Cherry Hill schools to adopt transgender student policy

The Cherry Hill Board of Education is expected next month to adopt a policy to allow transgender students to use facilities, including restroom and locker rooms, based on whether they identify as male or female.

Parents or guardians are required to provide a letter confirming a student is "gender nonconforming," according to the proposed policy.

If the parents or guardians do not consent, the policy calls for a meeting between schools officials "to determine how the student's gender identity shall be addressed by the school district."

The policy allows school officials to question a student's asserted identity if "there is a credible basis for believing the student's gender identity is being asserted for some improper purpose."

Participation in sports will be based on the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association's requirements for participation in interscholastic athletics.

Students will be able to participate in gym classes based on their gender identification.

Saying it's illegal to discriminate based on gender identity or expression, the district says the policy is aimed at ensuring all students have equal access to educational programs and activities.

Read the policy here.

The school board will vote on the measure at one of its February meetings.