The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) has voiced strong opposition to a recent executive order issued by President Donald Trump. The order, which the NJEA claims targets educators who support and protect vulnerable students, particularly transgender students, has been met with criticism from the organization's leadership.
NJEA's officers, including President Sean Spiller, Vice President Steve Beatty, and Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson, released a statement condemning the executive action. They described it as "a particularly cruel and harmful attack on transgender students" and accused Trump of using children as "political pawns in an intentional effort to mislead American families and divide communities."
Despite this federal directive, the NJEA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring student safety and inclusivity within New Jersey schools. "New Jersey educators have always been committed to ensuring that our students are safe and feel valued in school," they stated. The association emphasized that their dedication will not waver in light of what they describe as a "cynical attempt" to deter them from advocating for all students.
In response to the executive order, the NJEA plans to collaborate with the New Jersey attorney general and parents to protect both students and educators. They intend to use every available resource to maintain public schools as environments where safety, respect, and truth prevail. The statement concluded with a pledge: "We will fight to ensure that New Jersey’s public schools remain places where all students are safe and respected."
