenda items. Mr. Mayor.

Mayor [00:00:55] Thank you. Mr. Jordan, of the Old Bridge Township Board of Education acknowledges that the law of this state establishes that members of the public, including members of the board, have the right to record public board meetings using audio or video recording devices, provided that that act of recording does not interfere with the business of this public board meeting. Therefore, the board makes it known that any such recording is to be considered a private recording of the individual, and a no manner represents the official record of this board. The board, therefore takes no responsibility for such private recording and completely disavows any future use record. Ms. Antonio.

Speaker 3 [00:01:37] Present.

Mayor [00:01:37] Mr. Beaudry.

Speaker 3 [00:01:38] Present.

Mayor [00:01:39] Ms. Lint. Mr. Marquette.

Marquette [00:01:42] Here.

Mayor [00:01:43] Mr. Slade.

Slade [00:01:44] Here.

Mayor [00:01:44] Mr. Singh. Mr. Silokowski.

Silokowski [00:01:47] Here.

Mayor [00:01:48] Mr. Weber and Mr. Giordano.

Giordano [00:01:51] Here.

Mayor [00:01:52] A quorum exists.

Mr Jordan [00:01:54] All rise for Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence.

All [00:02:01] [The American Pledge of Allegience]

Mr Jordan [00:02:15] In memoriam, the Board of Education acknowledge the death of Mary Alice Maher school nurse and expressed its deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

Mr Jordan [00:02:24] Thank you.

Mr Jordan [00:02:38] Who would like to read the Code of Ethics Corner for next week?

Speaker 3 [00:02:43] I'll do it again.

Mr Jordan [00:02:44] Okay. Thank you. Approval of minutes. Any questions or discussion? Okay. We will have our report of our student representative to the board next week. Recognition. Any questions or discussion?

All [00:03:01] Yes. We will have three retirees. Hopefully couple more. We don't know, but I'll go over that next week. Thank you.

Mr Jordan [00:03:17] Thank you. Anything on their superintendents report or progress towards goals you'd like to mention this week, Mr. Steele?

Speaker 4 [00:03:23] I have nothing. This week. We will have a superintendent's report next week.

Mr Jordan [00:03:28] Any coorespondance? And we have our special committee reports next week. Now, moving on to.

All [00:03:37] Yes, we will have curriculum.

Mr Jordan [00:03:50] I'm going to go over the policies during the policy section. So now we will go to hearing of the residents on agenda items only. Okay. Moving on to policy.

Speaker 5 [00:04:09] Thank you, Mr. Jordan. And so. In the policy committee meeting, we moved right into a policy that warranted a lot of public discussion. But we do have a stress estimate policy alert 231 to go over, and we will do that. Now, I'll try and move through this as quickly as possible. There is nothing too momentous on this, but things that we need to get on for first reading, possibly for next week if the board is in support.

Speaker [00:04:37] So taking these in order from the list that board members have from the policy meeting we were just in, the school leadership councils is for Abbott districts does not apply to you. We do not have to take any action on that policy and regulation. 164201 sick leave you already took care of in September. Those are now your policies that have been adopted. Policy 2270 religion in the schools. Not as controversial as you would think. The document has been in place for years. There is a federal Department of Education guideline document that is important not only in terms of access and implementation of the establishment and free exercise clauses of the First Amendment in terms of religion, but also in terms of school funding. It is a condition of state funding of I'm sorry, federal funding to your district. And this is up this document has been slightly updated this year, which is happens every couple of years. So the short version is. Everything is remaining the same. Religious exercise and expression is allowed outside of your curriculum, not inside of your curriculum. And that applies to staff members when they are not administering the curriculum as well as students. So that is recommended for adoption as revised, unless anyone has any questions. If not, policy and regulation 2419, Threat Assessment teams. That is a new initiative this year in the state which seeks to make sure that a student who has a growing disciplinary record is not a threat to him or herself or others. That is also already a policy of record for you. We did that in September, so no additional action is necessary there.

Speaker 4 [00:06:28] Just one addition to the board on that one. Although it was required as a practice in September 1st of 2023, the district, through initiatives working with Mr. Keller and his office. We started that in the spring of 2023 as a practice.

Speaker 5 [00:06:46] Next, policy regulation taken together 3161 and 4161 because that applies to 3000 supplied your teaching staff members, certified staff members, and before thousands apply to support staff members. This just clarifies and updates the current state law and regulation language on situations where the board needs to direct an employee to undergo a fitness for duty assessment. Minor updates in the process. Nothing substantive. If everyone's okay with that. That's also recommended for adoption as revised.

Speaker [00:07:20] We discussed earlier in this school year, [the Or yes], the school year, the July 3rd massive change in the sick leave law applicable to school district employees. That has been revised already as a result of it policies 3212 and 4212, attendance are also being revised because those definitions have a ripple effect into other policies. So that is recommended for adoption as revised unless there are new concerns there.

Speaker [00:07:55] Next, the right of policy, a right of privacy policy. There is a recommended update. It is not required, but it is an update to 33, 24 and 4324 again, for certified and non-certified staff members. You have a policy in place already that prohibits students from recording staff members at work. That is a necessary and appropriate thing for the functionality of classrooms and instruction. What the new proposed policies do is extend that to anyone else who is in the classroom. Any adult who is in the classroom from recording a teacher or staff member performing their job unless there is consent without that revision to the policy, like the student policy. New Jersey is a one party consent state, which means if I call Sal here on the phone, I can record that conversation without his consent. And it's perfectly legal in a place of public accommodation in an educational entity. You can regulate that to protect your teaching staff members and your educational process. So board members, your pleasure on adding 3324 and 4324 to include anyone else not recording staff members without consent. Everyone comfortable with that or any discussion or request or questions. All right. We'll add that for a first reading at the next meeting.

Speaker [00:09:28] Next one, the policy, 3432 and 4432. These are the old, separate sick leave policies that got swept up by the new sick leave policies. So we're we're abolishing this. Examination for cause. 4161 I'm just going through this list. We already covered that one. We already covered 42, 12 and 4324 and 4432.

Speaker [00:09:57] Next. Policy and regulation 50 111 which is eligibility of resident and nonresident students. This is all the bases upon which students can be admitted or retained in the old school district. This is a lengthy and required policy. I think this is one of the ones that drift above 20 pages, but there is just one revision being presented here. A 2023 revision in state law 18.8.38.3 provides that while a Board of Education can choose to allow nonresidents to be admitted and you do so only with payment of tuition. If you're going to do that on a case by case basis, you have to set a fixed annual rate and provide it to the county superintendent. That does not change your authority. It just changes your process. So that is recommended for adoption as revised unless there are any concerns.

Speaker [00:10:54] Relatedly, policy and regulation 50116 homeless students. This is a mandated policy with one hopefully never used addition, and that is per a revised state law from this summer. If an old student is displaced and becomes homeless as a result of a natural disaster or terrorist attack, that student may remain enrolled in the district for up to two years. That's mandatory under state law. So that's recommended for adoption as revised.

Speaker [00:11:26] Policy and regulation 5460.02 is the bridge year that like the masks, that is a Covid policy that has now run through its active time. The class of 2022 was the last class that would be directly affected by that. So that is being abolished as no longer applicable policy.

Speaker [00:11:51] 6361 Relations with vendors is an Abbott district policy. No action is required and old bridge.

Speaker [00:11:58] And lastly the three policies 8500 8540 and 8550. Food services. These are mandated policies under state and federal law and stress as recommending abolishing the two separate nutrition and meal charge policies and re adopting one comprehensive policy 8500 implementing all the requirements and streamlining things. There is one option in late in the policy. I will speak to Joe and Joanne about that to maintain your status quo as far as meal charges go. But with these clarifications, we recommend adoption of that as revised as well, unless there are any concerns. So having gone through those rather quickly, of course.

Jay Blade [00:12:45] Real quick, you talk about outstanding food bills for the students all. Yes. Okay.

Speaker 5 [00:12:51] If any board members have questions when the first readings appear on your agenda for Tuesday next week, we can talk about them then. Certainly. And that will just be a first reading. Second reading to appear in December. And that's it for policy.

