NYC Public Schools Apologize for Sharing Gaza Protest Toolkit, Vow Better Protection for Jewish Students

New York, NY — The New York City Public Schools system has issued a public apology after facing backlash for including a controversial “Stop Genocide Gaza Toolkit” in a recent internal newsletter. The material, which has been labeled antisemitic by critics, was shared with select teachers and parents, prompting an immediate response from school officials and community leaders.

The toolkit offered guidance on organizing protests against Israel, promoting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, lobbying elected officials, and fundraising efforts tied to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Critics argue that the content not only violates the district’s policy on political neutrality but also uses inflammatory language that alienates and endangers Jewish students and families.

A Troubling Oversight

Chancellor David C. Banks and Deputy Chancellor Melissa Avilés-Ramos released a statement acknowledging the error and expressing deep regret.

“Today, a troubling oversight was brought to my attention: an offensive political toolkit was hyperlinked in one of our published newsletters,” said Avilés-Ramos. “Its inclusion both violates our policies on political neutrality and uses hateful, antisemitic language that is hurtful to many in our Jewish community.”

Upon discovering the error, district leadership ordered the immediate removal of the link and launched a formal investigation to determine how the content made it into the newsletter. According to school officials, steps are already underway to strengthen the vetting process for future communications.

Commitment to Safety and Inclusivity

In their public apology, school leaders emphasized the district’s commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all students, especially in a time of heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict.

“We remain focused on fostering respect, safety, and civil discourse in our schools,” Avilés-Ramos added. “We are working to ensure our Jewish students and families feel safe and supported, now and always.”

The backlash comes amid a broader national conversation on how public institutions handle sensitive political issues, especially when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some activists defend the right to raise awareness on Gaza, many argue that school platforms must avoid promoting political activism that can marginalize or endanger specific communities.

Moving Forward

The NYC Public Schools system—the largest in the United States—serves more than one million students. In such a diverse and politically charged environment, the district’s leadership is under pressure to strike a balance between free expression and the responsibility to maintain neutrality and inclusivity.

As the internal investigation unfolds, the district has pledged transparency and promises to implement new protocols designed to prevent similar incidents in the future. The chancellor also thanked those who raised concerns, saying their vigilance plays a crucial role in holding the system accountable.

This incident marks a pivotal moment for New York schools as they navigate the challenges of political discourse, cultural sensitivity, and the need to protect all students—regardless of background or belief.