Ed. Note: This is a media release from the Black Lives Matter-New Jersey chapters in Elizabeth and Paterson, as well as the statewide BLM organization. It is entitled, “Full Solidarity With Black Special Needs Teen Student Assaulted By Columbia High School Principal, Frank Sanchez.” The release refers to an agenda item at tonight’s South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education meeting where the board will vote to appoint former Columbia High School principal Frank Sanchez as “Principal on Special Assignment” until June 30th. (Full agenda here.) In March Sanchez was put on administrative leave through June 30th while a grand jury convened by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office considered charges of second-degree child endangerment and simple assault. Last week the grand jury declined to indict on the child endangerment charge; the assault charge was referred to Maplewood Municipal Court. For background, see here.

Black Lives Matter New Jersey Chapters are demanding the firing and termination of Principal Frank Sanchez effective immediately. Principal Frank Sanchez was arrested and charged by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for assaulting a Black Special Needs Student on March 9th, 2023. We are disgusted by the Grand Jury’s decision to drop criminal charges against Frank Sanchez. We are demanding that his simple assault charge remains.  

The criminal-legal system in this country has never been in the best interest of Black People. It has always been rooted and designed to be like Bleach. “Works for Whites, and Destroys Colors.” The level of pain, trauma, and suffering that is inflicted on our black students daily should never be taken lightly. We have a moral obligation to root out Anti-Black violence from the ground up wherever and whenever it is throughout this country.  

Anti-Blackness is white supremacy. All forms of White Supremacy in Action must be abolished in this country for once and for all. You would think even in an education-based setting, children won’t be subjected to fear and harm, however Black Students have never been safe let alone in their schools.    Black Lives New Jersey strongly condemns any so-called “Social Justice” groups supporting Frank Sanchez and his return to Columbia High School as principal.  

We are disgusted by the decision of the Maplewood-South Orange Board of Education for allowing Principal Sanchez to return as business per usual. This decision is evident regarding the long history of discrimination and violence against Black Students that has occurred in the school district.  

We are on a mandate in fighting in full defense of Black Lives each and everyday. No form of Anti-Blackness must not be accepted nor even tolerated. “We who believe in Liberation cannot rest until it comes.”  

Black Lives Matter New Jersey Chapters