Eliminate 5756 - STATE BOE Meeting Jan 8th - CALL TO ACTION

Get your email in before January 8th

The New Jersey State Board of Education wields a ton of power over your kid’s education, but guess what? They only let parents speak up a few times a year. One of those rare chances is coming up. If you can show up in person, awesome—bring snacks, it’s a scene. But let’s be real, most of us are juggling jobs, errands, and kids who somehow still need snacks every ten minutes. So, why not send an email instead about eliminating Policy 5756 or any other policy issues you may have? Email is quick, easy, and a great way to remind them who they actually work for. We have a sample letter at the end of this article.

If you plan on attending in person you must register to testify in Trenton. Click HERE

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Email Address: Stateboardoffice@doe.nj.gov

Sample Letter

Dear State Board of Education,

I am writing to express my deep concern about school Policy 5756 which allows or encourages teachers to withhold information or mislead parents regarding important matters related to their children. As a parent, I firmly believe that transparency and trust between schools and families are essential for the well-being and success of our students.

Some New Jersey districts have implemented Policy 5756 which could result in educators withholding information about significant issues, such as a student's mental health, behavioral concerns, physical health, or other sensitive matters. While I recognize the intent to protect student privacy, such policies raise serious concerns about eroding the partnership between schools and families.

Beyond the erosion of trust, these policies create an environment where boundaries between teachers and students can blur, potentially leading to inappropriate relationships. When school staff is empowered to keep secrets from parents, it creates opportunities for misconduct and compromises the safety of students. Safeguarding children should always be the highest priority, and such policies undermine this fundamental responsibility.

Parents play an irreplaceable role in their children’s development and well-being. When schools fail to communicate openly, it hinders parents' ability to provide support and guidance. Additionally, policies that exclude parents from crucial conversations foster distrust in the education system and could unintentionally expose students to harm.

New Jersey has a child welfare system and a mandated reporter law designed to protect children from maltreatment. While the system may not be perfect, it serves as a critical safeguard for identifying and addressing abuse or neglect. However, it is both unethical and potentially illegal to violate parents’ or guardians’ rights without substantiated evidence of maltreatment obtained through a child welfare or criminal investigation. Any actions that bypass these established processes undermine trust, violate due process, and risk infringing upon fundamental parental rights.

In addition, Policy 5756 permits biological males to access female locker rooms, bathrooms, and sports teams under the guise of inclusivity raises significant concerns regarding fairness, safety, and privacy. While inclusivity is an important value, these policies often disregard the legitimate rights and concerns of female students, leading to unintended consequences that undermine equity and trust in the educational environment.

First and foremost, allowing biological males in female-only spaces compromises the privacy and safety of female students. Locker rooms and bathrooms are inherently private areas where individuals should feel secure and respected. Introducing biological males into these spaces can create discomfort, anxiety, and a sense of vulnerability for many young women, especially those who may already feel self-conscious in such settings.

Biological differences between males and females, such as muscle mass, bone density, and overall physical capacity, give males a competitive advantage in sports. Allowing biological males to compete against females can diminish opportunities for female athletes, undermine their hard work, and create an inherently unequal playing field. This contradicts the very purpose of Title IX, which was established to ensure equal opportunities for female athletes.

Furthermore, these policies can alienate parents, students, and educators who feel their voices are ignored in the decision-making process. By prioritizing one group’s inclusion over another’s rights to safety, privacy, and fairness, schools risk fostering division and resentment within their communities.

Ultimately, schools have a responsibility to uphold fairness, protect student safety, and maintain trust within their communities. Schools should create an environment where all students feel valued, policies must balance the needs of diverse groups without infringing upon the rights of others. Policies that allow males in female spaces or sports to fail to meet these obligations should be reevaluated to ensure a balanced, equitable approach that respects all students.

I urge you to consider policy reforms that prioritize transparency, stand up for our girls, and reinforce the importance of parental involvement while ensuring safeguards to protect students. A balanced approach must be found to respect student privacy without compromising family trust or student safety.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]