Residents Speak Out After ETHS Teacher Disciplined Over Poster: Board's Reaction

EVANSTON, IL — For the second Evanston Township High School board meeting in a row, community members criticized administrators for reprimanding a social studies teacher for displaying a "Jewish acts of dissent" poster in his classroom.

Over 50 community members spoke during a two-hour-long public comments section, a majority in support of teacher Andrew Ginsberg. Supporters at the meeting argued administrators' actions are inconsistent with upholding the school's values of inclusivity and critical thinking.

"For the past decade, Andrew has worked just across the hall from me, and in that time, I've come to know him as one of the most dedicated and supportive educators in our building," ETHS fine arts teacher Amy Moore said at the meeting. "Mr. Ginsberg's message was a peaceful one among many, and yet without clear justification, he has been silenced and disciplined."

The poster depicts a menorah displaying the word "dissent" and was referencing anti-war Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel's 1971 essay. The artwork was created by Liora Ostroff in 2024 for the magazine "Jewish Currents."

In an artist statement, Ostroff condemns Israel's actions against Palestinians and stands with anti-war Jewish activists.

According to Ginsberg, when administrators caught wind of the poster in his classroom from upset parents, he was forced to take it down and received formal disciplinary action. Ginsberg and his supporters are calling for his written warning to be removed and for the district to issue an official and public apology.

"Leadership at this school has capitulated to the small group of people marginalizing and punishing teachers at their request," Ginsberg said at the May 12 meeting. "The school's censorship, and later punishment, of me contradicts past practice and is in violation of both my First Amendment and Title Seven rights. "

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The meeting highlighted deep divisions among the school community over the balance between free speech and maintaining a safe educational environment, with a majority of Monday night's speakers urging the board to reverse its decision on Ginsberg.

Detractors at the meeting who agreed with the Board's decision cited concerns about classroom neutrality and distress caused to students. One speaker at the meeting called for Ginsberg to be terminated for what she believes is degradation of students.

"This teacher has no First Amendment rights to speech outside of that approved by the administration. He can and should be terminated, not because of his political advocacy, but for name-calling, intimidating and refusing to engage in respectfully nuanced dialogue with students," the community member said.

While the board didn't comment on specific steps forward due to policies prohibiting them from talking about matters that relate to particular students or teachers, they did say they are considering all feedback with sensitivity.

"As we go forward, I want to just say that it's likely that not all of you will be completely satisfied. I'm not always satisfied. That's part of being an adult and living in the world and in the society that we live in," Board President Pat Savage-Williams said.