Khalil Gibran International Academy

Although the Khalil Gibran International Academy is one of 67 dual language schools in the city of New York,[2] its unique position as the first public school focused on Arabic language and culture in the USA has made it the target of much criticism.[2] Indeed, before the school opened, an organization called "Stop the Madrassa" held a protest outside New York's city hall calling for the school to be shut down.[8] The New York Times reported that KGIA had become the center of controversy as a result of an "organized movement to stop Muslim citizens who are seeking an expanded role in American public life."[2]

While opponents argue that such a school is unnecessary[11] and that creating it only promotes non-assimilation, supporters of the school say that contrary to preventing social cohesion, the school could act to improve integration by providing the school community with health services, counseling, youth leadership development, and English as a second language classes for parents.[9]

Daniel Pipes, an adviser to "Stop the Madrassa" and the founder of Campus Watch, has said that as the school is teaching the Arabic Language, it needs to be held under a "special scrutiny," adding that "In principle it is a great idea – the United States needs more Arabic-speakers. In practice, however, Arabic instruction is heavy with Islamist and Arabist overtones and demands."[12] However, Pipes has been roundly criticized for being a "propagandist" of "anti-Arab racism" and for his attacks on academic freedom.[13][14][15][16] Also, Garth Harries, a school official, has denied any religious activities would be taking place inside: "Religion plays absolutely no part in the school. This is a public school, it wouldn't play a part in any of our schools."[8]

The BBC reported that in searching the Internet they found many hateful messages about the school that conflate the Arabic language, Islam, and terrorism.[8]

Founding principal Debbie Almontaser was forced to resign after controversy erupted in August 2007 when the New York Post attacked her and the school for failing to condemn the word "intifada" in an interview.[17][18] After Almontaser resigned, she was replaced by an interim principal Danielle Salzberg, who is Jewish and cannot speak Arabic, while a national search for a permanent principal was underway.[8] In January 2008, Holly Anne Reichert was appointed principal.[19] Parents had complained of a chaotic school environment.[20]

On March 16, 2010, Reichert resigned following an EEOC office's determination that Almontaser's rights had been violated in her dismissal. The Department of Education replaced Reichert with Beshir Abdellatif, a secular Muslim from Tunisia, who in filling the Gibran post resigned from Law, Government and Community Service High School in Cambria Heights, Queens, where he had served since 2008. The New York Times reported: "A lawyer for the founding principal, Debbie Almontaser, a Muslim of Yemeni descent, said he found the timing of the move “curious” and suggested that it was a “cynical ploy” intended to divide supporters of the school and of Ms. Almontaser."[21]

In the second week of April 2011 the Department of Education announced that it would close the middle school, converting it into just a high school and relocating.[22][23]

In 2017, it was announced that Khalil Gibran International Academy would relocate to 80 Flatbush, a new development nearby. Construction would start in 2019 and be completed by 2022-2025.[24] 80 Flatbush was approved by the New York City Council in September 2018.[25][26][27]