My name is Ethel Hermenau, and I serve on the Galloway School Board; however, I am not speaking on behalf of the school board or Liberty and Prosperity. The views expressed here are solely my own as a mother, grandmother, and citizen.
Are you a parent or a grandparent? If that is the case, how involved are you in your children’s education within the public school system? Indeed, I am sincerely curious about whether parents and grandparents are worried about their rights concerning their children in public schools.
I have observed that there seems to be a lack of engagement from parents at school board meetings, except for those who are actively involved in schools or unions; it is uncommon to see everyday parents attending school board meetings. A small group from the conservative side does attend, but that is primarily because I make an effort to inform them about the policies by discussing relevant topics at most School Board meetings, ensuring that parents are aware of the policies that are about to be enacted.
However, in many households throughout New Jersey, parents are preoccupied with their children’s sports, church activities, and work commitments in order to provide for their families and they trust their teachers and schools in helping educate their children.
PARENTS BEWARE!
Who has the time to attend a school board meeting and listen, especially when they are often unaware of what is actually occurring? Most school boards do not discuss agendas; they tend to pass them as swiftly as possible unless someone like me is present to highlight unjust policies that violate parental rights, which requires significant effort and often faces resistance. When you are merely one or two voices on a school board, your vote may seem insignificant; however, the ongoing demand for transparency can lead to meaningful change if you remain steadfast.
Therefore, this evening, I am praying to God to assist me in conveying to you kindly that your children need your involvement. Your children and grandchildren require your presence! If you do not participate and engage, do not be surprised when your child returns home confused about their sexuality in the 5th or 6th grade. Do not be alarmed when you learn that a boy who identifies as a girl is now competing against your daughter in the same sport in middle or high school. Do not be upset when your daughter shares a locker room or bathroom with a boy who now identifies as a girl. I have authored numerous articles, and I often wonder if anyone reads them; is there anyone out there who genuinely cares about the future of the younger generation and those who will follow? Has our society become so apathetic that it fails to comprehend the ramifications of policies that affect us all?
Children acquire knowledge from their parents; however, they also gain insights at an early age through school and social media. Who do you believe prevails if no action is taken? Our Faith compels us to take action and participate.
Number of ‘Non-Binary’ Students in New Jersey Up 4,000 Percent Since 2019
https://freebeacon.com/campus/number-of-non-binary-students-in-new-jersey-up-4000-percent-since-2019/
“Colts Neck School Board Summit – January 31, 2026”
The President and two other Colt’s Neck School Board members up top and Shawn Hyland from NJ Family Policy Center..
I was very impressed and glad I was there:
“On Saturday, January 31, school board members from across New Jersey gathered in Colts Neck for the New Jersey Family Policy Center’s Statewide School Board Summit. The focus of the event was strengthening parent–school partnerships and equipping local leaders for the challenges ahead. The Summit brought together these volunteer elected officials who routinely face harassment and misleading attacks from outside activist groups. Yet the atmosphere was anything but discouraging. There were constant applause, timely laughter, and prayer.
A key portion of the program featured local parents who currently serve on the Colts Neck Township Board of Education, speaking in their capacity as private citizens. They offered firsthand insight into the development and passage of the district’s Parental Bill of Rights, approved late last year. Contrary to some public claims, the Colts Neck Board did not create new policies or expand parental authority beyond existing law. Instead, they consolidated the district’s current policies—already grounded in federal and state law—into a single, accessible document. By organizing these policies into a clear, easy‑to‑read format, Colts Neck provided a model that other districts are now studying closely.
The goal for the Summit was simple: to help school board members educate parents to know what their rights are, how to exercise them, and what they can expect from their school district. Not a big deal, right? Who could possibly oppose that? Needless to say, the backlash was immediate. Activist groups aligned with the political Left, and backed by the NJEA, have erupted online with anger and alarm. Their messaging has leaned heavily on fear‑based narratives aimed at convincing their supporters that increased parental involvement is somehow a threat that will undermine public trust in educational institutions. Wait… What?”
Please read the article: _Op-Ed: Statewide School Board Summit Highlights Parental Bill of Rights
I had the opportunity to hear directly from the School Board about their efforts to enhance parental rights, and it was truly inspiring and encouraging to witness that some school boards are genuinely making a positive impact. In contrast, in many other School Board scenarios where one finds themselves in the minority, the tendency to approve everything the State proposes can be quite disheartening, especially when it becomes evident that they are unwilling to take further action to safeguard the interests of parents and children within their district.
