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Father Tells Board His Son Was Told He 'Doesn't Belong' Because He Has Two Dads; Calls for Community Support
Summary
Anthony Spizzato, a Sayreville parent, described a bullying incident in which his 9‑year‑old son Gabe — who has two fathers — was told he 'was not a good person' and that 'it would be better if he had not been born.' Spizzato praised district staff and urged the community to tone down rhetoric and use available resources for students.
Anthony Spizzato of Washington Road addressed the board in public comment about a recent bullying investigation at his son’s school. Spizzato said his son Gabe, who has two fathers, was told by another student that he “was not a good person” and that “it would be better if he had not been born.”
Spizzato said the school’s teachers, counselor and principal are “doing everything for Gabe” and thanked the district for its response. He urged the community to reduce hostile rhetoric — including anti‑immigrant and anti‑LGBTQ comments on social media and at public meetings — and to support vulnerable students. “For our kids in conflict and for the parents who hear my voice … please know how supportive everyone in this room is, including our district,” he said.
Following the comment, a board member responded directly to Spizzato: “There are people in this country and there are children in our district who do believe they are homosexual… and I will still defend those children till my last dying breath,” the member said.
The board did not take a formal vote on policy changes in response at the Feb. 18 meeting; administrators and board members reiterated that resources and supports exist and encouraged people to reach out to school staff.
