Survey Reveals Growing Concern Over Antisemitism in U.S. Schools

A new survey from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has shed light on the rising concerns of antisemitism in American classrooms, with more than a third of U.S. parents reporting the issue. According to the ADL’s findings, Jewish parents are disproportionately affected, with 71% of Jewish parents witnessing antisemitism in their children's classrooms, compared to 37% of non-Jewish parents. This discrepancy highlights how Jewish students are more likely to experience or recognize anti-Jewish discrimination in schools.

The survey, conducted by the ADL's Center for Antisemitism Research, also identified a correlation between education on antisemitism and the awareness of such discrimination among students. Parents whose children did not receive antisemitism education were 46% less likely to report instances of discrimination, underscoring the importance of such educational programs in raising awareness and preventing antisemitism.

Support for antisemitism education was overwhelming among parents, with 86% backing either optional or mandatory programs focused on anti-Jewish discrimination. Additionally, 88% supported Holocaust education. However, only 21% of parents reported that their children's schools provided antisemitism education, and just 30% indicated their children received Holocaust education. While 29 states, including New York, mandate Holocaust education, some Jewish advocates have raised concerns about the effectiveness of these programs in addressing the root causes of antisemitism.

The survey also explored Israel-related scenarios in schools, such as Jewish students being singled out in class discussions about Israel or the use of terms like "settler colonialism" and "ethnic cleansing" in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Parents reported incidents of stereotypes about Jews or Israelis and debates on whether Israel should exist. Some students also faced accusations of genocide related to Israel's actions.

This rise in antisemitism within U.S. schools follows a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents reported by the ADL. A March 2024 ADL survey documented 1,162 antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools during 2023, marking a 135% increase from the previous year. In response to these rising concerns, the ADL opened a new center in October to combat antisemitism in education and has called for legal action, including a lawsuit against the School District of Philadelphia for failing to address incidents like Nazi salutes and swastikas drawn on doors.

The issue gained national attention following the October 7 attack, when students in Queens, New York, targeted a Jewish teacher in an anti-Israel rampage. In recent weeks, antisemitic rhetoric has continued to make headlines, including an apology from the National Association of Independent Schools for antisemitic remarks made during a conference in Colorado.

The ADL's survey, which involved a representative sample of 817 American adults (including 223 parents of K-12 students), highlights the urgent need for action against antisemitism in schools. With a margin of error of 4.2%, the survey underscores the growing concerns among U.S. parents about their children’s exposure to anti-Jewish discrimination and the importance of education to combat these issues.