Pennsylvania School Faces Backlash Over Culture Fair Controversy

A high school culture fair in Pennsylvania has sparked significant controversy as Jewish parents allege that a Muslim student club used the event to promote pro-Palestinian activism. Parents in the Wissahickon School District expressed concerns that the Muslim Students of America (MSA) chapter’s booth crossed the line from cultural representation to political activism, leading to feelings of intimidation among some attendees.

The controversy arose during an event held on October 30, 2023, at Wissahickon High School, where various student clubs showcased their cultural traditions. However, parents reported that the MSA’s display included political slogans, such as “Jerusalem is ours,” and featured keffiyahs, traditional garments that have become politically charged symbols in recent years. Parent Lynn Simon stated, “My child came home shaken and unsure of whether it’s even safe to speak up as a Jew at school.”

Photos shared on social media depicted school officials, including Superintendent Dr. Mwenyewe Dawan and Principal Dr. Lynne Blair, engaging with the booths. Principal Blair originally posted images from the event but later removed some of them amid growing criticism. The MSA booth reportedly involved dressing students in keffiyahs and offering cash-prize contests, actions that critics argue amounted to political indoctrination rather than education.

Steve Rosenberg, Philadelphia director for the North American Values Institute, criticized the district’s management of the event, labeling it as “educational malpractice.” He emphasized that the blending of cultural expression with political messaging, particularly in an educational setting, creates a hostile environment. “School should be a place for critical thinking, not cultural intimidation and performative activism masquerading as diversity,” he remarked.

In a letter signed by numerous Jewish parents and shared with Fox News, they outlined several incidents from the event that they deemed crossed ethical boundaries. The letter specifically highlighted that the use of incentives to draw students into a politically charged display was both inappropriate and coercive. Parents expressed alarm over the booth’s messaging, noting that the phrase “Jerusalem is ours” denies Jewish history and identity.

During a board meeting on December 1, 2023, the MSA chapter’s president defended the use of the phrase, explaining that it was intended to reflect the ongoing conflict in the region. “That statement was written in Arabic so none of the Jewish students could actually understand that and take that as antisemitic,” the student said.

The parents’ letter calls on the district to take specific actions, including clarifying how keffiyahs were distributed, addressing the principal’s social media posts, and establishing guidelines to prevent cultural programming from evolving into political advocacy. They requested a listening session to allow Jewish families to voice their concerns directly.

“Schools must be safe, neutral spaces where students of all identities are respected,” the letter concluded. “What happened this week undermines that principle, and it has caused real fear among Jewish students who now wonder whether their district will protect them — or leave them to navigate this climate alone.”

As the situation develops, it remains critical for the district to address these concerns in a manner that fosters inclusivity and respect for all cultural identities.