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Brooklyn Principal Censorship Sparks Outrage Over Speaker's Views

12/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Brooklyn principal Arin Rusch denied Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann the chance to speak at MS 447 over his pro-Israel views.
Steigmann says he does not discuss Middle East politics in his lectures.
Critics, including Moshe Spern of the United Jewish Teachers, condemn the move as discriminatory and a form of censorship.
The New York City Department of Education defended the principal, saying speakers are evaluated for political neutrality.

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Story summary

Brooklyn principal Arin Rusch denied Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann the chance to speak at MS 447 over his pro-Israel views.
Steigmann says he does not discuss Middle East politics in his lectures.
Critics, including Moshe Spern of the United Jewish Teachers, condemn the move as discriminatory and a form of censorship.
The New York City Department of Education defended the principal, saying speakers are evaluated for political neutrality.