Philadelphia – A local educator and community activist has issued a public apology after admitting she lied about her racial and ethnic background. In a video posted online, Hannah Gann, who teaches at The Workshop School, said she “hid the truth or outright lied about my background to everyone in my life.”

Background and false claims

Gann, who is white and of Jewish descent, previously told colleagues and the public that she was of Tunisian and Palestinian heritage. She was an active member of Racial Justice Philly and Philly Teachers for Palestine, organizations that focus on racial equity and support for Palestinian rights.

Reactions from advocacy groups

Racial Justice Philly released a statement emphasizing that identities such as Black and Palestinian cannot be appropriated for personal credibility or access. The group noted that Gann could have been a valuable ally without misrepresenting her own background.

Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR Philadelphia, said the incident should redirect attention to the core issues his organization works on. “Hopefully this is going to bring more attention to the underlying principles,” he said, adding that the students affected by the situation should remain a priority.

School district response

The School District of Philadelphia declined to comment on personnel matters but confirmed that it is providing additional support to both students and staff at The Workshop School. Action News has learned that Gann is no longer working directly with students.

Impact on the community

The revelation has sparked discussion among educators, parents, and community members about the importance of honesty and authenticity in advocacy work. While some expressed disappointment, others emphasized the need for continued solidarity with the communities Gann claimed to represent.

Local leaders reiterated that genuine allyship is built on trust and respect, not on false claims of identity. The district’s commitment to offering support aims to ensure that students continue to receive a stable learning environment amid the controversy.

Looking ahead

Advocacy groups say they will use this moment to reinforce the principles of truthful representation and to focus on the substantive issues affecting Black and Palestinian communities in Philadelphia. The district plans to monitor the situation closely and to provide resources for any students who feel impacted by the incident.

Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.