Pushing superintendent to resign won’t address Acton’s need to combat hate

Acton and CCHS have no place for hate. We must do more to support our neighbors and our children, standing up against antisemitism and all hate, and ultimately create places of living and learning where all feel safe, welcome, and supported. 

I am writing as a mother, a resident of Acton for three years and of Carlisle for 12 years prior. I have four current/former CCHS students. It is incredibly concerning to read about antisemitic incidents in the ADL lawsuit. The experience of the student targeted — and of the parents seeking support and change — is horrifying, heartbreaking and unacceptable. Repeated incidences of swastikas and hateful graffiti at CCHS make clear that this is a broader, ongoing issue. 

While seeing a compelling need for change, I’ve also been encouraged in recent years by many actions on the part of the CCHS community — teachers, administrators, students, families — to promote inclusion and equity. We must double down on those efforts now. In today’s world of repeated hateful violence and antisemitism, and given recent issues at CCHS, more is needed. I call upon our town leaders and school administrators to lead the way.

I also hear some call for Laurie Hunter’s resignation. I don’t believe this is the timely answer, either as a CCHS parent or a professional with deep leadership and organizational change experience. I believe Dr. Hunter has done great things for our schools and has led us well through many challenges. I also believe that she can do more, and must be held accountable for building a true culture of inclusion and intolerance for hate. 

Let’s come together with Dr. Hunter and the CCHS team to identify and implement actions to create a safer, more welcoming CCHS. 

Kathleen MacDonald

Southfield Circle