OCTOBER 2021 NEWSLETTER

	The HABTF is a non-partisan group formed by the Town of Huntington in conjunction with the Suffolk County Anti-Bias Task Force. It is made up of concerned clergy, community representatives and lay persons who work together to address the issue of intolerance, prejudice, discrimination and racism in any segment of our Town. We've been meeting monthly since January 2019 and have accomplished quite a lot. Upcoming meetings are 1 PM Wed Oct 27 and Nov 24 (4th Wed). For more information about HABTF, click www.huntingtonny.gov/abtf. Send suspected bias incidents to: Town of Huntington Anti-Bias Task Force Department of Human Services (Room 203) Attn: Carmen Kasper, Director 423 Park Ave, Huntington, NY 11743 631-351-3304 antibias@huntingtonny.gov Also contact SCPD Hate Crimes Unit at 631-852-6323 Click here to read HABTF Aug 2021 Newsletter Click here to read HABTF June 2021 Newsletter Table of Contents -- 2nd Precinct SCPD Report -- Not in Our Town (NIOT) Northport -- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion -- Consider the Source of Questions About CRT -- Elwood UFSD Superintendent's Conference Day
2nd Precinct SCPD Report
	By Inspector William Scrima During the months of August and September there were three significant incidents in The Second Precinct that were reported to have elements of bias: On 8/13/21 a swastika was discovered at Koster Park in South Huntington. Second Precinct Crime Section is investigating. On 9/16/21 a Zoom meeting held by Temple Beth David in Commack was interrupted with anti-Semitic and pornographic images. Hate Crimes is investigating. On 9/20/21 a swastika was discovered at Rolling Hills School in Dix Hills. Hate Crimes is investigating. Click here to check out 2nd Precinct News on Twitter Click here to check out Oct 11 Faith and Blue Meeting Click here to check out Oct 14 Hispanic Community Meeting On Sept 11, Light of Salvation Church Pastor Trejo and Willie Perez hosted a community BBQ and invited police officers from the SCPD 2nd Precinct to share in a meal, conversation, and prayer on the twentieth anniversary of September 11. For more information, please visit the department Website at www.suffolkpd.org. back to top
Not in Our Town (NIOT) Northport
	By Erin Brennan Not in Our Town (NIOT) Northport is a local chapter of a national movement to stop hate, racism and bullying, and to build safe, inclusive communities for all. 2nd Annual NIOT-in-the Park 10 AM Sat Oct 16 Northport Park Click here for event flyer > > Click here to learn more about NIOT> > back to top
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
	by Suffolk County Anti-Bias Task Force DIVERSITY . . is about recognizing, respecting and valuing differences --- including race and ethnicity, mental and physical ability, (dis)ability status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, political perspective, national origin, language, culture, relligious commitments, etc EQUITY . . is the guarantee of fair treatment, advancement, opportuntity and access for all individuals. Click here to read more > > back to top
Consider the Source of Questions About CRT
	by Jay McTighe The topic of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and its relation to school curricula and instructional practice have been elevated to a national level by various media outlets. As a teacher, administrator, or Board member you might receive questions about this topic, if you haven’t already. It is useful to recognize that people posing CRT-related questions may have different intentions—ranging from innocent to malicious—and these differences should be considered when responding. My aim in this article is not to explain Critical Race Theory, debate what aspects of it, if any, should be included in school curricula, or propose how sensitive topics should be addressed in the classroom. Instead, I offer a cautionary note to educators, Board of Education members and communities at large about a politically driven movement that is erupting across the country and poses a disruptive threat to schools. I will describe various tactics that may be employed by people using Critical Race Theory as a culture-war proxy to achieve political ends and I’ll propose strategies for countering their attacks and minimizing disruptions to the educational process. Three Groups -- People posing CRT-related questions are typically part of one of three groups that differ in tone and intent. The first group consists of parents in your school or district who have heard about CRT on cable television programs, radio talk shows, Facebook posts, or from relatives or neighbors and they simply want to know if the school will be teaching “it.” Their questions are innocent and well-meaning and should be welcomed and answered honestly with accurate information about what is, and is not, being taught. Click here to read more > > back to top
Elwood UFSD Superintendent's Conference Day
	by Ken Bossert PhD Moving Forward Together: A Responsive and Equitable Culture with Awareness of Challenges. What's Happening on LI and Nationally? (Critical Race Theory - CRT) Full Support and Commitment to a Responsive and Equitable School Culture Moving Forward with Equity Work in the Face of Confusion and Challenges Things for Staff (Text Selection and Admin Support) Click here to read more > > back to top