JCRC Statement on the Incident at Parkway West Middle School

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) regrets the recent hurtful activity of a small number of students at Parkway West Middle School who disregarded the impact of words and actions on others and did not treat their fellow students with dignity and respect.

We appreciate the immediate and appropriate response by the administration of the school and of the Parkway School District. These school officials should be allowed to do their jobs, and should be supported in these efforts.

This is a time to once again focus on the necessity of promoting respect for diversity and pluralism as a basic value for our entire community. By celebrating our region’s rich diversity, we enable children and adults alike to feel safe and secure in who they are.

We look forward to working with Parkway West Middle School and the Parkway School District in enhancing communication and developing areas of cooperation and collaboration.

President Leonard Frankel
Executive Director Batya Abramson-Goldstein

#12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, MO 63146 E-mail: jcrc@jcrcstl.org 314-442-3871

Community Leaders Meet to Discuss Parkway Response

On Friday, October 24th, a dozen representatives from the St. Louis rabbinical community, Jewish organizations and educators gathered to explore a community response to the disturbing events at Parkway West Middle School. The meeting was convened by the Jewish Community Relations Council.

According to JCRC Executive Director, Batya Abramson-Goldstein, "The focus was on a community response to what is clearly an issue that needs addressing. And we agreed that this issue must be addressed in a careful and constructive way." Abramson-Goldstein says the group basically decided that each congregation, organization, agency or school should formulate responses that are appropriate for their own constituency. Abramson-Goldstein expects additional developments and JCRC plans to issue a formal soon..

Rabbi Rosenberg at United Hebrew is planning an assembly at Hebrew School on Sunday to discuss the matter with her students.