The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has filed a federal complaint with the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, alleging widespread antisemitism within the Philadelphia school district.
The complaint, lodged under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, accuses several educators and administrators of disseminating antisemitic content on social media without facing any consequences.
Title VI prohibits discrimination based on shared ancestry and mandates safe learning environments.
This latest complaint follows a similar one made in May by the School District of Philadelphia Jewish Family Association, which led to a federal investigation starting on April 9.
In its complaint, the ADL demands the school board issue a public statement condemning antisemitism, take disciplinary action against those involved in such behavior, mandate comprehensive antisemitism training for staff and students, and remove all antisemitic materials from school premises.
The complaint also highlights instances of Jewish students withdrawing from school due to the hostile environment. James Pasch, Senior Director of National Litigation for the ADL, stated on X (formerly Twitter):
“Since the October 7 attack, the Philadelphia Schools have fostered a toxic environment that has allowed antisemitism against Jewish students to metastasize and fester without repercussions – it must stop now.”
The Philadelphia School District has declined to comment on the new allegations, citing a policy against discussing open investigations.
This complaint is part of a broader national trend of increasing tensions in schools following the October 7 Hamas attacks.
In May, a House Education subcommittee held a hearing on antisemitism in K-12 public schools, where lawmakers heard testimony from leaders of major school boards, including New York City and Montgomery County.
Additionally, there has been a rise in antisemitism on US university campuses. In December 2023, the US House Committee on Education and the Workforce launched a formal investigation into how Penn, Harvard, and MIT responded to rising antisemitism.
In March, Jewish students sued MIT for alleged complicity in antisemitism. This trend reflects a global increase in antisemitic incidents.
