Hate, Bias, Discrimination Will Not Be Tolerated: East Brunswick Mayor

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen on Tuesday released a statement after his office received complaints about students on social media targeting specific groups.

The social media comments by students were made in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, Cohen said. The matter was immediately turned over to the school administration.

One of the incidents resulted in disciplinary action as a bias crime, Cohen told the community.

The mayor asked the community to remain united as war escalates in the Middle East. He also assured community members that the local police department was monitoring sensitive areas in coordination with the County and State Police.

“As of today, the only concerning reports I have received involve student social media posts targeting specific groups. In each instance, I have turned over these posts to the East Brunswick School Administration for investigation. The schools are responsible for all student activity during school, before and after school, during school activities, on the buses to and from school, and all social media,” Cohen said.

“In addition, I have heard of two instances at the schools of harassment, intimidation, and bullying directed at specific groups. Only one has resulted in disciplinary action as a bias crime. The East Brunswick School Administration, their security department, and the East Brunswick Police Department work together seamlessly to ensure the safety of our schools.”

Cohen told the community that failure to respond to such acts only condones the activity and can lead to violence.

“I do not know if such activity is fostered by social media, friends, or learned bias at home – likely all three. This needs to stop! I urge all parents to communicate with their children and help to de-escalate the situation. All students and staff deserve to learn and work in a safe and secure manner. Please do your part,” he said.

The mayor acknowledged that the constant cycle of news has created anxiety, fear and tension for many residents, especially those who have family, friends, or colleagues in the affected region.

“But on the home front here in East Brunswick, I only have one critical role as Mayor – and that is the safety, security, and protection of everyone who lives, works and travels here in the township. To that end, let me be very clear – I do not condone any act of terrorism, hate, bias, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or targeting of anyone. This will not be tolerated here in East Brunswick, as the Department of Public Safety is on high alert,” Cohen said.

“I am quite aware of the acts of violence against Jews and Muslims across the county in the wake of the violence overseas. The murder of a 6-year-old Muslim boy in Chicago is as reprehensible as the terrorist attack by Hamas against innocent civilians in Israel. This is wrong and this is not who we are here in East Brunswick!”

Cohen asked the community to join him in praying for a quick end to the hostilities overseas, the safe return of all hostages, and the end of terrorism in the region and across the world.

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