State commission offers recommendations to curb antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools
Antisemitic harassment, assaults, and vandalism have been
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Such incidents surged
Some schools have faced criticism for the timeliness and manner of their response.
The Concord-Carlisle public school system
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The 18-member state commission's final report on antisemitism in schools is due to be filed with the House and Senate by Nov. 30.
Among the recommendations adopted was a call for educating students about 'antisemitic tropes and myths' that are often seen online as part of teaching digital literacy.
The commission also called for adding lessons during Jewish American Heritage Month that highlight Jewish contributions to the United States; implementing mandatory anti-bias training for educators that specifically addresses antisemitism; and expanding access to Kosher and Halal foods in schools.
The panel's recommendations also urge the state to create a statewide bias reporting system that includes antisemitism as a form of bias, and to make changes to current curriculums to 'provide age-appropriate, balanced classroom resources to teach about Ancient Israel, Palestine, modern Israel, and Middle East conflicts in alignment with state history and social science standards.'
'These recommendations offer a clear, actionable playbook for state and local school leaders to create safer, more inclusive learning environments,' said state Representative Simon Cataldo, a Concord Democrat who co-chairs the commission with Velis.
The commission's preliminary report was hailed by state leaders, including Governor Maura Healey, who said her administration will work with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to review and implement the panel's recommendations.
'If we want to combat antisemitism and protect the members of our Jewish community, it starts with educating our children, building a better understanding of the Jewish experience, and making it clear that antisemitism has no place in Massachusetts,' Healey said in the statement.
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