States are pushing for more scrutiny of antisemitism in schools

"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. The Trump administration has not punished school systems the way it has hit colleges accused of tolerating antisemitism, but schools are still facing pressure to respond more aggressively."

"In the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas two years ago, high school teacher Josh Hirsch posted comments on social media in support of Israel. It was unrealistic for Hamas to expect a ceasefire, he wrote, as long as they were holding hostages. Soon afterward, a former student called for his firing. A note taped outside the door of his Adams County, Colorado, classroom contained his wife's name and their home address."

A Massachusetts state commission found antisemitism in schools to be a pervasive and escalating problem. After the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, a Jewish high school teacher faced calls for firing, doxxing of his family address, threatening notes, and a chair sticker accusing Israel of genocide. The teacher joined an Anti-Defamation League educators' advocacy network and considered quitting. Advocates report a nationwide rise in antisemitic harassment in schools since the 2023 attack. Some observers say school leaders have failed to take the threat seriously, while others warn that criticism of Israel and its military campaign in Gaza is often interpreted as hate speech. Several states have passed laws increasing school accountability for antisemitism complaints.

Read at Boston.com