Philadelphia activist admits fabricating Black and Palestinian identity

Philadelphia teacher and activist Hannah Gann has admitted that she fabricated parts of her racial and ethnic background for years. In a public statement and follow-up video, Gann said she has no Palestinian or Tunisian heritage, described herself as a white woman of significant privilege and wealth, and acknowledged hiding or lying about her background.

The Racial Justice Organizing Committee and Philly Educators for Palestine said Gann had claimed at different times to be Palestinian, Tunisian and Black. The groups said they confronted her, ended their relationship with her and recognized the harm to Black and Palestinian communities, young people and fellow organizers. Gann said no friend, relative or organization knew about or assisted her deception.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Gann teaches at the Workshop School and had participated in racial-justice and pro-Palestinian organizing. The School District of Philadelphia told The Guardian that it was aware of the posts and was making support available to staff and students; it did not publicly address possible personnel action. The admission establishes Gann’s deception, but it does not support suspicion toward other organizers or undermine the causes she falsely used as part of her identity.