Racist rant lands Jersey City teacher on suspension

A teacher who shouted, "How many white people came and shot you today?" as part of a profanity laced racist tirade has been suspended from a Jersey City Middle School.

The teacher, who is not being identified, was apparently responding to a disagreement between two students and attempting to discourage resorting to violence to settle differences.

The incident reportedly happened at the Academy 1 Middle School.

A parent provided a recording of a portion of the 45 minute rant to the Jersey Journal.

The newspaper reports the recording includes the teacher telling the students and their classmates, "Your neighborhood is filled with violence. Who is perpetrating the violence? Black on Black. The whites aren't coming here shooting you all down. How many white people came and shot you today?”

In acknowledging the incident, interim superintendent Norma Fernandez, conceded the teacher's point may have been "well intended," but told NJ.com, "The language that was used and the references that were made did not really portray a positive message.”

School officials would not comment on the specifics of the incident between students that triggered the outburst from their teacher.

Teacher's union officials knew about the incident, but refused to comment on it.

As the investigation into the incident continues, the teacher has been suspended with pay.

NJ county fairs make a comeback: Check out the schedule for 2022

UPDATED 4/10: A current list of county fairs happening across the Garden State for 2022. From rides, food, animals, and hot air balloons, each county fair has something unique to offer.

(Fairs are listed in geographical order from South NJ to North NJ)

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Every NJ city and town's municipal tax bill, ranked

A little less than 30 cents of every $1 in property taxes charged in New Jersey support municipal services provided by cities, towns, townships, boroughs and villages. Statewide, the average municipal-only tax bill in 2021 was $2,725, but that varied widely from more than $13,000 in Tavistock to nothing in three townships. In addition to $9.22 billion in municipal purpose taxes, special taxing districts that in some places provide municipal services such as fire protection, garbage collection or economic development levied $323.8 million in 2021.

Eric Scott is the senior political director and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at eric.scott@townsquaremedia.com

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