In Washington D.C., leaders of some of the largest public school districts in the United States are under scrutiny for incidents of antisemitism. The Republican-led House education subcommittee has summoned school district officials from Berkeley, New York City, and Montgomery County to address the issue.
Following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools have escalated, prompting concerns about the safety and well-being of Jewish students, teachers, and faculty members. Rep. Aaron Bean, chair of the House Education and Workforce subcommittee on elementary and secondary education, highlighted the challenges faced by Jewish individuals in these districts.
The school district leaders were invited voluntarily to testify before the House panel, with the Berkeley Unified School District confirming that Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel has accepted the invitation. The district emphasized its commitment to creating inclusive and respectful learning environments for all students.
Each of the three school districts in question has a significant population of Jewish students and has faced criticism for their handling of antisemitic incidents. Complaints lodged against the Berkeley school system and Montgomery County Public Schools allege a failure to address harassment and discrimination based on Jewish ethnicity and ancestry.
The Anti-Defamation League and the Louis Brandeis Center have filed complaints against the respective school districts for ignoring reports of antisemitism. The Zionist Organization of America has also raised concerns about Montgomery County Public Schools’ response to antisemitic incidents.
Publicly posted policies in the Montgomery County Public School District emphasize the importance of protecting students’ religious beliefs and practices, free from discrimination or harassment. New York City is also facing a civil rights complaint for its alleged inaction against persistent antisemitism targeting teachers.
Claims of exclusion and intimidation in public education contrary to its values have been made, calling for a united stance against hateful acts and rhetoric. Leaders in these districts are summoned to address these concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of all students, regardless of their religious background.