The Swellesley Report accepts Letters to the Editor. Letters must be of general local community interest and must be signed. See updated guidelines for Letters to the Editor here. Please send to: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com
June 21, 2021
We, the undersigned, would like to express our wholehearted support for the placement of Black Lives Matter (BLM) flags in our schools. These flags affirm WPS’ commitment to racial equity and represent our community’s unwavering support for people of color.
The conflation of an alleged, spurious, anti-Semitic political agenda with matters of basic human rights and decency has led to much misinformation about the history and goals of BLM, and we wish to correct inaccuracies contained in a previous Letter to the Editor (which appeared in The Swellesley Report on June 10th ) by explaining the origins of BLM and what the movement seeks to accomplish. We further wish to address insinuations that BLM flags contribute to divisiveness; to the contrary, such flags are intended to serve as symbols of inclusion and as a visual acknowledgement of the challenges faced by people of color—challenges that have long persisted as a result of our nation’s systemic racism.
Black Lives Matter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. BLM is a decentralized movement that comprises a broad array of people and organizations who seek to put an end to all racially motivated violence against Black people. In a change from previous Black movements (e.g., the Civil Rights movements of the 1950-60s), the three female founders of BLM (Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi) chose to emphasize the importance of local organizing over national leadership, with a network that existed to provide activists with a shared set of principles and goals. Local Black Lives Matter chapters are asked to commit to the organization’s list of guiding principles, but to operate without a central structure or hierarchy.
The loose structure of Black Lives Matter has contributed to confusion, as actions or statements from chapters or individuals are sometimes attributed to “Black Lives Matter” as a whole. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is occurring not only with those in alignment with BLM principles, but with those who wish to bring down the entire movement.
As nefarious groups seek to sow misinformation about BLM, organizations are actively working to identify and publicize this misleading and false information. In particular, the Anti-Defamation League and The Jewish Telegraph Agency have identified numerous instances of anti-Semitic activity that is purportedly linked to BLM—blatantly promoted by white supremacists in an attempt to sow division and exacerbate tensions between Black and Jewish communities. We stand firmly against anti-Semitism and believe strongly that we must not allow ourselves to fall into the trap of pitting one group against another.
The false narrative of BLM’s linkage to anti-Semitism and the implication that BLM flags incite divisiveness creates an unfortunate distraction from the true intention of hanging the BLM flag: acknowledging the undeniable history of racism in our country, which persists through numerous systems of inequity for people of color. Such acknowledgement is critical in order to continue to make progress toward racial equity—not something to avoid simply because it makes us feel uncomfortable or even possibly ashamed. The insistence upon removing BLM flags, veiled under the guise of alleged equality, will only serve to further promote a system of continued inequality—a system in which whites retain their position of privilege.
Being “of color” is immediately apparent. It is not something that can be changed or hidden. The erection of flags celebrating BLM evokes a visible symbol of our unwavering support for children of color, and our recognition of the unique challenges that they face. It is a wonderful and positive step to take to help make every child in our community feel welcomed and appreciated.
We are proud of our schools for their celebration of diversity. Our only question is: How can we help?
Joan Aandeg
Walter Blair Adams
Lisa Ahn
