PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Montgomery County elementary school principal is facing immediate termination after he was heard making an antisemitic remark in a voicemail.
The Wissahickon School District said it received a copy of a voicemail Lower Gwynedd Elementary School Principal Philip Leddy left for a parent in reference to a student. In the recording, Leddy was heard “making antisemitic comments and speaking disparagingly about the parent to another staff member who was in the office at the time.”
Leddy came forward about the matter and said he had thought the call had disconnected and continued talking. The school district said the other employee on the recording “did not engage in antisemitic rhetoric or discussion, but did not appear to be alarmed or concerned by what had been said, and instead continued on with the conversation.” That employee has been placed on paid administrative leave and is subject to further investigation.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on our school community, and in particular the Jewish members of our community, and we want to be strongly and immediately clear that antisemitism will not be tolerated,” said Superintendent Mwenyewe Dawan. “Our number one priority is to create a safe environment for our students. We recognize that earlier today, the trust in creating this environment was compromised.”
A hearing regarding Leddy's contract is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 22.
The Wissahickon School District is offering staff training and has partnered with external organizations, like the Anti-Defamation League, to address potentially systemic issues.