Why this pro-Hamas NYC teacher is still employed despite controversial views
Following concerns raised about her promotion of pro-Hamas material to young children at PS 59 on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Siriana Abboud remains employed and without repercussion — due to the difficulty in disciplining or terminating misbehaving teachers in New York City.
It also appears she has influential connections.
Last month, it was reported that Abboud was promoting an anti-Israel agenda to young children and providing tips on indoctrinating kids online. Her preschool program, Allusio Academy, appeared to align closely with a Hamas pre-K curriculum guide.
Her Instagram page is filled with pro-Palestinian content, including teachings on the history of Palestine, Zionism, European colonialism, and “orientalism,” in addition to guidance on advocating for Palestine to children.
Shortly after the Oct. 7 atrocities by Hamas, she expressed support for those tearing down border walls and fighting for the liberation of their land.
Parents have requested the city Department of Education to investigate Abboud’s hate speech, but the only response has been placing her on indefinite “medical leave,” suggesting the DOE is hoping to wait out the controversy.
State law, along with union-inspired arbitration rules, make it incredibly challenging to remove tenured teachers for misconduct or incompetence and can result in lengthy legal processes.
In one particular case, a teacher accused of misconduct received over $1.7 million in salary during a 20-year “rubber room” stint.
Issues with Abboud date back to at least a year, when Jewish parents and teachers complained about her displaying an antisemitic poster outside her classroom. The only formal response was a “restorative justice” session.
Abboud was honored with a 2023-24 Big Apple Award by the city Department of Education shortly after, despite her radicalism and ongoing controversy.
Schools Chancellor David Banks has not taken significant action to address these concerns, contributing to families leaving the DOE’s schools.
