Personal Injury Law
Charter School Teachers Face Consequences for Controversial Lesson: Reflecting on the Importance of Sensitivity and Education In a recent incident, two teachers at a public charter school located within a Jewish synagogue in Los Angeles were ousted for teaching a lesson to first graders about the “genocide in Palestine.” The teachers were employed by Citizens of the World Charter School, which operates classrooms at Adat Ari El Synagogue in the San Fernando Valley. This incident has sparked a significant amount of controversy and raises important questions about sensitivity, education, and the impact on students. The incident took place shortly after Hamas militants crossed the Gaza border and attacked Israeli civilians. In response, the synagogue displayed Israeli flags around its campus as a show of solidarity. However, this seemingly innocent act led to conflict when the charter school’s principal relayed concerns from certain teachers about the presence of the flags. The senior rabbi of the synagogue, Brian Schuldenfrei, expressed his offense at the suggestion to remove the flags, drawing a parallel to asking Americans to take down their United States flag immediately after the 9/11 attacks. The principal subsequently apologized for the offense caused. However, the controversy didn’t end there. It came to light that the same teachers who had complained about the flags had also taught lessons on “human rights” that included discussions of the “genocide in Palestine.” One of the teachers even shared on Instagram their pride in teaching such a lesson to first graders, highlighting a student’s comment about giving the land back to Palestine. The post was accompanied by a heart emoji, which further exacerbated the situation. Rabbi Schuldenfrei expressed deep offense on multiple levels. He emphasized the importance of recognizing that calling for the eradication of Israel is a form of antisemitism and a denial of the Jewish people’s right to their ancestral homeland. He also criticized the use of a heart emoji to dress up hate as love, calling it perverse punctuation. In response to the incident, Citizens of the World Charter School took action. The executive director, Melissa Kaplan, announced that both teachers had been removed and apologized for the social media posts made by the staff members. She condemned the use of the word “genocide” to describe Israel’s response to the attack and rejected the suggestion that Jews should leave the region. Kaplan also condemned any lesson that creates bias or fear among students. The school’s principal, Hye-Won Gehring, also issued an apology and announced a two-week leave of absence for sensitivity training. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and education in our classrooms. As personal injury bloggers, we understand the significance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. It is crucial that educators carefully consider the potential impact of their lessons on their students, promoting understanding, empathy, and respect. Lessons on sensitive topics must be approached with caution, using appropriate language and considering diverse perspectives. By doing so, we can foster an environment that encourages learning, critical thinking, and mutual respect. While this incident has been traumatic for all parties involved, it is also an opportunity for growth and learning. Citizens of the World Charter School has taken steps toward addressing the issue and ensuring that it becomes a teaching moment. As personal injury bloggers, we remain committed to promoting inclusivity, empathy, and education in all aspects of life, including within our educational institutions. Let us continue to strive for a society where sensitivity and understanding are valued, and where our students can learn and grow in an environment that respects their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
November 11, 2023
