AFT and AFT New Jersey leaders on Aug. 3 voiced their support for Norma Bowe (above), a registered nurse and Kean University professor who, with assistance from the ACLU of New Jersey, has filed a claim against the federal government over alleged assault by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
On May 25, Bowe was operating a mobile health clinic outside Delaney Hall in Newark when, according to the claim filed July 27, federal agents grabbed her “from behind and the side,” forcefully pushing her to the ground, resulting in “significant physical and mental harm.” She is seeking damages under the Federal Tort Claims Act for her injuries, among them a fractured kneecap and torn meniscus.
Bowe has described the mobile clinic as “the compassion lab” — a place where she and other volunteers “are taking care of people, sometimes even on a sidewalk, and we’re treating everyone with the dignity and respect that a human deserves.”
AFT’s national and N.J. leaders are expressing their respect for union member Bowe’s volunteer efforts, as well as her commitment to serving the community and Kean University’s students.
“Dr. Norma Bowe is one of the most respected faculty members within our union, the Kean Federation of Teachers, beloved by her students as a master educator and mentor and by her colleagues as a model of integrity. Her copious volunteer work, always in the service of others, has made her a stalwart of the communities in which she works and resides. The Kean Federation of Teachers stands unequivocally in solidarity with Dr. Bowe and calls upon everyone to join us in seeking justice and accountability for the heinous attack on her and the civil liberties we all cherish.” — James Castiglione, Kean Federation of Teachers president
“Dr. Norma Bowe’s commitment to her students, her profession and her community exemplifies the very best of our members. The Council of New Jersey State College Locals stands with Dr. Bowe as she pursues justice and will continue to defend those whose rights are threatened for serving others.” — Emari DiGiorgio, Council of New Jersey State College Locals president
“AFT New Jersey stands with its member Dr. Norma Bowe, who was simply exercising her constitutional rights, her rights as a New Jersey resident and following her belief in being a good Samaritan. Providing medical assistance to injured persons and families who are visiting loved ones detained inside Delaney Hall should not be met with brutality.” — Jennifer S. Higgins, AFT New Jersey president
“Norma Bowe has dedicated her life to helping the sick and the injured. It is because of compassionate and resilient healthcare professionals like Norma that patients know they will be cared for when they can’t care for themselves. The masked ICE agents who violently attacked her while she was providing urgent medical care outside Delaney Hall, and the politicians who sent them, don’t share these values. The AFT stands shoulder to shoulder with Norma. Her actions in standing up to government intimidation are those of an American hero, and we look forward to her vindication in court.” — Randi Weingarten, AFT president
