(JTA) — The parents of a Jewish student at an exclusive girls’ school in London called on the head of school to make a public statement about an incident in which a teacher told their daughter that she would be sent “to one of your gas chambers.”
The incident at North London Collegiate School occurred in January, London’s Daily Mail reported Sunday. The parents of the student, 17 at the time of the incident, on Saturday night called on the head of the school to speak publicly about the remarks to highlight the incident’s severity, according to the Mail.
The family has chosen to remain anonymous.
The teacher reportedly apologized to the student, but the school has not gone public with what, if any, disciplinary action was taken against the teacher.
In a statement, the school said it was “recently made aware of an allegation of an offensive statement made by a member of staff. The school promptly commenced an investigation. Having reached a determination and sought specialist legal advice, appropriate action was taken.”
The teacher, who was not one of the teen’s regular teachers, made the remark after the girl cut in line in the dining hall.
“Don’t do that or I’ll have to send you to the back of the queue or to one of your gas chambers,’ ” the girl’s father quoted the teacher as saying, according to the Mail, which reported that the remark was heard by several students who were waiting in line.
Another family reported the incident to the Community Security Trust, which advises Britain’s Jewish community on security issues, according to the Mail.
“This would be highly offensive in any circumstance, but to be directed at a pupil by a teacher is unheard of and makes it far worse,” Community Security Trust communications director Mark Gardner told the Mail. “We are working with all parties to resolve the matter.”