Governor Christie has passed a new law aimed at creating protections for transgender individuals attending New Jersey schools. While the bill does have its fair share of detractors, it is an important step forward in recognizing transgender rights and moving the state’s academic and professional communities toward more inclusive support of individual rights.
Under the new law, transgender students in schools throughout the Garden State enjoy some freedoms and support that may aid them in achieving more acceptance throughout many communities. Among other provisions, the law requires that schools do not force a student to use a bathroom or locker room does not match their gender identity.
The law also features some implications for the professional world. Under the new law, schools must aid transgender students by crafting confidentiality plans to ensure that employers do not disclose a transgender employee’s status, whether they are fully transitioned or still transitioning.
It remains to be seen how the law will affect the academic world, let alone the community at large. At the very least, the law is an important step forward in individual rights and promoting dignity for all people, which is always an excellent practice in any community.
If you believe that your employer is violating your individual rights, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced attorney whose practice focuses on defending rights. When you stand up and fight for your own fair treatment, you are also fighting for the rights and dignified treatment of countless others who cannot defend themselves. Proper legal representation can help you defend against unfair treatment, and also contribute to the tide of social progress toward greater dignity for all.
Source: NJ.com, “Christie signs bill to create bathroom, other rights for transgender students,” Brent Johnson, July 22, 2017
