1st Step In Healing Process: East Brunswick Mayor On Yearbook Probe

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen released a media statement on Thursday commending the school administration and investigator for releasing the findings of the investigation into the high school yearbook mishap.

"It is important that these findings be made public as it is the first step in the healing process for all those hurt by the incident,” Cohen said.

"I am relieved that, in the final analysis, there was no proof of any intentionality regarding race, religion, or political views directed at the Jewish or Muslim students. That would have been extremely disheartening for a community that prides itself on its diversity and acceptance.”

The Board of Education appointed an independent counsel to look into the matter after the 2024 edition of the high school yearbook had a picture of Muslim students replacing the original photo of Jewish students who are part of the Jewish Students Union Club. The names of Jewish students are also missing.

The findings from the investigation were released recently, and the independent counsel found that the incident was a “highly unfortunate error” and not a result of “malice.”

The incident was first brought to light after Cohen sent out a press release.

The investigator, Yaacov Brisman of Brisman Law, noted that the error was made by the lead yearbook advisor who placed the incorrect photograph on the page.

In his report, Brisman said the advisor was “careless” and called her actions “negligent.”

“I found [her] credible, and I have no basis to find that she acted out of any animus, racial, religious, or political, towards Jewish or Muslim students,” Brisman concluded.

The report also went on to detail how the error occurred.

In his letter to the community, Cohen said the school administration has an enormous amount of work ahead related to the proper management of the high school yearbook.

“At a minimum, they will need to institute proper controls, checks, and supervision of the entire yearbook process. It is inconceivable to me that such systems were not already in place. Additionally, I am certain that the schools will institute diversity, equity, inclusion, and acceptance training programs that address issues raised over the past two weeks. But this important work cannot wait until the fall,” Cohen said.

After discussions with members of the public, the Township has decided to work with the schools, the Clergy Council, leaders in the Jewish and Muslim community and others to “rebuild bridges between communities that have felt pain,” the Mayor said.

“Some of this work has already begun as I have met with members of both the Muslim and Jewish communities to discuss their concerns. I am working with the Clergy Council on discussion groups, social events, and programs for the community, and believe that this work must start now,” Cohen said.

“I am ever hopeful that the unity which once defined our community will return, grow stronger, and ensure that hate never finds a home in East Brunswick.”

The report also includes several recommendations for revising the Yearbook production process with more sophisticated review measures and leaves the decision regarding appropriate disciplinary measures to the Administration.

The entire report and exhibits can be seen here: www.ebnet.org/yearbookinvestigation.

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