PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A student podcast and the School District of Philadelphia's response have sparked controversy at Northeast High School.
In an episode for a Black History Month podcast, two students compared African American spirituals with Palestinian murals.
"In today's episode, we delve into the historical use of art as a tool for resistance," they said.
Teacher Keziah Ridgeway gave the students an “A” and selected to show it at an assembly but when the video was played, a Jewish teacher objected, saying it was antisemitic. The school district pulled the video.
Ridgeway fired back at Thursday night's school board meeting, saying teachers only complained because the video used the word Palestine.
"White teachers said the video made them feel uncomfortable. Well, guess what? I am a Black woman and I was born feeling uncomfortable," she said.
Northeast student Alondra Ramirez-Colondres told the school board the district was being hypocritical, adding that the video was a powerful example of critical thinking and not antisemitic.
"The school district highlights diversity and creativity. And when that's done in a respectful manner, it gets banned and shut down."
Superintendent Tony Watlington said Thursday he was not prepared to respond.
"Anytime we have a faculty member who comes with a concern, we take it serious. We will gladly look into that matter," he said.