Last week, we received concerns regarding a social media post and an email explaining the rationale for the use of a Menorah as the symbol for Jewish holidays and observances. In response we made a commitment to review and make changes to the Board’s online calendar to ensure it is representative of Jewish identity.
The Multifaith Calendar is a third party publication, and we have worked with the Multifaith Action Society to update the symbolism used in the calendar based on the feedback we received. While the calendar is not developed locally, we know it is important to not only hear the voices of our students, staff and families, but provide support in this advocacy.
The feedback was welcomed and provided an opportunity to make an important change, however it was disheartening and disappointing to see many messages and examples online and via correspondence of both antisemitism and Islamophobia. Any act of hate will not be tolerated, we are committed to addressing and eliminating all forms of hate in our schools and workplaces, including Islamophobia and antisemitism. We will continue to reinforce the use of the Protocol for Addressing Incidents of Hate and Discrimination.
Students and families can report incidents of hate, bullying or other concerns through Report It, the Board’s anonymous online reporting tool.
We will continue to work with and listen to our community partners to ensure our schools and workplaces remain places of safety for all students, staff and families.