Survey Reveals Rise in Anti-Semitism in K-12 Private Schools

A recent survey by the Prevention League highlighted troubling levels of anti-Semitism faced by Jewish students in K-12 private schools across the U.S.

Approximately 25% of parents surveyed indicated that their children encountered anti-Semitic symbols following the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. These symbols were reportedly visible in various school environments.

Nearly half (45%) of parents noted that their children either experienced or witnessed instances of anti-Jewish sentiment.

Furthermore, one-third of the respondents pointed out that their children were exposed to what they termed “problematic” or anti-Israel content within the school curriculum.

Many parents expressed frustration, stating, “These independent schools have not adequately supported Jewish families. The message is clear: many independent schools across the country are not welcoming, as they either tolerate or even propagate anti-Semitism in the classroom.”

One parent added, “This is unacceptable. It’s hatred, and it needs to change.” They mentioned that the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is collaborating with families to advocate for reform.

Anti-Semitism has surged in K-12 schools, with a staggering 860 reported incidents in 2024, following a record of 1,162 cases the previous year, per the ADL’s audit.

Since 2020, incidences of anti-Semitism within K-12 educational settings have increased dramatically—by 434%, in fact.

In light of these findings, the ADL Evaluation and Assessment Institute (RAI) and the Ronald Birnbaum Centre have initiated a project to examine anti-Semitism in 12 schools, aiming to address this issue in non-Jewish K-12 education.

The project started with a focus group and a parental survey through ADL’s network, which includes 25 local offices, reaching out to Jewish children in independent schools.

The survey involved parents from private schools located in major cities, including New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, among others.

During discussions, parents voiced alarm over how school non-discrimination and diversity initiatives seemingly neglect Jewish identity and experiences of anti-Semitism. They argued that this oversight not only disregards Jewish students’ realities but jeopardizes the core goals of such programming.

For example, a parent from New York described an instance where anti-Semitic symbols were integrated into the school curriculum. They recounted, “On Holocaust Remembrance Day, the history department decided to teach that these symbols are not solely hateful, even during a Holocaust lesson.”

A parent from California noted, “Some classrooms had swastikas carved into the desks.”

Parents in New York also reported instances of anti-Semitic slurs written at school, with one mentioning their child’s experience of being called a “genocide” during a recess argument following the October 7 attack.

Overall, many parents characterized school responses to reported anti-Semitism as inadequate, with numerous incidents going unreported. The report concluded that the administrative response at some schools inadvertently fosters an environment that excludes Jewish students.