Students back 'beloved' Piscataway educator in effort to overturn non-tenure decision

PISCATAWAY — Fearing a "Don't Say Gay" mentality is brewing in their school district, several students, parents, teachers and community advocates pled the case for a "beloved" Theodore Schor Middle School counselor known for her support of LGBTQ+ students at Thursday's Board of Education meeting.

Though Board of Education members cannot speak about personnel issues, it was understood that Cassia Mosdell, a school psychologist assigned to Schor, was not granted tenure for the 2022-23 year. Mosdell, a member of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), was informed of the decision on April 29.

Adults and students alike said the firing is in retaliation for Mosdell advocating for LGBTQ+ students and inclusive curriculum. On Sunday, the school released an email communication from Superintendent of Schools Frank Ranelli disputing that reasoning.

"In conversations among community members about why any staff member has been non-renewed, please be aware there is confidential, internal information that is not shared with the community, and shouldn't be shared as it is personal to the employee," Ranelli said. "I can say that the several versions of those reasons that have circulated on social media are inaccurate."

Currently out sick with COVID-19, Mosdell did not attend the board meeting, but provided a statement on Tuesday.

"I love my job and I love my kids," Mosdell said. "I am devastated by this loss and only want the opportunity to do my job as a behaviorist, psychologist and anti-bullying specialist at Schor school. I am especially concerned about the future of my Happiness Committee — a club of amazing student leaders that gives voice to LGBTQ+ students and their allies. I feel I've been treated unfairly, but at the heart of it, this is about the kids — especially those who are most marginalized and in need of support. We know that the district puts out statements about supporting LGBTQ youth. But actions speak louder than words. This year the district abruptly canceled classroom lessons to address the bullying of LGBTQ youth, and fired me for speaking up against a clear rollback of past practices."

Growing support

About 35 people attended in support of Mosdell. Those who spoke said Mosdell not being granted tenure was a "devastating blow" to students. Students specifically said they feel silenced and are heartbroken by her "firing."

"Our students value every conversation with her because of how comfortable we feel around her," said Armaan Puar, a student at the middle school. "She provides a safe space to discuss anything bothering us. She makes the Schor school community a happier and more joyful place."

The decision to grant tenure is one made by the Superintendent of Schools Frank Ranelli and does not come before the Board of Education, said Board President Dr. Thomas Connors at the conclusion of public speakers Thursday.

"We are prohibited from speaking about personnel matters," Connors said several times at the meeting.

Though silent at Thursday's meeting, in the letter sent out Sunday, Ranelli said "the Piscataway Board of Education and the Piscataway School District firmly support our LGBTQ students and encourage all members of our school community to act as their allies and value their friendship."

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Ranelli noted that in the 2021-2022 school year, the district formally created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Department headed by Dr. Alex Grey "to further build equity and inclusion for all students regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexuality, or disability."

"Our LGBTQ students are a vital and important part of our school community and we welcome and endorse activities and actions held for them and by them," Ranelli said.

This includes the "Day of Silence," Ranelli said. Ranelli said the district supports the annual event at the high school and middle schools. Others said the event at Schor was a reason for Modsell not being granted tenure.

During Day of Silence, which took place on April 12 in the district, students observe the international day of action by taking a vow of silence to protest the effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools and raise awareness about homophobic and transphobic bullying and harassment.

Ranelli said that one week prior to "Day of Silence," on April 5, the DEI Department shared a presentation to high school and middle school staff to ensure understanding for student actions that day. The presentation included statistics on LGBTQ youth health and the value of having Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) student groups in schools.

As of Tuesday, more than 990 individuals signed a Change.org petition encouraging tenure for Mosdell and for the district to renew her contract.

The petition's organizer and a parent, Tiffany Clark, said Mosdell was "effectively fired for advocating for LGBTQ students and LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum."

"Dr. Mosdell has consistently done outstanding work in our schools," Clark said. "Given the attacks on LGBTQ youth across the country, now more than ever, students need to see that they and their allies are valued by our school community."

After four years of arranging schoolwide solidarity and understanding with LGBTQ+ students, Mosdell’s lessons were canceled and her efforts were shut down, said Sherry Wolf, senior organizer for Rutgers AAUP-AFT and community activist.

"Mosdell was informed by administrators that she was not following the 'correct protocols,' even though she had successfully used similar lessons in years past," Wolf said. "This came after a parent was critical of the day on social media, despite an overwhelming number of positive comments from the community."

On Thursday, Wolf told the Board and members of the district that the decision not to grant tenure to Mosdell "smells like bigotry."

"What is happening in this district right now is perverse," Wolf said. "When you silence the Day of Silence and the people who've organized it, you tell the students and you tell the teachers and you tell the community that if you raise your voice, and dissent for whatever reason, and say something that may sound controversial, then you have to be silenced by this board. The impact of this decision will be real on kids' lives, in particular queer kids, and we know what's going on. There was a mental health crisis in this country. Don't contribute to it."

'A special role in their lives'

Called "a warm and loving mental health professional," Mosdell has more than 20 years in education and has been at Schor for four years. A psychologist and LGBTQ+ advocate, Mosdell is listed as Schor's School Anti-Bullying Specialist and is the founder of the middle school's Happiness Committee. Formed during the pandemic, the Happiness Committee gives voice to students who feel un- or under-represented.Most importantly, the group serves as a safe space for students to educate themselves on historical and current events and experiences as well as discuss personal and societal issues.

"People came to Dr. Mosdell," said Jordan Satterwite, an eighth-grader and Happiness Committee student-founder. "It's kind of like a getaway because she did deal with the bullying going on in the school and she made students feel safer. So now that she's not here, students might feel as if they don't have anyone really to vent to and so they will keep their feelings inside."

According to Jada's father Courtney King, about six students, including his daughter, participated in a walk-out in support of Mosdell on Monday. The students were warned not to repeat the action or they could face repercussions such as suspension. They were not suspended on Monday, he said.

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In 2021, the state passed a law requiring diversity and inclusion education in grades K-12. Yvette Jordan, of the Newark Education Workers Caucus, likened the move by the district to not renew Mosdell's contract as getting rid of lessons about the Holocaust or African-American history.

The next steps

According to the NJEA, an educator and member of the union has a timeframe during which they may request a statement or reasons as to why they were not renewed. Then after receiving the statement, they may request for a formal hearing, known as a Donaldson hearing, before the Board of Education. This hearing, which can be in a public setting, is likened to a job interview where the educator may pitch themselves and plead their case as to why the Board should overturn the recommendation of the Superintendent decision and hire them back.

Wolf called the decision to not grant tenure and effectively fire Mosdell as "reckless," particularly at a time when mental health needs for students and young people are at an all-time high and LGBTQ+ rights are under attack. Further, according to Wolf, Mosdell received "very high marks on all of her employment reviews."

During Thursday's Board meeting, several members questioned the Board attorney of their role in the process. After the public comment portion of the meeting, an executive session was held aimed at gaining an explanation of the tenure process, Donaldson hearing and the Board's role.

email: cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Students back Piscataway educator in effort to overturn non-tenure decision