New York State Regents review's definition of Zionism draws the ire of many on Long Island
There is controversy on Long Island over a New York State Regents exam study packet that some say inaccurately defines Zionism and includes factual errors.
A mother told CBS News New York on Tuesday she wants more than an apology.
What the review packet says
Michelle Herman of Melville gives her daughter's 10th grade Global History Regents review packet at Half Hollow Hills East High School a failing grade. It defines Zionism as "an example of extreme nationalism."
"To call Zionism extreme nationalism is propaganda. I consider myself a Zionist. There is nothing extreme about Zionism. It is loving my country," Herman said.
The review includes historical inaccuracies and bias, including statements like, "Every war ended with Israel gaining more land" and "Jews taking land away from Palestinians."
"It's incorrect. It's propaganda. It's biased," Herman said.
Anti-Defamation League frustrated by the review packet
The Anti-Defamation League says the nine-line summary is similar to what it has seen taught elsewhere.
"Completely ignoring the first intifada, the second intifada, and many many decades of terrorist incidents. Before that, all the wars that Israel fought were wars of defense," the ADL's Scott Richman said. "It's skewed to show the Israelis as aggressors, as criminals, and Palestinians are completely innocent actors, and none of that is true."
It set off a firestorm of comments at a recent board meeting. No one spoke in favor of the handout.
"As a Jewish student sitting in a classroom and seeing the history of my people distorted and mocked was heartbreaking," one student said.
Brian Conboy, the interim superintendent of the Half Hollow Hills School District acknowledged it, "contained language and ideas that were factually incorrect and offensive" and was not created by anyone in the district. He added the curriculum going forward will be vetted by experts.
"On behalf of our district, we want you all to know that offensive and inaccurate material such as this do not meet our standards of excellence and are not something we take lightly. We can and will do better moving forward," Conboy said.
Origin of the review packet remains a mystery
The source of the study sheet is still a mystery. The New York State Education Department says it had no hand in it.
A spokesperson for the school district said it has not found the origin.
Herman said she wonders how many prior grades received the lesson.
"We have been indoctrinating our own children and giving them the wrong information," she said.
She is calling for accountability -- not to punish, but to educate -- and she wants what is wrong to be righted.
The Education Department said it's taking the matter seriously and will continue to monitor and take appropriate action as needed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trump: Iran Decision to Come Within Two Weeks
President Trump sees a 'substantial chance of negotiations' and will decide within two weeks whether the U.S. gets involved in the Israel-Iran conflict, says White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
CBS News
26 minutes ago
- CBS News
Colorado sheriff ousted as Jackson County prepares for North Park Fair
Jackson County Sheriff Jarrod Poley has been recalled by his community several years after being sworn in as sheriff of the rural Colorado mountain community. Jackson County, which is roughly 1,600 square miles in size, is home to around 1,400 residents. CBS On Tuesday night after months of a public push for a recall vote, Poley was ordered by the voters to return his badge by June 26. The recall comes after some in the community accused Poley of failing to prioritize the safety of students at North Park High School, also accusing him of improperly arresting the school's principal on school grounds during school hours. "The community voted to determine if they would keep the sheriff in his position as the sheriff or recall him," said Coby Corkle, a Jackson County commissioner. In his rebuttal, Poley disputed the accusations in the petition and said he tried to always keep students safe while investigating all tips. CBS Colorado attempted to reach Poley by email; however, his account issued an automated response claiming he had retired. "Small town politics can be difficult. I think Sheriff Poley should have been given the opportunity to finish his term, which was about a year and a half," Corkle said. "Obviously, the community didn't feel the same. This was a community-led initiative." Some residents who wished not to be identified told CBS Colorado they felt a change in leadership in the office was overdue. Some resident who supported the sheriff being replaced said even showing their support had been viewed as somewhat controversial in the town of Walden. However, signs throughout the community were seen supporting Poley being replaced by candidate Dustin "Dusty" Weber, a former deputy who was running unopposed to replace Poley. Some raised concerns that the sheriff had allegedly gone missing from his duties since the Tuesday night vote. When CBS Colorado went to the sheriff's office to try and speak with staff, the door was locked during regular business hours, and nobody answered when a doorbell was activated. The day prior, a sign had been hung at the sheriff's office saying the office was no longer open to the public. "Jarrod Poley is still the acting sheriff," Corkle explained. "I believe he is transitioning himself out." Corkle said 911 calls were still being answered by dispatchers. Deputies were still responding to calls, and he also added that he felt the community was safe. Corkle speculated that the closure of the office during the transition was simply confined to pausing administrative actions and walk-ins like for those seeking to obtain their conceal carry license. Corkle said he has been in contact with both Pokey and Weber in recent days and is confident that residents and visitors will be safe and cared for. He also said multiple agencies in the region have also offered their support, especially as the community prepares to welcome thousands for the 75th annual North Park Fair. "Jarrod did some good things for this community, I hope (residents) remember that. I understand there are some things he did that the community is not happy with, and he is suffering the consequences of that," Corkle said. "Our job is to find a solution and move forward. I think Dustin Weber will be a good sheriff. We want to make sure he has the resources to be successful, and we want to make sure the community is taken care of. Public safety is not something you want to short change."
Wall Street Journal
30 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
Trump: Iran Decision to Come Within Two Weeks
Trump: Iran Decision to Come Within Two Weeks President Trump sees a 'substantial chance of negotiations' and will decide within two weeks whether the U.S. gets involved in the Israel-Iran conflict, says White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Photo: Mehmet Eser/Zuma Press
