Dear Commissioner Rosa,

We, the concerned community members of the Carmel Central School District, submit this petition to respectfully request the immediate removal of Trustee Jim Wise from the school board.

On July 9, 2024, at a board meeting, Trustee Wise made antisemitic statements that violated the district's Board Policy Code of Conduct Policy 5300. Specifically, his actions:

* Failed to lead by example by failing to conduct the meeting in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner.

* Disrupted the orderly conduct of school activities.

* Intimidated and discriminated against individuals based on their national origin, ethnicity and religion.

Trustee Wise's statement, 'From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free,' is a hateful and inflammatory slogan commonly associated with the delegitimization of the State of Israel and the erasure of Jewish identity. It is particularly concerning that he made these remarks in a public forum where students and community members were present not only once but eight times. 

His actions have created an uncomfortable and hostile environment for our children and community members. Students are being denied the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and inclusive environment. Residents feel unsafe and unwelcome in their own community.

We firmly believe that Trustee Wise's conduct is incompatible with the values of our school district and violates the district's policies. It is imperative that you take immediate action to remove him from the board.

We understand the importance of due process, but we also believe that the community's safety and well-being must be prioritized. We urge you to expedite the removal process and hold Trustee Wise accountable for his hateful rhetoric.