By Frank Ulom
PENNSYLVANIA (CONVERSEER) – The Wissahickon School District in Pennsylvania has dismissed the principal of Lower Gwynedd Elementary School, Philip Leddy, after he admitted to leaving antisemitic remarks on the voicemail of a student’s father.
The school board voted unanimously on 23 December to terminate his contract following a formal hearing held earlier that week. District Superintendent Mwenyewe Dawan recommended the dismissal.
The remarks, which were reported by local media and shared on social platforms, captured Leddy speaking to another employee, using references such as “Jew camp,” “Jew money,” and stating that “they control the banks.” He also suggested it was likely that the parent was a lawyer.
Leddy reportedly failed to hang up the call before unknowingly recording the conversation. Superintendent Dawan later informed families that Leddy “self-reported” the misconduct.
The unnamed school employee present during the exchange, who did not challenge Leddy’s remarks, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation.
In response to the incident, the district has arranged an in-person meeting with Jewish parents and announced two antisemitism-focused training sessions for staff. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Philadelphia office will assist in the programme, scheduled for 16 January and 13 February. The ADL previously delivered a training session in the district.
Andrew Goretsky, Senior Regional Director at ADL Philadelphia, described the language used as “extremely horrific and problematic,” adding that it was concerning such remarks came from someone previously involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives.
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia said it was “deeply disturbed,” stating the comments relied on long-standing antisemitic stereotypes and were “profoundly unsettling” for families entrusting children to the school system.
The controversy comes amid earlier complaints alleging antisemitic or anti-Israel sentiments in the Wissahickon district. In June, a World Studies class at the Wissahickon Virtual Academy was removed after critics claimed it offered a singular pro-Palestinian view of Israeli history. In November, Jewish parents objected to a booth at a school fair where a Palestinian flag was displayed, and a student wore a stole with the Arabic phrase “Jerusalem is ours.”
In announcing interim leadership at Lower Gwynedd Elementary, district official Sue Kanopka said the school system will also work with the Jewish Community Relations Council to facilitate structured conversations “focused on listening, understanding impact, and moving forward.” The first such session for Jewish families is scheduled for the evening of 13 January at an undisclosed location.
Goretsky said while training was important, broader institutional policy review would be necessary, noting, “Institutions have to look at not just training, they have to look at what policies they have in place to deal with any potential systemic antisemitism that might exist.”
