Allison Lobron addresses antisemitism and safety in Newton schools

Allison Lobron, a resident of Newton, addressed the Newton School Committee on June 2, 2025, highlighting the urgent issue of rising antisemitism and violent hate crimes against the Jewish community. In her passionate speech, Lobron expressed gratitude for the committee's commitment to funding solutions for Newton Public Schools, but emphasized the need for ongoing support for the Jewish community amid increasing hate speech and violence.

Lobron's remarks were particularly poignant following recent violent incidents targeting Jewish individuals, including the tragic murders of two peace activists in Washington, D.C., and an attack on a Run for Their Lives event in Colorado. She warned that the normalization of hate speech has led to a disturbing rise in politically motivated violence, urging the committee to remain vigilant in protecting all students, particularly those from marginalized communities.

The meeting also covered the approval of the consent agenda, which included various administrative items, and a superintendent's update on significant achievements within the district. Notably, 11 paraprofessionals have transitioned to certified teachers through the LaSalle internal pipeline program, aimed at enhancing teacher diversity and retention.

Additionally, the committee discussed the effectiveness of the newly implemented personal electronic device policy in secondary schools. Feedback from staff indicated a positive impact, with 95% of middle school educators reporting that students understand and follow the expectations set by the policy. However, some concerns about student distractions outside the classroom were noted, prompting further discussions on potential improvements.

As the meeting concluded, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students, with a focus on addressing the needs of the Jewish community and enhancing educational policies.