Sabrina Khan-Williams, a world studies teacher and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team leader at Tilden Middle School, was placed on administrative leave after she posted strongly accusatory comments on social media.
Khan-Williams’ posts on X concerned the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and the war in Gaza that ensued.
In one post, she wrote, “Debunked!! No music festival attack. Babies were not burned. Women were not violated. Hospitals were attacked on purpose.”
In another post, she wrote, “Palestinians are being killed and their organs are being sold. How is real life scarier than movies??”
Christopher Cram, Montgomery County Public Schools Director of the Office of Communications, told MCM that he cannot comment further as it is a personnel matter.
Tilden Middle School Principal Sapna Hopkins on Nov. 13 wrote to school families “to address the online posts made by a staff member at our school.”
She noted, “We strive to be a No Place for Hate school. It is evident from recent events that we are not there yet.”
As soon as she became aware of the posts, Hopkins said she contacted the Office of Student Welfare and Compliance and the Office of Student Support and Well-Being (OSSWB) staff members, who immediately began the support necessary to assist the school.
She also reported the posts to those at MCPS responsible for initiating an investigation.
“At Tilden Middle School, we envision a happy, safe, and caring educational culture in which our community is committed to the ongoing success of all students. I expect staff to respectfully engage students, build positive relationships, and provide a rigorous education that meets the diverse needs of all students,” the principal wrote.
According to MCPS policy, whether online or in class, “employees should refrain from any action or conduct that threatens the safety of students, fellow employees or the broader community; undermines the employee’s profession integrity and/or makes them unfit to perform their assigned duties.”
Hopkins also wrote that MCPS’ policy includes, “Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated.”
What was posted “undermined our school’s values of respect and belonging. I understand the deep distress and hurt this incident has caused our community,” Hopkins wrote.
She ended her letter by noting she was confident Tilden will emerge “stronger and more united in our commitment to non-discrimination, equity, and cultural proficiency. We are resolute in our values, and under my leadership, we will work tirelessly to ensure that every student feels safe, valued, and respected at Tilden.”
The Jewish Community Relations Council is holding a virtual meeting Thursday night with families in the Walter Johnson High School cluster, of which Tilden Middle School belongs, concerning numerous antisemitic and anti-Zionist incidents related to the Israel-Hamas war.
Councilmember Kate Stewart, School Board member Julie Yang and JCRC Associate Director Guila Franklin Siegel are participating in the call, which is not open to the media.
