The policy would allow transgender students to access any school bathroom, locker room or school program based on the gender which with they identify.
Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. expressed support for Highland Park's proposed policy at a press conference on May 23, 2016. HIGHLAND PARK -- Officials and leaders gathered at the steps of the Highland Park high school this morning to express support for an expansive transgender rights policy for the district, which is up for a vote at tonight's board of education meeting.
The policy would not only allow transgender students to access any school bathroom, but would also allow transgender students to use any locker room or participate in any school program based on the gender which with they identify.
The proposed policy would also "create a district program to support transgender students, prohibit discrimination, protect transgender students' privacy and train school employees in promoting an LGBT-affirming school environment."
Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. expressed support for the policy saying, "With divisive and discriminatory laws being passed throughout the country and Congress attempting to take away basic rights from LGBT Americans, it is inspiring that Highland Park is fighting for equality in such a profound way. This proposal can serve as an example of how schools in New Jersey can be fair, compassionate and inclusive of all their students."
Pallone was joined by Highland Park Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler, Superintendent Scott Taylor, School Board President Darcie Cimarusti and Aaron Potenza, director of programs for Garden State Equality.
Cimarusta read a letter from a transgender student who is transferring to the district.
"Thank you so much for working to protect my rights as a trans person," Cimarusta read from the letter. "It means a lot to me."
Earlier this year, the BOE created a committee made up of BOE members, mental health experts and the school superintendent, to create a policy addressing gender identity in its schools.
Stephanie Sasso, a clinical psychologist in the borough who was on the committee, said the policy would protect "the rights of gender diverse students more strongly than most districts, (and) possibly any district."
The BOE used the Princeton school district's current gender diverse policy and a California school district's policy as models, and then created its own version, which Sasso says is even more comprehensive. (View it below.)
The Highland Park proposal was already underway when the Obama administration issued a directive on May 13 instructing public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms and other school facilities that match their gender identity.
Spencer Kent contributed reporting to this story.
Jessica Remo may be reached at jremo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessicaRemoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.