Stephen Gaynor School’s silence after firing Zionist educator

Source: kevindeutsch.substack.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Kevin Deutsch's article calls out Stephen Gaynor School, a Manhattan K-8 for kids with language-based learning differences, for not responding to claims it fired Dr. Logan Levkoff due to parent pressure over her Zionism. This follows Deutsch's earlier piece and Levkoff's own account in The Free Press of her 21-year tenure ending abruptly. The story is reported now because the school ignored direct requests for comment after bad press drew thousands of reader concerns.[[1]](https://kevindeutsch.substack.com/p/stephen-gaynor-schools-silence-speaks)[[2]](https://kevindeutsch.substack.com/p/an-antizionist-witch-hunt-in-manhattan)

Key points

Details and context

Stephen Gaynor School serves about 390 students ages 3-14 with dyslexia or similar issues, using small classes and individualized methods; it's tax-exempt and independent, founded in 1962.[[6]](https://www.stephengaynor.org/)[[7]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Gaynor_School)

Levkoff's campaign reportedly started post-October 7 with parents scrutinizing her social media Zionism, escalating to her March 2026 firing—decision made before a meeting with head of school.[[4]](https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/she-retweeted-a-trans-woman-they-fired-her-for-being-jewish)

No public response from school found across searches; this fits the article's point that silence amplifies the accusations from a progressive institution.[[1]](https://kevindeutsch.substack.com/p/stephen-gaynor-schools-silence-speaks)

Key quotes

"In the face of accusations of antizionist discrimination at Stephen Gaynor School in Manhattan, the institution has chosen to stay silent and try and ride out the bad press." – Kevin Deutsch[[1]](https://kevindeutsch.substack.com/p/stephen-gaynor-schools-silence-speaks)

"Failing to acknowledge concerns over bigotry raised by thousands of readers is hardly what New Yorkers expect from a tax-exempt school that bills itself as transparent, progressive-minded, and pro-DEI." – Kevin Deutsch[[1]](https://kevindeutsch.substack.com/p/stephen-gaynor-schools-silence-speaks)

Why it matters

The school's refusal to engage spotlights tensions in progressive education spaces between DEI ideals and handling Zionism-related complaints.

Parents and educators face risks if personal views off-campus trigger firings, while tax-exempt status invites scrutiny over accountability.

Watch for any school statement or Levkoff legal action, though none reported yet.[[1]](https://kevindeutsch.substack.com/p/stephen-gaynor-schools-silence-speaks)