Profanity At Wall BOE Meeting Leads To Removal Of Live Streams

WALL, NJ — A disclaimer warns of graphic language and profanity in the recording of the Wall Township Board of Education meeting on Mar. 1.

“The following video of the Mar. 1, 2022, Wall Township Board of Education special meeting includes comments from members of the public that include profanity as well as comments that are explicit and sexual in nature which may be offensive or disturbing to some viewers and inappropriate for children,” states the warning at the beginning of the meeting posted on the district’s YouTube channel.

The notice was added to the video alongside a public statement on the district's website stating that all future BOE meetings will no longer be live streamed due to "abusive behavior" by certain members of the community.

During the public session portion of the meeting on Mar. 1, resident Betsy Cross asked if any of the kids suspended as part of the recent Wall High School football team hazing investigation had been allowed to use the weight room now that their suspensions had ended.

“If those same players came in here today or out in the hallway and took Mr. Addonizio and picked him up and held two of his legs and two of his arms and you heard giggling and laughing and thought it was so funny. And then they took their finger and put it up his butt would that be okay? Or would there be serious charges against those people and would they be allowed back in the weight room,” Cross said.

"I don’t think they’d be allowed back in the weight room. If they were doing that and taking a broomstick and laughing to any board member, I would like you to think about that," Cross continued.

The members of the board denied commenting on the subject as it related to students and needed to remain confidential. "I think the board’s been very consistent in terms of reiterating that student matters are confidential," added School Board Attorney Athina Cornell.

An unnamed male resident then took the mic and said, "It’s a simple question. Are they allowed to be in the training room to lift weights? It’s a simple question." When Cornell responded claiming that the council could not comment on student matters, the man shouted, "F--- you."

Following the disruption, the council went into a one-hour executive session where they came to the conclusion that they would no longer live stream future BOE meetings.