TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus strongly denounces the recent decision by the School Board of Palm Beach County to rehire William Latson as an administrator, who denied the existence of the Holocaust in an email to a student’s parent. Despite Latson’s statements to the contrary, the Holocaust was an indisputable atrocity, which claimed the lives of over 14 million people – including six million Jews – across Europe in an attempt at racial cleansing by Nazi Germany.

Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus Co-Chair Representative Emily Slosberg (D–Boca Raton) stated: “It is unacceptable and unconscionable that Principal Latson should continue to work for the School District of Palm Beach County, given his incendiary comments denying the Holocaust. The Holocaust is a historical event; it really happened. It is not a matter of personal opinion, as Principal Latson alleged. I am deeply disappointed by Principal Latson’s rehiring and implore the School District to prevent another situation like this from happening in the future. Our school board is entrusted with educating our children and by this decision they are teaching that decisions can be made for financial reasons instead of ethics and morals. This is not what we should be teaching our citizens, especially our children.”

“To deny the Holocaust, is to commit an assault on history and commit a new offense to the memories and legacies of those who lost their lives,” said Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus Co-Chair Representative Michael Gottlieb (D–Davie). “It is compounded by the fact that such an assault comes from an educator, who has a responsibility to encourage and engage students in a truthful learning process. Today we should not tolerate this behavior from our educators as it encourages and embraces historical hatred, racism and genocide. I am truly offended that the school board sought to give Mr. Latson another chance, when so many died without the opportunity for the same.”

Incoming Speaker Designate, Representative Daniel Perez (R–Miami) said “Anti-Semitic sentiments like those of Mr. Latson have no place in a public school – not in the classroom and certainly not in the School District’s administration. I find it troubling that the School Board thought it appropriate to rehire Mr. Latson after his inexcusable comments to the parent of a student. Additionally, I call on Mr. Latson to issue a public apology for his comments, so that the community can start to heal.”

Latson has issued an apology which he posted online.