Letters to the Editor
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‘Klein Relieves Some Critics’ Concerns About Arab School’
Many of my colleagues have contacted me since your article appeared concerning the questioning of Schools Chancellor Joel Klein by Michael Meyers and myself, concerning the proposed Khalil Gibran Academy [New York “Klein Relieves Some Critics Concerns About Arab School,” May 16, 2007].
I wish to make it clear that the response by the chancellor, namely, to monitor content and funding, not to mention instructors, caused me to yield for the time being.
My position, however, is that any and all Balkanization carries risks and runs contrary to the American way. Henry Cisneros also articulated such a position on that day.
Furthermore, conversations about Chinese or Greek schools are not quite analogous. As an Egyptian author has opined, “Sadly, while most Muslims are not terrorists, most terrorists are Muslims.”
We don’t have to “check” on these other specialized schools.
Now that we’ve gone down the slope of allowing the others, we will collectively need to monitor the Khalil Gibran Academy strenuously, lest the wonderful poet who is its namesake have reason to turn over in his grave.
The problem, if any, will likely develop after Mayor Bloomberg and his chancellor have departed. It will be wonderful if the Academy becomes a moderate Muslim voice, but experience tells us to watch closely.
JEFFREY WIESENFELD
Trustee
City University of New York
New York, N.Y.
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