2007年VOA标准英语-Arabic Public School Opens in NYC

By Paige Kollock
New York City
11 September 2007
 

One of New York City's smallest public schools is probably one of the most controversial – the Khalil Gibran International Academy.  The Brooklyn middle school, devoted¹ to Arabic language and culture, opened its doors for the first time this week as the city's new academic year got underway. Paige Kollock reports.

New York City's new Arabic school awaited students and protestors on the first day of classes

Some 50 sixth graders arrived at their first day of school to heavy security and a gaggle of press.  They are in the spotlight² because they are the first to attend New York City's new Arabic school, Khalil Gibran International Academy.

Parent Najat Handou moved to the United States from Morocco nine year ago.  She is thrilled that her son can now learn his parents' native tongue. "I feel so proud because we have, like, a public school that's going to teach Arabic, which is good for our kids."

But even before it opened its doors, the school has been a source of intense controversy³. 

New York City's Department of Education says the Khalil Gibran Academy is not a religious school – and  is just one of some 70 other bilingual schools in the city's public school system where classes are taught in a language other than English. 

But the academy is the first public school in New York to teach in Arabic and give some lessons in Arabic culture – this in a city still traumatized by the 9-11 terrorist attacks six years ago. 

NYC Arabic school opponents gather at City Hall in Manhattan

School opponents, who staged a small rally at City Hall in Manhattan attended by more media than protesters, fear the school could be a breeding ground for Islamic fundamentalism.

Jeff Wiesinfeld is a member of 'Stop The Madrassa Coalition⁴'.  He says the school has no place in the public education system. "While most Muslims are not terrorists, virtually all terrorists are Muslim, says Wiesinfeld. “Yes, the world is different since 9/11. The Saudis have funded terror. Other Arabic groups have funded terror, and we have to look at those schools a little bit differently than we look at the Chinese and the Greek and the French [schools]."

Rabbi Ellen Lippman is an Arabic school supporter

But the school has many supporters, including Rabbi Ellen Lippman. "Many of us feel that there is room in this city for this new public school and that it will grow and thrive and perhaps build bridges between people, instead of having so much divisiveness."

Earlier this year, arguments surrounding the school were so intense, that the school's original principal resigned, and the building's location had to be moved.

But on opening day, there was no sign of protesters at the school, only supporters welcoming the students to a school they think is crucial to keeping America's children competitive in a world where Arabic and the Middle East play a significant role.

1 devoted   

adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的

参考例句：

• He devoted his life to the educational cause of the motherland.他为祖国的教育事业贡献了一生。
• We devoted a lengthy and full discussion to this topic.我们对这个题目进行了长时间的充分讨论。

2 spotlight   

n.公众注意的中心，聚光灯，探照灯，视听，注意，醒目

参考例句：

• This week the spotlight is on the world of fashion.本周引人瞩目的是时装界。
• The spotlight followed her round the stage.聚光灯的光圈随着她在舞台上转。

3 controversy   

n.争论，辩论，争吵

参考例句：

• That is a fact beyond controversy.那是一个无可争论的事实。
• We ran the risk of becoming the butt of every controversy.我们要冒使自己在所有的纷争中都成为众矢之的的风险。

4 coalition   

n.结合体，同盟，结合，联合

参考例句：

• The several parties formed a coalition.这几个政党组成了政治联盟。
• Coalition forces take great care to avoid civilian casualties.联盟军队竭尽全力避免造成平民伤亡。