Community members clash over Maine West curriculum; dozens urge board to support or review English chair Dr. Sosan Jaber

At a Maine Township High School District 207 board meeting, dozens of residents spoke during public comment about the district’s English curriculum and the role of Maine West English department chair Dr. Sosan Jaber, with speakers sharply divided between calls to defend her and requests that the district review specific assignments. Supporters said Jaber has advanced inclusive curricula and supported marginalized students; critics said some classroom comparisons and assignments are inappropriate or create safety concerns for Jewish students.

The dispute drew organized statements from local advocacy groups. Leslie Williams, identified as a member of Jewish Voice for Peace Chicago, the Center for Jewish Nonviolence and Global Jews for Palestine, urged the board to support Jaber and to “encourage robust engagement with the uncomfortable.” Daniel Schwartz, a representative of the Chicago Jewish Alliance, said his organization and parents were concerned about assignments…