Nysmith allegedly allowed antisemetic bullying and expelled the kids who's parents complained

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

In their efforts to label every criticism of Israel as "anti Semitic", certain people have made the rest of the world more prone to dismiss real attacks against Jews. It's really sad.

Did you read the articles? Here are some quotes:

The school "allowed anti-Semitism to take root in her class" over the course of several months, including with a social studies project that saw students promote Adolf Hitler as a "strong historical leader." That project "was shared with the entire school community" and contributed to "a pattern of persistent and severe anti-Semitic harassment," the complaint alleges.

Other kids described Jews as "baby killers" and said "they deserve to die because of what is happening in Gaza."

The Palestinian flag provoked more aggressive bullying and harassment. Classmates cited it as evidence that ‘everyone hates Jews,’ taunting her that ‘we won’ and that the flag was proof that ‘nobody likes you.’"

Allegations in a complaint may or may not be true; oftentimes they are not. An allegation that takes the form of large amount of commentary around a very small quote like "strong historical leader" is also generally misleading. Adolf Hitler was a strong historical leader; what did the project say beyond that? The complaint doesn't say, likely because they don't want the court/public to see that right now.

Please tell us what exactly he did that makes him such a strong leader. Did he perhaps do something you admire?

autobahn?? he was a terrible leader even of you take the psychopathy and death camps. abuse/ murder of: epileptics, Down syndrome individuals, autistic/crippled kids, mixed race black and German kids, Jehovahs witnesses, Roma, Jews, communist party members, people who listened to or supported nongermanic music and art and modern art , random people who got caught in the crossfires of an authoritarian regime out of it. how does. good leader end up with 8 year old kids running anti aircraft machinery and getting bombed by the RAF and then the country getting occupied and split into two and then 1./2 of the country being caught up in a social experiment for 3 generations??? sounds like a pretty garbage leader to me.

[Anonymous]

Hitler was evil but he somehow tapped into something in the German psyche that enabled millions to look the other way while their neighbors, colleagues, and classmates were robbed, beaten, and stripped of basic human rights.

Many Germans claimed they knew nothing about the death camps but much of Hitler’s abuse of Jews happened in plain sight.

What can’t be denied is that while he held power, he held it unequivocally. How did he? Why did he? These are questions worth answering.

Children under 12/13 don’t have the capacity for abstract thought that the answers require.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hitler was evil but he somehow tapped into something in the German psyche that enabled millions to look the other way while their neighbors, colleagues, and classmates were robbed, beaten, and stripped of basic human rights.

Many Germans claimed they knew nothing about the death camps but much of Hitler’s abuse of Jews happened in plain sight.

What can’t be denied is that while he held power, he held it unequivocally. How did he? Why did he? These are questions worth answering.

Children under 12/13 don’t have the capacity for abstract thought that the answers require.

How? FEAR Why? Evil

Remember: Hitler finessed a lot of this. He only won around 30% of the vote. Read Rise and Fall of the Third Reich
I haven't read it, but, according to a family member it explains how he did it. (It does not excuse it--just explains how it happened.)

I lived in Germany during the Cold War. One Austrian woman told me that it was because of radios and VW cars.

Here is another way they did it:
https://arolsen-archives.org/en/news/nazi-germanys-schriftleitergesetz-the-end-of-freedom-of-the-press/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

You read that article and your takeaway was “lol those pushy parents were probably lying because of reasons I will not specify”??

Oh, but I did specify. One of the commenters, presumably another parent at the school, claims that the parents accosted and harshly spoke to a child they believed was bullying their daughter.

Parents disciplining or bullying a child not their own is unacceptable behavior in most private school cultures. That alone would have been cause to expel the family.

You read this and your heart didn’t break for this family?
…“Mr. Nysmith replied that he had cancelled the annual Holocaust program speaker because of his concern that the event might inflame emotions within the Nysmith School community in light of the Israel-Gaza conflict.”

No, my heart didn’t break. The annual speaker had died. Having a speaker is not an entitlement.

Suggesting the Holocaust has nothing to do with Israel is disingenuous. Zionist Jews cite the Holocaust as the reason why Israel is justified in taking whatever measures it needs to defend its existence, including bombing and starving civilians.

If Jews don’t want the Holocaust connected to Israel they should stop using it as justification for Israel’s horrific acts of war against civilians.

There are Jews with specific beliefs about Israel’s right to violence, so don’t bother claiming I’m anti-Semitic. I’m anti-war crimes. I believe Israel has the right to exist. I don’t believe Israel has the right to kill indiscriminately.

Not all Jews support Netanyahu’s war crimes. Some see Palestinians as human beings and are doing what they can to stop Netanyahu.

