A Jewish mother in Vancouver says she was told she was bullied by a teacher “many times” after she was told she was bullied by him Palestine Classroom banners and signs.
Merav Nider told Global News she filed a complaint after her son's seventh-grade teacher hung a Palestinian flag in the classroom.
The flag was taken down but was later replaced with a flag that showed the outline of the State of Israel in red, green and black.
Nied said the painting was widely seen as a call for the destruction of Israel.
After speaking with the principal, she said that flag was also removed.
“When we force our kids into politics, they’re not old enough to understand it or make an informed choice about where they should be on the political spectrum,” Need said.
“Therefore, it is best for schools to provide a safe learning environment for children where all children are welcome.”
When asked about this on Tuesday, Education Minister Rachna Singh said they encourage parents and guardians to speak out on such incidents.
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“I would really encourage any parents who are in a similar situation – they should speak to their child's class teacher and principal, but we at the Department of Education take these matters very seriously,” she said.
The Vancouver School District did not comment on the matter but told Global News that when issues arise, they are addressed immediately by the district and involve dialogue between school officials and staff.
Nider’s experience is the latest in a string of similar incidents reported by Jewish parents across B.C.
Burnaby school district apologizes to 12-year-old ask Assess Israel’s right to exist through a test.
An 11-year-old student in Victoria was in a similar situation, Global News reported Monday evening.
The district confirmed it investigated the case and took a number of actions.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver is now calling on the provincial government to review such situations in British Columbia schools.
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