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NEWS, OP-EDs & ARTICLES BACK TO NEWSROOM Resources News Podcasts Blog Filter by Tags Education Policy Elections Ethnic Studies Incidents Indoctrination Law Suits Legislation Politics Teachers Unions Number of articles found: 77 NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Indoctrination May 8, 2026 Legal challenge to SFUSD ‘Voices’ hits Mayor Lurie Liz Le Friends of Lowell Foundation (FOLF) formally requested a meeting with Mayor Daniel Lurie and senior City Hall officials, citing alleged violations of the California Brown Act in the San Francisco Unified School District’s (SFUSD) adoption of the controversial “Voices: An Ethnic Studies Survey” curriculum. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Incidents, Indoctrination, Education Policy May 6, 2026 DC JCRC calls out ‘significantly’ elevated antisemitism in Montgomery County, Maryland schools Haley Cohen ‘Too many Jewish students and educators at too many MCPS schools continue to face too many threats,’ said COO Guila Franklin Siegel Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Law Suits, Indoctrination May 4, 2026 Brandeis Center files Title VII complaint against the National Education Association Haley Cohen The leading Jewish legal group alleges that the country’s largest teachers’ union has repeatedly discriminated against its Jewish members Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Education Policy, Indoctrination April 26, 2026 Georgia passes landmark transparency law for foreign funding in universities, K-12 schools Haley Cohen The Georgia Solidarity Network and Reps. Esther Panitch and Houston Gaines spearheaded the effort after a report was released documenting Qatari funding of Georgia’s public schools Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Press Release Incidents, Education Policy April 21, 2026 PeerK12 Statement on Politicized Classroom Video at Torrey Pines High School in the San Dieguito Union High School District PeerK12 Staff District-Approved “Men’s Mental Health” Video Created a Politically Charged, Hostile Environment for Jewish Students Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Press Release Education Policy March 19, 2026 The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), in collaboration with PeerK12, announced on Thursday the launch of the San Diego Jewish American Heritage Month Student Contest. CAM & PeerK12 Staff Submissions Now Open for San Diego Jewish American Heritage Month Student Creative Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Law Suits, Incidents February 26, 2026 French teacher sues UN school in New York after enduring ‘15 months of hell,’ Jew-hatred Aaron Bandler “Although the school didn’t terminate her, it was essentially constructive termination, because the environment had become so hostile that she was unable to work there,” Lauren Israelovitch, of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, told JNS. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Law Suits, Incidents, Indoctrination, Education Policy February 26, 2026 EXCLUSIVE: The First Antisemitism Lawsuit Against a U.S. State Maya Sulkin & Frannie Block The filing claims Jewish children across California are bullied by peers, targeted by teachers, and taught curricula that portrays them as oppressors - with the state failing to intervene. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Law Suits, Incidents, Education Policy, Indoctrination, Ethnic Studies February 26, 2026 ‘Jewish Students Are Segregated’: Parents Sue California State Education System in First-of-Its-Kind Complaint Over ‘Anti-Semitic Propaganda’ and Harassment Adam Kredo One parent alleged that a ninth-grade teacher organized a walkout that featured chants of ‘f— the Jews,’ while others said schools punished their children for reporting anti-Semitism Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents, Indoctrination February 8, 2026 'Israelis steal kidneys': Teacher gets fired in California after sharing antisemitic video Lara Sukster Mosheyof “There’s no chance we would allow such a person to enter classrooms,” a local Israeli told N12. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Law Suits, Incidents February 3, 2026 ZOA Settles Antisemitism Lawsuit With Cherry Hill School District Mia Resnicow In June 2024, the ZOA filed a complaint on behalf of a Jewish student at Cherry Hill High School East and his parents relating to the conduct of the school and the school district in response to alleged harassment, intimidation, bullying and free speech violations of said student. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Ethnic Studies, Education Policy, Indoctrination January 27, 2026 Ethnic studies course will continue to be an option for freshman English in San Dieguito Karen Billing As pilot classes continue, the San Dieguito Union High School District board voted this month to continue offering ethnic studies as an optional ninth grade English course for students in the coming school year. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Teachers Unions January 23, 2026 Opinion: Don’t buy blatant deceptions of San Diego Unified’s teachers union Todd Maddison SDUSD’s total cost of certificated pay and benefits in the current school year is expected to be $806 million. Agreeing to SDEA’s demands would add $64.5 million to that cost. There is not enough money to fund existing programs without cuts, and approving those raises would require even larger cuts. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents January 21, 2026 Education Matters: Final findings of San Dieguito human swastika incident Marsha Sutton PeerK12 co-founders Nicole Bernstein and Tamar Caspi responded to the findings in a statement, writing, “The district’s response is riddled with contradictions that defy logic." Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Ethnic Studies, Education Policy December 31, 2025 MVLA school district approves new graduation requirements Giuseppe Ricapito The Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District voted to modify the graduation requirements of the class of 2027 and beyond to reflect its truncated ethnic studies requirement. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Indoctrination December 8, 2025 CDE Files Lawsuit Against OUSD (Oakland Unified School District) Zara Quiter Department of Education ruled Oct. 20, 2025 that OUSD had created a discriminatory environment for Jewish students and staff. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Incidents, Ethnic Studies, Indoctrination December 8, 2025 Students form human swastika on Calif. high school football field - call for ‘annihilation of Jews’ in Hitler-themed Instagram post Joe Burn Eight San Jose high school students formed a human swastika on their school’s football field in a horrifying display of antisemitism that has sent shockwaves through the Silicon Valley community. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Elections, Education Policy, Politics December 8, 2025 Reading the political tea leaves and acting against dangerous candidates Dillon Hosier & Charles Jacobs You don’t need permission to protect your community. You need documentation, coordination and the willingness to act before Election Day. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Ethnic Studies, Education Policy, Indoctrination, Legislation, Teachers Unions, Incidents November 23, 2025 The Ideological Erosion of College Readiness Tamar Caspi & Sharon Ceresnie Sorkin California’s Ethnic Studies mandate, which took hold over the past five years, coincides with a sharp decline in statewide test scores for grades 3-8 and 11 in English Language Arts and math. While activists spent years crafting curricula that demonize America, Israel, Jews, and the West, students were robbed of the opportunity to master fundamentals. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Elections, Politics, Education Policy November 23, 2025 Qatar's Got Talent Eve Barlow Essentially Hosier is in the business of identifying who the next big thing will be. He is on the hunt for future anti-Israel, anti-America, anti-West political superstars, and he is urging pro-Israel networks to come together to mitigate these rises. If Qatar produced a reality talent contest for upcoming American insurgent politicians, Hosier would be the one spotting the winners. