Supporters of the city’s only Arab-language public school demanded the
re-instatement of its original principal at a protest outside the
Department of Education Monday.
Earlier this month, Debbie Almontaser resigned from her post at
Khalil Gibran International Academy in Boerum Hill after critics
blasted her for not condemning the use of the word "intifada" on
T-Shirts made by an Arab women’s group.
"Intifada" refers to the Palestinian revolt against the Israeli occupation.
While some critics say the school is a potential radical Islam training ground, supporters dismiss those accusations.
"It represents a gift of vision, a vision of tolerance, of
cooperation, of community understanding,” said Rabbi Michael Feinberg
of the Greater New York Labor-Religion Coalition. “That’s what New York
is about, that’s what New York should be about, and that’s certainly
the vision that the academy was based on and founded on.”
“I have to say, I am horrified at the lies and distortions that
have been said about the school,” said Deborah Howard of the planning
team. “There’s not a word of truth in any of it."
Speaking to NY1 Friday, city Schools Chancellor Joel Klein also
defended the school saying religion will be taught only as an academic
subject.
"Sure, if you are in an Arabic school will you learn something
about Islam, and the difference between Shias and Sunnis? Sure, but to
say that’s a religious school is wrong,” said Klein.
The school is set to open September 4th, but no word on whether Almontaser will be reinstated.