Gaza war divide hits New York public schools with new antisemitism and Islamophobia training
New York City public schools are expanding training on antisemitism and Islamophobia to middle and high schools as a result of tensions over the war in Gaza, underscoring how fallout over the conflict is trickling down to everyday life.
The city’s public schools chancellor, David Banks, said on Monday that all middle and high school principals would be required to receive training on “navigating difficult conversations” among US teenagers and address tensions over the war.
NYC public schools will also expand access to teaching materials on antisemitism and Islamophobia and offer anti-discrimination workshops to members of parent organisations amid reports that parent council meetings have descended into fighting matches over the war.
The public school measures are the latest that underscore a sharp divide among Americans over the war in the Middle East.
In a New York Times poll released late last year, 44 percent of US respondents said Israel should stop its military campaign to protect against civilian casualties, while 39 percent said Israel should continue its offensive in the besieged enclave.