Two Masconomet Regional Middle School leaders recently testified before a state commission regarding an antisemitic incident at the school and efforts made to ensure the school is more welcoming and inclusive.
Middle School Principal Philip McManus and school counselor Jessica Goldberg shared their experiences with the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism during a Statehouse hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Antisemitic acts have increased in recent years, with the Anti-Defamation League of Boston reporting that incidents in New England tripled from 2022 to 2023.
Principal McManus and Goldberg shared the impact the discovery of swastika graffiti on campus had on the school community, and the importance of continuous communication with stakeholders. They were joined by Deborah Coltin, Executive Director of the Lappin Foundation in Beverly, which provided antisemitism education services and support following the incident.
Goldberg testified that she has become far more cautious on campus following the incident. “Imagine how a 13-year-old feels in this situation,” she said.
She added that unreported acts still have a significant impact.
“Students are expected to come to school to learn. When acts of antisemitism occur, whether it be an off-the-cuff remark or direct attacks, no matter the emotional response, whether it be fear, anger, worry, confusion and the list goes on, learning is disrupted,” she said. “While this disruption may be invisible to some, it is no less real to others.”
With the Foundation’s assistance, the Middle School held an assembly for more than 600 students in Grades 7 and 8. The assembly focused on the history of the swastika, the impact of hate messages, and the negative impact of antisemitism on the school community.
More than 20 students and staff spoke during the assembly, sharing their feelings about the incident as well as personal stories about antisemitism in their lives.
School Resource Officer Brooke Lindley of the Boxford Police Department stressed to students that it is important to make good decisions, and that hate messages and graffiti bring a police response and the possibility of criminal charges.
Commission members were particularly interested in the school’s quick and strategic response, leading to positive response from parents and the school community.
“They felt we provided a safe place for students to learn about the swastika and discuss it, especially because at that age a student may not know what that is,” Principal McManus said.
The commission was created in July and was charged with soliciting feedback from across the state on proactive measures to reduce the incidence of antisemitic attacks. Members include representatives of the House and Senate, municipal government, education, and law enforcement, including Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker.
The Middle School and district are committed to continuing its work with the Lappin Foundation around educating students about antisemitism and the Holocaust, and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school community.
(Testimony may be viewed here, beginning at 2:23:00)
About the Lappin Foundation
The Lappin Foundation is a non-profit community group dedicated to promoting Jewish heritage and awareness while also combatting antisemitism around eastern Massachusetts. It develops school and community programs, sponsor trips to Washington, D.C., Israel, and other places significant to their mission.