New York City Public Schools Chancellor David Banks testified before a House committee on Wednesday about the city’s response to antisemitism in its schools.
Banks defended the school system’s actions, saying that several staff members and school leaders have been removed or disciplined, at least 30 students have been suspended, and all 1,600 principals have been retrained on the discipline code.
“Keeping schools safe is in my DNA,” Banks said. “When antisemitism rears its head, I believe we must respond.”
However, some lawmakers expressed concern that the school system is not doing enough to address the problem.
“I’m concerned that you have him in a senior position,” Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) said of the former principal of Hillcrest High School, who was removed from his role but not terminated. “And what’s very concerning about these hearings is that we’re getting lip service but a lack of enforcement, a lack of accountability.”
Banks said he could not confirm whether the former principal is now serving as director of teacher development and evaluation, but said he would provide clarification by the end of the day.
The committee also heard testimony from school administrators from California and Maryland about how antisemitic protests and harassment have impacted K-12 education.
Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.) asked Banks about a pro-Hamas teacher at Hillcrest High School, who was reportedly seen wearing a Hamas shirt and making antisemitic comments in class.
Banks said that the teacher had been placed on leave and that the school system was investigating the matter.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) asked Banks about the school system’s response to Islamophobia.
Banks said that the school system takes all reports of Islamophobia seriously and that it investigates every incident.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech and discrimination of any kind,” Banks said.
The hearing comes amid a rise in antisemitic incidents in the United States. According to the Anti-Defamation League, there were 2,717 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. in 2021, the highest number since the ADL began tracking such incidents in 1979.
“We must all work together to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate and discrimination,” Banks said.
