No Hate in Our States – Back to School Edition
By Myra Clark-Siegel, Regional Director, AJC Westchester/Fairfield
As students return to school this fall, we face an urgent challenge. The sharp increase in anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism that unfolded across college campuses, in cities, and throughout public and independent schools demands our immediate attention and collective action. Ensuring a safe and supportive environment for Jewish students is not just a matter of maintaining inclusivity; it is a fundamental responsibility of our educational institutions.
As we look back on last year, we see troubling warning signs that if not addressed now by school administrators and faculty, will continue to create problematic situations for students. Across campuses, Jewish students found themselves the targets of harassment and intimidation stemming from events far beyond the schoolyard and classroom debates. While political discourse can be a healthy part of an academic experience, it crosses a line when it fosters an atmosphere of fear or hostility towards a specific group of students and faculty. The distressing rise in antisemitic incidents, including graffiti, verbal attacks, and exclusion from student groups or campus, has sounded alarms that cannot be ignored.
The first step in addressing this crisis is recognizing that antisemitism, like all forms of bigotry, has no place in our schools. This starts at the administrative level. School leaders must ensure that they have Codes of Conduct that are shared publicly and enforced. Additionally, school administrators must unequivocally condemn acts of hate and implement strict policies that address and penalize such behavior. Moreover, educational programs need to be put in place to address ignorance and misinformation about Jewish history and contemporary issues related to Israel. Educating students about the many forms of antisemitism—from stereotypes and myths to more overt aggression—is crucial in cultivating an informed and respectful student body.
AJC (American Jewish Committee) has developed resources and toolkits to help school administrators, from Translate Hate, AJC’s glossary that identifies and defines many modern antisemitic tropes, to AJC briefings for K-12 school administrators and faculty, and more.
Visit www.ajc.org/PublicSchoolAdministratorsActionPlan to share AJC’s K-12 tool kit with your heads of school and ask them if they have a plan in place for the coming school year to keep Jewish students safe.
Support systems for Jewish students need to be robust and proactive. Schools should ensure that Jewish students feel that they have safe spaces to express their concerns and experiences. Counseling services and support groups are vital to providing necessary emotional and psychological support. Furthermore, alliances with other minority student organizations can foster a broader culture of mutual respect and solidarity, diluting the isolation that Jewish students might feel.
Equally important is the engagement of the entire school community in these efforts. Creating opportunities for dialogue among students from diverse backgrounds can demystify misunderstandings and dismantle prejudices. Workshops, guest lectures, and cultural events celebrating Jewish heritage can help nurture an environment of learning and empathy.
We must also empower students to stand against antisemitism. Encouraging student-led initiatives that promote inclusivity and combat bigotry can have a profound impact. When students themselves advocate for respect and understanding, the message resonates more deeply.
As we welcome students back to school, we must prioritize the safety and dignity of all students, including our Jewish youth. Their well-being is a measure of our commitment to education’s highest ideals—equity, respect, and the free exchange of ideas. Let this school year be marked by our collective efforts to uphold these principles, ensuring that every student can pursue their education in a safe and nurturing environment. This is not just a policy imperative but a moral test of our resolve to stand against hatred and foster a culture of inclusivity and respect.
One more thing: it’s imperative that we are providing our teens with the necessary tools to stand up proudly as Jews. For Jewish 10th, 11th, and 12th graders who want to be strong Jewish, pro-Israel advocates, AJC Westchester/Fairfield’s LFT (Leaders for Tomorrow) program is taking applications now with spaces rapidly filling up. Contact Jill Friedman at westchester@ajc.org for more information.
Myra Clark-Siegel is AJC Westchester/Fairfield regional director. To get involved or request an AJC speaker: AJC@westchester.org.