A lawsuit filed in New Jersey’s District Court by an irate parent on behalf of their child claims the Mountain Lakes school district, along with several key members of the faculty and school administrators, are promoting reverse discrimination against White students, under the guise of teaching “anti-racism.”
The lawsuit filed by an individual within the school district, referenced only as B.L. in order to protect his child’s identity, claims that after the murder of George Floyd back in 2020, the school district instituted a new racial policy which allegedly creates a “hostile educational environment” for his child.
The racially charged curriculum according to the lawsuit states that “The Mountain Lakes School District has, since on or about June 6, 2020 engaged in a campaign of open racial discrimination in some of its educational programming wherein it has forced a racial political ideology onto its students which has violated its obligations under Title VI of the United States Code, and otherwise has created a hostile educational environment for its students, including (the student) who was damaged in his constitutional and statutory rights not to be discriminated against based on his race or the color of his skin.”
White Privilege
The litigation filed expresses concern by the plaintiffs that the district has openly advanced such topics as “White privilege” and “institutional inequity.” According to 2020 census data, Mountain Lakes is a predominantly White affluent community, with a median income of roughly $225,000 annually, along with nearly 1,500 students enrolled within the school district.
According to the suit, former Mountain Lakes High School Principal Frank Sanchez (one of the defendants), in June of 2020 allegedly sent out mass emails along with a pamphlet to parents stating that there was “institutionalized racism” within the school district.
Sanchez further explained that the pamphlet was a “curriculum post” in which he would begin writing additional opinion articles instructing parents on how to address “the lack of equity in America.”
Additionally, the former principal is accused of encouraging students to attend Black Lives Matter protests, liking them to a “call to arms.”
National Issue
Although the lawsuit is restricted to the Mountain Lakes School District in New Jersey, the wider issue of racism has foisted a national debate in which parents all across the country have directly challenged school board members on their choice of curriculum, concerning such hot-button issues as critical race theory.
Attorney Ronald A. Berutti issued a statement on behalf of his client regarding the events leading up to the lawsuit, as the complainant has engaged district leaders for two years.
“I believe the Mountain Lakes School District was influenced by prevailing national narrative and local social groups to advance specific messaging that is not fair and equal to all students,” read the statement. “I am concerned that the school district works with selected groups in private meetings and via email without transparency and input from all parents in a public forum.”
Holding Institutions Accountable
The statement continues: “Even in times of national turmoil, the school district must adhere to district policy and follow state and federal laws. It is unfortunate that we live in a time when holding our public institutions accountable is met in our community—and our country—by intimidation and personal attacks. My intent is not political and not intended to start a movement. It is simply for our schools to follow policy and law and stop discriminatory practices.
“My family has unfortunately been subject to harsh judgment, name calling and intimidation. We are humbled and appreciative of the support of so many in our town and throughout the state who have raised similar questions in their school districts but are afraid to speak up for fear of retribution. It is my hope that this matter is resolved for the sake of the next generation.”
If successful, the plaintiff’s hope to press the government to withhold whatever federal funds may be earmarked for the school district, in that discrimination based on race is a violation of federal law.
A racist, disgusting, and frivolous lawsuit. Just Nazi propaganda in disguise.
Being asked to acknowledge that there are systems that discriminate against Black people is not discrimination against white people.
This is 0h S0 – Laughable!! This is all part 0f Bullying!! AND; It has been around since the inception’s 0f School’s!! Also, This is a 2 way street & has targeted many Races Not just Black students, since many White & Non-White Immigrant students also had faced Racisms!! LOOK; During the Freedom Riot’s In the1960’s, many White Students were Victimized & subjected to all sorts 0f Derogatory’s by fellow Black Student’s!! S0; Schools Teach Much More than just Riting, Rithmatic & Reeding!! AND; AT 0ne Time, This sort 0f thing done built character & Strength in young people.. But today it 0nly Builds Malice & Retribution’s!! Parents today have a number of Choices when their children are being Victimized.. That’s if’n they’re Not to busy with their 0wn activities to Notice & can spend a little time with their Children!!//
For those electing to file these frivolous law suits should first read the original constitution where Black people were considered property of white men; slavery legal -Read the Declaration of Independence which referred to indigenous peoples as savages. Read about American apartheid in which “Separate and Equal,” “Jim Crow,” “Black Codes,” “Redlining,” we’re all the laws.-codified! If they would read some of the aforementioned documents, they would see that those documents, written by white colonizing, slave-owners created a system of privilege for white people. What are these deniers of systemic racism afraid their children will learn? The truth about a this country that has lied about “equality” and “liberty and justice for all!”
Living in Mountain Lakes is the definition of White Privilege. I’m not surprised by this. These are some of the same people who were begging for high end clothing donations when their homes were flooded by a recent hurricane.