Framingham School Committee votes on climate policy and antisemitism resolution in June 18 meeting

The June 18 Framingham School Committee meeting touched on various aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) measures including climate policy and antisemitism. 

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Framingham is the first school district in the state to enact a climate policy. However, local climate action group Energize Framingham questions the lack of student involvement along with giving general suggestions on how to strengthen school climate policy for years to come. Members Nancy Fleisler and Megan Murphy both stressed maintaining strong student leadership, Murphy emphasizing the importance of the issue to students. Fleisler suggested specific, achievable and measurable alterations to the most important parts of the policy such as solar panel installation and carbon footprint reduction.

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Edits to the Climate Change, Environment and Sustainability Policy (EBACA) were included in a joint motion in conjunction with Policy CH (allowing adoption, revision and implementation of policy), EBCFA (pandemic-related face covering usage) and EBCFC (COVID-19 testing). Committee Member Adam Freudberg also questioned the lack of student involvement, along with feedback from stakeholders and the building/grounds department. Ultimately, EBACA was separated from the motion with the other three policies unanimously approved for a second reading.

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20-year teacher Brett Berkman urged the School Committee to adopt a resolution tailored to Framingham’s needs to support Jewish students, questioning why it was being sent to the DEI subcommittee. She referenced recent controversies surrounding the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA), which published “inflammatory materials filled with propaganda that fuel hatred and violence against the Jewish community,” such as a dollar bill folded into a star of David, a poster calling then-President Joe Biden a serial killer, a poster that said, "Zionists F*** Off" and a children’s book depicting Palestinian displacement.

“There is broad support from multiple stakeholders…I spoke directly with Dr. Tremblay…FTA [Framingham Teachers Association] President Chris Mulroney is also supportive,” Berkman said. She added that the FTA has since distanced itself from the materials. Framingham Public Schools (FPS) confirmed that it does not use MTA resources.

Neighboring communities such as Brookline, Natick, Marblehead and Bedford have passed resolutions to combat antisemitism, according to Berkman. 

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Berkman emphasized the continuity of safety and inclusivity, especially for Jewish students. Caitlin Effendiev, a FPS parent and self-proclaimed Zionist, said she feels like her values are “shaken,” saying that she has had to defend her child’s “fundamental right to exist” since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Effendiev condemned the MTA’s actions, saying they cultivate an environment for Jewish/Israeli students to feel unsafe, mentioning the recent Brookline hate crime at a Kosher restaurant.

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“We must teach children tolerance. They may not agree with others, but they need to understand and respect the opposing view,” said Effendiev. “I implore you vote in favor of adopting a resolution blocking these harmful MTA resources. Do it to uphold the very values Framingham stands for. To affirm truth. To champion inclusion.”

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The committee voted 5-4 to table the discussion on the statement in its current form, stopping short of adopting it. 

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“Us delaying [the statement] is not rejecting it,” said Committee Member William LaBarge. Committee member Judy Styer emphasized not wanting to rush the statement without proper review. 

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A unanimous vote sent it to the DEI Subcommittee to be refined before final consideration. The next Committee meeting occurs on July 16.