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Law Suits, Incidents November 21, 2025 Lawsuit, letter allege persistent antisemitism at private high school in S.F. Emma Goss A parent who withdrew his daughter from San Francisco University High School after a “documented pattern of antisemitic incidents that created legitimate safety concerns for her well-being” has detailed those problems in a lawsuit filed against the California Interscholastic Federation, which governs high school sports. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Teachers Unions, Education Policy, Ethnic Studies November 20, 2025 The Union Behind California’s Ethnic Studies Antisemitism Problem Tammi Rossman-Benjamin California’s AB 715 was a well-intentioned effort to curb antisemitism in K–12 classrooms, especially ethnic studies. But the bill passed only after teachers’ unions, including the California Faculty Association (CFA) - a politically powerful union representing faculty on all 23 California State University campuses - pressed for changes that stripped key safeguards. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Education Policy, Indoctrination, Teachers Unions November 10, 2025 The Elephant on Bruin Walk: UCLA Can’t Curb Campus Antisemitism While Ignoring Faculty-Led Anti-Zionism Tammi Rossman-Benjamin At UCLA, faculty and departments have moved anti-Zionist activism from the margins into university life, becoming a core engine of campus antisemitism. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Indoctrination November 8, 2025 States are pushing for more scrutiny of antisemitism in schools Carolyn Thompson & Michael Casey Tensions over the Israel-Hamas war have spilled into schools around the U.S., with advocates reporting a rise in antisemitic harassment since the 2023 surprise attack on Israel. While some argue school leaders have failed to take the threat seriously, others warn criticism of Israel and the military campaign in Gaza are interpreted too often as hate speech. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents October 27, 2025 San Dieguito District sets plan for healing in motion following antisemitic act on SDA campus Karen Billing Lucia Gordon, the mother of the student victim of the antisemitism incident, was critical of the district’s response. Gordon said when the incident was brought to light last month, no one ever reached out to her son or family. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Education Policy October 26, 2025 The ADL’s Medicine Is Causing the Disease Joel Finkelstein Frames that divide the world into the oppressors and the oppressed create 15 times more antisemites while reinforcing sectarian division and hate on both the left and the right. The cure is a return to the universalist values on which America was founded. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Teachers Unions, Education Policy, Ethnic Studies October 3, 2025 California Teachers’ Union Ruins an Earnest Effort to Confront Antisemitism Will Swaim And in so doing, has helped demonstrate why California’s schools, once among the best in the nation, are now among its worst. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents September 19, 2025 SDA family says antisemitism incident handled improperly Leo Place The San Dieguito Union High School District is addressing an incident from the end of the previous school year in which students allegedly made the shape of a swastika on a field at San Dieguito Academy, with reports that the school’s principal has been placed on administrative leave. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents September 19, 2025 Swastika incident at SDA goes unreported; principal placed on leave Steve Puterski Eight students allegedly formed a human swastika at San Dieguito Academy in May. The principal is now on leave amid accusations of delayed reporting and policy violations. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Education Policy August 29, 2025 Beverly Hills Unified to adopt new flag policy after superintendent overrules Israeli flag display Julie Sharp The new policy aligns with the superintendent's directive, "no flags will be displayed on our campuses other than the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of California." Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Elections, Politics August 12, 2025 The Mamdani Index Dillon Hosier How to spot the next anti-Israel political star before it’s too late. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Ethnic Studies, Law Suits, Indoctrination, Education Policy July 21, 2025 Lawsuit filed against Palo Alto school district over ethnic studies Lisa Moreno Parent Alan Crystal and the Louis D. Brandeis Center, a law firm that works to fight antisemitism, filed a lawsuit against the Palo Alto Unified School District on July 21, alleging that the Board of Education violated the Brown Act by passing an Ethnic Studies graduation requirement. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Indoctrination June 26, 2025 Jewish student sues Seattle school district, claims failure to stop antisemitism Jackie Kent A Seattle family is suing Washington state's largest school district, claiming the administration failed to stop or respond to rampant antisemitic harassment that ultimately led a student to leave her high school. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Education Policy June 25, 2025 Carlsbad Unified approves budget at special meeting with board president absent Kasia Gregorczyk Local parents say Kathy Rallings has been controversial for how she treats other board members during meetings and her suggestion to take more than $3 million out of the district reserve funds. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Ethnic Studies, Education Policy, Incidents, Indoctrination June 24, 2025 Ramona Unified postpones high school ethnic studies course for 2025-26 Julie Gallant Ramona Unified School District high school students will continue to be offered the traditional English II course only while plans to pilot an “English 2/English 2 Honors: Ethnic Perspectives in Literature” course are put on hold. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Incidents, Law Suits June 18, 2025 This California Family Is Fighting Back Against a Mandatory ‘White Privilege’ Curriculum Amy Reichert A shocking revelation from a California high school student about discriminatory material he was forced to read has sparked outrage and concern over the growing mandate of race-based curricula in public education. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Teachers Unions, Indoctrination June 13, 2025 Randi Weingarten’s ‘No Kings’ push shows teachers union is prioritizing activism over education Rikki Schlott Critics say unions taking part are undermining their members by taking an overtly partisan stance. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Ethnic Studies, Education Policy, Incidents June 5, 2025 Ethnic studies course is a disaster in the making in SFUSD Carol Kocivar Should a controversial ethnic studies curriculum be mandated in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) without approval by the board of education? Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Education Policy, Ethnic Studies, Law Suits May 26, 2025 Opinion: The California ethnic studies mandate is a train wreck Marsha Sutton AB 101 was ill-conceived from the start: no enforceable guidelines, no state standards, no penalties for ignoring guardrails that prohibit discrimination, not even a real definition of what ethnic studies actually means. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: OpEd Ethnic Studies, Education Policy, Incidents, Indoctrination, Teachers Unions May 20, 2025 To Protect Zionism, We Must Reject Ethnic Studies | Algemeiner Nicole Bernstein When a movement tells you — clearly and proudly — that it opposes everything you stand for, the most self-respecting thing you can do is believe them. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents, Ethnic Studies, Education Policy May 12, 2025 Parents claim ideological bias in Mesa College course at La Jolla High School Noah Lyons The group focuses particularly on what it considers one-sided discussion of the Israel-Hamas war. Mesa College contends the content is 'protected by academic freedom.' Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Ethnic Studies, Indoctrination May 5, 2025 CAM REVIEW | Ethnic Studies: The Dangerous Ideology Quietly Shaping US Classrooms Combat Antisemitism Movement If you’ve ever wondered why young Americans are embracing increasingly extreme views on race, power, identity, Israel, and Jews, this webinar connects the dots with clarity, historical depth, and urgency. