WASHINGTON, D.C. โ The House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing titled “From Playground to Classroom: The Spread of Antisemitism in K-12 Schools” on September 10. The session brought lawmakers, community advocates, and experts to examine how antisemitic attitudes and actions are affecting students and school staff.
Subcommittee Chairman Kevin Kiley opened the hearing and warned that the threat has reached younger learners. He said in his opening remarks that in some districts, children are transferring schools because of hostile environments.
Witnesses included education and legal experts who described specific examples and research linking rising antisemitic incidents to curricula, school culture, and outside activism.
The panel of witnesses listed in the committee notice included Nicole Neily of Defending Education, Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Rabbi Jill Jacobs of T’ruah, and Rachel Lerman of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law.
Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky testified that some teacher preparation programs and course materials can normalize anti-Israel and anti-Jewish viewpoints and that those perspectives can filter down into K-12 classrooms. She warned that this may push children toward activism rather than scholarship.
Rachel Lerman described findings from investigations into specific school districts, including examples where school officials were alleged to have suggested scheduling events to exclude Jewish staff and where Jewish educators faced verbal abuse. Her testimony illustrated how policy and practice can leave students and staff vulnerable.
Committee members pressed for practical responses. Republicans on the panel framed the hearing as part of efforts to protect Jewish students and to root out curricula and practices they said enable bias. Democrats emphasized the need to balance protections with academic freedom and cautioned against politicizing schools. The hearing included questioning about the role of unions, curricula, and outside groups in shaping school environments.
The hearing took place against a broader backdrop of sharply elevated antisemitic incidents and hostile attitudes worldwide. Tel Aviv Universityโs annual Antisemitism Worldwide report found that incidents surged after October 7, 2023, and while some countries saw declines in 2024, those levels remain well above prewar norms.
Research from the Anti-Defamation League has likewise documented widespread antisemitic attitudes globally. The ADL Global 100 survey reported that roughly 46 percent of adults surveyed across many countries hold significant antisemitic views, a finding advocates say underscores the need for school-based education and protective measures.
Community leaders who follow school safety and Jewish education welcomed the hearing. They said the forum offered an opportunity to share best practices on school security, staff training, and Holocaust and anti-bias education. Several witnesses urged clearer reporting, stronger enforcement of harassment policies, and expanded resources for Jewish students and families.
The hearing was livestreamed, and the committee posted written materials and a summary on its website. The record will be used by lawmakers and community groups as they consider policy and local responses.
This article is based on verified information from the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, the Committee hearing notice and recap, Tel Aviv Universityโs Antisemitism Worldwide report, and the Anti-Defamation League.