The first, reacting to the recent claims of anti-semitism at South Orange Middle School, stated:
When families shared concerns about instances of anti-Semitic
images and comments recently posted by students, school
administrators immediately initiated an investigation into
the specific incidents, and addressed the climate and culture
at SOMS.
While student confidentiality bars us from discussing both
the investigation and any resulting disciplinary action,
the South Orange and Maplewood school community
can rest assured that we take all issues of intolerance
and bias extremely seriously, and will support all of the
students involved, as well as the student body at large.
SOMSD values and honors our commonalities and our differences.
We are committed to ensuring that our schools are a safe and
tolerant environment for all of our students and staff. We are
planning several initiatives to promote tolerance and acceptance,
and to help students develop greater sensitivity to cultural
differences. We are also connecting with local community
leaders to involve them in the process. We will keep the
community informed of our plans.
The second appears to seek calm about both the SOMS situation and an earlier report of a racist posting on Instagram by two Columbia High School students.
See that below:
This week we have responded to several instances of students
posting culturally insensitive pictures and comments on
social media. School administrators are addressing the
individual incidents, using both our code of conduct
and restorative practices strategies to help students
recognize and address the effect of their behavior on the
school community.
We know that these incidents do not reflect the values
of the student body as a whole. They do, however, highlight
the need for us to really focus on one of the
strategies central to our emerging strategic plan:
We will infuse cultural competency in every aspect of our
learning community.
The district is committed to helping students understand
the impact their words and actions can have on other
individuals and on our communities, so that we can ensure
that all students feel comfortable and safe in our schools.
We also previously reported that CHS Principal Elizabeth Aaron had made comments to students on Wednesday and Thursday related to social media concerns.
See those HERE.
We will continue to follow the issue and related updates.
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