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Equity Policy & Antisemitism

Dormant 10 meetings · 2024-05-02 to 2026-04-21

PASTA (Parents Against School Antisemitism) reports drove creation of an ad hoc equity committee developing Policy 0105. After months of work, the board announced the policy would not come to first reading citing the changing federal political climate around DEI.

May 2, 2024
Board of Education
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Tully McGowan thanked the BOE for the opportunity, asks them to ask the questions, we don't all think the same thing and that's a good thing. Let's not confuse critiquing this equity policy with not supporting equity.
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Let's not confuse critiquing this equity policy with not supporting equity. Sara Boice asked the Board members "Do you understand the difference between equality and equity?"  Sarah Carrier noted that Board members do not respond at the Hearing of t…
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She noted that  the policy should include regular reporting requirements to keep us in balance. Elisa Silverglade Rader thanked the Board for the robust discussion and important questions. There are experts out there that can answer some of these qu…
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Equity committee should be representative. Andrea Furey thanked the Board for their work and noted that the accessibility of this document through translation is important and to consider word choices carefully. Tony Granger spoke about the diversi…
Jun 20, 2024
Board of Education
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He asks the Board to do what's right. Ed Riely spoke regarding cultural night at CET.  It should be cultures of nations. Gay/transgender culture was represented and should not have been. That's grooming children, it should have been resisted. Treatm…
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Leslie Pollak asked where the accountability of the current Board is. Prior boards were responsive and took meetings. She did not receive a response to recent inquiries, one regarding antisemitism in the District. Peers were responded to and invited …
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Closing of Meeting Report: 8.1 Hearing of the Public Leslie Pollak noted that the Board doesn't talk about academics, they talk about DEI and antisemitism, etc., but not academics. When will there be an answer to the question Mr. Green brought up r…
Jul 11, 2024
Board of Education
Article
Sub Sign Language Interpreter $42.00 Mural Painting rate per square foot $20.00 Motion by Neal Haber, second by Anamika Bhatnagar. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Sarah Carrier, Joshua Diamond, Neal Haber, Omar Mayyasi, Ana Teague, Theo…
Oct 10, 2024
Board of Education
Transcript Speaker 8 14:33 →
Hi. Name is Michelle. I'm a resident of the program at 17. I'm also founder of PASA parents against school antisemitism, which began in May 2024. We're a local grassroots organization created by the parents in district who believe that antisemitism o…
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Transcript Speaker 9 18:09 →
Hi. Thank you. I'm Allison Samuels. I reside at 237 Mount Marygrove West, and I'm also a cofounder of. So on September 11, we met with we presented our findings for our our screen report, and I'd like to put on the record what some of them were. Some…
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Transcript Speaker 9 18:12 →
Since then, the BOE's response we have received is, thank you, but we look forward to working on this important problem. We do not live in a vacuum. The past year, there have been over 10,000 incidents in anti Semitism in The US, and that's been the …
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Transcript Speaker 11 20:24 →
Hi. My name is Alexis Koch, and I am a concerned parent, a member of PAZA as well, and I live at 34 High Street. I do know some of you, and I look forward to getting to know all of you. Eliminating hate in schools, I believe, is a common goal for all…
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Transcript Speaker 12 23:02 →
Subject to was just addressed in a kind of unusual from the DEI committee, but the policy committee, I should say, that the last resolution that this award passed was a resolution regarding immigration from Islamic countries that were so that had no …
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Transcript Speaker 7 26:46 →
Leslie Pollitt, 2056 Quaker Ridge Road, mother of currently still two graduates. I just I'm here to support the people of. For those of you who did not attend that meeting that they had, I really encourage you to take the time to set up the meeting w…
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Transcript Speaker 7 27:50 →
People have repeatedly asked if there has been an inquiry or an investigation that would happen in culturally, and everyone's just silent. And, I just really hope that you have some real amazing people here. There is antisemitism in the school distri…
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Transcript Speaker 13 29:20 →
I have one student in the district and two that graduated. We've been with any staff for that one year staff. I really don't have any prepared remarks, but I wanted to lend my support to the comments that I've already been made. And I know I I hope I…
