HACKENSACK, NJ (June 14, 2019)–Hackensack Board of Education Trustee Frances Cogelja sent several emails to Acting Superintendent Rosemary Marks expressing her “disgust” over the new State law requiring that significant contributions by LGBT persons be included in middle and high school curriculum by the 2020-2021 school year. Cogelja describes the law as “repugnant” and “incredibly disturbing and frankly shocking,” adding that “everywhere I turn, this alternative lifestyle narrative is being shoved done [sic] our children’s throats.”

Cogelja’s emails were obtained via an OPRA request for correspondence from all current and former members of the BOE regarding the curriculum law, to ensure the district was planning to be in compliance.

Rev. Carolyn Davis of The WorkGroup, a Hackensack-based community organization, denounced Cogelja’s statements:

“Trustee Cogelja’s statements are homephobic, plain and simple. These anti-LGBT sentiments are offensive to every member of that community and their loved ones. I’m asking that all of God’s Children be treated in a humane and respectful way.” Davis said. “The fact that a sitting Board of Education member wants our schools to be noncompliant with state law, because of her personal feelings, says volumes to every student and staff member in our schools who belongs to an underrepresented group. It wasn’t that long ago that people were up in arms about Black History being taught in schools. Trustee Cogelja has proven she is incapable of serving all our students and staff and should apologize and step down immediately.”

For Hackensack’s Future, also a community organization, added:

We are deeply disturbed by Frances Cogelja’s homophobic and exclusionary emails. Her clear disdain for the LGBT community is offensive, not only to those individuals, but also their loved ones and allies.

The new law is about ensuring proper representation in our curriculum and recognizing the positive contributions of members of the LGBT community to our society. There is nothing ‘disgusting’ or ‘shocking’ about celebrating our diverse history and recognizing underrepresented and marginalized groups.

Everyone is entitled to a personal opinion, but when you attempt to use your position to circumvent state law, and further marginalize the LGBT members in our community, including our students and staff, one should reconsider if they are best equipped to serve all children in a community as diverse as Hackensack.