NJ parents fume after Trump Cabinet member bans parents from public school meeting
A visit by Education Secretary Linda McMahon at a public school in New Jersey ended up infuriating the parents who were invited to take part and then were banned from entering after arriving.
According to a report from MS Now, from Colts Neck, New Jersey, McMahon was scheduled to appear before the children at Cedar Drive Middle School with representatives from the late Charlie Kirk’s TPUSA to discuss civics labeled, “History Rocks!”
A memo went out to parents on Tuesday, alerting parents and giving notice under the Open Public Meetings Act, that they would be welcome if they arrived at 7:45 AM.
According to the report, parents who showed up were denied entry.
Local reporter Laura Haefli reported, “They're [McMahon’s entourage] are talking about what they believe the Constitution means. And this is frustrating parents for a number of reasons. Like I said, they're concerned that the groups involved have a history of ultra-conservative values. They're worried that that is being used in these schools. And they're also concerned because they say parents did not have access to the event. And that's confusing because I obtained this notice that was sent to parents from the township. It's a notice that essentially says this is a public meeting. It's open to parents.”
One parent, Allison Denoia, told Haefli, “We don't know what's being said and that's what's problematic for people.”
“That's what scared me. Public schools are supposed to be nonpartisan. And that's not what's happening here,” she added. “I hope the day goes smoothly and but but I'm here because I'm concerned about the state of our school board.”
Haefli reported, “The Colts Neck Board of Ed has a parental bill of rights. I want to read a portion of that for you. Now, it says: ‘Parents have the right to be informed in advance about any guest speakers, presentations or school assemblies, especially those addressing health, sexuality or other sensitive topics. They may request information about the qualifications of teachers and guests and presenters who interact with students.'"
She finished, “Parents do not believe they were granted that information, and they believe they were not given enough advance notice for this event.”
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