The Black Parents Workshop is dedicated to the academic success of Black children in public schools
The Black Parents Workshop is dedicated to the academic success of Black children in public schools
Black Parents Workshop v. South Orange-Maplewood (NJ) School District
Read the New York Times article "A Suburb Believed in Liberal Ideas. Then Came a New Busing Plan" that chronicles the fight for education equity in South Orange-Maplewood, New Jersey and the efforts of the Black Parents Workshop, Inc. in this struggle to support Black students.
BPW_Press Release_Lawsuit__February 27, 2018 (pdf)
DownloadComplaint_FINAL_Part 1 (pdf)
DownloadComplaint_FINAL_Part 2 (pdf)
DownloadFirst Amended Complaint Part 1 (pdf)
DownloadFirst Amended Complaint Part 2 (pdf)
DownloadExhibits_FINAL_Part 1 (pdf)
DownloadExhibits_FINAL_Part 2 (pdf)
DownloadExhibits_FINAL_Part 3 (pdf)
DownloadExhibits_FINAL_Part 4 (pdf)
DownloadExhibits_FINAL_Part 5 (pdf)
DownloadExhibits_FINAL_Part 6 (pdf)
DownloadExhibits_FINAL_Part 7 (pdf)
DownloadLetter to Assistant Commissioner of Education Kellie LeDet_February 28_2018 (pdf)
DownloadLetter to Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (pdf)
DownloadBlack Parents Workshop v. South Orange-Maplewood School District
NJTV - March 2, 2018
Black Parents Workshop v. South Orange Maplewood School District.
February 27, 2018 Announcement
Black Parents Workshop Candidates Forum - 2017
Our primary purpose is to advance educational equity in public schools.
We work to represent the voices of Black parents and to hold educators and administrators accountable for serving Black children.
We work to ensure that Black children have access to the tools necessary to advance their educational or career interests.
"Black Parents Sue Maplewood Schools Alleging Segregated Classrooms"_WNYC Radio NYC
"Parents Group Sues District Over Alleged Discrimination"_NJTV
"NJ district is segregating black students, suit says"_Star-Ledger
"BPW to file lawsuit against school district over racial disparities"_News Record
"We should all be ashamed: School struggles to close racial achievement gap"_Star-Ledger
"Two schools with similar demographics., yet different outcomes"_The Washington Post
"Fields: SOMSD Has Trampled Upon the Rights of Black Children"_Village Green
"VIDEO: SOMA Black Parents Workshop Holds Student-Led Candidates Forum"_Village Green
"Fields: South Orange-Maplewood BOE's Moral Compass is Broken"_Village Green
"Amos brings "Halley's Comet" to SOMA_News Record
"Maplewood seeks to replace top cop over controversial arrests"_Star-Ledger
"Letter: Black Parents Group Urges Maplewood to Remove Police Chief"_Village Green
"Letter: Community Leaders Must Not Be Silent in the Wake of July 5 Incidents_Village Green"
"July 5, 2016 Maplewood Police Audio Tapes: Get 'em Down Elmwood!"_Village Green
"Maplewood TC votes 5-0 to Release July 5, 2016 Police Tapes"_Village Green
"Opinion: Release the Maplewood Police Tapes; What Is There To Hide"_Village Green
"Local Black Parents Group Demands Maplewood Release Recordings of July 5 Incident"_Village Green
"Police videos from fatal shootings are public record, NJ Supreme Court rules"_The Star-Ledger
"Seth Boyden Parent Asks "Where is the Blood Lead Testing?"_Joe Strupp Blogspot
"BOE approves new executive director of special services, youth development"_Essex News Daily
Click on a file to download.
Click on a file to download.
For over two decades, Black children in the South Orange-Maplewood (NJ) School District have been treated as second-class citizens. They have been discriminated against in their assignment to special education, their disproportionate suspensions and expulsions, and their being tracked into lower level academic courses. Our fight is in ending the rampant structural racism in our public schools and to demand that Black children receive the education to which they are legally entitled. We will use every tool at our disposal – advocacy, protest, civil disobedience and litigation – to hold the school district accountable.
Six decades after Brown v. Board of Education, New Jersey schools are still segregated
Dr. John Ramos has tendered his resignation as the Superintendent of the South Orange-Maplewood School District. Read the story in the Village Green.
