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Garden State Equality Appoints New Executive Director Amid External Review Following Former Leader's Arrest
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Garden State Equality, a prominent nonprofit advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in New Jersey, announced a leadership change on December 16, 2025, following serious allegations against its former Executive Director, Christian Fuscarino. The organization placed Fuscarino on leave immediately upon learning of his arrest and parted ways with him the same day. Brielle Winslow-Majette has stepped in as acting Executive Director to ensure continuity of operations.
Fuscarino, 35, turned himself in to Neptune City Police on November 21, 2025, facing one count of second-degree child endangerment and two counts of simple assault. The charges stem from an incident on November 9, 2025, captured on video in his Neptune City home, where he allegedly pulled a foster child—a boy—from bed, struck him multiple times across the face, and pushed him against a bedroom wall. Another adult in the home intervened, and later confirmed the events to a caseworker from the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, which notified the Monmouth County Prosecutor on November 20, 2025.
Garden State Equality stated it was unaware of the arrest until media reports surfaced on December 16, 2025, via NJ.com. Fuscarino resigned within hours of the story breaking, though questions persist about whether board members knew earlier. The organization, which receives significant state funding—including $2.5 million in the current budget and $6 million over recent years—emphasized its opposition to violence.
In response to the scandal, Garden State Equality's Board of Directors retained Lowenstein Sandler LLP on December 20, 2025, to lead an independent investigation. Matt Boxer, former New Jersey State Comptroller and chair of Lowenstein Sandler’s Corporate Investigations & Integrity Group, heads the team alongside Rachel Dikovics and Shontae Gray. "This team will conduct a comprehensive review of Garden State Equality operations and make recommendations to the board. Mr. Boxer, a highly respected voice in corporate governance, will have unfettered access to our operations," the board stated.
The board expressed deep concern over the allegations: “The Board of Directors of Garden State Equality Educational Fund Inc. is deeply concerned about the allegations against a former staff person that are circulating in the press. We stand against violence in all forms and take seriously our responsibility to steward the organization and its important mission. In order to restore confidence in our actions and operations...” This move aims to address transparency and rebuild trust among donors, stakeholders, and the LGBTQ+ communities served by the Asbury Park-based group.
Despite the upheaval, Garden State Equality reiterated its dedication to fostering lived equality for LGBTQ+ people in New Jersey. "Garden State Equality takes allegations against our staff seriously and we oppose violence of any kind... We will continue our important work with our acting Executive Director, Brielle Winslow-Majette. Garden State Equality’s mission remains unchanged. Our priority has always been, and will remain, advocating for LGBTQ+ communities in New Jersey to experience lived equality," the organization stated.
Founded to advance civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and all LGBTQ+ individuals, Garden State Equality has lobbied for legislation protecting against discrimination, supporting marriage equality, and safeguarding transgender rights. The recent events have spotlighted the challenges of leadership accountability in advocacy groups reliant on public funding. Community members and allies have voiced support for the review process while urging swift restoration of the organization's advocacy efforts.
Fuscarino is represented by Mitchell Ansell of Ansell, Grimm and Aaron. The legal proceedings continue, with Garden State Equality deferring to the courts. As the external review unfolds, the organization seeks patience from its supporters to maintain focus on its core work amid this difficult period.
