SAJBD meet with St Mary's School

SAJBD Gauteng Chairperson, Danny Mofsowitz and National Director, Wendy Kahn met earlier today with Head of School Deanne King and Senior School headmistress Seipati Shiakallis of St Mary's School in Johannesburg to discuss threats to the school by anti-Israel activists to cancel a discussion by Klaas Mokgomole hosted by the Diversity and Inclusivity committee of the senior school.

We were heartened by the school's leadership, who assured us that the session has been postponed until the school can find a way to host the speaker securely. They affirmed the principles of intellectual rigour for which St Mary's is renowned, and confirmed that they will explore how best to provide an alternative voice to balance the anti-Israel speakers who have previously addressed the school.

St Mary's has a proud history of encouraging open discussion and diverse perspectives, and had readily agreed earlier this year to host a speaker offering a different perspective on the Middle East.

It is reprehensible that external lobbyists threatened to disrupt the event to the point where the school felt concerned for the safety of its learners. This level of intimidation and harassment must be condemned by all who value freedom of speech and academic freedom.

St Mary's will meet with Klaas shortly to discuss the way forward, and we will continue to engage with the school to ensure that this intimidation does not undermine the diversity and inclusion it stands for.