Amity Releases Action Plan Addressing Anti-Semitic Behaviors

Written and shared by Amity Region 5 school administrators:

Message from Anna Mahon to ARHS Community –

Good evening,

Over the past few weeks, we have worked with students, faculty, members of the community, the ADL and district administrators to formulate a comprehensive plan to address the concerns regarding intolerant and anti-Semitic behaviors at the high school that were raised at the November 12th Board of Education meeting. Please find the action plan here. We will continue to work closely with students, faculty, community groups and parents as we move forward and work to make ARHS a safe, supportive and inclusive school community for all students.

Sincerely,

Anna Mahon

Principal

Action Plan for ARHS

To Address Anti-Semitic and Intolerant Behavior

Students:

• Large group reconvene on 11/20 to discuss last week’s progress and share the draft plan to solicit feedback

• Spirit Day change—Tuesday is “Stronger than Hate” day with student government supporting with pins; DECA supporting through stickers and T-shirts

• Ask Club Council to take on a “be kind” initiative to support the idea of using kind language and recognizing the power of words; clubs support clubs

• Story Corps idea for students to document their experiences and our school’s journey

• Social Justice programs for students (SCSU program next week, Exploring Justice, etc)

• Student representatives work with committees to help with (whole-school) communication

Faculty/Administration:

• Email or in-person follow-up from administrator after a complaint is made and is being/has been addressed

• Publish the plan to the District

• Follow up at December Board of Education specifically regarding anti-Semitic behavior

• ARHS art teacher will partner with AMS-Bethany Climate Committee to do an art installation

• Administrators work with the ADL to organize program for high school students to become mentors on citizenship for middle and elementary school students which can be delivered before the end of this school year

• ADL partner with the history and English department to review our existing Holocaust education and including a speaker (Holocaust survivor?) to include in this year’s programming

• ADL Programming for “Becoming an Ally” for student training

• Explore opportunities for cultural sensitivity training for faculty (specifically counselors and administrators)

• Restorative justice training for administration

• Explore the ADL piloted program “No Place for Hate” school climate initiative

Community Outreach—Send Amity representation to:

• Participate in ADL community program “Strengthening the Bonds of Our Community”

• Work with community organizers to discuss progress, programming and community concerns