New York City Schools Chancellor reveals crackdown on antisemitism, emphasizing community engagement over suspensions

During a congressional hearing focused on antisemitism in K-12 schools, David Banks, the chancellor of New York City Public Schools, revealed that his district has taken disciplinary action against at least a dozen staff and school leaders accused of antisemitism since October 7, 2021. Banks stated that these measures included removing a principal midway through the school year, suspending at least 30 students, and involving the New York City Police Department when necessary. Banks emphasized that while these actions are important, simply suspending students and faculty members will not solve the issue entirely, and engagement with the community and teaching are critical components of addressing antisemitism. Banks’ testimony highlighted a two-hour-long grilling of officials from three liberal city school districts, marking the first such hearing held by Congress. Republican representatives used the opportunity to criticize “woke” policies they claim enable hate speech, citing incidents at Hillcrest High School in Queens and Origins High School in Brooklyn, among others. Banks condemned the antisemitic activities at Hillcrest High School, stating that the principal of that school had been removed from his post for failing to provide adequate supervision. However, some representatives accused Banks of providing only lip service while failing to enforce accountability, particularly regarding the principal’s reassignment rather than dismissal. Under questioning, Banks also disclosed that a principal at another school was disciplined following a teacher’s assignment to accompany a student to an anti-Israel protest. Aside from Berkeley, California, and Montgomery County, Maryland, the US Department of Education is also investigating antisemitism allegations at the Berkeley Unified School District. Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel acknowledged that there have been antisemitic incidents in her district but disputed the notion that they were widespread.