Learning Arabic Culture [on Khalil Gibran International Academy]

Dangers lurk in the world, to be sure. But not everything that touches Arabic language and culture are among them.

Unfortunately, hysteria is high over the Kahlil Gibran International Academy, New York City's first public school focusing on Arabic culture and language. Some are claiming it will teach radical Islamic ideology.

They might have heard that the academy's first principal, a Muslim, wore a head covering, and they ignorantly associated it with extremists. The principal committed no wrong by wearing it.

She should have been more sensitive, however, about comments regarding T-shirts with the phrase "Intifada NYC." The shirts are not connected to the school.

The Arabic root of the word simply means "shaking off," but she should have known better than to explain such a hot-button word in so cavalier a way.

It only fed a false image about the school she no longer will lead.

The academy's curriculum is not infused with vile teachings that pervert one of the world's great religions and cultures. Named after the famous author, it will include the basics and then emphasize a people's heritage - but that's no innovation.

Nor will it be shocking if Arabic students, Muslim and non-Muslim, are especially interested in attending class there.

Why shouldn't they learn about the culture and language of their parents in a public school, just as many other ethnic groups do?

Note: Articles listed under "Middle East studies in the News" provide information on current developments concerning Middle East studies on North American campuses. These reports do not necessarily reflect the views of Campus Watch and do not necessarily correspond to Campus Watch's critique.

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Middle East studies in the News

Learning Arabic Culture [on Khalil Gibran International Academy]

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