Latest news with #SimonCataldo
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
State commission offers recommendations to curb antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools
'It is my sincere hope that as our schools begin preparing for the new school year that they will look to the Commission's report for helpful guidance to prevent and respond to hate,' state Senator John C. Velis, a Westfield Democrat who co-chairs the commission, said in a statement. Antisemitic harassment, assaults, and vandalism have been Advertisement Such incidents surged Some schools have faced criticism for the timeliness and manner of their response. The Concord-Carlisle public school system Advertisement 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. Advertisement Nick Stoico can be reached at
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State commission holds meeting on Antisemitism
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The state's efforts to combat antisemitism continued Tuesday night during a meeting in Springfield at the Jewish Community Center. This was the fifth meeting held by the special commission on combating antisemitism. Co-chairs, Representative Simon Cataldo and Senator John Velis discussed with local members of the Jewish faith. Some shared their insights to how their community responds to antisemitic incidents, especially within the local school systems. Others also speaking on education efforts on antisemitism and the holocaust. 'Antisemitism has been around for ages—but what we heard today is that it has different manifestations of it,' says Velis. 'Depending where you are as well and particularly how you are going to respond to it.' The commission will last through November and until then, they plan to hold more community meetings before building a response plan. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
