Breaking Down Sayreville’s Policy 5756 on Gender Identity and Expression

SAYREVILLE, NJ – Policy 5756, titled “Gender Identity and Expression,” sets guidelines for how the Sayreville School District addresses the needs of transgender and gender nonconforming students. While the policy has been in place for several years, it remains one of the more detailed district rules concerning student rights, privacy, and school procedures.

The policy requires schools to recognize a student’s asserted gender identity without demanding medical documentation, a legal name change, or parental consent. Staff members are expected to use a student’s chosen name and pronouns, and identification such as student ID cards should reflect that choice.

Access to facilities is also covered. Students must be allowed to use restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. At the same time, the policy says schools must provide reasonable alternatives—such as single-use restrooms—for any student who requests them.

Privacy is emphasized. A student’s transgender status is considered confidential, and disclosure to parents or others cannot occur unless the student gives permission or it is required by law. Staff are specifically directed not to notify parents about a student’s gender identity unless the student authorizes it. If there is disagreement between a student and their family, school staff are instructed to continue using the student’s chosen name and pronouns in the school setting.

The policy also spells out how records should be handled. Legal names must be kept in a separate, confidential file, while day-to-day documents like attendance lists and class rosters are supposed to reflect the student’s chosen name. Access to legal records is limited and requires consultation with the student.

Participation in school activities is another area addressed. Transgender students must be given the same opportunities as their peers in physical education classes and extracurricular activities, including gender-segregated ones such as sports. The policy states participation should align with the student’s gender identity.

In cases involving harassment, intimidation, or bullying, parents of all involved students must be informed about the nature of the incident and the outcome of the investigation. That may include the protected characteristic—such as gender identity—that was a factor.

Policy 5756 is also linked to other district rules on equity. These include Policy 2260 on affirmative action in school and classroom practices and Policy 5750 on equal educational opportunity. Together, they set district-wide expectations for non-discrimination and equal access.

For parents, Policy 5756 lays out what students can expect regarding names, pronouns, facilities, records, activities, and privacy. It also clarifies the role of school staff when conflicts or questions arise.

Source and full policies from Sayreville School District: PROGRAM