# data[].attributes.body
The recent decision by the Edison School Board to repeal Policy 5756, which protected transgender students' privacy by allowing them to express their gender identity without parental notification, has sparked significant controversy and concern. This policy, first introduced in 2018 following a state law, was designed to create a safer space for LGBTQ+ students, particularly those who may not feel safe or supported at home. By honoring students' gender identities at school without immediately involving parents, the policy aimed to give these students control over when and how they come out, reducing the risk of harm or rejection. I believe that this move to repeal the policy is a step backward for inclusivity and student safety. As highlighted by advocates like Garden State Equality, the decision to remove the policy could lead to situations where students are "outed" in unsafe environments, potentially exposing them to emotional and physical harm. It's crucial to understand that many LGBTQ+ students are in situations where their safety at home is not guaranteed. Forcing schools to notify parents before students are ready to disclose their gender identity could worsen the already high rates of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and mental health struggles.

While some may argue that parents should have the right to be informed about their children's gender identity, it’s essential to consider the emotional and safety risks involved. School should be a safe space for all students, and this policy provides a protective barrier for those who need it most. Removing that protection could lead to a climate of fear and alienation for vulnerable students. Ultimately, the decision to repeal this policy reflects broader cultural and political divides, but we must keep student safety and well-being at the forefront of any decisions regarding education. If even one student is put at risk due to this change, that is one too many. We must continue to support policies that protect students' privacy and help them feel safe and valued in their school environments, regardless of the political debates around gender identity.

# data[].attributes.body
This article was shocking to me. I didn't know how close to home this would be. While acknowledging the role politics plays in classrooms I thought in New Jersey we wouldn't let the safe place of LGBTQ students be redacted. I understand that many parents would want to be informed about their child's gender identity at school if it varied from the sex they were born to stay aware of who their child is. However, not all parents are loving and supportive unconditionally. Mandating that parents be notified about gender identity in school puts students who come from unsupportive homes in harm's way. The harm varies from physical abuse to emotional abuse or rejection. Students would now feel unable to express themselves in school out of fear of the repercussions. If we students do not feel safe to express themselves at home or school where do they get to be themselves, how will the lack of safe space shape who they become?

# data[].attributes.body
Reading about the Edison Board of Education's decision to revoke the policy supporting transgender students struck a chord with me. It's disheartening to hear that a school district, especially in a progressive area like Edison, would take a step backward in protecting the most vulnerable students. The policy was meant to safeguard students who might not feel safe coming out to their families, providing them with the freedom to express their gender identity in a supportive school environment without fear of being "outed” prematurely. The concerns raised by Garden State Equality and other organizations are entirely valid. The idea that students could be outed against their will—especially those in unsafe home situations—feels like a direct violation of their rights and personal safety. For many LGBTQ+ youth, school is one of the few places where they can feel accepted and supported and removing this policy takes away that critical space. It also exposes them to the genuine risk of homelessness, which is already disproportionately high among LGBTQ+ youth. What stands out is the lack of transparency in how this decision was made. Revoking such an essential policy with proper notice and public discussion is concerning and sends a message that the Board may need to fully understand the weight of their actions. This policy was designed with the best interests of students in mind—helping them navigate one of the most sensitive aspects of their lives in a way that honors their privacy and safety. It's frustrating to think that political motivations might be at play, especially in a community that prides itself on diversity and inclusion. I sincerely hope that this action doesn’t reflect the views of the broader Edison community, as many people—including those from LGBTQ+ groups, advocacy organizations, and supportive educators—have spoken out against it. This highlights how important it is for educators, administrators, and community leaders to actively work toward ensuring that every student feels safe and valued. It’s not just about policies but about creating an environment where LGBTQ+ students can be their authentic selves without fear of discrimination or harm. I believe that if more people understand the potential consequences of such actions—like the increased risk of homelessness or mental health struggles—there would be more pushback to reverse this decision and protect students' rights. I hope the Board considers the real-world impacts of this policy change and listens to the voices of those advocating for the safety and dignity of all students. Schools must remain spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive without fear of being outed or rejected.

# data[].attributes.body
This week's article was interesting to read. It's even more interesting because Edison is extremely close to where I live, as a few others have mentioned. I don't know my true stance on this, as it's a tricking and controversial subject. Many people nowadays are struggling with their gender and identity; it's a difficult thing to feel and be alone with your thoughts about it. I would want my students to feel safe to tell things that are bothering them if needed. however, if the student doesn't feel that they can trust me or feel safe, I'm not sure dropping the policy is a good idea. School should be a safe haven for students. They learn, eat, play, and are generally away from any troubles with family or home. I hope dropping the policy does not affect any young students and put them in danger.

