Progressive Democrats of New Jersey Commit to Empowering Youth, Formalize Creation of Collegiate and High School Chapters

Days after announcing they were leaving College Democrats of America and College Democrats of New Jersey in a press release, Rutgers-Newark students have formally chartered the first college chapter of Progressive Democrats of New Jersey.

In the statement where Rutgers-Newark publicly relinquished their CDA/CDNJ charter, the students alleged the move stemmed from ongoing issues with racism, classism, and an overall exclusionary culture within CDA and CDNJ. Furthermore, they were seeking to align with organizations that they felt more represented their own morals and values outside of those institutions.

“Young people in this country and state have to deal with crippling student debt, soaring rents, and a looming climate crisis, but we have corrupt leadership not willing to address these urgent concerns,” said Kyle Varellie, Chapter President of Rutgers-Newark. “Young people are craving a strong progressive movement to meet the demands of the time and I have no doubt that the Progressive Democrats of New Jersey is the progressive organization New Jersey and young people need.”

PDNJ student inclusivity does not stop at the collegiate level. Several high schools around the state reached out to PDNJ to formalize high school charters of the organization. The schools include: the Hudson School, Tenafly High School, and Northern Highlands Regional High School.

“I am so excited to bring PDNJ to Highlands because it is so important that we get more students and young people advocating for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice,” said Jess Reilly of Northern Highlands Regional High School.

Logan Miller, Chapter Chair of PDNJ Hudson School added, “I’m in this fight because I’m tired of being pushed aside. I’m tired of politicians taking bribes disguised as PACs. I’m tired of politicians who work for their donors; we’re going to elect politicians who work for us.”

PDNJ is in the midst of ongoing conversations with other colleges, universities, and high schools across the state who have expressed interest in formalizing student chapters.