The Hemenway Letters

Framingham probes hate letters to Muslim student at Hemenway Elementary November 14, 2018

Zane Razzaq 508-626-3919 Metrowest Daily News

"It is not lost on me the harm these letters have caused the family and the greater Muslim community," said Superintendent Robert Tremblay in a statement. Police are investigating a possible crime at Hemenway Elementary School.
FRAMINGHAM -- Police are investigating a possible hate crime at Hemenway Elementary School, after a Muslim student reported receiving letters containing threats and hateful and threatening language, according to a statement from Schools Superintendent Robert Tremblay.
Tremblay said that the first letter was found on Friday and the second on Monday, both placed in a student's storage bin. Tremblay described the most recent message as "threatening harm," calling the messages "unacceptable and unwelcome in our community."
"It is not lost on me the harm these letters have caused the family and the greater Muslim community. I want to reassure you that the Framingham Public Schools stands with you. We will not accept hate. We will stand united against it," said Tremblay.
At Tuesday's School Committee meeting, State Rep.-elect Maria Robinson, who has a daughter in the fifth grade at the school, said the events were weighing heavily on her mind.
"It's incredibly important that...we focus on ensuring that all children feel safe in the school system, that they recognize that they are truly valued and whatever we can do to ensure that and make sure that diversity is celebrated and making sure that any hate crime is fully condemned," said Robinson.
School Committee Chairman Adam Freudberg called the incident a "discriminatory hate crime."
"Compassion, supportive communication, and respect I have seen in my time as a Framingham Public Schools parent and a School Committee member, those are the norm," said Freudberg, District 4. "This is awful, but it's a one-off. It must be tackled appropriately, but it shouldn't be a detriment to all the other greatness going on in this community."
The district will also conduct an internal investigation by the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Community Development.
Hate crimes in the U.S. have increased by about 17 percent in 2017 compared to the previous year, according to data released by the FBI Tuesday. The report found that the religion comprised of 20.6 percent of the single-bias incidents.
In April, the Council on American-Islamic Relations released a report that found a 17 percent increase in anti-Muslim bias incidents nationwide in 2017 compared to 2016. This was accompanied by a 15 percent increase in hate crimes targeting American Muslims over the same period.

Framingham probes hate letters to Muslim student at Hemenway Elementary	November 14, 2018
Zane Razzaq 508-626-3919	Metrowest Daily News
"It is not lost on me the harm these letters have caused the family and the greater Muslim community," said Superintendent Robert Tremblay in a statement. Police are investigating a possible crime at Hemenway Elementary School. FRAMINGHAM -- Police are investigating a possible hate crime at Hemenway Elementary School, after a Muslim student reported receiving letters containing threats and hateful and threatening language, according to a statement from Schools Superintendent Robert Tremblay. Tremblay said that the first letter was found on Friday and the second on Monday, both placed in a student's storage bin. Tremblay described the most recent message as "threatening harm," calling the messages "unacceptable and unwelcome in our community." "It is not lost on me the harm these letters have caused the family and the greater Muslim community. I want to reassure you that the Framingham Public Schools stands with you. We will not accept hate. We will stand united against it," said Tremblay. At Tuesday's School Committee meeting, State Rep.-elect Maria Robinson, who has a daughter in the fifth grade at the school, said the events were weighing heavily on her mind. "It's incredibly important that...we focus on ensuring that all children feel safe in the school system, that they recognize that they are truly valued and whatever we can do to ensure that and make sure that diversity is celebrated and making sure that any hate crime is fully condemned," said Robinson. School Committee Chairman Adam Freudberg called the incident a "discriminatory hate crime." "Compassion, supportive communication, and respect I have seen in my time as a Framingham Public Schools parent and a School Committee member, those are the norm," said Freudberg, District 4. "This is awful, but it's a one-off. It must be tackled appropriately, but it shouldn't be a detriment to all the other greatness going on in this community." The district will also conduct an internal investigation by the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Community Development. Hate crimes in the U.S. have increased by about 17 percent in 2017 compared to the previous year, according to data released by the FBI Tuesday. The report found that the religion comprised of 20.6 percent of the single-bias incidents. In April, the Council on American-Islamic Relations released a report that found a 17 percent increase in anti-Muslim bias incidents nationwide in 2017 compared to 2016. This was accompanied by a 15 percent increase in hate crimes targeting American Muslims over the same period.

