The internal report on antisemitism at the elite Collegiate prep school revealed that some faculty members blamed Jewish parents for tensions following Hamas’ terrorist attack. The report acknowledged that this behavior was reminiscent of an antisemitic trope. The report, compiled in March and released in May, came after more than 100 Jewish parents criticized the school’s response to the attack, stating that it did not meet the moment.
The report also highlighted incidents of antisemitism within the school, including a teacher who was relieved of his duties after presenting controversial lessons on the Middle East to students. Another incident involved two teachers who were reprimanded for asking pressing questions at a Holocaust assembly. These incidents shed light on the challenges faced by Jewish students and parents at Collegiate in the aftermath of the Hamas attack.
The frustration among parents was apparent in their responses to the report. One parent expressed disappointment in the brevity of the report compared to a previous report on combating institutional racism. Another parent described a lack of trust, moral clarity, and pervasive anger among the school community. These sentiments reflect a broader sense of discontent and disconnect within the school’s Jewish community.
Collegiate, founded in 1628, is known as one of New York’s most prestigious private high schools, with alumni including David Duchovny and rapper Lil Mabu. However, the recent incidents of antisemitism have raised concerns about the school’s handling of sensitive issues. Tuition for the school is high, leading some parents to question the value of the education provided, with one parent likening Collegiate to a training camp for Columbia University.
The report also touched on Islamophobia at the school, indicating that there are broader issues of discrimination that need to be addressed. The incidents of antisemitism highlighted in the report serve as a wake-up call for Collegiate to address systemic issues and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students and parents. Overall, the report sheds light on the challenges faced by the Jewish community at Collegiate and the need for meaningful change to combat discrimination and promote understanding.
