PRESS CONFERENCE:
RALLY OVER KHALIL GIBRAN SCHOOL
Purpose: To raise serious questions regarding the propriety of
opening Khalil Gibran International Academy
Participants: Coalition of New Yorkers across faith communities
When: 12:15 p.m., September 4, 2007
Where: Steps of New York City Hall
Catholic League president Bill Donohue explains why he is joining the rally:
“There are several reasons why the Catholic League is concerned about the founding of Khalil Gibran International Academy. They include:
· The pedagogical necessity of establishing this school.
· The stonewalling by the New York City Department of Education whenever we have sought information about the curriculum, textbooks, school’s advisors, etc.
· The paucity of information about the Association of Muslim American Lawyers, a group that is slated to play an integral role.
· The incredible disparity in the way the New York City Department of Education treats Muslims and Catholics: Arab Muslims not only have a taxpayer-funded school, but the Islamic religious symbol, namely the crescent and star, is permitted in all New York City public schools. However, the Department of Education bars the display of nativity scenes.
· The entire pro-terrorist T-shirt controversy and the initial selection of Debbie Almontaser as the school’s principal.
“The Catholic League is not making accusations, but it is raising serious questions. We will continue to do so until our concerns have been alleviated.”
