Back in 2007, Debbie Almontaser, an educator, interfaith activist and spokesperson for the Brooklyn Muslim community, was selected as the founding principal of the Khalil Gibran International Academy, a middle school that was designated as New York’s first Arabic public school.

Around that time, she was interviewed by the New York Post and asked to comment on a group called  Arab Women Active In The Arts And Media (AWAAM), who made a t-shirt with the word intifada on it. Almontaser made clear that she had no connection with the group other than the fact that she sat on the board of the Saba Association of American Yemenis, which provided AWAAM free office space.

She was, however, asked by the Post to define the word intifada. “The word intifada,” Almontaser explained, “basically means ‘shaking off.’ That is the root word if you look it up in Arabic. I understand it is developing a negative connotation due to the uprising in the Israeli-Palestinian areas. I don’t believe the intention is to have any of that kind of violence in New York City. I think it’s pretty much an opportunity for girls to express that they are part of New York City society … and shaking off oppression.”

For that statement, Almontaser was scolded in public by Randi Weingarten, the president of the United Federation of Teachers.  Weingarten told the New York Times, that intifiada was “something that ought to be denounced, not explained away.” New York City Public Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein announced that Almontaser’s resignation was in her school’s best interest. Mayor Michael Bloomberg was all for it.

People who knew Almontaser, and her good work as an educator, community activist and one of the founders of Brooklyn’s annual Children of Abraham Peace March, which brings together Jews, Christians and Muslims, were outraged.

The New York Post reported:  “‘Intifada’ Principal Resigns.

A supportive front-page article in The New York Times on April 28, 2008 was a vindication of sorts.

In September 2009, a judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by Almontaser, who accused school officials in federal court in Manhattan of violating her right to free speech by forcing her to resign over a newspaper interview they had sanctioned.

U.S. District Court Judge Sidney Stein found that Almontaser’s comments in a 2007 interview with the New York Post were “pursuant to her official duties,” and therefore not protected by the First Amendment. He also rejected an allegation that school officials also had violated her right to due process.

The court of appeals argument in Debbie Almontaser’s case will be held today: Tuesday, January 19 at 10 a.m. in the Ceremonial Courtroom, 9th Fl, US Courthouse, 500 Pearl St, off Foley Square.

For those who support Almontaser and are outraged by the injustice against her should come to this court hearing. A  large turnout will send a strong message to the court.

Court Info:
TUESDAY JANUARY 18TH (10AM)
500 Pearl Street, 9th Floor (off Foley Square)
New York, NY
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