Bigotry in Acton schools ‘cannot be brushed aside’
That such hatred has been allowed to fester among our students evidences a stunning failure of school and DEI officials to do their jobs.
The Anti-Defamation League’s report of systemic antisemitism in the Acton school system should leave all Acton citizens with nothing but sadness and anger. That such hatred has been allowed to fester among our students evidences a stunning failure of school and DEI officials to do their jobs. How irresponsible and derelict in duty are school officials whose response to the religious bullying of a student is to place the victimized student — not the perpetrators — in isolation. And a school director of DEI who dismisses a blatant and vicious religious slur to simply “microaggression” demonstrates a reprehensible lack of sensitivity and understanding, and unfitness for mission.
Nor should the offending students be excused. To harass fellow students because of their religion and to hurl vile epithets is conduct that cannot be brushed aside. Rather, it should be clearly disciplined.
Kenneth Marcus, former U.S. assistant secretary of education for civil rights, called “the relentless nature of [the antisemitic] attacks” in Acton schools a “clear sign of an environment of hate and [fear].”
Is this what we want our town to be known for? Our town professes to have an uncompromised opposition to hatred. It must do much better to live up to its own proclaimed value.
David Siskind
Wayside Road
