Removal Of Hillsborough Student's Artwork Fuels More Backlash

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Controversy over the removal of a Hillsborough student's artwork depicting Black Lives Matter issues continued at the recent school board meeting taking up much of the public comment period.

Multiple students and residents came out to comment on whether it was right or wrong to remove the poster in question during the Nov. 22 meeting.

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"When you took down that poster you not only disregarded an issue that impacts thousands across our country but you invalidated our personal opinions that were expressed using that poster," said Hillsborough High School Freshman Teresa Alex, who was the creator of the poster depicting social injustice.

"I want you to think about it like this. Each and every system even if the smartest people are part of it could never be completely perfect. Whether it be our family systems, our school systems, and our policing systems there are flaws in everything and no one is above or higher than to which we can not judge them. Everyone is subject to judgment and it is only through judgment that we can spark change and innovation," said Alex.

The removal of the poster came to light after Hillsborough Middle School Principal Joseph Trybulski addressed the Board of Education during the Nov. 8 meeting expressing his objections with the decision. Read More: Controversy Stirs Over Censorship Of Hillsborough Student's Art

John Oliver again said he was the board member involved with the poster but reiterated that he never asked the school to remove the poster. Instead, he questioned the school administration about the poster after he says multiple constituents reached out to him about concerns over it.

"And the answer I got about a week later was that it was part of Black history month. It was supposed to come down in June. It's coming down and the next item that is going up is about indigenous Americans," said Oliver.

Since the last meeting, Oliver said he has been called a "racist" and a "member of the KKK" and has had phone calls to his house.

Oliver added that he thought the poster was "very good" and commended the students for speaking for what they believe in, but that he believes there should be a counterpoint.

"Because I made an inquiry I am being singled out," said Oliver. "This is not about censorship. I hope we can put this behind us and I hope this ends."

Superintendent Dr. Lisa Antunes began the meeting with a statement on the issue saying, "I want to emphasize the district is committed to respecting students rights to free speech and expression within a school setting as our courts have outlined and is also committed to providing an educational program that is inclusive and free of harassment and discrimination of any kind."

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