Censorship Of Hillsborough Student's Artwork Causes Controversy At School Board Meeting

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Controversy arose at the Hillsborough Board of Education meeting after a student's artwork was censored on Monday.

Hillsborough Middle School Principal Joseph Trybulski said he was deeply troubled by the removal of the student's artwork following a school board member's orders despite his objections.

"What happened today, dishonored the work of those who defend our communities and our constitution. What happened today was an affront to critical thinking, academic freedom and the freedom of expression of our young people," said Trybulski.

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The poster was part of an African American display located in the commons of the Hillsborough Middle School showing historical pieces, literature and African American icons. It also included elements of social justice and social injustice in American history in regards to African Americans from slavery through the civil rights movement to contemporary issues around policing, equity, and justice, said Trybulski.

"This display included an element with a point of view around the very real issue of policing practices, social justice and equity in America. And that image was censored today and removed over my objections," said Trybulski.

Trybulski noted that while he holds law enforcement in Hillsborough and across the country in the highest regard no one is above criticism.

"Criticism that is raised with an appropriate educational context in civil discourse in academic setting. Even where it may be provocative or controversial," said Trybulski. "It is abhorrent to me that any public official, including a member of this board of education, would use his or her authority to advance an agenda in censoring the views of others in an academic or any other setting."

Trybulski called on the board "to recommit itself to preserving academic integrity and the free and critical expression of ideas and most importantly of all to listen to the voices of those raising concerns for social justice and opposition to those who would seek to silence them."

John Oliver said he was the board member involved with the poster. However, he said only questioned the school administration about the poster after several people in town found it "inflammatory".

"I find it very disturbing that someone feels they were censored from this one little individual board member. I wanted some answers," said Oliver at the Monday night board meeting.

Oliver added that he had no issues with people expressing views, "but there is a fine young gentleman sitting there in the corner with a badge on and a gun at his side who puts his life on the line for us every single shift. There should be in that display case a counterpoint to show his dedication and commitment to his job, to keeping us safe," said Oliver.

"We need to go back and look at what we are doing and how we are portraying things because your point as educators, as elected officials, as board members, as police officers — we need to look at both sides. We don't need to give a view. We need to give both opposing views and let our young students and let our children make the decisions for themselves," said Oliver.

Oliver said the board would be meeting with the school administration to discuss the issue over the poster.

Our Revolution Hillsborough(ORH), a grassroots political action organization, sent out a statement following the board meeting strongly condemning Oliver "for using his political bias to criticize the project created by Hillsborough. Middle School students."

"We stand with the students, staff of Hillsborough Cares, as well as Dr. Joseph Trybulski. We must learn from our past to make sure we don't repeat the same mistakes, said ORH. "Recognition of racial injustice does not equate to blind hatred of law enforcement."

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