Hate crimes fuel push for more security grants

Fearing for student safety with rising hate crimes, private and faith-based school leaders implored lawmakers last week to continue their support for increased security grant funding.

Rabbi Yaakov Green, the head of a Jewish day school in Brookline, expressed his concern about escalating antisemitism as he spoke about the need for the Legislature to fund the state's Nonprofit Security Grant program.

Gov. Maura Healey proposed $1.5 million for the program in fiscal 2025, while the House last week unveiled its plan to fund the line item at $3 million. The Legislature funneled $4 million into the program for this fiscal year, after it overrode Healey's veto that had slashed some funding.

"My emotions are mixed with apprehension for the increasing and obvious literal need for these programs and any other programs that the commonwealth can muster," Green, of Maimonides School, said during an advocacy event hosted by the Massachusetts Council for American Private Education, which represents independent private, Catholic, Christian, Islamic and Jewish day schools.

"I no longer feel safe, not in my school, not for my students, not for my children and the children of our community's parents," Green continued. "The math doesn't lie — dramatic rises in hate crimes and the incredibly out-of-whack percentage that are focused on Jews can no longer be quaintly ignored."

In the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel, the Anti-Defamation League said there were 3,291 antisemitic incidents recorded between Oct. 7 and Jan. 7, representing a 361% increase compared to the same time period one year ago.

Peg Haskell, a state leader for the Association of Christian Schools International in Massachusetts, shared how the grants helped two schools on Cape Cod tackle "high" security risks. At Trinity Christian Academy, for example, Haskell said the money covered new smoke alarms, security cameras and fencing.

"In the past few years, we have all witnessed an increase in horrific attacks at schools and religious institutions. Faith-based schools are feeling more vulnerable than ever to these hate crimes," Haskell said. "The majority of our schools would not have been able to afford the security improvements without the grant funds from the commonwealth. This funding and any future funding opportunities that can ensure our communities and schools are safe places for all is greatly appreciated."

The state grant program supports physical security improvements — such as building alarms, intercoms, fencing and lighting — for nonprofits that are considered to be at high risk for terrorist attacks and hate crimes. Blake Webber, a spokesman for the House Ways and Means Committee, said the panel felt it was appropriate to exceed Healey's funding recommendation after hearing from multiple stakeholders and legislators, particularly amid "rising antisemitic behavior" across the country.

In budget documents, Healey's office said the decreased funding in the next fiscal year is intended to "meet projected need."

A spokesman for the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security said the Healey administration supports the goals of nonprofit security grant programs. The state also distributes similar nonprofit security grants funded through federal dollars.

About $7.8 million in grants have been awarded this year, the spokesman said. Some $5 million is also available in a separate security grant program, which was allocated in the 2022 economic development bill and uses federal COVID relief money.

While the proposed House budget would double Healey's recommended allocation, representatives have filed amendments looking to bolster the program further.

Reps. Kevin Honan and Tommy Vitolo have proposed carving out $300,000 for a security personnel program, which was included in last year's line item but not explicitly incorporated into the latest House recommendation. Rep. Ruth Balser wants to boost the $3 million line item to $3.7 million.

"It costs a lot of money to keep a school safe and when a school is a target of a hate crime just for being who they are, that's something that we as a commonwealth have an obligation to take on headfirst," Vitolo said. "We don't have a ton of money this year, so it's hard to find money for all of the things that we think are important. This is one that I think is particularly important, and I hope we're able to get it done."

Balser said demand for the grants has outpaced available funding. This year, 132 groups applied for the state grant program, but only 66 were awarded funding, according to EOPSS data. There were 72 applicants last year, with only 36 receiving grants.

"It's sad that we need it, but we do need it," Balser told the News Service. "It's a time when people in our state have become frightened by threats, and as much as we can support these institutions protecting themselves, I think that's important."

During the advocacy event, Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues invoked his commitment to public, charter, Catholic, Jewish and other faith-based schools.

"We want to ensure in any way possible, whether it's around school health, or school safety, or school meals, that when we can -- when we're not blocked by some unfavorable constitutional issues in our state's Constitution — that we will be supporting all of your schools," Rodrigues said. "We are engaged in a difficult budget year, so it's going to be a tough year for any expansion, not just in the educational realm but anywhere throughout the budget."

Addressing private school officials and proponents, Rodrigues added, "But that's my problem — you don't have to worry about that. So I thank you all for being here, keep up the great work, and know that you'll have my support."

Green said "life-saving" grant money over the last five years has allowed the Maimonides School to invest in security windows and doors, surveillance cameras, and a card access system to enter the building.

"This program, these measures and your efforts protect and save lives," Green told lawmakers and legislative staffers.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: As hate crimes rise, school leaders request security funding increase