Hayward Unified cuts ties with teacher whose students exposed his antisemitic lessons — but he’s still getting paid

The Hayward Unified School District has cut ties with a teacher whose lessons excused Hitler and spread antisemitic conspiracy theories, more than 10 months after students gathered evidence, then brought forward their disturbing complaints and demanded action.

The district removed Mt. Eden High School English teacher Henry Bens from the classroom in February after an outcry from students and some of his fellow educators. But he has continued to receive his paycheck during his suspension over the last seven months — and on Wednesday, he signed a “separation agreement” that will keep him on the payroll through next January, said district spokesperson Michael Bazeley.

During the 2021-22 academic year, Bens’ salary was $113,815 a year, according to the district. As of early October, Bens’ teaching credential remained valid and is not set to expire until next April.

Late last month, an internal investigation found that Bens had both taught with antisemitic materials and verbally attacked other teachers who had spoken up against him. That investigation, which was obtained by The Bay Area News Group, stated that “Mr. Bens will not be returning to Mt. Eden High School.”

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