This week three school districts here in New Jersey passed so-called “parental notification” policies, including Middletown, requiring school staff to notify parents if their son or daughter has requested any “public transition accommodation… provided there is no documented evidence that doing so would subject the student to physical or emotional harm or abuse.” In other words, stay in the closet or teachers or guidance counselors are to become informers.
Fortunately, State Attorney General has filed a request for an injunction against such policies based on this state’s policy of protecting LGBT+ students against any form of discrimination. What has overcome school boards to enact such policies?
This new constructed fear of the world becoming transgender would be laughable if it weren’t so sad. The radical right acts as if transgenderism is like tuberculosis, easily spread and infecting all our children. As Christians we must take on the attacks against any person singled out and made a pariah because of sexual orientation or gender identity. We must call bigotry for what it is and work for a truly inclusive society.
Prayer for the Day
You, O God, have created humankind in all its varieties,
As varied as the ways you manifest yourself to us;
But there are those who cannot see beyond parameters fixed
By their fears of the infinitude of your acceptance.
Empower and strengthen us, O Lord, to address the fearful,
And to bring them into the circle of your ever-widening love.
In the name of the One who welcomes all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
School policies that single out or target LGBTQ+ youth fly in the face of our State’s longstanding commitment to equality.
- Sundeep Lyer, NJ Division of Civil Rights
In New Jersey, we will not tolerate any action by schools that threatens the health and safety of our young people,
- Attorney General Matt Platkin
Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in their hearts;
There is no fear of God before their eyes.
For they flatter themselves in their own eyes
That their iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
The words of their mouths are mischief and deceit.
– Psalm 36: 1-2