Hoboken's Charter Schools Fostering White Flight? Pictures from The Jersey Journal Tell a Much Different Story

Steven's Castle- Hoboken NJ 

On March 13, 2014 then Hoboken Board of Education President and Kids First member Leon Gold was quoted on Salon.com as saying charter schools in Hoboken, NJ are "fostering white flight." In other words, white students are leaving the traditional Hoboken Public Schools to attend one of the three charter schools in the city and by implication, that charter schools contain very little children of color or economic diversity. 

On May 23, 2014 the Jersey Journal reported on the senior prom of Hoboken Charter School located at 713 Washington Street:

HOBOKEN -- Luminous purple lights coupled with the mosaic details of the walls was reminiscent of a 1920's film. This was the setting for the small group of almost 30 seniors who gathered together for the Hoboken Charter School prom on Thursday, May 22.

The "Roaring Twenties" theme of the dance translated into the decor of the room, complete with feathered hats and beaded necklaces, which were placed in the center of each table.

A crowd of young woman embodied the style and grace of an iconic '20's woman, while the young men exuded charm in their crisp, mainly monochromatic suits, as they celebrated their 2014 senior prom, which took place at Room84 in Hoboken. By Chinedum Emelumba/The Jersey Journal 

Here are pictures that the Jersey Journal published online. Does this look like white flight to you?......

The students of Hoboken Charter School, located at 713 Washington St., gathered to celebrate their 2014 senior prom, on Thursday, May 22. Draped in their finest vintage inspired ensemble, the crowd danced through the night at the extravaganza, which was held at Room84 in Hoboken. Chinedum J.C. Emelumba/The Jersey Journal

White Flight? Of course not. But, the irresponsible language and terminology has left a negative impression about charter schools within the City of Hoboken and has caused a divide in the community. Dr. Gold's inaccurate and unproductive attacks on charter schools are unfortunate. 

Editor's Note: Dr. Leon Gold recently stepped down as the President of the Hoboken Board of Education. According to the Hoboken Reporter, Gold said it was simply time for time to step down. Gold was sworn in as President of the Hoboken Board of Education on January 7, 2014 and is stepping down 5 months from when his 1 year term was due to expire.