Edison board hears students’ claims that assistant principal threatened to revoke college acceptances; district says investigation is underway

Doha Afifi, a recent Edison High School graduate and former Muslim Student Association co‑president, told the Edison Township Board of Education on Monday that an audio recording of an assistant principal allegedly threatening MSA officers left students intimidated and fearful for their college futures. "They threatened that they'd be reported to their colleges," Afifi said during the public‑comment period.

The claims centered on a recording several attendees said captured assistant principal Nicole Himelstein threatening to contact students' college admissions offices and harm their prospects if they pursued outside support for a joint Iftar event. "The recording is there," Mohammed Ahmed said, identifying himself as the father of an Edison High student and saying his daughter shared the clip with him. "She threatens them. She threatens to call the colleges that they got into."

Superintendent Eddie Alderelle told the board he took the complaints seriously and that the district "immediately launched an investigation," but he said personnel matters are confidential and declined to discuss specifics in public. "Due to the confidential nature of all personnel matters, myself or any of our board of education members cannot and will not discuss publicly any details or actions," Alderelle said.

The allegation drew dozens of speakers during an extended public‑comment session. Students and alumni who helped organize previous Iftar events described the gatherings as long‑running, well‑organized community events without prior security incidents. "We had teachers, security and ticketed check‑ins; it was run safely for seven years," said Yasin Zahir, a former MSA president who said he helped organize the event.

Advocacy groups also weighed in. "This audio clip and the students' experiences must be investigated with transparency," an intern for the Council on American‑Islamic Relations said, urging the board to publish the investigation's results before the school year begins when feasible.

Other speakers cautioned against doxxing or threats directed at staff. A resident said last‑minute release of the recording had led to threats against the named administrator and asked the audience to avoid harassment while the board conducted its review.

Students urged the board to consider documentary evidence beyond the recording. "There are over 15 emails showing we planned this event; we stood in the office waiting for meetings that didn't happen," Ta'a Sheikh, one of the students named in the clip, told the board, asking officials to review emails and other records as part of the inquiry.

Separately, board members and administrators noted the meeting also covered routine business — personnel approvals, curriculum and finance motions, committee reports and a preview of an August strategic‑plan presentation — and a review of Policy 5756, the district's transgender‑student policy. Several public speakers tied their calls for policy review to the larger conversation about student safety and parental notification.

The board recorded motions and routine votes on personnel and finance items during the meeting. It did not take any public, disciplinary action during the session. Principal Ross said he would not comment on the investigation but affirmed his commitment to student safety and the school's culture.

The district did not provide a timetable for the investigation's completion during the meeting. Board staff said questions that require research would be answered in writing and posted on the district website when feasible.

What happens next: the district has acknowledged an internal investigation into the complaint and the audio. Board members and public speakers asked for the findings to be released to the community when allowed; students and advocates asked for steps ensuring student safety and clearer administrative oversight.