Corte Madera, CA – Two-term Corte Madera mayor and candidate for California State Assembly District 12, Eli Beckman, today released the following statement: 

“Like so many in our community, I was appalled to learn that a Redwood High School teacher told their class that the school district has ‘too many Jews,’ in an incident that was reported last October, and just substantiated by a state investigation. The teacher went on to suggest that schools should not be closed on the holiest day in Judaism—a recognition that generations of Jewish students and parents have fought so hard to achieve. 

“This disturbing incident brings forth so many feelings, and I wish I could say surprise was one of them. I experienced antisemitic remarks from my peers when I was a student at Redwood High School, but in that era, I would never have imagined hearing such things from my teachers—the people I trusted to be my first line of protection from hate when I was at school. Sadly, in today’s political climate, there’s a sense that antisemitism has become increasingly visible, perhaps even tolerated. 

“Conduct like this is totally unacceptable—especially in our schools, and especially from those charged with teaching our children how to become compassionate, thoughtful adults. Incidents like this don’t just hurt the community they’re directly targeted at; they also serve to create a culture of generalized bigotry that invites people to target any marginalized group with casual attacks.” 

“Students of all backgrounds must feel safe and welcome in our schools, and in our society at large. It’s clear from what happened here that we need to do better.” 

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