Mr Jordan [00:13:12] Thank you very much. Any any questions on those policies? Craig. Curriculum and professional development items one through four. Any questions or discussion?

Mr Jordan [00:13:25] Finance item number one will be approving. And I have a motion.

Speaker 6 [00:13:30] Stanton All move.

Speaker 7 [00:13:31] Giorgio Second.

Mr Jordan [00:13:32] Any discussion? Roll call.

Jay Blade [00:13:38] Mr. Slade. Yes.

Speaker [00:13:40] Mr. Sitkowski. Yes.

Speaker [00:13:42] Ms. Dantonio. Yes.

Jay Blade [00:13:44] Ms. Georgi. Yes.

Jay Blade [00:13:46] Mr. Marquette. Yes.

Speaker [00:13:48] And Mr. Giordano. yes.

Speaker [00:13:50] The resolution one passes.

Mr Jordan [00:13:53] The remaining items. 2 to 8. Any questions or discussion? Athletics items one into any questions or discussion. Non certificated personnel office items 1 to 3 Any questions or discussion? Non certificated personnel operational items one through three. Any questions or discussion? Now certificated personnel. Other item one will be up for vote. Can I have a motion?

Speaker 3 [00:14:26] Jodrell move.

Speaker 6 [00:14:27] Gentlemen. All second.

Mr Jordan [00:14:30] Any discussion? Roll call?

Jay Blade [00:14:34] Mr. Antonio. Yes.

Speaker [00:14:35] Ms. Jodry.Yes.

Jay Blade [00:14:37] Mr. Marketa. Yes.

Speaker [00:14:38] Mr. Slade. Yes.

Speaker [00:14:40] Mr. Sikorski. Yes.

Speaker [00:14:42] And Mr. Giordano. Yes.

Speaker [00:14:44] Resolution one passes.

Mr Jordan [00:14:49] And the remaining items two through six. Any questions or discussion? Certificated personnel items one and two in motion.

Speaker 3 [00:15:01] Dantino move.

Speaker [00:15:02] Jodi the second.

Mr Jordan [00:15:05] Any discussion. Roll call.

Jay Blade [00:15:09] Mr. Johri? Yes.

Jay Blade [00:15:11] Mr. Makara? Yes.

Speaker [00:15:13] Mr. Slade. Yes.

Speaker [00:15:14] Mr. Sola Koski. Yes.

Speaker [00:15:17] Mr. Antonio. Yes.

Jay Blade [00:15:19] And Mr. Giordano? Yes.

Speaker [00:15:20] Resolution one and two pass.

Mr Jordan [00:15:25] And the remaining items? Three through 14. Any questions or discussion? Okay. Now certificated personnel transportation items one into any questions or discussion. Transportation items one through three. Any questions or discussion? Supplies, equipment and services items one and two. Any questions or discussion? Miscellaneous items one through 4 or 5. Any questions or discussion? Board secretary and board business. Item number one. Any questions of discussion?

Speaker [00:16:11] Okay. Moving on to hearing of the residents on any school district issue.

Elena Franciso [00:16:38] Hi, everyone. My name is Elena Francisco. I am a parent and a resident.

Elena Franciso [00:16:43] [I guess I'm just going to ask. Put it this way. Is that okay? Hear me? Okay, So just give me a second here.].

Elena Franciso [00:16:48] So I had something prepared for tonight, which I will get to. However, I just wanted to address a couple of other things. First, something that I think just kind of made me a little sad tonight that I heard some words kind of thrown around, right. The word like bigot many times. And it's disheartening for me to hear just because many of us do not agree with this policy that doesn't make us what that word defines. We are concerned parents. We love all people. And I feel like I have to say this to kind of give some perspective, although some people have thrown it back in my face in the past. But I'll say it again. My sister in law is married to a woman. My kids have two aunts, their cousins have two moms. And that's just how it is in our family. And we adore each and every one of them. And we're a family just like everybody else.

Elena Franciso [00:17:37] My issue, or a lot of us, our issue isn't with anyone in the LGBTQ community. It isn't with how anybody identifies at all. I love everybody. It's with parental notification and with sharing of facilities. That's where I mean, I'll speak for myself right now, but I know that many agree. So I just wanted to to clarify that because that part made me sad because that's not who I am and that's not who a lot of us are.

Elena Franciso [00:18:02] Secondly, jumping around a little bit because I just wanted to gather myself here. Mr. Slade, you mentioned revising the policy, which I can completely respect, right? Because I think that you have and a lot of us here up here, here in the audience, we we kind of preach collaboration and cooperation. That's how we compromise and how we we make strides, right, for our kids. But unfortunately, the state has left us with no choice because if you revise this policy, you will be sued, just like Middletown, Marlboro and Manalapan English Town. The only ones who have revised this policy have been sued. Lafayette Colts Neck. Lacey. Holmdel. Hanover. Howell. Sussex. Sussex. Wantage Cephalon. Millstone. Bernards, Sparta and Franklin Township have all repealed with no repercussions. And I understand that the goal here would be to work together. But the state, unfortunately, has left us with no choice. And if you're worried about money like Mrs. Georgia has mentioned, which of course is a concern for any taxpayer, just repeal the policy.

Elena Franciso [00:19:07] I know that it isn't ideal for both sides, and I hate to say that, but that's kind of the way it's been all night. Just repeal it. Just no, no repercussions for repealing it. So and then I just want to get to what I was originally going to say tonight. So hopefully I have enough time to get through it. I'm going to start by referencing my time as an educator. During the time I was teaching at the elementary level, I had a myriad of opportunities to interact with my students, families and guardians. I taught in a district where parental involvement wasn't as strong as the teachers would have liked it to be. And why would they want it to be strong? Because research and common sense tells us that students succeed when teachers, parents and students work together and trust each other. I can sit here all night and tell anecdotal stories of how many of my students succeeded when their parents and I were in close communication and developed a dynamic of trust and cooperation. I can also tell many stories of how some of my students did not succeed when their parents at their own doing were not part of the equation.

Elena Franciso [00:20:07] Policy 5756 will undoubtedly hinder trust within our school community. If we take away any part of this essential equation, we will not have what we need for children to succeed academically, physically, and most importantly, mentally and emotionally. Open and honest communication is crucial for our children to thrive. If we allow this policy to come between teachers and parents, imagine the breakdown of what we have worked so hard to build.

Elena Franciso [00:20:32] Can we also for a second think about our teachers, considering this is the perspective I'm going with tonight? For those of you in support of this policy, have you thought about the negative effects this policy would have on our educators? Imagine having to go home to your own family each night knowing that you are keeping a huge secret from your students family, a secret that can have done tremendous effects on that child and family. As a teacher, I would never want to keep a secret from a family. Unless, of course, like I've stated in the past, there is a documented case of abuse which we would handle on a case by case basis, just like we have since the dawn of time and education has started.

Elena Franciso [00:21:10] Another perspective that I'd like to offer. And I know that there'll be a little talk about this one, but this is this is what I see and what I hear. How do you think our teachers truly feel about all of this? And I'm sure it's it's mixed. I know that there's a few that maybe have come forward in support of the policy, but there are many who haven't spoken against it. And I know for a fact there are many who who don't want to see this policy stay in place. Well, have you ask yourself why you haven't heard from any of these teachers?

Elena Franciso [00:21:39] Am I done? Yes. Okay. All right. Thank you, everyone, for listening. Thank you.

Speaker 4 [00:21:54] Can I just ask a question? Just a point of clarity for the next. Because we because Ms. Francisco brings up a good point and it's been talked about a lot tonight. But you said something at the end, but I'm not very quite It is, under this policy, an obligation to keep, a secret from parents and and staff.

Speaker 5 [00:22:16] No, the the policy, the language on parental notification says that there is no affirmative duty to notify parents. So it is not required to notify parents. It is not prohibited to notify parents. Under the current policy as it exists.

