Arabic version: إجراءات تأديبية بعد حادثة معادية للسامية في كويستكون
A school in regional New South Wales is taking disciplinary action following an incident where a Crookwell High School student allegedly directed an antisemitic phrase at a Jewish student during an excursion to Questacon in Canberra. The incident occurred at the end of the visit on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from both the affected school and the NSW Department of Education.
According to ABC News, Mount Scopus Memorial College informed parents that a student from Crookwell High School directed the phrase at a Year 6 student. Another Crookwell student reportedly challenged the behavior, demonstrating a commitment to standing against such actions. The incident was promptly reported to a teacher and escalated to the leadership at Crookwell High School.
Principal Dan Sztrajt of Mount Scopus Memorial College expressed his dismay over the incident, stating that no individual should face “senseless hatred.” He emphasized the importance of addressing antisemitism, noting that unchecked hatred can lead to violence. Sztrajt praised the student who spoke out, highlighting the need for more individuals to act as ‘upstanders’ in schools.
Naomi Levin from the Jewish Community Council of Victoria expressed that parents were devastated by the incident, reflecting a broader concern for the safety of students during school excursions. Levin noted that this was not an isolated event, referencing a similar incident at the Melbourne Museum last year.
The NSW Department of Education issued an apology to those involved and reiterated its commitment to addressing religious intolerance in schools. A spokesperson stated that antisemitism has no place in educational environments and that the school is taking the necessary steps to deal with the behavior appropriately.
Questacon also released a statement expressing distress over the incident and reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors. The science center condemned any form of bullying or discrimination, ensuring that the unacceptable behavior was addressed immediately. ACT Policing confirmed that no complaints had been made regarding the incident.
