An Open Letter Reprimanding My Child’s School For Being Silent On Anti-Semitism
Most parents of school-aged children have had a long year, to say the least. The difficulties of homeschooling, forced child mask-wearing and fighting for in-person learning have parents exhausted. Many parents suffered further when schools then wanted to discuss race relations with children. Topics such as riots, police brutality and racism felt premature. Additionally, with such an education gap, wasn’t now the time to focus on math, reading, science and literature?
Whether it’s the 1619 Project or Critical Race Theory, there is no doubt that liberal schools and elected officials are lobbying for equality and justice. Well, the last few weeks have brought inequality and injustice for the people and country of Israel.
Our schools are silent.
These same institutions that have sent emails, scheduled zoom calls, recommended reading to ensure our children were fair and just are now SILENT.
I spoke up. I asked my child’s school about all of this. Here is the letter I wrote to his school:
As you are aware, Haverford administration has sent a litany of emails this year regarding racial inequality. In similar fashion, many now inquire as to how Haverford specifically intends to address the current anti-Semitic, terrorist attacks in Israel with the students.
These events should be seen as of equal importance to children, parents, staff, alumni and faculty. All of these groups have encouraged discussions of justice and equality surrounding “Black Lives Matter.” Therefore, combating anti-Semitism should be discussed with similar vigor.
If we have learned anything this year, it is that the Haverford community speaks up when it witnesses acts of injustice. There is no arguing that what is occurring in Israel right now is completely unjust and immoral.
Therefore, please let the Jewish Haverford community know when the school intends to send a public email on the subject. It is only fair that you do so. Actually, it should be required. Everything that you have said this year would indicate that it was mandatory.
Please know this email isn’t one of condemnation, but intended to ensure our children are educated on the importance of all social issues. Thorough communication condemning all discrimination is necessary to be viewed as sincere and credible.
I know many parents are afraid to stand up, speak out, share their thoughts. They must. You must. We must. Without our voices, our opinions are not known. Share your opinion. TRUE equality depends upon it.
