Barbs of racism, anti-Semitism in NY school clash

(AP) Barbs of racism, anti-Semitism in NY school clash
By JIM FITZGERALD
Associated Press
SPRING VALLEY, N.Y.
A sharply divided school district in the New York suburbs is being beset by allegations of racism and anti-Semitism.

The East Ramapo (RAM’-uh-poh) school board is dominated by ultra-Orthodox Jews. But the public school children are mostly Hispanic, Haitian and African-American.

Public-school parents claim the board members are cutting staff and programs at the public schools. They say resources are being diverted to Orthodox institutions instead.

The dispute has sparked lawsuits and petitions. New York state has intervened, blocking the sale of a public school building to a Jewish congregation. It has also warned the board to change the way it uses special education money to move children into Jewish schools.

The board denies any wrongdoing.