Elmbrook Teacher Responsible for "Heil ____" Removed From Classes, Yet Remains Employed by the District
Superintendent Mark Hansen remains silent on the antisemitic incident. Unequal responses to incidents in previous years have inflamed community members.
As first reported by Elmbrook Need to Know, and picked up by national news here and here, an eight grade math teacher from Wisconsin Hills middle school gave the Nazi salute to her class and told the class to respond with either "Heil Hilter" or "Heil [Teacher Surname]." The antisemitic gesture and remark occurred 9/21/23 and was reported on WISN and the Journal Sentinel.
Almost four months after the antisemitic incident occurred, parents of students in this teacher’s class were made aware that the teacher has been removed from their classes.
This is the first change that may appear to be a step towards accountability for this incident. Originally, the teacher was suspended for one week. On the day of her return, the middle school sent notice of a schedule change for a pep assembly to celebrate an Elmbrook website rating. Later that day, the principal changed course, and addressed the offensive remark and gesture.
Journal Sentinel: "Brookfield teacher is back in class after making antisemitic gesture and remark"
Parents have been told verbally that the teacher is still employed by the district. This is affirmed by a lack of resignation or contract non-renewal showing in official board documents.
Update: On the 4/9/24 meeting agenda, this teacher’s resignation was posted.
Unequal responses from Superintendent Mark Hansen
Mark Hansen has been silent on both the antisemitic incident as well as the arrest and criminal charges faced by board member Preetha Kurudiyara.
Notably, Preetha’s nomination papers were signed by multiple Elmbrook staff members, an Elmbrook Education Foundation (EEF) member, and were circulated by current board member Jean Lambert who is running for re-election. As a reminder, Mark Hansen is on the executive committee of the EEF.
Unequal treatment is a continued pain point for community members and parents. A look at some previous incidents follows.
Off campus student video deemed “racist” and resulted in expulsion
In January 2022, Superintendent Mark Hansen publicly discussed a video that was made off campus by students and was posted on social media. This video contained an alleged “racist” act. As reported in the Journal Sentinel, Mark Hansen created his own video response where he said he was “disturbed by its content” and “those responsible will be held accountable."
Community members had heard that this incident with high schoolers involved friends making jokes in poor taste, but also have heard one student was expelled. A closed board meeting was held shortly after the incident discussing expulsion.
Public comments deemed “Islamaphobic” and resulted in legal action
In August 2020, public comments at a board meeting were interpreted by some as Islamaphobic. A district wide email was sent out condemning those comments, as well as a district statement including statements things such as:
"We will not condone speech designed to create chasms between those in our community..."
"We would also like to apologize to the community that had to endure this unseemly behavior. We want to reassure all families that Elmbrook is a safe and welcoming district, and hate towards anyone will not be tolerated."
The parent was initially banned from campus and sued. The parent won the lawsuit.
Offhand remark caught on “hot mic” booted parent from task force
In the summer of 2020, a parent participating in the School Reopening Task Force was booted from the group when a “hot mic” caught her using the word pussy to criticize some in her same profession.
Mark Hansen said "It was a violation of community values" and "I also notified her that we would be removing her from the Task Force for violating our code of conduct expectations."
Note that “pussy” is used 15 times in "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" a book available in print to 14 year olds in Elmbrook. That book also contains 79 f—ks, 51 s—ts and 11 d—ks. Here's a video of a Dad discussing this book in another district.
Elementary emergency results in staff resignations
An emergency hold occurred at Swanson Elementary on 11/21/22. Police were called, and parents of Swanson students report that it was based on a threat made from a child.
Two special education staff members at Swanson resigned shortly thereafter; this event was the last straw for them according to community members.
Swanson leadership sent a follow up the next day saying this incident was a “prank.”
There was no response from Mark Hansen.
Meanwhile, this week Superintendent Mark Hansen publicized an award he received.