Suncoast Jewish Alliance in Action
Empowering Communities
We are committed to empowering underprivileged communities through education and sustainable development. Our programs are designed to provide access to quality education, clean water, and healthcare to those who need it most. We believe that by investing in the future of these communities, we can create a better world for all.
Action You Can Take Right Now
Please write to the Sarasota County School Board in opposition to proposed changes to Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedures, and Educational Equity policies. You may adapt and send this email to Sarasota County School Board members and Terry Connor, the Superintendent.
To: Superintendent Connor and Members of the School Board schoolboardmembers@sarasotacountyschools.net terry.connor@sarasotacountyschools.net
Re: Proposed Policy Revisions
Dear School Board Officials,
- Please do not revise these School Board policies: 2.71-Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment 2.71A-Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedures 2.73-Educational Equity The proposed policy changes would weaken student and staff protections and increase the likelihood of harm coming to currently protected minority groups. Ironically the Florida state statute has increased protections for students against antisemitism and does not remove protection for religious groups; it is understood that it needs to be spelled out. We, in Sarasota County should not be moving in the opposite direction. Evidence shows that students and staff are better protected when there is specificity regarding harassment of particular groups rather than vague generalities. The Sarasota School District must not operate out of fear anticipating possible flipflops in federal policy, but must operate out of concern for what is best to protect our students and staff from harassment. Maurene Comey, an experienced prosecutor, warned, subsequent to her firing from the Dept of Justice, that “fear may seep into the decisions of those who remain” and that “Fear is the tool of a tyrant, wielded to suppress independent thought.” When people resist rather than cave that resistance spreads. We have learned from Holocaust Education that "going along, to get along" leads to the empowerment of dictators. We should stand up for what’s right for our children.
Justice is not for sale.
Sincerely,
- Your full name
- Your city, Florida, zip code