As the President of the Evesham Township Board of Education, I must speak about a matter of deep concern, and one that has cast a shadow over our community.
By now, many of you may be aware of the alleged inappropriate and highly offensive comments made by an Evesham Township Board of Education member during the Thursday, May 23 meeting.
The alleged comments came during a discussion to change the 2013/2014 school calendar; the change ultimately was approved by the board of education.
Parents should have received a copy of the revised calendar, which indicates that the first day of school is Monday, Sept. 9.
If the comments attributed to this board member are true, they are at the very least insensitive and, at the worst, intolerant of the religious practices of others. Although as a board we cannot control remarks made by individual board members, we will not condone comments that are offensive, insulting, or demeaning to an individual or any group of individuals.
School board members must adhere to the same stringent Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy required of our students.
A nonnegotiable code of ethics requires us to “make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children.” Our district is committed to providing the safe and civil environment needed for students to learn and to achieve high academic standards.
As adults, we must teach by example and have respect and genuine concern for others. There is no place for bigotry or prejudice on the Evesham Township School Board — not today, not tomorrow, not ever.
The board of education, administrators and local community leaders are working to resolve this situation in an appropriate manner, while being sensitive to everyone affected: Evesham Township students, families, staff and the greater community.
Sandy Student
