An argument at a school-board meeting about a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program descended into shouts after one member suggested that Jews had “decided” to become white and thus should not qualify to participate alongside other historically oppressed groups.
The Lower Merion Board of School Directors outside Philadelphia gathered on Sept. 16 for a forum that grew contentious between Jewish member Abby Lerner Rubin and black member Kimberly Garrison.
Rubin raised the issue of growing antisemitism and whether DEI policies would protect Jews. As reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer, she noted, “I understand why we need to acknowledge historic discriminations” and that “the idea that it’s not for all is where I get a little bit uncomfortable.”
Garrison responded that she disagreed with Rubin, expressing her view that “there was a time before Jewish people decided that they were going to join the group of white people.” This prompted Rubin to ask Garrison to take back the statement, which she called not true.
An argument followed in which Garrison pointed to a Pew poll to back up her claim that most American Jews identify as white.
Board president Kerry Sautner sent a follow-up letter acknowledging that “the conversation took a turn, becoming unhealthy and damaging with antisemitic statements and racist implications.”
She wrote “since that meeting, on social media and in correspondence, we have seen continued insults and harmful behavior among neighbors. This ongoing pain underscores the need for us all to engage in conversations with greater humility, understanding and respect.”
