New Jersey School Ethics Commission clears board member Gail Nazarene

The New Jersey School Ethics Commission has cleared Gail Nazarene, a member of the Alloway Township Board of Education, of wrongdoing. The case originated after Nazarene used Facebook to ask constituents for their opinions on a proposed tax increase, maintaining that she was acting as a private citizen rather than on behalf of the school board.

The ethics complaint, which began in April 2025, had previously led to a First Amendment lawsuit filed by Nazarene. While the commission ultimately cleared her, the decision came just as her legal team, represented by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), prepared to appeal a prior dismissal of the lawsuit.

Nazarene’s situation has influenced state-level legislative efforts. Bipartisan state legislation, Senate Bill S-4091, was introduced in May to prevent the School Ethics Act from being interpreted in a way that limits the ability of board members to speak to their constituents.