Nevertheless, there is some positive news that promises to be transformative moving forward and we need all hands on deck!
“The Supreme Court Supports Parents’ Religious Rights in a Pivotal Education Case”
In the case of Mahmoud v. Taylor, parents from various religious backgrounds, including Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths, in Montgomery County, Maryland, contested the school board’s requirement that compelled their children to engage with materials that fundamentally opposed their deeply held religious beliefs. When these devoted parents sought basic accommodations – such as being informed when such materials would be presented and the option to excuse their children from this instruction – the school board heartlessly rejected their requests, asserting that administrative convenience outweighed constitutional rights.
Justice Alito, writing for the majority, provided a compelling opinion that reaffirmed essential principles of religious freedom. The Court acknowledged what should be evident to any advocate of the Constitution: Parents possess the inherent right to guide the religious upbringing of their children, and public schools cannot significantly disrupt the religious development of students. Please read the article: https://aclj.org/supreme-court/supreme-court-sides-with-parents-religious-rights-in-landmark-education-case
“The Supreme Court recognized the school board’s efforts to downplay their coercive actions as merely ‘exposure to objectionable ideas.’ As Justice Alito pointed out, these materials ‘clearly convey a specific viewpoint’ and exert ‘pressure to conform’ to beliefs that are ‘antagonistic’ to the parents’ religious convictions. This transcends neutral education – it constitutes government indoctrination that infringes upon the Free Exercise Clause.’
At the conclusion of this article, the ACLJ “American Center for Law and Justice” articulates this urgent message to parents –
‘While we rejoice in this significant victory, the struggle for religious freedom in education is far from concluded. School boards throughout America persist in advancing ideological agendas that infringe upon the rights of devout families. The ACLJ is prepared to defend parents whenever and wherever their constitutional rights are threatened.”
I recently participated in a Zoom call with the Pacific Justice Institute, an organization that assists parents, teachers, and school board members who seek support when confronted with challenging issues like parental rights.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahA1VviznzM&t=2316s
This law firm operates on a pro bono basis and is a nonprofit dedicated to providing assistance to many. They represented Hanover School in a case when New Jersey’s Attorney General sued the school board for upholding parental rights; I encourage you to read the article. It is difficult to comprehend that we reside in a free nation when school boards face lawsuits for defending the religious freedoms of parents and children. Below is just one of the many lawsuits that have happened in our own back yard to protect parental rights and Pacific Justice Institute and NJ Family Policy Alliance helped fight the good fight to protect your rights. (One article below for your information).
Lawyers are taking a stand against New Jersey’s infringement on parental rights: https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/lawyers-take-the-case-against-new-jerseys-assault-on-parental-rights
On July 25, 2025, the Cooper Levenson law firm published an article, and they serve as the legal representatives for our school board, as well as many others throughout New Jersey.
Supreme Court Requires Opt-Out for Parents Opposed to LGBTQ+ Curriculum on Religious Grounds | Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law
https://www.cooperlevenson.com/supreme-court-requires-opt-out-for-parents-opposed-to-lgbtq-curriculum-on-religious-grounds/
In this article, they concluded with the following recommendations:
Next Steps:
School boards and administrators should:
• Reassess the diversity and inclusion curriculum for younger students (Kindergarten through fifth grade).
• Seek legal counsel to ensure compliance with Free Exercise rights.
• Prepare for an increase in opt-out requests and potential legal disputes.
The last point is crucial for all parents to grasp; this is your opportunity to engage. If you are a parent who identifies as Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, or of any faith that prioritizes teaching your children your beliefs, it is essential to submit an opt-out letter to the principal of your school and ensure that your religious convictions are respected and your children are protected.
Were you aware –
“In numerous colleges throughout the country, the concept of “Inclusive language” is implemented in medical practices. For example, at Boston College, where parents or grandparents might invest around $89,000 annually for their children’s education, the term “Woman” has been replaced with “person with a uterus” or “pregnant person.” Our future generations face significant challenges if we do not advocate for the Truth! Charlie Kirk accurately reflects the state of America’s colleges today! But the truth is we need to start in the elementary schools before they reach college because they will already be indoctrinated.
All that you perceive as Truth may eventually be labeled as Hate speech, and in many instances, it already is! Act now before it becomes too late! We are engaged in a struggle for our children and their very souls.
Thank you Ethel for this pointed and well written report! You’re always a perfect advocate for life and liberty!
Bravo Ethel… you are always defending our children the born and unborn, you are a shining light in a dark world…. thank you! 🙏🏼❤️