Angier Elementary School introduces new segregated affinity group for “Asian fourth and fifth graders”

A concerned community member provided Parents Defending Education with a message dated October 2022 that an intern at Angrier Elementary School in Newton Public Schools sent parents promoting an “affinity group” for “Asian fourth and fifth graders.” Affinity groups are groups that often segregate people by their race and ethnicity. The intern describes the affinity group as a “safe space.” The intern continues to explain: “The Asian affinity group will meet once a month, with the goal of developing a positive sense of self and to learn more about the similarities and differences within the culture we identify with.”

The intern writes that the group “is open to any fourth or fifth grader who identifies with an Asian heritage.” The first meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2022. The first meeting will allow students to “get to know each other” and “map out our Asian cultures across the globe.” Parents have a form to complete if their children will participate in the affinity group.