NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today issued the following joint statement in solidarity with New Jersey’s LGBTQ community and in condemnation of remarks made by Hackensack Board of Education Trustee Frances Cogelja:

“New Jerseyans take pride in our rich diversity and the invaluable contributions made by each and every community to our neighborhoods, economy, arts, and culture. Our LGBTQ community is essential to the fabric of our state’s identity as a warm and inclusive place to live.

“To preserve this strong sense of community and solidarity, we must be united in the goal of teaching New Jersey’s children the history of the LGBTQ community and the incredible contributions it continues to have on our state.

“Hackensack Board of Education Trustee Frances Cogelja’s comments are discriminatory, hurtful, and simply do not represent New Jersey values.”

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