Key Takeaways
- The principal of Lower Gwynedd Elementary School, Philip Leddy, is facing termination after allegedly leaving antisemitic remarks on a parent’s voicemail.
- The comments were made after a phone call with a parent about a student issue, and Leddy believed the call had ended when he made the remarks to another employee in the room.
- The voicemail included references to the parent’s children’s summer camp as a "Jew camp" and made derogatory comments about the family’s wealth.
- Leddy has self-reported the incident and admitted that the comments were not appropriate.
- The Wissahickon School Board will meet to vote on the superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Leddy.
Introduction to the Incident
The Wissahickon School District is taking steps to fire its principal, Philip Leddy, after he allegedly made antisemitic remarks on a parent’s voicemail. The incident occurred last week, after a phone call with a parent about a student issue. Leddy, the principal of Lower Gwynedd Elementary School, reportedly made the comments after believing the call had ended, but they were inadvertently recorded on the parent’s voicemail. The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, shared the voicemail with Action News, revealing the disturbing comments made by Leddy.
The Voicemail and Its Contents
The voicemail, obtained by Action News, reveals Leddy identifying himself as the principal of Lower Gwynedd Elementary School. After appearing to end the call, additional comments can be heard, including references to the parent’s children’s summer camp as a "Jew camp." The parent recalled being shocked and disbelieving upon hearing the comments, stating, "I couldn’t believe it, like I was seeing Jew this, Jew that, and I was thinking, ‘This can’t be the principal leaving a voicemail.’" The comments also included derogatory remarks about the family’s wealth, with Leddy saying, "It doesn’t matter they have that Jew money." Another portion of the voicemail includes the statement, "They go to Jew camp with… and everyone at the camp hates the family."
Response from District Officials
District officials have taken prompt action in response to the incident, with Leddy self-reporting the incident and admitting that the comments were not appropriate. Leddy has served as principal since 2023 and previously chaired an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee in another district, according to his school bio. Despite his experience in promoting diversity and inclusion, Leddy’s comments have sparked outrage and concern among parents and the community. The Wissahickon School Board will meet on Tuesday to vote on the superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Leddy, and a former principal of Lower Gwynedd will step in as interim principal as the district looks for a permanent replacement.
Consequences and Next Steps
The incident has raised questions about the school district’s handling of diversity and inclusion, as well as the vetting process for school administrators. Leddy’s comments have been widely condemned, and the district is taking steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. The Wissahickon School Board’s decision to terminate Leddy’s contract is expected to be a significant step in addressing the incident and promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect within the school district. As the district moves forward, it will be essential to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to ensure that all students, parents, and staff feel welcome and respected.
Conclusion and Reflection
The incident involving Philip Leddy serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools. The comments made by Leddy were unacceptable and have caused harm to the parent and the community. The district’s response, including the recommendation to terminate Leddy’s contract, is a step in the right direction. However, it is essential to recognize that this incident is not an isolated event and that antisemitism and other forms of bigotry continue to exist in our society. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue promoting education, awareness, and inclusivity, and to ensure that all individuals feel valued and respected.