Rebecca Petersen

By Sam Barron From Daily Voice

A school board member in Hunterdon County abruptly walked out of a Board of Education meeting amid allegations of transphobic comments she posted on social media.

Rebecca Petersen announced she was recusing herself from the Hunterdon Central Regional High School District Board of Education in Raritan Township at a meeting on Monday, Nov. 17, more than a month before her three-year term ends.

Petersen's term was mired in controversy over accusations that she posted transphobic tweets, according to NJ.com. Petersen has denied the allegations and said a judge overseeing her investigation found no evidence she was behind the X account. The X account has since been deleted, NJ.com reported.

"I've been investigated, prosecuted and punished for an alleged violation of the code of ethics without legal authority," Petersen said minutes into the meeting. "While we await a final decision, a judge overseeing my appeal has vindicated what I've been saying: There is no evidence in the record connecting me to the allegations this board brought against me."

The ethics investigation was one-sided, Petersen charges, claiming her attorney was excluded from a hearing and that she was not permitted to present witnesses or evidence that would vindicate her. 

Petersen largely blames Dorothea Kellogg, a member of the school board, for having a vendetta against her and trying to force her to resign.

"The judge found as fact during that trial Dorothea Kellogg stated the purpose of the board's punishment was to publicly humiliate me. Miss Kellogg and her collaborators continue to act in support of that stated goal of public humiliation," Petersen said. "She has vilified me for defending myself and called for my resignation. The board apparently believed I was supposed to shut up, take it, and if they had their way, resign from the board. They picked the wrong target."

Kellogg twice tried to limit Petersen's ability to vote, but she was denied. But her vendetta continued, Petersen said.

"She made passive-aggressive allegations to sow public doubt," Petersen said.

Petersen then announced her recusal from the board, but made a point to note she was not resigning. 

"My time on this board has been mired in toxicity and bald hatred fomented by bad actors within the district and the public," Petersen said. "People who get a sick kick out of humiliating others. People who place their thirst for power and ideology above the best interest in the district."

"I wish there could be more focus on student outcomes versus the hateful politicking this district has been forced to endure for way too long," Petersen continued. "Sadly, I think the selfishness and abuse will continue. I know the smears will continue."

"Have a good meeting," Petersen said, before gathering her things and walking out of the auditorium.

Petersen was defeated in her bid for a second term last month. Kellogg deferred all questions to Superintendent Jessica Cangelosi-Hade. Board President Lisa Santangelo did not respond to a request for comment at press time. An email to Petersen's board of education address was returned.

To view the meeting, click here.