Chathams School District sued over limits on parental notification for gender changes

The Chathams School District in New Jersey is facing a lawsuit over a policy that reportedly allows students to change their names and gender identities in school records, use facilities matching their gender identity, and limit parental notification at counselors’ discretion. Moms for Liberty, Moms for America and two parents allege the policy violates parents’ constitutional rights under the First and 14th Amendments, while critics also object to potential discipline—including suspension—for students who use a classmate’s prior name or pronouns. The district says its policy follows New Jersey guidance for transgender students, and the plaintiffs’ attorney argues that parents have a right to know about major changes affecting their children. The case follows the Supreme Court’s decision in Mirabelli v. Bonta, which allowed a challenge to similar California policies but did not resolve their constitutionality on the merits.