In some schools, students of Palestinian, Muslim, and even Iranian and Arab descent are being subjected to name-calling, harassment, and bullying. [read Eleanor Bader’s story online] This is reminiscent of and parallel to what I saw in some schools back in the day — Jewish students encountered antisemitism and students of color encountered obvious racism.
To what extent is anything like this happening in any Lehigh Valley schools? It can also take the form of the school refusing to teach or facilitate discussion of the real issues . In middle schools and high schools it may also include silencing or suppressing anti-war or anti-Zionist voices.
For that matter, are such voices suppressed or silenced on college and university campuses in this area?
Aren’t schools supposed to be safe spaces? —
Schools should help students help to explore issues — especially controversial issues — see through biased opinions and stereotypes, learn the facts, and express their thoughts freely.
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