Three teachers at Philadelphia’s Baldi Middle School have just filed a federal complaint with the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) after facing severe disciplinary action for their support of Palestinian students. As part of their complaint, the three teachers – Caroline Yang, Emily Antrilli, and Jordan Kardasz – are underscoring community members’ allegations that the Philadelphia School district is failing to take accusations of discrimination against Palestinian students and pro-Palestine staff seriously.

As pro-Palestine protests continue gaining momentum on college campuses around the world, primary and secondary school teachers, students, and families are bringing the fight for their right to teach about Palestine to the Philadelphia Board of Education. At yesterday’s public school board meeting, teachers, staff, and families concerned about the protection of free speech in school testified about their growing concern that the district has been mishandling discourse on Palestine in schools.