Washington's "Principal of the Year" Sued for Failing to Address Antisemitic Harassment at his school
Dr. William Jackson, 2023 Washington State Principal of the Year, is now being sued for mishandling antisemitic harassment at his school, raising concerns about his leadership
Amid a new lawsuit against Seattle’s Nathan Hale High School and Principal Dr. William Jackson for failing to address targeted antisemitic harassment of a Jewish student, investigative journalist Michael Ames has discovered that Dr. Jackson was awarded Washington State Principal of the Year — while the harassment was taking place.
Lawsuit Claims of Antisemitic Harassment
The lawsuit, filed by J.K., R.L., and their 16-year-old daughter M.K.L., a former student at the school, describes the school's inadequate response to multiple incidents of antisemitic harassment. The lawsuit states that the student was repeatedly subjected to verbal slurs, threats, and intimidation due to her Jewish faith.
The complaint states that, in the immediate weeks following the deadly October 7 Hamas-led massacre in Israel, M.K.L. became a "highly visible target to her classmates." She started hearing antisemitic slurs from other students, which eventually escalated to statements like "Hitler's plan should have worked," being told to "kill herself," and facing physical threats directed at her specifically. Additionally, students spread false rumors claiming that M.K.L. was "Islamophobic."
The parents assert that Principal Dr. William Jackson and VP Makela Steward-Monroe "failed to meaningfully intervene," with their lack of action "resulting in more and more brazen antisemitic incidents."
The most alarming of these incidents occurred on May 22, 2024, when a group of twenty students chased M.K.L. through the school violently threatening her. Fearing for her safety, M.K.L. sought refuge in a locked classroom with her teacher, Ms. Lynch, who kept her safe for approximately twenty minutes as the group of students banged on the door and sent threatening texts. Ms. Lynch immediately contacted security and informed M.K.L.’s parents that she was keeping their daughter protected from the danger.
The following day, Vice Principal Makela Steward-Monroe informed M.K.L.’s parents that the school could no longer provide adequate protection, including escorts for M.K.L. through the hallways. Due to safety concerns, M.K.L. was unable to return to school for the remainder of the year and is now receiving therapy.
Principal’s Nomination for State Award Raises Questions
In November 2023, Principal Jackson was awarded Principal of the Year by the Washington State Association of School Administrators (WSSDA). Jackson was honored with the 2023 Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence by the Alliance for Education and additionally received a $25,000 grant for his school. During that very same month, M.K.L. was the target of several antisemitic incidents that Jackson is accused of failing to address.
The win has drawn backlash from those who argue that Jackson’s failure to address such a serious issue should disqualify him from receiving such an honor. Critics point out that while Jackson has been praised for academic achievements and school growth under his leadership, this tarnishes his record.
The controversy surrounding Jackson’s nomination is part of a broader concern about the rise of antisemitism in Seattle’s public schools.
Lack of Response and Student’s Frustration
M.K.L.’s experience is not an isolated one. According to the Anti-Defamation League’s 2024 report on antisemitic incidents, antisemitic acts are on the rise across the United States, with Seattle seeing an uptick in similar incidents, particularly in schools. A report by the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle notes that local Jewish communities have expressed growing concerns about antisemitic bullying, which has affected students both inside and outside the classroom.
