VIDEO: Chatham BOE Announces Settlement of Federal Lawsuit Filed by Moms for Liberty
CHATHAM, NJ – Chatham Board of Education President closed out Monday's regular meeting by announcing that a settlement agreement had been reached with the Moms for Liberty, ending the federal lawsuit over parental rights and gender identity policies.
The School District of the Chathams did not admit to any wrongdoing and the complaint was withdrawn by the Moms for Liberty after the Chatham BOE voted to change its policies at its Sept. 14 meeting. The agreement was signed on Oct. 11.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
(a) The Board of Education did not readopt Policy 5145.7 at its September 14; 2026 meeting and will not readopt this optional policy (or a derivative policy including 5756) in the future unless mandated by State or Federal law pursuant to terms that are compliant with United States Supreme Court precedent:
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
WHEREAS on January 8, 2024. the Board of Education of the School District of the Chathams ("the District") adopted the New Jersey School Boards Association Model Policy 5145.7 on "Gender Identity and Expression" ("Policy 5145.7"); and
WHEREAS the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division, ruled in Matthew J. Platkin s: Aliselletosa Township Board of Education, et al, (A-0037-23, February 10, 2025) that boards of education could rescind gender identity and expression policies as they are optional policies because the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination makes it unlawful for schools to subject individuals to discrimination based on their "gender identity or expression," as defined in N.J.S.A. 10-5-12(0(1): and
WHEREAS on September 14. 2026, the Board of Education repealed and replaced its entire policy manual with all mandatory board policies under a new policy provider and did not readopt optional Policy 5145.7 or optional policy 5756 from the new policy provider; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to the adoption of Policy 5145.7, the United States Supreme Court handed down its decisions in Mirabelli v: Bonta, 607 U.S. 492, 497-98 (2026), and Mahmoud r. Taylor, 606 U.S. 522. 550 (2025), respecting the First and Fourteenth Amendment rights of parents to direct the religious formation and upbringing of their children, as previously established
WHEREAS, on September 14. 2026, the Board of Education repealed and replaced its entire policy manual with all mandatory board policies under a new policy provider and did not readopt optional Policy 5145.7 or optional policy 5756 from the new policy provider; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to the adoption of Policy 5145.7, the United States Supreme Court handed down its decisions in Mirabelli v: Bonta, 607 U.S. 492, 497-98 (2026), and Mahmoud r. Taylor, 606 U.S. 522. 550 (2025), respecting the First and Fourteenth Amendment rights of parents to direct the religious formation and upbringing of their children, as previously established in prior Supreme Court precedents, including Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 20S, 211 (1972);
NOW, THEREFORE, it is AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
(a) The Board of Education did not readopt Policy 5145.7 at its September 14; 2026 meeting and will not readopt this optional policy (or a derivative policy including 5756) in the future unless mandated by State or Federal law pursuant to terms that are compliant with United States Supreme Court precedent:
(b) The Board of Education and its personnel will continue to comply with all State and Federal laws and regulations, including, but not limited to the NJLAD and United States Supreme Court precedent respecting the First and Fourteenth Amendment rights of parents (Sir eg. Mirabelli v: Bonta, 607 U.S. 492, 497-98 (2026), and Mahmoul v. Tinfor. 606 U.S. S22. S50 (2025). J'isconsin v: Joder, 406 U.S. 20S. 211 (1972)) and all current and future district employees will be provided with a copy of this settlement agreement.
(c) Moms for Liberty will dismiss with prejudice its lawsuit filed against the School District of the Chathams Board of Education and the individually named defendants. 2:26-cv-10863.
(d) Both parties shall be responsible for their own attorneys' fees and costs.
MOMS FOR LIBERTY
Plaintiff
By: Chele(liadi, Dinoranat Palley (Lagative Aitaina
Dated: October 11, 2026
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CHATHAMS
Defendants
By: Peter Daquila. Schcol Business Administrator/Board Secretary