Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) issued the following statement after perceived inaction by the New York State Education Department to investigate the source of a Global History and Geography Regents II Exam Question which attributed the creation of the Jewish state of Israel to the Holocaust.  He has called on New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang to investigate the situation in the state Education Department.

“It’s an abhorrent reality that antisemitism still exists in any facet of society, but to see it in publicly funded academia at so many levels, including in K-12 schools, is reprehensible. Not only are these Regents questions inaccurate, but they are highly offensive to the Jewish population as a whole who have shed blood throughout history for their very right to exist.

“Sadly, it was only last year that we passed a law requiring the state to study the efficacy of Holocaust teachings in our schools, demonstrating that we have miles to go on tolerance and equality.

“Even more frightening outside of the despicable Regents questions is what our children are being taught in schools to believe this version of history. How could there be such an oversight on behalf of the state Education Department? Have they admitted these questions were inaccurate and apologized for their offensiveness? Who exactly approved these questions, and have they been disciplined? 

“These are questions that deserve to be answered, and I am calling on Inspector General Lang to investigate them immediately to see that justice is served and we have answers.”