South Middlesex Times

A recent Rutgers-Eagleton Poll revealed that a majority of New Jersey residents believe in the importance of maintaining confidentiality for transgender students in schools. According to the poll conducted in December, 54 percent of respondents stated that teachers should not be obligated to disclose a student's transgender identity to their parents if the student does not feel safe coming out. Additionally, 55 percent expressed that teachers should not personally feel the need to inform parents about a student's transgender status.

"A majority of New Jerseyans side with the state’s transgender student guidance that outlines the need for confidentiality and privacy among school personnel regarding a student’s transgender status," said Ashley Koning, from Rutgers University–New Brunswick.

The poll also highlighted the challenges faced by transgender children, with a significant portion of respondents acknowledging the prevalence of issues such as depression, bullying, verbal harassment, disapproval from parents and teachers, as well as physical abuse experienced by these youths.

Jessica Roman, a research associate at ECPIP, noted that New Jersey residents seem to be aware of the negative experiences transgender youth may encounter, both at home and in school. She referenced the 2023 National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People, which revealed alarming statistics about the mental health struggles and physical threats faced by transgender and nonbinary young individuals.

Koning emphasized the potential risks of outing a student to their family, particularly if they come from an unsafe home environment. National data indicates that transgender and nonbinary youth often feel more supported and affirmed at school than at home, which can significantly impact their well-being and lower the risk of suicide attempts.

The poll results showed that a majority of every demographic group, except Republicans, support the idea of teachers maintaining confidentiality regarding a student's transgender identity. Republicans were the only group where a significant portion believed that teachers should disclose this information to parents.

Overall, nearly half of New Jerseyans stated that they know someone who is transgender or identify as transgender themselves. Various demographic groups, including LGBTQ individuals, young adults, and those in certain income brackets, were more likely to be acquainted with transgender individuals.

The poll was conducted statewide and involved 1,657 adults, with a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percentage points. The registered voter subsample included 1,451 registered voters and had a margin of error of +/- 3.0 percentage points.