A new parental bill of rights in Colts Neck is sparking intense community debate.

The school board for the Monmouth County District voted unanimously to require schools to inform parents if their child changes pronouns or gender identity, shifting away from the state's previous guidance allowing transgender students privacy if they ask to have their names or pronouns changed.

The new rule goes beyond parental notification.

They also reinforce parents' ability to opt their kids out of health and sex education and give the right to consent or decline school-based health or counseling services, among other things.

LGBTQ+ advocates warn the policy could endanger vulnerable students, arguing that "forced outing can lead to discrimination and even suicide," risks that have been documented by national youth advocacy groups.

But supporters praised the board's decision, saying parents shouldn't be kept in the dark about major changes in their kids' lives.

Colts Neck joins a growing number of districts reconsidering transgender privacy policies after a recent appellate court decision allowed schools to rethink those existing guidelines.

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