California school lawsuit allegations are sending shockwaves through the state’s education system after a group of Jewish parents sued top education officials, claiming public schools have fostered systemic anti-Semitism. The complaint accuses the California State Board of Education, the California Department of Education, and state superintendent Tony Thurmond of allowing widespread harassment and discrimination against Jewish students.
According to the lawsuit, “Jewish students are segregated and pulled out of classes so that teachers can spew anti-Israel and anti-Semitic propaganda without pushback.” Parents allege that state officials ignored repeated warnings while schools became hostile environments for Jewish children.
One case describes a 12-year-old student punished “because he was a Jew who dared to wear Jewish and Israeli symbols.” In Berkeley, a ninth-grade art teacher allegedly organized a walkout “‘in support of Palestine,’” where participants chanted “Fuck the Jews.” When a parent raised concerns at a school board meeting, faculty members reportedly mocked her as a “Zionist Nazi bitch.”
The lawsuit states that officials allowed “California’s schools to indoctrinate children, from the earliest ages, to believe that Jewish Americans and Israelis—including Jewish and Israeli classmates—are racists, white supremacists, and oppressors who should be shunned.” In Los Angeles, a teacher allegedly wrote “‘Oy vey, it’s free’ with an arrow pointing to ‘FREE PALESTINE.’” Another teacher “openly proclaimed that Zionists are the enemy,” and administrators “actively chose to ignore it,” according to the filing.
The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and StandWithUs are representing the families. The complaint argues that the alleged conduct violates California’s constitution and federal civil rights law. It also notes that families filed “hundreds of formal” complaints, yet schools often removed Jewish students from classrooms rather than disciplining teachers.
State officials did not respond to requests for comment. The case could establish precedent for similar legal challenges nationwide.
