The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) has issued a statement regarding President Trump's plan to deploy federal agents in public schools. The NJEA's leadership, including President Sean Spiller, Vice President Steve Beatty, and Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson, expressed strong opposition to the proposal.
"President Trump’s declared intention to send federal agents into America’s public schools is a cynical political ploy designed to sow fear in children and their families," the statement read. They criticized the president for pardoning violent criminals while labeling school children as criminals. "Threatening children is both cruel and cowardly and does not reflect American values."
The NJEA emphasized its commitment to protecting students in New Jersey through legal means. "We will use every legal means at our disposal to protect New Jersey’s children from this assault," they stated. The association has partnered with the ACLU of New Jersey to educate members on constitutional rights related to student protection.
Additionally, the NJEA plans to collaborate with state officials, including the Murphy administration and the Attorney General’s office, along with legislators, to ensure student safety from federal intervention. They are advocating for the passage of the Immigrant Trust Act as part of these efforts.
"We recognize our obligation to our students and to their parents who entrust us with their education and their safety every day," said NJEA officers. Despite expressing disgust at Washington's declaration, they affirmed their resolve in defending New Jersey students' interests.
