Hateful Words And Bullying Ramp Up In Millburn Schools, Superintendent Says

MILLBURN, NJ — With more reliance on social media and devices, cyberbullying is on the rise, experts say. So are instances of hate against various religious and racial groups, both in Essex County and across the country. READ MORE: Antisemitic Writing Found After School Bus Stolen In Livingston

Millburn Superintendent of Schools Christine Burton sent a message to parents on Monday, May 8, saying, "The district has seen an increase in acts of bullying and harassment by students involving hate and bias," and noting that several students already have been disciplined.

She noted, "We cannot and will not comment on any specific disciplinary proceedings, but please know we are following the policies to the letter of the law."

When asked for more information, a district spokesperson would not elaborate.

"As stated in the letter, we cannot provide specific information," said the spokesperson. "It's really just a reminder about expectations."

Millburn is considered one of the most academically successful school districts in the state, but like others, has to tackle issues like bullying and academic pressures.

Millburn's harassment, intimidation, and bullying policy is here.

The letter says, in full:

Dear Millburn Staff and Families,

The district has seen an increase in acts of bullying and harassment by students involving hate and bias, and violations of the code of conduct in behaviors and expressions of racial, ethnic, religious, and gender bias and/or aberrant, inappropriate, and/or derogatory remarks to others. These in-person and online incidents have been investigated and the students involved have received consequences in line with our Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying, and Code of Conduct policies. We cannot and will not comment on any specific disciplinary proceedings, but please know we are following the policies to the letter of the law.

The district takes these incidents extraordinarily seriously. The Millburn Schools condemn and denounce hate, racism, anti-semitism, bigotry and bias in any form, it has no place in our schools or in our community. District Goal #3 for 2022-2023 addresses Comprehensive Equity, with the following charge: “To promote a culture of belongingness, equity and access for all students by fortifying an inclusive instructional program and environment for learning.”

To that end, we have provided staff with professional development opportunities to increase understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion. We have worked extensively to acknowledge and appreciate the diversity in our community, provided additional expressions of equity and inclusion in classrooms, courses curriculum and special programs that range from international evenings to multicultural assemblies organized by students, staff, the PTO and our administrators.

Millburn schools must be a safe space where children can learn and grow to be their best selves. Our work is continuing. As we see a rise in this kind of behavior in the district, and in society, we will be increasing our emphasis and efforts on educating our students so that they clearly understand that these behaviors and expressions are wrong and will not be tolerated in schools.

We will be working with the religious leaders in the community, and bringing in additional outside experts to make the message clear. We ask you as parents and the community to partner with us. Have conversations at home, at the dinner table, and in the car to make sure we are all sending the same message, that there is no place for hate in our community, and that Millburn is a safe place to live, learn, and grow.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to the schools or the administration with any questions or concerns. Together we will work to continuously build the schools and community that makes us Millburn. This work will be successful as the entire school community makes it imperative that the message of how we talk and how we act matters. I commit to you that we will continue to provide a culture of kindness, inclusion, safety and respect in all of our schools.

Sincerely,

Christine Burton

Dr. Christine Burton

Superintendent of Schools

Here are Additional Resources

No Place for Hate

Common Sense Education

Curriculum & Instruction DEI website