Petition Calls To Oust NJ Vice Principal After Transphobic Rant

FREEHOLD, NJ - An advocacy group has started a petition calling for the firing of a Monmouth County vice principal who was recorded throwing beer at restaurant patrons who recorded his wife throwing a transphobic rant a South Jersey restaurant last week.

Philly Metro Activism Network started a petition last week calling for the termination of Michael Smurro, a vice principal at Neptune Township Middle School and a Freehold resident.

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 man just went into the women’s bathroom, and it’s not right,” Smurro’s wife Lisa complained in a Facebook video captured by patrons. “It’s not right. It’s not right. It’s not right. She’s a man in my bathroom.”

Video captured by patrons proceeds to show Smurro’s wife 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 Smurro’s wife repeats “she’s a man.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, the petition has garnered over 2,400 signatures. The petition, addressed to the Neptune Township Board of Education and the New Jersey Department of Education, has a goal of 2,500 signatures.

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

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."

The Neptune Township School District released a statement on its website Tuesday, citing its commitment to embracing diversity and empowering its LGBTQ+ students.

“This event is troubling as its perception potentially threatens the social-emotional well-being and climate of belonging that our Neptune School District community represents,” the district commented, according to the AP. “The actions shown in the video do not reflect our district’s commitment to inclusivity, cooperation, respect, and non-violence.

“The Board of Education and Superintendent will respond to this incident in a manner that is appropriate and relative to the seriousness of the situation and that takes into consideration the impact this incident has had on the reputation of our wonderful district.”