EDINA, Minn. — Edina Public Schools put off the conclusion of a scheduled budget meeting Monday night after pro-Palestinian protestors took it over.
The protestors interrupted the meeting, calling for the district to issue an apology to two students who were suspended last year for chanting a phrase that many groups consider antisemitic. The chant, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," was used by the students during a walkout last year in opposition to the war in the Middle East.
At the time, Twin Cities attorney Bruce Nestor took legal action to get the suspension rescinded, telling KARE 11 he believed the phrase was "misunderstood."
"That is a slogan that is used by elected representatives here in the United States," Nestor said. "It is used by hundreds of thousands of demonstrators in support of the aspirations of the Palestinian people for freedom."
Jewish groups, like the Anti-Defamation League, argued the phrase implies the "dismantling of the Jewish state."
"It is fundamentally a call for a Palestinian state extending from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea," a spokesperson said. "Territory that includes the State of Israel, which would mean the dismantling of the Jewish state."
In a statement following the students' suspension, a representative from the school district wrote:
Edina Public Schools is aware that there has been threatened legal action against the District related to recent student walkouts that have occurred on District property. The District would like to affirm its unwavering support for students’ First Amendment right to free expression and to peacefully advocate for causes that are important to them. Similarly, the District has strong policies prohibiting any type of discrimination against students based on their religion or any other basis protected under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
The District cannot comment on any particular students or allegations as that information would be considered private data protected by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). However, students do not have unfettered First Amendment rights while on school property and students do not have a right under the First Amendment to engage in speech that is substantially disruptive or that violates District policies.
Our core beliefs in Edina Public Schools are grounded in the inherent dignity of all people. We value and appreciate the diversity of all of our students. Edina Public Schools deeply condemns islamophobia and antisemitism. We will not tolerate hateful or inappropriate comments or behaviors and will work diligently to provide a safe and inclusive environment for our students and staff.
The purpose of Monday's meeting was to discuss the district's formal budgeting activities.
KARE 11 has reached out to Edina Public Schools and will update this story with information when it's provided.
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