A disturbing video released this week by Project Veritas claims to have exposed an LGBTQ rights group with close ties to New Jersey’s public schools for using their program as a ‘back door’ to push their agenda in the system.
Conversations with an undercover Project Veritas journalist revealed HiTOPS, a youth-focused LGBTQ+ and sexual education nonprofit, uses hidden methods to introduce sexual education into schools without parental consent.
HiTOPS Executive Director, Lisa Shelby, and Health Educator, Hannah Wiers, disclosed that they utilize the mandatory ‘Pathway to Racial Literacy’ class in selected New Jersey schools to introduce a three-day sexual education course to minors without informing parents. Wiers explained that while parents have the choice to opt their children out of traditional health classes, the ‘Pathway to Racial Literacy’ class provides a way to bypass parental consent.
The HiTOPS curriculum, according to a PDF handout on their website, comprises topics such as “LGBTQ+ History, Intersectionality, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression.” Wiers told the undercover journalist that the organization currently collaborates with Johnson Park Elementary, Princeton Middle School, Trenton Ninth Grade Academy, and Christina Seix Academy in New Jersey.
Shelby said, “Sometimes in certain schools but you’re right. There are some — there’s a mandate yeah for racial justice and inclusivity. Yes, sometimes that’s how we get through, yes, which is very small, yes, because parents are not able to opt out of those classes. That’s it. You got it.”
In response, the left-leaning media dismissed the video as right-wing propaganda. HiTOPS said the Project Veritas video was presented out of context.
“As an organization that has been an integral part of the Princeton community for almost 40 years, HiTOPS is dismayed that a known hate organization is being considered representative of the truth. Project Veritas specializes in subterfuge and lies to advance their agenda of homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, and racism. They have been proven to make and distribute fake videos, have been brought up on criminal charges, and lost multiple legal cases,” the organization responded. “HiTOPS has worked alongside the Princeton Public School staff for decades, ensuring that all students have access to high quality sex education and support services, and that staff have the training and resources they need to support their students.”
After the video was released, HiTOPS claims it received threats and contacted the Princeton Police Department.