Investigation Continues Into East Brunswick District Yearbook Photo Mishap

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Superintendent of East Brunswick School District confirmed that the investigation into the yearbook photo controversy will continue into Thursday.

The 2024 edition of the high school yearbook has 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.

Valeski also took the opportunity to apologize to the Muslim community for the photo mishap.

“As I mentioned impacts to our Jewish students and families earlier today, I want to offer sincere apologies to our Muslim students and families, as well. I am aware that the picture placed in the yearbook has caused pain for our Muslim students and for that I am deeply sorry,” Valeski said.

“We work every day to foster an inclusive school environment for all EB students, but I realize that new work needs to be done every day to make that a reality.”

The incident was brought to light by Mayor Brad Cohen who put out a media release on Wednesday.

Calling the incident a “blatant antisemitic act” Cohen called on school administration to investigate the matter and hold the accused accountable.

According to the Mayor, the school district must determine how the incident happened, who is responsible, who signed off on this page of the yearbook, whether the error occurred on the publisher's end, and how the perpetrators will be held accountable.

“Hate has no place in East Brunswick and Anti-Semitism will not be tolerated,” Cohen said.

Responding to the Mayor’s press release, Valeski said he was “devasted and frustrated” and apologized for the “hurt, pain and anguish” it has caused the students and their families.

The superintendent also asked the community not to rush to judgment before the investigation is complete.

“We do not tolerate bias and we investigate all reported antisemitism. My investigation is ongoing. I will employ outside resources to assist with the investigation. We do not have all the facts but I will report to the community once I do,” Valesi said.

“I urge the East Brunswick community, the one I have a decade-long relationship with, to give me the opportunity to determine the cause and I simply ask individuals and organizations to slow their rush to judgment.”

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