# data[].attributes.body
This week's topic threw me for a loop. As someone who does not live far from Edison it made me wonder how soon it will take for surrounding towns follow their lead and it comes into play in my own classroom. While I personally respect those who choose to transition, I feel like it is not the schools place to educate. There is a line that I feel like it is a parents place to educate and a schools. With this, I do not agree with moving forward with educating the students in this topic without informing the parents. One thing I do know for certain is that my classroom will be a safe space for each and everyone of my students.

# data[].attributes.body
I have read all of your posts and comments on other’s post; very thoughtful comments! I purposely did not comment on individual posts because I did not share this Hot Topic coming from a place right or wrong or to make a comment about this school district. The fact of the matter is that little by little school districts across NJ are repealing this policy. I want you to understand the ‘role’ politics plays in shaping. Additionally, I want you to understand how schools and districts are organized AND that there are often “GREY” areas in education. Also, most NJ school districts have elected board members. I look forward to discussing the “grey space” with you!

# data[].attributes.body
I can see both sides of the argument here because all of the teachers that I know are really disgruntled by how much their responsibilities continue to grow outside of actual education and they are constantly griping about how they feel like the school system has become a safety net for parenting failures. At the same time, I absolutely know that there are students out there who desperately need to be protected and have nowhere to go except for school to find that safety. I think it's paramount that schools provide protection and safety to students that need it.

# data[].attributes.body
I was shocked by this article! My heart sank because (1) I live literally one town over from Edison and (2) I was planning on applying for a job in the district. :( I think the Edison BOE truly messed up, both legally and morally. For me, the keyword from the article is safe; students may not feel safe or consider home an open/welcoming place. In my opinion, there is no good reason why Policy 5756 was repealed. Especially considering the LGBTQ+ community in that area (6-12%), but also legally because action was taken without notice which is a violation of NJ's Sunshine Act! Unfortunately, the voices and ideas of just five people get to make decisions for the masses. What a disservice.

# data[].attributes.body
The article on Edison’s repeal of Policy 5756 highlights a complex debate around parental involvement and student privacy. While parents should be informed about important aspects of their children's lives, many students exploring their gender identity may not feel safe talking about this at home. The challenging part is finding a balance between protecting student safety and privacy while respecting parents' rights to be involved. Schools are left in a difficult position, trying to support students emotionally and mentally while navigating these situations. It's definitely a controversial topic that raises deeper issues about the roles that schools play in protecting students' emotional and physical safety while respecting family relationships. This article emphasizes that to support students and their parents during sensitive transitions, schools must develop appropriate solutions for these situations.

# data[].attributes.body
This week's hot topic made me realize that it can be very easy for the people in power in our school districts to insert their own feelings or political beliefs into school policies, instead of keeping the best interest of all students in mind. The repeal of Policy 5756 is incredibly disheartening in my opinion, because it sends a message that the rights of transgender students are not respected or valued in Edison schools. Every student, regardless of sexual orientation or any identity, should have the right to feel safe in both their school and their home; and be able to freely choose who they share their identities with. The repeal of this act puts a slough of LGBTQ+ students at risk for a multitude of dangers that they do not deserve to face. Even if policy makers do not "support" or "agree with" transgender students, it is not right to construct school policies that put a certain demographic of students in danger, because that robs a student of their right to a proper education. All LGBTQ+ students should have their rights protected by the schools that they spend a majority of their time in. It is so effortless and easy to respect someone's identity and beliefs.

# data[].attributes.body
The article discusses the Edison, NJ school district’s decision to repeal Policy 5756, which previously aligned with state guidance supporting transgender students' rights to choose their gender identity at school without requiring parental notification. I truly believe that this is controversial because advocates for transgender students argue that such policies protect student safety and privacy, especially for those who might not feel safe being out at home. However, many believe parents should be informed about such significant matters concerning their children. The debate raises questions about student rights versus parental rights. This is a double edged sword where as a teacher you want to protect your students and support but also what their parents to be involved in all the milestones that they may take to help them socially, mentally, and physically.

# data[].attributes.body
After reading this week's hot topic, I was shocked to see that the Edison School District dropped the policy. I think it's an extremely controversial topic, however, I have to say that repealing the policy would have negative consequences for the trans community. For many trans students, school is one of the spaces where they can express their gender identity freely, especially if they are not supported at home. School can be one of the safe spaces among students of the queer community, and repealing this policy takes that away from students. By mandating that parents be notified of a student's gender identity, schools would be outing students who may not be ready to come out or face rejection, emotional harm, or abuse from their families. Students would now feel unsafe in what should be a supportive and inclusive space. To me, it seems like we are going backward in society. Schools are starting to be more accepting and inclusive, however, repealing this policy revokes students of that. Many students look to the support of their teachers, and now they wouldn't be able to because they might fear that their personal information would be disclosed without their consent.

