Middle East studies in the News

Brooklyn Arab School Still Lacking Principal [on Khalil Gibran International Academy]

by Yoav Gonen
The New York Post
October 4, 2007

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10042007/news/regionalnews/bklyn_arab_school_still_lackin.htm

http://www.campus-watch.org/article/id/4228

The Department of Education is looking for applicants to serve as permanent principal of its controversial Arabic-themed public school, which opened last month in Brooklyn.

The opening at the Khalil Gibran International Academy, which pays nearly $120,000 per year, means that the school's former principal, Debbie Almontaser, can apply for her old job.

She stepped down in August, four days after The Post ran an article that quoted her defending T-shirts bearing the imprint "Intifada NYC."

Almontaser, now an administrator with the DOE, didn't return a call yesterday asking whether she's considering the job. Such a move would most certainly reignite the bitter debate that has surrounded the school.

"She definitely wants to be back in, without a doubt, and that would be a terrible mistake for her and the school," said Sara Springer, a founder of the Stop the Madrassa Coalition, which opposes the school.

Jim Devor, a member of the local Brooklyn district's education council, said Almontaser would merit the same consideration as any other applicant.

Interim acting principal Danielle Salzberg, who is Jewish and doesn't speak Arabic, would not comment.

An education spokeswoman said fluency in Arabic is preferred, but is not required.

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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