Bronx Teacher Files Lawsuit Against School for Antisemitic Harassment and Ignored Pleas for Help

NEW YORK — A public school teacher in the Bronx has filed a lawsuit alleging severe antisemitic harassment from her colleagues, including being greeted with cries of “Heil Hitler” and discovering her desk vandalized with “Free Palestine” stickers. Emilie Baser, who teaches English at Harry S. Truman High School, reported these incidents as part of a broader claim of discrimination and retaliation that began in February.

According to court documents filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, Baser encountered hostility shortly after she reported the initial issue of the stickers displayed on her workspace. The following day, a disturbing event unfolded when she entered the administrative office to follow up on her complaint. Allegedly, multiple staff members including Eiron Diaz, shouted the Nazi salute in her presence, an act accompanied by laughter from other staff in the room.

The lawsuit describes an environment unresponsive to Baser’s growing concerns. It even referred to one explanation from the school officials, who reportedly dismissed the “Heil Hitler” incident as part of an “impromptu anger management training session.” Baser’s repeated pleas for measures to secure her workplace environment, including requests to work remotely or take sabbatical leave, were also denied, furthering her sense of vulnerability.

As a result of these occurrences, Baser claims to have suffered acute stress disorder and clinical depression, exacerbated by the school’s alleged negligence in mitigating the hostile work environment.

Her legal action seeks unspecified damages and calls into question the adequacy of the Department of Education’s policies and responses to discrimination and harassment within the school system. It raises concerns about the safety and inclusivity of educational settings for educators of all backgrounds.

Neither the Department of Education nor Diaz responded to inquiries about the allegations. Given the legal proceedings, the facts and outcomes of this case might set a precedent for how educational institutions handle harassment claims and support their staff amidst such accusations.

This case also triggers a broader conversation about the intersection of geopolitical issues and local community relations, given the nature of the initial harassment with “Free Palestine” stickers, suggesting a conflation of global political sentiments with personal prejudices.

Baser’s lawsuit is a critical reminder of the challenges that institutions face in maintaining a safe and respectful environment for diverse communities. It also underscores the need for clear and effective strategies to address and prevent harassment in all its forms, ensuring that educators can work without fear of retaliation or discrimination.