Denver school board discusses alleged use of antisemitic language, other accusations

A Denver school board meeting focused on alleged policy breaches by two members began with a disagreement over the board's adherence to the policy on such breaches. The meeting concluded with most members expressing their willingness to take such accusations seriously, particularly an allegation that Vice President Monica Hunter used antisemitic language.

However, they did not specify their stance on a potential censure, with some members stating they lack all the facts. The board president, Xóchitl Gaytán, had sent emails to Hunter and board member DJ Torres outlining the alleged violations, which included Torres missing meetings and Hunter allegedly using derogatory language towards a Jewish colleague.

Both Hunter and Torres denied the allegations, calling them "baseless and exaggerated." The board is scheduled to discuss the allegations again on September 17 and may vote on whether to censure Hunter and Torres. The superintendent, Alex Marrero, expressed concerns about board members overstepping their bounds and offered to provide testimonies.

Board member Amy Klein Molk, who is Jewish, stressed the importance of the board maintaining decorum and modeling how to disagree without hatred. The accusations against Hunter included allegedly using derogatory language directed at a colleague's Jewish identity, disparaging other board members on social media, failing to review the superintendent's weekly email, and bypassing the chain of command by speaking to district employees.

Torres was accused of missing board and committee meetings, not attending a conference in Canada after being paid for it, and providing limited reporting on board expenses as treasurer. Gaytán alleged that Hunter and Torres refused to speak with her by phone and allegedly gave an "unauthorized directive" to the superintendent to recognize a labor union.