✊ Protest Talking Points
Community members are organizing a protest to address concerns regarding the treatment of Dr. Lou Figueroa and the actions of district leadership. The key points of the protest include:
- Transparency in Ethics Decisions:
Demand that the Board of Education refrains from acting on the ethics opinion concerning Dr. Figueroa until Superintendent Victor Valeski releases the letter he submitted to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), to verify the accuracy of his statements. - Accountability of Leadership:
Call for Board President Heather Guas to either manage Superintendent Valeski’s actions appropriately or step down from her position. - Protection of Democratic Representation:
Oppose the suppression of Dr. Figueroa’s participation in board matters, which undermines the voice of the 7,755 voters who elected him. - End to Retaliatory Practices:
Highlight concerns about the NJDOE’s ruling that restricts Dr. Figueroa from voting on issues related to Superintendent Valeski and Business Administrator Bernardo Giuliana, viewing it as a punitive measure against his advocacy for budget transparency and reform.
Raise Your Voice at the May 7 BOE Meeting
We are urging every East Brunswick resident who values democracy and accountability to attend the Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Jon R. Kopko Administration Building, 760 Route 18. This is not just another meeting — this is a moment to be heard. Time TBD.
We encourage attendees to stand up during public comment and speak out. Tell the Board that suppressing Dr. Lou Figueroa is unacceptable. Demand transparency, demand leadership, and demand change.
Democracy Under Threat in East Brunswick: The Silencing of Dr. Lou Figueroa
In East Brunswick, a troubling pattern has emerged where elected officials are being sidelined by the very institutions meant to support democratic governance. Dr. Lou Figueroa, chosen by over 7,700 residents to serve on the Board of Education, now faces restrictions that prevent him from fulfilling his duties—restrictions imposed not by his constituents, but by district leadership and state authorities.
Superintendent Victor Valeski and Business Administrator Bernardo Giuliana have taken steps to limit Dr. Figueroa’s involvement in discussions and votes, particularly those concerning their own positions and contracts. These actions appear to be in response to Dr. Figueroa’s efforts to introduce an alternative budget and advocate for greater transparency within the district.
The NJDOE’s decision to bar Dr. Figueroa from participating in specific board matters, based on claims that he criticized the administration while still employed by the district, lacks substantiation. Records indicate that his public critiques occurred only after his employment ended, raising questions about the motivations behind these restrictions.
This situation sets a dangerous precedent: that elected officials can be muted when their perspectives challenge the status quo. It undermines the very foundation of representative democracy and sends a chilling message to those who dare to advocate for change.
As the community prepares to voice its concerns at the upcoming board meeting, it’s imperative that we stand united against efforts to erode democratic principles. The voices of our elected representatives must be heard, not silenced.
Address:
760 Route 18
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