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Education Policy, Elections, Ethnic Studies, Incidents, Indoctrination, Teachers Unions, Legislation, Law Suits April 24, 2025 The Ethnic Studies to Antisemitism Pipeline: Pajaro Valley Edition Mika Hackner The ideological lens of Ethnic Studies, with its obsession over systems of power and its binary moral structure, aligns all too easily with antisemitic conspiracism. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Incidents, Ethnic Studies, Indoctrination April 10, 2025 California DOE finds school’s ethnic studies curriculum discriminated against Jewish students Grace Gilson A California school's ethnic studies curriculum that included discussions of Israel as a "settler colonial state" was found to have discriminated against Jewish students. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Incidents, Ethnic Studies, Indoctrination, Law Suits April 10, 2025 Bay Area high school districts cited, must provide anti-bias training to teachers John Fensterwald Following investigations, the California Department of Education has verified incidents of antisemitism in two neighboring San Jose-area school districts. In separate decisions, the department ordered both the Campbell Union High School District and Santa Clara Unified to provide anti-discrimination training, and in the case of Santa Clara Unified, training in students’ rights against retaliation. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: OpEd Ethnic Studies, Education Policy, Legislation March 20, 2025 Anti-Israel ethnic studies unfunded in California - Is the fight over? | JPost Op-Ed Tamar Caspi "As parents, we expect our children’s education to promote truth, critical thinking, and understanding—not to serve as a breeding ground for political activism." Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: OpEd Ethnic Studies, Teachers Unions, Indoctrination, Education Policy March 10, 2025 The Ethnic Studies Battlegrounds: Political Ideology, Teacher Unions, and a Divided Jewish Community Nicole Bernstein Subversion and “othering” have proven to be disturbingly effective, contributing to an increasingly fractured Jewish community. This division has made it difficult for us to unite and recognize the external threats we face. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Education Policy, Law Suits March 5, 2025 EXCLUSIVE: DOJ Opens Antisemitism Investigation Into the University of California System Gabe Kaminsky The Department of Justice says one of the largest public university systems in the country may be discriminating ‘against employees who are or are perceived to be Jewish or Israeli.’ Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Education Policy, Indoctrination January 22, 2025 Poll of High Schoolers Shows Many Are Taught That America Is ‘Inherently Racist’ Kevin Mahnken As President Trump renews his pledge to combat unpatriotic education, survey evidence suggests that controversial teachings are alive and well. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Indoctrination, Education Policy, Ethnic Studies, Incidents, Teachers Unions October 31, 2024 The Kindergarten Intifada Abigail Shrier There is a well-coordinated, national effort between teachers, activist organizations, and administrators to indoctrinate American children against Israel. A Free Press investigation. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Indoctrination, Education Policy, Incidents October 15, 2024 What are your children being taught? Lindsey Burke Look at schools’ websites, their trainings, mission statements, textbooks, curricula, and yes, even your child’s homework assignments. Corporate America is beginning to turn away from institutional DEI. It’s time schools got back to basics, too. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Ethnic Studies, Education Policy September 14, 2024 Parents want to 'collaborate' over new ethnic studies course Ava Kershner “The room was divided, almost as if you had two opposing sides,” said Nicole Bernstein, a concerned parent and co-founder of PeerK12. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Indoctrination July 24, 2024 Wikipedia’s Jewish Problem Izabella Tabarovsky The site seems to be intentionally trafficking in disinformation related to Jews, Israel, and Zionism Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Teachers Unions, Indoctrination, Elections July 19, 2024 Anti-Israel resolutions on docket for US teachers union JNS News Desk The American Federation of Teachers will vote on proposals that fuel “discrimination and hatred against Jews,” critics say. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Teachers Unions, Indoctrination July 17, 2024 US teacher union criticized for BDS, ceasefire, campus protest resolutions Michael Starr The coalition of Jewish education groups condemned the resolutions for labeling Israel's war against Gazan terrorist organizations as "genocide." Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Teachers Unions, Indoctrination July 16, 2024 AFT to vote on controversial proposals Carl Campanile Proposals including ending US military aid to Israel, protecting pro-Palestinian protesters Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Teachers Unions, Indoctrination July 16, 2024 US Jewish Groups Condemn Anti-Zionist Resolutions Dion J. Pierre Resolutions Considered by American Federation of Teachers Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Ethnic Studies, Education Policy July 9, 2024 StopHateInSchools: Ethnic studies in K-12 Staff Writer Lessons learned and a roadmap for protecting the rights of Jewish students and teachers Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Ethnic Studies, Indoctrination June 24, 2024 The Child Soldiers of Ethnic Studies Neetu Arnold How American students are radicalized against the West Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Ethnic Studies, Indoctrination, Incidents June 13, 2024 How Public Schools Became Ideological Boot Camps Robert Pondiscio In nearly every public school in the country, children are given curriculum materials that have no official oversight or approval. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Press Release Education Policy, Ethnic Studies, Incidents, Indoctrination April 30, 2024 PeerK-12 Official Statement Expressing Strong Objections at the Politicization of San Diego Unified School District’s Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation PeerK12 It is deeply concerning that the school district has chosen to politicize Jewish American Heritage Month, just as they did Arab American Heritage Month with the inclusion of Edward Said and Doris Bittar, by endorsing figures who polarize and detract from the celebration of a rich and diverse heritage. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Elections, Politics April 4, 2024 When anti-Israel radicals win local elections Dillon Hosier We must mobilize to counter an insidious movement that threatens democracy itself. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Ethnic Studies, Incidents, Indoctrination, Teachers Unions February 14, 2024 Undercover with Liberated Ethnic Studies Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky WITH parents, teachers, and students coming forward with information on mismanagement in their school districts, I believe it is even more important to reveal what I discovered in my almost two years inside Liberated Ethnic Studies. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents December 15, 2023 A different perspective Destiny Avila Ramirez BVH student meeting marks first steps to ensuring a safe community Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents, Indoctrination December 11, 2023 In San Diego, controversy surrounds an antisemitic imam and his wife JNS Staff Imam Taha Hassane has justified Hamas’s Oct. 7 terror attack, while Lallia Allali [his wife and San Diego Unified School District consultant] posted an image of a Star of David decapitating babies. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Elections, Indoctrination, Incidents November 18, 2023 The Inside Story of How Palestinians Took Over the World Gary Wexler The brilliant Palestinian plan to capture the pliable minds of American college students was laid out in front of me 25 years ago, during a very sinister business meeting in Israel. