# Threats follow Chatham trans student policy lawsuit

> A New Jersey school district’s transgender student policy has drawn a lawsuit, public anger, and reported death threats.
- Title: Threats follow Chatham trans student policy lawsuit | Shortify
- Summary: A New Jersey school district’s transgender student policy has drawn a lawsuit, public anger, and reported death threats. Chatham’s dispute shows how school…
- Keywords: chatham, new jersey, morris county, school board, transgender students, student policy, parent notification, lawsuit, moms for liberty, tina descovich, michael ryan, allison thomas
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/post/chatham-school-board-members-report-death-threats-following-lawsuit-transgender-student-policy/19836605
- Published: 2026-09-15T22:41:24+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chatham, new jersey, morris county, school board, transgender students, student policy, parent notification, lawsuit, moms for liberty, tina descovich, michael ryan, allison thomas
## Threats hit the board
Chatham school board members say they received death threats after a lawsuit challenged the district’s transgender student policy.

> the threats and the security now that we need because of that
## Policy protects identity
The 2024 policy lets students be identified by their chosen gender at school without requiring the district to notify parents.
## Opponents condemn threats
Moms for Liberty CEO Tina Descovich said threats are unacceptable, while arguing families should be able to debate school policy without intimidation.

> We can have civil discourse and debate
## Supporters cite safety
Parent Allison Thomas defended the rule, saying some transgender students risk retaliation or violence at home if they are forced to come out before they are ready.

> It's not paranoia. These things happened
## Critics fear punishment
Policy critics said other students could be disciplined for not using a classmate’s chosen name or pronouns, even accidentally.

> they can be punished all the way up to expulsion
## Community stays divided
Public comments showed sharp disagreement, with some residents backing transgender students and others objecting to how schools handle gender identity.

> they're supported
## Key takeaway

Chatham’s dispute shows how school gender policies can turn local boards into flashpoints over student safety, parent notification, and civil debate.