Addressing Antisemitism And Bias: The View From Our Schools

The Westport Public Schools address antisemitism and other biases in many ways: in and out of the classroom, and during and outside the school day.

But educators know they can do more.

That was one takeaway from last night’s “Addressing Incidents of Antisemitism and Bias in our Schools” forum at Temple Israel.

A large crowd — and more watching the livestream — heard Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice, and nearly every member of his leadership team, discuss an array of efforts the district takes to confront a problem that is ongoing, rising, and part of American society as well as its schools.

Some of those efforts are proactive. Others are reactive. All, Scarice and others stressed, rely on the support of parents and the community, as well as educators.

Introducing the evening, Rabbis Michael Friedman of Temple Israel and Jeremy Wiederhorn of TCS told the audience — which included members of the Board of Education, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and state legislators — that Scarice and his administrators work as partners with local clergy to address hate incidents.

Rabbi Michael Friedman welcomes forum attendees to Temple Israel.

The presentation was divided into 2 parts. Much of it was devoted to antisemitism, though other types of prejudice, such as racism and homophobia, were mentioned too.

The first part  — “Prevention” — described staff training and professional development; curriculum and instruction; social emotional learning; student clubs and activities; special events, and parental outreach.

The second involved schools’ responses to incidents of bias. It includes prioritizing the safety of targeted students; gathering facts; education; communication with stakeholders; consequences and accountability, and restoration and training.

Scarice noted the importance of holding students accountable for their actions, while at the same time helping them understand the meaning and import of what they said or did.

Privacy laws prohibit schools from discussing individual incidents, or revealing specific consequences.

“We don’t behave a certain way because we’re fearful of being sued,” Scarice said. “We’re following the law.”

And, he acknowledged, “We can do more. We will still have bias incidents that are unacceptable. Kids will be kids.” But he committed the Westport Public Schools to continuing to address hate-based words and actions, wherever and whenever they occur.

(From left): Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice, Staples High School principal Stafford Thomas, Westport Public Schools Grades 6-12 social studies coordinator Lauren Francese. (Photo/Dan Woog)

One way is through a tightened, clearer Code of Conduct. “It’s squishy now. It needs to change,” the superintendent said.

The code is being revised and reviewed, with Board of Education oversight. Scarice urged residents to provide input, throughout the process.

“Westport is a competitive community,” Scarice noted. “Sometimes this does not bring out the best in people.

One result: students “exclude others, based on things like socioeconomic status, ability, race, religion and ethnicity.”

A new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging page on the WPS website offers more information on the school district’s efforts to provide education and resources to combat hatred, bias and misunderstanding, in all forms.