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents, Education Policy November 4, 2023 Union-Tribune Community Advisory Board member resigns due to repost on personal Facebook Staff Writer Members volunteer their time and talents, and agree to adhere to guidelines, including a prohibition on hate speech or targeting of other people or communities Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: OpEd Indoctrination, Ethnic Studies, Politics October 19, 2023 Opinion: Don’t Be Fooled - ‘Free Palestine’ Is a Call for Ending Israel Brad Bernstein Don’t just take my word for it. Do your own research: search the internet for sources where “Free Palestine” is used to protest in favor of the establishment of a Palestinian State side-by-side with a Jewish State. Go ahead, I’ll wait… Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: Article Indoctrination September 19, 2023 The Cult of ‘Antizionism’ Izabella Tabarovsky American progressive ideologues have formed a new ideology based on the negation of an all-powerful phantasm they call ‘Zionism.’ To fight them, we need to understand the origins of their beliefs in the Soviet academic propaganda apparatus. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents, Education Policy October 23, 2022 How a photo of Hitler in a 7th-grade classroom sparked a debate over antisemitism and school oversight Kristen Taketa Parents and Jewish community members say a teacher’s inclusion of the photo in a classroom display shows the need for ‘real education’ on antisemitism. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents, Education Policy October 18, 2022 San Dieguito board talks next steps in addressing Hitler photo at Carmel Valley school Karen Billing District will hold community forums, staff training around antisemitism and create a new superintendent committee Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents, Indoctrination October 3, 2022 Hitler 'had strong leadership qualities' says teacher, photo placed with MLK, JFK Michael Starr Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's photo was placed on a board next to inspirational leaders such as Martin Luther King and John F. Kennedy. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents, Education Policy December 18, 2021 BVH experiences hate speech, SUHSD responds with resolution Carina Muniz The anti-Semitic post created by students and directed towards IB Environmental Systems and Societies, and AP Environmental Science teacher Jennifer Ekstein is currently under investigation by BVH administrators. In Principal Roman Del Rosario’s statement addressing the hate speech at BVH, he made clear that, with support from SUHSD, BVH would not stand for hate speech. This photo was one of the two attachments in Del Rosario’s statement. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Education Policy, Incidents November 18, 2021 San Dieguito board passes resolutions denouncing antisemitism, discrimination Karen Billings On Nov. 18, the San Dieguito Union High School District passed a resolution addressing antisemitism and affirming the value of Jewish students, faculty, staff, and families. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents, Education Policy October 28, 2021 San Diego School District Passes Resolution to Include Antisemitism in Ethnic Studies Aaron Bandler The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Board of Trustees passed a resolution on October 26 to include the teaching of antisemitism in the ethnic studies curriculum. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents, Education Policy October 27, 2021 San Diego School District Commits to ‘Fighting Antisemitism,’ Citing Rise in Hate Crimes Dion J. Pierre The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) adopted a resolution Tuesday denouncing antisemitism and promoting education about the Holocaust, citing a rise in recent years in anti-Jewish harassment on its campuses. Read More NEWS ITEM CATEGORY: PeerK12 in the News Incidents, Education Policy October 27, 2021 SWC Commends Jewish Community Parents Staff Writer Proposed Resolution Passed by San Diego Unified School District to include Anti-Semitism in its Ethnic Studies Curriculum Read More Article

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May 4, 2026 Brandeis Center files Title VII complaint against the National Education Association Haley Cohen The leading Jewish legal group alleges that the country’s largest teachers’ union has repeatedly discriminated against its Jewish members Originally Posted In: https://jewishinsider.com/2026/05/brandeis-center-national-education-association-title-vii-complaint/ < Back A leading Jewish legal group has filed a bias complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the National Education Association, alleging the country’s largest teachers’ union violated civil rights law by discriminating against its Jewish members, Jewish Insider has learned. The complaint, filed Monday by the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, highlights several incidents in which the NEA - which represents over 3 million educators - allegedly breached Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects employees, resulting in the spread of antisemitism in K-12 public schools. “Students are arriving to college much of the time already having antisemitic views,” Marci Miller, Brandeis Center’s director of legal investigations, told JI. “We needed to look at the K-12 space to see where this was originating, and we saw that a lot of the false narratives and antisemitic tropes were originating from local teachers’ unions - and in a lot of cases it came from the top, the NEA, which is the umbrella union.” Last summer, the NEA’s Representative Assembly passed a resolution to boycott the Anti-Defamation League’s Holocaust education materials after union delegates complained the ADL’s definition of antisemitism was too strong. While NEA’s board of directors unanimously voted to reject the measure that would’ve ceased relations with the ADL, Jewish educators and parents continue to remain uneasy about rising antisemitism within the union. The 297-page complaint highlights several concerns in the NEA’s 2025 handbook , a 434-page report outlining the organization’s “visionary goals” and “strategic objectives.” Among these examples is official handbook language for International Holocaust Remembrance Day that removed Jews as the primary targeted victims of the Holocaust, reframing the genocide as a generalized tragedy, the Brandeis Center said. The handbook stated that the “NEA shall promote the celebration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27 annually on its website and through other appropriate media to recognize the more than 12 million victims of the Holocaust from different faiths, ethnicities, races, political beliefs, genders, and gender identification, abilities/disabilities, and other targeted characteristics. ” Although the language was later revised following public backlash, the NEA did not issue an apology for the erasure of Jewish history from its handbook materials and provided no corrective guidance to members or affiliates. On Oct. 8, 2025, one day after the two-year anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, the NEA sent a mass email to its membership celebrating Indigenous lands and distributing a “Native Land Digital” map that erased Israel entirely, labeling the territory solely as Palestine and linking to materials associated with organizations that have expressed support for Hamas’ attacks. After public backlash, the NEA removed the resource and issued a statement that the external resource did not meet its standards, but it did not advise members to stop using the materials or issue an apology to Jewish members. According to the complaint, Jewish members reported facing harassment at the NEA’s 2025 Representative Assembly, a convening of the organization’s top leaders from around the country - the same group that voted to censure the ADL. Allegations included Jewish delegates being physically surrounded and shouted at by anti-Israel advocates; delegates laughing after a Jewish delegate referred to the murder of an 82-year-old Holocaust survivor in the Boulder, Colo., antisemitic firebombing attack; and delegates physically intimidating and disrupting the Jewish Affairs Caucus when the executive chair tried to speak. The complaint also alleges that the NEA engages in systematic discrimination by utilizing discriminatory racial quotas and preferences, a practice that harms Jewish members who are excluded from preferred racial groups, denying them equal access to opportunities and full participation in union governance. “NEA is not taking enough steps to make Jewish teachers, Jewish members feel comfortable in the NEA,” said Miller. “They may have taken some minimal steps but haven’t really responded to complaints from members.” The complaint comes as NEA is under investigation by the House Committee on Education and Workforce, as well as the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, following allegations that its policies and materials have fostered an environment conducive to antisemitism in K-12 schools. Previous Next

