New Jersey teacher speaks out after students write letters to cop killer

ORANGE (WABC) -- A New Jersey teacher has spoken out for the first time since being suspended after having her third graders write a letter to a convicted cop killer.

Marylin Zuniga is now apologizing and fighting for her job.

Speaking before the Orange school board Tuesday night, Zuniga said her class asked about writing "get well" letters to the inmate convicted of killing a Philadelphia police officer, but she apologized for publicizing the effort online.

Zuniga was suspended with pay after school officials learned about the letters.

The letters were delivered to Mumia Abu-Jamal in prison following his hospitalization last month for what his family said was treatment for complications from diabetes. The former Black Panther is serving a life sentence for the 1981 murder.

"Did they know he was in prison and maintaining his innocence and did they know he was convicted of killing a cop?", we asked Zuniga. "That's a great question," she responded. "I did not cover any of that in my classroom because that was not my intention."

Since being suspended, she misses her class. "It's been very emotional, it's been a hard time. I miss my students as much as they miss me," said Zuniga.

Asked if she had ever been involved with the supporters who were trying to free Abu-Jamal, she said "I don't want to answer, no comment to that question."

Zuniga said she had assigned her class in February to consider the theme of Abu-Jamal's quote: "So long as one just person is silenced, there is no justice."

"In April, I mentioned to my students that Mumia was very ill and they told me they would like to write 'get well' letters to Mumia," Zuniga said.

She told the board she made a mistake and had learned from it. She said she was prepared to resign to avoid consequences to her career if the panel decides to fire her.

The board met in closed session, before deciding to table to issue.

School board attorney Melvin Randall told NJ.com he had misspoke when he had said during the meeting that a decision had been made.

"No decision had been made," Randall said. "It was a recommendation." But Randall declined to say what that recommendation was.

The board tabled any decision on her status and she continues to be suspended with pay. Their next board meeting is May 12th.

Here is a partial transcript of Zuniga's statement before the school board:

"I loved my children the moment they stepped into my classroom. As a teacher, I am well aware that my role as an educator is not limited to the classroom. Knowing this is what inspires me to be so active in our communities. Since beginning my first year of teaching in September, I have had the privilege of working on multiple projects that provide great opportunities for children in our communities. For example, I helped establish "The Maroon Project" -- a new community organization based in Newark. I also coordinate Newark's first and only "Books and Breakfast" program: a monthly program that provides free books and healthy breakfast local youth and families."

"On February 5th I presented a do-now that stated: "What is the main idea of this quote: So long as one just person is silenced, there is no justice." This quote is by Mumia Abu-Jamal. In April, I mentioned to my students that Mumia was very ill and they told me they would like to write "get well" letters to Mumia. The most important fact to highlight in this entire matter is my love for, and commitment to, my students. I have always put my children first and I have never and would never put their safety at risk. I was very proud of my students work and I shared this on social media. I do apologize to parents, students and community members for having done that. My parents, co-workers, and students have always been aware of how much I care for my students and their families and for the entire Orange community. The love I have for all my students as well as their families and the community of Orange remains my first priority."

"There is nothing I want more then to remain teaching at Forest Street Elementary School. I made a mistake but I have learned from that. Given my record, I do not believe this one episode justifies my termination. However, if the Board has decided to terminate me, then I am prepared to submit my resignation to avoid the consequences to my career that would follow from termination."

(Some information from the Associated Press.)