TRENTON, NJ – It’s not sure why, but the leaders of New Jersey’s largest teachers union, the New Jersey Education Association, (NJEA) released a statement strongly condemning the acquittal of teenager Kyle Rittenhouse. On Friday, Rittenhouse was found by a jury that he was not guilty on all counts and acted in self-defense against a group of men who were attacking him during the Kenosha riot last August.
The NJEA’s officers, President Sean M. Spiller, Vice President Steve Beatty, and Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson, released a statement following Friday verdict in Kenosha, delivering sympathies to the two attackers Rittenouse killed in self-defense.
Despite being exonerated after a criminal court trial, the NJEA branded the teenager as a vigilante.
“Today we share the dismay of all those who see the brokenness of our justice system,” the NJEA leaders said. “Today we share the fear and frustration of all those who are reliving the trauma of previous miscarriages of justice. Today we share the anger of all those who know that our communities are less safe because this verdict sent a harmful message that vigilante violence is a reasonable response to the constitutionally protected protest.”
Despite the incident being between a white male teenager and three white male men, the NJEA invoked blames of racism for the incident.
“But more than that, today we share the determination of those whose commitment to true equality, liberty and justice for all people – regardless of race, religion or creed – has only been strengthened by the clear reminder of how far our country still has to go.
The NJEA ended their statement with sympathy for the convicted sex offender and domestic abuser who was illegally carrying his own firearm. Under Wisconsin law, it was determined that Rittenhouse was legally allowed to carry the rifle he used to defend himself against his violent attackers.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families, friends and loved ones of Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber – as well as Gaige Grosskreutz – who were victimized again by the failure of our legal system to deliver justice and accountability for the violence perpetrated against them,” the NJEA said.
After posting this message on social media, the tone-deaf leadership was slammed on Facebook.
And people wonder why so many parents choose to home school their children these days,” one parent said.
One person claiming to be union member said they will be leaving the union, “And I will be pulling my union membership this year. You disgust me allowing a few “members” to speak on behalf of this incident. Your condolences are with a convicted child rapists family? Are we an education association? I’m confused.”
Under New Jersey law, teachers can still teach without being a member of the union.
“This is disgraceful of an education organization commenting on a highly politicized trial. Stay in your lane and stop trying to create more division,” another replied.
“What does a trial in Wisconsin have to do with the NJ education system? Stay in your lane and focus on what your supposed to be focusing on (and completely failing) doing…NJ students education,” Another said.