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South Brunswick Board of Education penalizes Deepa Karthik
She had posted on her Facebook account about Halal foods.
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Tejas - Thu, 19, Jun 2025
- 00:13 EDT
- 15
The South Brunswick Board of Education building. / South Brunswick Board of Education website
The South Brunswick Board of Education has penalized board member, Vice President Deepa Karthik, over her recent social media post on Halal food. The decision was made at a special meeting conducted on June 4.
The controversy arose over her comment on Facebook regarding Halal certifications, which ensure that unsuspecting consumers buy Halal-certified Islamic food. Karthik posted that “As a Hindu, I don't consume Halal products. Halal is a specific method of slaughter and food preparation. There is no reason for tea, coffee, rice, wheat, spices, vegetables, milk, sweets, etc. to be Halal certified.”
This Facebook post was later asked to be removed.
Karthik said she was hurt by the misinterpretation of her post, as she did not intend to hurt anyone but the sentiment came from her cultural and Hindu belief of nonviolence, or the Sanskrit word ‘Ahimsa’, which prohibits harm to anyone, including animals.
The board, however, determined that Karthik had violated Policy 0169.02, which governs the use of social networking and social media platforms by board members.
In a statement to TAPinto South Brunswick, Karthik emphasized her multicultural background and said, “Recently, we were informed that Halal will be made available in the cafeteria. I welcome this inclusive move to support all those who require this dietary accommodation, and my colleagues on this board can attest to the same. This is again a testament to my cultural and religious inclusivity going back years as a person of Hindu faith, educated in a Christian parochial school, who grew up in a community that was predominantly Muslim. I have a fair understanding of pluralism and continue to cherish and have a warm relationship with many friends from various states, including the Muslim community.”
However, she alleges she was attacked as part of a “smear campaign” that intimidated not only her but also the rest of her family and previous board members.
Residents believe “Her social media posts are her personal views and are protected under the First Amendment.” One local said on condition of anonymity, “We are not living in a country that is governed by Sharia law. Here you can speak or share your views against or for something.”
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