Fort Worth ISD reassigns new principal after backlash over social media posts

Fort Worth Independent School District has reassigned newly hired Western Hills High School principal Shayma Alzubi just days after announcing her appointment, following intense conservative backlash over her past social media activity.

Now-deleted post from Fort Worth ISD:

The district announced Alzubi as the new principal on May 22, 2026. On Tuesday, May 26, Fort Worth ISD removed the announcement from its social channels and confirmed she would be reassigned pending an internal investigation. District officials stated that some of her previous social media posts “may not align with the district’s social media policy and expectations for staff.”

Alzubi, who has worked in Fort Worth ISD since 2013 as a science teacher and later as an assistant principal at multiple campuses, drew criticism after screenshots of older posts surfaced online. The posts reportedly included support for Black Lives Matter, Palestinians, Dreamers, and explanations of Sharia law. Conservative activists and accounts amplified the content, urging the district to reconsider the hire.

Western Hills High School serves students in southwest Fort Worth. The rapid reversal comes as the district prepares for the new school year. No timeline has been given for the investigation’s completion or Alzubi’s new assignment. The district has declined further comment while the review is ongoing.

The episode highlights growing scrutiny of educators’ public statements and the challenges school districts face balancing hiring decisions with community expectations in a politically polarized environment. Fort Worth ISD serves approximately 70,000 students across the city.

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