White Philadelphia teacher and activist admits to lying about being Black and Palestinian

Hannah Gann, a white Philadelphia teacher and activist, has admitted she lied for years about being Black and Palestinian. She taught social studies at the Workshop School and worked with racial justice groups across the city. Her admission followed a confrontation by organizers who investigated her background and found no evidence supporting her claims.

Hannah Gann Issues An Apology

In a video she posted on social media, Gann said she built a false identity that misled colleagues, students and community members. She also said she has Jewish heritage and no Palestinian, Tunisian or Black ancestry.

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Gann posted another post public apology on Instagram. She said she deceived “everyone” in her life, including friends, coworkers and organizers. She also said she hid her real background from her own family.

“I lied about my identity and have been lying for years,” Gann wrote on Instagram. “I have no Palestinian or Tunisian heritage. I am a white woman of significant privilege and wealth.”

Additionally, she asked that her actions not reflect on the groups she worked with. She said she still supports the causes she promoted, despite her deception.

Activist Groups Cut Ties with Hannah Gann

Gann was active in Racial Justice Philly and Philly Teachers for Palestine, where she was outspoken in her advocacy.

In a joint statement, the local racial justice groups said they were shocked and hurt by her deception. They met with her for more than an hour and asked her to explain her identity claims. During that meeting, she admitted she fabricated her background.

As a result, organizers cut ties with her and removed her from ongoing projects. They said her actions harmed Black and Palestinian communities and exploited trust within activist spaces.

Both organizations said Gann’s admission “is not accountability” and that they are reviewing her access to organizational information and resources she received through the misrepresentation of her identity.

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Comparisons to Rachel Dolezal

Her case drew immediate comparisons to Rachel Dolezal, the former NAACP leader who falsely claimed Black identity. Critics labeled Gann the “Palestinian Rachel Dolezal,” citing her years of activism in pro‑Palestinian spaces.

Right‑wing groups also targeted her. One group displayed a mobile billboard calling her “Philadelphia’s Leading Antisemite,” referencing her activism and identity claims.

School District Reviews Her Role

The School District of Philadelphia said it is reviewing her involvement with outside advocacy groups, according  to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Records show Gann spoke at district meetings about Palestinian issues and student experiences. The district did not say whether she will face disciplinary action.