New Jersey to divide sex ed classes based on gender identity, not biological sex.

‘Girls are a protected class, ⁤right?’ state board member asks

New Jersey⁢ is taking a bold step ‍in its K-12⁣ schools by requiring separate sex ed​ classes for boys ⁤and ‌girls ‌to be divided based on gender identity, rather than‌ biological sex.

The state’s Department of⁤ Education recently passed a series of controversial amendments to its equity requirements. One of these amendments ​compels schools to separate gender-specific sex ⁢ed classes based on ⁢a student’s chosen ‍gender identity.​ While combined sex ed classes are allowed, the​ department acknowledges that‍ some lessons on “human sexuality” are conducted separately in developmentally appropriate sessions. This means that a biological male can attend sessions that ‍pertain to‌ biological females, and​ vice versa.

This​ change, which passed by a narrow margin of one⁤ vote,‍ is​ the latest‍ example of New Jersey’s⁢ progressive approach to public education. Democratic governor Phil ⁣Murphy’s administration has been actively pursuing liberalization in the state’s ⁢education system. In fact, they have⁣ even sued four districts that‌ require school officials to inform parents when their child displays a ​change in their⁢ gender,​ a policy that Murphy believes compromises the privacy of LGBTQ+ students.

The vote has sparked intense criticism.‌ Local residents who attended ⁤the meeting threatened to‌ sue the department, while some state board members expressed concerns about‌ the policy’s failure‌ to protect young girls.

“Why are we ⁣protecting transgender kids when it comes⁣ to ‌sex ed ‌and dividing up the groups, but not protecting girls?” questioned the board’s vice president, Andrew Mulvihill. “Girls are a⁢ protected class, right?”

The ⁢state board has not responded to requests ‌for comment regarding the standards.

This is not ‍the first time New Jersey ‌has made‌ controversial changes to​ its sex ed standards. Last‌ year, the state implemented curriculum ⁣changes that introduced concepts of sex and gender‌ at earlier grades. The new‍ standards also include instruction on⁢ more mature and explicit sex concepts for ⁣older students.

Local school districts have⁣ 60 days to implement equity plans that‌ align with ⁣the ⁢new state standards. ⁣Failure to implement the changes could⁣ result in sanctions, including the suspension, termination, or refusal of continued​ federal or state financial assistance. Previously,‌ districts had 180 days to implement equity changes, but New Jersey has accelerated ⁢the timeframe to ensure​ that inequitable practices are not in ​place for up to‌ six ⁣months.