Students and residents defend PCC professor after council criticism during Paterson workshop

Dozens of residents and students used the workshop public portion on Sept. 9 to defend Professor Joe Keyes of Passaic County Community College after a council member said there had been parental complaints about his teaching.

Several students described Keyes's classes as inclusive and challenging. A student said Keyes created a classroom where students felt comfortable sharing difficult experiences and praised his mentorship. "He's a great teacher, and there was a student once that actually came up and felt comfortable enough to go up to the classroom and tell a story... and he gave great advice to her," one speaker said. Multiple alumni and current students said they would take another class with Keyes and asked the council to produce any specific evidence before repeating allegations publicly.

Council members and administrators responded to public testimony and urged residents to provide documentation if they believe wrongdoing occurred. Several council members thanked students for speaking and said complaints should be handled with proper channels rather than at the dais without evidence.

Next steps: Council members asked that any personnel or disciplinary matters be addressed through the appropriate authorities and requested that public speakers bring documentation to staff if they want follow-up.