Patrick Ahn
Robert Alfred
Nica Alimzhanov
Gary Samuel Arthur
Susan Bailey
Sukh Bajwa
Alex Baker
Allie Baker
Charlotte Baker
Harry Baker
Marilyn Baker
Michelle Sterk Barrett
Timothy Barrett
Auli Batts
Ken Batts
Liu Baxter
Harprit Bedi
Amy Benjamin
Mark Benjamin
Charlie Berger
Kyle Bernhardt
Natalia Celli Bernhardt
Ella Bevilacqua
Brian D. Bloomfield
Carla Bloomfield
Megan Boffa
Sheila Boyle
Eileen Brackenbury
Karen Buckley
Ann Bullion
Justin Bullion
Ellen Burns
Richard L. Campbell
Kiera Carlisle
Chloe Cator
Ella Cator
Johnny Cator
Makara Cayer
Ineke Ceder
Ceida Chan
Kris Chang
Marguerite Chatelier
Chloe Cohen
Bethany Colavincenzo
John Colavincenzo
Becky Cole
Peter Shellito Condit
Deborah Condren
Mary T. Conway
Donna Corrigan
Doug Corrigan
Paul Criswell
Stephanie Croke
Meral Dabcovich
Brandi Dean
Candido Delgado
Jeanette Donahue
Suzanne Eizenberg
Elaine Eklund
Evan Eklund
Larry Elswit
Ezra Englebardt
Wendy Englebardt
Jenn Fallon
Michelle Fang
Lamia Farah
Melisa Filipos
Hans Fischmann
Jill Fischmann
Devon Fitchett
Suzanne Fletcher
Carolee Fogg
Lee de Fontaine
Michel de Fontaine
Pippa Ford
Tom Ford
Jodi Fox
Jonathan Fraga
Mark Fraga
Polly Fraga
Sophia Fraga
Barry Friedman
Yeimy Garcia
Jane Gardiner
Heather Garni
Meg Gayton
Kate Gerbode-Grant
Brooks Goddard
Jennie Gottschalk
Vanita Goyal
Gordon Green
Alden Griffith
Katie Griffith
Violet Griffith
Eunice Groark
Ann Marie Gross
Seana Gupta
Gretchen Hall
Katy Hanson
Charlotte Harrington
Emily Harrington
Jessamy Harrington
Jonathan Harrington
Lizzie Harrington
Evelyn Harrison
Julie M Herlihy
Anna Hermacinski
Amy Hernandez
Elizabeth Holden
Oliver Holden
Bianca Horner
Christina Horner
Cornell Horner
Harrison Horner
Sarah Howe
Darlene J Howland
Carrie Huang
Jennifer Hughes
Cynthia Hunt
Gregory Hurray
Jeff Jablow
Yasmine Jaffier
Kamana Jain
Prashant Jain
Rene Jarquin
Marc Johannes
Melissa Johannes
Mary Anne Johnston
Nancy Joyce
Howard Horner, Jr.
Benjamin Kahrl
Adam Katz
Nicole Katz
Kathy Kaufmann
Charlotte Kelley
Jocelyn Kelley
Jonathan Kelley
Shannon Kelly
Therese Kelly
Dan Kemp
Susan Kemp
Andrew Kemper
Mike Kim
Danielle Kizner
Yvonne Kizner
Nina Kohnen
Cole Krasner
Jason Kropp
Andrew Kuan
Pam Kubbins
Anjuli Kumar
Ram Kumar
Sam Lacey
Crystalle Lacouture
Marianne Laffitte
Michelle Lafornara
Maureen Lally
Rob Lally
Arielle Langer
Ayla Lari
Liz Larsen
Leslie Laud
David LeBlanc
Megan LeBlanc
Joanna Kaplan Lee
Michelle Lee
Erika Leonard
Nicky Leung
April Levitt
Steven Levitt
Ronald Li
James Lillie
Grace Lindquist
Margaret Lindquist
Dede Long
Erica MacInnes
Caroline Mack
Craig Mack
Grace Mack
Jacqueline Mack
Madison Mack
Melissa Mack
Laura Brown MacKinnon
Anelly Mad-toingue
Maxime Mad-toingue
Noubara Mad-toingue
Ryan Magrisi
Emma Malloy
Ethan Manelin
Samantha Manelin
Fredrick Mann
Joan Mann
Mike Manning
Molly Manning
Mbaira Maorongarti
Rhonda Long Mar
Cindy Marmer
David Marmer
Jessica Marmer
Sloan Marmer
Ansley Martin
Jennifer Martin
AJ Masiello
Elizabeth May
Jeanne Mayell
Mark Mayell
Thomas H. Mayell
Maureen McCaffrey
Christina McCormick
Moira McDade
Matthew McKay
Raina McManus
Gracie Meisner
Matt Meisner
Paul Merry
Jim Miller
Krisann Miller
Elaine Mittell
Julia Miwa
Samantha Moppett
Chris Moran
Caroline Morrison
Rob Morrison
Theresa Morrison
Carol Almeda Morrow
Parker Morse
John Muckle
Lina Musayev
Andrea Myers
Kacyn Myles
Keiya Myles
Kevin Myles
Khylon Myles
Brad Neighbors
Lisa Neighbors
Lisa Neighbors
Annie Newman
Abby Nicholson
Danielle Nixon
Julie K. Norem
Julie Cohen Norris
Lise Olney
Regina Ong
Anthony Ostler
Victoria Ostler
Danielle Owens
Grant Owens
Heather Panahi
Maya Panahi
Shahriar Panahi
Maya Pateva
Byron Pavano
Janie Penn
Ellie Perkins
Barry Person
Velita Person
Elizabeth Phelps
Avery Phillips
John Phillips
Koller Phillips
Lisa Phillips
Jodie Poresky
Josh Poresky
Nate Poresky
Phil Poresky
Dan Pozen
Gayatri Pradhan
Eliot Putnam
Jan Putnam
Carol Quan
Patti Quigley
Garima Rana
Helen Redmond
Tracy Reed
Carrie Reepmeyer
Will Reepmeyer
Brendan Reidy
Bridget Reidy
Elizabeth Reidy
Joelle Reidy
Nick Rhind
Ann Riley
Keith Robinson
Laura Robinson
Tinea Rochelle
Grace Rodrigue
Jim Rodrigue
Kathleen Rodrigue
Olivia Rodrigue
Naomi Rogers
Paul Rogers
Lucienne Ronco
Brook Rosenbaum
Marissa Rosenbaum
Susan Ryan