We are pleased to announce that the Black Parents Workshop is now a member of the national Dignity in Schools Campaign.
Who is responsible for school district policy?
The elected Board of Education is responsible for approving school district policy and the oversight of district administrators. Members to the Board serve staggered terms and school board elections are held in November.
What is the role of the district superintendent?
The district superintendent is an employee of the school district, its executive administrator who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school district. The superintendent reports to the Board of Education.
Does having Black administrators and Board members matter?
Not as much as one would think. We believe in holding all adults in positions of public leadership in our school district accountable.
Can I attend Board of Education meetings?
Absolutely and we strongly encourage you to do so. These are your tax dollars being used to support public education in our community. The Board of Education is answerable to you. At every Board meeting the public has a right to express its concerns to the Board during a period of the meeting designated as “Public Speaks.” You must sign-up before the meeting begins. A sign-up sheet is made available. You have two (2) minutes to address the Board on any subject concerning our schools that you deem important. If your comments exceed two minutes, individuals who have signed up to speak can cede their time to you. The Board does not respond to public presentations but your comments go on the record. We encourage you to write your comments and submit a copy to the Board secretary at the dais after your presentation.
Can my child take any available course?
Under school district policy (Policy 2314 – Academic Placement) it is the right of the student and parent to decide in which courses to enroll. While guidance counselors and teachers can “recommend” placement, they cannot obstruct placement. This is particularly important for courses offered in Columbia High School where Black students have traditionally been excluded from advanced level and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Has the district endorsed equity as policy?
On paper, yes. The new Policy 5755.1 Access and Equity states that the district is wholly committed to access and equity. The policy calls for the demographics of course enrollment to reflect the demographics of each school. Still, the district has not committed the necessary funds to make certain this policy will achieve its intended goal. We remain skeptical of the district’s efforts.
Do academic levels still exist in the grade/curriculum structure?
Yes, and we oppose leveling. While many school districts employ leveling or “ability grouping,” the practices of the South Orange Maplewood School District have been egregious. This is an area that is indefensible given the research on academic placement and the history of the district. We are currently exploring legal options to terminate this practice.
Is the school district integrated?
Only on paper. The South Orange Maplewood School District maintains de facto segregation in its classes in Columbia High School and the enrollment of elementary school students.
Do parents have legal recourse if their child is subject to discriminatory treatment?
Absolutely and we are strong proponents of seeking redress in the courts. We are particularly concerned about the treatment of Black special education students, teacher bias, unfair disciplinary measures and the degree to which Black students are denied access to advanced level and Advanced Placement courses in Columbia High School.
What should I do if I detect that my child has been subject to bias or discrimination in his or her school?
First, communicate your concerns in writing to the school principal and copy (cc) the school district superintendent. We advise you to never have “off the record” conversations concerning your child with a school administrator or teacher. Request a meeting. You may also request the participation of another adult if you feel uncomfortable in meeting alone. We are available to assist you.
How should I communicate my concerns to my child’s school?
We recommend that all communications with teachers and administrators be in writing, and you should request a written response to your inquiry. Keep all copies of your correspondence (e.g. letters, email, fax) and catalog (e.g. date, time, who you spoke to, substance of conversation) all telephone conversations. This is critical if the resolution of your complaint requires legal action.
Click on a file to download.
Click on a file to download.
Contact the members of the South Orange Maplewood Board of Education
Susie Adamson sadamson@somsd.k12.nj.us
Elizabeth Baker ebaker@somsd.k12.nj.us
Robin Baker rbaker@somsd.k12.nj.us
Anthony Mazzocchi amazzocc@somsd.k12.nj.us
Annemarie Maini amaini@somsd.k12.nj.us
Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad slawson@somsd.k12.nj.us
Javier Farfan jfarfan@somsd.k12.nj.us
Shannon Cuttle scuttle@somsd.k12.nj.us
Johanna Wright johannawright@somsd.k12.nj.us
Hannah Silver (Student Representative) boemembers@somsd.k12.nj.us
Contact the School District Superintendent
Dr. Ronald G. Taylor rtaylor@somsd.k12.nj.us
(973) 762-5600 ext. 1820
Review the district's FY 2017-2018 Budget documents.
Click on a file below to download.
Click on a file to download.
Please contact us if you suspect that your child has faced bias or discriminatory treatment.
Please contact us Monday-Friday or leave a message on our voicemail during the weekend.