Outrage Grows Over Marlboro School Board’s Group Chat Scandal
This week, New Jersey residents expressed their outrage at the Marlboro School Board during a lengthy six-hour meeting. Many called for the implementation of civility policies following the revelation of a disturbing group chat that targeted conservative female board members.
Over 100 community members gathered on Tuesday in this predominantly liberal area, shaken by a Facebook post that exposed five men, including board vice chairman Chad Hyett and current member Mitesh Gandhi, participating in a group chat titled “ThisBitchNeedstoDie.”
The shocking messages drew national attention, even catching the ire of Senator Ted Cruz from Texas after being reported. The chat made disparaging remarks about MAGA-supporting mother Danielle Bellomo, including a crude comment about her appearance.
A photograph of Scott Semaya, a candidate for the board, revealed him typing inappropriate text during a meeting, leading to his decision to withdraw from the race.
“Five men ganging up on women? I think it’s just pitiful. It’s heart-wrenching. Really, this is completely unacceptable. No apologies? What’s going on here?” Doug Moore, a parent of a kindergartener, told the board.
“These are not the kind of people who should be around children,” added resident Eugene Jenin.
Mark Chesler received applause when he asked if the board members had the morals required for their positions. “You constantly attack each other, but it stems from a perverse sense of pride,” he remarked. “You seem more focused on your personal agendas than the welfare of the kids.”
In addition to Hyett, Gandhi, and Semaya, the controversy also involved former board candidate Nirav Kadakia. The fallout from this incident caught the attention of Senator Cruz after being highlighted in media reports.
“This is wrong and evil,” Cruz asserted on social media.
Following public comments, the board proceeded to another meeting. While Mr. Bellomo chose not to attend, Mr. Hyett and Mr. Gandhi did not resign. The board later released a statement condemning the group chat as “offensive.”
A vote to remove board chairman Brian Cohen, who allegedly didn’t partake in the chat, was unsuccessful.
Mr. Bellomo and others questioned why the board failed to act based on established policies that prohibit threats against board members and enable banning of disruptive individuals.
Bellomo expressed disappointment over the board’s lack of action, stating, “They did nothing to protect me or to address those involved.”
The Marlborough Police Department announced on Wednesday that they are actively investigating the text messages.
Later, Bellomo shared with the press that it was empowering to witness community support but acknowledged that the situation had been challenging for her family. “My kids are really struggling with this,” she said.
She noted that she had been receiving threats for several months but chose not to elaborate further.
“There are other communications that, to me, contain truly alarming messages,” she added. “The police are gathering additional information.” Superintendent Michael Barone, Mr. Cohen, and the suspected chat participants did not respond to requests for comments.
