Concord-Carlisle Schools Launch Community-Wide Series to Confront Anti-Semitism, Bias and Hate

Concord Public Schools and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District, along with community organizations and student affinity groups, held “Building the Community We Want: Standing Together Against Bias and Hate,” the first event in a series focused on confronting anti-semitism, bias and hate. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)

CONCORD — Concord Public Schools and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District recently welcomed more than 120 residents, educators, students and community leaders to the first event in a new series focused on confronting anti-semitism, bias and hate.

The first event in the series, “Building the Community We Want: Standing Together Against Bias and Hate,” was held Jan. 27 at Concord-Carlisle High School as part of an ongoing effort to bring different community groups together for learning, reflection and dialogue.

Community members gathered for an evening that featured local organizations, student affinity groups and a facilitated workshop led by Facing History & Ourselves on contemporary anti-semitism. The program also included open discussion and reflection, allowing participants to share experiences and ideas.

Afterward, many attendees expressed appreciation for the districts’ leadership in creating a space where diverse voices could come together to address difficult issues with honesty and respect.

“This program is about learning together, listening and reflecting deeply about how we can strengthen our communities through collaboration and collective responsibility to confront bias and hate,” said Andrew Nyamekye, the districts’ Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. “Ultimately, this work is about trust, partnerships, relationships and collaboration.”

The Jan. 27 event took place on International Holocaust Remembrance Day and included discussion of national and state data showing continued increases in anti-semitic incidents. District leaders spoke about the importance of proactive education, transparent reporting and restorative practices as part of their broader strategy to address bias.

​District leaders also discussed some ongoing initiatives, including its Bias Incident Response Protocol and Reporting Tool, student and staff professional development and programming that teaches students how to recognize and respond to discrimination and harassment.

The January program was co-sponsored by numerous local organizations and student groups.

Prior to the forum, Community Resource Tables offered attendees an opportunity to connect with local efforts and resources. Several student affinity groups were represented, including Black Student Union, SPECTRUM, Jewish Student Union, Girl Up, South Asian Student Society and Asian Student Union.

Several groups also presented at the event, including Carlisle Public Schools DEI Community Advisory Council, Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council, Communities Organizing Against Racism, Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism, First Parish in Concord, Kerem Shalom Antisemitism Awareness Team and Racial Justice Task Force, Town of Concord DEI Commission and Facing History & Ourselves.

Participating organizations represented a range of community-based, faith-based and educational groups working locally to address antisemitism, bias, hate and inclusion through education, dialogue and support.

The districts will continue the series with additional community conversations in the coming months.

“Every Seed? Clarifying Concerns & Controversies about DEI and Education” with Dr. Carlos Hoyt will be a three-part series on understanding and interacting with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion practices in education. The series is designed for parents, educators, civic leaders and anyone interested in learning what DEI is and how it can be practiced inclusively and constructively.

The series — No One is Anti-DEI; Inclusivity Cannot be Inclusive of Exclusivity; and Praxis Praxis Praxis — will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 26, March 11 and March 25, respectively, each at Concord-Carlisle High School. Registration is required.

“Understanding All the Letters: LGBTQIA+ Identities & Experiences in 2025” with Robyn Ochs will examine what attendees need to know to be culturally competent in this area. The event will be held at 6:15 p.m. on March 31 in the Goodwin Forum at Concord Main Library. Registration is required.

​”Through this series, we will continue to explore issues of identity, belonging and community responsibility, while providing practical tools for responding to bias and discrimination,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter. “​We are grateful to everyone who joined us in January and invite more community members to take part in the conversations ahead.”

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