HEAR: Farmington History Teacher's Controversial Israel-Hamas Lesson

FARMINGTON, CT — An unnamed Farmington High School history teacher is being criticized for comments captured on a recording regarding the situation between Israel and Hamas.

The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) urged Farmington school officials to investigate what it claims are incorrect and inappropriate comments the teacher made to a class recently regarding tensions in the Middle East.

CAIR-CT obtained an audio clip of what it claims is an actual recording of the teacher's class and the organization posted it on YouTube.

According to the clip, the teacher is heard commenting that "70 percent of Palestinian land is located in the modern country of Jordan."

The recording goes on to say "a tiny piece of it is in Israel. So, are we going to protest against Jordan?"

The teacher also discusses perceived injustices imparted to the Palestinian population by Jordanians.

One discussion centered on the teacher's allegation that Jordan doesn't hire Palestinian workers and is unwelcome to Palestinians, while Israel lets them live and work in Israel.

According to Farhan Memon, chairman of CAIR-CT, the teacher's narrative is incorrect and it portrays Palestinians as "land usurpers."

“I am deeply concerned about the abuse Arab and Muslim students could face as a result of this teacher’s flawed portrayal of Palestinians as land usurpers needing to be pushed back,” said Memon.

“Inaccurate narratives that engender hostility infringe on students’ rights to an equal, discrimination-free education. Young people should feel safe and included in school — never vulnerable to marginalization based on their identity. I strongly urge the Board of Education to investigate immediately and recommit to classrooms that embrace equity and human rights for every student.”

The CAIR-CT statement goes on to say pro-Israel comments from teachers are prompting calls from parents "reporting that their children feel marginalized by the one-sided pro-Israeli narrative from school officials and bullied and/or harassed by school administrators for their support of Palestinians."

Farmington schools and Farmington High School released a statement on the situation, indicating they are looking into the situation.

The school district, sent to Patch out of Farmington Superintendent of Schools Kathleen C. Greider's office Thursday, said "we are reviewing the concerns outlined by the CAIR-CT."

"As an inclusive community, we encourage members of our school community to bring concerns forward as we model and live our core beliefs and equity framework in all aspects of our daily work with students, families and our community," reads the statement.

Aiming for a diverse and caring school environment, the school system said "we are committed to ensuring that all members feel respected and included in the social and academic aspects of their daily lives in school."

School officials said they are "currently supporting students, faculty, and staff and connecting with community organizations as well as our FHS Social Justice Council to be responsive to concerns shared and ensure safety, belonging, and care for all."

In addition, school officials said they have provided materials from the state Department of Education on broaching potentially sensitive topics in the classroom about ongoing world events.

"We remain committed to ensuring a safe space for all members of our community now and in the future," wrote Farmington Public Schools.

For the full statement from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT), click on this link.