Controversy Erupts Over NJ School Partnership with CAIR: Rep. Gottheimer Decries Move as “Outrageous and Unacceptable”

Controversy Erupts Over NJ School Partnership with CAIR: Rep. Gottheimer Decries Move as “Outrageous and Unacceptable“

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a recent development, Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) has vehemently criticized a New Jersey school district for collaborating with the local chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a controversial American-Islamic advocacy organization. As was reported by the New York Post, Gottheimer has labeled the move as “outrageous and unacceptable,” citing concerns about CAIR’s alleged affiliations with terrorist groups and its past statements.

Teaneck Public Schools Superintendent Andre Spencer endorsed a walkout on November 29th in support of CAIR, and he hailed the partnership as part of a new initiative called the “Togetherness and Belonging program,” the report in the Post said. In a letter addressed to the community, Spencer outlined the program’s goal to enhance dialogue, foster respect, and celebrate the diverse population within Teaneck schools.

According to information provided in the Post report, Spencer’s endorsement of the walkout, and the subsequent handling of public speakers on the matter during board of education meetings has raised questions about the district’s transparency and inclusivity.

The “Togetherness and Belonging program” is set to expand its offerings with partnerships with various organizations, including CAIR-NJ, the Anti-Defamation League, and Facing History and Ourselves, as was indicated in the Post report. Spencer expressed the intention to provide educational sessions on a range of local and global issues in collaboration with these organizations.

In a letter obtained by The Post, Rep. Gottheimer criticized Superintendent Spencer’s decision to partner with CAIR-NJ, citing CAIR’s alleged endorsement of Hamas terrorists following an attack on Israel in October. As per the Post report, Gottheimer deemed it unacceptable to invite CAIR-NJ into Teaneck’s schools, accusing the organization of promoting anti-Semitism and hatred, particularly given CAIR’s alleged glorification of violent attacks.

Gottheimer argued that the superintendent has a duty to protect students of all backgrounds and claimed that inviting CAIR-NJ into schools puts the safety of Jewish students at risk, the Post reported. He asserted that CAIR should not be provided a platform to promote ideologies he deems harmful within Teaneck’s curriculum.

In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for CAIR-NJ stated that Nihad Awad’s words, the national executive director of CAIR, were taken out of context and interpreted in bad faith. The organization accused Gottheimer of making statements that put Muslim students across the state, some of them minors, in direct harm’s way. The Post report also said that they highlighted that the congressman had accused minor students at Teaneck High School of anti-Semitism for protesting in solidarity with Muslims affected in the war that Hamas launched on Israel.

CAIR-NJ also noted an increase in reports of anti-Muslim bigotry between October 7 and December 31 of the previous year, comparing it to the total reported cases in 2022.

The controversy has escalated further, with the Teaneck school district being added to the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights list of open Title VI Shared Ancestry Investigations on January 5, was noted in the Post report.  This investigation will explore possible discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, further intensifying scrutiny on the district’s actions.

Jewish parents, such as Deborah Blaiberg, expresed dismay at the lack of communication and consultation regarding the partnership with CAIR-NJ.  The report in the Post noted that Blaiberg, a resident since 2008, described the situation as an “absolute disgrace,” emphasizing the perceived disrespect towards the Jewish community. The decision to keep her children home due to safety concerns underscores the deeply-felt unease among some parents.

Teaneck has a history of strong connections between its black and Jewish communities. However, the recent divisive events have strained these ties, with an increase in bias crimes against Jewish individuals adding to the community’s tensions, according to the report in the Post. Some members of the Jewish community feel muzzled, adding to the overall sense of unease.

CAIR’s national executive director, Nihad Awad, faced criticism for his remarks in November regarding Gaza. The White House condemned Awad’s comments as “shocking, anti-Semitic statements,” further fueling the controversy. The Post reported that  Awad contends that his statements were taken out of context, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate.

CAIR has long been a controversial figure in Washington, presenting itself as a civil rights champion for Muslims amid rising Islamophobia. However, the organization has faced accusations of being an apologist for Islamic terrorism, as was explained in the Post report.  Nihad Awad, a Palestinian American, and CAIR have been accused of sympathizing with Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

As accusations, walkouts, and investigations unfold, the controversy surrounding the Teaneck school district’s partnership with CAIR-NJ continues to deepen. The community remains divided, with concerns about transparency, safety, and the potential impact on students of various backgrounds at the forefront. The outcome of the ongoing investigations and the community’s response will undoubtedly shape the future dynamics of this town, historically known for its close-knit connections between diverse communities.