Edison, NJ – The Edison Board of Education has launched an investigation into allegations involving an Assistant Principal at Edison High School and members of the Muslim Students Association (MSA).
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) claims that Nicole Himmelstein, the Assistant Principal in question, threatened student members who requested to organize a joint Ramadan celebration with neighboring schools. CAIR-NJ asserts that Himmelstein “intimidated” the students and has released a recording of a meeting held in February as evidence.
Edward Aldarelli, Superintendent of Edison Schools, confirmed the ongoing investigation to TAPinto Edison and issued the following statement:
“As the Superintendent of Edison Township Public Schools, I want to reassure our community that we are taking this matter seriously. The District is immediately reviewing the allegations raised by CAIR-NJ, and we are committed to conducting a thorough investigation. Due to the confidential nature of personnel matters, we cannot publicly discuss any details or actions.”
According to CAIR-NJ, Himmelstein and eight members of the Edison MSA attended the meeting. The organization has verified the authenticity of the recording and the identities of the speakers. Adhering to a confidentiality agreement with the individual who provided the audio, CAIR-NJ has refrained from disclosing their identity. The recording can be accessed through CAIR-NJ’s website.
CAIR-NJ states that the MSA convened with Himmelstein to discuss their plans for a joint Ramadan celebration by inviting students from neighboring schools such as Piscataway and North Brunswick. They noted that the Edison MSA had successfully hosted similar events in the past.
READ MORE: Islamic Jihad: Zionist Forces Aim to Undermine Resistance Through Massacres
During the meeting, Himmelstein allegedly informed the students that they were prohibited from hosting the event with other schools, citing ‘security concerns.’ In the released audio, Himmelstein is heard telling the students they could either host a celebration exclusively for Edison students or cancel the event altogether.
CAIR-NJ alleges that Himmelstein’s remarks were intended to intimidate the students and questioned their character. In the recording, Himmelstein purportedly says:
“I have no problem contacting your university where you got in and explaining what’s going on if you want to take it further,” Himmelstein says, according to the recording released by CAIR-NJ, “You guys are not upholding good leadership skills, and I don’t think any university would want to have students who don’t fulfill good character and values. Do we understand?”
Members of the MSA reported feeling threatened and discriminated against. Taha Shaikh, a former president of the MSA at Edison High School, expressed that Himmelstein’s actions felt like bullying, discouraging them from hosting the event and including other schools.
“CAIR-NJ heard from students who expressed how the joint iftar event between high schools near Edison is how they build, cultivate, and maintain a sense of community and belonging,” said CAIR-NJ Interim Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi in a press release. “It’s disheartening and extremely alarming to see a school official who is supposed to lead by example allegedly use her position of power to threaten Muslim students over an event aimed at nurturing their relationship and growing their community.”
