A Statement on the Hamas Attack on Israel // We Stand with Those Who Grieve

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel, sending missiles and militants across the border from the Gaza Strip, indiscriminately killing more than 1,300 people many of whom were civilians going about their daily lives waiting for the bus, dancing at a festival, doing morning chores, and hiding as best they could. These acts of terror are evil. We mourn the tragic loss of life and the lives that will inevitably be lost as Israel declares war and defends itself.

We stand with those who grieve.

The Franklin Interfaith Council is comprised of a variety of faith traditions that each understand war, and its necessity, differently. Some of us are staunch pacifists. Some of us believe war can only be waged in self-defense. And, still others, believe that war can be justified for reasons beyond self-defense. We hold many different beliefs yet, in our diversity, we all agree that war, justified or not, is always one atrocity after another. Our failure to fully comprehend the pain of war causes us to focus on the latest casualty, making it seem like the worst, diminishing or worse forgetting the loss that came before. In war, no atrocity is greater than any other. And so, we stand with those who grieve.

We look forward to the day when swords are beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks, when “nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid” (Micah 4:3b-4a). But, until that day, we stand with those who grieve.

We look with hope toward a day when peace and justice are not competing torrents, but flow down together like water, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (c.f. Amos 5:24). But, until that day, we stand with those who grieve.

The Franklin Interfaith Council stands together and supports all in our community who are grieving, especially our friends and neighbors at Temple Etz Chaim.

A Statement on the Hamas Attack on Israel // We Stand with Those Who Grieve

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Questions about the Franklin Interfaith Council and this statement can be emailed to info@FranklinInterfaith.org.

The Franklin Interfaith Council (FIC) is an organization whose membership is composed of faith communities in the Town of Franklin, Massachusetts. The FIC addresses the various needs of its community by recognizing the power of faith as defined by each faith tradition it represents. The intent of the FIC is to sensitize the Franklin community to issues of deprivation and social justice, to promote tolerance and understanding through shared worship, programs, performances, and publications, and to bring the understanding of our faith traditions to bear on these issues. 

The Franklin Interfaith Council members include First Universalist Society in Franklin, Franklin Federated Church, Franklin United Methodist Church, Temple Etz Chaim , The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, St. John’s Episcopal Church, The Parish of Saint Mary (Catholic Church).

Franklin Freedom Team statement 05/12/22

Via Cobi Frongillo: 

"A joint statement from the Franklin Freedom Team on alleged fan behavior at a recent FHS baseball game. I am confident that such language is not reflective of the Town's values and look forward continuing to ensure Franklin remains a welcoming community.

For more information on the Franklin Freedom Team, visit franklinfreedomteam.org."

Franklin Freedom Team statement part 1

Franklin Freedom Team statement part 2

MIAA Statement on sportsmanship

Dear MIAA/MSAA Members:

Today marks my 35th day as Executive Director of MIAA and MSAA. I am tremendously honored to lead these great organizations and energized by the work ahead.

Over the past four weeks, I have traveled around the Commonwealth, meeting with Superintendents, Principals, Athletic Directors, Coaches, and other members of our organizations. I’ve held meetings in seven of the nine MIAA districts and look forward to visiting the remaining two very soon. In the coming weeks, I will reach out to the membership again to share some initial thoughts about my priorities for the MIAA and the MSAA, as well as my own core beliefs and values. 

However, there is a pressing matter making headlines and causing concern among many of our members that I want to address.

An altercation between two teams at a recent high school football game has brought to the forefront critical issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in interscholastic athletics. Here at the MIAA, we are deeply troubled by allegations that players, coaches, or fans harassed members of the opposing team with racial slurs or other hateful language.

Sportsmanship is one of the MIAA’s five central pillars, and we take very seriously our responsibility to help instill in student athletes a commitment to behaving with the utmost respect and dignity. One of the greatest benefits of interscholastic sports is the opportunity to meet and interact with students from other communities and backgrounds. It is essential that students and adults approach those interactions with respect and civility.

We are encouraged that the two schools involved in this matter have agreed to conduct a joint investigation, in order to examine the facts about what occurred during the game. I commend the school and district leaders for their willingness to work together in pursuit of the truth, and just as importantly, to address the issues that caused the altercation in the first place. We at the MIAA are prepared to support both teams and communities in any ways that would be helpful, particularly to make this a valuable learning experience for everyone involved.

This incident is not the first of its kind, and sadly, will not be the last. Therefore, this is an important opportunity to ask what role, if any, MIAA should play when these complex issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion arise within or between our athletic communities. Over the past two years in particular, our country has begun a profound reckoning on race and racism. Many of our schools and districts are grappling with these topics and striving to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. The MIAA and the MSAA are committed to engaging deeply in this work, too – so that we can make a difference in eradicating racism and all other forms of bias.

