In a recent congressional hearing held by the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, David Banks, the chancellor of New York City Public Schools, revealed that the district has taken significant measures to combat antisemitism. At least a dozen staff and school leaders have either been removed or disciplined over alleged incidents of antisemitism.

Banks, who testified at the hearing, expressed his commitment to ensuring the safety of schools, stating that when antisemitism arises, swift action is necessary. He highlighted the steps taken by the district, including the removal of a principal in the middle of the school year. Moreover, New York City Public Schools has suspended around 30 students and called in the New York City Police Department when required. To address the issue at its core, all 1,600 principals in the district have undergone retraining on the discipline code.

However, Banks emphasized that disciplinary actions alone are not sufficient in resolving the problem. He stressed the importance of community engagement and education, asserting that teaching serves as the true antidote to combat antisemitism.

The hearing focused on allegations of antisemitic incidents in three school districts in liberal cities, including New York City, Berkeley, California, and Montgomery County, Maryland. Republicans took the opportunity to challenge officials from these districts, criticizing "woke" policies that they believe enable hate speech.

A specific incident at Hillcrest High School in Queens, where a pro-Israel teacher reportedly hid from protesting students, drew attention during the hearing. Banks unequivocally condemned the incident, labeling it a complete act of antisemitism. He assured lawmakers that appropriate measures were taken, including the removal of the principal involved. However, New York Republican Representative Elise Stefanik questioned Banks about the reassigned principal, expressing concern over a lack of enforcement and accountability.

Banks clarified that due process rights apply to every employee, but reiterated that the safety of teachers and students is a top priority. He admitted that mistakes may occur, but affirmed that the district consistently works towards rectifying them.

During the hearing, allegations of students chanting anti-Semitic slogans at Origins High School in Brooklyn were also raised. Banks confirmed that while an investigation did not find evidence of such chanting in the hallways, it uncovered deeply troubling incidents leading to suspensions of several students.

Furthermore, Banks mentioned a disciplinary incident involving a teacher being assigned to accompany a student to an anti-Israel protest, deeming it entirely inappropriate. He assured lawmakers that both the principal and teacher involved were disciplined, though not fired.

The hearing came on the heels of the US Department of Education's announcement that it is investigating allegations of discrimination based on Jewish ancestry or Israeli identity in Berkeley Unified School District, California. The department's Office for Civil Rights is examining whether the district complied with Title VI requirements to prevent discrimination and harassment.

Enikia Ford Morthel, superintendent of the Berkeley Unified School District, testified during the hearing and denied that the problem of antisemitism was widespread in her district, acknowledging the existence of allegations but emphasizing that the district takes them seriously.

The hearing shed light on the efforts undertaken by New York City Public Schools and other districts to address antisemitism within their educational institutions, with a commitment to fostering safe and inclusive learning environments for all students.