Dr. Jeffrey Fecher, superintendent of the Abington School District, sent a message to the community on the morning of Friday, November 8 regarding student reports of racist text messages similar to those seen across the country as of late.
Dr. Fecher notes that Abington police are aware of the situation and that the district is “working with them to investigate and determine the origin of the messages.”
NPR.org reported yesterday that Federal, state, and local authorities are investigating the messages that have been sent this week.
Dr. Fecher’s message continues:
The racist nature of these text messages is extremely disturbing, and it is even more so concerning that they are targeting children. Racist language and hate speech are unacceptable in our schools and in our community.
In the Abington School District we believe strongly that (1) diversity is a strength and an asset; (2) every individual has equal human value; and (3) a secure and safe environment, and peaceful conflict resolution, are essential to learning and society. There is no place in this world or Abington Schools for violence and hatred; it is especially troubling when this violence and hatred is targeted because of a person’s religion, race, or ethnic background.
We ask our community to report any concerns regarding hate, harassment, or safety to building administration immediately. If you or your student think you may have been a recipient of the text messages under investigation, please contact the Abington Township Police Department.
Abington School District is committed to providing a safe and secure environment where all members of our community feel welcome, valued, and accepted. Our school counselors and members of our Student Services Department are available to talk with any students who are fearful or concerned.
I will continue to provide updates if we receive further information from Abington Police.
The Abington Township Human Relations Committee published the following as a follow-up to Dr. Fecher’s message:
Dear Abington Community,
We, the members of the Abington Human Relations Commission, are deeply saddened and outraged by the recent incident involving racist text messages targeting Black youth in our community. These messages, which contained vile and hateful language, have no place in our society and are a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges we face in combating racism and hate.
As a community that prides itself on diversity, inclusion, and the belief in the equal value of every individual, we stand united in condemning this act of hate. No child, or any member of our community, should be subjected to such degrading and dehumanizing messages. The psychological impact on our youth cannot be overstated, and we are committed to addressing these incidents with the urgency and seriousness they deserve.
We are aware that the Abington School District and local authorities are investigating this matter along with impacted entities across the country, and we support their efforts in holding those responsible accountable. However, this is not only a matter of law enforcement—it is a call to action for all of us. As your Human Relations Commission, we urge every member of our community to join us in rejecting hate and fostering an environment where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected.
Let this incident serve as a powerful reminder that our fight against racism must continue. Our Commission’s response, when we see something wrong in the world, is an effort to do something to make things better. We know that the only way to prevent hatred is to fight it – any and everywhere, against anyone whenever it occurs.
We encourage anyone affected by these messages or any form of harassment to seek support and to report these incidents. Together, we can create a community where respect, dignity and equality prevail.
Finally, we work and hope for peace soon in our day.
The Abington Human Relations Commission
Joanne Kleiner, Shelley Kapnek Rosenberg, Kristin Chapin, Michele Cooper, Rosemary Jenkins, Justin Williams, Cheryl Rusten, and Community Ambassadors Beth Gelman and Bonnie Dalzell
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