UPDATE: An investigation began last week in response to a parent complaint involving a Bible course and comments made in the East Hamilton Middle School classroom. Hamilton County School officials are now speaking out on the incident.
Statement of Hamilton County Schools
"In its efforts to ensure that all students and staff experience a climate of belonging and support, Hamilton County Schools last week launched a rigorous investigation into a parent complaint concerning classroom activities involving the Bible History elective course at East Hamilton Middle School. The investigation was led by counsel and included multiple interviews with the teacher, students who were in the class at the time referenced, and the parent who raised the concerns.
The investigation determined the following concerning the teacher’s alleged use of the word “torture” during a lesson surrounding the Hebrew name of God on February 2.
The teacher made a reference to the fact that Jewish people do not say the Hebrew name of God as represented and, in essence, that to hear or say that word would be a torturous or difficult experience for them. Some students recalled the discussion while others did not. None of the students interviewed believed that the teacher was instructing them on how to torture a Jewish person or that her comments were rooted in malice.
We cannot conclude that the teacher intended to actually instruct her students about how to ‘torture’ a Jewish person, and none of the students interviewed who recalled the comment interpreted it negatively. While it does not appear that the statement was intended to cause offense, it did. No student should feel singled out or marginalized in class as a result of a teacher’s instruction."
READ THE FULL STATEMENT HERE:
Statement of East Hamilton Middle School Bible teacher:
“This statement is in response to the many false accusations that have been made about me online and in the media. As a Hamilton County School’s educator and recent Emory University seminary graduate, I have been professionally trained in the academic presentation of the Hebrew Bible as a historical text. I strongly support the equal and fair treatment for people of all religious, racial, and cultural backgrounds. I am personally offended by the statements that have been attributed to me, and I unequivocally deny making them. I did not utter antisemitic remarks nor refuse a parent/teacher meeting. It is a shame that a misinterpretation of what I actually said has caused such far-reaching destruction to my students, the Jewish community world-wide, and me. I am grateful that the investigation of this matter by the Hamilton County School System has completely exonerated me. It is my hope that this statement will clear up confusion and false accusations.”
Statement of her attorney, Caldwell Huckabay:
“My client has been unjustly smeared online and in the media for allegedly saying something that she absolutely did not say, nor would she ever. This is what happens when people rush to judgment without knowing the facts. Fortunately, the Hamilton County School System took its time, conducted a thorough investigation of this matter, and arrived at the correct conclusion that my client said nothing of the sort. In an effort to promote an open and productive dialogue, we have offered to meet with the parent involved, the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, and the Anti-Defamation League, and we sincerely hope that they will accept our offer.”
PREVIOUS STORY:
A Hamilton County mom is upset over a bible class taught to her daughter in school - calling comments made by the teacher ""anti-semitic".
Juniper Russo says her 13-year-old daughter's teacher said "If you want to torture a Jew, get them to say this name," during a class on the Christian bible.
She says she withdrew her daughter out of that class shortly after.
The incident is said to have occurred on February 2nd, but Russo says there have been a string of other incidents leading up to what she calls the "final straw".
She claims that aside from the anti-semitic comments, the teacher also taught the Bible Class as fact, not literature, which is what the course is presented as.
Russo says the teacher refuses to meet with her.
Hamilton County Administrators were contacted and have made a statement regarding the alleged incident.
" Hamilton County Schools is committed to ensuring that our students and staff experience a climate of belonging and support. This week, HCS received a parent complaint concerning classroom activities involving the Bible History elective course at East Hamilton Middle School. In accordance with School Board policy, the district is investigating the complaint. When completed, HCS will take appropriate steps based on the findings of that review. "
