Student's Antisemitic Comment Prompts Resolution By Manalapan BOE

MANALAPAN, NJ — The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional Board of Education felt a new urgency to take a formal stance against antisemitism, following a parent's comments about her child's experience being bullied by another student for being Jewish.

The board unanimously approved a resolution to, among other guidelines, respect all religions and to continue to address incidents of bias, but particularly to state that antisemitism is not tolerated in the district.

The resolution, approved Jan. 9, supplements other district procedures regarding bias, harassment, intimidation and bullying, including antisemitism.

But the board felt the need to take the action after a mother came to the board in December to relate an exchange her Pine Brook School child, 11, had with another child, who made antisemitic remarks and also showed a "middle finger" picture on a Chromebook to the students gathered for a lesson about Halloween.

You can see a video of that meeting and the parent's comments close to the beginning of the video.

The parent said four students in the small-group setting were discussing their favorite holidays. Two children said Christmas was their favorite; the parent's child said she did not celebrate Christmas. A fourth child asked if the child was Jewish and, the parent said, then chanted "Hitler, Hitler, Hitler." Then that child showed the offensive image.

The parent said the incident was traumatic for her child, who she said had the courage to continue her school day. She came home and told her parents about the incident.

Since Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked Israel and civilians there, resulting in the current war in the region, the parent said more incidents of antisemitism are reported.

She said "restorative practices" must be made in the district involving incidents of antisemitism as a way to turn "shame and punishment into accountability and responsibility."

"Fostering an environment of respect is the only path forward," said the parent in December, receiving applause from the audience and support from members of the board.

The parent also asked that specific changes be made to antibullying polices to address antisemitism - and also asked that parents of students in the district be notified of changes.

Parents should be educated "alongside our children and teachers," the parent said.

The school board, led again this year by President Brian Graime, worked to draft a resolution, and on Jan. 9 created a final draft that was approved by the board.

The district already has several initiatives focused on mutual respect and kindness among students, such as Week of Respect and special diversity programs, it was noted at the meeting.

But the parent's story galvanized the board, which just a month later, agreed upon the resolution.

"This is something we all felt we should do," Graime said Thursday, adding the board wanted to emphasize that Manalapan-Englishtown "does not tolerate antisemitism."

And he said the board made a thorough survey of other districts, and believes that this is the first such resolution approved by a school board in Monmouth County.

Working from a first draft by board member Jesse Tossetti, other members of the board contributed ideas and wording and the full board, in public, agreed to the resolution in the Jan. 9 meeting. You can see the full discussion here.

After the unanimous vote, Graime told the other members: "And that's how a board works together."

Here is the resolution in full, as approved Jan. 9:

WHEREAS, the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District aims to foster and maintain a safe and welcoming environment where all students can thrive without fear of discrimination or prejudice based on their religious identity;

WHEREAS, pursuant to data published by the Anti-Defamation League, since October 7, 2023, incidents of antisemitism have increased 388% within the United States and polls demonstrate that over 40% of Jewish Americans feel less secure than they did a year ago;

WHEREAS, antisemitism, extremism, and hate in all forms continue to threaten the safety and security of the Jewish community and our neighbors, friends, and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, students within the District have reported incidents of antisemitism, which the District and Board of Education have condemned publicly.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional Schools Board of Education:

1. The district will actively promote and embrace diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all religious backgrounds, including Judaism.
2. The district will continue to provide education and training to students and staff members about the history and impact of antisemitism, promoting awareness and understanding.
3. The district will continue to promulgate clear guidelines and procedures for addressing incidents of bias, harassment, intimidation and bullying, including antisemitism, ensuring a swift and effective response to any form of discrimination or hatred.
4. The Board reiterates its firm stance against antisemitic behavior within the District.