In the Haddonfield School District, we acknowledge, respect, and support all configurations of families, the full spectrum of gender expression/identity, all racial/ethnic backgrounds, and all forms of ability. We want our learners to see themselves in the books we read, the history and influential figures we learn about, the problems we solve, and the topics we explore.  This commitment to diversity and inclusion is further supported by the NJDOE and the General Assembly and Senate of the State of New Jersey and codified into law through the 2021 approval of N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.36a.  Please click here for a FAQ on N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.36a.

Haddonfield School District’s support and abidance of NJSA 18A:35-4.36a is not to be construed as an attempt by HSD staff to promote a singular view of gender expression/identity as the “correct” way.  We believe that all students belong.

In accordance with New Jersey law, specifically, N.J.S.A.18A:35-4.7, titled 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 their conscience or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs shall be excused from that portion of the course where such instruction is being given. No penalties as to credit or graduation shall result therefrom. Haddonfield School District has created a Parent’s Statement of Conflict with Conscience Form that satisfies the signed statement requirement.

Our schools inform parents of the family life education curriculum annually before being taught. Parents are given the opportunity to review the curriculum, which is available on the district website under Curriculum and Instruction.  Click here to view the most current Health and Physical Education Curriculum.

Parental opt-outs that fall within the scope of N.J.S.A.18A:35-4.7, the Parent's statement of conflict with conscience, will be honored for each completed submission, with no meeting necessary.  This pertains only to the health, family life education, or sex education taught during health education and the dissection of animals.  

Please click here for Parental opt-outs that fall within the scope of N.J.S.A.18A:35-4.7.

The Haddonfield School District also recognizes that there may be occasion for a parent or student to request excusal from limited content that falls outside the scope of  N.J.S.A.18A:35-4.7.  In those circumstances, a meeting with the school’s principal is required to actively engage in dialogue to understand the request's nature better and allow the principal to share more in-depth instructional content to answer any questions or concerns.  Following the meeting, the principal will notify the parent of their options.

Please see Board of Education Policy 5250:  Excusal from Class or Program and Board of Education Policy 2422:  Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, which further outline the process to request excusal.