No More Passes: The Future Commissioner of Education Is RIGHT to Crack Down on Harassment Intimidation and Bullying — Especially Adults

Over a decade ago, the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (which covers ALL educational employees as well as students) — better known as HIB — isn’t just another checkbox in a policy binder. It’s a line in the sand.

Prior Commissioners have not really engaged in HIB investigations, but I can assure you the next one will. The message from the future Commissioner and Trenton is loud and clear:  No one gets a pass. Not the new teacher. Not the tenured administrator. Not even the retired educator online.

The next Commissioner of Education will make it clear — New Jersey will not tolerate HIB. Period.  

The Law Has Teeth — and It Bites Hard Under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (ABR), every school employee — teachers, aides, coaches, principals — is legally required to report any HIB incident they witness or hear about.

Fail to report it? You’re breaking the law. Participate in it? You’re finished.

This isn’t about red tape — it’s about basic human decency. Every word, every action, every liking, following, or original social media post... every “joke” matters. If it crosses the line, it’s on the record. And if it's on the record, you're done. You can kiss your certificate goodbye, your pension goodbye, and you could even be referred to the Attorney General for criminal investigation.

Accountability Doesn’t Retire When You Do

Let’s be clear — professionalism doesn’t end at retirement. When you’ve carried the title of educator, you represent that trust for life. Whether you’re volunteering, mentoring, or posting online, you’re still shaping how the public sees our profession, whether you being yourself or being a keyboard warrior. That responsibility doesn’t expire, and you will be held accountable for your actions.  

A Commissioner Drawing the Line

For once, the next Commissioner won't be looking the other way. The Commissioner will make it simple: adults are accountable — every time. This is the kind of leadership our system has needed for years — fearless.  

The Bottom Line

Let’s face it — education can be political, emotional, even messy. But protecting kids as well as adults isn’t up for debate. HIB laws exist for a reason. They’re not optional. They’re not flexible. They’re not going away.

If you can’t treat others with respect — you don’t belong in this profession, you don't deserve a cert, and you don't deserve your pension. Not now. Not ever.

If you're involved in this, nobody needs you, and nobody sure as hell wants you. You can be replaced in a snap, and in the same snap lose your certs and pension. You know who you are. If I were you... I'd get out...now.

Maybe you can keep your dignity and pension if you leave.