Senator Joe Pennacchio has strongly criticized the Murphy administration regarding a recent contentious decision made by the State Board of Education. This decision has caused both parents and legislators to express concerns about the direction of education policy in New Jersey.
Pennacchio stated that residents of New Jersey, including some Democratic leaders, are voicing their objections against the Murphy administration’s efforts to introduce identity politics into the classroom.
He expressed that parents are growing weary of their children being subjected to a continuous social engineering experiment while important issues like learning loss remain unaddressed. He criticized the substitution of equity for equality, which he views as contrary to constitutional principles.
These changes are targeted specifically at children, making them even more troubling. Pennacchio urged Governor Murphy to respect parental rights and veto the Department of Education’s meeting minutes to prevent these misguided policies from being implemented.
The Senator emphasized that these concerns add to New Jersey families’ grievances with the Murphy administration.
He cited the Department of Education’s decisions during the pandemic, which he believes harmed students academically by shutting down schools and imposing mask mandates even as COVID-19 cases decreased. Pennacchio criticized the State Board of Education for introducing controversial curriculum into classrooms and called for government officials to step aside and allow parents, teachers, and local school boards to decide what’s best for their communities collaboratively.
The State Board of Education narrowly approved new guidelines on August 2nd, prompting school districts to implement these changes within 60 days or risk losing state and federal financial aid.Senate Republicans have announced plans to introduce legislation overturning the state board’s decision. They are urging the Legislature to reconvene in Trenton for a vote before the new policies take effect. Even Democratic legislative leaders have expressed concerns about the NJ School Board, prompting these actions.