Chatham school board members report death threats over transgender student policy
CHATHAM, New Jersey (WABC) -- Members of the Chatham school board say they have received threats following a lawsuit challenging a district transgender policy that has been in effect for two years.
The issue centers on a policy adopted in 2024 that provides protection and respect for a student's right to be identified by the gender the student chooses without the district notifying parents.
Tina Descovich, CEO of Moms for Liberty, condemned the reported threats.
"It's not acceptable in this environment in America. We can have civil discourse and debate about how we addressed ideas and policy is in processes, especially when it comes to our children. I know they're emotional," Descovich said.
Chatham school board member Michael Ryan said the response following the lawsuit has been troubling.
"What has happened since that lawsuit is shameful, absolutely shameful, the threats and the security now that we need because of that," Ryan said.
One transgender parent with a student in the district defended the policy, saying it can protect students from potential retaliation at home.
"Common advice to trans teenagers coming out to their parents include things like have a specific plan on where you will sleep tonight if you're thrown out of the house and pay attention to whether you have a clean line to exit in case they try to assault or murder you. It's not paranoia. These things happened," parent Allison Thomas said.
Moms for Liberty argues portions of the policy affect other students, including requiring them to accept another student's chosen gender identity.
"So, if a student had a friend that was a girl and the girl decided she wanted to be a boy so she wanted to change her gender identity and she came into school one day and said she now wants to be a he and be called a boy name. The other student is forced to use he and a boy name, and even if they do it accidentally or unintentionally, they can be punished all the way up to expulsion," a speaker said.
Many community members addressed the policy, which has now been in effect for two years, during public comments.
"If there are any of our trans kids watching tonight or any of our trans folks in our community, I'd like them to know that they're supported. Thank you," one community member said.
The debate over the policy continues as community members, parents and advocacy groups remain divided on how schools should address issues involving transgender students.
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