In the wake of the most recent case, some have urged the MIAA to get more involved in the resolution of these types of disputes. It has been suggested that MIAA could serve as an arbitrator, hold hearings, gather evidence, mandate reports, issue findings, and if necessary, impose sanctions on any guilty parties. My initial instinct is that the MIAA has a long history of emphasizing its regulatory responsibilities, which are important in some – but not all – contexts. I recognize and value the need for the MIAA to serve as a regulatory body in athletic matters, in which we have broad experience and expertise. I am not convinced, however, that the MIAA should play judge or jury as investigators or arbitrators into allegations of racism, sexism, homophobia, or other forms of bias. Our role should be to determine how the MIAA can support and guide our member schools in order to ensure that these issues are addressed with fidelity. As a former Superintendent, Principal, and Coach myself, I am highly reluctant to burden schools and districts with yet another layer of bureaucracy and compliance, especially when they are struggling through such difficult circumstances in their communities.

As the Board and staff of the MIAA consider the path forward, I believe we have a significant opportunity to begin placing greater emphasis on some of our other core responsibilities – particularly educational athletics, which includes sportsmanship and diversity, equity, and inclusion – rather than always leading with our regulatory authority. In these sensitive matters, it is my hope that the MIAA can focus more on being in service of our member schools and districts, instead of expanding our role as rule makers and enforcers.

As I embark on this role, I consider our work in diversity, equity, and inclusion to be one of the highest priorities. In the short term, we will explore a range of resources and supports that the MIAA can provide to member schools and districts to help them become better equipped to prevent incidents of bias, harassment, and discrimination – and to respond effectively to incidents when they do arise. I am particularly committed to expanding the training that we offer players, coaches, officials, and others with regard to diversity, equity, and inclusion. First and foremost, we must do our part to ensure that no one engaged in interscholastic athletics feels disrespected, unsafe, or unwelcome -- on or off the playing fields.

I look forward to working with you on these and other important issues moving forward. Sincerely,

Dr. Robert Baldwin

Executive Director, MIAA & MSAA

Statement PDF -> https://t.co/uh3xEttH2g

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1459225742068400137

MIAA Statement on sportsmanship 

Joint Statement from MSAA and M.A.S.S.

MSAA (@MSAA_33) tweeted  Fri, Nov 05, 2021:  @massupt and @MSAA_33 Release Joint Statement

"We stand ready to work collectively to make our schools a place where respect and civility are the norm."

For full statement -> https://t.co/tVOTZwBCQu

Shared from -> https://www.massupt.org/2021/11/05/msaamassjointstatement/
(https://twitter.com/MSAA_33/status/1456655826396094468?t=tKw_mDAvfoxSyDpfI5K6xA&s=03)

November 5, 2021 –

A Joint Statement from the Massachusetts Schools Administrators’ Association (MSAA) and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.):

"Superintendents and principals understood that the pandemic would not just impact our students’ academic growth but more importantly, interfere with their social and emotional development.

The adult behavior toward a LGBTQ student in Franklin and the student attack on a principal in Boston only highlight what we see in the number of dis regulated students and adults in our school community right now. These behaviors are unacceptable. 

Personal threats, verbal outbursts, and physical assaults have been escalating, creating threatening situations. It is not hyperbole to say that our school and district leaders are navigating through dangerously uncharted waters fueled by these emotions. Equally, we all need to realize that many of our young people are dealing with their own trauma and it requires an entire community to help them deal with this disruptive time in their lives.

We all need to reduce the vitriol in our communication and realize that our students are watching how we adults behave. We stand ready to work collectively to make our schools a place where respect and civility are the norm."

Joint Statement from MSAA and M.A.S.S.

 

Candidate Forum statements - Oct 21, 2021

For those participating or viewing the Candidate Forum on Thursday, October 21, 2021, you're aware that there were five School Committee candidate who submitted statements to be read as due to conflicts they could not participate in person. Four of the five were shorter textual length, the fifth was longer so the quote was left out during the reading period of the event. All five are made available here. The recording will show that the first four individual statements were all shorter in length than the last one (even shortened by leaving out the quote).

"If a candidate can’t appear, and does send a statement, it can be read into the record for each role segment. Such statements should only be 1 minute in length"

 

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I am sorry not to be in attendance, but please know I welcome any opportunity to engage with the community. You can find lots of information, including contact information, on my FB page. You can post a question, email me, or share your views in the survey I created. If elected, I will work to promote public schools and public teachers, making visible the complex work they do for our kids and our community. I've found that people support what they understand, so if I can be of service -- having taught in a similar district for more than 21 years -- in communicating our district's work to the public, I will feel I'm doing my part.

