After Death Threats, Community Holds Anti-Hate Vigil To Support Bucks Co. School Board

FALLSINGTON, PA — After school directors in the Pennsbury School District shared recently that they had received threats of violence and even death, the community held a vigil Monday night to express "solidarity in the face of escalating racism and prejudice impacting school boards across Bucks County."

According to a news release, the event at the Garden of Reflection in Yardley was non-partisan and intended as a response to the "virulent messages."

Board president Christine Toy-Dragoni spoke publicly about the messages nearly two weeks ago, saying several were anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, and transphobic. Toy-Dragoni said she planned to contact the FBI about the attacks against board members, which included death threats against her and violent threats against her family.

Board members suspect the contact came from people who disagree with the district's masking policy and COVID-19 precautions and oppose the district's work around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

"The organizers and sponsors of [the Vigil to Unite Against Extremism, Hate, & Violence] call on the Bucks County community and all elected and aspiring school board members, as well as voters, to join us in standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion and to speak out against hate and violence in our schools and communities," representatives wrote in a release about the event.

People from around the county contributed messages of solidarity to a banner for board members. Several people gave speeches about their experiences in the community, and others brought signs emblazoned with supportive messages.

The long list of co-sponsors includes:

• NAACP Bucks Chapter
• PFLAG Bucks County
• Bucks County Anti-Racism Coalition
• Congregation Brothers of Israel
• St. Andrews Episcopal Church Yardley
• Temple Judea
• Anti-Defamation League of Philadelphia
• Congregation Kol Emet
• The Rainbow Room
• St. Philip’s Episcopal Church New Hope
• Shir Ami Synagogue
• New Hope Celebrates
• NAMI Bucks County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
• Youth 4 Unity
• Coalition of Natives and Allies
• Bucks County Kehillah
• Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
• GLSEN Bucks County (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network)
• New Americans Advisory Commission of County of Bucks