One post called for Muslims to leave the country
ELMWOOD PARK -- Borough school board member Gladys Gryskiewicz has faced a chorus of calls for her to step down after anti-Muslim posts on her Facebook account became public.
The latest statement came from state Sen. Nellie Pou, who said Gryskiewicz should step down.
"There is no place in our schools for the type of discriminatory and hateful remarks made by Ms. Gryskiewicz," Pou said. "Her comments are inappropriate and offensive, and for an individual who serves in a leadership role in the school district, they are unacceptable. At a time when we need to be teaching acceptance and understanding to our students, her conduct sends the exact wrong message."
The posts on Gryskiewicz's personal Facebook account included one message that said Muslims should "(s)tay in your desserts [sic] and follow your religion in your own countries," a news release from the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said.
BOE member with anti-Muslim posts urged to resign
Assemblyman Gary Schaer and Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly have also issued statements urging Gryskiewicz to leave her elected position.
Gryskiewicz did not respond to a request for comment. She previously said she would not step down.
Readers have also reacted on NJ.com.
A comment from littleblueharedcatladyofNJ said:
"Whatever happened to FREE speech? Why should her personal FB page, or anyone's FB pg for that matter, be censored? She has a right to her beliefs in her private life, as unpopular as they may be."
Meanwhile, NJ.com reader bospherus offered this response:
"Perhaps this school board member better re-read the founding principle documents of our country. Our fore-fathers left their lands to escape religious persecution and tyranny. We should welcome those current humans trying to do the same."
On the NJ.com Facebook page, one user had another suggestion for handling the issue:
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