The recent actions of Governor Phil Murphy’s administration in filing a lawsuit against three school districts in New Jersey have sparked outrage among parents. This lawsuit, viewed by some as a direct attack on taxpayers, has been met with widespread criticism. Brian Mason, a father of seven, expressed his indignation towards the lawsuit, stating, “He’s suing the taxpayers. He’s suing the people who don’t agree with him. It’s a political agenda,” during an interview with Fox News Digital.

The policies implemented by the districts of Middletown, Marlboro, and Manalapan-Englishtown are at the center of this controversy. These policies require teachers and administrators to inform parents if their child begins using a different name, pronouns, or bathroom that differs from their biological sex. The state of New Jersey argues that these policies put transgender students at risk.

Critics like Mason are not only concerned about the financial consequences of the lawsuit but also worried about potential legal battles that may arise if the policies were to be reversed. Mason predicts future multimillion-dollar lawsuits, stating, “I’m suing everybody, and there’s going to be class action lawsuits.”

Attorney General Matt Platkin initiated the lawsuit, but it has been met with skepticism and concern from parents. Despite being involved in various aspects of their children’s education, parents are being told that they cannot be informed if their child decides to identify with a different gender or name. This contradiction has fueled resentment among parents like Ann Marie Lusquinos.

While Platkin argues that publicly revealing the identity of transgender, gender-nonconforming, and non-binary students can have serious mental health implications, Mason asserts that advocating for parental notification does not discriminate against transgender students. Instead, it aims to ensure their well-being. He finds the idea of these policies being considered anti-trans as “ludicrous.”

The political undertones of the lawsuit are hard to ignore. The targeted districts, although situated in a predominantly Democratic state, lean Republican. Mason suggests that this political distinction has made them a target for the progressive governor, further straining the relationship between residents and the state’s administration.

Both Mason and Lusquinos criticize Governor Murphy for being disconnected from the needs of residents. Mason points out inconsistencies in the governor’s governance and lifestyle, while Lusquinos alleges that Murphy does not prioritize the overall well-being of the children in Middletown.

Some parents, like Daniel Francisco, believe that fighting for change within public schools is an unwinnable battle. They suggest that the only way to protect children from government interference in education is to withdraw them from public schools.

Despite the challenges, parents like Lusquinos remain hopeful that the policy changes will withstand and that they can continue to resist government intrusion. “Middletown is ready to fight, going to fight,” she asserts.