An Indian-American 9/11 historian docent is running for a key educational office in New Jersey and if elected the position could help him play a key role in the US state's education system.
Sudhan Thomas, a business professional who has been active in the Indian-American community, is running for the Jersey City Board of Education.
Thomas is one of the 180 certified 9/11 historian docents who educates visitors at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, where his work has impacted millions of visitors and students.
He has also been actively involved in supporting veterans and LGBTQ equality. If elected, Thomas would be the first Indian-American in the Jersey City Board of Education. His campaign gained momentum after he received top endorsements in New Jersey, including by Ron Greco, president of the Jersey City Education Association.
"In vision, in experience and in leadership, Sudhan Thomas is the champion that our students need and believes in the promise of public education," Greco said.
New Jersey Assemblyman Raj Mukherji: "Sudhan Thomas is the right person at the right time for Jersey City. He is a parent and a business professional who has been active in the community, championing various initiatives over the last two decades. He represents a new generation of leadership that Jersey City desperately needs to address the challenges we face in urban public schools."
Mukerji is the only South-Asian Assemblyman in New Jersey City, which has a large Indian-American population. If elected "Now is the time to end the gridlock and initiate a progressive agenda in our schools. It is troubling that some Jersey City children attend school in trailer classrooms, without basic school supplies and infrastructure," Thomas said.
College Democrats of New Jersey has also endorsed Thomas describing him as a parent, educator, business professional, and a taxpayer who possesses that skill set which will significantly benefit students.
