In a shocking incident, a New Jersey school district has taken swift action by appointing an external law firm to investigate the exclusion of a Jewish student group from the high school yearbook. The student group's names were mysteriously omitted, and their photo was replaced with an image of a Muslim student group. East Brunswick Public Schools announced that they have engaged Brisman Law to conduct an independent review to determine the responsible parties, intentionality, and any potential wrongdoing.

The investigation launched on Friday, granting Brisman Law complete authority to thoroughly probe the incident. Superintendent Victor Valeski expressed confidence that the independent counsel investigation will uncover the truth surrounding this troubling occurrence. Valeski has offered apologies to both the Jewish and Muslim student communities, acknowledging the hurt, pain, and anguish caused by the event.

East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen has condemned the incident as a "blatant Anti-Semitic act" and urged the probe to assess the possibility of it being a hate crime, which could lead to prosecution. "Hate has no place in East Brunswick, and Anti-Semitism will not be tolerated," Mayor Cohen stated firmly, emphasizing the importance of a fair and comprehensive investigation.

The New Jersey office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations has also weighed in, calling for a transparent and fair investigation. Aya Elamroussi, a spokesperson for the organization, expressed concern over the incident's repercussions, highlighting that it has triggered negative backlash against Muslim students who were unknowingly involved in the misuse of their photograph.

The incident came to light on Tuesday when approximately 375 yearbooks were distributed to students at East Brunswick High. Superintendent Valeski confirmed that a new photograph of the Jewish Student Union has been taken this week and will be included, along with their names, in corrected versions of the yearbook set to be distributed in the following week.

The investigation's findings will determine whether disciplinary action is warranted, and a comprehensive plan will be developed to rectify the yearbook. Superintendent Valeski expressed his deep regret, stating that such an omission should have never occurred and attributing it to a lack of quality control and oversight.

As the probe continues, the New Jersey community awaits answers and hopes for a just resolution to this distressing incident, with the goal of promoting inclusivity and understanding within the school district.