Brooke Salasovich
Richard Salasovich
Sam Sanchez
Alex Sarly
Julie Sarly
Lauren Scarpati
Mike Scarpati
Cynthia Scott
James Scott
Larry Scott
Liz Serotte
Heera Sharma
Saanvi Sharma
Shreya Sharma
Barbara Shellito
Jennifer Shor
Bharat Singh
Mona Singh
Mason Smith
Daniel Song
Liz Sower
Bernice Speiser
Amber Spencer
Lanaeya Spencer
Renee Spencer
Felix Stedman
Louise Stedman
Scott Stedman
Sonny Stedman
Marcia Stein-Adams
Garrick Stewart
Katie Stewart
Jaret Stickney
Fredrick Stoudemire
Jackson Stoudemire
Jalen Stoudemire
Shelley Stoudemire
Kate Stuntz
Gail Sullivan
Katie Swenson
Thomas Tadros
Clarinda Taylor
Hannah Taylor
Jasmine Theermann
David Thornton
Erin Thornton
Bharat Tripathi
Shradha Tripathi
Diana Turk
Heidi Vanni
Atul Varma
Amelia Vecchiotti
Ethan Vecchiotti
Mark Vecchiotti
Nicole Vecchiotti
Ryan Vecchiotti
Terran Vigil
Alison Wade
Kate Wallace
Judy Walsh
Sally Watts
Nicole Welburn
Susan Westmoreland
Lauren Wilwerding
Adam Yasan
Anthony Yasan
Shideh Yasan
Liane Young
Laura R. Van Zandt
Margaret Zusky
Paul Zusky
Those who claim that BLM is not a centrally driven organization are not only naive, but also sheepishly serving a cause they putatively (or hopefully) don’t support. Should one still have any doubt about that, just take a look at BLM’s “official” (yes, they have that) public comments on what is going on in Cuba. Their true loyalty and agenda are in full display there yet again – for those who want to or can see it, that is. Even more revealingly, besides their already repulsive open support for the oppressive single party communist regime, they also condone the police brutality taking place there, which they so condemn here. As Marilyn Monroe once said about hypocrisy: If you’re gonna be two-faced, at least make one of them pretty.
Maxwell Smart
Wow! Best comment ever!
I’m curious to know if the people who stepped up and signed the letter in support of hanging the BLM banner in our schools have read the “manifesto” of the BLM organization. If they have and don’t see a problem with the mission statement of this political group, they’re just as much a part of the problem as the BLM.
This is not a duplicate comment….I never commented on this post
To Former Teacher:
So true. I completely agree. Much of what the BLM Manifesto demands is in conflict with what a truly free society like America was founded upon. The combination of a bias, propaganda fueled media and cancel culture is truly frightening. Now add to that the capitulation to indoctrination at school. This not only has the potential to rob our children of the courage to think critically and express themselves freely but it could very well end up destroying the fabric of our great country..
So glad to see the many free thinkers that have weighed in here.
Patrice Cullors said “step up boldly and courageously to end the imperialist project that’s called Israel.” That is a direct quote.
Not sure how you can say a Jewish student shouldn’t be afraid and intimidated while walking by a BLM flag at school.
To Wellesley Resident: Thank you! Exactly.
Lorraine Levine – this article references a ruling that upholds the rights of federal employees to express support for BLM while on duty via clothing worn, etc. It does not support a public school district adopting a flag of a controversial organization. Hopefully Supreme Court takes this up. A flag that stated “Wellesley believes Black Lives Matter” would be far better than a slogan that matches the name of an organization like BLM.
Your opening statement was to say BLM is a political organization. If an independent legal review determines BLM is not a political organization, as related to the Hatch Act, or one could say especially in relation to the Hatch Act, it would seem logical that regardless of one’s state or town, it still remains an apolitical party.
The agency reached its opinion because the Black Lives Matter movement concerns itself with issues such as racism, which are not inherently aligned with a single political party. And the prominent Black Lives Matter Global Network did not meet any criteria for a “partisan political group,” in part because the group says it will fight against officials from both parties who do not share its beliefs.
