Public speakers at San Mateo-Foster City board meeting urge board not to discipline teacher, call district response Islamophobic

Several members of the San Mateo-Foster City community used the board’s public-comment period on April 25 to condemn the district’s response to a teacher who is currently on administrative leave and to urge the board to reconsider any disciplinary action.

"If you move forward with disciplinary action against this teacher simply for holding a personal day of silence for peace, you are not only telling the world our district is Islamophobic, but you are complicit in committing genocide," said Silas Moriente, a paraeducator who introduced himself as "a transgender Jewish American." Moriente framed his remarks by describing family history and saying, "The answer is you're doing it right now," when comparing inaction to complicity.

Laura Walters, a Bowditch Middle School teacher and site representative, spoke next and emphasized positive classroom work and restorative-practices supports at middle schools. Walters urged community members to "lean into the same sentiment to meet us where we are and assume positive intent."

A former Bowditch student, Zach Clemen, told the board that teachers taking public stands provide important role modeling for students and described current events in Palestine as "a genocide," arguing that teachers’ advocacy has educational value.

The comments presented a mix of personal testimony and political claims; speakers linked the teacher’s disciplinary status to broader concerns about bias and freedom of expression in schools. The district did not take immediate public action during the comment period; the board later recessed to closed session where other personnel matters were discussed.

The meeting’s public-comment rules limit speakers to three minutes and direct the board to refer matters raised in public comment to staff for investigation when appropriate. No formal motions or votes on discipline were taken in open session at the April 25 meeting.