(8/11/2025) Ahead of the 2025-2026 school year, the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism voted on Thursday, August 7, 2025 to adopt its Preliminary K-12 Education Findings and Recommendations to guide state agencies and local school districts in the prevention of and response to incidents of antisemitism. During the meeting, Special Commission co-chairs Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) and Representative Simon J. Cataldo (D-Concord) expressed their profound gratitude to the many community members who courageously shared their experiences with antisemitism in local schools—contributions that played a vital role in shaping the Commission’s report. They also acknowledged the widespread support the preliminary report received from officials across the state.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kimberly Driscoll
“Antisemitism in any form is unacceptable. We want to thank the members of the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism for their thoughtful deliberations and recommendations on the issue. As a state, Massachusetts is committed to doing everything we can to address antisemitism. That starts in our schools. If we want to combat antisemitism and protect the members of our Jewish community, it starts with educating our children, building a better understanding of the Jewish experience, and making it clear that antisemitism has no place in Massachusetts. We will work with DESE to review and begin to implement the recommendations to make sure everyone feels welcome and safe in our schools. We look forward to the continued work of the Commission.”
Senate President Karen Spilka
Antisemitism has no place in Massachusetts. The Senate fought to get this commission signed into law because in a moment of rising hate and division, the only path forward is to recognize these challenges, call them out, and confront them head-on, I was very young when I first experienced hate simply because I was Jewish. No young person should ever have to feel fear or shame because of who they are.
The recommendations in this report seek to ensure that the next generation will celebrate our differences, learn from one another, and reject hate and discrimination in all forms. I am deeply grateful for the thoughtful and dedicated leadership of Senator Velis, and the work of Representative Cataldo, every member of the Commission, and each individual who bravely testified and shared their stories. I look forward to working together to implement these recommendations in our laws and policies.
House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano
“The preliminary K–12 recommendations issued by the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism mark a critical step forward in response to the alarming rise in antisemitism in our school. The Commission’s commitment to this work—and the strong support it has received from state leaders—reflects exactly the kind of leadership this moment demands. I’m especially grateful to Representative Cataldo, Senator Velis and the members of the Commission for working tirelessly to ensure that every student in Massachusetts feels safe, supported, and seen.”
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell
“I am extremely grateful to the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism for preparing these critical recommendations to combat antisemitism in our schools. Every child deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe and accepted for who they are. In Massachusetts, we have a zero-tolerance policy for hate, and my office remains committed to confronting antisemitism and bigotry in all forms.”
Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg
“Addressing antisemitism in our schools is urgent and non-negotiable. I strongly support the Antisemitism Commission’s effort to adopt its K-12 recommendations, which provide clear, balanced steps to eliminate hate and foster understanding while respecting free speech. Every student deserves to learn in a safe, inclusive environment where they feel valued, respected, and free from fear or discrimination.”
Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Massachusetts 3rd Congressional District
“I applaud the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism for their critical work to develop tangible, actionable recommendations to increase awareness of and confront antisemitism in schools across the Commonwealth.
As antisemitic and religious-based hate crimes rise here in Massachusetts and across the country, we are reminded that each of us has an obligation to protect one another – and especially our children – from hate, ignorance, and violence.
Education is one of our most powerful tools to fight bigotry. I’m grateful to the Commission for ensuring our classrooms remain places of safety, inclusion, and truth.”
Congressman Jake Auchincloss, Massachusetts 4th Congressional District
“There has been a surge of antisemitism in Massachusetts. In our public schools, Jewish and Israeli students are subject to harassment and ostracization that undermine their sense of self and their inclusion in American society. I commend Senator John Velis, Representative Simon Cataldo, and the members of the Special State Commission on Combating Antisemitism for their leadership in devising a response to antisemitism in our state, which is home to a vibrant Jewish community and Israeli diaspora.
The mainstreaming of antisemitism will not be addressed with performative gestures or one-off bias training, lacking proven efficacy. Our schools must both educate against antisemitism, including with a model curriculum focused on Holocaust education, and educate for critical thinking. In an era marked by post-truth politics and conspiracies platformed by social media, we must be intentional about educating future citizens who reject hate and embrace the American tradition of pluralism, freedom, and individual dignity.
I encourage Massachusetts lawmakers and administrators to center this Commission’s recommendations in their follow-on work.”
Congresswoman Katherine M. Clark, Massachusetts 5th Congressional District
“Antisemitism is on the rise — across the country and here in the Commonwealth. We have a responsibility to root out this hatred and protect our communities. I’m grateful to the Massachusetts Antisemitism Commission for taking urgent action. Their findings will strengthen our efforts to combat antisemitism in schools and help us build a safer future for our children.”