Antisemitic incident prompts policy review

An antisemitic incident at a Multicultural Night at the Beverly Elementary school in the Birmingham district has prompted a review of policies by school officials and the banning of the responsible parents from further volunteer work at the school for the balance of the school year, according the district superintendent Embekka Roberson in a message sent to district families today.

According to an earlier community announcement issued by thee schools superintendent, the incident took place at an event during Beverly Elementary’s Multicultural Night on Tuesday evening, April 28.

According Roberson, “during the event, a table in one room included stickers that were inappropriate and offensive, including a sticker with an image of a gun and a sticker that stated “(expletive) Zionism. These materials were not on display during the principal's walk through prior to the event, and they do not reflect our district's values.”

This week the superintendent sent out another community update about the district’s investigation, which involved meeting “with Beverly families and advocacy agencies from both the Jewish and Arab American communities”. 

As a result of our review, the parents responsible for displaying inappropriate stickers will not be allowed to volunteer for the remainder of the school year. This is consistent with school and board policies and procedures, as well as applicable laws. While the parents have shared that the stickers that caused the greatest concern were not intentionally displayed, we have found that the stickers presented during Multicultural Night did not meet the guidelines provided in advance for this event.”

Roberson also said that “In addition, we are committed to updating and strengthening our school policies and practices, including developing and implementing district-wide guidelines for cultural events; implementing a Parent Code of Conduct; and reviewing board policies and administrative regulations related to expectations for all individuals participating in school-sponsored activities and events.