All students deserve to feel safe, supported, and respected in school. That’s why the ACLU-NJ is working to ensure all school districts across the state meet their responsibilities to LGBTQ+ students and their families under federal and state law.
For students, that means making sure schools are a place where all children are able to get a quality education, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Students learn best when they feel safe to be themselves and can develop trust with their teachers.
New Jersey school districts should do everything they can to make sure all young people feel respected – and politicians should not be making it harder for them to do so.
Advocating for LGBTQ+ Students in Communities and in Court
When school districts across New Jersey revoked a policy in 2024 that safeguards the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth, we sent letters urging them to readopt the policies. Without the policy, administrators are left without clear guidance, opening those districts to legal liability, and signaling to LGBTQ+ students and families that their schools may not be a safe and welcoming environment.
When three Monmouth County school districts put policies in place that required school staff to out transgender students to their parents or guardians, we filed amicus briefs in support of lawsuits brought by the New Jersey Attorney General to enforce the state Law Against Discrimination. In court, we argued that any policies that target gender-nonconforming students not only violate the Law Against Discrimination but also raise constitutional rights concerns and would cause physical, mental health, and educational harms for transgender students.
Ensuring that All Students Feel Safe, Supported, and Respected
ACLU-NJ advocacy aims to protect and expand fundamental freedoms that ensure LGBTQ+ people can live openly without discrimination and exercise equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association.
We are committed to holding school districts accountable for their responsibility to protect LGBTQ+ students. Our state can and must lead by example in protecting and advancing civil rights and liberties for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
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