TRENTON, NJ – Assemblyman Christian Barranco spoke out on parental rights and questioned recent amendments to the equity code during the public comment period of the New Jersey State Board of Education’s monthly meeting.
Barranco, a Republican representing Morris County, criticized the board for what he sees as overreach and challenged them to put their policy changes on the November ballot. His remarks were part of the public testimony session focused on Chapter 7 rules, which govern equal access to educational activities and services.
Andrew Mulvihill, the board’s vice president, mentioned that in response to public criticism, the board has contacted the Attorney General’s Office to potentially reexamine changes it made to the equity code. These changes, adopted in August, had removed gender-specific language and mandated that schools should solely recognize a student’s gender identity when separating sex education classes.
Barranco argued that a certain faction within academia is trying to enforce societal changes through the education system. He also cited the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons’ stance against gender-affirming care for minors, emphasizing concerns about informed consent and unknown, irreversible consequences.
Barranco challenged the board to place its policy changes, especially those related to gender issues and sex education, in a referendum for voters to decide upon. He asserted that raising and educating children is the responsibility of parents, not the collective society.