Dean Cramer [00:22:44] Here we go. All right. My name is Dean Cramer, a concerned citizen. I mean, in fact, I would have loved to send my daughter, who seven years old, to a school. But I can't. My wife has to stay home. I have on the main provider of income because actually we don't trust the school. So what I'm hearing tonight is the school is creating a safe space for kids. But in fact, I actually think they're creating an unsafe space. I mean, let me tell you this. I'm not getting into the argument of transgender. Whoever wants to be, that's the moral argument. Okay. I have my morals. You can have your morals. You can't tell me I'm right. You can't tell me you're wrong. It's called moral relativism. Okay, we want to go there.

Dean Cramer [00:23:23] But here is the thing. We are running on the assumption that kids are safe at school with teachers. Do you know how many teachers are arrested every day for crimes against children? You know how many? I can go on and on and every second. Crimes against children, grooming children. And that rate is increasing. Listen, schools were created to teach children on subjects. Why is the U.S. education system failing children compared to other countries? I mean, kids around the world can smoke our kids in academics. My wife is from India. They can smoke everyone here, everyone here and all subjects. And the teachers can smoke American teachers.

Dean Cramer [00:23:57] Why? Because they're not having board meetings like this. That's why. Their kids are generally smarter. It's a fact. Okay. Not. Not this. Not opinion. This is a fact. Schools are meant to keep kids safe, but you're not keeping them safe by refusing meaningful information from the parents. In fact, any school that adopted a policy has become a threat. And lastly, let's be real. We are discussing a possible situation that could lead a child to make a life altering, irreversible decision to his or her body. Parents may not know. I hear what you're saying, but you're a teacher. Initially, having that discussion could lead a kid to have that. You know what's going to happen. How many lawsuits when that kid's 21 years old and says, you know what? I was fooled. I don't want this. They're going to sue the school. They're going to sue the person. So we're talking about lawsuits now. The tide is turning. There's going to be a generation that's going to sue the pants off of everyone who's involved. That's going to happen.

Dean Cramer [00:24:52] So I want you to realize that this is not about parental. This is not about transgenderism. This is about keeping parents notified on every decision the child has. The child's brains are not even developed. Why can't you drive until you're 18? Why not 15? Because your brains are developed, so you can't take it undeveloped. I mean, your brains aren't even developed into your 20s. Right. 18, 20, 30. So, I mean, let's speak a little bit of common sense. And I wouldn't I wouldn't be intimidated by New Jersey. These people, you know, they're going to sue you. I would not be intimidated by these people. I would protect the children, not be intimidated by the attorney general, the threats that he has, because the tide will turn. There will be a new generation rising up. If you think this is going to be like this forever. It will not. People are going to look back at this and be like, what were you guys thinking?

Jill DeCaro [00:25:56] Hi, how are you? Jill DeCaro. And I'm a resident. And full disclosure, I am a member of the Old Bridge Town Council. I had no intention of speaking tonight. I actually, you know, when I saw all of the people that were speaking, that lined up to speak, I thought anything that I had to say was already being said. So first of all, I want to thank Jen Dent, you know, and Margie Jody, for your well-thought out, well educated comments, taking into account all students in the district and listening to the parents and educators and the social workers and the members of the LGBT community that came out to speak tonight at the policy meeting. I thank you very much.

Jill DeCaro [00:26:46] I also want to say that I'm disappointed in board members who didn't speak and didn't share their opinions because as members of the public, we are entitled to know how you think and how you're going to vote, especially on such a very, very hot topic as this. So I'm disappointed that there were members of the board that chose not to speak tonight.

Jill DeCaro [00:27:12] My question is, so this policy was amended to the way it is, I believe, in 2017. My question is, how many times has it been applied? So because I'm trying to figure out what the outrageous I'm trying to figure out why all of a sudden this is such a hot topic since this has been on the books since 2017. I'm trying to figure out. It's racking my brain, trying to figure out. So there must be a lot of times that this policy has been applied for there to be such outrage. And, you know, so I'd like you guys to answer that question. How many times with regard to statements made that teachers don't want this? Things like that. I mean, I was sitting by a teacher tonight at the policy meeting. She was outraged at the people that want to repeal this. I mean, it's not you're not pitting teachers against parents. You're just creating a safe space. If a child if a student wants to speak to a teacher, that's all you're doing. It's not about teachers aren't absolutely not going out to seek these children. These children are feeling safe. They're they're finding these teachers as a safe space, like was said tonight, that something that clearly people weren't listening to. It's a safe space for that child to talk to until they're ready to speak to their parent. And most of the most, all of the parents here tonight, I don't think this policy is going to apply to at all, because clearly are all loving parents and clearly your child is going to share whatever with you. But again, it's that 1%, that one kid. That's all this is protecting and that it should be it should be protecting those kids that cannot speak for themselves, that are in fear. So thank you very much for your time. And if you know when this portion is done, if you guys can answer the question, how many times has this policy 5756 been applied since 2017? Thank you.

Kim Lindley [00:29:38] Good evening again. My name is Kim Lindley. I'm a former special ed teacher. I had two children. I have two children. And as a perspective, as a teacher and my point as a parent as well, I had to speak up for my child who couldn't speak. I was involved and yes, I knew the laws. But for those parents and each child, my. I didn't know the child's, one of anxiety, it's not displayed. And as far as being communicative to the parents, every word I spoke, every email I wrote, I wrote as my child, I thought of that parent. So communication is being, I guess not as an imperative as it is in the trust issue is huge because if a parent thinks that they're not being told the truth, that right in there is putting a wall. A Division, especially with elementary kids as well.

Kim Lindley [00:30:36] And the other thing is special needs children writing an IEP, a parent. It's parental rights to be involved in that. What about those those children who don't know, who can't communicate? And what about the children that are being bullied? They can't afraid to tell their parents. And then children commit suicide for different reasons. So there's so much involved in this issue that if you go ahead and especially the brain and the prefrontal cortex, and if a child or person is not really fully matured until 25, how in the world? And even as they get older. I mean, how can you make a decision at this point which encompasses the whole life?

Kim Lindley [00:31:23] You know, a parent is there to feed, provide as we all need it legally. I'm responsible. Legally, I'm responsible for the get the school legally responsible for all these things. And like that the proper what we're entitled to. We're entitled to the records. How can that be?

Kim Lindley [00:31:42] Now, this is a the elephant in the room. So that is another thing that's not been totally addressed. Specifically, you have in time, in your rights, your children to go into school to get lessons, plans to be involved. You know, it is about listening and communicating, but also experience. So you come as an educator and you come as being my child's voice. No one knows my child better than me. And also, what about all these other children that aren't experiencing those children with challenges of dysphoria? What about them? Who's speaking up for them? That would be my child. I know I would be speaking here and others would try to. But there's so much involved in this. It's not a one. Thank you, ma'am. That's not the way it goes in.

Kim Lindley [00:32:39] Teaching is not that way. And each child you have you don't teach to one child anymore. You teach to the classroom. To the special need. You have files. And if you know there may be a possibility of a file there. Like, where do you begin from that? It's just something that he can't just be answered. So if you discriminate, you save one child, you're discriminating all these other children and their parents. So. And as everybody knows, you have to search your child to look at their clothes. You have to look at is there a change in their their their behavior and why? And as a parent, you're thinking what's happening at school? You go to the teacher as a parent. Vice versa. What's going on with that child? Is there something at home? Notifying they taking notes. So that's all I really have to say. And it's just not my thing. Thanks. And thank you for your time.

16 y old [00:33:53] My name is ?? (assumed this is a 16 year old). Also, I wanted to set the record straight. I know somebody mentioned talking about being black and diverse in Old Bridge. I actually just want to say I'm multiracial. I'm Native American and Latino, and I was actually adopted by my dad. So I am so who I am absolutely, so proud of. So please don't go acting like I'm privileged and bigoted because obviously I'm not.

16 y old [00:34:16] So anyways, I'm not here to bash trans students. I'm not here to force them back into the closet or forced them out. I'm here for those kids who can't be there today. I'm here for every single child in the school systems to recommend the immediate repealing of policy 5756. Our kids deserve better than exclusive policies for the minority that fail to blanket the majority. I'm here for every little girl who could be beaten in sports by a person with chromosomes different from them. Not only am I here for those kids, I'm here to find a solution for all kids. However, this cannot be achieved by division and hate on either side.

