Diverse Perspectives and Debates at NJEA Convention in Atlantic City
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) held its annual convention this week in Atlantic City, attracting educators from across the state. This year’s convention, however, faced criticism for including drag queen story time, gender-affirming literature, and discussions on topics that some parents consider inappropriate for an educational setting.
The convention’s central themes were diversity, equity, and inclusion. Attendees participated in various activities, including the MOC Diversity Brunch, the SOGI Brunch, and the Higher Education Members Luncheon, focusing on these key areas.
Day one featured a discussion with musician Ani DiFranco, covering self-advocacy, revolutionary love, inclusion, racial and social justice, feminism, restorative justice, and unionism. Governor Phil Murphy also addressed the educators, updating them on developments in student, educator, and public education advocacy.
Film director Spike Lee was among the guest speakers. He discussed the role of storytelling in film and its potential to convey truths in education.
A keynote by Alisha De Lorenzo emphasized the importance of being ‘positive disrupters’ in education. She encouraged educators to add value, challenge the status quo, and make a positive impact in their fields.
Despite these events, social media critics highlighted the focus on gender studies and ‘woke’ topics, particularly the inclusion of drag queen story hour, as points of contention. This aspect of the convention has sparked a broader debate about the role of such topics in educational settings.
Conservative New Jersey media blogger Matty Rooney descriped the conference, saying, “Annual NJEA Convention goes full-on freak show.”