The U.S. Department of Education has launched a civil rights investigation into Baltimore City Public Schools following allegations of widespread antisemitism.
The Anti-Defamation League filed a 22-page complaint with federal authorities at the end of July. This document details what the ADL describes as “egregious and persistent discrimination” against Jewish students in the district.
The complaint alleges that Jewish students have been subjected to harassment not only from their peers but also from at least one educator. It is reported that a teacher threatened to “go all Nazi” on students and directed Nazi salutes towards a Jewish pupil. Furthermore, non-Jewish students are accused of making Nazi salutes and expressing that “6 million [Jews] was not enough.”
Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor has characterized these allegations as “horrifying,” stating, “We are not simply talking about contemptible bullying; we are talking about a shocking abdication of educator responsibility that constitutes unlawful anti-Semitic harassment.”
The Baltimore Jewish Council has expressed concern over these reports. Executive Director Howard Libit emphasizes the importance of the district’s response, including potential programming to address these issues with both students and teachers.
District officials have stated their commitment to reviewing the incidents cited in the complaint and to incorporating curriculum on the Holocaust and antisemitism. However, the ADL contends that the district has been aware of such events for “years” without effectively addressing them.
This situation raises important questions about the responsibility of educational institutions to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how Baltimore City Public Schools responds to these serious allegations.
