The public comment period at the most recent Barrington School Committee meeting was dominated by people criticizing — and defending — committee member Amanda Basse for some of her social media posts, which the critics claim are antisemitic. Some praised Basse for her willingness to speak out on a sensitive topic, namely the ongoing conflict in Palestine and the Middle East, while others pleaded for a deeper conversation about the topic.

None of the allegedly offensive posts are believed to have been written by Basse herself; they were apparently all posts that she had shared on her account.

Barrington resident Jonathan Orent said Basse made a real mis-step with the online posts. He said it was not helpful to have a member of the DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Committee — Basse is co-chair of that committee — sharing posts that make some students in Barrington feel unsafe.

Orent said Basse and the rest of the Barrington School Committee have a choice to make: Divide the community with those types of posts or bring it together. Orent said officials should consider holding a deeper conversation — an open dialogue where people can discuss how to deal with situations like this and ensure that all children in the district feel included and not isolated.

Amy Battersby spoke in defense of Basse. She said Basse speaks out and takes a stance on many topics. She said Basse’s intent is to bring peace and justice to all people.

Lisa Davis, from the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, said the posts Basse shared were not factual and were inflammatory.

Jacob Brier, a Barrington resident and former Town Council member, spoke toward the end of the public comment period. Brier, who is Jewish and a Zionist, said they found the posts to be antisemitic, but he added that they know Amanda and that the posts were not coming from a place of antisemitism. Brier, who is also a member of the DEI committee, said education on the matter is needed. Brier said they were glad Basse is co-chair of the DEI Committee, adding that they know it is Basse’s intent to support everyone.

Barrington resident Jack Siegel felt differently. Siegel said he knows Basse from her involvement with the district’s Special Education Advisory Committee — Siegel is a member of the SEAC leadership team. Siegel said he was disgusted by the posts shared by Basse and believes those who have voiced support for her have not seen what she posted.

Two people from the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island said the language used in the posts shared by Basse was toxic for Jewish people and made them feel unsafe. They suggested the committee seek more education on the topic.

MayBeth Lichaa, a Barrington resident, concluded her comments by stating that Basse’s posts make people feel unsafe.

The Barrington Times reached out to Basse for her comments following the meeting. She wrote: “I appreciated hearing from a wide range of people with diverse views and perspectives. I look forward to continuing to work with the members of the DEI committee and SEAC in the support of all students.”