Young NJ Dems, GOP, Greens Push For School ‘Protest Day’ Bill

NEW JERSEY — Three student-led groups of New Jersey Democrats, Republicans and Green Party supporters have put their political differences aside in support of a proposed state law that would give them an annual excused school day to attend a protest.

Earlier this week, a coalition that included the New Jersey High School Democrats, the New Jersey High School Republicans, and the Young Ecosocialists of the Green Party of New Jersey released a joint statement in favor of A-5666.

Here’s what the bill would do if it becomes law (read the full text here):

“This bill would permit public school pupils in grades six through 12 one excused absence to attend a civic event each school year. School districts would be permitted to provide additional excused absences for such purposes. Excused absences taken under this bill would not be reflected on student attendance records. Parents or guardians of pupils who wish to use an excused absence under this bill would be required to provide at least five school days’ notice in advance of the intended excused absence and such documentation as the school district deems necessary to prove that the pupil meets the requirements for an excused absence pursuant to the provisions of this bill. The Commissioner of Education, with the approval of the state Board of Education, would be responsible for prescribing rules relative to absences for civic events. This would include, but not be limited to, a list of civic events where it would be mandatory to excuse a pupil. The bill would not be construed to limit the right of boards of education to excuse absences for civic events not included on the commissioner’s list.”

The bill was referred to the Assembly Education Committee on May 12.

The coalition said it is following the lead of young activists in the Commonwealth of Virginia, who pushed for similar legislation signed by Gov. Ralph Northam into law in March.

Rachel Gurevich, a student activist from East Brunswick and the chair of the New Jersey High School Democrats, said the bill would encourage students to become politically active … even before they reach voting age.

“Having been involved in political activism since age 14, it’s been difficult to balance school and civic engagement,” said Gurevich, who volunteers for the bill’s sponsor, Assemblyman Sterley Stanley (District 18).

“The bill would allow youth aligning with the ideals of the Democratic party to participate in demonstrations, civic events, voting and activism — much of which will affect those same youth,” Gurevich added.

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William Atkins, chair of the New Jersey High School Republicans, said the bill would help create “healthy discussion” about important topics, while also making sure that students are able to safely express their political views.

“Civic engagement is what we need in this time of social distress,” said Atkins, a sophomore from Bridgewater who has been involved in several state and congressional Republican campaigns.

Atkins said the bill would also give young GOP members a chance to meet like-minded peers, who may not be willing to share their views in a classroom setting.

Matthew Skolar, a student activist from Kearny and chair of the Young Ecosocialists of the Green Party of New Jersey, agreed with his Democratic and Republican peers.

“Our government has an obligation at all levels to provide ample room for youth to get involved in civic engagement because it is our future to inherit,” urged Skolar, a rising sophomore at Davidson College who serves as outreach coordinator for Madelyn Hoffman’s 2021 gubernatorial run and a delegate on the Green Party National Committee.

“Either young people will be encouraged to be involved in the political process now, or our youth will have to wait until it is too late or extremely complicated to solve many of the critical issues facing New Jersey youth today,” Skolar said.

• See related article: When New Jersey Dems, GOP Agree: Going Beyond Blue And Red

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