Camille Bernstein

candidate for School Committee

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It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the School Committee from 1997-2007, and again since 2017.  My two stepchildren, and my son all graduated from Franklin High, and all went on to earn advanced degrees, and are successful in their chosen fields.   

Three areas that continue to be important are the budget, counselors, and communication.  The way children learn is far different today, and the costs are not coming down.  The Town has lots to think about in the coming months that will involve thoughtful discussions by the School Committee, Town Council, FinCom, and residents.  We need to continue to support students, and staff.   The need to provide information to all stakeholders in a timely manner is greater now than ever before.  

Over the years I've worked hard to ensure that concerns are addressed in an open and honest manner, asking the difficult questions, while not being afraid to respectfully disagree with people.  My experience on the SC would be helpful to provide insight on many issues.  

If I am given the opportunity to serve on the SC again I will continue to evaluate every issue from a common sense approach, and do what is right, and best for all residents of Franklin. There is no room for personal agendas on the SC. It is the responsibility of each SC to work learning about the many aspects of successfully educating our children in order to make informed decisions governing our schools.  

Please VOTE on November 2nd, and consider casting a vote for me.  Thank you!!

MJ Scofield

candidate for School Committee

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My name is Denise Spencer and I am running for re-election to the Franklin School Committee. 

If re-elected, I will continue to support providing resources to address social and emotional needs that have arisen during the pandemic; while also making sure our children progress academically. I will advocate for a fiscally responsible budget that prioritizes initiatives tied to this plan. I will also continue to strengthen the relationship between the community and our schools.

As we emerge from the pandemic, our next steps are pivotal. We are confronted by the academic and mental health consequences of the  pandemic, an urgent need for more anti-bias/anti-racism work, and ever-expanding demands for our services while working with budgetary constraints. 

With your support, I will continue to work tirelessly, leveraging the knowledge and experience I have gained to best help our district. I deeply value transparency, equity and inclusion, data-driven planning and decision making, and educational excellence in its many forms. 

I would be honored to continue to represent you on the Franklin School Committee - please vote on November 2nd! 

Denise Spencer
candidate for School Committee

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My name is Elise Stokes, and I’m running for re-election to the School Committee. I’m sorry for not attending tonight; we had a subcommittee meeting conflict.

I’ll share a few things about me: I’m a parent of two children in the Franklin Public Schools: one in elementary and one in middle school. I’m invested in their education and in helping all Franklin students gain the necessary 21st century skills to succeed in our global society.

I’ve worked in education for over 20 years, I’m a Senior Consultant to public school districts, and I get to work with administrators and staff in schools across the state.

My first term on the School Committee brought many challenges, including: a budget crisis, a pandemic, and a school retirement. I worked hard to fulfill my role: I attended every meeting, I represented the SC in district events, and I served on a number of subcommittees.

My parent perspective, professional expertise, and volunteer experience have helped me serve in this role as a Franklin School Committee member, and I’d be honored to serve another term!

Elise Stokes

candidate for School Committee

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To the citizens of Franklin,

Thank you for the opportunity to make a statement tonight. My name is Dashe Videira, and I am running for School Committee. My 3 areas of focus are parental rights, quality education, and giving the freedom back to the town to make these decisions for their community.

I wanted to share with everyone a quote from Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye. This book has been recommended by Dr. Kellett last year to high school students.

"He could have been an active homosexual but lacked the courage. Bestiality did not occur to him, and sodomy was quite out of the question, for he did not experience sustained erections and could not endure the thought of somebody else's. And besides, the one thing that disgusted him more than entering and caressing a woman was caressing and being caressed by a man. In any case, his cravings, although intense, never relished physical contact. He abhorred flesh on flesh. Body odor, breath odor, overwhelmed him. The sight of dried matter in the corner of the eye, decayed or missing teeth, ear wax, blackheads, moles, blisters, skin crusts-al/ the natural excretions and protections the body was capable of-disquieted him. His attentions therefore gradually settled on those humans  whose bodies were least offensive-children. And  since he was too diffident to confront homosexuality, and since little boys were insulting, scary, and stubborn, he further limited his interests to little girls. They were usually manageable and frequently seductive. His sexuality was anything but lewd; his patronage of little girls smacked of innocence and was associated in his mind with cleanliness. He was what one might call a very clean old man." Toni Morrison The Bluest Eye.