# data[].attributes.body
This week's hot topic is one of one of the more controversial topics. After reading the topic I was able to learn what Policy 5756 is and what is going on in the Edison school district. I agree and disagree with the repeal of the policy. I think parents should be able to know everything that is going on in their children's lives. I think the school should inform parents what is going on with students as parents have the right to know. On the other, I also understand that students come different households and there are obviously reasons why they do not feel comfortable or close enough to their parents to express themselves.

# data[].attributes.body
This week’s Hot Topic is certainly an interesting one. I believe it's essential to maintain a balanced perspective about this topic. While the core intent of the policy is to protect transgender and gender-nonconforming students, which is important, I also understand the concerns of parents who feel they should be more informed about significant aspects of their children's lives at school.

On one hand, this policy offers crucial protections for vulnerable students. It ensures that transgender students are recognized and supported in their identities, which can significantly improve their mental health and academic performance. Many students might not feel safe sharing their gender identity at home, and school becomes the only environment where they feel affirmed. Policies like 5756 were developed to create safe spaces for these students to thrive without fear of discrimination or harassment​.

However, I also recognize that parents feel they have a right to know what's happening in their children's lives. I do feel schools and families should collaborate in providing a support system for students. Informed parents can better guide and support their children through complex emotional and social challenges. While I remain neutral on the policy itself, I believe that having open dialogue between schools and parents is crucial, provided it's done in a way that prioritizes student safety and well-being.

# data[].attributes.body
This hot topic is something I wish we had a manual for, that helped us navigate it in the best way. I can't say I agree or disagree with the repeal of policy 5756. I have to think with my parent brain and also with my teacher brain when it comes to this, but they are contradictory of one another. As a parent, I would be very upset if my daughter's school was keeping this from me. But as a teacher I understand why sometimes it's better not to "out" the students, as we all have said, they may not have a safe place at home. Instead of thinking of what's right or wrong about this, I'd rather come up with a solution to this. Something that meets halfway. I don't know if maybe giving the family and students resources to be able to have these conversations or what. This is definitely something I know we will encounter in our classrooms and something I wish I was more prepared for.

# data[].attributes.body
I found this week's article to be the hottest topic thus far. Gender and identity are a major hot button in today's society and even more so among younger people (younger than myself). Unfortunately, many individuals struggling with their identity find that they are navigating alone. In some instances, school is a safe haven, and individuals feel that they can be their authentic selves there. As a future educator, I would like my students to feel comfortable expressing themselves to me if they may not feel comfortable being that way at home. Some students come from unsafe homes, and informing parents of their child's preference for gender identity would make matters worse. I think we should allow students the opportunity to be themselves at school, without fearing the repercussions at home.

# data[].attributes.body
This week’s hot topic is highly controversial. I strongly disagree with the repeal of Policy 5756. This repeal effectively removes protections for the transgendered students. There is already a myriad of misconceptions and stigmas surrounding the LGBTQ community. Many of these students may be forcibly “outed”. This is especially true of those who identify as transgender and nonbinary.

Did you know that in 64 countries it is illegal to be part of the LGBTQ community? People are being ostracized and punished with imprisonment or death for being who they are. There is no place in the world where it’s illegal to be heterosexual. Many have to hide who they truly are. There’s a history of brutality against people of the LGBTQ community, especially those who identify as trans or nonbinary. One example is of a gay German Jewish doctor and researcher: Magnus Hirschfeld. Hirschfeld studied sexuality and gender. Much of his old research on sexuality and gender was lost to Nazi Germany’s book burns. We have to remember that trans students are people, not property. There is a different set of rules they have to follow to survive. Everyone should have a safe place where they can be their true authentic selves. We have to keep in mind that not all students go home to loving and understanding people. These students may not have a safe space to be themselves. Because of this, many transgender students and people are at a much higher risk of substance abuse and attempting suicide. Transgender students are just trying to live their lives to the best of their ability. They didn’t choose to be born, nor did they choose to be born transgender.

# data[].attributes.body
I thought this week’s article was very interesting. I do disagree that the district is implementing a new policy that doesn’t notify parents based on their gender identity. I think this also depends on child’s age. I believe this may cause confusion if the child gets in trouble or gets recognized for an award and the parents are called, how does the school remember how to refer to the child? It would cause confusion if the child wanted to be referred a specific way. I do agree with this policy too though, we have many children/students that are afraid to express themselves. As a school we should be there to support our students because they don’t always have a great support system at home.