The Wissahickon School District has issued a detailed response to concerns raised about the Nov. 24 Language and Culture Fair at Wissahickon High School.
In an email sent to families of the school district, officials acknowledging the pain it caused for some families while outlining steps to address tensions stemming from the event.
The cultural fair complaints preceded another antisemitism controversy in which the Lower Gwynedd Elementary School principal was fired for antisemitic remarks. That incident occurred in December.
In the letter, Superintendent Mwenyewe Dawan said the district received complaints alleging antisemitic imagery and activities at the Muslim Student Association (MSA) table, and acknowledged that some Jewish students reported feeling unsafe or marginalized. At the same time, Dawan noted that Muslim students have also reported feeling unsafe after the situation escalated online and in the community, including threats toward students and staff.
The district emphasized its commitment to maintaining “safe, inclusive environments” and stated it would not dismiss concerns about antisemitism, Islamophobia, or bias of any kind.
According to the letter, the Language and Culture Fair has been held annually since 2019, with student affinity groups joining the event beginning in 2024. Student organizations participating this year included the Asian Student Association, Black Student Union, Hispanic/Latin Association, Indian Culture Association, Italian Culture Club, Jewish Student Union, Muslim Student Association, and several world language programs.
Following interviews with students and staff, the district said some of the reports about the MSA table were substantiated, while others were not.
The district confirmed that students at the MSA table invited peers to try on keffiyehs, explaining that the garments have cultural and historical significance, but may be viewed as political symbols by others in the current global climate.
The district also confirmed that a student wore an item containing an Arabic phrase translated as “Jerusalem is ours” or “Jerusalem is for us.” While the student said the intent was cultural and religious, the district acknowledged that the phrase felt exclusionary and painful to some Jewish students and families.
The presence of a Palestinian flag at the MSA table was also addressed. The district said the flag is recognized by some students as part of their cultural identity, but also acknowledged that others in the community interpreted it as a political or threatening symbol, given current events.
Concerns were raised about a student-run game where small prizes were awarded at the table. The district said that, based on student interviews, it does not believe the game was intended to expose students to political imagery, noting that a total of $3 was briefly given out when candy prizes ran out.
Dawan also addressed criticism regarding her presence at the event, stating that she spent roughly equal time with each student group and did not assist with activities at any table.
The district said it is constitutionally required to remain neutral on religious matters and reaffirmed that students’ First Amendment rights protect cultural and symbolic expression at school events. However, the letter stressed the importance of helping students understand the impact of symbols on peers.
To move forward, the district said it will use a “Restorative Practices” framework and has already begun meeting with leaders of the Jewish Student Union and the Muslim Student Association. Facilitated dialogue between the groups is planned for students who wish to participate.
The district also committed to creating a more consistent review process for future cultural fairs to better balance free expression with sensitivity to community impact.
Dawan said additional opportunities for family and community dialogue will be shared in the coming weeks and invited parents and residents to engage directly with district leadership.
This article appears courtesy of a content-sharing agreement between Wiss Now and The Reporter. To read more stories like this, visit www.WissNow.com.