As a mother of four, a Christian, and a citizen of Franklin, I am appalled this is being assigned in our schools. This is embarrassing to read as an adult, let alone a child. The Ted Talk with author Grace Lin, speaking of "the windows and mirrors of your child's bookshelf", she asks parents to look at their child's books and ask if they are mirrors or are they all windows. Grace says, "Make sure children have both. Because if you do, you are setting a path for self-worth and empathy. And that is a brick road worth following". I struggle to  see how books, such as The Bluest Eye, set a path for self-worth and empathy. Adolescence being a time of confusing, and even frightening, changes due to physical, emotional, and cognitive growth, this book seems to detract from the very support our kids need during this time.

Staff at the ECDC created their own Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team. They are striving to ensure all students and staff feel included. Given how the state is moving forward with Sex Education, DEI, and Racial Equity, I find this messaging very deceiving, far from inclusive, and dangerous to the social and emotional needs of our children. We need to start asking better questions regarding the long-term impacts this will have on our community.

Thank you for your time,

Dashe Videira

candidate for School Committee

Candidate Forum statements - Oct 21, 2021

Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) Releases Position Statement on K-12 Curriculum and Critical Race Theory

The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) Releases Position Statement on K-12 Curriculum and Critical Race Theory https://t.co/7o2DKdHo8b

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/massupt/status/1424759054858080256?s=03

Across our Commonwealth, the issue of Critical Race Theory (CRT) has been discussed, debated, and questioned. CRT has become the new, “challenge” in education, threatening to distract and derail racial equity, diversity, and inclusion work that is fundamental to strengthening and improving the future of our public schools for all students and families across our State. In the following position statement, the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) seeks to clarify What CRT is, and What it isn’t; we seek to state definitively WHAT we actually do teach, and WHY we teach it. Ultimately, M.A.S.S. seeks through this position statement to open a broader conversation with all– around race, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

What is Critical Race Theory? Do we teach it?

 The simple answer is, “no,” we do not teach CRT.  CRT is an analytical framework and process that had its beginnings in the 1970s. It is used in higher education to examine structures in society. It is not a curriculum for PreK-12 and we do not teach it in Massachusetts. Rather, we teach the MA Curriculum Frameworks for History and Social Science. But there is a more complex answer to this question and it involves the character of who we are as a society and who do we want to be.

Continue reading the full statement

https://www.massupt.org/2021/08/09/the-massachusetts-association-of-school-superintendents-m-a-s-s-releases-position-statement-on-k-12-curriculum-and-critical-race-theory/

Download the statement in PDF format

https://www.massupt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/MASS-CRT-Statement-Monday-August-9-2021-1.pdf

Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.)

FHS Diversity Awareness Club: Statement on Anti-Asian Violence and Discrimination

Joshua Hanna (@MrHanna_FHS) tweeted on Wed, Mar 31, 2021:

"Proud of the response that the @DiversityFHS thoughtfully created in response to acts of hate and violence around our Nation.  @FranklinHS is committed to creating a respectful environment for all of our students."

Read the statement here  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1saPBOK5Yrqds0WUAwrZEmnS-9wfBwNUQK0lsIJgpijM/edit?usp=sharing

Shared from Twitter:https://twitter.com/MrHanna_FHS/status/1377264996577595393

https://twitter.com/DiversityFHS

Statement by the Franklin Interfaith Council on the Murder of George Floyd

As religious leaders of diverse traditions we understand life to be the greatest and most sacred gift endowed by our Creator. Inherent in that gift is the inalienable right to live freely and without fear. The May 25, 2020 abhorrent killing of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, at the knee of a law enforcement official, sworn and entrusted to protect the public and keep the peace, is yet another stark reminder of humanity's blindness to the sacredness of that gift of life and society's failure, if not refusal, to act to ensure equal rights for all created beings. 

We lament the murder and death of George Floyd and pray for him, his family, loved ones and all in need of strength and comfort in this fragile time of grief. The overwhelming national response to George Floyd's death, manifested in peaceful protests, not only honors his life, but powerfully expresses that we, as Americans, will no longer tolerate injustice, systematic racism and discrimination against people of color. 

This powerful resurgence of a long overdue civil rights movement will not be silenced until structural change is realized. We lift our voices and stand in unity and solidarity with our sisters and brothers of color in proclaiming that BLACK LIVES MATTER. (Adapted from a statement by the San Francisco Interfaith Council)

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
First Universalist Society in Franklin
Franklin Federated Church
Franklin United Methodist Church
St John's Episcopal Church
St Mary's Catholic Parish
Temple Etz Chaim

franklininterfaith.org

franklininterfaith.org