The Wayne Education Association, the union that represents teachers and district secretaries, says not only members of the Board of Education are verbally assaulted because of curriculum changes, but so are teachers.

“In the equity and diversity inclusion program, some people think we are teaching critical race theory,” says Eda Ferrante of the association. “We just teach and promote other cultures. We promote the cultures, religions and types of people of other students. “

Gov. Phil Murphy enacted a measure in 2019 requiring the state’s Board of Education to implement more inclusive education regarding sex education, diversity and equity. But some teachers say they are accused of teaching subjects that are not included in the curriculum changes.

“At school,
the curriculum – some things are that you have to be aware of, but then you have to explain to your children that the world is changing for good, ”says parent Anna Burgaleta Parella. “I think there is a lot of diversity, and it is right that everyone has time to say and express what they are and what they feel. “

Another point of contention in the school district concerns the books used as part of the curriculum change. In October of this year, the Wayne Board of Education meeting got heated when parents took to the podium to express their anger over the inclusion of the book “Gender Queer”, which some find controversial.

“All of our students should be represented in education… These books dealt with LGBTQ + topics and it was in particular a group of children that one of them who was watching this board meeting felt it was not. was not really fair to them. These are the resources these children need, ”says Ferrante.

Teachers who are also members of the Wayne Education Association have a message for their students.

“We are there for them. There is a lot of discontent at these board meetings, and the behavior was quite difficult for these children to observe, ”said member Dennis Carroll. “The message was also difficult, and the message is that maybe there isn’t a place for you here in Wayne… and we don’t want our kids to feel that way.”

News 12 New Jersey has contacted some of the parents who are against the program changes but have not received a response. The next school council meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening.

The next board meeting will take place at the municipal building at 7:30 p.m.