It has become increasingly apparent that the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) and our government have shifted its focus regarding the education of our children in schools across our state.

At the recent convention held November 6-7, the NJEA chose to spotlight topics such as drag shows, DEI, and gender ideology—subjects that have sparked concern among many parents across our state. In addition, the convention allowed controversial exhibitors such as PM Press, an independent publisher that specializes in radical and hate-filled literature and confirms the political leanings of the NJEA and many of its members.

These issues became even more pressing with the election of the new Governor, Mikie Sherrill, who has expressed her support for incorporating LGBT topics and gender ideology into school curriculums while denying parents the ability to opt out. It has been mentioned that many NJ school libraries now carry many books of a sexual nature and other topics that parents may find inappropriate. And while education on these matters is undeniably important, parents should have a say in what their children are learning, especially on topics that are sensitive and impactful on their personal development. According to the National Education Association, parental involvement is a key factor in a child’s academic success. Yet, parents are being sidelined from decisions that shape their children’s understanding of gender and identity and our children are being subjected to ideologies and personal agendas that may be confusing and beyond their comprehension.

A recent study by UC San Diego found that 1 in 10 college freshmen need remedial math. In New Jersey, while test scores modestly improved, they are still below pre-pandemic levels with just over half of students, 52.2%, that met or exceeded expectations on annual standardized English tests. Math scores showed students who met or exceeded expectations at just 39.6%. It’s time to get back to prioritizing teaching and not pushing political agendas or identity politics.

We believe that the NJEA should be disbanded, or at the very least, have Governor Sherrill and our government officials to reconsider the approach regarding school curriculums with a focus on a return to a time when students were not aware of a teacher’s political leanings, sexual preferences, or other personal agendas. Let’s join together to press for a curriculum that respects parental choice and promotes a balanced educational environment and takes politics and personal agendas out of the classroom.

Please sign this petition to voice your concerns and demand a rightful place for parents in educational decisions that profoundly affect our kids. Together, we can strive for a more inclusive process that respects diverse viewpoints and upholds parental rights in education in New Jersey. (To see clips and more information about NJEA topics, visit this Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/njpnews)