Video and reporting by: Isaiah Showell, Follow South Jersey Multimedia Journalist
PLEASANTVILLE, N.J. — Community members gathered in Pleasantville to protest the Absecon school district’s desire to end its send-receive agreement with Pleasantville Public Schools.
Pleasantville’s school district recently withdrew its objection of Absecon’s petition, which would cause students from Absecon’s K-8 school to be sent to Absegami High School instead of Pleasantville High School. If Governor Phil Murphy signs off on the petition, the changes would take effect, and some community members believe this measure would cause more segregation between the school systems.
The protest was organized by the Mount Zion Baptist Church. Concerned community members marched two-and-a-half miles from Pleasantville to Absecon as part of the event.
“[New Jersey is] one of the most progressive states, one of the richest states, but we have the sixth-most segregated schools in the country,” Willie Francois, a pastor at the Mount Zion Baptist Church, said during the protest. “The secessionist tactics that are being put into play by the Absecon school board and administration to pull out of Pleasantville .. only deepens segregation.”
- New Stockton U President, It’s Sixth, Will Take Over In July
- Student Story: Overbrook High School’s Production Of ‘Annie’ Was A Visual, Heartwarming Treat
- ‘Fix Our Parks’ Campaign Aims To Add Funding To State Budget To Restore New Jersey’s State Parks System
Follow South Jersey provides local journalism which highlights our diverse communities; fosters transparency through robust, localized, and vital reporting that holds leaders and institutions accountable; addresses critical information needs; supports people in navigating civic life; and equips people with the information necessary to partake in effective community engagement. If there is a story or event you think we should cover, please send your tips to news@followsouthjersey.com with “NEWS” in the subject line.
