 In 2007, the first Arabic language public school in the U.S. opened in New York City, generating a tidal wave of controversy. This program follows the Khalil Gibran International Academy’s turbulent beginnings; the political firestorm that culminated in the resignation of Debbie Almontaser, the academy’s founding principal; and Almontaser’s legal battle to get her job back. The compelling narrative combines news clips, interviews with key players in the controversy, and graphic novel-style drawings for added visual interest—shedding light on important First Amendment concepts as well as the “Stop the Madrassa” campaign that accused the school of harboring Islamist influences. Contains harsh language. (46 minutes)
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