Queens HS Principal Reassigned in Wake of Student Riot Against Pro-Israel Teacher

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Hillcrest High School in Queens, is undergoing a significant leadership change following a series of controversies and a student riot targeting a Jewish teacher who had attended a pro-Israel rally, as was reported by the New York Post.  The principal, Scott Milczewski, has been reassigned to a new role within the city Department of Education bureaucracy, marking the end of his tenure at the school.

In a letter addressed to staff and families, Milczewski announced his departure from Hillcrest High School, expressing mixed emotions. As was indicated in the Post report, he disclosed that he had accepted the position of Director of Teacher Development and Evaluation within the Division of Teaching and Learning at the New York City Department of Education.

“It is with mixed emotions that I inform you that I have been offered, and accepted, the position of Director of Teacher Development and Evaluation within the Division of Teaching and Learning,” he wrote, according to the report in the Post.

The report added that the Department of Education has not provided an immediate comment on Milczewski’s reassignment.

Milczewski’s departure follows a student riot that unfolded last month, where hundreds of students rampaged through the school’s halls. As was previously reported in the Post, the incident targeted a Jewish teacher who had attended a pro-Israel rally, forcing her to seek refuge in a locked office as the mob searched for her. The chaos prompted a lockdown, requiring the intervention of approximately 25 NYPD officers to restore order, as was noted in the Post report.

The riot was triggered by the teacher’s Facebook photo, taken at a rally in Queens on October 9, expressing support for Israel in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks by Hamas terrorists in the Jewish State, according to the Post report. Four students who organized the riot were subsequently suspended. The event highlighted tensions within the school over the Israel-Hamas conflict, and critics argued that Milczewski failed to address the brewing discord adequately.

Milczewski’s tenure at Hillcrest High School has been marred by controversies beyond the recent riot. The Post report also said that in February, swastikas were reportedly scrawled on student lockers, and Milczewski faced accusations of dragging his feet in addressing the incident. Subsequently, in November, more swastikas appeared along with graffiti containing offensive language, emphasizing ongoing challenges within the school, as per the Post report.

A no-confidence survey conducted among Hillcrest faculty revealed significant discontent with Milczewski’s leadership. As was reported by the Post, an overwhelming 87% of employees expressed the belief that Milczewski had created a toxic environment, prioritizing his ambitions over the needs of students and staff. The dissatisfaction culminated in the call for change within the school’s administration.

One teacher told The Post that Milczewski’s ouster was a positive outcome for the school.

“Hillcrest needed change. Hopefully, the new principal will address the needs of the faculty and students and bring us together as a community,” the teacher said.

The leadership change is expected to bring new perspectives to address the challenges faced by the school, as the community looks ahead to fostering a harmonious environment for students and staff.