The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) has canceled its Atlantic City-based annual convention which was scheduled to take place Nov. 8 – 9. The cancellation marks the first time in its 158-year history the statewide educator’s union will not hold its convention.
The Nov. 1 decision was made “in light of the natural disaster that has struck New Jersey and Atlantic City in particular,” said NJEA president Barbara Keshishian. “It was a difficult decision, but we believe it was the correct one, considering the statewide impact of this unprecedented storm.”
In order to allow association members to attend the convention, public schools throughout the state are closed for a two day recess.
“The NJEA Convention is a massive event, involving tens of thousands of people,” said Keshishian. We concluded it was simply not advisable to try to have that many people on the roads and using public transportation while so many communities are struggling to restore power and basic services to their residents – including NJEA members.”
Keshishian said NJEA leaders, staff and members wanted to help assist with Atlantic City’s recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy. “Accordingly, we have reached out to area officials to ascertain how we may be of the greatest assistance. People in Atlantic City are hurting, and we genuinely want to help them in whatever ways we can.”
According to the NJEA, the convention will be back again next year. “We look forward to a long and productive relationship with the great people of Atlantic City.”
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