DICKINSON, Texas — Two Texas lawmakers raised questions this week about an incident involving a Dickinson High School teacher and a 14-year-old Israeli student.
State Sen. Mayes Middleton posted about the incident on X.
"A Dickinson ISD teacher recently wrote anti-Israel, Hamas style, propaganda (No justice, No peace. Justice for Palestine) on a classroom whiteboard and then targeted an Israeli student. This is outrageous and I joined @DrGregBonnen in demanding a full investigation. Texas stands with Israel!"
According to Middleton, the English teacher singled out the student and questioned her about being Israeli and about her family in Israel.
"This is a big deal. This Jewish student was targeted because of her faith and because of her nationality and it's wrong," Middleton told us.
We contacted Dickinson ISD and they said the issue had already been handled but that Middleton and Bonnen never bothered to check with them before posting the letter demanding action.
In a statement, Superintendent Carla Voelkel confirmed there was an incident in a classroom on Nov. 16.
"The incident was the result of a very poor choice by one Dickinson High School teacher who had no approval from campus administration or central administration to engage in the conduct at question," Voelkel said.
According to the district, the teacher was immediately suspended and later resigned.
"It is extremely disappointing that neither Senator Middleton or Representative Bonnen or any of their staff assistants took five minutes of their time to call me or the Dickinson High School principal to gather information about this incident and the actions that have been taken," the superintendent said. "Instead, they chose to send a letter on December 4, 2023 (11 days after the incident) and post it on Senator Middleton’s own social media."
"I have spoken with the superintendent, the superintendent was very upset about this becoming public," Middleton said. "But parents deserve to know this so that certainly raises a lot of red flags in my book."
The district said they met with the student and her father to discuss concerns and develop a plan of action.
"Nothing about this incident was the fault of the student; it was caused by the careless action of one adult," Voelkel said. "The Dickinson High School administrative team will work with the student and her teachers to ensure she has a supportive learning environment in all classrooms and feels safe while at school."
Dickinson ISD superintendent's full statement:
Monday, December 4, 2023, a joint letter from Senator Mayes Middleton and Representative Greg Bonnen was sent to Dickinson Independent School District regarding an incident that occurred in a classroom with a Dickinson High School student on Nov. 16, 2023. The incident was the result of a very poor choice by one Dickinson High School teacher who had no approval from campus administration or central administration to engage in the conduct at question. When the campus administrator and district administration were made aware of the incident, immediate action was taken on the day it occurred.
The teacher’s conduct was not in compliance with Dickinson ISD guidelines and teaching practices, and the day the incident occurred, the teacher was suspended. The teacher has since resigned from Dickinson ISD. Prior to the resignation of the teacher, curriculum documents and instructional plans were carefully inspected. Both attorneys (family and district) have been in consultation, and they have worked with the father, student, and district administrator to discuss concerns and develop a plan of action. Nothing about this incident was the fault of the student; it was caused by the careless action of one adult.
It is extremely disappointing that neither Senator Middleton or Representative Bonnen or any of their staff assistants took five minutes of their time to call me or the Dickinson High School principal to gather information about this incident and the actions that have been taken. Instead, they chose to send a letter on December 4, 2023 (11 days after the incident) and post it on Senator Middleton’s own social media.
This incident is not reflective of the caring and supportive staff who are committed to the safety and welfare of students in Dickinson ISD. The Dickinson High School administrative team will work with the student and her teachers to ensure she has a supportive learning environment in all classrooms and feels safe while at school. We deeply regret this unfortunate incident occurred in a Dickinson ISD classroom. It is not representative of who we are as a school district! The safety, welfare, and success of our students is a top priority.