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CHELTENHAM TWP., Pa. (WPVI) – The Cheltenham School District board chair is stepping down amid criticism over comments he made at the high school graduation ceremony.
Joel Fishbein shared a story about Frederick Douglass during his graduation ceremony earlier this month in Montgomery County, in which he described the abolitionist as having a good life despite being in slavery. The story came from a blog by historian and professor Heather Cox Richardson, which Fishbein said he reads every day.
Fishbein apologized in a letter later today.
“I am writing to apologize for my words about Frederick Douglass in today’s opening speech. I have greatly diminished his situation – the fact that he was enslaved and suffered all the indignities, dangers and traumas associated with slavery (itself and for several generations) “Fishbein wrote. “Due to his subjugation, Frederick Douglass did not control his own destiny.”
Fishbein said that in trying to tell Douglass’ story, he was trying to encourage graduates to take risks to create change.
“I hurt many of you on one of the most important days of your life,” said his apology.
The Cheltenham School District posted an edited version of the graduation ceremony on YouTube, omitting the speech.
The edited video begins with this message:
“Please note that a section of this video has been removed as it contains material that reflects a whitewashed account of the systemic and violent subjugation of generations of African Americans, and denigrates and trivializes the horrors, hardships and the tribulations of slaves as well as those who were able to escape slavery. “
The district refers to an unlisted full version that includes Fishbein’s speech, but notes that “part of this video contains an inaccurate account of slavery in American history.”
On Monday, Fishbein, an Elkins Park lawyer, followed up his letter of apology with his resignation.
In this second letter, he says that in order to repair the damage he has caused to the community, it “requires action, not just words”.
“Relinquishing leadership of the school board is not an easy decision, but it is an important first step in helping our community heal from the hurt I caused during the high school ceremony on June 3,” Fishbein said.
Fishbein said the school board president is the public face of the school district and that it would be inappropriate for him to stay in that role after the “particular kind of pain” he has caused the community.
“I apologize especially to the students. I am deeply sorry that my poor choice of subject and words inflicted further pain, especially on what should have been their joyous occasion. I am also deeply sorry for causing division and evil in this community that I adore, ”said Fishbein.
The nonprofit Cheltenham African American Alliance, an organization formed to improve the education of African American and / or African students in the diaspora in the Cheltenham School District, met with district administrators about of Fishbein’s speech.
In a statement, the CAAA said the speech “contained ill-characterized references to historical events involving slavery which were insensitive at best and completely irrelevant to the festive nature of the event.”
Members of the organization participated in a community discussion last Thursday.
“The CAAA cited the majority population of black students in the school district and how parents expect culturally competent leaders to set the agenda for their children’s success,” CAAA said.
The nonprofit said it recognizes Fishbein’s reputation and service to the school board as “a competent and dedicated person with policies aligned with the best interests of students in general,” but wondered whether it was the best leadership at such a “pivotal moment in the country counts with its history.”
“The CAAA will champion and demand significant changes to the environment in which black students are educated in Cheltenham and expects culturally sensitive and knowledgeable school board members, teachers and administrators to work. by our side to bring these essential improvements to the school. District, “the statement read.
Fishbein said he did not share his speech with anyone before delivering it at the graduation ceremony. He said the council will announce a new requirement that all graduation speeches must be reviewed in advance.
As Fishbein steps down as chairman, he will remain as an active member of the board for the remainder of his term.
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