16 y old [00:34:48] I recently came across an online forum about tonight that speaks about the opposition who wants to repeal policy 5756. Do you know what we were called? Nazis. They said it's time to stop these people before it gets worse. They are like a virus. They also said we want to control their children. I want to control their children. They have a right to parent. I know none of us are perfect, but I think calling someone a Nazi pretty clearly draws a line. I think saying we need to be stopped in a threatening way, crosses the line to whoever. So those comments from the power of my heart. Shame on you. Your hateful attitude will not solve any problems and I hope you see the error of your ways.

16 y old [00:35:25] In addition, look at the people harassing that man who was just trying to express his opinion. Nobody was aggressive to the person of the people of that view. So why was he a man coming affected by the policy? Not allowed to speak. I fail to see how the loving, tolerant group can be taken seriously after contradicting themselves, anyways.

16 y old [00:35:43] In addition, unfortunately, trans people can also be abusers. A young lesbian woman interviewed by the BBC describes being raped and sexually abused by a trans woman who threatened out the woman as a turf if she did not keep silent. Imagine if that transgender woman was allowed in your daughter's school restroom. Now, obviously, I have to say the vast majority of trans women are not rapists. Just as the vast majority of men aren't rapists. However, we still protect victims from unnecessary harm every time, even at the detriment of men. So why not apply the same issues when women rape other women? There are alternatives to our current course of action. If only we appeal policy 5756 and start a movement for change. We can be the difference. We can be the movement of h... Free of hatred and bigotry. We can conserve our children's innocence by not listening to the minority who could be here today and not the majority who isn't here.

16 y old [00:36:33] Also, I do just want to say as a teenager, I think it's absolutely abhorrent that 5756 is allowed to continue. I was raised here. I grew up here. A lot of the people who I played with, a lot of people who I volunteered with at the library are directly affected by these policies. And I can say I know a lot of people who had mental issues and weren't and the teachers weren't able to tell the parents because they said, Oh, they're trans. And that qualifies themselves to trend transness, which is kind of weird anyways. But I just want to say this policy isn't helping anyone. It claims to help people, but it really doesn't. And I think it's just I think it's a harmful thing to keep alive. I think, frankly, we need to be more aware of how this policy hurts people. Especially coming from someone who knows people who are affected by the policy. Thank you.

Paulina [00:37:31] Okay. Hello, my name is Paulina Siskowski. I live in Old Bridge and I wasn't planning on coming to this meeting. I don't even know it existed until a couple hours ago where I'm sitting in my kitchen and I'm scrolling through Facebook and I see the flier, and at the same time my dad is dead, naming my brother right in front of me.

Paulina [00:37:50] My brother is 17 years old. He's a high school student here at Old Bridge. And when he was allowed to identify as his identity through his name, through his gender at school and be acknowledged by the teachers here, I know that it made a huge impression on him and his happiness, even though at home by my father, he his identity is still ignored and his wishes are not respected. I know that to be able to go to school as who he is and to feel acknowledged was a huge thing and a huge boost to his self-esteem, his mental health, his ability to focus in school without having to constantly be defending himself. And I know that he still does because he tells me about teachers still that name him, even though he constantly corrects them.

Paulina [00:38:42] And I was at the previous meeting and it was brought up that as a parent, you would feel devastated if you heard from a teacher that your your your child was identifying as a different gender at school. Are you devastated that you're creating an unsafe environment at home for your child to not feel comfortable coming out to you and expressing these wishes? Are you devastated that you don't have the relationship that you thought you did with your child, where they feel comfortable telling you that, hey, mom, dad, I'm having these different thoughts about my gender or maybe my name because you're you shouldn't be mad at the teachers that are just trying to. And it was also brought up that the teachers are grooming these children and talking to them about trans issues. They're not doing any of that. They're just calling them by the name that is written on the roll call sheet.

Paulina [00:39:38] So. My point is that. Parents were saying that they. Are not transphobic and that they have nothing against trans kids. But in reality, you have to think as trans kids until it's your kid because you don't want that in your family and you're not creating a space and an environment for your child to feel comfortable enough to express that. Thank you.

Charles Breitweiser [00:40:17] Charles Breitweiser, a proud resident of Old Bridge.

Charles Breitweiser [00:40:23] I want to echo something someone just said earlier, about. That stupid children that we are producing. The Indian kids can smoke them using his words. But if I if I was an emperor from a foreign country looking to compete in international markets, I'd be like, Yeah, yeah. Waste your time on something like this. It's ridiculous. We're not teaching kids capitalism. We can't produce kids able to read a college level. We can't. We are not producing functional adults. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be living at home with a 40 year old kid. I'm sure a lot of you might agree with me on that.

Charles Breitweiser [00:41:12] But ladies and gentlemen of the board, I want you to understand this with your hearts. There are good teachers, and then there are teachers that are just doing the job. The good teachers are the ones that produce the productive adults that we want. And we're not getting that because we're wasting their time with silly stuff like this. Now do we want to create a separate group of bullies that nobody can talk to, talk about? If I said something against these "GLT" kids, they'd be attacking me. You watch. We're who's going to who's going to create a policy to protect the normal straight white kids? We need that. That deserves some consideration too. No, I'm not looking to bad mouth anyone or bless anyone. I'm just saying. Can't we do something more productive? Thank you.

Teresa Burns [00:42:23] Teresa Burns, Old Bridge resident.

Teresa Burns [00:42:26] I was thinking. I'm not just a resident of. Old Bridge. I'm a resident of society. And with that comes a responsibility to sometimes give up something for someone else. I'm going to say something controversial and if you have any. Questions about me personally, you can.

Teresa Burns [00:42:44] Ask me on the side. I am unapologetically pro-life to the extent that if it saves one life, I give up something. And I support this Policy as is. It is proven to save one. And that's it. And to the gentlemen who said that they don't want somebody in their house at the age of 40. I feel for you. I am so. Blessed to have two children. That I would keep in my house to the day that I die. Whether they be gay, trans or whatever. Thank you.

Gerald Maglio [00:43:20] Gerald Maglio of Neptune. I'm the director of the Dolores Turco Foundation. And we are we protect children from potential harm. Our mission is to protect children from abuse and exploitation. And I urge you to repeal 5756. We believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserving of love. So we do not discriminate for any reason, including gender.

Speaker [00:43:48] I'd like to begin with a few words for our friends in the LGBT community. We are not your enemy. We are parents who love our children with all their faults. We love you too, and we want the best for you. Your body, though, was created by God with a specific plan, meaning and purpose. He knows you intimately and he loves you passionately. You do not have to change one thing about your body or yourself. Just seek and follow the will of God and His design for your life and you will know. Peace, joy and love.

Mr Jordan [00:44:20] Sorry, could you just address the board? Sorry.

Gerald Maglio [00:44:22] Oh, I'm so sorry. Yeah. Thank you for allowing me to, um. I'm sorry. My not looking the right place is a little difficult. Okay.

Gerald Maglio [00:44:31] Couple of things that I do want to point out. One does have to do with the mental health of teens and the the false, incorrect and inaccurate information. I'd like to point out the scientific evidence has shown that cross sex medical treatment for children are harmful. 19 states have restricted these procedures. Counseling and watchful waiting is recommended instead. In fact, the transgender experiment is being recognized nationally and internationally as the biggest child abuse scandal of our time. Consequently, the Congress has introduced two bills protecting Children from Experimentation Act and the Intex Perry Funding of Gender Experimentation Act that would prohibit transgender procedures on minors nationwide and would prohibit taxpayer funding of these procedures regardless of age.

Gerald Maglio [00:45:25] Second thing the transition or suicide claim that parents must choose between a live trans son or a daughter vice versa, is not supported by scientific evidence. In fact, the landmark Swedish study shows that transgender patients, as far as 30 follow them as far as 30 years after surgery, found that after the sex reassignment surgery, the transgender patient was 19 times more likely to commit suicide than the rest of the population.

Gerald Maglio [00:45:53] You probably heard about the cultural and social factors that have a significant influence on whether a young person identifies as transgender. The peer influence, I think you've heard of that, and there is no scientific evidence showing that young children benefit from being taught in school, sexuality, transgender identity or homosexuality. Instead, it normalizes sex and anal sex and porn, promotes contraception and contributes to the STD epidemic.

