As deeply concerned parents and community members, we are raising this issue due to the alarming incidents of antisemitism in our local schools. Our children's welfare is paramount, and it is distressing that they are exposed to such hate speech. A 6th-grade student in Manhattan Beach Middle School (MBMS) has repeatedly targeted four Jewish students verbally on separate occasions. Instead of addressing the perpetrator, Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) and MBMS silenced the victimized students by making them sign a "gag order". 

The school's motto "No Place for Hate" must be upheld in its entirety. This situation calls for a compassionate approach that prioritizes education. It is not compassionate to allow an 11 or 12-year-old to continue attending school "as usual" after engaging in hate speech and without any penalty. This would only propagate the behavior. 

Moreover, last year when swastika graffiti was discovered on Mira Costa's campus, MBUSD did not take any punitive action against those responsible. This lack of response can only be perceived as complicity in endorsing such hate speech. The Sept 13, 2022 letter from John Bowes is essentially contradictory to the MBMS response to the hate speed and threats. "At MBUSD, we do not tolerate this kind of behavior or any form of discrimination, which goes against everything we stand for. We take pride in our schools as welcoming, safe, and inclusive places. We need your help to stop these incidents from happening. We recognize that students play a vital role in maintaining a safe school; please remind them if they hear rumors, hear something, or see something to report it to a school administrator. " How is asking 4 kids and their families to sign a "gag order" meant to feel welcoming, safe, and inclusive?

We would seriously reconsider sending our kids to MB schools given our current lack of confidence in the school administration's handling of such a grave matter.

Antisemitic incidents have been increasing nationwide in light of the attacks on Israel by Hamas. The lack of action is how the Holocaust began as well.

We demand that MBUSD respond appropriately to antisemitic remarks with serious consequences for those involved. We call for permanent expulsion of any students using antisemitic language and termination of any staff members who do not treat these incidents with appropriate seriousness.

Our children deserve a safe learning environment free from hate speech or discrimination based on their religion or ethnicity. If these actions are not taken promptly by MBUSD, we pledge to remove our children from this district.

Please join us in demanding stronger actions against antisemitism within our school district –thank you!