Antisemitism is a problem nationally and locally.  Westfield public schools must demonstrate a strong commitment to combatting this scourge through improving education in this space. This includes reviewing and revising its Holocaust curriculum, providing related teacher training, and assigning independent, qualified leadership.  This includes:

1) Adding a Holocaust and genocide studies elective for the 2022-23 school year at Westfield High School.  This should be consistent with the dual credit option offered through Kean University and as implemented by many other NJ public schools such as Summit and Montclair. 

2)  Independently auditing the  district holocaust education curriculum (last updated in 2016), related materials and past performance of this curriculum to determine if it has been implemented properly across all schools and grades, as well as recommend improvements.  

3)  Working with Kean University to offer teacher certification courses in teaching the Holocaust and Prejudice Reduction

4) Assigning a Holocaust Coordinator who can independently coordinate and assess resources, curriculum effectiveness, communications, training, and district needs. 

5) Assigning resources from each school and department to act as school and district liaisons for Holocaust Education and Kean University’s Holocaust education program. 

6) Develop a parent participation model that provides for a more enhanced curriculum.

Sign today to show your support for these changes. Please comment on why this is important to you, especially as a Westfield resident or teacher/staff.