A Pennsylvania elementary school principal is set to lose his job after leaving a voicemail filled with antisemitic comments that he thought had ended. Philip Leddy, head of Lower Gwynedd Elementary School in Montgomery County, made remarks about a Jewish parent’s money and control over banks during a call in December 2025, sparking outrage and a quick response from school officials.
What Happened in the Voicemail Incident
The incident unfolded when Leddy called a parent to discuss a student matter. After hanging up, the recording kept going, capturing his private talk with a colleague.
In the audio, Leddy referred to “Jew camp” and said the parent had “Jew money.” He added that “they control the banks” and guessed the parent might be a lawyer, saying “the odds are probably good.”
The parent, shocked by the message, shared it with school leaders. This led to an immediate probe by the Wissahickon School District.
District officials confirmed the voice was Leddy’s. They placed him on leave right away and started steps to fire him.
School District’s Swift Response
Wissahickon School District leaders acted fast to address the issue. Superintendent Mwenyewe Dawan and School Board President Amy Ginsburg held a press conference on December 19, 2025, to explain the situation.
They condemned the remarks as harmful and against school values. The district sent an email to all parents, admitting the comments and promising a full review.
Another staff member involved in the talk was also suspended. The board plans to vote soon on Leddy’s termination.
This move shows the district’s focus on fighting bias. They are working with groups like the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia to handle the fallout.
- Key actions taken by the district:
- Placed Leddy on administrative leave.
- Suspended the other employee heard in the recording.
- Launched an internal investigation.
- Reached out to community leaders for support.
Community and Parent Reactions
Parents and local groups expressed deep concern over the voicemail. The Jewish parent who got the message said he felt stunned, replaying it to make sure it was real.
Community leaders called the words a sign of deeper bias problems. The Jewish Federation noted that such stereotypes hurt trust in schools.
Other parents worry about the impact on kids. Some say it raises questions about safety for Jewish students in the area.
Social media buzzed with posts sharing the story, with many calling for stronger anti-bias training in schools. This event adds to growing talks about rising antisemitism in education.
Broader Context of Antisemitism in Schools
This case fits into a larger pattern of antisemitic incidents in U.S. schools. In recent years, reports of bias against Jewish students have gone up, especially after global events.
For example, a 2024 case in Baltimore involved a principal accused of similar remarks, but it turned out to be an AI hoax. That led to charges against the person who made the fake audio.
Nationwide data from the Anti-Defamation League shows a 140% jump in antisemitic acts in 2023, with many in schools. In 2025, several districts faced lawsuits over handling such issues.
Experts say these events point to the need for better education on stereotypes. Schools are now adding programs to teach respect and fight hate.
| Year | Reported Antisemitic Incidents in U.S. Schools | Key Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Over 1,200 | Vandalism at Jewish student centers |
| 2024 | About 1,500 | AI-generated hate speech hoaxes |
| 2025 | Projected 1,800+ | Voicemail scandals and protests |
What Comes Next for the School and Community
The school board will vote on Leddy’s firing in the coming days. If approved, it could set an example for how districts handle bias claims.
The district plans to hold town halls for parents to voice concerns. They also aim to boost diversity training for all staff.
For the affected family, counseling support is available. Leaders hope this leads to positive change, making schools safer for everyone.
As this story develops, it reminds us of the ongoing fight against prejudice. Share your thoughts in the comments below or pass this article along to spark discussion on tackling bias in education.
