Language is the most important way to free or enslave a culture – The Freedom to Read Act

My name is Ethel Hermenau, and I am a resident of Galloway NJ, my opinions are as a mother, Grandmother and citizen of the United States of America. I am on the school board in Galloway, but I am not representing them in this article these opinions are mine and do not represent the Galloway school board or Liberty and Prosperity. 

 IF YOU LIVE IN NEW JERSEY AND YOU HAVE KIDS OR GRANDCHILDREN IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL READ THIS ARTICLE!  FREEDOM TO READ ACT “MODEL POLICY – LIBRARY MATERIAL” TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY 12/25 IN ALL SCHOOLS IN NEW JERSEY. 

New Jersey is implementing laws at a prolific pace.  One must constantly be alert and stay informed about the developments in New Jersey.  In fact, the pace and extent of these changes are so rapid and significant that we may soon find New Jersey unrecognizable.

By the end of the year ever School Board is required to implement the “Model Policy” for Library Materials that the State requires now that the Freedom to Read Act is law.   Here is the State site.  Freedom to Read Act

Many individuals are often unaware of the implications of these matters; in fact, as a member of the Galloway School Board, I frequently find myself perplexed about the situation unless I conduct thorough research and review each policy, which I do, as it is the sole means of staying informed. Therefore, how can we anticipate that parents will comprehend what is occurring within the school when I, as a school board member, struggle to keep pace.

God has an extraordinary ability to capture our attention. In November, my daughter Paige reached out to convey her distress. Her daughter had to call her at work, weeping due to her own emotional turmoil. My 10-year-old granddaughter received a book from a teacher in Absecon that narrates the story of a young boy with autism. Both of Ellie’s brothers are on the autism spectrum. The story ends with the young boy taking his own life by hanging, a topic that no child of 10 should ever have to face. She was devastated and now worries for her own brothers. It is hard to comprehend that any child so young should be subjected to themes of suicide! I must reiterate that she is only ten years old and the book is titled “A Corner of the Universe” by Ann Martin. Read this article posted by Chaos and Control regarding the book and social media discussions. It is essential reading:

Assigned Trauma: Elementary Schoolers Devastated by Mandatory Reading Assignments

Due to the circumstances and my conversation with Superintendent Dr. Daniel Dooley at Absecon, the discussion concluded positively. I will refrain from detailing the conversation, except to mention that Dr. Dooley was not informed about the Freedom to Read Act’s ‘Model Policy’ and was unaware that its implementation was expected by the year’s end. Nevertheless, he assured me that he would investigate the matter.

After that conversation, I sent an email to the Superintendent of the Galloway School Mr. Santilli and the President of the Galloway school Board Mrs. Suzette Carmen.   I did get a response that it was late getting to them, and it would be uploaded before the meeting of November 17^th, 2025.    The policy was uploaded on a Sunday night so I had less than 24 hours to review it and I wonder if I hadn’t mentioned it would it have been on already shared agenda by Monday?  It wasn’t on the agenda as of Friday.

Monday night I was prepared to ask the School Board to consider implementing in age restrictions for age-appropriate content.  I read the following information see below: All this is public information however, the video from that night has been lost due to technical difficulties so unfortunately, no one can watch what happened on November 17^th, 2025, at the school board meeting.

Here is a recap of what I said at the Galloway School Board meeting on 11/17/25.

I highlighted sections in yellow of the “Library Material policy” 2535 (go to Galloway Township School (Galloway Township Public Schools | Home  go to Board of Education and then scroll down to Board Policy to look up this policy).   which CAN BE RESTRICTED for certain ages and grades if they are not age or grade appropriate – such as sexually explicit content that includes descriptions and depictions of sexual acts.

Here is the Freedom to Read Act,  Freedom to Read Act

“The BOE has final decision-making power to determine what is age appropriate. The review committee gives their recommendation to the BOE, but the Board is fully responsible within the law and in the eyes of the local community on what books are purchased and what books are removed(restricted) for certain grades. I can’t stress enough that as book challenges come up in the future, every book title that remains in the library will be a reflection of each board member’s personal views on what types of sexual material they believe children should be exposed to, and that view will be known to their neighbors and community members.

In addition, the one thing that is not in the policy you sent BUT can be in the policy is for the Board to adopt age-appropriate standards for librarians, review committees, and board members to reference. The Freedom to Read Law is a framework of what the policy must include at a minimum, but it can include more.

NJ Policy Alliance School Board Academy suggests the following:

The national School Board Academy recommends the following for Age-Appropriate Standards for Library books.  School Board Academy – Family Policy Alliance

High School books and materials shall not contain:

1. Material that would be illegal to give to minors, such as pornography or obscenity.

2. Visual or visually implied depictions of sexual acts or simulations of such acts.

3. Explicit written descriptions of sexual acts – except for scientific descriptions for science and health class; and/or

4. Visual depictions of nudity – except for anatomical diagrams for science and health instruction, breastfeeding, or classical works of art.

