Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.7, parents have the right to opt their children out of certain parts of the instructional program that conflict with the parent’s conscience or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs. See the relevant New Jersey statute listed below:
18A:35-4.7. Parent's statement of conflict with conscience
Any child whose parent or guardian presents to the school principal a signed statement that any part of the instructions in health, family life education or sex education is in conflict with his conscience, or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs shall be excused from that portion of the course where such instruction is being given and no penalties as to credit or graduation shall result therefrom.
The Long Hill Township School District has procedures in place to ensure that our parents’ rights are protected. If parents or guardians wish to exercise these rights, they should follow the steps listed below:
First, the parent should review the relevant curriculum documents. The district’s entire curriculum is located in a Google Drive, which is accessible from the Curriculum Documents button above.
Second, the parent should email the child’s teacher to ask questions and learn more about the nature of the content and how the curriculum is delivered in class.
Third, the parent should communicate with the principal to determine whether an opt-out is appropriate, and if so, submit a signed statement confirming the conflict with the parent’s conscience or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs.
If the request is determined to fit within the parameters of the law, an opt-out will be granted and alternative instruction will be provided. No penalties toward credit or graduation shall result for students with approved requests.
If the principal denies the opt-out request, the parent can appeal the decision to the superintendent.
