Carmel board adopts resolution disavowing remarks attributed to trustee after heated public comments

The Carmel Central School District Board of Education voted 4–2 on July 9 to adopt a resolution disavowing remarks attributed to Trustee Jim Wise that the board said "could be considered or interpreted as antisemitic." The resolution states the remarks neither represent the board’s views nor were they authorized or condoned by the board.

The vote followed a lengthy public‑comment period in which dozens of residents offered sharply divergent accounts of a June 22 demonstration at the Putnam County Courthouse. Some speakers described chants and appeals they said targeted Jewish community members and asked the board to demand accountability; other speakers defended the right to protest and said criticism of Israel was not antisemitic.

Trustee Jason Curzio, who voted in favor, said the board must speak clearly against language that community members perceive as hateful. "We must be vigilant in recognizing when speech targets individuals or groups based on their identity," Curzio said during board comments. President Melissa Orser and Vice President Dawn Dahl also voted to approve the resolution; Trustee Paraskeva joined them in support.

Opponents argued the board was overreaching by weighing in on political speech. Trustee Jim Wise, who voted against the measure, called the resolution an inappropriate use of board authority and said he stood by his broader political views expressed at the courthouse. Trustee Douglas voted no and said the board was not the right forum to resolve political disagreements.

Several public speakers urged clarity about how the board will respond to allegations going forward. The resolution notes the board reviewed complaints in executive session and "reaffirms its commitment to addressing antisemitism and intolerance and to fostering a culture of respect, understanding and acceptance." It does not prescribe personnel actions; the board said any further steps would follow legal guidance and due process.

The vote was a focal point of the evening: trustees first approved adding the item to the agenda, then debated its language during open session before taking a roll‑call vote that carried 4–2. President Orser said the board’s statement was intended to separate an individual trustee’s outside speech from the board’s official positions and to reassure community members who said they felt unsafe.