Upstate New York Schools Sued Over Anti-Semitism
The Pine Bush school district in upstate New York is being sued by several parents who claim their children were subject to anti-Semitic bullying and harassment, the New York Times reported.
Swastikas proliferated all over school grounds and students’ notebooks, and teachers or school officials reortedly did not intervene, despite myriad complaints from both students and their parents, the parents told the Times.
The former superintendent of the school district , Philip G. Steinberg, called the lawsuit a “money grab” and that the allegations are “embellished.”
A lawyer for the district says they have “responded diligently” to reports of anti-Semitic behavior, including bringing in Holocaust survivors to speak to school assemblies, and holding anti-bullying training for students and teachers.
Pine Bush schools serve parts of Sullivan, Ulster and Orange counties, west of Newburgh and about 90 minutes drive from New York City.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