November 14, 2018

Zane Razzaq 508-626-3919 Metrowest Daily News

"This is not a Framingham problem. This is not a Hemenway problem. This is a pervasive problem around hate that we have to take a stand on and address," said Framingham Superintendent Robert Tremblay.
Jamaal Siddiqui, center, uncle of the Hemenway Elementary School student who received hate letters, talks with the media during a press conference Wednesday outside the McAuliffe Branch Library. With him are his wife, Saleha Abrar, left, and Sumaiya Zama, of the Council on America-Islamic Relations. [Daily News and Wicked Local Staff Photo/John Walker]
FRAMINGHAM - Jamaal Siddiqui described his usually cheerful 10-year-old niece, who is Muslim, as "quiet" after she received two hate notes in her cubby at Hemenway Elementary School - one calling her a terrorist and the other threatening to kill her.
"That's more alarming for us because she's not like that. She's upbeat, she's always outside playing in the cold, and she's refraining from doing that because she's scared. And she has all the right to be scared," Siddiqui said Wednesday morning.
Police are investigating a possible hate crime at the Water Street school, after Siddiqui's niece reported receiving hateful and threatening letters, school officials said. Schools Superintendent Robert Tremblay said the first letter was found on Friday and the second on Monday. Both were placed in the student's storage bin. Tremblay described the most recent message as "threatening harm," calling the messages "unacceptable and unwelcome in our community."
"This is not a Framingham problem. This is not a Hemenway problem. This is a pervasive problem around hate that we have to take a stand on and address," Tremblay said during a press conference outside the McAuliffe Branch Library on Wednesday morning. "We are investigating this, we are taking this very, very seriously. We don't imagine that this is an imminent danger to the school, but safety is our priority and we're going to continue to make that our priority."
In light of the awful events happened in our school, we plan on devoting the rest of this week to creating artwork filled with #ACCEPTANCE and #LOVE. We will shower Hemenway with #KINDNESS, and give our students a way to express their love through Art #HemenwayKindness pic.twitter.com/ACJSRNaaXB
- Mrs Brown Art (@MrsBrown_Art) November 14, 2018g
Since the letters surfaced, the district's Interfaith Advisory Committee, Tremblay, and school safety officials met with the family to give them an update on the investigation and next steps. Tremblay said the first priority is finding who is responsible for the letters and making sure the victim feels safe.
"I honestly am heartbroken. This is not just a one and done. This is something we live with every single day with every single student, trying to make them feel respected and included," Principal Elizabeth Simon said.
Hate crimes in the U.S. increased about 17 percent in 2017 compared to the previous year, according to data released by the FBI on Tuesday. The report found that religion comprised 20.6 percent of all single-bias incidents. A hate crime is defined under federal law as a crime that targets a person because of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual preference or gender.
In April, the Council on American-Islamic Relations released a report that found a 17 percent increase in anti-Muslim bias incidents nationwide in 2017 compared to 2016. This was accompanied by a 15 percent increase in hate crimes targeting American Muslims over the same period.
Sumaiya Zama, director of Community Advocacy and Education at CAIR's Massachusetts chapter, is acting as an advocate for the family and said she's aware of an increase in such incidents.
"Through my work on the ground and with the community, I have noticed an uptick in identity-based incidents that involve young Muslims. We need to pay close attention to this," said Zama.
CAIR will deliver supportive letters directly to the student and her family, asking that community members mail the letters to the advocacy group's Boston office at 123 South St., Suite 3, Boston. Throughout the district Wednesday, Framingham students wrote letters for her with messages such as "Never stop being you because you are amazing" and "Love wins, we embrace diversity."
Siddiqui said he and his wife grew up in Framingham and feel close to the city, calling the incident something "you don't expect to happen in your own backyard." He said he was appreciative of how the district is handling the incident so far.
"There's still a long ways to go. But we know the school and the school board are doing the best that they can, but it doesn't mean we're taking this lightly in any way. We need a resolution as soon as possible," said Siddiqui.
The district will also conduct an internal investigation by the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Community Development.

