Danielle Kaminsky Teacher vs NYC DOE.docx

Danielle Kaminsky teacher at Origins High School in Brooklyn, is suing the NYC Department of Education for failing to address repeated antisemitic harassment. She faced hate-filled emails, swastikas, and threats after the October 7 Hamas attacks, highlighting rising antisemitism in U.S. schools. Kaminsky claims the school's administration retaliated against her for speaking out and failed to protect her, prompting her legal action. The case brings urgent attention to the need for stronger measures against discrimination in educational institutions.

1. Danielle Kaminsky Teacher vs. NYC DOE: A Case
of Antisemitism
The ongoing lawsuit between Danielle Kaminsky Teacher at Origins High School, and the New York City
Department of Education (DOE) sheds light on a significant issue—how educational institutions handle
antisemitism and harassment. With the rise of antisemitic incidents globally, especially after the October 7,
2023, Hamas-Israel conflict, this case has become emblematic of the challenges faced by Jewish educators
and students. The legal action taken by Kaminsky has far-reaching implications, potentially setting new
standards for the treatment of discriminatory acts in schools.
Danielle Kaminsky: A Teacher Under Siege
Danielle Kaminsky, a 33-year-old teacher, has been at the center of a harrowing ordeal of sustained
antisemitic abuse at Origins High School in Brooklyn. The harassment against her intensified following the
Hamas attacks in October 2023, with students sending her hate-filled emails, drawing swastikas, and even
waving Nazi flags. According to Kaminsky, the school's administration failed to take decisive action to curb this
behavior. Despite reporting the incidents, she claims the school did not protect her adequately from these
relentless attacks.
This case raises critical questions about the safety of Jewish educators and how institutions respond to
allegations of antisemitism in educational settings.

2. Allegations Against Origins High School
Kaminsky’s lawsuit highlights a troubling pattern of negligence by Origins High School. The teacher reported
multiple instances of hate speech and harassment, which included students calling her derogatory names such
as "dirty Jew" and defacing her classroom with swastikas. Kaminsky claims that her classroom was repeatedly
vandalized, and threats were made against her life via emails, one of which explicitly stated a desire to "get rid
of Jews."
These acts of antisemitism were reportedly ignored or inadequately addressed by the school’s leadership.
Instead of taking immediate disciplinary action, the administration allegedly implemented “restorative justice
circles,” which Kaminsky has criticized as ineffective and dismissive. The circles, referred to mockingly as the
“Pro-Palestinian Circle,” did little to combat the growing tide of antisemitic behavior, according to her lawsuit.
The October 7 Incident: A Turning Point for Antisemitism
The Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, marked a turning point for the escalation of antisemitism both within
the U.S. and globally. The violence that unfolded in Israel reverberated throughout Jewish communities,
sparking a surge in hate crimes and discriminatory acts. Kaminsky’s situation mirrors a broader trend, as many
Jewish Americans reported feeling increasingly unsafe. A staggering 90% of Jewish Americans believe that
antisemitism has risen since the attacks.
Kaminsky’s case illustrates the real-world consequences of this surge in hatred. Schools, which are meant to
be safe spaces for both educators and students, have instead become battlegrounds for ideological and racial
conflicts. The failure to adequately respond to these incidents exacerbates the issue, leaving Jewish educators
like Kaminsky feeling vulnerable and unsupported.
Retaliation and Administrative Response
One of the most significant elements of Kaminsky’s lawsuit is her claim of retaliation by the school
administration. After reporting the antisemitic acts, she alleges that the leadership of Origins High School not
only failed to address the issue properly but also retaliated against her for speaking out. Her requests for
transfer to another school were denied, and she was subjected to unfair disciplinary hearings.
The school's approach to handling her complaints, particularly the use of restorative justice circles, seemed
more like an attempt to sideline the issue rather than confront it directly. Kaminsky’s experience highlights the
need for more robust measures to address serious cases of discrimination and harassment in schools.
Support from Colleagues
While Kaminsky’s struggle has been met with resistance from the school administration, she has found support
from key colleagues, most notably Michael Beaudry, a leader at the Frank Macchiarola Educational Complex,
which includes Origins High School. Beaudry publicly defended Kaminsky, backing her claims of antisemitic
bullying and hate speech. However, his support came at a cost. Beaudry faced repercussions from the DOE,
including suspension from his duties and threats of job termination.
This retaliatory action against Beaudry for supporting Kaminsky underscores the severity of the institutional
failure at Origins High School. The administration’s punitive response to those who defend victims of
discrimination points to a deeper issue within the school’s handling of antisemitism.
The Role of the NYC Department of Education

3. The New York City Department of Education, while outwardly maintaining a commitment to ensuring the safety
and respect of all students and staff, has been accused of failing in its duty to protect Kaminsky from harm.
The lawsuit implicates interim principal Dara Kammerman and other school officials for ignoring antisemitic
acts. Instead of enacting strict disciplinary measures, the administration allegedly allowed the behavior to
persist, further endangering Kaminsky and creating a hostile work environment.
DOE spokesperson Nathaniel Styer has publicly defended the department’s actions, insisting that Origins High
School follows DOE protocols to maintain a safe environment. However, the lawsuit suggests otherwise,
raising serious questions about how far the DOE is willing to go to protect Jewish teachers and students from
hate crimes.
Media and Public Reaction
Kaminsky’s case has garnered significant media attention, with outlets like the New York Post amplifying her
story. The public outcry over the treatment of Jewish educators in NYC schools has placed pressure on the
DOE to address systemic issues of antisemitism. The case has become a focal point in the broader
conversation about discrimination in education, especially in light of the global rise in antisemitic acts following
the 2023 Hamas attacks.
The lawsuit not only seeks justice for Kaminsky but also aims to shed light on the need for stronger policies
that prioritize the safety and well-being of all school staff, regardless of their race or religion.
Legal Implications and Future Precedents
Kaminsky’s lawsuit against the DOE could establish new legal precedents in how schools handle cases of
discrimination and harassment. Federal laws like Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibit discrimination based on
race, color, or national origin, while Title IX addresses gender-based discrimination. Kaminsky’s case may
expand the interpretation of these laws to include stronger protections for Jewish educators against antisemitic
abuse.
The failure of Origins High School to adequately address the harassment could set a dangerous precedent if
left unchallenged. By bringing this case to the forefront, Kaminsky is forcing educational institutions to confront
their responsibilities head-on.
Conclusion
The lawsuit between Danielle Kaminsky Teacher and the NYC Department of Education underscores the
urgent need for schools to take a more proactive approach to combating antisemitism and discrimination.
Kaminsky’s experience highlights a systemic failure to protect Jewish educators, raising critical questions
about the effectiveness of current policies in safeguarding vulnerable populations. As this case unfolds, it will
serve as a crucial touchstone in the broader fight against antisemitism in educational environments.
Danielle Kaminsky
Danielle Kaminsky lawsuit
Antisemitism in NYC schools
Origins High School
Teacher sues NYC DOE
Jewish teacher harassment case

4. NYC Department of Education
Teacher sues for antisemitic abuse
Danielle Kaminsky Origins High School
Antisemitic incidents in U.S.