Origin HS: A story of unchecked antisemitism highlights the consequences of failing educators in NYC.
There are no consequences for negligent educators in New York City — not even for those who tolerate teens embracing Hitler.
Origins HS Principal Dara Kammerman resigned from her $170K-per-year position after ignoring severe antisemitism at her Brooklyn school, but she was not held accountable and was later welcomed as a “valuable member” of Superintendent Michael Prayor’s team.
She basically received a promotion.
She now joins the disgraced former Harvard and UPenn Presidents Claudine Gay and Liz Magill as administrators who were removed from their positions after allowing antisemitism, yet managed to maintain cushy roles. Magill even received an additional job at Harvard Law.
Kammerman’s story is disturbing: In July, Origins teacher Danielle Kaminsky and administrator Michael Beaudry sued after facing backlash for exposing students’ hate towards Jews.
Kaminsky reported students calling her names, making offensive gestures, and showcasing hate symbols in her classroom.
Kammerman failed to take action when students chanted hateful phrases towards Israel and Jews, even after a recent attack on Israel by Hamas.
Instead of addressing the issue, Kaminsky was transferred to another position in Queens with a temporary contract and a low performance rating.
Beaudry’s offense was supporting Kaminsky’s claims and he faced threats of termination.
Neither Kammerman nor her replacement, Ahmed Elmaliki, acknowledged the antisemitism problem at the school in their statements.
It is likely that Kammerman would still be in her role if The Post hadn’t exposed the situation.
Her continued employment with the Department of Education shows how difficult it is to be fired in the NYC school system.
The United Federation of Teachers ensures that most ineffective teachers are placed on paid leave in rubber rooms instead of being dismissed.
The Council of School Supervisors and Administrators also protects its members, even those who fail to address student misconduct.
Kaminsky’s experience illustrates that speaking out against hate towards Jews is a risk in NYC public schools.