Hamilton public school board probes trustee’s pro-Palestine social media posts

A trustee with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board says the board has launched an investigation into social media posts she made in support Palestinian human rights.

In a statement published Tuesday on X, formerly known as Twitter, Ward 2 trustee Sabreina Dahab says the school board alleges that she violated its Trustee Code of Conduct.

“I am concerned that this investigation is an attempt to silence me for my vocal condemnation of Israeli apartheid and reprimand me for my posts about protests that were calling for the end to the siege of Gaza,” reads Dahab’s statement.

It goes on to say that “I condemn Israeli apartheid and believe that for there to be peace, the siege of Gaza must be lifted and the occupation must end. I reject the conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism.”

Dahab also calls on Education Minister Stephen Lecce to “unequivocally condemn anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia across Ontario’s education system.”

At the end of October, the @HWDSB board of Trustees launched an external investigation into my social media activity as it relates to my posts on Palestine, alleging that my advocacy is a breach of the Trustee Code of Conduct.

Please see my statement. pic.twitter.com/CJ6APaLtJ9

— Sabreina Dahab (@sabreina_dahab) November 14, 2023

CHCH News contacted Dahab, however, she indicated in her statement that her lawyer has advised her not to comment.

A spokesperson for board chair Dawn Danko would not comment specifically on Dahab’s statement, citing the need for confidentiality.

Instead, they issued an overarching statement that all trustees play a “role in helping to create an inclusive, safe and welcoming community.”

Independent MPP Sarah Jama responded to Dahab’s statement, expressing solidarity with the trustee and “every person who has faced repercussions for supporting Palestinian human rights.”

I stand in solidarity with my sister HWDSB Trustee @sabreina_dahab and every person who has faced repercussions for supporting Palestinian human rights! #HamOnt https://t.co/bs4YaQFlIW

— Sarah Jama (@SarahJama_) November 14, 2023

Jama has been under pressure since she posted on social media last month decrying the “occupation of Palestine,” but did not mention the attack by Hamas militants on Israeli civilians on October 7.

Jama refused to retract the statement, but the next day apologized for it. She was eventually kicked out of the Ontario NDP caucus and censured by the legislature.

READ MORE: Sarah Jama opens new office amid controversy, stands firm on Palestine advocacy