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Residents and faith leaders urge Beverly schools to adopt clear protocols after anti‑Semitic incidents
Summary
Multiple residents, religious leaders and educators told the School Committee about anti‑Semitic graffiti and other hateful incidents in Beverly schools, urging adoption of transparent procedures, educational responses and consistent implementation across the district.
Dozens of residents and community leaders used the School Committee public‑comment period on June 10 to press for a stronger, transparent district response to anti‑Semitic incidents reported in Beverly schools.
Dr. Eddie Davididian, who said his family has been part of Beverly for decades, described a rise in anti‑Semitic acts since October 2023 and urged the committee to adopt clear policies and implementation protocols used by neighboring districts. “It appears that Beverly Public Schools needs policies, protocols, and procedures to ensure that Jewish students and faculties feel safe and valued,” Davididian said.
Elliot Margolus, a longtime resident, recounted specific recent incidents and asked whether district DEI and discipline procedures are being applied consistently. Rabbi Mendel described the psychological effect of what he called “traumatic invalidation” when students who report hate incidents are not met with a firm community response and urged immediate action to prevent long‑term harm.
Julie Zeff, a retired elementary teacher and incoming president of Temple B’nai Abraham, said she was “deeply troubled” to learn of repeated graffiti and that schools must be safe for every child. Several speakers thanked district leaders for responsiveness but asked for formal, public protocols and educational programming tied to Jewish American Heritage Month and other civic history efforts.
Superintendent Peter Cushing acknowledged the concerns and said the district is in contact with community partners, including local clergy and regional museums, and will develop a comprehensive plan for education and response. He described anti‑bias education, outreach to families and coordination with law enforcement as parts of that plan.
Committee members expressed condolences and said they expected a clear, written process covering incident reporting, disciplinary steps, restorative practices and schoolwide education; no formal policy was adopted on the spot. Several speakers asked the committee to publish timelines and training plans before the next school year.
