Addressing antisemitism in our communities and schools

Tomorrow we start a new school year, and we are looking forward to welcoming all of our students back. 

We know that each and every child expects and deserves to attend a school where everything possible is done to ensure the halls are safe and that a sense of belonging is fostered in the classrooms.

I am reaching out to you today to share the steps we are taking here in the Boulder Valley School District as we continue to endeavor to reach this goal, while also acknowledging that we have fallen short of our ideals.

This is especially important now, following a series of events that, sadly, show that even in our community, antisemitism still exists and is a problem.

Over the years, our schools have addressed incidents involving antisemitism — washing away swastika graffiti, responding to hateful language and disciplining students when appropriate. Too often, it was easy to view these incidents individually, rather than recognizing what they collectively told us: antisemitism is present in our community, and we must do more to confront it.

Last June, after school had let out for the summer, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) notified us of a complaint involving the experiences of a BVSD middle school student. While we cannot publicly discuss the details of an individual student's experience, the allegations were painful to read and prompted important reflection within our district.

Our schools had taken action in response to incidents when they occurred. But it is clear that those actions, individually and collectively, were not enough.

For that, we must do better.

Since receiving the complaint, we have met with the ADL, local Jewish leaders, parents, educators and others to listen, learn and identify ways we can strengthen our response. 

Those conversations have reinforced something important: responding to individual incidents is not enough. We need a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to preventing and addressing antisemitism across the Boulder Valley School District.

Taking action

 

As we begin the new school year, BVSD is taking several steps:

Strengthening our policies and procedures. We are reviewing and updating district policies and procedures to ensure there are clear expectations and consistent responses when incidents of antisemitism or other forms of hate occur.

Creating a coordinated district response to antisemitism. Rather than viewing incidents in isolation, district leaders will work across schools to identify patterns, coordinate responses and ensure appropriate follow-up and support.

Improving communication and access to resources. We have developed a new webpage that will make it easier for students, families and staff to report concerns and find information, resources and support.

Increasing training for administrators and educators. We will provide additional training to help our staff recognize antisemitism, understand its historical and contemporary forms, respond appropriately when incidents occur and support students who are impacted.
Creating a Superintendent's Title VI Advisory Council to Address Antisemitism. The council will bring together students, parents, educators, Jewish community members and other partners to help guide district leadership, as we work to make systemic changes.

Strengthening consequences for repeated acts of hate. We are reviewing our discipline matrix, including stronger interventions and consequences for students who engage in repeated acts of antisemitism or other hateful behavior. In serious or repeated cases, that may include removal from a school campus.

These steps are only a beginning.

Schools have a special responsibility. Our students are still learning — not only academically, but how to live alongside people with different identities, backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. When students make mistakes, our responsibility is to educate and intervene. When behavior becomes hateful or persistent, our responsibility is also to protect the students being harmed and to make unmistakably clear that hate will not be ignored, minimized or normalized in our schools.

There is no place for antisemitism in the Boulder Valley School District.

Addressing antisemitism will require all of us — educators, parents, students and community members — to recognize it, call it out and refuse to normalize it. It also requires us to listen when members of our community tell us they are hurting and to have the courage to examine our own actions and make changes when necessary.

Tomorrow, thousands of students will walk through our doors for the first day of school. Every one of them deserves to know that they are welcomed, valued and safe in BVSD.

We know there is more work ahead, and we are committed to doing it together.