I am writing to share an update about our conversations with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) leadership regarding their plans in the wake of the antisemitic incidents and atmosphere at their 2024 People of Color Conference.
NAIS is responsible for rooting out the antisemitism in their midst, creating a culture of belonging in which antisemitism is not tolerated, and supporting efforts to educate about Jewish life and against antisemitism in the independent school sector. Prizmah is focused on supporting our Jewish day school leaders, while partnering with NAIS leadership and holding them accountable as they move forward. To that end, the Prizmah team is moving forward in three parallel paths: We are providing public and private support for Prizmah school leaders, engaging with NAIS leadership, and working in partnership with additional Jewish organizations who are helping to provide NAIS with resources and hold them accountable.
In December, we began conversations with NAIS President Debra Wilson and her team, including Prizmah meeting directly with them, as well as several heads of school, and at a heads meetup with Debra Wilson. We appreciated the opportunity to hear from Debra Wilson, but there are many of us, including myself, who believe that much more needs to be said and done.
While the conversations have been positive and there seems to be a sincere desire for improvement by NAIS leaders, these words need to translate to action that addresses the deep concerns. We will advocate for change, working with our school leaders, and we have reached out again to NAIS since the winter break. As heads of school, you know better than most how important it is to learn and grow from each challenge, and it is our sincere hope that NAIS will create a reality in which the Jewish community is safe and experiences a sense of belonging in all NAIS work.
In the coming days, a letter signed by over 150 of you as well as other independent school leaders will be sent to President Wilson. We hope that this is yet another reinforcement to NAIS of the gravitas of the situation, and the seriousness with which we will pursue accountability from them.
I want to express a sincere thank you to each of you who have contributed to this conversation and supported one another in this painful and difficult time for the Jewish community, and specifically for Jewish educators and students. Please be in touch, so we may work together to drive this process forward and ensure that NAIS is a safe and supportive place for Jews.