A Pennsylvania elementary school principal is facing termination after an accidentally recorded voicemail captured antisemitic remarks about a Jewish parent and the broader Jewish community. The incident has triggered outrage among parents, Jewish leaders, and school officials, prompting swift disciplinary action by the district.
Philip Leddy, principal of Lower Gwynedd Elementary School, was placed on administrative leave after leaving a voicemail he believed had ended. According to reports, the recording continued as Leddy spoke with a female staff member, making offensive comments about a parent whose children attend the school.
The voicemail reportedly included references to “Jew camp,” claims about “Jew money,” and statements suggesting Jews control the banking system. The parent who received the message confronted Leddy shortly afterward. While the district has said Leddy self-reported the incident, the parent disputes that claim and says Leddy only acknowledged the remarks after realizing he had been recorded.
The Wissahickon School District removed Leddy from his position and scheduled a termination hearing. Superintendent Mwenyewe Dawan said district leaders were “shocked and sickened” by the language used, emphasizing that school administrators are expected to uphold professional standards and protect students of all backgrounds.
Local Jewish organizations strongly condemned the remarks, warning that antisemitic stereotypes undermine trust and create hostile environments for families. The Jewish Federation of GreaterPhiladelphia issued a statement calling the language harmful and unacceptable in public education.
The district has also placed the staff member present during the exchange on administrative leave while reviewing her role. Officials say they plan to work with outside organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, to address the situation and rebuild community trust.
Parents have demanded transparency and accountability, stressing that prejudice has no place in schools. The incident adds to growing national concern over antisemitism in public institutions and the responsibility of leaders to model respect and integrity.