Gerald Maglio [00:46:22] I just want to make a couple of points on the law. Parents do have a fundamental right under the fifth, ninth and 14th Amendments to the United States Constitution to direct the upbringing, education and care of their minor children. Federal courts are striking down illegal and unconstitutional policies that infringe on parental rights. A San Diego court ruled against the governor and state of California regarding a policy such as New Jersey has preventing notifying parents when the children want to change their genders, stating, quote, A parent's right to make decisions concerning care, custody, control and medical care of their children is one of the oldest fundamental liberty interests that Americans enjoy. And recently, a California school district paid 100,000 to a mom and her daughter for a policy that kept parents in the dark about gender identity.

Gerald Maglio [00:47:14] That brings up the. The Hanover, Hanover, that their law, their legal fees are being paid for by insurance. Just to let you know, taxpayers are not paying for this legal fees. And another district court that also made a decision regarding policies are contrary to parental rights that that court stated. There is a trifecta harm. It harms the child who needs parental guidance and possibly mental health intervention. It also harms the parents by providing them of long recognized 14th Amendment right to care and guide in health care decisions. But finally, it also harms the administration and staff of the schools who are compelled to violate the parental rights by forcing them to conceal information they feel that is critical for the welfare of their students.

Gerald Maglio [00:48:09] There was only one other point that I wanted to make regarding. Oh yes, I did want to point out that a 2021 CDC report shows stark increases in poor mental health in teens, especially among girls. 60% of American female girls.

Mr Jordan [00:48:27] Sorry. Sorry.

Terry Esposito [00:48:28] Hi, my name is Terry Esposito. I'm a ... Resident. I have two of my boys live here in Oak Bridge, and one of my grandsons live here in Old Bridges. Well, I'm speaking for them on their behalf as well.

Terry Esposito [00:48:49] Someone had stood up to de-legitimize the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons comments on one of the policies that mirror 5756. I just wanted to say that they they've been around since 1943, established they've served thousands and thousands of patients in the state of New Jersey. Their policy is to limit government, individual liberty, personal responsibility, limited government and the ability to freely practice medicine, according to time honored Hippocratic Principles. They're a legitimate organization, are legitimate doctors and surgeons, and I would respect their opinion. They do stand against these policies that are in effect.

Terry Esposito [00:49:53] Oh, sorry. I'm a little all over the place.

Terry Esposito [00:49:59] Just as importantly what they were saying. Again, the most important takeaway here is that no information can be properly withheld from a child's parents, particularly and especially when it comes to the medical and mental health of their children. The current New Jersey BOE disruptive amendments will create an adversarial relationship between child and parent, parent and teacher, potentially fueling a dangerous and life threatening environment.

Terry Esposito [00:50:23] So I'm just going to throw this out there. When a child is developing an interest in gender dysphoria, considering the reasons for this happening to children, they're attacked on every level of their young psyche. It's what they watch on TV, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, PBS, Disney shows like Arthur, My Little Pony, Sesame Street, Rugrats, Doc McStuffins, Blue's Clues. It's everywhere. It's in there. It's in their conversations. You know, when they're talking to their friends, it's what they watch on TV. Social media. They're being stalked by predators and social media that they have no idea who they are. They think there's somebody their age.

Terry Esposito [00:51:15] My sister was one of the original cyber angels, and she tracked pedophiles online. And she taught the FBI. She she gave courses to the FBI and how to track these people who go after children and who pose as children themselves. And she knows the deep, dark secrets that social media hides. And the children are being attacked. And if you have a child who's interested in gender dysphoria and changing their pronouns or, you know, their sex and, you know, they're being sexualized from all these things that are coming into their little minds as they go through their day to day lives. Just watching TV or being online on social media. We're talking kids, you know, from ages 5 to 14 years old. You have to ask yourself, what's influencing that? Maybe the parents need to know about this so that they can find out if they're being tracked by a pedophile or if maybe they're going over to one of their friends houses and there's an adult there in the house that's making suggestive comments to them. You know, you have to find out what's going on in this child's life. The parents need to know so that they can find out what's going on so that they can keep better track of their child's social media, you know, interactions so they can keep better track of what is going on in, you know, the TV shows and the cartoons that these children are watching while their parents are busy with something else.

Terry Esposito [00:52:48] Parents need to know because they have a responsibility to protect their child and maybe they don't know that they're being tracked by a predator, by a pedophile. You know, I mean, these things happen on a daily basis and happening more and more and more as our kids are being victimized. So parents need to know and there should be a regulation in place that that. Accommodates the parents and that the teachers should be required to tell the parents not just their obligation or their their choice, whether they should or not, based on their own personal judgment. They should be required to tell the parents when a child experiences gender dysphoria so that the parents can find out where this is coming from, what the background is, you know, protect their child. Thank you very much.

Mira [00:53:50] Hi, I'm Mira, a transgender girl living in Old Bridge, New Jersey.

Mira [00:53:54] Personally, I view of people are saying is obviously diverse and everyone has different opinions. But as someone who has done research and has experienced things in the fields of sports, school and home life, I would like to put my opinion.

Mira [00:54:06] My grandparents and most in my dad's side have disowned me and I haven't seen them for a while because they don't accept me. Trans people who are going through HRT, which means hormone replacement therapy and have lower testosterone levels than the average girl, meaning the debate on if a trans person deserves to join sports means nothing. And Mr. Slade, may I just say I love playing field hockey and I love playing sports. I love being in a team and I thrive in social groups. When I started, I was the worst on my team. Now I'm barely in the top five best players on my team.

Mira [00:54:34] This policy is extremely important for people that need it. And I feel as if the people who are speaking for this cause are constantly repeating themselves because the people on the opposing side won't listen. I've heard people compare this policy to people going through substance abuse and home life abuse, which is completely different from a gender identity.

Mira [00:54:52] One in someone's identity, and one someone's way of coping with something. Please, for the sake of transgender children and the overall small group of kids that need this this policy and the reason this policy is in place. Please keep it. Thank you.

Christina [00:55:17] Hello. My name is Christina and I'm an Old Bridge resident, parent, and incoming board of Ed member.

Christina [00:55:22] So I think what everyone is confused about is that people who are repealing this policy are being targeted as being against the LGBTQ community. And that's not what this is. Obviously not being a part of the community, I can't say how you feel and I can only talk for myself. The problem we have with this policy is about important, life altering information about our children being kept from us. A big topic right now is inclusion, but how is this policy inclusive for all 8000 plus students? How does this policy protect all children? We live in America where we have the right to have our own opinion. We shouldn't be called bigots for thinking differently than you do. In my opinion, children change their minds a million times throughout their childhood. How is it? Okay, That's something that is so permanent be kept from these children's parents. Schools across the nation are short staffed with teachers because educators do not want to deal with all the nonsense that comes with the job anymore. When my child comes home and doesn't know what a signature is, that's a problem.

Christina [00:56:17] You want to protect the children who are a part of the LGBTQ community, but how does this policy actually protect them? As everyone has stated, this policy has been in effect since 2017. But yet the violence is still happening. It is great when a child who doesn't have supportive parents at home feel safe to speak to their teacher and that shouldn't change. But at the end of the day, when school is over, these students still have to go home to those parents on the weekends. And even when these children graduate, these children still have to live with these parents. So who's going to protect them then? At some point, these children have to face their parents. So wouldn't it be easier for them to address their parents with the help of a teacher or guidance counselor, people who can actually help educate the parents on this topic? Please, let's keep school to learning. Our kids need that and the future needs that. Thank you.

Kevin Francis [00:57:18] Good evening. My name is Kevin Francis. I'm a local resident residing nearby South Amboy. I'm speaking on behalf of Gays Against Groomers New Jersey chapter. And we're a nonprofit organization advocating for parental rights all across the country.

Kevin Francis [00:57:34] I'm speaking with you tonight because I and many others across New Jersey, including parents, are deeply concerned about the problematic consequences that are bound to come into the Pld Bridge school district by lying and keeping secrets from a parent, from students parents by abolishing parental rights with policy 5756.

