Parents Call Out Chatham Curriculum Amid Youth Mental Health Crisis

CHATHAM, NJ — Members of the public attended Monday night's regular meeting of the Chatham Board of Education to express their concerns about how potential curriculum decisions could affect children's mental health.

Last month, the school district partnered with the law firm of Carella Byrne on a contingency basis to go up against Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, Inc., Instagram, YouTube, LLC, Snap Inc., TikTok Inc., and ByteDance Inc.

The legal action, according to Superintendent Michael LaSusa, names those social media conglomerates, alleging that they are victimizing its students by "ruthlessly extracting every dollar possible with callous regard for the harm to mental health."

During a previous meeting, Chatham Board of Education President Jill Critchley Weber discussed the case and its implications for the district, stating that the school district had been investing money in mental health services to assist in the growing problem.

Deirdre Rajoppi, a Chatham Township mom, spoke out about the lawsuit during the public portion of the meeting, saying that because the district was concerned about rising mental health levels, certain aspects of the curriculum should be re-evaluated.

"Due to the teen mental health crisis, do you think it is reasonable to suggest that the district revisit the comprehensive health and sex curriculum? There are many concerning and controversial issues within the new curriculum. These issues may be contributing negatively to the mental health of the students," Rajoppi said.

The state curriculum, which was widely debated last year, addresses a wide range of issues and topics, including personal hygiene, mental and social well-being, community health and support, nutrition, safety and substance abuse.

There are several areas that cover various sexual health topics, such as personal growth, pregnancy and parenting, and social and sexual health.

Another parent, Libby Hilsenrath, expressed concern about the district's increased climate change education. During her comment, Hilsenrath read sections of a public essay by a Chatham High School student, in which she details her frustrations and fears regarding climate change.

"By reading that and knowing that we already teach climate change in the schools, it's mandated, and again, the mandates say you have to teach it, but each school district can decide to what degree they want to teach it. Reading this made me think that this is a major part of the mental health issues that our kids are facing. Teaching this climate change curriculum makes this student think that there is no reason to live because she can't make a difference," Hilsenrath said.

After the public comments were made, Chatham Board of Education President Jill Critchley Weber spoke out in reference to the parents' concerns.

"The curriculum is reviewed every year but there is not an immediate call for the board to change the health curriculum at this time. It is modified throughout the year," Weber said.