In response to backlash over a student’s reflection on the Israel-Gaza conflict in the 2024 yearbook, Bellaire High School Principal Michael R. Niggli has announced significant changes to the school’s publication review process, according to published reports.
The school will not detail what those significant changes are.
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“We have already shared all relevant information on this matter. The school will continue to address these issues internally with its staff and students. Thank you for your understanding,” Jose Irizarry, the district’s Sr. Media Relations Specialist told KPRC 2. (Read full statement below from May 6).
The controversy arose from the inclusion of a page titled ‘Times of Palestine’ in the yearbook, offering a perspective on the Israel-Gaza conflict from an Arab student’s viewpoint. Phrases like “what happened, happened” sparked criticism from members of the Jewish community, prompting calls for a more balanced representation of sensitive issues.
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In a statement released on May 7, Principal Niggli addressed the concerns:
“The Bellaire High School community is one of the most diverse in HISD. That diversity is one of our greatest attributes – it makes us stronger. The Carillon, our nationally acclaimed yearbook, is a source of pride for everyone at Bellaire High School. When it was released last Thursday, many in our community were disappointed to see that it included content that reflected only one perspective of a very complex issue. As Principal, I was surprised and disappointed as well.”
To prevent future issues, Principal Niggli announced a new policy for reviewing student publications. Previously, the content was reviewed solely by the staff sponsor. Moving forward, the review process will be expanded to include multiple reviewers.
“Sharing our perspectives on difficult issues is a strength. We routinely come together to discuss and process difficult, complex issues. It is important that as a staff we provide guidance to students to include multiple perspectives on issues that impact different communities in such dramatic ways. I want to acknowledge that some in our school community were deeply distressed by the yearbook article,” Niggli stated.
The principal expressed his regret that the yearbook content divided the community and pledged to make amends:
“I’m disappointed that one of our most celebrated traditions might divide our community instead of bringing it together. But more than anything, I deeply regret that this created a circumstance where some of our students didn’t feel safe and supported in our school. We will work to prevent this from happening again.”
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The Houston ISD Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and prohibits harassment based on various factors, including age, race, and religion. Principal Niggli reiterated the school’s commitment to fostering a respectful environment and reminded students of their obligations under the Code of Conduct.
The school will provide revised yearbooks to any student who requests one.
Here is the full statement Principal Michael R. Niggli on May 6:
The Bellaire High School community is one of the most diverse schools in HISD. That diversity is one of our greatest attributes – it makes us stronger. The Carillon, our nationally acclaimed yearbook, is a source of pride for everyone at Bellaire High School, and when it was released last Thursday, many in our community were disappointed to see that it included content that reflected only one perspective of a very complex issue. As Principal, I was surprised and disappointed as well. It has been typical practice for the content of the yearbook and other student publications to be reviewed by their staff sponsor, but moving forward, we will expand the review protocols for these publications.
Sharing our perspectives on difficult issues is a strength. We routinely come together to discuss and process difficult, complex issues. It is important that as a staff we provide guidance to students to include multiple perspectives on issues that impact different communities in such dramatic ways. I want to acknowledge that some in our school community were deeply distressed by the yearbook article.
I’m disappointed that one of our most celebrated traditions might divide our community instead of bringing it together. But more than anything, I deeply regret that this created a circumstance where some of our students didn’t feel safe and supported in our school. We will work to prevent this from happening again.
Over the last few days, I’ve spoken to our families, student leaders, religious leaders and alumni that have always supported our school. I told each of these audiences that Bellaire High School will do better in the future. I’ve reminded our students that we have an obligation to respect one another at all times, and we will continue to strictly enforce our Code of Conduct.
We will provide a revised yearbook to any student who would like them, and moving beyond this issue, I hope this is the beginning of a much richer conversation about all the unique perspectives and experiences in our school. I am confident our students will rise to this challenge with resilience and empathy, and as community, we will grow from this experience.