Teachers Raise Concerns Over Antisemitism in Manitoba Schools

Four educators in Winnipeg have voiced serious concerns regarding a troubling atmosphere in local schools, highlighting issues of antisemitism and exclusion that they believe are not being adequately addressed by the Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS). They argue that the union, which promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, has fallen short of protecting Jewish members and addressing modern antisemitism.

The teachers, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, claim that the MTS has lost its focus since joining the Manitoba Federation of Labour in 2017, introducing a “social justice” element that they argue has marginalized the Jewish community. According to Tamara Gottlieb of the Jewish Educators and Families Association (JEFA), the implementation of DEI policies under the framework of Critical Race Theory (CRT) categorizes Jews as “white” and “oppressors,” inadvertently fueling antisemitic sentiments within educational practices.

Gottlieb stated, “The equity lens is introducing antisemitism into school practices,” emphasizing that resources are often skewed to promote narratives that amplify hatred towards Jews. The silence on antisemitism within MTS programs and publications has frustrated many members, who feel their concerns are being ignored. One teacher remarked, “I never really struggled with my union, but ever since October 7, 2023, there’s been a massive turn in our union.”

The situation escalated further when a social media post by former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney, criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza, was shared by the MTS. This prompted backlash from educators who questioned the relevance of such political statements to the educational environment. One teacher who raised concerns on social media was reportedly blocked from the MTS Facebook account following her inquiry about antisemitism being addressed during a panel discussion.

The educators also reported incidents of blatant antisemitism in schools. A teacher found a swastika alongside hateful messages in a school washroom earlier this year, and when she reported it, she was told by a superintendent that he had not heard about it. Despite requests for educational initiatives addressing modern antisemitism, such as a proposed webinar titled “Navigating Antisemitism in the New School Year,” responses from MTS leadership have been lacking.

While MTS has hosted various events featuring speakers with pro-Palestinian narratives, one educator criticized the lack of balanced perspectives. She described a recent presentation by Izzeddin Hawamda, a Peace and Conflict Studies expert from the West Bank, as one-sided, stating, “He is selling a narrative that Jews are colonizers.” Such presentations, she argues, contribute to a dangerous indoctrination of educators regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Concerns have also been raised about the selection process for MTS’s anti-hate committee, where Jewish applicants reportedly were not accepted. The lack of representation and acknowledgment of Jewish identity and perspectives in discussions about antisemitism has left many feeling alienated. One teacher reflected on this exclusion, stating, “They’re trying to appease us by talking about dead Jews; we want to talk about Jews and Zionists being affected by antisemitism today.”

The MTS has faced criticism for its handling of antisemitism, with educators expressing fear for their safety and that of Jewish students. One teacher explained, “It’s affecting our daily lives, but they aren’t willing to go there.” Concerns have emerged that the union’s leadership may be influenced by external pressures from groups lacking expertise in education, leading to a politicization of the educational environment.

As these discussions continue, the need for proper dialogue regarding antisemitism in schools is more crucial than ever. Educators are calling on the MTS to confront these issues rather than sidestepping them in favor of political narratives. The situation reflects a broader challenge within educational systems to balance social justice initiatives with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding antisemitism.

The MTS has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these concerns. As educators continue to advocate for a more inclusive and balanced approach to diversity and equity, the stakes remain high for the safety and well-being of Jewish students and staff in Manitoba schools.