Parents press Wissahickon board for antisemitism training after disputed cultural‑fair displays; MSA leaders deny allegations
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Summary
Several parents alleged antisemitic material appeared in classrooms and at a recent cultural fair; the district said it has opened an investigation and some students and the Muslim Student Association defended the cultural fair and described online harassment. The board said it will follow district investigation procedures.
Multiple parents and community members raised concerns at the Dec. 1 Wissahickon School District meeting alleging a pattern of antisemitic material in district curricular and extracurricular settings. Speakers cited past incidents (classroom materials, a mural, emails and a high‑school cultural fair booth) and asked the district for specific antisemitism training and transparent follow‑up.
"There is a systemic problem with antisemitism in the district," said Bethanne Idris, who listed incidents she said occurred over the past year and asked when and what content antisemitism training would include.
District officials told the meeting that administrators had announced an investigation and were following established procedures to gather facts, interview involved individuals and assess any potential impacts on school climate. An administration representative said there was "no indication of an immediate threat" and that the district treats reports of discrimination seriously.
Several speakers challenged the allegations. Levi Salas, who identified as Jewish, said he reviewed the Muslim Student Association (MSA) booth and did not find antisemitic content: "I can guarantee you will not find it," he said, asking the board to review evidence before labeling the display. Waleed Hassan, identified in the meeting as president of his high school's Muslim Student Association, said the MSA had been targeted online and denied that the booth contained illegal or antisemitic content. "The MSA is going nowhere," he said.
Board members said they would follow the district's investigatory procedures and take appropriate action if the investigation substantiates violations of policy.
What remains unresolved: The public record from the meeting shows competing claims — parents describing a pattern of concerning materials and students defending the MSA and its cultural displays. The district announced an investigation but did not present findings at the meeting.