Kevin Francis [00:57:52] Parents have every right to know if their child is sharing a bathroom with the opposite sex. Parents have every right to know if their child is LGBT. Parents have every right to know if their child is in mental turmoil and parents knowing who their children are is nonpartisan. New Jersey law also prohibits discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity. Yet school districts around the state have adopted this vile policy 5756, which prohibits the parents to be notified if their child is in a mental crisis. To think this is even a good idea is irresponsible and immoral.

Kevin Francis [00:58:29] It is astronomically repulsive that school districts throughout New Jersey are calling parents who want to know about their child's academic life that they're being called bigots, homophobes and transphobes. Your school cannot be parenting other people's children. Your school cannot influence children with your politics and ideology. Being proactive, encouraging students to be the best that they can be is what has always been done. Indoctrinating children into thinking they're victims or oppressors is evil Marxist ideology and must be stopped immediately here and across the state of New Jersey. Policy 5756 needs to be erased and all students deserve help from their parents. Parental rights is a nonpartisan issue and never was and never will be. Parents, not the Department of Education in New Jersey and across the country. Need to be raising their own kids. We will not stop until you leave the kids alone. Thank you.

Amy [00:59:35] Hi, everyone. My name is Amy. I live in Matawan.

Amy [00:59:40] And I you know, I hope I wasn't too hard with the board in the previous policy meeting when I said, you know, I don't see diversity on the board. That might be true. But, you know, I have talked To A lot of you. And, you know, and I know many are supportive of the LGBTQ Plus community. And, you know, I know many of you have an open mind as well. You know, it's it's so hard. You know, first, it's hard to be here and, you know, to listen. Everyone is so passionate. You have so many facts that are being thrown at you of some pseudo facts, some you don't even know. Right. Maybe I'll Google them later on tonight.

Amy [01:00:28] You know, and it's I would just rely on the people that you are on the board with that spoke tonight. You know Jen she shared you know what what can be done as far as if, you know a student it feels unsafe to use a bathroom that they can ask for a private space, you know. I just feel that so many people they don't know and they can't relate because it hasn't happened to them. There's no way that you can feel exactly. You know how much this affects a person.

Amy [01:01:12] And I know parents. They're so worried, you know, that something's going to be held. Back and something that they won't be able to, you know, get information from their from their kid. But like, there are so many laws in place that and good teachers that, you know, they they will talk to you if there's a behavior problem, if their kid is struggling with a mental health issue, a good teacher is going to collaborate and talk to the parent like there are going to be signs. You know, all we're talking about right here is gender identity for a trans a transgender child. It doesn't affect most parents. We're making it about ourselves, but it really doesn't as such a small percentage of students that need to be protected.

Amy [01:02:13] Just sharing, you know, when I had the courage to come out, you know, I didn't tell my parents first, you know, I told my friends. And just being able to do that, it was such a relief. You know, it's a heavy burden that was lifted from me. It was the best feeling in the world. So to be able to tell, you know, a teacher, to be able to tell someone else besides my parent that gave me the strength, that gave me, you know, the courage. There's so many you guys don't understand that aren't part of the LGBTQ plus community, how it affects you, how it affects you on such a deep level. And to be able to share that with someone is the most beautiful thing. And it will be beautiful when you have the courage to share it with your parent too. And there were so many loving parents here today that Said they love their Children. I promise you that child will come to you and tell you when they are ready.

Amy [01:03:18] And don't. That is a beautiful thing that happens too. And to lose that, you're going to regret it. So, I mean, that's it. I just hope that you please protect the transgender kids. That's most important. So thank you, Board, for keeping an open mind.

Anne [01:03:45] Hello again. I've never been to one of these. I'll come more, I promise. My name is Anne, and I'm a nurse and a mom of three and Old Bridge.

Speaker [01:03:53] And I heard a lot of people from Old Bridge speak, and I feel like I'm in the movie Footloose, and I feel like people are going to say, we're going to ban rock music and dancing.

Anne [01:04:03] And I just I feel like this policy has been in effect for six years.No problem. I feel like we're politicizing this. You're letting like the big machine a change, a protection for such a small group of people. And I really just wish. That you would really rethink changing things when it's been working. So thank you.

Carolyn [01:04:36] Hi. I decided I would get up and speak again because as I listened to comments. Oh, I'm Carolyn from Old Bridge.

Carolyn [01:04:48] As I hear comments, I hear a lot about protecting the children and fact. One of the board members that spoke earlier, he said his first priority is safety for all. And I think all of us can agree. Safety. Yes, number one. And I do think that with all the discussion about trends because of 5756, I think we are forgetting the safety of the majority of the students.

Carolyn [01:05:20] I'm hearing unsolicited by me. More and more girls are afraid to use the bathroom and they will go all day long without using the bathroom because they're afraid of a boy being in the restroom. And it's been suggested that those those students who are afraid to use the restroom, that they would line up and use the nurse's restroom. And these are students and Old Bridge. And it's students in Matawan as well. This isn't just a problem, an old bridge. It is because of this policy. And I think if we really are concerned about safety for all, we do have to consider all the students and these girls who are you know, about that, that should be on something they never have to think about or worry about. Being able to use the bathroom, I think that's the least our schools can do for our kids is make sure they have a safe place to go and use the toilet when they need to. They shouldn't be able they shouldn't be fearful that when they go in the locker room that a boy could be on their.

Carolyn [01:06:34] I can't imagine. I graduated from high school in 1976. There was no such thing at that time as trans students, and I certainly had no fear of going into a restroom that a boy might be on there. So those children do not feel safe. And that is a much greater majority than the children than them. The percentage of trans children, even the the the the lexicon that's being created where we call just normal kids. Cisgender, a pretty derogatory term. I feel bad for kids in school today contending with all of this. That really makes learning difficult.

Carolyn [01:07:26] I also just want to say don't underestimate the value of a parent being involved in their child's knowing everything that's going on with your child. My my father was a teacher and I grew up in Florida in the 60s. He taught down there in public school. He read the Bible to a students every morning. That that was not uncommon. And that is what kids my generation, a lot of them grew up with.

Carolyn [01:07:59] We've come a long way since and not for the better. I think we're losing freedoms, rights and freedoms that we enjoyed, you know, not that long ago. I also want to say with regards to don't underestimate a parent, we had a special needs child who passed away ten years ago, born with a heart defect, and I spent months sitting at his bedside while he was in the ICU on a ventilator. And one thing I learned during that time, the doctors and the nurses all said the parents recognize the problem before we the the doctors do. And I saw that it was true many times. I knew something was wrong with my son before anything came out in the labs that they were checking or the tests that they were doing. I knew something had changed.

Carolyn [01:08:56] And I think that is part of what is being underestimated and undervalued and ignored. When we talk about should the parents be involved or should they not? Should a teacher be required to tell a parent when a child is gender confused? Or should should should they not? I'm saying the parents are the greatest asset you have when there is a child that is confused or struggling and they need to know what's what's happening and the parent, the parents and the teachers can be allies. Don't make them adversaries of each other. That's what this policy does. That's one of the things that it does. And I hope you'll reject that.

James [01:09:45] Know, it's. I. Uh, my name is James. I am an Old Bridge resident for about 20 years. Teacher for 18 years. Not in Old Bridge. New York City.

James [01:10:05] I don't want to talk about 5756. I think. I just don't want to talk about that. I do want to address some of the things that were discussed here tonight. And I would ask that the Board of Education. Address some of the misinformation officially on the record tonight. I heard several things that. Are kind of heartbreaking. Being a member of this community and. You know, as a straight man. If it's heartbreaking to me, I can't even imagine what it's like to other members of the community. But I think the Board of Education has a responsibility to correct the record. Be pleased to correct the record tonight on these particular issues.

James [01:10:51] I heard a couple of people talk about the ability to, quote, protect the normal straight white kids end quote. And somebody referred to normal kids being cisgendered. I would like the Board of Education to please affirm the belief that I'm hoping you have that kids who are not straight and kids who are not white and kids who are not gendered are also normal.

