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Avenel Middle School teacher alleges attempted book banning, seeks whistleblower protections; district officials say book remains on approved list
Summary
A tenured Avenel Middle School teacher, Everett Jackson, told the Woodbridge Board of Education he is a SIPA whistleblower, alleging retaliation after refusing to participate in a book‑banning effort. Superintendent Dr. Massimino and an administrator said the novel in question, The Pearl, is on the district's approved list and that the allegation was investigated.
Everett Jackson, a tenured language arts teacher at Avenel Middle School, publicly announced at the Woodbridge Board of Education meeting on Dec. 18 that he is designating himself a SIPA whistleblower and accused colleagues of attempting to ban a novel from instruction.
"I resisted and refused to cooperate in a book banning action by a subject leader at the school," Jackson said during the public comment portion, adding that he has faced retaliation and…
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