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Transcript Speaker 13 30:33 →
And if you get out in front of it, it's the easiest way to address it. But antisemitism is insidious, and you really don't want to wait until you have a very significant event. And I will leave you with a quote that I'm sure you have all heard, but I…
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Transcript Speaker 10 65:33 →
I'm Allison. I'm the parent of the child at CT. And so I just wanna point out the sweater that I'm wearing. There's a black sheep on that. That is how a lot of the Jewish community is feeling and broken up right now. We are feeling like we don't belo…
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Transcript Speaker 10 66:17 →
Why is that not on today's agenda? Education. Our teachers, our staff, our students need to be educated on what antisemitism is, And it can't just end there. It has to actually be enforced. We need a comprehensive system to improve the climate in our…
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Transcript Speaker 1 86:53 →
And it is hoped that as soon as we have those done, done meaning not just a report to the board, but also the board's consideration, and it's not getting referred back to this ad hoc committee, then the ad hoc committee will is bad. Okay. Right. We a…
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Board Vice President Omar Mayyasi gave the report which included the following topics: BTS nights PT conferences PTA/PTAs ask for continued support Upcoming NYSSBA conference BOE Retreat 10/15 CHEF Dine-A-Round 11/9 Discussion: 2.3 Hearing of …
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Elexis Koch, member of PASA, noted that eliminating hate in schools should be our common goal, and appreciated the district's attention to the whole child. Ms. Koch urged the BOE to proactively work against antisemitism. Ed Riely spoke about the pol…
Nov 7, 2024
Board of Education
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Reports Information: 2.1 President's Report Board President Ana Teague spoke on the following topics: NYSSBA Annual Conference Board process of responding to community emails Meet the BOEs Discussion: 2.2 Hearing of the Public Michelle Minoff,…
Dec 5, 2024
Board of Education
Transcript Unknown Speaker 0:11 →
two one action good evening everyone I'd like to call to order the December 5th 2024 business meeting of the pro har Union School District flag the United States of America the stands Nation God indivisible with liy and justice for all born and unbor…
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Transcript Unknown Speaker 62:29 →
because certain of the committee members said they're available early mornings and then Administration said oh early morning means like Before Dawn well the solstice is the next day start getting longer almost the home actually Sunrise that day is 77…
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Jeremy Pollack spoke regarding the PASA meeting he recently attended and he urged administration to address concerns raised by PASA.  He also wanted to make administration aware that students at the high school posted a petition on social media suppo…
Jan 9, 2025
Board of Education
Transcript Speaker 0 2:23 →
Good evening, everyone. I would like to transfer order the January 9 business meeting of the oh, thank you. Of the Cohen Harmon Union Free School District. Any other questions? All in favor? Aye. All opposed? Motion carries. Moving into reports. Item…
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Transcript Speaker 3 6:53 →
Good evening. My name is Michelle. I'm at 17 Road. I'm a resident of Proton and also the founder of ASSA, parents against school and. We are a local grassroots organization created by district parents and who believe that antisemitism or hate of any …
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Transcript Speaker 4 10:56 →
One, to develop and maintain policies, including a centralized and transparent process for responding to anti sarcasm and other forms of discreditation to ensure the diverse perspectives and people, including FAFSA, anomaly FAFSA, are involved. So de…
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Transcript Speaker 5 14:07 →
My name is Eric Weinberg. I am a resident of. I currently live at Lane. Been there for about ten years. My children are Ben Weinberg, an eighth grader at PDC, and Julia Weinberg, a tenth grader at Kuruvahama High School. I am here to support as well.…
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Transcript Speaker 7 17:33 →
I wish everybody a happy New Year. Hope they had a America's Cincinnati, wish you and your account as well, although we may disagree. Maybe the only. That's. I'd like to agree with the the that that are proposed on will be voted on by this this group…
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Transcript Speaker 1 131:58 →
There was discussion of utilization of that definition. Let me come to a final conclusion. One of the concerns expressed at that meeting and at prior meetings is the inclusion of the IHRA definition might result in a push, if you will, to provide def…
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Morgan Corwin, 8th grader, spoke to support PASA and share that he has experienced antisemitism at school. Erik Weinberg, spoke to support PASA and its recommendations. Katya Bloomberg, spoke to support PASA. Ed Reilly, agreed with former speakers…
