The Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City, known for its cultural diversity and tolerance, recently experienced anti-Israel graffiti vandalism for the fifth time in the past decade. Two seniors were seen writing “Free Palestine” in chalk on the school’s entrance, sparking concerns among parents and administrators. The incident prompted a “listening session” with parents, particularly those in the Jewish affinity group, who expressed frustration over the school’s handling of antisemitism compared to other forms of discrimination.
The graffiti has since been removed, and an investigation into the incident has been launched by the school. However, a parent of former students at the school believes that the issue is part of a larger systemic problem, stating that radical views held by tenured teachers have been indoctrinating students. The parent believes that the school’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion may have exacerbated antisemitism within the school community.
Founded in 1878, the Ethical Culture Fieldston School is part of the Ivy Preparatory School League, known as the “Hill schools” in the Bronx. The school, which prides itself on diversity and inclusion, has faced previous incidents involving race or religion. In recent years, programs such as race-based affinity groups for students and controversial guest speakers have sparked debates within the school community. In 2019, a video showing students using offensive language led to protests after the school’s disciplinary actions were considered inadequate.
One notable incident in 2020 involved the firing of a Jewish teacher who opposed a pair of speakers invited to the campus to discuss antisemitism. The teacher raised concerns about the speakers being labeled as “white” and Zionists, leading to their dismissal. According to sources, the school has a history of downplaying certain acts of racial, ethnic, or religious-based violence while focusing more on issues of racism. The school’s response to events such as the George Floyd murder and the Israel-Palestine controversy has also been criticized by members of the school community.
Efforts to address these incidents have included conflict negotiators brought in to help the school community navigate these issues. However, sources suggest that these efforts have been light on actual solutions and heavy on emotional responses. The school’s Head of School and Head of Campus Safety have not responded to requests for comment on the recent vandalism incident. Overall, the Ethical Culture Fieldston School continues to grapple with how best to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion while also ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff.
