Students, teachers and parents take part in first forum on Israel-Hamas War held by Philly School District

BUSTLETON (KYW Newsradio) — Fifteen students joined a group of around 20 teachers and parents on Thursday at the Philadelphia School District’s first in a series of forums for students to share how they’ve felt marginalized amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.

The first forum was held at George Washington High School, and while reporters weren’t allowed inside, Philadelphia School Board member Crystal Cubbage said the first discussion was “encouraging.”

“You can only accomplish so much in one meeting, but I think it’s a very good beginning,” said Cubbage. “We just want to hear more student voice and figure out the right level that makes all sides feel as included as possible”

She went on to say that given the tension around the war and its impact on students, there needed to be safe places to discuss the topic.

“A lot of heat, a lot of energy, which means we needed to take action to address it and I’m happy to see the district did that,” she said.

The School District of Philadelphia currently faces a lawsuit from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which accuses it of failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitic bullying and harassment.

The district did not comment when asked about the lawsuit.

Another forum is scheduled to happen sometime in September.