Pennsylvania school board member resigns after calling Israeli army ‘terrorist organization’
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Pennsylvania school board member Dr. Jamina Clay has reportedly resigned after she called the Israeli army a “terrorist organization” on social media, the New York Post reports.
However, she will continue to serve as assistant superintendent of the Philadelphia school system.
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Who is Jamina Clay?
Dr. Jamina Clay has been elected to the Colonial Board of School Directors twice, first in 2021 and again this year. As assistant superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, she is responsible for overseeing 10 schools.
She took to Facebook to disparage the Israel Defense Forces in a recent post, writing: “The terrorist organization known to many as the IDF is currently attacking a hospital. The world is watching as the Palestinian people are destroyed.”
The post immediately caused a negative reaction from many users on the Internet and was deleted.
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Jamina Clay’s apology post
On November 16, Clay posted an apology on social media, writing, “As you all know, I recently posted a message on my Facebook page in an attempt to bring attention to the conflict in the Middle East.”
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She added: “After reflection and speaking with my family and friends, I understand that my choice of words may have caused harm to many and the impact was not what I intended. This post has been deleted.”
“Due to the pain my position has caused, I have resigned from my seat on the Colonial School Board with immediate effect. I understand that the district needs to heal from the painful words I chose, and it is best to do so in my absence. The board is ready to move forward, and I hope that since I am no longer in this seat, the community can do the same,” she continued.
Stating that she would continue to work at the school, Clay added: “Again, I apologize for the post I made and hope to learn from this situation. I will continue to pray for peace in the Middle East.”
Statement from the school administration
Beth Patruno, president of the school district, reportedly said, “We recognize that members of our community are suffering as a result of Dr. Clay’s comments. This is unacceptable in our school district, where we pride ourselves on creating a culture of belonging.”
School District of Philadelphia spokeswoman Monique Braxton explained that the district’s free speech policy, which states, “Employees are protected by the First Amendment when they speak on matters of public concern that are outside the scope of their job duties,” applies to Clay as well. mail.
However, she clarified that “the views and opinions expressed in Dr. Clay’s Facebook post do not reflect the position, opinion or views of the School District of Philadelphia.”
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