It’s time to call out antisemitism

As a longtime Acton resident and a concerned citizen, I write to voice concerns about the information reported in the Acton Bridge article dated July 11. I am grateful that this reporting has brought to light the allegations being investigated by the DOE’s Office of Civil Rights. The rise in global antisemitic aggression and violence suggests that our community must wake up and aggressively identify and expose these behaviors, instances, and causes. To be a beacon of justice demands we ensure complete visibility to what is going on in our school system. How can we react as a community to address antisemitism without the knowledge that it is happening here?

I am incredulous at the superintendent’s quote that “the district does not tolerate antisemitic acts between its students” given the detailed experience of the student at the center of the DOE filing. How can that be so? How can the soccer squads using Holocaust related team nicknames (which seems to be public knowledge) be tolerated? What steps were taken by the administration to protect vulnerable Jewish students to address the overall problem? What was the role of the DEI office?

I agree with state Sen. Michael Barrett’s comment that antisemitism must be dealt with and communities must call out institutional complicity, but how long have these words been said? It is time for action, not just words. Has our community worked to educate ourselves on what can be done? I disagree with Sen. Barrett’s dismissive remark that perhaps 15- or 16-year-olds were involved; we have seen the catastrophic damage students of this age cause when hate and anger for the “other” takes over.

I hope this community rallies to support our Jewish neighbors, friends, and the global community to confront antisemitism. Our school system needs help.

Claudia Blass

Old Stow Road