The Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism in Massachusetts convened on February 10, 2025, to address the rising concerns regarding antisemitism in public schools. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by the chair of the Massachusetts Board of Education, who emphasized the board's commitment to ensuring a safe educational environment for Jewish students.

The chair began by outlining her extensive background in public education, highlighting her appointments by various governors and her long-standing service on the Board of Education. She underscored the board's role in balancing local educational authority with state oversight, particularly in light of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's 1993 McDuffie decision, which mandates that the state cannot fully delegate its educational responsibilities to local governments.

A significant focus of the meeting was the alarming increase in bullying incidents targeting Jewish students, particularly following the events of October 7. The chair reported that many students have faced harassment for expressing their Jewish identity, leading some to change schools or withdraw from education altogether. She stated unequivocally that the board condemns any form of discrimination and highlighted the need for effective monitoring of district policies on bullying.

The chair outlined three key areas of focus for the board: bullying, curriculum frameworks, and teacher certification. She noted that while the board does not prescribe specific curricula, it provides frameworks that local districts must adhere to. However, there are concerns about the potential for antisemitic content in educational materials, with anecdotal reports of such content being introduced at early educational levels.

The discussion also touched on the importance of professional development for educators, which has become a barrier for some districts in adopting new curricula. The chair committed to monitoring progress in anti-bullying efforts and ensuring that best practices are shared across the Commonwealth.

Commission members expressed their concerns about the influence of certain educational materials and the potential for these to foster antisemitism among students. The chair acknowledged these concerns and reiterated the board's commitment to fostering an inclusive culture that takes all forms of discrimination seriously.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the board's proactive stance on addressing antisemitism in schools and the ongoing challenges in ensuring that all students receive a safe and equitable education. The chair emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to combat antisemitism effectively and to uphold the core values of public education in Massachusetts.