Jamina Clay: Pennsylvania school board member resigns after calling Israel army 'terrorist organization'
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Pennsylvania school board member Dr Jamina Clay reportedly resigned after she called Israel’s army a “terrorist organization” on social media, reported the New York Post.
However, she will be continuing in her position as assistant superintendent in the Philadelphia school system.
Who is Jamina Clay?
Dr Jamina Clay has been twice elected to the Colonial Board of School Directors, first in 2021, and again this year. As an assistant superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia, she is in charge of overseeing 10 schools.
She had taken to Facebook to disparage the Israel Defense Forces in a recent post, writing, "The terrorist organization known to many as the IDF is currently targeting a hospital. The world watches while the Palestinian people are eliminated.”
The post was quick to receive backlash from many online and was taken down.
Jamina Clay's apology post
On November 16, Clay issued a post apologizing on the social media platform, writing, "As you are all aware of — I recently made a post on my Facebook page where I intended to draw attention to the conflict in the Middle East."
She added, "Upon reflection and after having conversations with my loved ones and friends, I understand that my choice of words may have caused harm to many, and the impact did not match my intent. This post has been removed."
“Because of the pain that my post has caused, I have resigned from my seat on the Colonial School Board, effective immediately. I understand that the district needs to heal from the painful words that I chose, and it is best to do that in my absence. The board is prepared to move forward, and I hope that with me no longer occupying the seat, the community is able to do so, as well,” she continued.
Stating that she would continue to serve in her school job, Clay added, "Again, I apologize for the post that I made and I hope to learn from this situation. I will continue to pray for peace in the Middle East.”
Statement of school officials
Beth Patruno, president of the school district, reportedly said, "We acknowledge that members of our community are hurting as a result of Dr Clay’s comments. This is not acceptable in our school district, where we pride ourselves on creating a culture of belonging."
Philadelphia School District spokeswoman Monique Braxton explained that the free-speech policy of the district, which states, "Employees are protected by the First Amendment when speaking on a matter of public concern that is not part of their job duties,” is applicable for Clay’s post.
However, she clarified that, “the views and opinions expressed in Dr Clay’s Facebook post do not reflect the position, opinion, or views of the School District of Philadelphia."