James [01:11:29] I heard people talk about the idea that teachers are groomers. I ask the board to please. Vocally officially denounce this absurdity. And stand in solidarity with the teachers in the Old Bridge school district. I ask you to assert to the public officially that you they are not groomers. They are caring and loving members of this community who have the best interests of the students at heart.

James [01:12:09] I heard people refer to the children of this community that we're not producing functional adults. We're not producing functional students. Functional kids. In a room. Where? There are. Young men and women operating equipment that maybe two people in this room know how to use. 90% of us, myself included, probably couldn't figure out how to reset the time on your on your microwave oven a couple of weeks ago. And these kids are up here producing a television show with the skills that they learned from Old Bridge school system. I ask that you denounce that rhetoric and affirm publicly. That our students are growing up to be functional adults and that they are valued.

James [01:13:11] I ask that you affirm publicly that being gay and being trans is not a mental illness. Which is the basis of so many things that we've been hearing all night tonight. That somehow. This is a mental illness that needs to be addressed. Please. Please. For the benefit of our children. Our brothers and sisters, our sons, our daughters, our children. Please affirm publicly that being gay and being trans is not a mental illness. Thank you.

James [01:14:02] And. I also heard somebody say, and this is just a legal thing that I would like addressed. I also heard somebody say that somehow 5756 prohibits and I think this is a quote I wrote, it quickly prohibits the parents from being notified when their child is in mental crisis. That is absurd. It's against the law. I would like you please to correct that. That that is absolutely not what 5756 does. So I eagerly await your responses to these. Thank you very much.

Chistopher Pallete [01:14:42] Good evening board again. Christopher Pallete. Old Bridge, 20 years, I have two daughters in this school system here.

Chistopher Pallete [01:14:51] I don't think I need to. Address that because we're mostly opinions and you're entitled to our opinions. We're all entitled to our opinions. And so. But thank you. You know, I came before it and over a second chance to come back up.

Chistopher Pallete [01:15:04] Didn't get a chance to actually use any way to kind of like, kinda taper off some of the emotion in my last time. But even a simple Query to chatgpt, it makes no sense, Makes all the sense that we that we stand here for tonight and I'm just going to go through it.

Chistopher Pallete [01:15:23] So good evening. Today I want to discuss a sensitive topic. Yeah, it's a significant one. A policy that affirms children. Behaviors in schools, specifically those considered outside societal norms. It's outside society's. Norms. Since the socially it's. Deviation and it always has been. While inclusivity and understanding are vital, we must also consider the appropriateness and impact of such policies in an educational setting. This is a simple prompt one, one little one of the few words I gave it.

Chistopher Pallete [01:15:53] Argument number one Age appropriateness. Our primary concern should be creating an age appropriate safe environment for all argue for all students. We've heard that from both sides. It's essential to balance inclusivity with development, developmental needs of the children. Also from both sides. Experts in child psychology emphasize the importance of navigating sexual identity issues with sensitivity, especially in those younger children whose understanding of these complex topics are still forming. Affirmation of certain behaviors or identities must be handled responsibly, ensuring it doesn't lead to confusion or mis guidance about healthy sexual development.

Chistopher Pallete [01:16:30] Role of education and parental involvement. Education's role is to foster learning and development when dealing with topics like sexual identity. Especially those considered deviant by societal standards. Schools must work in tandem with parents. Parents have a fundamental right to be involved in the discussions about their children's development. Including sexual identity and behavior. Policies should be developed collaboratively with input from educators, psychologist and parents to ensure they meet the best interests of children.

Chistopher Pallete [01:16:58] See, when you have a policy like 5756, you open the door.This, like the slippery slope is now being greased and you're able to have sexual deviants into your school and into your programs. It's sexual deviants. I know the one over here who's on her phone. His phone is actually not really is following. We must protect the mental, emotional Well-being of suggestive boys. You have to. Yeah, you have to. That's. We must protect. We must protect the mental and, well, emotional well-being.

Mr Jordan [01:17:27] Yes. Sorry. You're done. You're done. You're done.

Chistopher Pallete [01:17:34] Schools need to be a haven. For learning, not for deviants.

Mr Jordan [01:17:37] Yea Yea. Yea. Yea.

Mr Jordan [01:17:41] Yea. We got it.

Mr Jordan [01:17:43] You got it. You go.

Scott [01:17:46] Hi, guys. I was going to talk before that. I apologize. I'm just with the board. Please keep in mind, guys, this is the second year in a row we're dealing with this. We're starting to make our town meeting a state law and mandate forum. And we have people come up here when they should be going to Trenton to talk about this stuff, not here. So we're making decisions. Do that now without.

Scott [01:18:08] I'm Scott Missoula. I'm a teacher.

Scott [01:18:10] You know, I've heard so much about teachers tonight, and I don't know how many of us are here or what we're doing, but there's a gross mischaracterization. Of what we do. All right. Now, I've got to calm down, because that got me fired up.

Scott [01:18:24] I'm a Trekkie. You didn't think I was going to go there next, but my students now have a little Captain Kirk in my room. A little Spock. Idea. I see it. And if there are infinite diversity and infinite combinations, I know they've gone somewhere.

Scott [01:18:41] In the movie Star Trek 2, they have. The saying was the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. And the whole point of the movie was that one of the characters dies and the whole major characters, they abandon everything about their they love about the star fleet and all that. And they go after this one because they care about them. And I think the point is. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one. But they don't. And teachers navigate this every single day. We always take in mind the needs of everyone. And the few and the one. And none of us are here for that one.

Scott [01:19:24] Everybody comes up here complaining about this mandate isn't going to be the one who has to deal with that kid that we're trying. You know, to protect. And we're not talking about this all class. We have a huge curriculum to do. You guys think we're in there saying like, All right, guys, let's see who wants to be gay today? All right. Because I'm going to spend the next 45 minutes talking. I can't get through my curriculum. I teach you as history. I need any more school year just to get through it. Teachers are not groomers. We're not indoctrinate ERs. We're not communists. I heard that again. You brought it up again. Okay. Teachers are composers. Teachers are. Conducting an orchestra of beautiful instruments that all sound differently. Sometimes they sound off when they're by themselves. Sometimes they want to sound like a different instrument. We make it sound beautiful, and we want them all to sound wonderful, and we have to work with them individually. We have to work with them as small groups and as big groups to make a beautiful song at the end.

Scott [01:20:26] We're not grooming anyone. We're making music. And if you think we're failing, I can't believe somebody you come up here and say stuff like. How many of our students get in front of these these mikes and do this? They're definitely paying attention in civics and in history. These guys up here, everything. You mentioned this to I mean, this is this is I'm so proud. I'm so damn proud of what we do in this district. We have amazing schools. We have amazing programs. We have amazing school board. We have amazing superintendent, Assistant Superintendent Joe's going to have to stay for 5 or 6 more years because he's amazing.

Scott [01:21:03] Okay. So I love what we do. And I'm so sick of some of these meetings where we focus on one thing that's not even a thing, okay? We should be celebrating everything we do. And that's my job because I'm also the public relations coordinator.

Scott [01:21:16] But it's like I come here, I feel like I'm just spinning my wheels. Okay. We're doing a great job. And we love your kids no matter what they want to be called, you know? And we all we love you guys, too. I love the parents. I love them. We're one big group, but I feel like we're getting lost in the mud here. And the muck, you know, must be proud. Okay. I don't want to leave on a negative note. I want you to go out of here being proud of being Oold Bridge people.

Scott [01:21:40] You moved here for a reason. And if you don't live here and you get up here and talk, I know there's a concerted movement out there that must be organizing this because it happens in a lot of board meetings. That's dangerous. You have a right to talk. But the school board should not be making decisions based on private political organizations that come in in organized stuff or religious. Okay. So I hope you take that on account when you make your decisions. Okay. But remember, it's all about the needs of the many, but also the needs of the one. All right. Thank you.

Mr Jordan [01:22:19] Anyone else. Okay. All business. A new business.

Council Person Jen [01:22:30] I have a few things I'd like to say. Um, I think I've more notes at this meeting than I have any other one. My worry is if we repeal it, not only. Do you have to have the consensus. To bring it back when things can be. Revised?

