NJ School Official Who Called LGBTQ History Lessons “Disgusting” Resigns After Zooming Herself On Toilet

The Hackensack Daily Voice reports:

A Hackensack School Board member who made national headlines by opposing a LGBTQ curriculum has resigned after an embarrassing incident during a Zoom meeting. Frances Cogelja didn’t realize she’d left her laptop camera on when she took it with her while going to the bathroom during the public comments section of a board meeting Monday night.

Nearly 150 participants, including students, apparently saw Cogelja relieve herself. No one immediately said anything when she returned from her trip to the toilet. A short time later, Vice President Scott James-Vickery reportedly told Cogelja: “You need to go. We’re here trying to get work done while you’re sitting on the toilet.”

Last year the New Jersey Advance reported:

A Hackensack school board trustee is facing criticism for saying in newly released emails that she is “disgusted and appalled” by a new law that requires public schools teach LGBT history. The trustee, Frances Cogelja, made the remarks in emails to acting Superintendent Rosemary Marks on Feb. 5, days after New Jersey became the second state in the nation to say schools must create lessons about the contributions of individuals who are gay and transgender.

“I find it repugnant that someone’s sexual preferences have anything to do with their contributions or achievements in society,” Cogelja wrote. “Everywhere I turn, this alternate lifestyle narrative is being shoved (down) our children’s throats. Where does it end???” She added: “I fear where we are headed as a nation.” Hackensack is one of several New Jersey municipalities with schools that have adopted policies to protect and advocate for LGBT students.

And there was also this:



A Hackensack school board member who sparked controversy last year over her opposition to LGBT curriculum is in hot water again after choosing not to vote on an anti-racism resolution floated at last Monday’s school board meeting.

The resolution, a late addition to Monday’s agenda, commits school officials to anti-racism and cultural proficiency in the 5,700-student district. When board members voted on it, nine members voted yes and Frances Cogelja abstained.

“Dealing with anti-racism in our schools and in our community, it is work that we are committed to as a district,” said board member Scott James-Vickery, who read some of the resolution into the record. Cogelja emailed NorthJersey.com on Friday to say she has a conflict but said she could not get more specific.