Newton Mayor Announces Initiatives Aimed at Combating Anti-Semitism

NEWTON, MA - Mayor Setti Warren is enacting a new set of initiatives aimed at creating a safe environment for students in the wake of several anti-Semitic incidents in Newton.

In a statement Friday, Warren and Superintendent David Fleishman announced the new protocol, which aims to better prepare administrators to respond to hate speech and educate students on its significance, WCVB said.

The city has also hired a civil rights consultant to assist in putting forth the initiatives.

The decision comes days after three separate instances of anti-Semitic speech were found at Newton North High School and a week after its students were bashed with "You killed Jesus!" chants at a basketball game.

Administrators at Catholic Memorial, whose students perpetuated the chants, acted swiftly to apologize to Newton North students and the Anti-Defamation League.

Previously, the town and school officials were investigating three anti-Semitic incidents at F.A. Day Middle School, two of which went unreported for months.