Celebrating Diverse Identities While Uplifting Jewish & Israeli Student Voices We believe in fostering an environment where students can learn, celebrate, and explore diverse cultural identities, including the rich and varied traditions within the Jewish community. Cultural Night events provide an excellent opportunity for students to take pride in their unique backgrounds and to participate in hands-on learning about cultures other than their own. Through musical or dance performances, language lessons, cooking demonstrations, and other interactive activities, these events become more than just a showcase - they’re an immersive learning experience. Israel Booth at Elementary School Heritage Fair in San Diego CA However, these events must be spaces where all identities, including Jewish identities, are respected, valued, and fully represented. Cultural Nights should not become spaces where any student’s identity, culture, or religion - particularly Jewish identity - is erased or marginalized. At PeerK12, we offer the following guidance to ensure your event is inclusive, educational, and culturally sensitive to all students, including Jewish students and families. Cultural Sensitivity: Creating an Inclusive Environment Respectful Representation Ensure all cultural presentations are free from stereotypes, oversimplifications, and most importantly: inaccuracies. Content should be age appropriate and align with the educational goals of the event. All displays must also be fact based - not aspirational. Providing inaccurate information could place your school in danger of litigation due to violating state educational codes or federal civil rights protections. Often, materials that appear to be age appropriate can be deceiving and so districts are encouraged to adopt a “Trust but Verify” for all materials that will be presented. Examples of Violations: Across the country we're seeing more and more elementary school heritage and cultural celebrations hijacked by outside groups looking to find ways to reach younger and younger audiences to indocrinate. Be on the lookout for some of these most commonly seen violations that have led to issues before, during and after these events - and even to lawsuits for serious violations to the civil rights of the Jewish and Israeli students who are most often targeted during these events: Erasure of the State of Israel False information about a State called “Palestine” Falsely labeling Jerusalem as the Capital of Palestine Indoctrination material disguised as “age appropriate” material Political propaganda CLICK TO EXPAND IMAGES & VIEW IN FULL SCREEN How to Avoid Issues & Host a Celebratory Event for All Event Guidelines Matter - enforcing them matters more. Avoid situations where misunderstandings can become contentious by providing clear guidelines for the event. Provide parent volunteers information on what is allowed, and also - what is NOT allowed. Any political content should be expressly forbidden. Celebrating cultural backgrounds does not need to descend into political ideologies or territorial disputes. Don't forget to outline the consequences for violating these guidelines, and ensure you're able to provide firm and immediate enforcement on the day of the event - and throughout the event. Any deviations from your guidelines Addressing Cultural Appropriation Concerns It's important to clarify misconceptions about cultural appropriation. For example, Jewish students may face accusations of cultural appropriation for sharing foods like hummus - foods that are part of a broader Middle Eastern heritage shared by various cultures, including those of Jewish families who have roots in the Levant, the Middle East and North Africa. Acknowledging this shared heritage is key to fostering mutual respect and understanding. Celebrate the Diversity of Jewish Identity Jewish identity is rich and varied, encompassing a wide spectrum of traditions, languages, and histories. Avoid reducing Jewish culture to a singular experience. Make space for diverse representations of Jewish culture within your event, so that all aspects of Jewish identity are honored. This approach reflects the true diversity within the Jewish community itself. Culture & Heritage: this is not a zero-sum game It's essential that Jewish identity and history are never erased in the name of other cultural expressions. For example, while Palestinian culture can be celebrated, it is crucial that it is done in a way that does not erase or negate the existence of Israel or the Jewish connection to the Land of Israel. This includes the accurate representation of the State of Israel on maps and in discussions, ensuring that Jewish students’ connection to Israel is respected. Inclusive Preparation & Logistics Diverse Planning Committee Form a planning committee that includes representatives from various cultural backgrounds within your school community. Just as there are nuances for the Jewish, Israeli and Palestinian parents, so are there are nuances for Tiwanese and Chinese parents, Indian and Pakistani parents, Turkish and Kurdish parents, etc. It's important to cast a wide net and ensure all feel welcome and celebrated. This diversity ensures that the event will reflect the school’s varied identities and is sensitive to the unique needs of all groups, including Jewish students and families. Choosing the Right Date Be mindful of the calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts with major religious holidays or cultural celebrations. PeerK12 offers tools to help ensure your event doesn’t overlap with important observances, including a 5-year calendar of Jewish holidays and celebrations. Clear Guidelines for Participants and Attendees Ensure that all participants feel safe and supported while presenting their cultural displays. This means creating an atmosphere free from hostility or intimidation. No student, teacher, or community member should feel uncomfortable or threatened while sharing their identity, whether Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Palestinian, or from any other background. Be clear about the boundaries regarding political speech, ensuring that all presentations remain respectful and focused on cultural sharing, not political statements. Pre-Event Review Have a designated committee member or school administrator review all presentations and displays in advance. This ensures the event remains consistent with its educational goals and does not inadvertently marginalize or misrepresent any identity, particularly Jewish or Israeli identity. Ensure that any handouts be pre-approved and not violate any of the event or District policies and remain free from political messages, indoctrination, or inappropriate language or ideologies. Event Signage Only approved signage should be allowed at Cultural Night. Unapproved signage that violates event guidelines should be removed immediately. If any participant - student, teacher, or other - violates the event guidelines, they should be asked to either remove the unapproved signage or leave the event entirely if they do not comply. Safety and Security Have a plan in place to address any situations where attendees do not adhere to the established guidelines. This ensures that the event remains a safe, respectful, and enriching experience for everyone. Commitment to Inclusive Learning At PeerK12, we are committed to creating inclusive environments that honor the diverse identities within your school community. By taking a thoughtful, culturally sensitive approach to planning and executing Cultural Night events, you can create a space where students expand their understanding of the world and each other, while ensuring that every identity - particularly Jewish identity - is respected and uplifted. If you need additional guidance or resources to help plan your event, please reach out to PeerK12’s team. We are here to support you in fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes mutual respect across all cultures.

