Investigation Launched into Yearbook Erasure of Jewish Student Group in EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ
An independent investigation has been initiated by East Brunswick Public Schools into the removal of a Jewish student group from the East Brunswick High School yearbook. This inquiry, led by Brisman Law, aims to determine the cause and culpability behind the group’s photo being replaced with one of Muslim students and the erasure of their names.
The review started Friday, with Superintendent Victor Valeski expressing confidence in the thoroughness of the investigation, noting that the law firm has full authority to explore all relevant aspects of the incident.
This issue first emerged after approximately 375 yearbooks were distributed, revealing the omission and replacement on Tuesday. The superintendent has issued apologies to both the Jewish and Muslim student communities for the distress caused.
Mayor Brad Cohen of East Brunswick labeled the incident a “blatant Anti-Semitic act” and advocated for the investigation to assess if it constitutes a hate crime. He emphasized that neither hate nor anti-Semitism would be tolerated in the community.
The New Jersey office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations also urged a transparent and fair investigation, highlighting the unintended negative consequences faced by Muslim students who were unaware of the misuse of their photo.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Interim Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi said:
“It is crucial that school officials ensure their investigation is transparent, fair and thorough so those responsible are held accountable. This incident has triggered heinous backlash against some Muslim students who had no knowledge on their photo being misused.
“The hate comments attacking Muslim high school students are deplorable. We call on East Brunswick’s mayor and public schools superintendent to offer support to their Muslim student community and be leaders for the entire township.”