1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

Speaking/Email Points: 1. Express support for LGBTQ+ students, especially transgender and nonbinary students. They are extremely vulnerable in the current political environment. Based on NJ law, NJ Department of Education guidelines, and NH-V policy (5145.7), they have the right to be addressed by their preferred name and pronouns, to use restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity, and to dress in accordance with their gender identity or expression. Although Policy 5145.7 (similarly to Strauss Esmay Policy 5756) encourages discussion between students, staff, and--when possible--parents, it also notes that disclosing transgender status to parents can carry serious risks for some students and therefore does not require parental notification. The NJ courts have ruled that requiring parents to be notified when a child says, “don’t tell my parents,” may result in irreparable harm to a transgender student. The current lawsuit against NH-V claims this violates parents’ rights. 2. Express support for the NH-V board and administration. Encourage them to stay the course in protecting LGBTQ+ students and in following NJ law and NJ DOE Transgender Student Guidelines. 3. Express anger that Christopher Stadulis (name him!) is once again trying to impose his views on all NH-V families and likely costing district taxpayers thousands of dollars in litigation. His wife, board member Cynthia Reyes, appears to have a conflict of interest and should resign from the board. Thank you for your help. Please let me know if you can speak and which date works for you. I plan to speak on May 26. I hope to continue this effort for the next several months