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Published – March 15, 2024

Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District (Ramapo HSD) voted to eliminate all transgender guidelines from the district. On March 13, 2024, North Jersey reported, “[Ramapo HSD]’s board has abolished its transgender policy by a 6-3 vote … [District] officials said the district’s two high schools … will join about 24 others across the state that have rescinded their policies.”

North Jersey also said, “It remains unclear if the vote is symbolic, or will have any impact on school policy regarding transgender students. In particular, parents have objected to the policy for allowing students to decide whether or not their parents are informed of their changing gender status.”

Board attorney Kerri Wright reportedly advised Ramapo HSD board members that she could not guarantee the vote would not have legal repercussions, according to North Jersey. 

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) created “Transgender Student Guidance for School Districts” based on the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. The guidelines say, “The intended purpose of this guidance is to help school and district administrators take steps to create an inclusive environment in which transgender and gender nonconforming students feel safe and supported.”

New Jersey school districts have typically adopted Policy 5756 to comply with state regulations. The policy language mirrors the NJDOE guidelines and includes a full list of transgender jargon. The policy also states, “The school district shall accept a student’s asserted gender identity; parental consent is not required.”

Policy 5756 is no longer accessible from the Ramapo HSD policy page.

The School Board Watchlist will continue monitoring issues in this district. Please send tips and information on Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District to [email protected].

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Ramapo Indian Hills Regional School District has 2,096 students enrolled in grades 9-12 across