Parents Criticize Pennsylvania School for Political Displays at Fair

A controversy has erupted in the Wissahickon School District in Pennsylvania after Jewish parents expressed outrage over a high school culture fair that they claim was used to promote pro-Palestinian activism. During the event held on November 27, 2023, at Wissahickon High School, the Muslim Students of America (MSA) chapter set up a booth that included political slogans and items that some students found unsettling.

Parents reported that the display featured slogans such as “Jerusalem is ours,” and involved the distribution of keffiyahs, a traditional Middle Eastern garment that has become a symbol of political protest. Parent Lynn Simon stated that her child returned home feeling unsafe and uncertain about their identity as a Jewish student. “We don’t send our kids to school to be marginalized,” she emphasized.

Photos shared on social media showed Superintendent Dr. Mwenyewe Dawan and Assistant Superintendent Sean Gardiner visiting the booths. The school’s principal, Dr. Lynne Blair, also shared images from the event before later removing some from public view. This has prompted further criticism from parents who believe that school leadership demonstrated support for what they view as inappropriate political displays.

Critics argue that the event blurred the lines between cultural expression and political activism. Steve Rosenberg, director of the North American Values Institute in Philadelphia, described the district’s handling of the situation as a “gold standard for educational malpractice.” He characterized the activities as cultural intimidation masquerading as diversity, calling for schools to remain spaces for critical thinking rather than platforms for political agendas.

In a letter signed by numerous Jewish parents and obtained by Fox News, they outlined their concerns regarding the MSA booth, citing that the messaging crossed educational and ethical boundaries. The letter pointed out that while the keffiyah is a cultural item, its political connotations have evolved significantly in recent years.

Parents expressed alarm over the implications of the “Jerusalem is ours” statement, which they believe undermines Jewish history and identity. They contend that using financial incentives to draw students into politically charged displays is coercive and inappropriate.

During a board meeting on December 1, the president of the MSA chapter defended the slogan, asserting that it was intended to reflect the ongoing conflict and was written in Arabic to limit its interpretation by Jewish students.

The parents’ letter called on the district to take several corrective actions. They requested clarification on how the keffiyahs were distributed, a review of the principal’s social media posts, access to the event’s planning framework, and guidelines to ensure that cultural programming does not turn into political advocacy. Additionally, they seek a listening session for Jewish families to voice their concerns directly.

The letter concluded with a plea for schools to serve as safe and neutral environments where all student identities are respected. “What happened this week undermines that principle, and it has caused real fear among Jewish students who now wonder whether their district will protect them,” it stated.