Few would deny that Hamas’ October 7 attacks were horrific and demanded a response. Killing 50,000+ civilians and condemning thousands more to a slow, painful death through starvation is not a proportionate or effective response.

Ugh yeah those “entitled” Jews, always insisting on….[checks notes] Holocaust education.

“Don’t bother claiming I’m antisemitic” lol ok bro. If you’re not antisemitic (you 1000% are), you’re dumb as rocks. We shouldn’t educate kids about the holocaust bc “Zionists” “use it as justification”? Pretty sure you just demonstrated succinctly why we DO need Holocaust education. Also, Zionists cite Judaism as part of the founding ethos of the state. Should we ban Judaism too? Just f all Jews everywhere, right? Hamas cites the “Nakba” as justification for their butchery. Should we not teach kids what happened in 1948? ISIS claims to be carrying out the dictates of the Koran. “If Muslims don’t want the Koran connected to terrorism they should stop using it as justification for terrorists horrific acts of murder against civilians.” See how that sounds?

JFC. People feel comfortable saying sh*t about Jews they would NEVER, in a MILLION YEARS dream about saying about other minorities. Disgusting antisemitism on open display and you have the gall to ask people not to call you an antisemite.

[Anonymous]

Do you really want to claim that Islamophobia hasn’t existed in the United States?

[Anonymous]

The excuse that the Holocaust speaker would inflame tensions just doesn't make any sense. No matter what side of the Israel-Palestine issue you are on, you would support a speaker, especially one who can bear witness to genocide.

Like so many people in this thread, it's very frustrating that the HOS seems to conflating anti-Zionist beliefs with antisemitic ones. He should not be using a political opinion to justify mistreatment of Jewish families. Any of us can agree to that.

--non-Jewish supporter of Palestine horrified by the antisemitic and problematic assignments and interactions described.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You read that article and your takeaway was “lol those pushy parents were probably lying because of reasons I will not specify”??

Oh, but I did specify. One of the commenters, presumably another parent at the school, claims that the parents accosted and harshly spoke to a child they believed was bullying their daughter.

Parents disciplining or bullying a child not their own is unacceptable behavior in most private school cultures. That alone would have been cause to expel the family.

You read this and your heart didn’t break for this family?
…“Mr. Nysmith replied that he had cancelled the annual Holocaust program speaker because of his concern that the event might inflame emotions within the Nysmith School community in light of the Israel-Gaza conflict.”

No, my heart didn’t break. The annual speaker had died. Having a speaker is not an entitlement.

Suggesting the Holocaust has nothing to do with Israel is disingenuous. Zionist Jews cite the Holocaust as the reason why Israel is justified in taking whatever measures it needs to defend its existence, including bombing and starving civilians.

If Jews don’t want the Holocaust connected to Israel they should stop using it as justification for Israel’s horrific acts of war against civilians.

There are Jews with specific beliefs about Israel’s right to violence, so don’t bother claiming I’m anti-Semitic. I’m anti-war crimes. I believe Israel has the right to exist. I don’t believe Israel has the right to kill indiscriminately.

Not all Jews support Netanyahu’s war crimes. Some see Palestinians as human beings and are doing what they can to stop Netanyahu.

Few would deny that Hamas’ October 7 attacks were horrific and demanded a response. Killing 50,000+ civilians and condemning thousands more to a slow, painful death through starvation is not a proportionate or effective response.

Ugh yeah those “entitled” Jews, always insisting on….[checks notes] Holocaust education.

“Don’t bother claiming I’m antisemitic” lol ok bro. If you’re not antisemitic (you 1000% are), you’re dumb as rocks. We shouldn’t educate kids about the holocaust bc “Zionists” “use it as justification”? Pretty sure you just demonstrated succinctly why we DO need Holocaust education. Also, Zionists cite Judaism as part of the founding ethos of the state. Should we ban Judaism too? Just f all Jews everywhere, right? Hamas cites the “Nakba” as justification for their butchery. Should we not teach kids what happened in 1948? ISIS claims to be carrying out the dictates of the Koran. “If Muslims don’t want the Koran connected to terrorism they should stop using it as justification for terrorists horrific acts of murder against civilians.” See how that sounds?

JFC. People feel comfortable saying sh*t about Jews they would NEVER, in a MILLION YEARS dream about saying about other minorities. Disgusting antisemitism on open display and you have the gall to ask people not to call you an antisemite.

I haven't been to the Holocaust Museum in years. However, I recall how depressingly impressive it was. Everyone should go.
But, I don't know if they still do this, at the end of the tour they had videos of soldiers who liberated the camps. They gave witness --outside witness--to the horror of the Holocaust. My DH found it brilliant that they ended the tour with this because it proved how it was real and that it really did happen.

