Princeton Non-Profit Sneaking Gender Lessons In Schools, Claims Right-Wing Group

PRINCETON, NJ — Project Veritas, a conservative nonprofit, recently released videos of a Princeton nonprofit alleging they sneak in sexually-oriented curriculum in schools without parental consent.

The group, known for its hidden camera stings, claims Princeton nonprofit HiTOPS uses “covert tactics to introduce sexually-oriented curriculum into schools through backdoor channels.”

In a video released Sept. 13, HiTOPS Executive Director Lisa Shelby and Health Educator Hannah Wiers are seen discussing the mandatory ‘Pathway to Racial Literacy’ class.

In the video, Wiers and Shelby are seen talking about their program and how it's part of the racial justice and inclusivity curriculum that parents can't opt out of. Wiers says that HiTOPS works with students and teachers on “affirming language,” and “affirming practices.”

In the video, Shelby is seen talking about how some adults support LGBTQI youth but “lack the vocabulary” and “don’t want to make a mistake.”

“Our goal is to create safe, open spaces. People can make mistakes, ask questions etc.,” Shelby says in the video.

Shelby goes on to say that they teach gender inclusivity at some school districts through the racial justice and inclusivity program.

The staff member also talks about how some teachers use Google Forms to ask students what pronouns they prefer to use.

In the video Project Veritas frames the statements as HiTOPS finding a “backdoor channel” and using “covert tactics” to introduce sexually oriented curriculum to students.

Under NJ law, parents can remove their child from sex education lessons using the opt-out letter. In the video, the HiTOPS staff is seen talking about how gender-affirming language and practices are added to the three-day ‘Pathway to Racial Literacy’ class.

None of the people in the video gave their consent to be filmed.

Princeton-based HiTOPS has been working with young people and their families for over 37 years. They are known across the state for youth-focused sex education and support.

HiTOPS provides programming in Princeton, Ewing and Trenton schools.

In a statement to Patch, HiTOPS said it was targeted by "ultra-rightwing, conservative organization, Project Veritas, a known hate group that uses deceptive, unethical practices to spread misinformation.”

They said the group’s methods of manipulation were “well-documented” as they have targeted numerous organizations and individuals across the country.

“HiTOPS has served young people and their families throughout the state for over 37 years,” Shelby said in a statement. “We are the recognized and trusted expert in New Jersey for youth-focused sex education and support. That is exactly why this hate group misrepresented themselves to us, secretly filmed two lengthy conversations, and manipulated our words to vilify our organization, and discredit our work and the delivery of sex education in our state.”

The nonprofit said they openly and proudly work to empower young people through sex education, LGBTQ+ support, and by creating environments that affirm youth of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

“Our goal is for all young people to have access to developmentally appropriate, positive, and medically accurate sex education, to have essential social supports, and to live, work and play in affirming communities,” the nonprofit said.

Talking about partnering with schools, HiTOPS said it works with schools throughout the state to deliver curricula that are aligned with the needs of schools and the requirements of the state.

“We collaborate with educators to develop and facilitate lessons that fulfill the Diversity and Inclusion Instruction Mandate and meet the New Jersey Sex Education Standards,” explained Director of Education Dr. Stacy Robustelli.

“While mandated concepts like acceptance and inclusion may be taught in a variety of classes, sex education content like anatomy and human reproduction are only taught in classes that offer the option for a parent to opt-out their child. We teach in the classes where districts place us and parents are always informed prior to any instruction.”

Shelby went on to say that the goal of Project Veritas was to wreak havoc and stoke fear and hatred.

“They target HiTOPS and other organizations to keep us from fulfilling our missions,” Shelby said.

“HiTOPS will not be intimidated or back down from our commitment to youth and their families. We stand by our mission and young people. Always.”

Princeton Schools To Investigate

In response to that latest sting by Project Veritas, Superintendent Carol Kelley of Princeton Public Schools said they will be meeting with HiTOPS leadership soon for discussions.

“We are unwavering in our support for LGBTQIA+ students and will continue to deliver these critical lessons to our students. We understand that Project Veritas’ methods are questionable and controversial. However, this video has raised concerns about circumventing parental consent and undermines the trust that we work so hard to build with all of the families in our community,” Kelley told Patch in a statement.

“Although we recognize the excellent work that HiTOPS has done for many years in our community, our primary obligation is to our students and their families. We intend to meet with HiTOPS leadership early next week and our next steps will be guided by the outcome of that conversation.”

Project Veritas was founded by James O’Keefe, a New Jersey native. O’Keefe studied philosophy at Rutgers University. He founded Project Veritas in 2010.

Earlier this year, he was fired as Chairman and CEO of the company. Currently, he is under investigation by the New York prosecutor over allegations that he mistreated workers and misspent organization funds.

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