Fair Lawn Mayor Says the Media Got the Story All Wrong

A Message to the Fair Lawn Public Schools Community

October 7, 2024

We write to provide important clarification in light of recent media coverage regarding the October 2nd Club Fair at Fair Lawn High School. Unfortunately, the article in question is inaccurate – it does not include all of the facts or share the actual context of the situation. To ensure transparency and provide a complete picture, the district is sharing this update with our community.

Fair Lawn High School’s Club Fair is a cherished tradition, where over 60 student organizations come together to showcase their activities and engage peers in participation. The event is organized with the oversight of faculty advisors and school administration, and all clubs receive equal guidance. All clubs follow the same rules and procedures regarding participation. The Club Fair is an opportunity for students to advertise their clubs through displays and to seek new members. Clubs are permitted to exhibit their organizations through their displays and messaging.

During this year’s Club Fair, both the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and the Jewish Student Union (JSU) were asked to make adjustments to items that had not been part of their original displays. The decision to ask both groups to modify their displays was made in response to the disruptive impact that certain items were having on the learning environment. The school did not take any position with regard to certain symbols or items that were added to those clubs’ displays but simply asked both clubs to restore their displays to their original content. The school appropriately ensured that the Club Fair event provided an open opportunity for students to explore the various clubs on display.

We are very proud to note that both the MSA and JSU are actively involved in the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) “No Place for Hate” initiative. In fact, student ambassadors from both groups played a vital role in fostering dialogue during the Club Fair event. Our students’ leadership and efforts to mediate certain concerns helped maintain a respectful atmosphere. We commend those students for their positive contributions. However, due to the disruption of the event and heightened emotions surrounding the displays, both groups were reminded to follow the event guidelines to ensure the smooth operation of the Club Fair event. While our student ambassadors made commendable efforts to resolve the conflict through peer mediation, the administration ultimately determined that direct intervention was necessary. That said, it is also important to note that no students were disciplined in connection with these adjustments and that the wearing of yellow ribbons by students is permitted.

Fair Lawn High School is proud to uphold a zero-tolerance policy toward hate in any form. As part of our ongoing commitment to the ADL’s No Place for Hate initiative, our administrators, staff, and students are united in standing against antisemitism and all forms of hate. We remain focused on building an inclusive community where every individual feels valued and respected. Student leaders continue to step up, inspiring their peers to be upstanding citizens, both inside and outside of school. We look forward to continuing this important work.

Fair Lawn is a diverse community, and we ensure that our schools, including Fair Lawn High School, provide an inclusive environment, supporting all students. We collaborate closely with various stakeholders to address community concerns, including local religious leaders, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and other groups to address sensitive issues with thoughtfulness and inclusivity. Moving forward, we will continue discussions with key stakeholders, including student ambassadors and the Community Leadership Council, in our ongoing efforts to foster an environment where diverse perspectives are respected and shared.

As a district, we remain dedicated to promoting peace, open dialogue, and mutual respect. Thank you for your support as we work together to maintain a welcoming and respectful environment for all.