WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Police cleared a controversial encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and across town on Capitol Hill grade school administrators testified about how they’re handling the rise of antisemitism in their schools.
The heads of three large public-school systems rejected some lawmakers’ claims that they have allowed hate to go unchecked.
While police clear college campuses of controversial encampments of pro-Palestinian protesters leaders of K-12 schools testified before Congress Wednesday about a rise in antisemitism in their classrooms.
“When Jewish students or teachers feel unwelcome or unsafe, that should sound the alarm for us all,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor David Banks.
David Banks, the chancellor of New York City Public Schools, told a House committee his district has had nearly 300 concerning incidents since the Hamas October 7th attack. Banks said 42 % were antisemitic and 30% were Islamophobic.
“What are you doing with teachers, teachers that are teaching hate?” asked Rep. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.).
Banks told Florida Congressman Aaron Bean that his district has fired employees and suspended students.
“We cannot simply discipline our way out of this problem. The true antidote to ignorance and bias is to teach,” Banks said.
Banks said his district is building a new curriculum. It will include lessons on contributions from the Jewish community as well as hate crimes and bias.
Connecticut Congresswoman Jahanna Hayes said that kind of education is important.
“We’re doing a disservice to students if we are not teaching them about the backgrounds and perspectives of all people,” said Hayes.
North Carolina Congresswoman Kathy Manning said districts should make sure teachers are up to date, too.
“Sadly, some teachers are simply getting the facts wrong,” said Manning.
This was part of a series of hearings from the committee. The first in December led to the resignations of the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania.
