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NJ mother of 6-year-old who died on bus petitions to enact Fajr's Law

Najmah Nash wants to make sure no other child is put in harm’s way. Her daughter, Fajr Williams, became unresponsive and died on a school bus in Somerset County.

Lanette Espy

Aug 4, 2023, 5:35 PM

Updated 504 days ago

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The mother of a 6-year-old with special needs who died on a school bus in Somerset County is fighting for a new law.
Najmah Nash wants to make sure no other child is put in harm’s way. Her daughter, Fajr Williams, became unresponsive on a school bus on July 17 in Somerset County when the harness of her wheelchair obstructed her airway.
Amanda Davila, the school monitor, was charged with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child in Fajr’s death. She is expected to appear back in court on Aug. 28.
Nash created a petition to enact Fajr’s Law. She's calling for the Board of Education to fire the bus company. She wants the Somerset Board of Education to have all bus drivers learn CPR and learn how to handle a child's special equipment. Nash is also calling for training to recognize all signs of distress and to have an emergency plan in place.
A change.org post started by Najmah Nash says, “We can't wait for change. Change needs to happen NOW!"
Williams had Emanuel syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that comes with some health conditions, such as epilepsy. She was also nonverbal and in a wheelchair. Williams was enrolled in an extended school year program at Clermont Elementary in Franklin Township.
As of Friday, the change.org petition has over 600 signatures out of its 1,000 goal.