On June 20, Manasquan High School Alumna Emmy Montgomery, Class of 2013, sought support for a letter she had penned with intent to submit to the Board of Education. The letter pressed for inclusive curriculum reform and a more suitable replacement for the controversial school mascot. In an effort to collect more signatures from the community, Emmy shared the letter on the MHS Alumni Facebook page. Almost immediately this young queer woman was subjected to over 700 comments that rapidly devolved into insults, ridicule, and cyber-bullying from adults ranging in ages 30 to 70, many of whom we consider to be our neighbors. As she thoughtfully and articulately attempted to create a more inclusive, compassionate and understanding discourse, Emmy was subject to personal attacks. While not entirely surprising, countless racist, homophobic and sexist comments shined a light into an unfortunate corner of our community.   

We as MHS alumni and community members are aggrieved to see that little progress has been made toward teaching anti-racism and inclusivity, and we are horrified that there are still so many people in our hometown that choose to personally attack a young woman and her efforts with such ferocity. We fully support Emmy, her letter, and the causes she is fighting for, and hope you will too. 

Sincerely,

The MHS Alumni for Enlightenment 

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Dear Principal Goodall, Dr. Kasyan, and School Board Members;

We write to insist that Manasquan High School (i) replace the antiquated school school mascot and slogan based on stereotypes with one that does not evoke racial imagery; (ii) craft a comprehensive curriculum addressing systematic racism in America, gender equality studies, and LGBTQ+ studies; (iii) adopt a no-tolerance policy and procedure towards racism, sexism, and homophobia; (iv) improve student and staff cultural competency, (v) conduct parent seminars on racism, sexism, and homophobia; (vi, vii) train staff on implicit bias; (viii) release the plan to the MHS community; (ix) examine how it can continue to facilitate diversity and inclusion in its student body, teachers, school board, and administrative staff; and (x) encourage all local schools to do the same.  

Read Emmy Montgomery's Letter to Manasquan High School in its entirety here x