Moms for Liberty v. School District of the Chathams Board of Education, et al.

In Mirabelli v. Bonta, won by Thomas More Society, the Supreme Court held that school policies fostering the gender transition of children in secrecy from their parents substantially interfere with the right of parents to guide their children's religious development. The Chathams district was informed of that ruling and asked to rescind its policy, but no reply came. On June 15, 2026, Board President Ann Ciccarelli told the public that Mirabelli is not binding on New Jersey school districts.

The policy she defended tells parents that the state's Commissioner of Education directs districts to accept a student's asserted gender identity regardless of parental consent. No such directive exists. Under the policy, a counselor holds sole discretion over whether a child's asserted transition is hidden from the child's parents. The district alters school records, grants access to restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities by gender identity, and may refer children to outside organizations, all without parental notice. Other students risk discipline up to expulsion for a single refusal to use a classmate's chosen name and pronouns, even in speech away from school.

Moms for Liberty sues for member parents whose two young daughters attend district elementary schools. With classes beginning August 31, 2026, the complaint asks the court to strike the policy down and require parental notice and consent before any social transition takes place.