To the Westport community,
We were saddened, but not surprised, to hear of Black children in Westport being victims of hate speech in school.
BIPOC families in Newtown (and neighboring towns) have also experienced racism in our schools, which indicates that there is a systemic issue in Connecticut that needs to be addressed. Our children have been harmed and their parents are heartbroken, left questioning their decision to raise their families in Newtown.
We at Newtown Allies For Change are working relentlessly to educate the town we love so that it may be a safer and more welcoming community for all — one where BIPOC children and adults know that they are valued members.
We urge the leadership of Westport to step up to do the same.
We want BIPOC residents of Westport to know that we see you and hear you. We want your white neighbors to know that they have the power and ability to stand with their BIPOC neighbors to effect change. If our fellow allies in Westport wish to discuss the anti-racism work that we are doing, please reach out to us.
Kate McGrady, chair, Executive Board, and Wendy Leon-Gambetta, member, Executive Board
Newtown Allies For Change, Newtown
I urge every parent in this district to eatch the recording of the anti- semitism/ anti- bias/ anti- racism meeting that the Westport PS had at Temple Israel last night 3/13/24. It was wonderful, informative, and necessary! Perhaps there can be another one of these hosted at a different entity at another time. The ADL, which is also involved in the district, was also present and happy to answer any questions that you have.
Westport and Westport Schools are not a pervasive anti semitic or racist town or schools. There are incidents like anywhere else in America and around the world.
It is time to start learning the facts about what the school district does to teach anti racism ( a LOT) and time to STOP blaming Tom, the teachers and the school board for products of BAD PARENTING!
Let’s start holding the adult parents accountable for who they mold! The schools and teachers are doing exactly what they should be doing, and they are doing a great job!
Some parents are failing us all!
This is not to say that the few incidents are not horrific and awful! They are!
Also, we are not diverse enough as a town, and it is pathetic.
But this town as a whole is not racist, anti- semitic or biased bc of a few bad seeds.
I want to hold PARENTS accountable for how they raise their children!