Jersey City Council Fails to Pass Contentious Resolution on Israel and Palestine

Overview: In a recent special meeting of the Jersey City Council, a contentious resolution concerning Israel and Palestine was defeated after deliberation among council members. Despite efforts to find common ground, the resolution, numbered 23-903, failed to garner the five affirmative votes needed for passage.

South Orange-Maplewood School Board Votes to Sever Ties with MapSO Freedom School Amid Accusations of Anti-Semitic Rhetoric

Overview: A recent South Orange-Maplewood School Board meeting ignited impassioned debate over the board’s relationship with the MapSO Freedom School, leading to a vote to sever ties with the organization’s liaison amid accusations of promoting anti-Semitic rhetoric. The meeting was dominated by public commentary expressing a variety of viewpoints on the MapSO Freedom School’s presence in the district and its alleged promotion of biased perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Old Bridge Schools Superintendent Defends Protections for Transgender Students Amid Community Debate

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Old Bridge School Board in New Jersey grappled with policy 5756, which deals with the rights and safety of transgender students. The board also addressed the implementation of a High Impact Tutoring Grant to mitigate pandemic-related learning loss, a noteworthy student’s literary accomplishment, and notable team achievements in sports. However, the meeting was dominated by community dialogue surrounding policy 5756.

Community Members Criticize Maplewood Town Council for Statements on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Overview: The recent Maplewood Town Council meeting was marked by heated discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on local communities. The council members and Mayor faced criticism from both Jewish and Muslim community members. Amid local issues such as traffic safety on Bowden Street and the amendment of employment positions and salary ranges, the council also addressed the controversy surrounding their previous comments on the Middle East conflict.

Parents Voice Alarm at Middletown School Board Meeting Over Holocaust, Slavery, Depression Content Restrictions

Overview: In a recent Middletown School Board meeting, discussions on content restrictions concerning the BrainPOP platform arose, with parents and residents expressing concerns over limiting access to sensitive topics such as the Holocaust, slavery, and depression. The board also celebrated student achievements in academics and sports, discussed future events and activities, and gave an update on the district’s ongoing performance review.