Massachusetts commission studies antisemitism in K-12 schools

A state commission in Massachusetts held its fifth meeting on antisemitism at the Springfield Jewish Community Center, focusing on incidents in K-12 schools. This was the first meeting outside the State House since the commission's formation in 2024, following a 70% rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2023. Testimonies from community leaders and educators highlighted the pervasive nature of antisemitism in schools. Incidents included explicit antisemitic threats from students and hostile classroom environments. The commission discussed the need for better education and outreach to combat these issues. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education reported on new guidelines and resources to address antisemitism in schools. They emphasized the importance of teaching Jewish history and culture while ensuring that educational materials do not promote division. Longmeadow Public Schools also addressed a recent antisemitic incident, outlining steps to foster a supportive school climate.