DOE faces congressional criticism over anti-Semitic incidents in New York City schools

metro

From Josh Christenson And Aneeta Bhole

Schools Chancellor David Banks was defiant as he was questioned by Congress on Wednesday about his response to anti-Semitism in New York City classrooms – insisting that the egregious incidents had been handled “appropriately.”

Tensions worsened when Banks was criticized for his decision not to fire but to transfer the principal of a Queens school where there were riots in November against a Jewish teacher who attended a pro-Israel rally .

“How can Jewish students feel safe in New York City public schools when you can’t even get the administration of ‘Jews High School’ terminated?” said Rep. Brandon Williams (R-NY), referring refers to former Hillcrest principal Scott Milczewski.

“It’s not ‘open season for Jews High School,’ it’s called Hillcrest High School,” Banks responded, adding, “and we didn’t think his leadership at that school was strong enough.”

“Is he strong enough to be on your payroll?” Williams pressed as Banks defended his decision to keep Milczewski on staff at the city Department of Education.

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) also questioned Banks on Hillcrest, noting that it was “very concerning” that Milczewski was moved to the senior instructional director position when his leadership came into question had been provided.

“We have some teachers who have had some of these challenges, but we have had members of Congress who have made anti-Semitic statements, and I certainly would not denigrate that entire institution,” Banks responded.

“Similarly, I would also defend New York educators.”

In addition to the Hillcrest student rampage that left the Jewish teacher cowering in a locked office for hours, the Big Apple’s public school system was also rocked by a citywide student strike demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and making vile allegations of anti-Semitism at Origins High, among other places School in Brooklyn.

Banks went on the offensive as he addressed the panel of 14 lawmakers, dismissing claims that the Energy Department had “done nothing” to combat the scourge of hate sweeping the city.

“I can’t claim to be able to prevent every incident, but…as soon as it is brought to our attention…we respond appropriately,” he said.

Banks acknowledged that “anti-Semitism is the most common religiously motivated hate crime in America,” but did not acknowledge that anti-Semitism plays a strong role in Big Apple schools.

“Any form of hate has no place in our public schools. And New York City Public Schools has taken aggressive action to combat hate wherever it rears its ugly head,” he said.

Students, parents, educators and Jewish rights advocates flocked to the nation’s capital to witness. Banks and officials from Montgomery County in Maryland and Berkeley, California, are facing intense questioning from the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education.

All three institutions are liberal-leaning districts with large Jewish populations and have been subject to suspected anti-Semitic incidents since October 7, when Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel.

They all condemned the phrase “from the river to the sea” as anti-Semitic – the strongest reaction the subcommittee has heard to date.

Reps. Burgess Owens (R-Utah) and Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), along with Stefanik and Williams, questioned Banks about his dealings with Hillcrest and Milczewski.

“Egregious crimes were committed under your watch,” Williams told Banks. “I want you to speak directly to the parents of Jewish students in New York City. How can you assure your children that this anti-Semitic nightmare in your schools is over?”

Banks claimed he speaks with Jewish parents every day and that Hillcrest is an example of a lack of “appropriate supervision.” Milczewski was immediately transferred to another position, noting that there was “due process.”

Critics called Banks’ statement dishonest. City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov said his comments “make it seem like NYC somehow has anti-Semitism under control.”

“He wasn’t transparent. “He avoided direct questions and was unable to say what disciplinary action was taken against anti-Semitic students and teachers,” she said.

“During the hearing, I learned that there was anti-Semitic graffiti at a public school in my district. The situation is obviously getting worse, not better.”

Others praised Banks’ condemnation of anti-Semitism but agreed he had been “disingenuous” in his answers about accountability.

“He led the committee to believe that he fired the principal of Hillcrest HS, when in fact Principal Milczewski was promoted,” said Maud Maron, a Manhattan mother and member of the Community Education Council, District 2.

There have been 281 incidents of hate crimes in New York since the start of the Middle East war, Banks said, 42% of which were anti-Semitic, but assured panel members that action would be taken.

“We have fired, disciplined or are in the process of disciplining at least a dozen staff members and principals,” he said.

“We have suspended at least 30 students, we have called in the NYPD when hate crimes have been committed, and we have retrained all 1,600 principals on our disciplinary code to ensure it is properly enforced.

“Second, we have engaged dozens of partners to help us develop longer-term solutions.”

He even went so far as to use the removal from a New York classroom of a map depicting the “Arab world” from which Israel had been left out as an example of his government’s actions – but claimed it was Isolated case and a failure of the program teacher.

Banks pointed out that it was immediately removed upon its discovery – although it received significant media attention before it was removed – with at least one employee at the time appearing perplexed when asked if it had been removed.

Ahead of the panel discussion, Banks emphasized that the DOE has assembled an interfaith council and developed curricula on Jewish and Muslim history, and welcomed the launch of a Holocaust textbook produced in collaboration with the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

They are also expanding their “Hidden Voices” series, which highlights the voices of people forgotten in history books, to include Jewish and Muslim people.

And will hold training sessions for middle and high school leaders on how to handle “difficult conversations.”