A New Jersey parent has filed a federal lawsuit against a New Jersey school district alleging racism against white students, particularly son.
The lawsuit, filed by someone identified only as B.L., alleges that the Mountain Lakes school district has created a hostile school environment since June 6, 2020 — around the beginning of the Black Lives Matter riots over the death of George Floyd.
According to a report from NorthJersey.com, the complaint says that the school district has engaged in “a campaign of open racial discrimination” and “forced a racial political ideology” on students with their “ill-named ‘anti-racist’ agenda.”
“The suit demands that the district not be allowed to apply or receive federal funds until it stops the accused ‘racially discriminatory practices’ as well as stops supporting programs claiming white privilege and systemic injustices,” the report explains.
The parent says that the teachings violate her son, and other white students’ right not to be discriminated against based on their race.
Following the death of Floyd, the lawsuit says that former Mountain Lakes High School Principal Frank Sanchez emailed parents a pamphlet titled “Seeking Justice from Reflection to Action” and condemned racism. Within the pamphlet, the school discussed how there is “institutional racism” within the district.
The parent alleges that the principal also sent students a video that he described as a “call to arms” against “white privilege.”
The report explains that the parent argues that assertion of white privilege “constitutes illegal indoctrination of racist tropes which are more suitable for a totalitarian ‘re-education camp’ than for a New Jersey public school.”
Ronald A, Berutti, the attorney representing B.L. released a statement on behalf of his client, which read as follows:
“For two years, I have been in dialogue with the Mountain Lakes School Distrct about a basic discrimination matter. 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. 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.”
“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 judgement, 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.”