Hoboken Lawmaker Wants Mandatory Background Checks At Private Schools

A recent allegation of abuse at a Hoboken Montessori school may end up inspiring a new law.

A cell phone video taken at the Apple Montessori School allegedly shows a teacher “roughing up” a student by grabbing a 23-month-old girl and attempting to put a hat on her head. [Watch the video and read more about the incident here]

On Wednesday, New Jersey Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia (D-Hoboken) announced that he is in the process of drafting legislation to put private school requirements in line with those of public and charter schools by mandating background checks.

“The entire Hoboken community - and many around the country - are now aware of the disturbing incident that occurred at Apple Montessori School, and it raises serious concerns,” Garcia stated. “As the former school board president, and more importantly as a parent, I was upset after viewing the video of what happened. I couldn’t believe a teacher would do that to a child.”

“While there are many stellar private schools that already do background checks voluntarily as part of their protocol, I want to ensure that every school is a safe environment for students by ensuring a common-sense safety measure is required of all. A simple background check can go a long way towards easing parental concerns and, ultimately and most importantly, keeping our children and students safe.”

Pictured above: Carmelo Garcia

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