Montclair School Cancels Democrat's Gun Speech; 'Sad' Win For GOP

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A Democratic candidate for Congress wanted to speak at a Montclair school about gun violence. Members of the local Republican club demanded fair opportunity to offer students their take on the issue. And that’s what led to the controversial cancellation of Mikie Sherrill’s appearance at Montclair High School on Tuesday.

At the heart of the debate is a compelling question: should schools allow political candidates to speak with students about issues that directly affect them, such as gun violence?

Sherrill, a Democrat and former pilot/prosecutor running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 11th District, announced plans to speak with students at Montclair High School and West Orange High School last week. The Montclair visit was slated to take place at an assembly with the Civics and Government Institute Program on Tuesday.

The appearances were part of a community conversation about “changing the culture of gun violence in America,” Sherrill’s campaign team stated.

“Across the country, students, parents, and law enforcement are standing up to demand action in addressing the crisis of gun violence,” Sherrill stated. “But in Washington, Congress remains silent. Now is a time for courage. We deserve new leaders who will enact common-sense reforms that will make our country safer.”

• See related article: NJ-11 Candidate Will Visit 2 Essex Schools, Speak On Gun Violence

In January, Sherrill also appeared at Lincoln Elementary School in Caldwell with State Assemblywoman Mila Jasey and former governor Richard Codey. That visit wasn’t specifically gun-related, with the three leading a discussion about the legislative process and critical issues that currently face the state.

• See related article: 3 Key Caldwell Area Politicians To Visit Lincoln Elementary

Sherrill has offered vocal support for students participating in gun violence rallies, and as a candidate, has called for universal criminal background checks, a federal “assault weapons” ban and limits on large-capacity magazines. Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America recently named her as its “Gun Sense Candidate.” (See more about Sherrill’s stance on preventing gun violence here)

“As a mother of four, I want to make sure all of our children are safe in our schools, on our streets and in our homes,” Sherrill said. “There is broad agreement in this country on the need for common-sense reforms.”

Students at Montclair High School and West Orange High School have been especially active in the recent wave of national protests and walkouts on gun violence.

• See related article: Montclair Students Hold School Walkout On Gun Violence (VIDEOS)
• See related article: Hundreds Of West Orange Students Rally On Gun Violence (WATCH)

After the round of student walkouts on March 14, organized in response to the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, Sherrill released a Twitter video that thanked the students for taking action. (Watch video below)

“I am so impressed with the kids across the nation and in our 11th District for all that they’re doing today to stand up for their rights,” Sherrill said. “Even my daughter has walked out today… I’m so proud of you for getting engaged in our democracy at this kind of level.”

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‘USING MONTCLAIR SCHOOLCHILDREN AS PROPS’

But after getting word of Sherill’s planned appearance at Montclair High School on Tuesday, the Montclair Republican Club (MRC) offered a stern protest to local school administrators.

Michael Byrne, a Montclair High School alumnus (class of 1998) and MRC member, wrote the following letter to the district’s superintendent, board of education and township council:

“As you may also know, Sherrill is a Democrat candidate for Congress and has previously called for universal criminal background checks to cover all firearm sales, a federal assault weapons ban, limits on large capacity magazines, a ban of bump-stocks, and so-called ‘common-sense measures’ related to the no-fly list and domestic abusers. She has added, ‘In Congress, I will work to save lives and help find responsible solutions America’s gun violence crisis.’”

Byrne continued:

“While Sherrill's concern for gun violence may be admirable, she now seeks to use Montclair schoolchildren as props for her political campaign and to impart a single-sided, partisan view of how to allegedly solve what she calls a ‘gun violence crisis.’ Her proposals -- and this speech 28 days prior to the Democrat Primary election -- are obviously political in nature, (in addition to being unconstitutional in practice).”

Byrne added:

“As you may know, some years ago, the Montclair Public Schools sought to include anti-Second Amendment materials in the backpacks of schoolchildren. When residents of Montclair with contrary views in favor of the Bill of Rights sought to include materials with their viewpoint, they were initially denied by the School District. However, after a lengthy court case, the Montclair Public Schools were compelled to grant equal access to those citizens and an equal platform for their political views.”

But Byrne also said that the MRC was open to idea of allowing Sherrill to speak at the event… provided that they were permitted to make their own presentation to students.

“Should you allow Sherrill, a Democrat candidate for Congress, to address students at Montclair High School in the context of the ongoing Democrat primary for Congress, our club will seek equal and similar access. Indeed, we will welcome the opportunity to educate the young people of Montclair about the history of the Bill of Rights, the importance of the Second Amendment, and how both are essential to reducing gun violence in our society.”

• See related article: New Jersey Gun Rights Group Sues Government, Attacks Carry Law
• See related article: New Jersey Gun Advocates Say More Laws Won't Stop School Shootings

MONTCLAIR REPUBLICANS: A ‘SAD’ VICTORY

On Monday, newly appointed Superintendent Kendra Johnson sent an email to Byrne and the local media, stating that the event on Tuesday with Sherrill was canceled. The decision was made “pursuant to the recommendation of our board attorney,” Johnson wrote.

No additional explanation for the decision was provided.

Montclair High School has seen visits from other high-profile politicians in the recent past, including the veteran Republican who currently holds the seat Sherrill is aiming for: Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen.

In 2015, Frelinghuysen visited the school in honor of its 100th birthday and presented an American flag as a gift.

According to his website, the soon-to-retire Frelinghuysen has previously made appearances at dozens of schools in the 11th District, including Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Caldwell, Livingston, West Orange, Nutley and Verona.

• See related article: New Jersey Parents Crash Frelinghuysen's School Photo Session

Sherrill told Patch that she was invited to speak at Montclair High by students in the CGI program. Several local students who worked on her campaign last summer are still active on her campaign team, she said.

“I’ll tell you, each one I met has been incredibly articulate and passionate about our democracy,” Sherrill said. “I’m just sorry I didn’t get a chance to speak to them.”

The former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor said that Montclair school administrators’ decision to cancel Tuesday’s event hasn’t dampened her desire to continue speaking to local students about gun violence and other important political issues.

“If invited to go to other schools, I will gladly do so,” Sherrill said.

Patch asked Sherrill if she thought it was fair game for political candidates to visit schools prior to an election.

Her reply?

“I think civics in our schools is an incredibly important topic. I first learned of my responsibilities as a citizen in our democracy in school. It started very early. I think it’s important for students to understand how our democracy works and their role and responsibility in it. I think it’s appropriate – especially when we’re talking about high school students who are coming of age to vote in this county – to be teaching them how to get informed about candidates, which questions to ask, and how to educate themselves. I think it’s appropriate… and important.”

Patch reached out to Byrne and asked if he thought that the school district’s decision to cancel Sherrill’s appearance was a win for local Republicans.

“It’s definitely a victory to see such a flagrantly single-sided, partisan speech canceled,” he replied. “But to the extent that the Montclair schools reject opportunities to present both sides of a pressing issue to our students — that’s not a victory. It’s just sad.”

• See related article: Montclair Republicans Offer Scholarship For 'Conservative' Teens

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Main Photo: Mikie Sherrill for Congress