What began as a promising civil rights bill aimed at protecting Jewish and Israeli-American students in California’s public schools has been gutted beyond recognition. Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 715 , but not before lawmakers systematically removed every safeguard that once made the legislation meaningful. The result? A powerless Office of Civil Rights and Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator who cannot investigate , cannot enforce , and cannot act - only “advise.” Lawmakers Strip Enforcement Powers, Antisemitism Definition, and Accountability from AB 715 - Leaving Jewish Students Defenseless While Advancing Ethnic Studies What Happened to CA AB 715? In a late-summer committee room, AB 715 was gutted like a political sacrifice. The legal definition of antisemitism? Deleted. The power to investigate or enforce? Stripped. The Office of Civil Rights Coordinator? Reduced to a powerless “technical assistant.” Does AB 715 Provide Any New Protections? Not really. The bill mostly focuses on the creation of a state-level antisemitism coordinator to serve as a resource provider (with no investigative or oversight powers). Other than that, there are only two real new items that do not already exist. One requires that each local school district must create a page on their website  to outline the resources available on antisemitism and provide annual notification to parents about these resources : "*The bill would require the Superintendent, in consultation with the executive director of the state board and the Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator, to develop and maintain a distinct internet web page containing resources and information specific to antisemitism on its internet website.; and "(e) Information regarding the requirements of this section shall be included in the *annual notification distributed to pupils, parents and guardians, employees, and other interested parties pursuant to Section 4622 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations or any successor regulation" The second change from what is currently already available is a modification to the existing complaint process that removes the need for a name to be associated with complaints: "A complaint may be filed by any member of the public, including anyone electing to file anonymously, if the complaint provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance with subdivision." Watch on YouTube Listen to Our Breakdown on the Israeli-American Podcast: California's Antisemitism Bill Explained with ICANaction & PeerK12 Listen to the full podcast on Apple PeerK12's Nicole Bernstein joined ICAN's Dillon Hosier for a breakdown of AB 715 in this podcast episode from October 8, 2025. The discussion starts with the breaking news of the day - Trump's Gaza Plan accepted and the hostages are set to be released! Then we dive into AB 715 to discuss what that bill means for Jewish and Israeli-American students, how AB 715 was positioned as legislative cover for advancing the Ethnic Studies mandate, and why both ICAN and PeerK12 are urging Californians to stay engaged ahead of the 2026 legislative session. How AB 715 Was Dismantled During the September 10 Senate Education Committee hearing, lawmakers detailed the drastic changes made to AB 715 and explained their reasoning. As each speaker gave their comments, it became clear that this bill had been tokenized and was being used as a thinly veiled legislative cover to advance the Ethnic Studies mandate rather than as a genuine civil rights tool to protect Jewish and Israeli-American students. Chair Senator Sasha Renee Perez spelled it out on the record: “The bill does not directly define antisemitism... it no longer includes provisions specific to an antisemitic learning environment.” And: “The Office of Civil Rights and Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator... will not be doing investigations.” Meanwhile, real cases will keep getting lost in the same broken Uniform Complaint Process - a bureaucratic graveyard already notorious for delays and inaction. Perez went further, editorializing mid-hearing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a “war criminal” and calling Israel’s self-defense in Gaza “criminal.” Why Do We Believe This is All About Ethnic Studies? Because they told us themselves. During that same late-night September 10 Senate Education Committee hearing, other lawmakers finally allowed themselves to say the quiet part out loud. Senator Lena Gonzalez - chair of the Diversity Caucus - announced: “The diversity caucuses want Ethnic Studies. We absolutely believe in Ethnic Studies. We want Ethnic Studies to move forward.” Translation: AB 715 isn’t a shield for Jewish or Israeli-American students. It’s camouflage - designed to make opposition to Ethnic Studies look unreasonable, while ensuring the state’s new graduation mandate (AB 101) faces no serious resistance when it is brought back into the Legislature for discussion in 2026. Governor Newsom Signs Away Real Civil Rights Protections Governor Newsom's signing statement promises "follow-up" legislation in 2026 to address concerns about requirements like factual accuracy in instruction. We fully anticipate that an additional "follow-up" will surface when the Diversity Caucuses cash in their IOUs and demand that the elusive Ethnic Studies funding debate will once again take center stage. The message to Jewish families was unmistakable: this law isn’t about protecting you. It’s about protecting their politics. PeerK12's Response We thank the authors for starting the conversation and their valiant efforts to stay the course; but let’s be clear: this bill was hijacked and gutted - what's left is a whole lot of nothing. What could have been California’s first meaningful protection against antisemitism in classrooms was instead rewritten to serve as a political shield for the state’s Ethnic Studies establishment. AB 715 is not enforcement. It’s performance. A decoy meant to neutralize public outrage while allowing the ideological status quo to advance unchallenged. This is What We're Up Against: California Senator Sasha Renee Perez on AB 715; Friday, September 12, 2025 full statement about (or rather, explanation of) this antisemitism bill - specifically what it IS - and what it is NOT . What Comes Next? Governor Newsom’s promise of a 2026 “fix” means this fight is far from over. We'll be watching to ensure next year’s legislation delivers real protections: Clear definitions of antisemitism rooted in civil rights law. Investigative authority with enforcement teeth. Accountability for districts that ignore Jewish student safety. We urge every parent, advocate, and ally to stay ready. Read ICANaction's Policy Briefs on AB 715: ICAN Statement Urging Californians to Stay Engaged Following Governor Newsom’s Signing of AB 715 Newsom Signs AB 715 on | October 7, 2025 ICAN Statement and Policy Brief of AB 715 AB 715 - Antisemitism Legislation Policy Brief & Position: Support | July 7, 2025 RELATED LINKS Link to AB 715 on California's Legislation Website Gov. Newsom's Press Release on SB 48 and AB 715 Governor Newsom signs bills further cracking down on hate and antisemitism in California schools Link to AB 715 Signing Statement from the Governor's office (PDF) Golden State Plan to Counter Antisemitism Commission on the State of Hate California vs. Hate Hotline APPENDIX Excerpts of AB 715: (1) The governing board of a school district, a county board of education, or the governing body of a charter school shall not adopt or approve the use of any professional development materials or services if the professional development materials or services promote, endorse, or otherwise support actions or the use of any textbook, instructional material, supplemental instructional material, or curriculum which would subject a pupil to unlawful discrimination pursuant to Section 220. (a) The Office of Civil Rights shall employ the Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator who shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. (b) The Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator, in consultation with the department, and under the supervision of the Government Operations Agency, shall do all of the following: (1) Develop, consult on, and provide antisemitism education to teachers, staff, governing board or body members, administrators, and other local educational agency personnel to identify and proactively prevent antisemitism. (2) Make recommendations, in coordination with the executive director of the state board, to the Legislature, consistent with Section 9795 of the Government Code, on legislation necessary for the prevention of antisemitism in educational settings. (3) Engage and advise on the actions taken by the office on issues relating to antisemitism and the Jewish community. (4) Engage with local educational agencies on the handling of antisemitism. (5) Beginning September 1, 2027, track and report to the Legislature, consistent with Section 9795 of the Government Code, the executive director of the state board, and the Superintendent complaints and resolutions or lack of resolutions of complaints made pursuant to Section 33315 relating to antisemitism in all local educational agencies serving pupils in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive. (6) Engage with relevant community stakeholders, as determined by the Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator, in the execution of their duties.

