Wilton leaders team up to tackle anti-Semitism

<p>After the third anti-Semitic incident at a Wilton middle school in a month, community and religious leaders are teaming up to stop more from happening.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 27, 2017, 7:00 PM

Updated 2,365 days ago

Share:

After the third anti-Semitic incident at a Wilton middle school in a month, community and religious leaders are teaming up to stop more from happening.
On two separate instances, someone scrawled swastikas in boys bathrooms at Middlebrook Middle School. Then on Thursday, someone posted a note on a student's locker that read "Jews will burn."
"This incident is reprehensible, and we need to acknowledge the pain and suffering it has caused," says Wilton Superintendent Kevin Smith.
First Selectman Lynne Vanderslice called the latest incident ugly, unacceptable and wrong Friday, when officials held a meeting with parents at the school.
Some people came from other communities to weigh in.
"There's been a string of anti-Semitic crimes happening, and we just want to figure out what's being done to fight this," says Michael Munzenon, of Weston.
In response to the incidents, the school will form a committee alongside local and religious leaders to create an action plan to prevent instances of hate speech from spreading.
One of the first steps may be reworking school curriculum to include lessons from the Anti-Defamation League, which opposes anti-Semitism and other forms of hate.
Police gave no updates on whether they've identified a suspect in the latest incident Friday, but the ADL says if it turns out to be a student or child, they should be forgiven and educated.


More from News 12
2:34
Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

2:13
On and off showers Friday; Temperatures return to normal this weekend

On and off showers Friday; Temperatures return to normal this weekend

2:27
17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

2:17
Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

0:46
CT electric bills set to increase following regulators' approval of rate adjustment

CT electric bills set to increase following regulators' approval of rate adjustment

2:05
Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

0:22
NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

1:58
Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

2:05
Monroe police they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

Monroe police they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

0:50
'Art brings all people together.' Stamford art workshop promotes different cultures

'Art brings all people together.' Stamford art workshop promotes different cultures

0:24
Officials: Firefighter and occupant injured in Norwalk house fire

Officials: Firefighter and occupant injured in Norwalk house fire

0:29
Bills on magic mushrooms, ride-share transparency and 'nip' bottles will not become law

Bills on magic mushrooms, ride-share transparency and 'nip' bottles will not become law

0:58
Ellen Ash Peters dies at 94, was 1st woman to serve as chief justice of CT Supreme Court

Ellen Ash Peters dies at 94, was 1st woman to serve as chief justice of CT Supreme Court

3:30
Explore the classic old New England-feel in the town of Chester

Explore the classic old New England-feel in the town of Chester

2:15
Stamford HS senior receives full ride to college through golf caddie scholarship

Stamford HS senior receives full ride to college through golf caddie scholarship

0:24
Norwalk police: Miami man arrested for sexual assault after lengthy investigation

Norwalk police: Miami man arrested for sexual assault after lengthy investigation

0:51
Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

0:29
Stamford police: driver involved in pedestrian crash in March faces negligent homicide charges

Stamford police: driver involved in pedestrian crash in March faces negligent homicide charges

2:33
Medical organizations push to correct racial disparities in algorithm that made Black people wait longer for kidneys

Medical organizations push to correct racial disparities in algorithm that made Black people wait longer for kidneys