	November 14, 2018
Zane Razzaq 508-626-3919	Metrowest Daily News
"This is not a Framingham problem. This is not a Hemenway problem. This is a pervasive problem around hate that we have to take a stand on and address," said Framingham Superintendent Robert Tremblay. Jamaal Siddiqui, center, uncle of the Hemenway Elementary School student who received hate letters, talks with the media during a press conference Wednesday outside the McAuliffe Branch Library. With him are his wife, Saleha Abrar, left, and Sumaiya Zama, of the Council on America-Islamic Relations. [Daily News and Wicked Local Staff Photo/John Walker] FRAMINGHAM - Jamaal Siddiqui described his usually cheerful 10-year-old niece, who is Muslim, as "quiet" after she received two hate notes in her cubby at Hemenway Elementary School - one calling her a terrorist and the other threatening to kill her. "That's more alarming for us because she's not like that. She's upbeat, she's always outside playing in the cold, and she's refraining from doing that because she's scared. And she has all the right to be scared," Siddiqui said Wednesday morning. Police are investigating a possible hate crime at the Water Street school, after Siddiqui's niece reported receiving hateful and threatening letters, school officials said. Schools Superintendent Robert Tremblay said the first letter was found on Friday and the second on Monday. Both were placed in the student's storage bin. Tremblay described the most recent message as "threatening harm," calling the messages "unacceptable and unwelcome in our community." "This is not a Framingham problem. This is not a Hemenway problem. This is a pervasive problem around hate that we have to take a stand on and address," Tremblay said during a press conference outside the McAuliffe Branch Library on Wednesday morning. "We are investigating this, we are taking this very, very seriously. We don't imagine that this is an imminent danger to the school, but safety is our priority and we're going to continue to make that our priority." In light of the awful events happened in our school, we plan on devoting the rest of this week to creating artwork filled with #ACCEPTANCE and #LOVE. We will shower Hemenway with #KINDNESS, and give our students a way to express their love through Art #HemenwayKindness pic.twitter.com/ACJSRNaaXB - Mrs Brown Art (@MrsBrown_Art) November 14, 2018g Since the letters surfaced, the district's Interfaith Advisory Committee, Tremblay, and school safety officials met with the family to give them an update on the investigation and next steps. Tremblay said the first priority is finding who is responsible for the letters and making sure the victim feels safe. "I honestly am heartbroken. This is not just a one and done. This is something we live with every single day with every single student, trying to make them feel respected and included," Principal Elizabeth Simon said. Hate crimes in the U.S. increased about 17 percent in 2017 compared to the previous year, according to data released by the FBI on Tuesday. The report found that religion comprised 20.6 percent of all single-bias incidents. A hate crime is defined under federal law as a crime that targets a person because of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual preference or gender. In April, the Council on American-Islamic Relations released a report that found a 17 percent increase in anti-Muslim bias incidents nationwide in 2017 compared to 2016. This was accompanied by a 15 percent increase in hate crimes targeting American Muslims over the same period. Sumaiya Zama, director of Community Advocacy and Education at CAIR's Massachusetts chapter, is acting as an advocate for the family and said she's aware of an increase in such incidents. "Through my work on the ground and with the community, I have noticed an uptick in identity-based incidents that involve young Muslims. We need to pay close attention to this," said Zama. CAIR will deliver supportive letters directly to the student and her family, asking that community members mail the letters to the advocacy group's Boston office at 123 South St., Suite 3, Boston. Throughout the district Wednesday, Framingham students wrote letters for her with messages such as "Never stop being you because you are amazing" and "Love wins, we embrace diversity." Siddiqui said he and his wife grew up in Framingham and feel close to the city, calling the incident something "you don't expect to happen in your own backyard." He said he was appreciative of how the district is handling the incident so far. "There's still a long ways to go. But we know the school and the school board are doing the best that they can, but it doesn't mean we're taking this lightly in any way. We need a resolution as soon as possible," said Siddiqui. The district will also conduct an internal investigation by the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Community Development.

Framingham Public Schools Investigating 'Hate Crime' at Elementary School November 13, 2018

Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor 508-315-7176 Framingham Source