Middle School books and materials shall not contain:

1. Material that would be illegal to give to minors, such as pornography or obscenity;

2. Visual or visually implied depictions of sexual acts or simulations of such acts;

3. Explicit written descriptions of sexual acts – except for scientific descriptions for science and health class; and/or

4.   Visual depictions of nudity – except for anatomical diagrams for science and health instruction, breastfeeding, or classical works of art.

Elementary School books and materials shall not contain:

1. Material that would be illegal to give to minors, such as pornography or obscenity;

2. Visual or visually implied depictions of sexual acts or simulations of such acts;

3. Explicit written descriptions of sexual acts;

4. Non-explicit references to sexual acts, except to teach students to avoid and report molestation; and/or

5. Visual depictions of nudity or depictions that imply a person is not wearing clothing, particularly where private areas are strategically covered or not shown but where such depictions draw the viewers’ attention to the person’s private areas, except for breastfeeding.

After I read this out loud at the meeting, I was advised by Belinda D. Chester, CVA the chair of the policy committee (there are 3 members on it out of 9), that they would consider it and look into it which was great!  Since then, I am working on more info to be sent and keeping hope that maybe our next meeting on December 8^th next Monday night that they will consider age-appropriate restrictions on library materials and amend the current policy as it stands.

There is an article in the Press that was sent to me from someone not sure exact date as I do not subscribe to the AC Press.

It had to do with Ocean City’s school board meeting on November 20th, 2025.

ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY BILL BARLOW:   OCEAN CITY — A member of the local Board of Education questioned the school district’s policies for parents challenging library materials during the board’s most recent meeting.

Catherine Panico, who lost a reelection bid this year, raised the issue at a November meeting of the school board. She did not take a specific position on the policy but did call for the school to keep parents informed.

Panico previously opposed a state bill known as the Freedom to Read Act, signed by Gov. Phil Murphy last year, with the stated intent of preventing book bans. Murphy described it as protecting intellectual freedom for students and educators.

Panico had raised questions about the state’s proposed policy for school boards.

We have several policies in place that address language for reading material in the library,” board member Chris Halliday said during the meeting. That includes review by the Board of Education “to make sure it’s age appropriate” and ensure that the student population is served by the policy

That includes details of how parents can “opt out,” not allowing their children access to specific material. Panico said she was not speaking in reference to opting out, but about parents seeking to remove items from the collections entirely.

“We already have that,” Superintendent Christian Angelillo said. Ocean City schools have had a policy in place on challenges to library materials since 2009.

“So, we’re up to date,” Halliday said.

Halliday presented a report to the board on a meeting of the school board’s policy committee, which met just before the full board meeting, of which Panico is a member.

He asked that board members with specific questions raise them earlier, so that staff members have time to prepare.

“It’s better than bringing it up 10 minutes before the meeting,” he said.

“That’s not my fault,” Panico replied, because the subcommittee meeting took place 10 minutes before the full board meeting.

“The bottom line is that we have a policy that already addresses this and that governs it,” said Angelillo. He asked that board members give him a “heads up” about policies they are passionate about. “I think we operate best as a board together when we extend that courtesy to one another.”

Panico and board member Elizabeth Nicoletti were up for reelection, running with former member Robin Shaffer on a slate endorsed by conservative national organizations Moms for Liberty and Turning Point USA. 

Voters instead backed another incumbent seeking reelection, Kevin Barnes, and his running mates, Jennifer Dwyer and Jennifer Cawley-Black, who will join the board in January. 

At the November meeting, new member Lisa Mansfield took her oath of office after being appointed by the board to fill an unexpired term.

During public comment, Ethel Hermenau recommended the board adopt specific age-appropriate standards. Hermenau is a member of the Galloway Township Board of Education but said she was speaking as a private citizen.

“Your old policy from 2009 is really kind of a dinosaur compared to what they just passed, the Freedom to Read Act,” Hermenau told the board. She cited a controversial state policy on health education, which has been argued about in Ocean City for years now, which she said was against parents’ rights. 

Part of that policy prevents educators from discussing a student’s gender identity without that student’s permission, including with the student’s parents. Advocates say it is needed for students’ safety and protection, but that element of the policy has infuriated some in Ocean City. Hermenau said the Ocean City board had a chance to redeem itself by supporting parents’ rights related to library materials. 

“You should be putting the parents first, you should not be putting the state first,” Hermenau said. She also praised the efforts of Nicoletti and Panico, suggesting they deserved a standing ovation. 

the end…..

