Sarah Keitt

 

STATE REPRESENTATIVES JENNIFER LEEPER, CRISTIN McCARTHY VAHEY, SARAH KEITT CONDEMN ANTISEMITIC COMMENTS MADE BY FAIRFIELD STUDENTS
 

State Representatives Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield, Southport), Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield, Bridgeport), and Sarah Keitt (D-Fairfield, Trumbull) released the following statement regarding antisemitic posts made by students from the Fairfield College Preparatory School Jesuits targeting their hockey rivals:

The Fairfield House delegation strongly condemns the antisemitic comments made by students at the Fairfield College Preparatory School Jesuits against a rival hockey team. The hateful posts we saw are never okay but were especially difficult to see during Holy Week – a time of love and tolerance, not division.

Unfortunately, these comments are in line with an alarmingly high rise in antisemitism throughout our country over the past few years. In 2024, there were 9,354 reported antisemitic incidents – up 344 percent from five years before. And despite Connecticut's small population, our state had the eighth-highest rate of antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools.

These numbers reflect a serious concern, and the legislature is taking steps to address this crisis directly. In February, the State House and Senate passed SB 298, which creates a working group to address antisemitism in public schools by providing guidance and resources. This includes amendments to district policies, antisemitism-related training, creating or providing curriculum materials and resources about antisemitism, Jewish heritage, and Holocaust and genocide education and awareness, and more.

Ultimately, this incident should serve as an opportunity for Fairfield Prep to lean into restorative practices and bring all parties together for learning and healing. As a Jesuit school, they know the importance of respecting religious beliefs of all kinds, and it is critical to practice those standards every day.

The Fairfield House Delegation stands together as an eager partner and resource for all in our community. While it is easy to respond to division with more division, we must confront hate with a united front and say, “No more.”

Rep. Leeper represents the 132nd District, which includes Fairfield and Southport, Rep. McCarthy Vahey represents the 133rd District, which includes Fairfield and Bridgeport, and Rep. Keitt represents the 134th District, which includes Fairfield and Trumbull.
 

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