The Colts Neck Board of Education voted 7-2 against a proposal that would have restricted bathroom and locker room access for transgender students and required teachers to inform parents of students who expressed gender identity issues.

The proposal, rejected 7-2, was introduced by one of two new board members who were elected in the fall on a “Colts Neck Kids First” platform.

The proposal, rejected 7-2, was introduced by one of two new board members who were elected in the fall on a “Colts Neck Kids First” platform and sparked opposition from dozens of residents who attended the meeting and voiced their concerns about the potential harm to transgender students’ rights, privacy and safety.

However, many residents disagreed and urged the board to uphold the existing policy, which follows state regulations and guidelines from the New Jersey Department of Education. The current policy states that transgender students should be addressed by their preferred names and pronouns, have access to facilities that correspond to their gender identity, and have their privacy protected from disclosure without consent.

Some residents also shared their personal stories of having transgender children or relatives and how they faced discrimination and bullying at school. They said that changing the policy would only increase the stigma and isolation that transgender students already face.

The board’s decision was met with applause from many residents who attended the meeting. Some also thanked the board members who voted against the proposal for standing up for transgender students.