FRAMINGHAM - Framingham Public Schools is investigating a note left for a students at one of its elementary school, as a hate crime.
Framingham Superintendent of Schools Bob Tremblay said a note was left for a student last week, another one left for the same student this week.
"I want to denounce this behavior, "said Tremblay. "This is not acceptable in our schools. We are working to identify who left the note."
The notes were left for a student at Hemenway Elementary School.
One of the notes said "I will kill you." The other said "you're a terrorist."
Both notes were left for a girl, who is a Muslim, according to those involved with the matter.
The Superintendent said he established an interfaith council for the schools, and that group will meet tomorrow.
"I always view these kinds of matters as community problems to address and not just a school issue," said Tremblay.
"Many of you may be aware of a series of unfortunate events that have taken place over the last couple of days at Hemenway Elementary School. Two letters, one found on Friday and another on Monday, were placed in a students storage bin. Both letters contained hateful and harmful words with the Monday's message threatening harm. As I have stated in the past, any form of hate or bias is unacceptable and unwelcome in our community," said Tremblay in a message to parents tonight.
"Today we had another serious incident that threatens the safety of the Hemenway Community. This morning the same student who had received a hate note in her mailbox on Friday, found another threatening note. Again all students were upset and saddened that their classmate had received yet another note. At this time we still do not know who wrote either note," wrote Hemenway Principal Liz Simon to parents.
"Due to the serious nature of the incident the Framingham School District will be conducting an internal investigation spearheaded by the Office of Equity, Diversity and Community Development. The Framingham Police are involved and will be investigating as well. This type of incident has no place in the Hemenway Community and will not be tolerated," wrote Simon to parents.
"While we are extremely disappointed in this turn of events, we remain committed to equity and justice. As we continue our investigations we will continue to use this as a teachable moment to ensure all students learn how to create and sustain a welcoming community for all. It is not lost on me the harm these letters have caused the family and the greater Muslim community. I want to reassure you the Framingham Public Schools stands with you. We will not accept hate. We will stand united against it," said Tremblay in an email that went out to district parents tonight after 9:30 p.m.
"This action is a discriminatory hate crime and must never be tolerated at any level. Compassion, supportive communication, and respect are part of the norms I see constantly within the Framingham Public Schools. The quick response by FPS Administrators to work with the Hemenway community and set the right tone is appreciated, said School Committee Chair Adam Freudberg.
"This is a stressful time for our community; it is of the utmost importance that our students are, and feel, safe and respected at school. Please continue to have meaningful conversations with you children, our students, to ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment for all," wrote Simon.
"We have put a blue box on the little painted table outside the office in the lobby for any student to use who may have information to share. If you as a parent have information to share please call 508-626-9150 extension #5 to speak with me," wrote the Principal.

Framingham Public Schools Investigating 'Hate Crime' at Elementary School	November 13, 2018
Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor 508-315-7176	Framingham Source
FRAMINGHAM - Framingham Public Schools is investigating a note left for a students at one of its elementary school, as a hate crime. Framingham Superintendent of Schools Bob Tremblay said a note was left for a student last week, another one left for the same student this week. "I want to denounce this behavior, "said Tremblay. "This is not acceptable in our schools. We are working to identify who left the note." The notes were left for a student at Hemenway Elementary School. One of the notes said "I will kill you." The other said "you're a terrorist." Both notes were left for a girl, who is a Muslim, according to those involved with the matter. The Superintendent said he established an interfaith council for the schools, and that group will meet tomorrow. "I always view these kinds of matters as community problems to address and not just a school issue," said Tremblay. "Many of you may be aware of a series of unfortunate events that have taken place over the last couple of days at Hemenway Elementary School. Two letters, one found on Friday and another on Monday, were placed in a students storage bin. Both letters contained hateful and harmful words with the Monday's message threatening harm. As I have stated in the past, any form of hate or bias is unacceptable and unwelcome in our community," said Tremblay in a message to parents tonight. "Today we had another serious incident that threatens the safety of the Hemenway Community. This morning the same student who had received a hate note in her mailbox on Friday, found another threatening note. Again all students were upset and saddened that their classmate had received yet another note. At this time we still do not know who wrote either note," wrote Hemenway Principal Liz Simon to parents. "Due to the serious nature of the incident the Framingham School District will be conducting an internal investigation spearheaded by the Office of Equity, Diversity and Community Development. The Framingham Police are involved and will be investigating as well. This type of incident has no place in the Hemenway Community and will not be tolerated," wrote Simon to parents. "While we are extremely disappointed in this turn of events, we remain committed to equity and justice. As we continue our investigations we will continue to use this as a teachable moment to ensure all students learn how to create and sustain a welcoming community for all. It is not lost on me the harm these letters have caused the family and the greater Muslim community. I want to reassure you the Framingham Public Schools stands with you. We will not accept hate. We will stand united against it," said Tremblay in an email that went out to district parents tonight after 9:30 p.m. "This action is a discriminatory hate crime and must never be tolerated at any level. Compassion, supportive communication, and respect are part of the norms I see constantly within the Framingham Public Schools. The quick response by FPS Administrators to work with the Hemenway community and set the right tone is appreciated, said School Committee Chair Adam Freudberg. "This is a stressful time for our community; it is of the utmost importance that our students are, and feel, safe and respected at school. Please continue to have meaningful conversations with you children, our students, to ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment for all," wrote Simon. "We have put a blue box on the little painted table outside the office in the lobby for any student to use who may have information to share. If you as a parent have information to share please call 508-626-9150 extension #5 to speak with me," wrote the Principal.

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