Council Person Jen [01:22:50] But also not only the danger to the student. But what about the danger. To the staff? Our kids go and have a safe corner drill. And if for a parent that hasn't been in the room, that's like an active shooter drill the kids find the corner away from the door in the window, and they gather all of them into the area behind me, like as close as they can. You.

Speaker [01:23:15] We have... We... Out one student who then takes it to the wrong way and retaliates against the staff member that told their parent now, not only am I worrying about the student, I'm worried about my staff and I don't want to put the staff in that danger. That's another whole layer to this.

Speaker [01:23:36] But Dave, to go to your point thing, if. And Chris, please answer that. If parents are active in their kid's education and ask the teachers, how are they doing, how are the kids doing? Unless the child says they're in danger or the teacher is allowed to answer that question honestly.

CouncilPerson Christopher [01:23:59] Yeah.

CouncilPerson Christopher [01:24:01] So I wouldn't I would need more clarification. What you're you're asking. But unless if the parents.... Teachers cannot lie to parents, if you ask any question about your students record health record academic staff cannot lie to your to you as a parent.

Council Person Jen [01:24:16] So again, it's it's the active parents, the parents that are going to conferences and having that relationship from with the parents. Those aren't the parents that don't know. It's the parents that don't provide that safe environment that the kids are worried about going home to.

Council Person Jen [01:24:36] And as far as the Self-discovery piece that came up before. I was a teenager. I know. I changed my clothes at the bus stop. I put on lipstick. I listened to music my parents might not have liked, you know, maybe read a book that wasn't, you know the right genre for my parents. But we all went through some kind of self-discovery. That's what teenagers is. So and the other part of this I'm not getting with the conversation is we're talking gender identity and. There's been a lot of sexuality and sexual orientation brought into this conversation.

Council Person Jen [01:25:11] That's not mentioned in this policy. So. To me there are two different. Thinks so. And to James point, I, I think all of the kids are treated as normal. And with all the teachers that I interact with throughout the school year, I don't know any with agendas. Like Scott said, like they just have curriculum. They want to get through worried when the principal is going to come and observe them, you know, are they going to perform awesome that day? And the kids actually paid attention and the teachers passing, you know.

Council Person Jen [01:25:45] But and all you have to do is go to one of our graduations. Or listen to Senior Night and see where our students are going. Old Bridge students are awesome around the world. They're going amazing places. So. I'm proud of Old Bridge. I think Old Bridge is doing awesome stuff. That's my 2 cents.

Mr Jordan [01:26:15] Any other new business.

Council Person [01:26:16] I have a question. So to piggyback on Mr. Antonio's point. Active parents. Everyone's so focused on parental rights. But for the parents that are involved. You have parental rights all the time. I mean. The school stopped teaching cursive. You know what I did? I went to the library. I printed out cursive, and I brought it home to my daughter. For her to learn cursive. Okay. We're all parents, right? And we all love our kids, right? Parental rights doesn't just stop when they go to school. Chris, just for clarification and maybe you could clarify. I can't. That parental rights policy that we have, the third paragraph, it says something that the parents should you know, they shall have. Information for the kids, medical, health, wellbeing and everything else like that. Does that conflict with 5657 or 5756, whatever the policy is?

CouncilPerson Christopher [01:27:21] They can be read together. Excuse me. They can be read together in that the the language in 9240 speaks about student records in terms of health, education, etc. To horribly simplify the report card, document,records,the file. Every discussion with a teacher or counselor does not necessarily make it into a student record per se. How are you today? The answer to how are you today? You know, there was discussion before about a normal kid. None of us were normal kids. There's no normal answer. So those two policies are not in conflict with each other necessarily. It would depend, as always, on the situation.

Council Person [01:28:08] So let's say the parent that's actively involved in the child's life, the parent would like to find out. Like I said, at the point as well, the parent would like to find out if my child is transitioning, if my child would like to be called Bonnie instead of Bill. The parent can call the school or write an email to the administrator of the school and Mr. Dino or Mrs. Hogan, and they can say, I would like to be notified if my child has this, this and this. Yes. Regarding the policy, the parental rights policy.

CouncilPerson Christopher [01:28:41] Yes, the parent could make that request. And I as always, it would be individually handled in most cases. I'm sure that would lead to an immediate dialog. As always, there would be exceptions to that rule, just like there are with every other interaction between a staff member and a student.

Jay Blade [01:28:59] Right. But the parent could call, write an email, ask for it, and the school would have to give it to them.

CouncilPerson Christopher [01:29:04] If it's a record, yes.

Council Person [01:29:05] Okay. Right. So if if the child would like to go as like, fine. If instead of Bill or Bill instead of Bonny, the parent writes an email and says, I would like to notify if my child decides to change genders or goes by a different identity, I would like to be notified. Can the parent be notified about that or does the 5756 not clear does that part. Thank you. I'm not a businessman. I'm a plumber. So does it supersede 57?

CouncilPerson Christopher [01:29:35] 56 simply says that there is no affirmative duty for the teacher to or whatever school employee to proactively make that call based on any discussion that has had. If it becomes a record, if there is a name change in any student records. All parents and legal guardians are immediately have that access, right.

Jay Blade [01:29:54] So, parents, if you're actively involved to do your job, be a parent. And Chris, just the drive at home, the teachers aren't prohibited. They're just not required to notify. Was that accurate?

CouncilPerson Christopher [01:30:15] That's correct.

Jay Blade [01:30:15] Okay.

Council Person 2 [01:30:18] Just my final topic on it, not so much about the policy, but the the practice that we have here in Old Bridge and I've spoken to. Some of our counselors. Some of our teachers. And some of our students in the LGBTQ platform and. What has been our practice is that if we have a student who comes and has a conversation with. Usually as a counselor. The counselors work with the students to build up that relationship, to build up that dialog, to be that bridge for that communication process. There's no staff member here. Staffers are tremendous. Far from groomers. They're tremendous people and they work hard to. Be that relationship, that bridge the family. And every one of the situations have I from the counselors that I've spoken to, the principals I've spoken to, there's not one of the. One third of a percentage point here of our student base that we're talking about that the parents aren't not not knowledgeable. Of the of the Charles decision. And. I think that's the important thing that our staff does. They they work to be the advocate for our students. They work to our students to be advocates for themselves, but they also be that bridging of information. And to do anything less to attack them any way. You know, Mr. ? makes a great point. I don't know if that's the point you're trying to make. Is that.

Council Person 2 [01:31:56] To attack teachers there. The first person to be standing in front of your kids when we do these lockdown drills, they're the ones to put their body in front of them. Ask yourself, how many teachers have been murdered across this country in the past five years by active shooter situations? When the targets were kids, but the teachers put themselves in harm's way. And to come to, you know, this place where we're going to say where the teachers are the problem. Our teachers do a great job. You know, and. We all don't have to have the same opinion, but. I. That was the lowest thing I've ever seen. And education was for an adult. To bully a kid. In our schools. That's what Old Bridges become. And if anybody here stands for and says that's a good thing, then we should all, you know, be ashamed of ourselves. We have no place in schools. If anybody standing here sitting here tonight says that was a good moment today. That was disgusting.

CouncilPerson Christopher [01:33:06] Any other board comments?

Council Person [01:33:08] Just one more thing. I just want to point out to Mr. Mazola and to what Mr. Dino just said.

Speaker [01:33:18] Are there. There's bad everything in every profession. But I'm willing to put my life on the line to say that 98% of the teachers. Are exactly like Mr. Mazola. And if you saw the way that he rose up from that desk and defended the student. Okay. There's. Thousands of other teachers just like him that would rise up and like Mr. Dino's point, put their body in between harm. And safety. And what he displayed to rise up as quick as he did and try to shut it down as fast as he did, I believe deserved some accommodations. So, Mr. Mazola, thank you. And. It was. It was. It was good. So thank you.

President BOE [01:34:17] Thank you. Anyone else? No. Um. So. No, sorry. Sorry. So we will not be going into executive session. So can I have a motion to adjourn the meeting?

Jay Blade [01:34:30] I kind of moves. I'll second. Just a little second.

President BOE [01:34:33] All in favor? (2 I's) Any opposed? (None) Any abstentions. (None) The board is adjourned at 10:02 p.m. Good night.