September 21, 2025 When Jewish parents in the San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) asked Torrey Pines High School (TPHS) Principal three simple safety questions after the Human Swastika incident at San Dieguito Academy, the answer they received was disappointing and surprising. Below, PeerK12 will analyze the shocking discrepancies in those statements. We will provide a point-by-point breakdown of what these Jewish parents asked, how the principal responded, what SDUHSD policy actually requires, and why the district handled it so poorly (AGAIN). The ensuing contrast and contradictions make one thing painfully clear: SDUHSD principals are not equipped -- or are simply unwilling? -- to follow their own district policies when hate incidents target their Jewish students. The Superintendent’s September 18, 2025 Email Regarding the Recent Antisemitic Hate Crime Incident An excerpt: Last May, a group of students created the image of a swastika in a human formation on the athletic field. This * image was seen and captured by a fellow student, who is Jewish, while flying a plane overhead at the time. Deeply and understandably alarmed by the image, the student’s family reported the incident to the San Dieguito Academy administration. However, and unfortunately, the incident was not brought to the attention of the San Dieguito Union High School District administrators until late last month. I share this point not to deflect responsibility but to clarify that there was a clear and unacceptable breakdown in communication between the school and the District. Once I became aware of the image, we took action to work with the families of the students involved and immediately launched an investigation, which is still ongoing. Additionally, we have reviewed and amplified our efforts to remind all students and staff that hate in any form will not be tolerated on our campuses.* PEERK12 FACT CHECK The human swastika formation was done as a targeted act . The Jewish student didn't just happen to be flying overhead - the other students knew a Jewish student would be flying overhead, and that is why they formed the human swastika. Our Call to Action In PeerK12’s update about this incident that same Thursday afternoon , we urged parents to reach out to their own principals. This was to ensure that proper protocols were in place at their own school in the event that a similar incident to what had happened at San Dieguito Academy with the Human Swastika formation were to occur. Jewish parents wasted NO TIME in reaching out to their school principals with our recommended questions. The responses started to be forwarded to us within 24 hours. One response stood out because it came from a school within the same District where the human swastika incident occurred. Here is what we learned... Torrey Pines High School Case Study Torrey Pines is another high school in the San Dieguito Union High School District that is not only the largest in terms of student body numbers, but also the high school with the highest concentration of Jewish students in this School District. We had hoped the response from the Principal would reflect not only this high concentration of Jewish students at Torrey Pines High School (TPHS), but also the sensitive nature of this issue. This issue shares the same school board, Superintendent, and District protocols as San Dieguito Academy, where the human swastika incident occurred. Below is a sample email (with names redacted) from those Jewish parents, as well as the "cut and pasted" response from the Torrey Pines principal (confirmed as such by each parent we spoke to who had received the exact same cut/paste response from this principal): Hi Principal Coppo, Our son/daughter, [NAME REDACTED], is a [REDACTED] grader at Torrey Pines. Could you please let me know what the Torrey Pines policy is if an antisemitic hate crime occurs on the TPHS campus? What is the protocol and required steps and timelines for notifications? What should Jewish parents expect if (when??) something similar happens to our kids at Torrey? Thank you, [NAME REDACTED] A Play by Play Breakdown of the Response & Why We Are Concerned PARENT QUESTION 1: "What is the Torrey Pines High School policy if an antisemitic hate crime occurs on campus?" PRINCIPAL RESPONSE: I want you to know that we take the behavior of our students very seriously, and we work hard to build a culture of respect. Our TP Pledge, for example, we developed specifically to help our students feel more valued and respected. We are also a No Place for Hate school, and we have a diverse group of heritage clubs on campus that participate in activities on campus regularly. The more students learn about each other, the more connected they feel, and are more likely to protect each other. Our students and staff feel safe on campus because we are a connected Falcon family. PEERK12 ANALYSIS Clubs and slogans do not constitute a safety plan. Serving up that gobbledygook the day after a major antisemitic incident and subsequent epic reporting failure by the district makes it seem like this principal is purposefully dodging a direct safety question. What we can’t figure out is why ? This district actually does have clear policies on discrimination. Pretending otherwise signals either an outright refusal of transparency or complete ignorance about them. Either way, it’s unacceptable when students (including the Jewish ones) are at risk. PARENT QUESTION 2: “What is the protocol and required steps and timelines for notifications?” PRINCIPAL RESPONSE: While I can't talk about a specific protocol for hate speech and hate crimes, I can tell you that we investigate thoroughly and then work diligently to address the impact in a supportive and meaningful way. PEERK12 ANALYSIS Parents need a clear, immediate way to report. When asked this very specific question, the Principal made no attempt to share the general district process for complaints. He offered no helpful links , no steps to take , no timelines to expect , no who-does-what to clarify, and no how-to-report - nothing. Once again, we were left scratching our heads at the lack of transparency and information given by the Principal. This is especially concerning considering SDUHSD actually outlines all of these protocols on the district website. There is even a dedicated full-time staffer who handles all district incidents (including the antisemitic ones). This role was insisted upon by SDUHSD Board Trustee Michael Allman when PeerK12 worked with him on writing and passing the Resolution Addressing Antisemitism and Affirming the Value of Jewish Students, Faculty, Staff, and Families in November 2021. Trustee Allman understood that students and families needed a trusted person to turn to for these very complaints. Additional resources available to students and parents include: Director of Community Resolution and Compliance (Dr. Evelyn Medina) Assurance of Nondiscrimination Policy Title IX/Title VI/Section 504 and compliance resources WeTip Anonymous SDUHSD Reporting System Uniform Complaint Procedure (UCP) These resources do a pretty good job spelling out the process, timelines, and rights in plain, easy-to-understand English (and several other languages as well). It’s baffling why no one thought it might be a good idea to collect, organize, and queue them up (like we did here) - just in case . When silence or a total lack of knowledge about protocols coincides with the district’s own admission of gross negligence in mishandling an antisemitic hate crime, parental trust in the district isn’t merely damaged - it’s lost . PARENT QUESTION 3: "What should Jewish parents expect if (when?) something similar happens to our kids at Torrey?” PRINCIPAL'S RESPONSE: Each case is unique so there is no "one size fits all" approach, but we do have protocols for investigation, accountability and student support. As a large, comprehensive high school, we are not immune to issues like this, so please know that my administration team is adept at responding. PEERK12 ANALYSIS Good grief, where to begin...?! Let's start by stating the obvious: this is no longer a hypothetical situation. Tossing a dismissive " don't worry, my team is adept at responding " at Jewish parents in the same email thread where you've just admitted the district mishandled the Human Swastika Incident at SDA is ...... (drumroll please): DEMONSTRABLY FALSE. It's almost obscene to give vague assurances that the school “ will work