Glenbrook South High School parents upset by district response to student’s social media post

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Parents upset by what they see as a failure by administrators to address a second antisemitic incident at Glenbrook South High School criticized the District 225 School Board at its meeting Tuesday night.

Michael Dicocco, a father from Northbrook, accused the board of failing to act after learning of a social media post by a GBS student last week of a picture that many said looked like suicide bomber with a ominous quote.

The board emailed parents last week to say it was not a threat.

Daniel Schwartz with the Chicago Jewish Alliance said many in his community felt gas-lighted by the board’s dismissal of the incident.

In a second email sent after parents began sharing frustrations, the district said Glenview police spoke to the student, his parent and school officials before determining there was no public safety threat.

Another Northbrook parent, Beth Hope, called for a review in how board members evaluate what is considered a threat.

“We send a frustrating and hypocritical message when we tell and rely on students to report anything that is concerning and when they do, we don't follow through in a way that helps them to feel and be kept safe,” Hope said.

Glenbrook North student Avery Dicocco said she doesn’t feel safe.

“Never have I thought that I would face antisemitism in my life, let alone in my own school district,” Dicocco said.

The board held a special meeting over the weekend and plans to offer an update on Oct. 28 about the situation.

It held training for employees on antisemitism, Islamophobia and discrimination in August after the board removed GBS yearbook advisor Brenda Field after a quote that appeared to show a student celebrating the Hamas attacks .

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