Parents and candidates urge civility after reported anti-Muslim smear campaign; board points to PTA council for outreach

Several community members used the board's public-comment period to press the district on engagement and on a wave of online harassment tied to a current local school board campaign.

Noah Sarani, who said he is running for the board, told the board he had experienced "negativity, misinformation, and personal attacks, including anti Muslim smear campaign directed at me," and asked the district and community to consider how to set a public tone that protects candidates and neighbors. "West Orange is better than that," he said.

Nicole Rufo, who said she manages campaigns and has been involved in local board races, amplified that account and described a pattern of what she called "very dangerous and hateful accusations that are full of racism and Islamophobia," largely spread online and often anonymously. "Just because someone is Muslim or wears a hijab does not mean that they are a threat to society," she said.

Other public commenters raised related civic concerns: William Donahoe (West Orange Parents for Education) praised recent budget sessions and urged continued outreach and parent engagement; Jacqueline Hendy suggested piloting a zero-waste pantry to help children bring unconsumed, preapproved lunch items home for families in need.

In response, Superintendent Moore suggested the council of PTAs (Stephen Little) as a coordination point for PTA-to-PTA communication and community projects; a board member voiced support for calls for civility. The board did not announce any formal policy action on the campaign-related complaints during the meeting.