Jewish families, school staff call on NYC to ban keffiyehs in schools: Symbol of ‘hate’
Some Jewish students, parents and staffers are demanding the city ban Middle Eastern scarves in NYC public schools because they see them as a symbol of “hate and violence.”
Members of the group New York United in Fighting Antisemitism are urging others to send an email to Mayor Adams, schools Chancellor David Banks and United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew to ban the keffiyehs, which they said are “intimidating and frightening” to Jews.
“The keffiyehs worn in school and at school events are not merely cultural garments, they have been adopted as symbols in response to the slaughter of Jews on Oct. 7,” the advocates claim in the email.
“This symbol is prominently displayed at protests where chants, slogans, and signs openly call for the death of Israel and Jews,” they said of the black-and-white checkered scarves, which have become a uniform face covering for left-wing radicals at pro-Palestine demonstrations.
Just as the swastika’s historic symbolism of peace was co-opted by the Nazis, the traditional Arab scarf, despite its cultural roots, has now been adopted by groups “that promote violence and hatred against Jews,” supporters of the ban argue.
“Our schools must remain places of neutrality, respect, and safety for all students and staff, free from symbols that incite hatred and violence,” they added in the email.
Brooklyn paraprofessional James Parra, who was eventually fired from PS 414, sparked outrage last year after posting a video on Instagram wearing a keffiyeh.
The city Department of Education’s dress code specifically allows for “headwear worn for religious observance” as well as “headscarves.” It prohibits attire that includes references that “discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, religious practices, ethnicity, national origin” and other characteristics.
“We are also committed to providing supportive and inclusive learning environments while protecting First Amendment rights,” DOE spokesman Nathaniel Styer told The Post.
“If there is a complaint, we assess the case and make a determination on next steps based on the facts,” he said.
