A map of the “Arab world” showing all the countries of the Middle East except Israel, which is labeled Palestine has been taken down at elementary school PS 261 in Boerum Hill. According to officials this map has been displayed annually in the classroom for the last 12 years where pre-K and elementary students get lessons in the “Arab Culture Arts” program, which is partly funded by Qatar Foundation International (QFI). QFI is the American wing of the Qatar Foundation.
Statement from the PS 261 principal: “On a daily basis I am struck by the compassion, openness and empathy of our school community. The current state of the world calls upon us all to pause and reflect. Concerns have recently been raised about a map in our Arabic Art and Culture class. As we take this opportunity to assess the needs of our community and heightened responses, we have taken the map down. Our goal is to engage in a process with the community so that we can continue to grow and remain united in service of our students and aligned with our core values. Please know that the safety and inclusion of all members of our 261 community is of utmost importance. Hate, bias, or intolerance of any kind has no home at 261. That being said, it does not mean there is no work to do. This is a teachable moment, and we know there is work to be done to address implicit biases around anti-semitism as well as Islamophobia. We have been working with NYC Public Schools leadership and our District Team to look at our programming and identify any support needed as we navigate the many perspectives and experiences within our school community. Please join me in this work as we are in need of your partnership more than ever.”
Statement from the District 15 superintendent: “Please know that the safety and inclusion of all members of our District 15 community is of utmost importance. As I have shared in the past, the vision of District 15 is to ensure equitable opportunities for success that empower our diverse communities to value and nurture every student. We also firmly stand against all forms of hate and bias, including Anti-Semitism or Islamophobia. Members of our district have very recently shared concerns related to a map posted in an Arabic Art and Culture class at Public School 261. Though the intentions of the map were to highlight the Arabic speaking countries around the world, we understand the concerns that have been raised, and I express my personal apology for the effect the map has had on some members of our community. Please know that the map which had been displayed annually for
the last 12 years, has been removed from the classroom as part of an effort to assess the school’s needs and goals, and to respond to community concerns. We know that this is a teachable moment that highlights the importance of creating inclusive and supportive spaces, fostering productive dialogue, and coming together as a community. We also know there is work to be done to address implicit biases around both Anti-semitism and Islamophobia across the district, city, nation, and world. Public School 261 is engaging with its school community so that it may continue to provide opportunities for learning and growth that are in alignment with our core values. We remain united in service of the students and are reviewing our programming guided by these values. District 15 is committed to making sure that all our students feel safe and supported at all times. We are committed as educators to creating inclusive learning environments that are reflective of our diverse and dynamic community and model understanding and empathy. We will also continue to make sure that we explore our differences through respectful dialogue. We have reached out to The New York Peace Institute to support the school as they work to engage the community in dialogue and to find a way forward. I look forward to your continued partnership. ”
Photo: The map displayed in the “Arab Culture Arts” classroom at PS 261 in Brooklyn. (Photo via X)
