Anti-Semitism in Plano Independent School District

Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Plano Independent School District (“PISD”) for permitting and facilitating antisemitic behavior.

Reports have indicated that students in PISD have been subjected to biased materials that advance a pro-Palestinian worldview and that school officials have provided “excused” absences to students participating in pro-Palestinian walkouts—effectively making it a school-sponsored anti-Israel activity.

“The reports regarding antisemitic activity in Plano ISD schools are alarming and must be swiftly and aggressively addressed,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Any teacher or administrator that has facilitated or supported radical anti-Israel rhetoric in our schools should be fired immediately. I stand in solidarity with our Jewish community, and we will continue to do everything in our power to root out antisemitism in all its forms.”

As part of the investigation, Attorney General Paxton sent a letter to PISD Superintendent Theresa Williams demanding a wide range of documents, including the school’s policies on walkouts, any documentation regarding anti-Israel curriculum, and disciplinary actions against teachers and staff for antisemitic action.

The letter states: “As we approach the second anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel, it is crucial that PISD take all necessary steps to combat antisemitism and appropriately discipline teachers, staff, and students that act in contravention to state law and PISD policy.”[1]

This is a shocking and disappointing accusation by the Texas Attorney General. My wife taught in Plano for around thirty years, and our daughter attended Plano schools and graduated from Plano Senior High School. The issue has brought national attention and shame to a highly regarded school district. The antisemitic behavior by students, faculty, and staff dishonors the hard-working teachers and students who helped build the district’s reputation.

A classroom has no room for hatred. Discussion of issues is important, but when students and teachers resort to discriminatory behavior, the discussion has gone over the line. The teachers should know better. This religious bullying, like all similar behavior, should not be tolerated in our society, and especially not in our schools. By allowing students to verbally and physically attack Jewish students, PISD faculty, staff, and elected school board members fail in their primary duty — to educate.  Permitting this type of behavior certifies that it is acceptable in the district. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to intimidate others.

I am in no way condoning the genocide that the Israeli government is conducting on residents of the Gaza Strip. It is especially disturbing that an ethnic group that has been devastated by three genocides should believe that it is okay to do the same to another group of people. However, the situation is very complex and way over my pay grade to offer solutions. However, I fault the world community for standing by and allowing it to happen.

Discrimination Against Latino Families

I cannot end my condemnation of the PISD School Board without pointing out what I consider to be another case of discrimination. The board decided to close Forman Elementary School. They cited declining attendance and budgetary constraints as the reasons. Nonsense, the district has enough funds to build facilities near Plano Senior High School.

The real reason may be that the school did not perform as high as the board would like, and thus lowered the district’s rating. The victims, students and parents, will be sent to other schools. The real issue here is that the action discriminates against the Latino community. Forman was not just a school; it was a rallying place for the community; it was a home away from home. I attended one of the many farewell celebrations. The festivities were conducted in Spanish and English.  The event was catered by the Forman family, complete with food and gifts. I view the closing of this school to be an act of discrimination against Latinos.

I hope Plano citizens will not tolerate this behavior and elect a new school board committed to the right “ation” — education, not discrimination.

[1] Attorney General Ken Paxton Announces Investigation and Demands Documents from Plano ISD Following Antisemitic Incidents | Office of the Attorney General