EDITOR: To the Hanover Township Board of Education candidates and current board member-candidates claiming they are "nonpartisan," "nonpolitical" and coming to the board without a "personal agenda."
Progressive politics have made their way into every facet of society. The politics of gender ideology, critical race theory, climate activism and socialism over capitalism have infiltrated television, movies, books, magazines, social media, sports, corporate board rooms, Wall Street, college campuses and so on. In fact, there’s a shorter list of aspects of our society that have remained insulated from progressive politics than those that have been conquered by them. For years, that short list included our public schools. Unfortunately, the progressive movement recognized this gap and began their march into our public school system.
This event was held in collaboration with the "Radical Pedagogy Institute" (https://radicalpedagogyinstitute.com) which describe their membership as follows: "We are a professional learning community of educators focused on developing the skills, knowledge, and dispositions to engage in radical pedagogies (e.g., queer, anti-racist, DisCrit, culturally relevant, critical, and other liberatory pedagogies) and political organizing in our classrooms and communities."
Our children’s education should focus on nonpolitical, fact-based academics which exclude unproven ideologies and the sexualization of minor children. However, Gov. Phil Murphy and the NJEA (a progressive organization which donated more than $15 million over the last three years to his re-election campaign) champion the march of these radical views into our school system.
In fact, representatives from the NJEA and local Hanover Township Education Association (HTEA) leadership have been increasingly attending board meetings to “combat disinformation” regarding parental concern over these radical standards being included in our schools. One of the ways the NJEA and local HTEA leadership are “combating” outspoken parents is, for the first time ever, becoming actively involved in our local Board of Education election. The NJEA and HTEA exist to serve and represent their members’ needs and concerns. The Board of Education exists to be the community and parental representation in our school system to, in part, address the academic concerns of our students and reflect our community values.
The education of our children should never be a political issue; however, the progressive movement has brought politics into the classrooms. In order to keep our school system apolitical and non-partisan, we need board members who are willing to stand up for students and put Hanover Education First.
This is no easy task. Progressives attack and defame those that stand against woke ideology. Last week, an opinion piece was written that stated “The fringe trio admitted being against transgender children…” The progressive author blatantly lied, and much of his opinion piece was delusion. We are living in a world where progressives believe in feelings over facts and ruining people’s reputations is justified because they have “wrong think.” It takes courageous individuals to stand up and speak out against the march of progressive politics into our classrooms, knowing the character assassination that will inevitably follow.
Unfortunately, the current board rubber stamps policy because “that’s the way Hanover has always done it.” This allows the progressive march into our school system to continue and is a total disservice to our students and community. Board members should alter policy and curriculum goals to minimize political and ideological indoctrination of our children and to reflect the community it serves. It is the right and the obligation of the board of education as long as it maintains minimal compliance when addressing overreaching political agendas. Equally important, it is imperative to return to parents their right to be the teachers of their children’s morality and values and keep the schools focused on academics, especially when so many students suffered learning loss due to the pandemic.
On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Hanover will have the opportunity to elect 3 members to the board of education. The choice will include candidates who will push back against political ideology in our schools and focus on academics, as opposed to candidates who are “business as usual.”
Public schools are the heart and soul of our society. Therefore, as parents and taxpayers, we must stop the progressive march and take back our schools. Join our movement, stand up for students and parental rights. Vote top down on the ballot for Hanover Education First – Christine Egbert, Gina Johnston and Gregory Skiff.
This was written in my capacity as a private citizen.
LISA BOMENGO
Behrens Drive
Whippany
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