The Black Lives Matter Global Network traces its roots to both a hashtag and a political project after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin. Founders of the organization include Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tomet.
The most important directive of Black Lives Matter, Cullors has said, is to deal with anti-black racism, to “push for black people’s right to live with dignity and respect” and be included in the American democracy that they helped create.
What sets Black Lives Matter apart from other social justice groups, however, is its decentralized approach and reliance almost solely on local, rather than national, leadership. Cullors said organizing is often spontaneous and not directed by one person or group of people.
Contributing: Ryan Miller, David Jackson and Jessica Durando, USA TODAY; John Tuohy, Indianapolis Star
Unfortunately I missed my chance to sign this letter officially, but I would like to add my name in support! Thank you so much for speaking up.
The problem with this letter is that it does not address the true heart of the matter. BLM is a political organization. Politics do not belong in public schools. Period. Put the sign on your front lawn. It is undeniable that these discussions and WPS obsession with DEI, including hanging BLM flags, detracts from true purpose of public education – to provide an education to children. Take a look at WMS – in civics and ELA the kids have learned almost nothing this year. Truly. No meaningful assignments. The fascination with DEI goes hand in hand with the decline in quality of education at WPS.
Also, it’s not hard to find hundreds of self righteous people to sign a letter like this – they believe they are on the only right side. The people who truly have moral courage are the ones who signed the original letter (I never had the opportunity) knowing any criticism of the radical BLM organization leaves you susceptible to being called a racist. If there were an anonymous poll asking parents if they support BLM in schools, the numbers would look different. But even if they did not, a flag of an undeniably political organization does not belong in a public school. How about showing support for the children of law enforcement who walk through the doors of our schools and see a flag of an organization that advocates for abolishment of their parents profession? Hopefully this makes its way to the courts and they protect the rights of all students.
I have to absolutely disagree with your comments about civics and ELA as someone who had an 8th grader in WMS this year. My child was inspired and fully engaged, particularly by the civics curriculum of the past year. Kudos to Mr Collins and other civics teachers!
Same! Ms. Kenerson was a bright light in a very challenging year. I don’t appreciate the aspersions on our teachers.
The entire premise of your argument is false, as ruled by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, an independent federal agency…
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/07/17/black-lives-matter-isnt-partisan-political-federal-agency-says/5452397002/
I find it deeply disturbing that people believe that by saying that “Black Lives Matter”, we are negating or undervaluing the lives of other groups of people. The BLM movement was established to “eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives” (About Black Lives Matter). You might want to check yourself, friend. Your privilege is showing.
It is blatantly visible how deeply the hoisting of BLM flags in public places has divided our community. Compelling people to officially choose one side or the other. For some an expression signaling their justified feeling of impending existential threat.
The apparent lack of general knowledge and insensitivity by the Wellesley Public School leadership to anticipate these feelings and inevitable divide in the community among families and children by indicating preference in choosing one side over the others on a highly charged political matter should in itself be cause for alarm.
Thank you for submitting this letter, it is good to know that our local BLM group does not support anti-Semitic behavior.
Earlier this year WPS applied for a grant from the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) for 55k for the prevention of hate crimes. Chief Pilecki drafted a letter referencing two anti-Semitic occurrences at WPS to be submitted with the application. His letter is at the end of the attach doc. We were awarded this grant.
As far as I’m aware there has been no discussion by our DEI department as to how this money will be used. I would suggest that the signers of this letter send an email to our DEI director (curryc@wellesleyps.org) and ask that we allocate the grant money toward anti-Semitic education in our schools.
To date we have not witnessed the same attention brought to anti-Semitic acts as brought to anti-Asians and other racist acts. There have been no affinity spaces created even though we are all aware anti-Semitic acts are on the rise. This concern has been brought to the administration’s attention numerous times but the non-action seems to imply that they just don’t equal issues BIPOC families are facing.
Your email would be a good faith effort to show that as a supporter of the BLM movement you are truly supporters of our Jewish families as well.
PS: I am well aware that the grant did not specify the money be applied to one group, but since it was those unfortunate acts that allowed us to receive grant, it only seems fitting that is does.
Wow this is so sad . It’s OK to support our community of color, but “Not” OK to support those who identify as Jewish who are outright offended by the hanging up the flags. How about we hang Asian hate flags at our schools, and pride flags for that matter, and hang flags in support of our Jewish population as well. That won’t happen because we are only concerned with one issue in this town, and no one else matters. The messaging all of the sends to our children is glaringly hypocritical.