diligently ” if something ever happens. Don’t forget: something DID happen, and the school did NOT work diligently to address it. Next, district parents were just told (in the Superintendent's email) that the district protocol wasn't followed. Here they are reaching out to gain a better understanding of that protocol and for corresponding resources. Not only was their main concern never addressed, but they also were not supplied with any information about where to find the information. The message is unmistakable: the principal is treating them on a “need-to-know” basis and acting as if they don’t need to know. The correct response is to give parents concrete information on who the main point of contact would be for all complaints and incidents. This should include information on victim support, safety planning, academic accommodations, school-climate remedies, or removal of hateful content. Parents also want to understand whether and when they will be notified during the process, what the communication cadence would be, and potentially how to appeal if the response they receive is inadequate (which is highly likely in this case). The Missing Piece on Accountability and Consequences The Principal really should have STARTED his response by reassuring parents that hate-motivated conduct against their Jewish children can-and-will trigger discipline and possible law-enforcement involvement. Unfortunately, he also missed the chance to explain that student-privacy laws bar the district from disclosing specific penalties. This would preempt inevitable future demands to reveal offenders’ punishments. Transparency about consequences for unacceptable behaviors serves as a deterrent and signals to every student that the school treats hate seriously before it escalates. At SDUHSD, this can be found in District Policy AR 5144.1 on 'Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process' and Board Policies 5145.3, 5145.9, 1312.3 , which all provide details about the types of conduct and hate-motivated behaviors that are subject to discipline and enforcement. Bottom Line: This Isn’t a “Communication Style” Issue . . . This is a Systemic Compliance Failure A Principal who brushes off safety questions by waxing poetic about social clubs, empty slogans, and “ I can’t talk about specific protocols ” is a truly tone-deaf response to parents who are legitimately worried their child could be this district’s next antisemitic hate crime victim. It's this " I can’t talk about a specific protocol " claim that is his most egregious because it is also completely false . SDUHSD’s own Board Policies (BP 5145.3, BP 5145.9, BP 1312.3), administrative regulations (AR 5144.1), and the district’s robust UCP (complete with a full-time staffer) are publicly available. They are designed for exactly these situations. However, as we can see, even the most well-written process is totally meaningless if the faculty leaders responsible for implementing it don’t follow it, won’t follow it, or can’t even explain it. If principals can't articulate their district's clear, policy-aligned protocols for antisemitic hate crimes the day after a major announcement went out detailing how the district failed to follow its own protocols when an antisemitic hate crime occurred , then SDUHSD’s system is officially broken. Jewish students - and all students - deserve more than platitudes and useless slogans claiming ‘hate has no place here’ when clearly it does. Is that really too much to ask? In this case, the district’s answer appears to be yes . Additional Resources for Parents & Districts A Cheatsheet for Parents: If Something Like This Happens to You... Document and Report Everything: Take voice notes of every detail of the incident. Record your child explaining what happened; transcribe using AI (include dates, time stamps, names of anyone you met with or spoke to about it). Go to your school district's main website and collect every email of every administrator listed. Send one email to all of them asking who the contact person is for submitting an antisemitic incident report. Submit a written report to site administration and the district’s UCP portal/contact. Keep copies of everything . Require district officials to conduct all communication with you ONLY IN WRITING (no phone calls). Ask for summaries of every meeting to be sent via email. Ask for confirmation of receipt to every complaint you file. Invoke Your Rights: Cite your district’s equivalent of San Dieguito Union High School’s BP 5145.3, BP 5145.9, and BP 1312.3 - to find your district equivalent. Simply search your school district’s website for board policies on anti-discrimination , hate crimes , bullying , civil rights protections/violations , and uniform complaint procedures (UCP) . Ask for the timeline and your appeal rights to be sent to you in writing. Request Supports: Ask for counseling, academic accommodations, and safety planning. Request removal of any hateful content and appropriate school-climate education. Don't Wait - Escalate if Needed: If timelines aren’t met or remedies fall short, PeerK12 can help you escalate and/or appeal to your state's Department of Education or even the Federal Office of Civil Rights. A Cheatsheet for Districts: How to Respond in a Way That Evokes Safety and Builds Trust Acknowledge -- immediately and publicly -- and state this pernicious hate by name: Antisemitism, Jew-hatred, Anti-Jewish Racism, Anti-Zionism, Hatred of Jews. The discriminatory double standard practice of not publicly acknowledging Jew-hatred as a very specific type of hate crime has done tremendous damage over the years. It is time to lead by example - you need to say this - and say it loudly: HATING JEWS BECAUSE THEY'RE JEWS IS WRONG . Each time you shy away from immediately sending out a message to your community, you are causing harm by enabling these incidents to continue to grow and spread. The promise is "Never Again Is NOW," not: " never again is in about a month, after we try to deal with this quietly behind closed doors and hope no one finds out about it. " Show how to take real accountability: Don't just say "hate-motivated behavior and conduct are not tolerated" - be specific and give examples - leave no doubt in anyone's mind. Discipline consistent with AR 5144.1 or equivalent, and Ed Code (including hate-violence where applicable). Reassure parents and students alike that staff are required to intervene immediately . Give parents clear information on how to report incidents: Specify who parents should contact at the school site (principal, associate principal, counselor assigned to your student, UCP coordinator, reporting hotline, etc.) as well as who the single point of contact for these issues would be for the entire district. Link to your district's policies on Title IX, Title VI, UCP, and Assurance of Nondiscrimination. Detail when and why coordination with law enforcement is required (and what to expect in that situation). Keep this information handy so you can quickly access it and send it anytime to anyone. Help parents understand what happens during and after the incident complaint process: Provide them with a direct line of communication with your UCP coordinator. Let them know what your cadence is for written confirmation from the UCP coordinator when complaint submissions are received. Give explanations of next steps and what parents can expect in terms of timelines (interviews, evidence collection, findings). Offer information on appealing an outcome should they find it unsatisfactory. Reassure parents that the district provides many supports and remedies: Counseling, check-ins, academic accommodations, safety planning, removal of hateful content, and school-climate education. AVOID referencing irrelevant school programs (that are CLEARLY not working): Each time you list these empty slogans, you alienate parents - especially when these programs ('no place for hate') aren’t even searchable on your website. Latching on to these during a misstep only draws more attention to the fact that you failed to implement whatever that program claims it can do for you. This also highlights irresponsible spending if the program has cost the district a lot of money when there is clearly nothing to show for the lost investment. Last but not least: please STOP consulting your "anti-bias" trainers and START listening to the Jewish students and their parents in your community about what they want and need in order to feel seen and heard.