Similar policy sparked protests, threat of lawsuit
Pictured is an all-gender restroom located in the Esby Gymnasium on the Rowan University campus. This is one of several gender neutral restrooms that have been constructed at the college, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014 (Brittany M. Wehner | South Jersey Times)
The policy is designed to protect transgender students from discrimination and covers various areas, including how staff address transgender students, along with sports and physical education issues.
A transgender rights policy planned at the Pascack Valley Regional High School District in Montvale prompted debate and threats of a lawsuit from conservative Christian group Liberty Counsel.
Transgender rights under debate in Pascack Valley schools
School Superintendent Jack Hurley told The Record Rutherford's policy came "verbatim" from the New Jersey School Board Association.
The borough school board voted unanimously for the policy, which will need to be read at a second meeting before being adopted.
Other districts around Bergen County have approved similar transgender rights policies. At Rowan University, some bathrooms on campus have signs allowing students to use the facilities regardless of "gender identity or expression."
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.