Newark Students Demand Attention on Mental Health and Facilities

Newark high school students are calling for greater involvement in decisions that affect their mental health and school facilities. Their message was clear during the Newark Board of Education meeting on November 25, 2023, where over 20 students gathered to voice their concerns about inadequate support services and deteriorating infrastructure within Newark Public Schools.

Students from organizations such as The Gem Project and the Youth Power Action Coalition emphasized that solutions to pressing issues are often made without consulting those most affected: the students themselves. Many expressed the need for a more collaborative approach in addressing their challenges.

Students Share Personal Experiences

During the meeting, students provided firsthand accounts of their struggles with mental health, citing a lack of accessible resources. Cidell Torto, a junior at Science Park High School and a member of the Youth Power Action Coalition, highlighted the severe pressure faced by students. “I’ve seen so many of my peers crumble under the unhealthy pressure that has been placed on them,” Torto stated. “Mental breakdowns? We got it; Student anxiety? We got it; Easy access to mental health resources and trusted adults that make you feel seen? Well, we don’t have that yet.”

At Science Park High School, the single “zen room” is insufficient for roughly 1,000 students. Torto urged the board to create additional safe spaces for students to decompress and manage their stress.

The students also addressed concerns about the physical state of their schools. Patience Iwarimie, a former student at George Washington Carver Elementary School, recounted her experience of having to focus on lessons while water dripped from the ceiling into a bucket in the middle of the classroom. “It was distracting, irritating, and honestly, made us feel like our learning environment didn’t really matter,” Iwarimie said. She suggested that the board conduct a district-wide facility survey to identify where repairs and updates are most needed.

Call for Collaboration and Student Engagement

The Gem Project, a nonprofit focused on youth engagement and social justice, and the Youth Power Action Coalition presented research findings from focus groups that included over 90 youths. These findings were compiled into a white paper circulated to the board, urging a proactive approach to student involvement in decision-making processes.

Fatoumata Bah, a senior at Science Park High School, stressed the importance of including students in conversations before decisions are finalized. “It’s about shared accountability, not finger-pointing, not blame, but partnership,” Bah said. She emphasized the desire of students to be part of the solution rather than mere statistics reflecting failures.

During the October board meeting, some members of the coalition were not allowed to speak due to a lack of prior registration. Despite limited public commentary, one board member offered a motion to allow the students to present their views, which was ultimately denied. This experience underscored the students’ feeling that their voices are not adequately valued.

Jenny Idrobo, a program associate at The Gem Project, appealed to the board to recognize the insights and perspectives that students can provide. “When opportunities for them to speak are limited, it sends the wrong message that their voice isn’t valued,” Idrobo said.

The students have initiated a youth-led accountability scorecard to review how current policies and decisions affect their well-being and learning environment. Amanda Ebokosia, the founder and CEO of The Gem Project, explained the initiative as a civic feedback loop where students identify problems, gather data, co-design solutions, and publicly track progress.

Ebokosia urged board members to take steps toward collaboration. “I want you to know that these young people want to collaborate,” she said, referencing the emails sent by students requesting meetings with board members.

The students of Newark are determined to ensure that their needs and experiences are prioritized in discussions about mental health and infrastructure, advocating for a future where their voices play a critical role in shaping educational policies.