School officials in Highland Park have unanimously voted to pass a new policy regarding transgender students in the district.

The policy, which went into effect Tuesday, gives transgender students the ability to use any school bathroom or locker room and join any team or organization they choose. The policy also calls for training school employees in promoting an LGBT-affirming school environment.

School board members, borough officials and Rep. Frank Pallone held a meeting Monday prior to the vote, and students and parents voiced their opinions on the matter.

Several New Jersey schools, including most recently Pascack Valley High School, have passed similar policies.

President Barack Obama issued a directive earlier this month instructing public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms and other school facilities that match their gender identity.

The Record reports the Lyndhurst Board of Education also voted on Monday night to keep its transgender policy, which states a parent or the adult student must confirm the student is "gender non-conforming."