A very few of the soldiers who witnessed this are still alive. I heard one speak recently. Through all his experiences of the war--including the Battle of the Bulge, this was the defining moment and what made the war worth fighting.

As for Mr. Nysmith. he needs a little common sense. Maybe those parents could use it, too. I wasn't there and I don't know. I do know that they might not have been aware for quite a while because kids do not always share their bullying experiences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You read that article and your takeaway was “lol those pushy parents were probably lying because of reasons I will not specify”??

Oh, but I did specify. One of the commenters, presumably another parent at the school, claims that the parents accosted and harshly spoke to a child they believed was bullying their daughter.

Parents disciplining or bullying a child not their own is unacceptable behavior in most private school cultures. That alone would have been cause to expel the family.

You read this and your heart didn’t break for this family?
…“Mr. Nysmith replied that he had cancelled the annual Holocaust program speaker because of his concern that the event might inflame emotions within the Nysmith School community in light of the Israel-Gaza conflict.”

No, my heart didn’t break. The annual speaker had died. Having a speaker is not an entitlement.

Suggesting the Holocaust has nothing to do with Israel is disingenuous. Zionist Jews cite the Holocaust as the reason why Israel is justified in taking whatever measures it needs to defend its existence, including bombing and starving civilians.

If Jews don’t want the Holocaust connected to Israel they should stop using it as justification for Israel’s horrific acts of war against civilians.

There are Jews with specific beliefs about Israel’s right to violence, so don’t bother claiming I’m anti-Semitic. I’m anti-war crimes. I believe Israel has the right to exist. I don’t believe Israel has the right to kill indiscriminately.

Not all Jews support Netanyahu’s war crimes. Some see Palestinians as human beings and are doing what they can to stop Netanyahu.

Few would deny that Hamas’ October 7 attacks were horrific and demanded a response. Killing 50,000+ civilians and condemning thousands more to a slow, painful death through starvation is not a proportionate or effective response.

Ugh yeah those “entitled” Jews, always insisting on….[checks notes] Holocaust education.

“Don’t bother claiming I’m antisemitic” lol ok bro. If you’re not antisemitic (you 1000% are), you’re dumb as rocks. We shouldn’t educate kids about the holocaust bc “Zionists” “use it as justification”? Pretty sure you just demonstrated succinctly why we DO need Holocaust education. Also, Zionists cite Judaism as part of the founding ethos of the state. Should we ban Judaism too? Just f all Jews everywhere, right? Hamas cites the “Nakba” as justification for their butchery. Should we not teach kids what happened in 1948? ISIS claims to be carrying out the dictates of the Koran. “If Muslims don’t want the Koran connected to terrorism they should stop using it as justification for terrorists horrific acts of murder against civilians.” See how that sounds?

JFC. People feel comfortable saying sh*t about Jews they would NEVER, in a MILLION YEARS dream about saying about other minorities. Disgusting antisemitism on open display and you have the gall to ask people not to call you an antisemite.

I haven't been to the Holocaust Museum in years. However, I recall how depressingly impressive it was. Everyone should go.
But, I don't know if they still do this, at the end of the tour they had videos of soldiers who liberated the camps. They gave witness --outside witness--to the horror of the Holocaust. My DH found it brilliant that they ended the tour with this because it proved how it was real and that it really did happen.

A very few of the soldiers who witnessed this are still alive. I heard one speak recently. Through all his experiences of the war--including the Battle of the Bulge, this was the defining moment and what made the war worth fighting.

As for Mr. Nysmith. he needs a little common sense. Maybe those parents could use it, too. I wasn't there and I don't know. I do know that they might not have been aware for quite a while because kids do not always share their bullying experiences.

Yes, they still have that, along with direct quotations from General Eisenhower.

[Anonymous]

You question the journalism of the hard-working reporters of the Fairfax Times, yet repeatedly cite an anonymous commentator to the article who "presumably" is another parent at the school. That's your sourcing? This anonymous commentator. Interesting.

Anonymous wrote:

You read that article and your takeaway was “lol those pushy parents were probably lying because of reasons I will not specify”??

Oh, but I did specify. One of the commenters, presumably another parent at the school, claims that the parents accosted and harshly spoke to a child they believed was bullying their daughter.

Parents disciplining or bullying a child not their own is unacceptable behavior in most private school cultures. That alone would have been cause to expel the family.

You read this and your heart didn’t break for this family?
…“Mr. Nysmith replied that he had cancelled the annual Holocaust program speaker because of his concern that the event might inflame emotions within the Nysmith School community in light of the Israel-Gaza conflict.”