The article in question was rather uninspiring and, in numerous respects, not entirely accurate. While it contained some truthful elements, there were additional observations that should have been included to enhance its authenticity and relatability. For example, when Bill states that I, informed the school board they had an opportunity to redeem themselves for their inaction regarding the protection of parental rights, this remark followed my reference to the Colts Neck School Board’s commendable “Parental Rights Policy” that they recently enacted. I acknowledged the name of the School President,  ANGELIQUE VOLPE, PRESIDENT and expressed my intention to send her a thank-you card for her bravery in doing what is right!

If you are unaware of the events that transpired in Colts Neck, I encourage you to read the article below! This represents a significant victory, and every school board that genuinely prioritizes the welfare of children and parental rights should take similar action.

Colts Neck BOE passes parental rights bill amid LGBTQ criticism – Out In Jersey media

At that meeting at Colts Neck, I love the statement Shawn Hyland said at this School Board meeting to the opposition ““deeply offensive” to suggest moms and dads should have no right to know what curriculum is being taught, to access student records, to be notified of health-related decisions, and to opt out of “intrusive surveys.”  “It is both unethical and dangerous to advocate for that extreme position, yet sadly some do.” Hyland said, adding that the BOE’s policy does not create rights; it simply recognizes the rights already protected under existing federal law. He added that “keeping secrets from parents” violates the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. 

As my Pastor Kevin often states, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” There is no ambiguity in determining what is best for our children. Which side do you support? Make a decision and stand for something. Ideally, that something should be your children and your family.  Our Children are non-negotiable. The only ambiguity arises when mental health counselors prepare to guide your children before you have the opportunity to do so, or when secrets are kept in schools that you, as a parent, are unaware of! However, there are a few of us advocating for your rights, and we require your support.

 Returning to the “Library Material Policy 2535” on December 8th, the School Board will conduct its second vote. I abstained from the initial vote, requesting the inclusion of additional language to safeguard our children with age-appropriate library materials, as previously mentioned.

However, I am not overly optimistic. Unfortunately, this is not Colts Neck this is Galloway.

I would truly appreciate being part of a School Board like Colts Neck; it would instill a sense of pride in me! 

Nevertheless, this does not imply that our School Board and your School Board lack the potential to achieve remarkable outcomes. I have observed that not only education but also boldness is what truly makes a difference. Parents can significantly impact the situation if they would simply come forward and advocate for their children and I am trying to educate them on the current circumstances of today.

 My suggestion, should you be reading this and believe that all is well in school, is to reconsider. “I love my teacher; they are so good and will protect my children,” but this is not the reality. A teacher cannot ensure a child’s safety when they do not have the authority to do so. If they are instructed and forced to act in accordance with the law or are coerced into compliance, they may have the best intentions and be highly skilled educators, yet they may find themselves incapable of making significant changes. They require your support as a parent to advocate for your children.

 Instead, I would encourage you to READ THE POLICY and determine for yourself whether it could be improved. Consider the Freedom to Read Act and reflect on why it offers protection to librarians but not to parents. These straightforward inquiries lead to a more significant question that I intend to pose to the School Board regarding the imposition of restrictions on age-appropriate materials for our children and go to the School Board Meetings in your town.

 My inquiry concerning this Model policy, which they are likely to approve on December 8th, 2025, in Galloway, comes after they have engaged in minimal discussion about it and prior to their vote. I will express the following.

The recent progress for librarians and media specialists in New Jersey is that they have now been afforded protection.  My inquiry is, shouldn’t there also be an ethical responsibility to safeguard parents, educators, and children?

I contend that this crucial question necessitates our deliberation on the potential implementation of additional restrictions or guidelines to ensure that age-appropriate materials are available to our children.  Do you not concur?
Would it not be advantageous to guarantee that all stakeholders are equally protected?
If we can accomplish that goal, why would we, as a School Board, not strive for it?

 Leaders in New Jersey have deviated considerably from God, which makes it difficult for Christians to understand the rationale behind this. Why are we pursuing this course? In spite of the circumstances, hope persists, and no matter how dire the situation may appear, the darkness cannot obliterate the light, as mentioned in John 1:5.

 I firmly adhere to the truths articulated by the Apostle Paul in Romans 5:20.

“The law shows us our sin, but grace reveals our Savior.” We need to realize that the power of grace is more than just a concept; it’s a reality that transforms lives and enlivens the spirit.

— John Piper

We cling to hope, understanding that the light will penetrate the hearts, yet it may require a deeper darkness for many to comprehend how far they have strayed from God. They feign contentment, aware in their hearts that something is amiss; however, what can one man or one woman accomplish?   With God, all things are possible. I would suggest inquiring of King David what one man can achieve or ask Esther what one woman can accomplish. Consider Elijah and what one prophet can do, or Moses, or even Deborah and what one woman can achieve. But ultimately, ask Jesus what one God, one Great God, can accomplish! he is the author and finisher of our Race.

 Stand and let the School Boards across New Jersey who do have the power to transform Policy know that you are not going to be silent any longer!   There are many Watchmen and women on the Wall in New Jersey, and we are sounding the alarm. Stand!