Montgomery County Teacher on Leave for Alleged Antisemitic Social Media Posts
A teacher at Tilden Middle School in North Bethesda has been placed on administrative leave after allegedly posting antisemitic conspiracy theories on social media, according to a spokesperson from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). The teacher, Sabrina Khan-Williams, is a team leader and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) teacher within the world studies department at Tilden. The posts in question have gone viral and have been widely reported.
Screenshots of the posts show Khan-Williams making disturbing claims. In one post, she wrote about Palestinians being killed and their organs being sold, comparing it to a horror movie. Another post denies the occurrence of a Hamas terrorist attack on an Israeli music festival. The screenshots were published by right-wing media network The Daily Wire.
The incident has caused shock and distress, particularly within the Jewish and Israeli-American communities at Tilden. One parent described the posts as terrifying and drew parallels with Holocaust denial. Another parent expressed reservations about their children being taught by someone who holds and publicly expresses such views. However, it is important to note that reasonable disagreement on Israeli-Palestinian affairs is permissible, but Khan-Williams’ posts cross that line.
The Montgomery County Jewish Parents Coalition issued a statement condemning the teacher’s actions and highlighting the need for a critical examination of DEI programming. They urge MCPS to conduct a thorough investigation, provide transparency, and refocus on diversity programs that promote respect, tolerance, and unity.
Tilden Middle School Principal Sapna Hopkins addressed the incident in a letter to the school community, emphasizing that the school had followed MCPS protocols in launching an investigation. Hopkins acknowledged the distress caused by the social media posts and expressed a commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful environment. She also reminded the community of the school’s policies regarding discrimination and equity.
MCPS spokesperson Chris Cram reiterated the need to condemn statements demeaning individuals or groups and confirmed that Khan-Williams is on administrative leave. He emphasized that the alleged messaging was hurtful and antisemitic in nature. Cram and Hopkins both state that due to employee privacy laws, they cannot provide further details about the personnel matter.
This incident comes at a time when MCPS has faced criticism from the local Jewish community for its response and communication regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Instances of antisemitic graffiti have been reported on school campuses, adding to concerns about the overall climate for Jewish students.
Despite the controversy surrounding Khan-Williams’ posts, Principal Hopkins remains optimistic that Tilden Middle School can emerge stronger and more united in its commitment to non-discrimination, equity, and cultural proficiency. The school community is determined to ensure that every student feels safe, valued, and respected.
As the investigation progresses, it is hoped that MCPS can provide clarity and take appropriate action to address the concerns raised by this incident. The focus remains on fostering inclusivity, respect, and acceptance within the school community, while also holding individuals accountable for their actions.
