Whitesboro gala organizer Felicia Simmons asks that event organizers be heard
Organizer of the 2026 Whitesboro Black History Gala and Asbury Park community leader, in a press release
“I was the contact with the Lieutenant Governor's office, and I received an email informing me that guests would be attending. I also received a phone call from members of his staff regarding the space that would be needed. So when I hear the suggestion that Dr. Caldwell simply "showed up with guests," I believe that characterization deserves to be questioned. The investigation and public discussion should include the people who actually organized and coordinated the event. … Dr. Dale Caldwell deserves a fair hearing, just as anyone else would.”
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
Written statement by an organizer of the April 2026 Whitesboro Black History Gala, one of the events named in the anonymous complaint, published on the Preserve Whitesboro website. It describes her communications with the Lieutenant Governor's office and asks that event organizers be heard.
Reporting
About this source
New Jersey Globe's report on the September 16 launch of the "Let the People There Be Heard" effort by Caldwell supporters, including quotations from Felicia Simmons.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Coverage had reported that an anonymous letter alleged Caldwell brought uninvited female guests to official events, and the Whitesboro gala was among the events named. The investigation report had not yet been released.
After the quotation
On September 16, Simmons, the Rev. Elorm Ocansey and Shirley Green were identified as the people behind a "Let the People There Be Heard" effort calling for firsthand witnesses to be interviewed.
How this statement is classified
Case context: Should Dale Caldwell resign as New Jersey's lieutenant governor after the investigation's findings?
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
Relative to the allegations about guests at events, which the report later found substantiated as an ethics violation, Simmons disputes the complaint's description of how guests came to attend and asks that organizers be heard. She does not address the ethics rules or defend unpaid admission, so challenges the characterization fits better than defends or excuses.
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Should Dale Caldwell resign as New Jersey's lieutenant governor after the investigation's findings?
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
More from this case
Read the full case“The investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office. I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so. … These violations substantiated in the investigation reflect a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this Administration. The ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings. The substantiated finding of sexual harassment is extremely troubling. … As a former federal prosecutor, I’m committed to ensuring everyone is treated fairly. This investigation was thorough and impartial. It was initiated by the Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by a respected former state Attorney General. … The Lieutenant Governor’s resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents.”Read statement
“This unnecessarily protracted and one-sided process lacked the requisite due process that should be afforded every citizen of this state … The Lieutenant Governor was not provided a meaningful opportunity to address each of these anonymous allegations or offer readily identifiable witnesses who possessed more pertinent, first-hand knowledge of the events in question. … The most serious finding involves an allegation that Dr. Caldwell made an inappropriate comment during a car ride. Dr. Caldwell categorically denies making that statement. … There is a meaningful difference between making a good-faith error when analyzing the regulations and deliberately using public office for personal benefit. … The Lieutenant Governor participated in the investigative process faithfully to the limited extent permitted, expecting a genuine truth-seeking inquiry. Unfortunately, the report twists seemingly benign phrases, such as ‘executive presence,’ to imply improper motive; relies heavily and unduly on the anonymous complainant’s perceptions, characterizations, and multi-layered hearsay; and disregards the testimony of staffers who did not share those views, as well as the Lieutenant Governor’s own account.”Read statement
“It is deeply disappointing that today’s report has confirmed and substantiated the ethics complaints and harassment allegations against Lt. Gov. Caldwell. This situation has gone on for far too long, and if he doesn’t agree to resign, the Legislature should follow the necessary protocols to resolve this matter once and for all.”Read statement