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Ad Hoc Committee on Social Media/Policy 0105: Board Trustee Neal Haber reported that the committee met on 12/20/24. They discussed various changes and revisions to existing draft which has gone though several iterations. The status of 0105 is complet…
Mar 13, 2025
Board of Education
Transcript Speaker 6 15:36 →
Hi. Oh, this is. Afternoon day. I attended the policy committee meeting yesterday, and I just wanna express that I was really heartbroken and at times disgusted by what I was hearing. It seems very evident that personal risk aversion and anxiety thin…
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Transcript Speaker 9 25:37 →
Hi. I'm Allison Samuels. I'm at 02:37. Whoo. Not very, very blessed. Also, I just wanna echo everybody's appreciation and all the service you do and also support of, obviously, of public education. But I'm going to focus a little bit on a a different…
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Transcript Speaker 9 25:41 →
First, they implemented a resolution against the antisemitism, which included the higher definition of antisemitism and its examples. This is also noted along with their equity policy that was added in December 2023. Shosta has not been open to addin…
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Andrea Furey attended the policy committee meeting, and noted that she is concerned with what's happening with public education in this country. She supports public education and encourages the community to support it. Allison Samuels spoke concerni…
Aug 20, 2025
Board of Education
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Michael Eisenkraft, 30 Finney Farm Road, Croton on Hudson, stated that he strongly supports the adoption of the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism. Mr. Eisenkraft stated that this is…
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Andrew Courtney, Mountain Trail, Croton on Hudson, read a statement by Sherry Horowitz indicating that she is not in support of the Board adopting the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemit…
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(To view Ms. Horowitz’s full letter, you may reach out to the Village Clerk for a copy). Michelle Celarier, 1 Nordica Drive, Croton on Hudson, stated that she is against the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definit…
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Amber Martin, (resident of Pleasantville) objects to the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism, we all should be committed to fighting antisemitism, but believes that this definition pushes …
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R. Aaron Lamar, 228 Hession Hills Road, Croton on Hudson, stated that he is frightened by the rise of antisemitism over the last four years and believes that the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of …
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Joshua Deutchman, 14 Palmer Ave, Croton on Hudson, stated that he was shocked when members of clergy voiced their concern about the rise in antisemitism, and some people in our community responded with such an astounding lack …
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Elisa Silvergrade, Half Moon Bay, Croton on Hudson, stated that she believes the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism will not protect Jews, she has experienced antisemitism her entire…
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Alison Rosen, Old Post Road North, Croton on Hudson, urged the Village to adopt the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism which has already been adopted by Westchester County, New York …
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Kevin Cofsky, 1 O’Riley Court, Croton on Hudson, stated that the definition is about antisemitism, it is not about Israel, and not about trying to stifle anyone’s free speech, and is not going to do anything but support your J…
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Erica Laudon, 124 Penfield Avenue, Croton on Hudson, stated that this definition does not prohibit anyone from exercising their first amendment rights, the definition is a tool to identify and address antisemitism, criticism a…
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Michael Lewis, 38 Glengary Lane, Croton on Hudson, stated that he is here to show his support for approving the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism, he is heartbroken and distraught a…
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Lani Parker stated that she does not currently live in Croton, her children attended the Croton schools and were subject to antisemitic comments during school hours, she supports the adoption of this definition and while we ma…
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Sydney Regier, Mount Airy Road East, Croton on Hudson, stated that while she is opposed to antisemitism she urged the Board not to adopt the IHRA (Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism, because she believe…
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Village Board of Trustees August 20, 2025 Page 21 Alejandro Godoy, 9 Lounsbury Road, Croton on Hudson, stated that he does not support the IHRA (Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism and emphasized his opposition…
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celebration was on antisemitism and how to address it in this community, yet we have been faced with silence over and over again, we started creating this document because there were warnings to several Jewish communities sayi…
