NYC Schools Chancellor Rebukes Bklyn Parent Council Over Handling of Israel-Hamas Conflict

By: Rob Otto

In a recent development, City Schools Chancellor David Banks has issued a stern reprimand directed at the Brooklyn Parent Council for what he deems as a failure in effectively conducting its business. The controversy centers around the promotion of a citywide student walkout organized to protest the Israel-Hamas conflict, according to exclusive information obtained by NY The Post.

Chancellor Banks directly accused Tajh Sutton, President of Community Education Council 14, of violating multiple state laws, including one that could potentially result in her permanent removal from serving on any citywide board. In a scathing three-page letter addressed to Sutton, Banks criticized the council’s leadership under her direction, alleging selective representation of the district’s parent community and obstruction of attendance and participation at meetings.

The council, notably, has faced criticism for allegedly blocking Jewish parents from its meetings and social media platforms. A particular incident of concern revolves around the support provided by Sutton to James Parra, a paraprofessional at Brooklyn Arbor Elementary School. Parra’s vocal pro-Palestine, Hamas loving views sparked controversy, with his social media posts labeling Israel as a “racist” and “terrorist” state, alongside derogatory remarks about Zionism.

Banks condemned Sutton’s actions as “highly inappropriate” and lacking relevance to the duties of the Community Education Council. During a virtual meeting of CEC 14, despite orders to hold in-person sessions in compliance with state law, Parra directed a tirade towards District 14 Superintendent David Cintron, branding him a “spineless coward” and concluding with a profanity-laden declaration of solidarity with Palestine.

In response, Sutton expressed support for Parra, further escalating tensions within the council. Adding to the controversy, Sutton faced a notice of guilt for violating Chancellor’s Regulation D-210, which prohibits harassment and discrimination, due to her advocacy for a pro-Palestine student walkout in November. She now has the opportunity to participate in a conciliation process before any final action is taken.

In another development, Maud Maron, a member of the Community Education Council in District 2, found herself entangled in controversy this week. Maron was issued a notice for violating Chancellor’s Regulation D-210, which prohibits harassment and discrimination, after her comments to The Post regarding an anonymous student editorial in Stuyvesant High School’s newspaper. The editorial had sparked criticism for its perceived antisemitic content.

Maron’s remark, suggesting the byline should read “coward” instead of “anonymous” and condemning the editorial for what she termed “ignorance and Jew hatred,” led to the directive for her to refrain from making derogatory or offensive remarks about any New York City public school student.

The situation with Maron is compounded by another pending complaint, alleging disparaging remarks about the LGBTQ community made in a private chat group. Maron’s purported comments denying the existence of transgender children and dismissing the concept of transitioning have stirred outrage, prompting scrutiny of her conduct both within and outside of official council duties.

Despite facing censure, Maron remains steadfast in her convictions, asserting her right to express opinions in both private and public forums without fear of reprisal from the Department of Education. These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding respectful dialogue within educational leadership circles.