Schools Superintendent Responds To Arrest Of Mom At Jersey City Board Meeting

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A fundraiser has been set up for a mother who was arrested at a Jersey City school board meeting after she spoke about special education services.

Emily Pecot, a parent with an autistic daughter, was charged with trespassing on Thursday, she and others confirmed. She spoke as a member of Parents United for Special Education Reform.

Subscribe

Parents have been complaining that the school board had cut the time they are allowed to speak at the meetings to a minute or two.

Sylvia Charles wrote in the GoFundMe on Tuesday, "Emily was targeted and arrested despite remaining calm and resolute in her advocacy for children with special needs. She is now facing prosecution for 'defiant trespassing,' a charge that could result in a criminal record and have lasting consequences for her and her family. We are raising funds to support Emily's legal defense and cover any costs associated with clearing her name."

A spokesman for Jersey City Mayor James Solomon indicated on Friday that the mayor's office was concerned about the arrest, but the mayor himself has not commented publicly.

Spokesman Nathaniel Styer told Patch: "JCPD officers responded to Thursday’s Board of Education meeting at the request of the board. The officers were asked to remove a parent for disorderly conduct, and she was issued a summons.

"We are going to thoroughly review the circumstances of this incident. As leaders elected by the public, the board has a duty to respect the public’s right to express dissatisfaction — even if it uncomfortable or lengthens the meeting.”

Pecot told Patch Friday night that she was advocating for students with disabilities.

“They initially asked me to leave and I asked why,” she said. “They went away, then came back with JCPD. I spoke at the meeting about how the board talks about decorum and respect, but doesn’t afford these to the parents who come to speak. They keep cutting down public comment time. Our group speaks together for special education reform."

Patch has reached out to Board of Education President Noemí Velázquez last week for comment, and will update this story if comment is received.

Superintendent Weighs In

Superintendent of Schools Norma Fernandez sent a letter to district families on Tuesday afternoon, vaguely addressing the ongoing controversy and media coverage.

Superintendents are hired by the board.

"Board meetings are, and must remain, a safe space," Fernandez wrote. "While passion and disagreement are natural parts of advocacy, we must maintain a respectful environment so that all voices can be heard...the claim that our district doesn't not care for our students with disabilities could not be further from the truth...we are committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that every dollar allocated to our school district benefits the children of Jersey City."

She said she knew trust is built through actions, and encouraged parents of students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan to reach out to their school administrators.

Fernandez confirmed the letter, but declined to comment further for Patch.

History Of Controversy

Jersey City's schools were under state control from 1989 through 2022.

While state control has been lifted, numerous controversies have plagued the board, such as the former president pleading guilty to taking bribes.

A group called Jersey City Moms shared on social media on Friday, "We are calling on city, county, and state officials to fully audit the actions and conduct of the Jersey City Board of Education."

Got a comment or a photo from the meeting? Email Jersey City Patch.