Parental Rights Policy Passed by NJ Board of Education: Now Make it LAW
Protecting Parental Rights in New Jersey
Let's make it LAW!
Overview
A New Jersey school district has adopted a comprehensive Parental Rights Policy that affirms what parents across the state already believe: parents are the primary decision-makers in their children’s education, health, and personal development.
The Center for Garden State Families urges the Legislature to codify this policy statewide and advance a constitutional amendment ensuring permanent parental rights protections.
Key Components of the Parental Rights Policy
The policy recognizes the following parental rights:
Access to Student Records
Parents must be informed and given access to all student records, including changes in pronouns, preferred names, and use of gender-specific facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms.
Consent for Health Services
Parents must be allowed to consent to—or decline—any school-based mental or physical health services, including counseling groups or mentoring programs.
Opt-Out Rights for Instruction
Parents may opt their children out of health and sex education, as well as any instructional content that contradicts their religious or moral convictions.
School Safety Transparency
Parents have the right to safe, secure schools and clear communication about school safety policies and procedures.
Protection of Family Information
Children’s personal information—including gender identity, religious affiliation, and sexual orientation—must be protected from intrusive surveys or third-party software collection.
Legal Foundation: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025)
In June 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in Mahmoud v. Taylor, granting Muslim, Jewish, and Christian parents an injunction protecting their right to opt their children out of instruction on gender and sexuality that violates their religious beliefs. The Court held that parents are likely to succeed on the merits.
New Jersey families deserve the same constitutional protections.
Why State Action Is Necessary
Local policies vary widely and leave many families unprotected.
Parents from diverse religious backgrounds—Christian, Jewish, Muslim—must have equal standing under state law.
Comprehensive parental rights protections require statutory clarity and constitutional permanence.
Codifying this policy will reduce litigation, increase transparency, and reinforce the essential role of parents in education.
Legislative Requests
1. Enact statewide parental rights legislation that includes all elements listed above.
2. Advance a New Jersey Constitutional Amendment affirming that parents have the fundamental right to direct their children’s upbringing, education, and health care.
3. Require school districts to implement consistent, transparent policies that fully respect parental involvement.
Conclusion
Parents—not government agencies—are best positioned to safeguard the health, safety, and moral development of their children. The Supreme Court has reaffirmed this principle. Now it is time for New Jersey to bring its laws into alignment and secure these rights for every family.
The Center for Garden State Families urges lawmakers to take immediate action to protect parental rights across the state.