HIGHLAND PARK --The Board of Education is expected to vote Monday on a new policy providing equality to transgender students, according to a report in the New Brunswick Patch.

The report says the new policy will give transgender students access to any school bathroom, locker room, sports team or organization based on their affirmed gender, according to Stephanie Sasso, a psychologist who helped write the policy.

The policy was first introduced at the April 18 board meeting and would become the district's policy if approved Monday night.

Earlier this year, the Board of Education created a committee made up of existing board members, mental health experts, and the district's superintendent, to create a policy addressing gender identity in its schools.

"In Highland Park, we pride ourselves on our diversity ... a place where we want everyone to feel welcomed, and to be themselves," said Darcie Cimarusti, president of the Highland Park Board of Education

Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.