During the Select Board’s open forum on April 8, resident David Smolski urged local elected and appointed leaders to take a public position against antisemitism, bigotry and hate and said he will oppose the school budget if the school committee and superintendent remain silent.

David Smolski identified himself as a Charlton resident and noted he previously raised the issue at a school committee meeting; he said the committee made no commitment to act. Quoting Elie Wiesel, Smolski said, "Always take sides, because neutrality helps the oppressor," and warned that silence "encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." He told the board, "If our school decides to stay silent and not take a position in defense of our community, our families, and our children, then I will be asking my fellow residents to vote against any budget for the school."

The chair declined to open a back-and-forth discussion during the Select Board meeting and the item remained a public comment for the record; no formal board action was taken during the Select Board meeting on the school committee’s position.