Statement in Response to Agreement between
Concord-Carlisle Schools
and the U.S. Department of Justice
April 15, 2026
Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism (CCAA) learned today that the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, resolving the complaint filed last summer regarding allegations of antisemitic harassment and concerns about how those incidents were identified, documented, and addressed by the district. While this agreement brings closure to the complaint itself, the work of addressing bias and hate in our community continues.
The complaint detailed the experiences of one family, but it also reflected the experiences of Jewish students and families who felt unseen, unprotected, and at times unwelcome in schools that should be a safe place for every child. That pain was real and remains real, and any honest accounting of where we are today has to begin by acknowledging it.
We appreciate the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District’s work to address antisemitism and its cooperation in reaching this agreement. The steps outlined reflect meaningful progress and a continued commitment to ensuring that all students feel safe and respected in our schools.
Since the complaint was filed, something has shifted. The community found its voice. The school engaged with the process rather than retreating from it. It sat with local Jewish clergy, parents, CCAA, and other community members and did the harder, quieter work of improving conditions for Jewish students. That engagement has produced real results, and CCAA chooses to build on that.
We also see this work as aligned with the Town of Concord’s recent proclamation on antisemitism, which affirmed a shared commitment to recognizing and responding to antisemitism in our community. Together, these efforts help establish a stronger foundation for addressing concerns and supporting students and the broader community.
At the same time, we recognize that this agreement is one step in a much longer process. Many families have continued to share concerns and experiences that underscore the importance of sustained attention to school climate, clear and consistent responses to incidents, and ongoing, proactive communication with the community. We also recognize that conversations can at times become conflated or lose focus, making it harder to fully hear and understand the impact of antisemitism here at home. We remain committed to helping bring greater nuance and care to these complex conversations, so that all students and families feel seen, understood, and supported.
A core part of our founding purpose has always been to ensure that every child in this community can walk through the doors of their schools with their identity protected. That mission is not yet complete. It will require continued vigilance, partnership with school leadership, and accountability, including raising concerns when needed.
We remain committed to supporting this work and to holding the district accountable for continued progress. That includes ensuring that policies are not only updated, but implemented in ways that are visible, effective, and responsive to the needs of students and families.
We also believe that lasting progress depends on partnership. We encourage continued engagement with students, families, educators, and the broader community, so that a range of perspectives can help inform the path forward.
We hope the district will continue to maintain the commitments it has made and deepen its engagement with the community. CCAA remains committed to staying engaged in this work and to helping build a school environment where every student feels a genuine sense of safety and belonging.
About Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism
CCAA is a volunteer, community-led initiative working to confront antisemitism through accountability, education, visibility, and allyship. We are residents of Concord, Carlisle, and neighboring towns, Jewish and non-Jewish, united in building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate community.