The Philadelphia school district is facing allegations of failing to protect Jewish students from a surge of antisemitism following Hamas' attack on Israel on Oct. 7. A federal complaint filed on Tuesday claims that the district, one of the largest in the U.S., has turned a blind eye to persistent harassment and bullying of Jewish students, leading some to drop out. The complaint also alleges that certain teachers and administrators have spread anti-Jewish and anti-Israel messages without facing consequences.
The Anti-Defamation League has urged the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights to intervene by demanding the district issue a statement condemning antisemitism, take disciplinary action against offenders, provide training for faculty, staff, and students, and remove antisemitic material from school premises. The school district declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
