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Residents and educators tell Malden School Committee MTA statement is divisive, urge protection for Jewish students
Summary
Multiple parents, retired teachers and residents criticized a Massachusetts Teachers Association statement and urged Malden Public Schools to prioritize student safety and unity; the committee said it has no jurisdiction over the union.
Dozens of residents and educators used public comment at the Malden School Committee’s Jan. 8 meeting to condemn a Massachusetts Teachers Association statement and to urge the district to protect Jewish students.
"The MTA...made an entirely biased statement on December 9th, singularly denouncing the actions of the Israeli government," said Ms. Tina Weldai, a retired Malden Public Schools teacher. She added the statement "made no demands for release or even mention of the hostages" from the Oct. 7 attack.
Several speakers described feeling unsafe or marginalized. "I am afraid to send my son who is a Jewish identified student to Malden Public Schools," said Ms. Jessica Slavin Connelly, a parent. Resident Edwin Andrews said the union’s involvement in international affairs "is divisive" and that the MTA should focus on education rather than foreign policy. "The MTA should be concerned with making sure the Malden Public Schools provide a fair and balanced education to all students," Andrews said.
Speakers asked the committee to investigate why the Malden Education Association president signed the union letter on behalf of members. "If teachers support this document, it causes concern for Jewish students and teachers in the school system," said Mr. Andrew Zeiberg, who called for an investigation into whether the signatory reflected the membership.
Other commenters framed the MTA statement as aligning with violent rhetoric. "By aligning itself with the rhetoric of Hamas ‘from the river to the sea,’ meaning ‘slaughter the Jews,’ the MTA is emboldening Hamas," said Ms. Fern Remedi‑Brown, whose family are refugees.
Mayor Christenson responded that the School Committee has no jurisdiction over the MEA but said the meeting was recorded and asked MEA members present to raise the concerns with their union leadership.
The public comment period also included a request for a no‑homework policy over school breaks and other community concerns.
