Outraged NYC parents, teachers demand David Banks be held accountable by Congress over antisemitism

Parents, teachers and advocates want Schools Chancellor David Banks to be held “accountable” for what they say are hollow promises to combat antisemitism in New York City classrooms when he’s grilled by Congress this week.

Banks will travel to Washington DC alongside school district leaders from Maryland’s Montgomery County and Berkeley, California on Wednesday to testify at a congressional hearing about antisemitism in K-12 schools.

“We hope the hearing will hold Banks accountable and drive him to become the leader that Jewish students and families need,” said Tova Plaut, founder of NYCPS Alliance, an advocacy group of parents, educators and community members that has been vocal about the issue of antisemitism in city schools.

“I want to hear from Chancellor David Banks that he truly understands that some of the schools he runs are actively inhospitable to Jewish students and staff and it is his responsibility to address the cultural safety concerns,” added Maud Maron, a Manhattan mom and member of the Community Education Council District 2.