The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) commends the Massachusetts Legislature for hosting an important meeting of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, focused on addressing the persistent and troubling rise of antisemitism in K-12 public education. We appreciate the leadership of the Commission’s chairs, Senator John Velis and Representatives Simon Cataldo and Steven Howitt, in fostering an open and constructive dialogue on this critical issue. We also recognize and welcome the participation of Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) President Max Page, alongside university professors and other stakeholders. We hope their engagement in this discussion reflects a shared commitment to ensuring our public educational system remains neutral, inclusive, and respectful of all communities.
While ICAN acknowledges the important role that educators and unions like the MTA play in shaping our educational environments, recent reports and first-hand testimonies from students, parents, and educators have raised concerns about the creation of curricular materials and narratives that foster biased perspectives, particularly those critical of Israel. Such narratives, if left unexamined, risk contributing to the marginalization of Jewish students and undermining the integrity of our educational institutions.
Public schools, funded by taxpayer dollars, are pillars of our democratic society. They bear the responsibility of imparting knowledge neutrally, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing respect for different perspectives. However, when activist teachers backdoor biased curricular materials into classrooms, they undermine democracy by effectively vetoing the will of the elected state legislature and local school committees. Such actions erode public trust.
ICAN stands firmly against any form of discrimination or bias in educational content. We advocate for curricula that present neutral perspectives, encourage open dialogue, and promote understanding among students of all backgrounds. It is imperative that educational materials are developed with transparency, inclusivity, and a commitment to factual accuracy.
We urge the Massachusetts Legislature and the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism to implement measures that ensure accountability in curriculum development and maintain the integrity of public education standards. By working together, we can combat antisemitism while maintaining the trust and respect that are vital to our educational and democratic institutions.
We encourage concerned parents, students, educators, and community members to make their voices heard. Share your concerns about the MTA's actions by submitting written testimony or public comments to the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism: SCCA@malegislature.gov.