South Brunswick BOE President Addresses Misinformation During Election
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — During the last Board of Education meeting, BOE President Lisa Rodgers congratulated the winners and addressed the “fear mongering” and “misinformation” spread during the run up to the election.
According to Rodgers, while most candidates maintained high standards of conduct, others “sought to gain favor through fear mongering and the spread of misinformation.”
“Despite this, our community demonstrated resilience and refuse to succumb to negativity,” Rodgers said.
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“Our township endured an embarrassing few months tainted by disgraceful comments on social media, in which insults were hurled at members of this board, ranging from misogynistic and racial slurs to baseless accusations. They are not only uncalled for, but are detrimental to the spirit of South Brunswick. Such behavior does not reflect the values of this community.”
Incumbents Mike Mitchell, Raja Krishna and Smitha Raj were reelected during the Nov. 7 election. Mitchell won the most number of votes at 5,629 followed by Krishna at 4,073 and Raj at 3,212.
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Rodgers congratulated the winners and commended contestants James Lavan and Bilal Yousuf Ahmed for maintaining standards of conduct and “contributing to a respectful campaign.”
Rodgers noted that rudeness and lack of respect was seeping into schools and affecting staff and students.
“Our community must be vigilant and teach our children the values of respect, kindness and civil engagement. This diverse and hard-working board operates without drama, upholding parliamentary rules that are also practiced at state and federal levels. It is disappointing to see these efforts questioned or belittled by some members,” Rodgers said.
She also told the community that BE members will not address questions on social media that do not allow factual information to be discussed.
“The board is committed to responsible communication, but it has faced unwarranted tagging, harassment, and bullying on social media. Henceforth, this board will no longer acknowledge questions posed on platforms that do not allow for factual or intelligible information to be discussed. While differing opinions or natural, purposeful attempts to divide the community must cease and this information will be countered appropriately supported by facts,” Rodgers said.
“South Brunswick is not perfect. We on this board are not perfect. We have challenges ahead. That will require unity and a collective effort from all in conclusion. On behalf of this board, I extend gratitude to the community for your trust in an exceptional school system. As we move forward, let us all strive to be better, engage in respectful dialogue and work towards a brighter future for South Brunswick. Together, we can overcome challenges. Uphold honesty, integrity and character and build a community that truly reflects these values.”
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