Last week was back to school for many and full of excitement for a new year and new possibilities. It was heartbreaking to see that once again someone or some group has targeted Chestnut Hill with hate and divisiveness, this time in the form of white supremacy stickers around Jenks School. 

For more than 75 years, the Chestnut Hill Community Association has celebrated and fostered a sense of community among our neighbors, businesses, and institutions. To the individuals who did this, your hate is not welcome here.

We celebrate the diversity of people, opinions and groups that make up our area and we have no tolerance for those who bring a message of hate. Those attending and working at Jenks Academy of Arts and Sciences, and all the other schools in our community and throughout the City, have the right to feel safe.

That is why we applaud the Jenks Academy of Arts and Sciences for its response to these ugly messages. The children at Jenks, and the community’s response of love and inclusion, made a strong statement for all of us. This is a teachable moment for parents, educators and groups like our own. It is not a time to be silent and hope that it goes away. 

We stand for an inclusive and respectful community and will continue to proudly celebrate the diversity of all of our residents, businesses and institutions with our programs and events. 

Laura Lucas, Chestnut Hill Community Association President & Anne McNiff, Chestnut Hill Community Association Executive Director