CIJA: PDSB to train staff on antisemitism in response to “blood libel” in high school

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Peel District School Board. Photo: JCPA.ORG

On April 17, 2019 the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) issued the following statement:

Like you, we were outraged and disturbed that students at Stephen Lewis Secondary School (SLSS) in Peel recently conducted a school project promoting antisemitic blood libels against Israelis.

Two hours ago, CIJA met with senior leaders from SLSS and the Peel District School Board to voice our community’s concerns and discuss concrete steps to address this incident.

The Board confirmed to CIJA the following:

1) The Board has completely cancelled the project and all materials and social media posts associated with it have been removed.

2) The Board has explained to students and staff involved that this project was rooted in falsehoods and constitutes a modern-day antisemitic blood libel.

3) The Board has committed to take measures to ensure an incident like this never occurs again within its schools.

4) The Board has committed to take appropriate disciplinary action as necessary to address this incident.

5) The Board committed to use this incident as an educational opportunity to teach students about the nature and dangers of antisemitism. It confirmed it will work to ensure that students and staff — including members of the Jewish community — feel they are in a safe and inclusive space.

6) The Board will work with CIJA and the Jewish community to conduct staff training on #antisemitism, recognizing the need to address systemic challenges and a problematic climate in the school.

We look forward to working closely with the Peel District School Board to ensure full and effective implementation of this plan.