Vernikov: DOE Made ‘Lame Excuses About Political Neutrality,’ Claimed Principal Who Blocked Holocaust Survivor was ‘Disciplined;’ School Invitation Pending

Education officials offered what Councilwoman Inna Vernikov describes to Belaaz as “lame excuses” in a meeting between the City Council’s Jewish Caucus and New York City Public Schools officials on Monday regarding the banning of a Holocaust survivor from a local school.

While Rafael Alvarez, Superintendent of the District in which MS 447 is located, told the caucus that Sami Steigmann, 85, was indeed invited, and repeated this answer several times for confirmation, the Republican councilwoman says that the Holocaust survivor is not aware of an invitation.

The meeting with school officials was intended to address the rejection of Steigmann by MS 447 Principal Arin Rusch.

Despite the high profile of the controversy, NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos was not present at the meeting, a decision Vernikov described as “disappointing.”

Instead, the discussion was led largely by the Superintendent, who admitted that Rusch violated the school district’s protocol by unilaterally rejecting Steigmann, but did not identify any discrimination or apologize for the pain caused by the decision.

The Superintendent stated that Rusch was required to consult him before making such a decision and confirmed that she is being “disciplined” for the infraction, though details of that discipline are confidential.

Vernikov characterized the meeting’s tone as disingenuous, describing the explanations offered by school officials as “garbage excuses.”

She specifically took issue with the administration’s defense of “political neutrality.” School officials argued that the Principal’s initial rejection was based on a policy of political neutrality. Vernikov slammed this defense as hypocritical, pointing to the school’s permissiveness regarding  pro-Palestinian views, and noting that Steigmann, a supporter of Israel, had said he wouldn’t discuss politics at all during his speech.

“They kept focusing on neutrality… and I called them out on their hypocrisy because they never exercise neutrality, except it seems when it comes to Holocaust survivors”, Vernikov said. She noted that students and faculty are permitted to wear keffiyehs and participate in walkouts without consequence, yet a Holocaust survivor was flagged for unacceptable “political” views.

Beyond the invitation, Vernikov is demanding a direct, public apology from Principal Rusch to Steigmann and the Jewish community. She noted that while officials offered semi-apologies during the private call, a public statement is necessary.

The Councilwoman indicated she is waiting for the DOE to clarify the status of the invitation and set a concrete date for Steigmann’s visit.

“Mr. Steigmann is ready to speak at the school. I have his dates of availability.”