Swampscott pledges itself as No Place for Hate

SWAMPSCOTT-Cyber-bullying, anti-Semitic graffiti and a general atmosphere of intolerance are the impetus for designating Swampscott as No Place for Hate.Resident Jessica O’Gorman, who has been working with other parents on the project, said recent incidents in town sparked interest in the campaign.?There have been numerous incidents in town,” she said. “My awareness started when my daughter had been walking home from school one day and some older boys on the other side of the street were singing a Jewish song. One of them said ?I’m a Jew ? Not.’ My daughter told me and I was concerned about it.”O’Gorman said she started networking with other parents and realized that was not an isolated incident.?In the process we realized there were many other issues including malicious cyber-bullying,” she said. “The incidents are not all anti-Semitic. Kids are saying things like ?you’re gay’ and there is a general intolerance regarding people’s differences.”The No Place for Hate program was created in 1999 by the Anti-Defamation League New England Region, in partnership with the Massachusetts Municipal Association, to provide communities with a solid framework for promoting an inclusive environment while fighting all forms of hate and bigotry.Several North Shore communities including Marblehead are already designated as “No Place for Hate” communities.Former Selectman Carole Shutzer led the charge in Swampscott a few years ago and the town received the No Place for Hate designation. But the No Place for Hate status must be renewed each year through the ADL and it has lapsed.O’Gorman said she hopes the program would promote tolerance in town.Police Chief Ronald Madigan said he supports the idea of the “No Place for Hate” campaign, especially in light of several recent anti-Semitic incidents.?I think it’s a good idea to revisit this,” he said. “It’s something I’m in favor of. We do have hate crimes in Swampscott and I think it’s important the community has a unified front.O’Gorman is expected to make a presentation before the Board of Selectmen this evening asking them to make Swampscott a No Place for Hate community.