Ms. Anne Protopappas is a life-altering educator whose decades as a beloved teacher at The Spence School in New York City were cut short by accusations of Islamophobia that had no foundation in her teaching. Ms. Protopappas taught at the Spence School for 25 years, and her students regularly enjoyed discussing issues considered “sensitive” in the context of cross- cultural comparisons. In May 2023, in her 12th grade course on Advanced French Literature and History of Ideas, a student (who was the Headmistress’ daughter) asked her why “France bans the Hijab.” Ms. Protopappas thanked the student for her question and responded with facts, explaining why and how the law was adopted, and specifying that all highly religious signs are banned in K-12 French public schools in application of the secular principle of French “laïcité." After hearing those explanations, including that the veil may not be a choice and that many women from Arab descent had strongly advocated for banning the veil to protect freedom of choice for younger female students, this student became unexpectedly upset and visibly angry. Ms. Protopappas was accused of condoning “Islamophobia” and subsequently terminated in 2024. Since then, she has been out of work and found it extremely challenging to even get an interview.
For her courage to teach the truth and inspire generations of young women and girls despite great personal adversity, the Columbia Academic Freedom Council is honored to present Ms. Anne Protopappas with the 2025 Academic Freedom Award.
