Jewish advocates have raised concerns about alleged antisemitic teaching materials that have not been removed from an educators’ resource list by the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA). The controversy stems from the association’s failure to fully eliminate links to materials that critics deem biased and offensive in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The MTA initially pledged to remove any materials that did not contribute to promoting understanding on the issue. However, following a contentious hearing at the State House led by the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism, questions arose about the association’s commitment to this promise. MTA President Max Page faced intense scrutiny during the hearing and was accused of engaging in “political grandstanding.”
In response to the criticism, Page and MTA Vice President Deb McCarthy released a statement expressing their disappointment with the way the resources were manipulated to portray the union as promoters of antisemitism. The contentious materials in question included images such as a Star of David made from folded dollar bills and posters containing inflammatory slogans targeting Zionism.
Despite the MTA’s assurance to remove objectionable materials, critics assert that a significant portion of the controversial content still remains accessible on the union’s “Resources on Israel and Occupied Palestine” list. State Senator John Velis, a co-chair on the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism, highlighted that while some materials have been taken down, a substantial amount of antisemitic and one-sided content persists on the site.
One particularly contentious example cited in the report is a link to a children’s workbook titled “Handala’s Return,” which portrays Zionists as “bullies” who forcibly took land from Palestinians. The workbook, created by the Palestinian Feminist Collective, depicts a narrative where Zionists are portrayed as oppressors who intimidate and displace Palestinian children from their homes.
The Anti-Defamation League and Massachusetts Educators Against Antisemitism have both expressed outrage over the continued presence of biased and factually inaccurate content on the resource list. They argue that the materials delegitimize Israel and perpetuate harmful stereotypes that do not serve the best interests of educators and students.
In response to the backlash, MTA President Max Page reiterated the union’s commitment to reviewing resources related to the Israel-Hamas conflict and ensuring that relevant and appropriate materials are provided to members. However, he emphasized that the MTA does not endorse the views expressed in the resources available to its members.
The ongoing controversy surrounding the MTA’s handling of antisemitic teaching materials underscores the importance of addressing bias and promoting a balanced understanding of complex geopolitical issues in educational settings. As the association grapples with criticism and calls for greater accountability, the need for transparency and inclusivity in curriculum development remains a critical concern for advocates and educators alike.
