ELMWOOD PARK — A third state lawmaker has called for borough Board of Education member Gladys Gryskiewicz to resign over her Facebook posts earlier this year focusing on Muslims.

State Sen. Nellie Pou, a Democrat representing New Jersey’s 35th legislative district, called Gryskiewicz’s statements “hateful” and “offensive” in a Tuesday release.

“At a time when we need to be teaching acceptance and understanding to our students, her conduct sends the exact wrong message,” wrote Pou.

Gryskiewicz, elected last November, did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday but has said she has no plans to resign over the posts, which included one where she wrote Muslims should “stay in your desserts[sic] and follow your religion in your own countries.”

Assemblymen Gary S. Schaer and Benjie E. Wimberly also have called for Gryskiewicz’s resignation, as has the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a number of Elmwood Park students and administrators, and at least two other board trustees. A change.org petition calling for her ouster had gathered 609 signatures as of Tuesday.

Gryskiewicz penned the series of Facebook posts in January and February. Screenshots of the posts were made public last month and have sparked a fierce backlash.

In one, Gryskiewicz states “we cannot allow Islam to take over,” and in another writes: “Why now are we giving into[sic] the Muslims way of life? The French told them to get lost. This is what our President should be emulating.”

About the Author

Author Profile

The Muslim Post

Web

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). ~ Quran 49:13