One of the primary sources of antisemitism in America is coming from University’s teaching Diversity Equity and Inclusion or DEI. At the heart of DEI is a simple binary: the world is divided between “oppressors” and the “oppressed.” DEI is stoking hatred with a “us” vs. “them” worldview focusing on group identities. This way of teaching has proven to be dangerous and should immediately be removed from public schools. DEI’s concepts are not inclusive and instead force exclusion and division within education and should not receive funding from tax-payers.

Actively opposing racism, islamophobia and homophobia are all important and so is antisemitism. SAU 16’s DEI director holds the position of Vice Chair of Seacoast BLM, a chapter that has promoted many recent events where protesters are on video chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” and “there is only one solution Intifada revolution!” The Anti-Defamation League defines these chants as antisemitic, they are calling for the extermination of Jewish people, the terminology is laced with genocidal intent. The Anti Defamation League and other national Jewish organizations are clear-eyed and outspoken about the antisemitism emanating from BLM chapters. 

Under DEI many Jews who stood side by side with groups like BLM have been abandoned and now under DEI are considered “oppressors” after the barbaric October 7th Hamas attack. Antisemitism is on the rise 500% globally. Jews make up 2.4% of the population of the United States, but are the victims of more than 60% of all religious hate crime. The Holocaust that took place between 1941 and 1945 was the genocide of over 6 million Jews because of identity politics.

We believe in teaching our children to value all lives equally and understand that every life matters, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. We insist on having teachers who uphold these values genuinely without promoting harmful ideologies against any specific ethnic group. 

SAU 16’s Administration responded swiftly in 2022 to two incidents of racial slurs from student that happened off campus and sent a video to the community. What about antisemitism happening within our school community? The “Letter of Affirmation,” from SAU16’s administration states, “the color of your skin matters to us.” Words and actions matter. Children should be taught what Martin Luther King Jr. preached, “It’s not about the color of your skin, it’s about the content of your character.”

Please sign this petition (don’t give any money) to remove DEI from public schools to truly foster an environment where ALL students feel safe and valued irrespective of their race or religion.