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Melissa Frey, Cleveland Drive, Croton on Hudson, stated she is here representing the Village of Croton, and we really need to focus on what is happening here in our community, she is a founding member of an organization called…
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Abby Cofsky, 1 O’Riley Court, Croton on Hudson, stated that as a Jew she feels like a pawn, but to say that the IHRA definition is to blame is misplacing the blame and encourages everyone here to pull up the definition, let it …
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Ann Adler, Oneida Avenue, Croton on Hudson, stated that listening to so many speakers, she understands why she felt so uncomfortable growing up in Croton and why she never identified with Croton or the people because as a Sovi…
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Village Board of Trustees August 20, 2025 Page 22 Cheryl Wong, Longview Road, Croton on Hudson, agrees that hate has no place in Croton, but she is against anything that opens the door for conflation of real antisemitism and criticis…
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Leslie Pollak, 2056 Quaker Ridge Road, Croton on Hudson, stated that she has children in the school district and there has been many instances of discrimination and antisemitism within the Croton schools, and urged the Board t…
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Stewart Frey, 26 Cleveland Drive, Croton on Hudson, stated that October 7th changed everything for Jews, he would rather not be talking about this definition, but the door has been opened and urged the Board to support the IHR…
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Alanna Fraase, 45 Radnor Avenue, Croton on Hudson, read a letter from Ben Faber of Maple Street who cannot be here this evening recommending not adopting the IHRA (Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism but…
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Harry Soloway (not a resident of Croton), stated that he is horrified by the actions of the Israeli government and believes that it stifles the right to criticize what is happening in Gaza and feels we do not need any definitions, …
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An unidentified speaker stated that antisemitism is real and should always be condemned but she does not support the IHRA (Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism because we have a right to criticize our cou…
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14.Email from Rocco Mastronardi announcing his resignation from the Zoning Board of Appeals effective September 30, 2025. 15.Email from John Delaney, Fire Council Secretary, regarding membership changes in the Croton-…
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On motion by Trustee Politi and seconded by Trustee Simon the Board approved opening up a discussion on item #16, International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. Motion was approv…
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Trustee Simon thanked everyone who came out this evening to speak on this issue. Trustee Simon addressed a June 14th article in the New York Times by the Editorial Board wherein they said the following: “the United …
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conflated with the divisive politics of the current Israel/Hamas war, it is certainly true that criticism of the Israel government is not the same as antisemitism, and this Editorial Board has long defended Israel’s right to…
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(to view the definition, you may click onto the following: https://play.champds.com/ATT/crotononhudsonny/2025- 08/b16c4aa844291f6ed5c76b4c7f125836dfaf6094.pdf Resolution On motion by Trustee Simon and seconded by Trustee …
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Trustee Nicholson stated that it pains her deeply to hear about her Jewish neighbor’s experiences with antisemitism, and that her vote tonight can make neighbors and friends feel unsupported and unwelcome in the…
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with all marginalized groups, not supporting this, is not a denial of the existence of antisemitism, but she believes that adopting this definition does not help Jewish people in our community, nor does it do anything to …
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Trustee Slippen thanked everyone for coming to speak tonight. Trustee Slippen stated that although this is a global issue, and she is disgusted what is happening on the national level, she also knows that her Jewish …
Apr 21, 2026
Board of Education
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Finishing the budget process, moving into end of year activities. Thanked BOE/admin for their work for students Superintendent Walker will be presenting 3 hiring decisions tonight Board's role in the hiring process Highlighted upcoming events Di…
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Term:  July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029 Motion by Neal Haber, second by Anamika Bhatnagar. Board Trustee Neal Haber spoke to concerns of an incident re: antisemitic comments by Mr, Kreps years ago.  He was present at the meeting in question and did not…
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