Jessie Gomez

A state judge denied the Newark school board’s petition to remove member Dawn Haynes over a conflict of interest. The state’s commissioner of education will issue a final decision.

The district sought to remove Dawn Haynes after her adult daughter filed a legal claim against Newark Public Schools.

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Students and teachers at a Newark high school were subjected to “acts of anti-Blackness and anti-Black racism," a consultant's report says.

By Jessie Gomez | NJ Spotlight News Editor's note: This story was originally published by NJ Spotlight News and shared as part of

Before New Jersey's Acting Commissioner of Education issued his decision, state Administrative Law Judge William J. Courtney had also denied Newark Public Schools petition earlier this month.

Community members on Thursday urged Superintendent Roger León to address racial tensions in schools and provide transparency after a leaked draft report found Black students endured anti-Black racism.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said he aims to protect the city's immigrant families after a raid by federal immigration agents left residents with heightened anxiety.

Superintendent urged to address racial tensions at Global Studies high school.

Newark is the first city in the state to lower the voting age to 16 for school board elections and this week, local officials and groups will start promoting voter registration among teens.