Highland Park School Board Approves New Transgender Policy

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UPDATED: 1:21 p.m. on May 24, 2016

HIGHLAND PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The Highland Park school board in New Jersey approved a new transgender policy Monday evening.

It's being called one of the most progressive and groundbreaking plans in the entire state, 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck reported.

The policy gives transgender students access to any school bathroom, locker room, sports team or organization based on their affirmed gender. It also prohibits discrimination and protects students' privacy. All employees will also be trained in promoting an LGBT-affirming school environment.

"This is a discrimination issue," Congressman Frank Pallone told 1010 WINS. "Being supportive of policies that allow transgender students or transgenders in general to use facilities of their choice I think is part of the whole civil rights movement and the effort to prevent discrimination."

The policy goes into effect immediately.

The vote came weeks after the Obama administration told public schools nationwide that they must allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity.

Last month, following a heated debate, the Pascack Valley Regional High School District in Bergen County approved a policy allowing students to use restrooms and locker rooms based on their gender identity.