NJ Vice Principal Faces Harassment Claims After Transphobic Rant

FREEHOLD, NJ — A Neptune Middle School vice principal who threw beer at a group who filmed his wife’s transphobic rant is set to have harassment claims against him reviewed by a municipal judge in Galloway Township on Thursday.

Michael Smurro is also accusing the onlookers of harassment against himself and his wife.

The vice principal tossed beer at a table of restaurant patrons who filmed his wife complaining about a trans woman using the women's bathroom at Fred & Ethel's Lantern Light and Tavern in Galloway Township on April 24.

A Facebook video captured by patrons shows Smurro's wife, Lisa, continuing to complain to a hostess, who then leaves to get the manager. Smurro can be seen in the background, tossing beer on the patrons filming and saying, "Here you go pal, there you go" while Lisa repeats "she's a man."

The Associated Press reports that Smurro has filed harassment complaints against Debra and Robert Harris, and Elaine Nelson, all who reportedly also filed harassment charges against the school administrator. The claims will all be discussed at the Thursday hearing, the AP reported.

A prior complaint filed by Carolyn DiPietro and Christopher Benino, who claimed they were hit with the beer that Smurro tossed, was rejected after Municipal Court Judge Howard Freed determined there was no probable cause.

“This case is about standing up against bigotry, bullying and violence,” attorney David Shanies, who represents the Harrises, DiPietro and Benino, told the Associated Press. “My clients rejected transphobic hate speech, and in response, Michael Smurro doused them in beer, challenged them to a fight and filed false and frivolous criminal charges against them. My clients are not intimidated and they will hold Michael Smurro fully accountable for his actions.”

A petition to oust Smurro from the Neptune Township School District — addressed to the Neptune Township Board of Education and the New Jersey Department of Education — has surfaced online, garnering over 9,100 signatures as of publication.

“A violent, transphobic and hateful physical aggressor does not belong anywhere near NJ children. We demand that he be removed from his position IMMEDIATELY, without pay, until a full investigation of this situation is complete,” the petition reads.

In an email to the Associated Press, Smurro apologized for his behavior and apologized to the person he reportedly threw beer at.

"I allowed my emotions to get in the way of my normally sound judgment and reacted in a way that was inappropriate. I do not condone violence or discrimination of any kind and should have simply walked away. I apologize to the person I threw my beer at and wish I hadn't done so. I apologize to anyone I offended."