Just over a week after the Jewish Light first reported on an incident at Nipher Middle School in the Kirkwood School District —where a Palestinian flag in a classroom sparked allegations of Holocaust denial—social studies teacher Jason Kipp met with Rabbi Jeffery Abraham of Congregation B’nai Amoona on Aug. 28.
Full Story: Controversy erupts over Palestinian flag in Kirkwood classroom: parents raise concern
Revisiting the Events: Curriculum Night and Parental Concerns
The controversy began on Aug. 14 during the school’s curriculum night when parents noticed a Palestinian flag prominently displayed in Kipp’s eighth-grade classroom. The flag’s presence, especially following the events of Oct. 7 in Israel, raised immediate concerns among parents, including Ilana Austin.
During the brief interactions that night, Austin and other parents questioned why the Palestinian flag was displayed without an Israeli counterpart. Their concern wasn’t just about the flag’s presence but also about the potential disruption it could cause for students sensitive to its symbolism. However, the situation quickly escalated when according to Austin, Kipp responded dismissively and made a comment suggesting that the Holocaust was “one version of history.”
Since the story was published, these interactions sparked a broader debate within the Kirkwood community, touching on issues of sensitivity, historical accuracy and the responsibilities of educators in addressing complex and potentially divisive topics.
In a letter to parents dated Aug. 23, Superintendent David Ulrich acknowledged the situation, stating, “We can assure our community that our schools are safe and inclusive spaces for our students. We directly address issues that are brought forward and work to foster a learning community built on respect and a culture of dignity. Our goal is to approach conflict with a restorative lens so that we can address harm in a way that our staff, students and families feel respected, supported and valued,” said Ulrich.
Kipp’s meeting with Rabbi Abraham: Regret and reflection
In response to the concerns raised, two congregants from B’nai Amoona contacted Abraham.
“They said, ‘We know this person, we know the teacher. We’re actually social friends with him, and how he’s being portrayed is not who he is as a person,” Abraham recalled. “I said I would really need to meet him and understand it for myself, as well as help him understand that, at some level, his actions were not appropriate in this particular situation.”
Abraham approached the meeting with a desire to understand Kipp’s intentions and assess the situation firsthand, reflecting a careful approach to the controversy. The two met in Abraham’s office at the synagogue. During the meeting, Kipp explained that the Palestinian flag had been part of his classroom decorations for over a decade, displayed alongside other international flags. However, he acknowledged that in the current context, the flag’s presence could understandably be seen as offensive, particularly to the Jewish community.
“He openly admitted to me multiple times that he felt foolish that he didn’t even think about it and how it could be offensive to someone,” said Abraham.
The rabbi listened as Kipp expressed regret over how he handled the situation during curriculum night, admitting that he should have removed the flag sooner, especially after being approached by concerned parents. “I would never want one of my students to feel uncomfortable in my class,” Kipp told Abraham, explaining that this is why he took the flag down.
He revealed that he took down the flag the day after curriculum night, well before the controversy reached the media. Despite this gesture, Kipp expressed frustration over being portrayed as insensitive to Jewish concerns, particularly given his long-standing commitment to Holocaust education.
“He told me he’s the one in the Kirkwood School District who has pushed for more Holocaust education,” said Abraham. “He specifically teaches Holocaust education to his 8th-grade classes and takes them to the Holocaust Museum on a field trip. So, being called a Holocaust denier has really bothered him. He’s worked so hard to try to call out those who actually are.”
When asked about Kipp’s involvement in Holocaust education within the district, Steph Deidrick, the district’s spokesperson, said, “Nipher Middle School has taken an annual field trip facilitated by the 8th-grade team to the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Last year, all 8th-grade teachers participated in this important educational experience. Additionally, Kirkwood schools has, and will continue, to teach Holocaust education as a part of our board-approved curriculum.”
As for the short interaction with Austin, Kipp acknowledged that it was mishandled.
“He told me his biggest regret is that he shouldn’t have engaged in that moment,” Abraham said. “He wishes he had asked for a meeting outside of it so they could have gotten to know each other and explained things better. He admits he was in the wrong on that, but he also insists he didn’t say some of the things they’re claiming he said.”
Ilana Austin’s response: Beyond the flag
For Austin, the flag’s removal and Kipp’s regrets aren’t enough to address the deeper issues. Her concerns extend beyond the flag itself, focusing on the context of its display and Kipp’s response to the parents.
“None of the parents at curriculum night asked him to remove the flag,” Austin said. “We wanted to understand why he displayed it in the first place.” She added that Kipp’s alleged comment that the Holocaust was “one version of history” was particularly troubling and indicative of a deeper problem.
“There are three main issues,” Austin stated. “The blatant Holocaust denial, Kipp’s dismissive and disrespectful communication style and how Kirkwood plans to handle this moving forward.”
As the controversy unfolded, the Jewish Light received emails from concerned parents in the Kirkwood community, reflecting growing unease. One parent, who contacted school officials including the superintendent, described the response they received as “underwhelming,” saying, “It sounded like a form letter and did not answer my questions or address my concerns.” The parent expressed deep disappointment, stating, “I am completely saddened by this and it needs to be brought to people’s attention. I would not want this man teaching my children.”
Another parent shared that they had pulled their child out of Kipp’s classroom and moved them to a different social studies teacher at Nipher.
Both parents wished to remain anonymous but wanted to highlight their concerns over the situation.
Their comments echo Austin’s concerns about the district’s leadership.
“Kirkwood owes the community explanations and a plan,” she insisted. “If this is how a teacher handles calm parents, how will he handle outspoken students? If Kirkwood has removed non-Jewish kids from his class, acknowledging that it’s not a safe space for all, how is it a safe space for anyone?”
Despite these concerns, the district emphasized its ongoing efforts to engage with community leaders.
“We continue to have constructive conversations with the ADL, JCRC and others. We appreciate the willingness of these organizations and individuals to engage directly,” said Deidrick.
