In battling antisemitism, remember: ‘Anti-bias work is everyone’s work’
We must transform our small groups of concerned citizens into a large chorus, acting together to overcome bias and injustice.
In 1978, there was a racially motivated fight at Acton-Carlisle High School. Feeling unsafe, 36 Black students then withdrew from CCHS. In a community-wide response, a powerful question was posed by Acton resident Charles Willie: If the town could form a committee to safely fire a cannon on Patriots Day, could it also form one to ensure the safety of students of different races attending school together? This pivotal moment led to the creation of the Acton-Carlisle Human Rights Council (CCHRC).
Today, we face a similar challenge. Recent, serious claims of antisemitism in our schools sadly highlight that some members of our community, particularly our Jewish friends and neighbors, do not always feel safe and welcome. A truly welcoming community must be a safe community, and these most recent charges demand our immediate attention and a collective response. We commend our Select Board for their prompt actions to date, which have given hope and a voice to those who have experienced pain.
The CCHRC was formed precisely to address such moments of hate and harm and to ensure they do not happen in the future. Sadly, we believe that we must again acknowledge conditions that require our commitment and action. We must transform our small groups of concerned citizens into a large chorus, acting together to overcome bias and injustice.
We call upon our elected leaders, social justice organizations, faith groups, and all citizens of goodwill to join in a collective effort to create a truly welcoming and safe community for all. Anti-bias work is everyone’s work. Please watch for upcoming opportunities to contribute.
Court Booth
Wright Road
Rich Yamartino
Orchard Drive, Sudbury
Co-chairs, Acton-Carlisle Human Rights Council
