Andrew Ginsberg, a respected social studies educator at Evanston Township High School District 202, was instructed by school leaders to take down a poster that had sparked a complaint. The artwork, created by artist Liora Ostroff for Jewish Currents, features text from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s anti-war essay “Dissent” arranged in the design of a traditional Shiviti amulet.

Ostroff’s artwork does not directly reference Palestine or Gaza, but in her artist statement, she condemns Israel’s actions towards Palestinians. Ginsberg, who has been an advocate for pro-Palestinian students, found himself at odds with school officials who cited policies on teaching controversial subjects when asking him to remove the print.

Despite hanging a note explaining the removal of the poster, Ginsberg is now under investigation for alleged misconduct, facing potential disciplinary action if he does not comply.

Community members in Evanston, including 18 individuals who spoke in support of Ginsberg at a school board meeting, have been vocal in their opposition to the district’s decision. However, the Board of Education defended their actions in an essay published in the Evanston Roundtable, emphasizing the need to ensure a safe and inclusive school environment for all students.

A coalition of local residents known as Evanston Ceasefire launched an email campaign urging the BOE to reconsider their stance, garnering over 3,200 letters of support for Ginsberg. The controversy has not only sparked community backlash but also drawn criticism from Ostroff herself, who expressed bewilderment at the school officials’ actions.

Ostroff, who identifies as Jewish, described the censorship as “antisemitic,” echoing the sentiments of community organizers in Evanston.

The BOE declined to comment on the matter when approached by Hyperallergic, referring to the district’s Board Policy Manual and legal guidance on educators’ speech rights. The policy manual outlines guidelines for teaching controversial subjects, emphasizing the need for balanced perspectives and respect for diverse opinions.

While the National Education Association acknowledges that public employers may limit educators’ speech in certain circumstances, Ginsberg remains grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.

“I think that more and more members of the community see and are upset by the fake progressivism and hypocrisy exhibited by district leadership,” he remarked.