RI Coalition for Israel’s Open Letter to Smithfield Superintendent Bratz on Antisemitism
Maria Friedman, Executive Director and Ken Schneider, Board President
RI Coalition for Israel’s Open Letter to Smithfield Superintendent Bratz on Antisemitism
The Rhode Island Coalition for Israel (RICI), a coalition of Jews and Christians throughout the state who work to combat antisemitism, educate about Israel and the Jewish people, and support America’s alliance with the U.S. and Israel, writes to you and your team with concern.
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Besides the obvious concerns of blatant antisemitism, or Jew-hatred, that took place when a Jewish student was harassed and hazed by other students horrifically with racial and antisemitic slurs, what is more concerning is the decision to reverse course and reinstate the five student football players who perpetrated this act.
On behalf of the public who are concerned with incidents of antisemitism in our state, we would like to know more information, including:
-How was this decision made to reverse course and reinstate the students on the football team, and who made it? Who does this decision benefit, and who does it hurt?
-There are clear anti-bullying and anti harassment policies in place by the schools, stating that “If the allegation is found to be credible, appropriate disciplinary actions, subject to applicable due process requirements, will be imposed” and that disciplinary actions shall include but not be limited to “loss of the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.” Why have appropriate actions not been taken, and what actions have been taken?
-If there are no consequences for the five football students involved, what message does that send to other students who bully, hate, or engage in Jew-hatred?
-What training and education on antisemitism will be provided and made mandatory for all high school students?
-RICI would like to meet with you at your office as soon as possible to discuss what actions the school district is taking.
Please reach out to us at [email protected] or call 401-684-0330. The abrupt reversal of the school administration, along with failure to respond to organizations already in talks with you all, is of deep concern, representing a breach of trust on both the part of the family and the community.
Reversing consequences sets a dangerous precedent and shows that hateful behavior will be tolerated in the future. Everyone, regardless of background, should be outraged at the actions of the administration, including the Jewish community, which has been increasingly marginalized and targeted (ADL data shows that antisemitism has risen over 200% in New England since Oct 7, 2023).
RICI knows that with Jew-hatred surging in all forms, and even more so in our schools, we must stand together to protect Jewish students and all students from hatred, intimidation, and bigotry. RICI will continue to lead the fight against antisemitism, stand up for Jewish students and their families, and demand action.
Regards,
Maria Friedman, Executive Director
Ken Schneider, Board President