Former Jersey City School Board President Banned from District

Superintendent says student safety and academic programs are top priority, despite First Amendment concerns.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Jersey City Board of Education voted 6-3 to ban former Board President and current Congressional candidate Mussab Ali from the city's public schools, citing his support for recent student walkouts protesting the actions of ICE. While the district respects students' First Amendment rights, the superintendent says their primary responsibility is ensuring the safety and security of all who attend.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tension between protecting students' free speech rights and maintaining order in schools. The district's decision to discipline both students and the former Board President for the unauthorized walkouts raises questions about the limits of student activism and the role of school leadership in these matters.

The details

Jersey City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Norma Fernandez stated that while the district respects students' First Amendment rights, their top priority is ensuring the safety, security, and academic programs for all who attend. As a result, students who left class or school grounds without parental permission for the recent ICE protest walkout will face discipline for unexcused absences. Despite his own protests, former Board President and current Congressional candidate Mussab Ali is also being disciplined by the district.

  • The Jersey City Board of Education voted 6-3 to ban Mussab Ali from the city's schools last week.

The players

Norma Fernandez

The superintendent of Jersey City Public Schools, who stated that the district's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety, security, and academic programs for all students.

Mussab Ali

The former Jersey City Board of Education President and current Congressional candidate who was banned from the district's schools after voicing support for student walkouts protesting ICE actions.

Matt Schneider

A Jersey City Board of Education member who expressed dissent over the decision to ban Mussab Ali.

Tia Rezabala

A Jersey City Board of Education member who expressed dissent over the decision to ban Mussab Ali.

Lorenzo Richardson

A Jersey City Board of Education member who expressed dissent over the decision to ban Mussab Ali.

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What they’re saying

“For generations, student walkouts have been part of American civic life. From the civil rights era to movements addressing gun violence and climate change, young people have exercised their constitutional right to peaceful expression. Supporting the First Amendment is not the same as encouraging disruption.”

— Mussab Ali, Former Jersey City Board of Education President (TAPinto Jersey City)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Mussab Ali to continue accessing Jersey City public schools.

The takeaway

This case highlights the delicate balance schools must strike between respecting students' free speech rights and maintaining order and safety. The district's decision to discipline both students and the former Board President for the unauthorized walkouts raises broader questions about the limits of student activism and the role of school leadership in these matters.