FORJ celebrates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and her confirmation to the Supreme Court, where she will be the first Black female Justice, after 232 years. We take lessons from her treatment during the confirmation process, firmly standing on the side of anti-racism and against the hateful and harsh political theater Justice Jackson endured. Her strength and leadership are inspiring!
SPECIAL MEETING: BUDGET CUT IMPACTS ON SCHOOL EQUITY IN NEWTON
Tuesday, April 12th from 7-8pm
Mike Zilles (Newton Teachers Association Union President), Rielle Monatgue (Parent Rep) and Bill Humphrey (Newton City Council) will join the call with FORJ leaders and community members to discuss the impact of these cuts and what solutions are working to resolve this deficit. For more information and to register, visit Special FORJ Session: How do the current Newton Public Schools’ Budget Cuts impact overall issues of equity and diversity
NPS SHARES ANTI-HARASSMENT/ANTI-BULLYING AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION PROTOCOLS
Last week, principals at both Brown Middle School and Newton South High School informed families that swastikas were found on school property. Unfortunately, these are only two of the many antisemitic incidents reported in Newton Public Schools in 2022.
FORJ Newton does not tolerate hate or discrimination of any kind, and stands in solidarity with Jewish communities in Newton and beyond.
The schools are responding to these incidents as swiftly as possible and following comprehensive protocols developed and implemented by Newton Public Schools.
On Thursday, April 7th, Kathy Lopes, NPS Dir of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Maura Morse, NPS Asst. Dir of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, shared anti-discrimination/harassment protocol information with the PTO Council, community leaders from FORJ chapters, and parents and guardians in the Newton community. These materials were previously shared with school administrators and are available for the community to view and utilize: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13XkGaGrefQS1X5hBFiCN1bKumhgQR7KF/view. The protocols apply to the wider community, not just Newton students.
If you’ve experienced or witnessed harassment/bullying or discrimination at school, you can contact our school leaders and/or complete a complaint form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xVc4Rh-tcBOk2GNV2eSlUrgo7Q72s3x6g4a5y0G7rHI/viewform?edit_requested=true (Available in multiple languages. Translation services are also available through the NPS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion office.)
FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (FORJ) is a group of diverse Newton families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.
For more information about FORJ, contact Lincoln-Eliot FORJ PTO Liaison Lanni Isenberg, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.