NYC Schools Chancellor Announces Plan to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

Principals to receive training on 'navigating difficult conversations', diversity training to be updated, and investigations into allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia fast-tracked.

New York City's schools Chancellor David Banks has announced a plan to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia in the city's schools, in response to rising tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Starting this spring, all middle and high school principals will receive training on 'navigating difficult conversations', and will be responsible for sharing what they learn with their staff.
The city is also updating its diversity training to delve more deeply into antisemitism and Islamophobia, and Banks has promised updated training on school safety for principals in the coming weeks.
Banks has emphasized that educators should play a role in helping students make sense of the ongoing conflict, while taking care not to express their own opinions.
Alongside the various trainings, the school system has expanded instructional materials on antisemitism and Islamophobia for students, and Banks has fast-tracked investigations into allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia.