A parent committee serving Brooklyn’s large Jewish community has been accused of “censorship” and scheduling meetings inconsistent with the Sabbath.
Arthur Kleinerman, a Jewish member of Community Education Council 22, read a statement Tuesday on behalf of the board, saying that despite requests from the community, a “special He stopped short of apologizing for holding the “meeting.” Change your plans.
“We are sensitive to the needs of our community and look forward to working with a broader “We will carefully consider community calendars and religious observances.” beach.
“We appreciate the statement here, but it’s a little too late,” city councilor Inna Vernikov said, calling the move discriminatory and unacceptable.
“Anti-Semitism is rampant in our schools right now,” she added.
Vernikov called on CEC President Tracy Jordan Bates to discuss this issue with the community.
“And if you can’t do that, then unfortunately you’re not the right person to chair a board of directors for a diverse community,” she charged.
Jordan Bates did not address the controversy at Tuesday’s meeting.
City Councilor Mercedes Narcisse also said she wants everyone to be able to “participate and participate in the process.”
One board member said that when he expressed concerns about Shabbat meetings, he was not listened to.
“My voice was not considered,” board member Vanessa Cannistrasi said.
CEC 22 did not respond to inquiries.
Additional reporting by Susan Edelman
