Originally Posted on News Channel 12’s website
JERSEY CITY – Dozens of Jersey City students and parents may be out thousands of dollars due to the terror attacks in Brussels.
About 50 students from Hudson County Prep were scheduled to leave Thursday for a class trip touring Europe. The students even brought their luggage to school Wednesday to be screened by the school.
However, school administrators have postponed the trip due to the heightened terror alert in the wake of the bombings. The students were also told that they may not be getting a refund.
At least 31 people were killed and over 200 were wounded when several bombs went off at the airport and a subway stations in Brussels. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Parents at Hudson County Prep say that they understand why the trip had to be postponed, but wish more could be done to get their money back. The trip cost about $4,000.
EF Tours, the company that is running the trip, told parent Jackie Melendez that there would be a $1,000 cancellation fee. Melendez says that she didn’t cancel the trip, the school did.
“I think to send 50 American students in the middle of what’s happening is irresponsible so I’m in agreement with the superintendent,” says Melendez. “However, I don’t think we have to be penalized particularly since we all purchased travel insurance, which includes ‘peace of mind’ but doesn’t include world events. I’m not sure why that is. I thought that’s what ‘peace of mind’ meant.”
Melendez’s daughter, Jaimie Robertson, is a senior. If the trip is pushed back to August, she will not be able to attend because she will be in college.
Guillermo Cardona’s daughter is a freshman. He says she could still go on the trip if it was postponed, but says that he would still let her travel now.
“I am concerned about her safety of course, as well as the staff that’s going to be attending the trip. But I would hope that there’s some other options available besides losing the money we’ve already invested,” he says.
The school held a private meeting Wednesday evening with parents. School officials did not return News 12 New Jersey’s calls for comment. EF Tours was also not available for comment.
