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Philadelphia School District Faulted by U.S. Department of Education for Mishandling Antisemitism Against Jewish Students, Agrees to Title VI Settlement

Dec 20, 2024, 07:45 PM

The Philadelphia School District has been found at fault by a U.S. Department of Education civil rights investigation for failing to adequately protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment. Despite receiving 'repeated, extensive notice' of such behavior from students, teachers, and administrators, the district did not sufficiently investigate or document the incidents. The allegations included Nazi salutes, swastikas drawn on school property, and threats against Jewish students. Additionally, complaints were made about allegedly antisemitic social media posts by a school board member, an assistant superintendent, and four teachers. The district has agreed to a settlement that involves implementing annual training for staff, anti-harassment programming for students, and improving documentation of complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Concerns were also raised about retaliation against parents who filed complaints. The Anti-Defamation League, which filed a complaint against the district, expressed hope that the agreement would prevent further harassment of Jewish students.