No, my heart didn’t break. The annual speaker had died. Having a speaker is not an entitlement.

Suggesting the Holocaust has nothing to do with Israel is disingenuous. Zionist Jews cite the Holocaust as the reason why Israel is justified in taking whatever measures it needs to defend its existence, including bombing and starving civilians.

If Jews don’t want the Holocaust connected to Israel they should stop using it as justification for Israel’s horrific acts of war against civilians.

There are Jews with specific beliefs about Israel’s right to violence, so don’t bother claiming I’m anti-Semitic. I’m anti-war crimes. I believe Israel has the right to exist. I don’t believe Israel has the right to kill indiscriminately.

Not all Jews support Netanyahu’s war crimes. Some see Palestinians as human beings and are doing what they can to stop Netanyahu.

Few would deny that Hamas’ October 7 attacks were horrific and demanded a response. Killing 50,000+ civilians and condemning thousands more to a slow, painful death through starvation is not a proportionate or effective response.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any parents currently have their kiddos in Nysmith? Please chime in to offer your perspective

There's a thread on Reddit where at least one parent of currently enrolled students discussed the issue.

I think most people with past or present ties to the school are being very quiet on purpose.

Well, yes. It reflects badly on them to stay with this information out there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Washington Post FINALLY has an article about the allegations.

Gift link?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any parents currently have their kiddos in Nysmith? Please chime in to offer your perspective

There's a thread on Reddit where at least one parent of currently enrolled students discussed the issue.

I think most people with past or present ties to the school are being very quiet on purpose.

Well, yes. It reflects badly on them to stay with this information out there.

So your position is not only should everyone leave the school on the basis of allegations that have not been in any way been proven but that by not leaving they are somehow morally besmirched? Because that’s nuts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any parents currently have their kiddos in Nysmith? Please chime in to offer your perspective

There's a thread on Reddit where at least one parent of currently enrolled students discussed the issue.

I think most people with past or present ties to the school are being very quiet on purpose.

Well, yes. It reflects badly on them to stay with this information out there.

So your position is not only should everyone leave the school on the basis of allegations that have not been in any way been proven but that by not leaving they are somehow morally besmirched? Because that’s nuts.

I am not saying they should leave but I am stating the truth: it reflects badly on them to stay. If you are okay with a school where the head of school is defending smiling children standing around a giant picture of Hitler that those kids drew, well, it reflects on you. And that’s why they are quiet.

The picture is not in doubt. That’s not alleged or denied.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any parents currently have their kiddos in Nysmith? Please chime in to offer your perspective

There's a thread on Reddit where at least one parent of currently enrolled students discussed the issue.

I think most people with past or present ties to the school are being very quiet on purpose.

Well, yes. It reflects badly on them to stay with this information out there.

So your position is not only should everyone leave the school on the basis of allegations that have not been in any way been proven but that by not leaving they are somehow morally besmirched? Because that’s nuts.

I am not saying they should leave but I am stating the truth: it reflects badly on them to stay. If you are okay with a school where the head of school is defending smiling children standing around a giant picture of Hitler that those kids drew, well, it reflects on you. And that’s why they are quiet.

The picture is not in doubt. That’s not alleged or denied.

Are the children smiling? In the pic I’ve seen they are appropriately blurred. Also, the plaintiffs stayed despite that photo until they were kicked out ( perhaps for legit reasons or for bad and/or antisemitic reasons, I have no idea!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any parents currently have their kiddos in Nysmith? Please chime in to offer your perspective

There's a thread on Reddit where at least one parent of currently enrolled students discussed the issue.

I think most people with past or present ties to the school are being very quiet on purpose.

Well, yes. It reflects badly on them to stay with this information out there.

So your position is not only should everyone leave the school on the basis of allegations that have not been in any way been proven but that by not leaving they are somehow morally besmirched? Because that’s nuts.

I am not saying they should leave but I am stating the truth: it reflects badly on them to stay. If you are okay with a school where the head of school is defending smiling children standing around a giant picture of Hitler that those kids drew, well, it reflects on you. And that’s why they are quiet.

The picture is not in doubt. That’s not alleged or denied.

Are the children smiling? In the pic I’ve seen they are appropriately blurred. Also, the plaintiffs stayed despite that photo until they were kicked out ( perhaps for legit reasons or for bad and/or antisemitic reasons, I have no idea!)

It is unclear when the plaintiffs learned of the photo.

Whether they are smiling or not is unimportant—it’s a picture of a lot of kids around a giant Hitler they drew. That’s what the school permits. You can stay in that environment as a family, of course, but you can’t control what other people think about that choice.