Pennsylvania Elementary School Principal Faces Termination Over Alleged Antisemitic Remarks on Voicemail

LOWER GWYNEDD, PENNSYLVANIA (VINnews)— The Wissahickon School District is moving to terminate the principal of Lower Gwynedd Elementary School after he allegedly made antisemitic comments that were inadvertently recorded on a parent’s voicemail, officials announced Friday.

Philip Leddy, who has served as principal since September 2023, self-reported the incident to district administrators after believing he had ended a phone call with a Jewish parent regarding a student matter. Instead, the line remained open, capturing Leddy speaking to another staff member in his office.

According to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the recording included references to a “Jew camp,” claims that the parent had “Jew money,” and the trope that “they [Jews] control the banks.” When asked if the parent was a lawyer, Leddy reportedly replied, “the odds probably are good.”

Superintendent Mwenyewe Dawan described the remarks as deeply concerning, stating the district was “shocked and sickened” by the conduct. “Antisemitism will not be tolerated,” Dawan said in a letter to families and at a news conference. The district has initiated the legal process for Leddy’s termination, with a hearing scheduled for Monday.

A female staff member present during the conversation, who did not engage in the antisemitic rhetoric but continued the discussion without objection, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation.

The unidentified parent, whose children attend the school and share activities like camp and swim club with Leddy’s family, expressed shock and confronted the principal in person.

Community leaders praised the district’s swift action but called for broader measures. The Anti-Defamation League, which has partnered with the district on training, welcomed the response, while rabbis and the Jewish Federation urged ongoing education to address potential systemic issues of antisemitism.

Leddy, previously involved in equity and diversity initiatives in another district, could not be reached for comment. His biography has been removed from the school website.

Counselors will be available at the school Monday to support affected students. The district emphasized its commitment to a safe environment for all families.