Fieldston Principal Ousted Amid Controversy Over Race And Jews
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
The Ethical Cultural Fieldston School is embroiled in a furor after the departure of the principal of one of its elementary schools, which comes following accusations he made that the school’s headmaster made insensitive remarks about Jews and “Zionists.”
Jessica Bagby, the leader of Fieldston, announced the retirement in early June of George Burns, the principal of the Fieldston Lower School for kindergartners to fifth graders.
While the reason for the departure was not disclosed, many parents and teachers believe Burns was ousted for accusing Bagby of making insensitive remarks at a school forum about race.
Burns started a “Conversations about Race” program for elementary school students to discuss racial issues, and many parents have credited him with creating an environment of inclusion at the tony private school.
According to a complaint filed by Burns last December, Bagby made disparaging remarks about Jews and Zionists in an October meeting in which the two discussed the headmaster’s claim that some parents were not supportive of the “Conversations about Race” program.
“It’s the Zionists — the Jews,” he alleged that she said. Bagby has disputed his account of events, and said that she did not use that language.
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
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.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
