Carmel Central board directs Trustee Jim Wise to complete antisemitism and Title VI training

An unidentified speaker read a resolution at the Carmel Central School District Board of Education special meeting Nov. 7 directing Trustee Jim Wise to complete training on the topics of antisemitism and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 within 75 days.

The resolution says remarks made by Trustee Jim Wise at the July 9, 2024 board meeting were “viewed, perceived, and interpreted as anti Semitic and or discriminatory on the basis of national origin, shared ancestry, and ethnicity,” and cites several complaints from community members and staff alleging those statements created a hostile environment. The resolution notes training on antisemitism and Title VI had been scheduled for Oct. 30, 2024 and that all board members and district administrators attended in person or remotely except Trustee Wise.

The measure directs that the training be arranged by the superintendent in consultation with the district attorney. After the resolution was read, a motion to adopt it was moved and seconded and the board voted; Trustee Douglas answered “Aye,” President Orson answered “Aye,” and Trustee Paraskeva answered “Aye.” The chair announced the motion passed. Trustee Wise was recorded as absent during roll call earlier in the meeting.

Board documents read at the meeting state the district’s action is grounded in its duty "to promote and ensure an environment free of harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin including shared ancestry and ethnicity." The resolution specifically requires Trustee Wise to attend the specified training on antisemitism and Title VI within 75 days of the resolution’s date and directs the superintendent to coordinate the session with legal counsel.

The board did not record any public comments on the resolution during the portion of the meeting captured in the transcript. The next public board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 19, 2024.