A New Jersey school district has agreed to permanently abandon a policy that allowed school officials to withhold information about students’ gender identity changes from their parents, ending a federal lawsuit over parental rights.
The School District of the Chathams in Morris County has reached a settlement with Moms for Liberty, a national parental rights organization represented by the Thomas More Society.
The district’s Board of Education voted unanimously, 7–0, on October 12, 2026, to approve the agreement. The settlement was filed in the U.S. District Court for New Jersey on October 15.
What Was the Disputed Policy?
The controversy centered on Policy 5145.7, adopted in January 2024, which addressed gender identity and expression in public schools.
The policy allowed school counselors to determine whether, and to what extent, parents should be informed or involved when a student requested recognition of a gender identity different from their sex assigned at birth.
Supporters of such policies argue that schools must protect students’ privacy and provide a safe and inclusive environment, particularly when students may fear negative reactions at home.
However, Moms for Liberty argued that withholding this information violated parents’ constitutional rights to make important decisions concerning their children’s upbringing and education.
Federal Lawsuit Leads to Settlement
In August 2026, the Thomas More Society filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Moms for Liberty, challenging the district’s policy.
The lawsuit cited recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions addressing parental rights, including Mirabelli v. Bonta.
Although the school board had already eliminated the disputed policy in September, the settlement provides a written commitment that the district will not reinstate it or adopt a substantially similar policy, except as required by applicable law and consistent with Supreme Court precedent.
All current and future district employees must receive a copy of the settlement agreement.
Parents Celebrate the Outcome
The Thomas More Society described the settlement as an important victory for parental rights.
Christopher Ferrara, senior counsel for the organization, argued that schools should not facilitate a student’s social gender transition without parental knowledge.
Moms for Liberty also welcomed the decision, saying it reinforces the role of parents in decisions affecting their children’s lives.
The school district did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement. Both sides agreed to cover their own legal expenses, and Moms for Liberty agreed to dismiss its lawsuit.
What Does This Mean for New Jersey Schools?
The agreement applies directly to the School District of the Chathams and does not automatically establish a statewide notification requirement for every public school in New Jersey.
However, the case could influence how other school districts review their policies concerning parental notification, student privacy, and gender identity.
The settlement highlights an ongoing national debate over the responsibilities of public schools and the rights of parents when students request changes in how their gender identity is recognized at school.
Sources: New Jersey Globe, NorthJersey.com, Thomas More Society, Moms for Liberty, October 20–21, 2026.
By NJ RADAR Team