Columnists Were Wrong on Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
The Holocaust & Human Rights Educations Center (HHREC) is writing in response to the guest column in the April 2-April 8 issue (“Why New Castle’s Proposed Anti-Protest Law is Connected to CCSD’s DEI Crackdown”) written by Shokoofeh Rajabzadeh and Leslie Horn Peterson.
In their letter, they write “CCSD tax dollars have been spent organizing parent focus groups facilitated by the director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center and the American Jewish Committee to beautifully support Jewish parents with a particular political ideology.”
We refute this statement as its purpose is clearly to disseminate disinformation. The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center was asked to make a presentation on Exploring the Symbols and Language of Hate to two focus groups consisting of parents of elementary and middle school students on Jan. 18, 2024. The presentation was given by Steven Goldberg, director of education. The purpose of the presentation was to share with these interested parents an overview of hate speech, both verbal and nonverbal, and strategies on how to work with their children who might have questions.
In no context did this presentation “beautifully support Jewish parents with a particular political ideology.” We are offended by this statement as our educational materials do not support any group with a particular political ideology. The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center is a nonsectarian 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the teaching and the learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect.
Millie Jasper
Executive Director, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center
White Plains
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