The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, in collaboration with ADL (Anti-Defamation League), StandWithUs, and several leading law firms, has launched a new helpline to provide pro bono legal assistance to parents whose children face antisemitism in K-12 schools in Massachusetts and New York. This initiative comes in response to a significant rise in antisemitic incidents in schools, following a successful pilot program in California.
The helpline is designed to assist parents, students, and educators in responding to acts of antisemitism, including harassment, intimidation, and vandalism. The goal is to offer legal support when schools fail to address such incidents adequately.
In Massachusetts, reported antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools nearly doubled in 2023, increasing from 53 incidents in 2022 to 101. In New York, the number climbed from 53 to 173 during the same period. These increases prompted the expansion of the helpline to these two states.
Helpline Overview
The helpline allows parents, teachers, and other concerned adults to report incidents of antisemitism that may require legal action. Lawyers involved in the program will gather information, provide legal representation where necessary, and hold schools accountable if they do not act on reports of antisemitism.
The expansion to Massachusetts and New York builds on a broader effort to address antisemitism in educational settings. A similar program was launched in California and, in February 2024, led to a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education against the Berkeley school district for failing to stop the bullying and harassment of Jewish students.
The program will provide Jewish students, parents, and teachers with essential tools to confront and address these issues legally. It is also supported by organizations such as Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), which emphasized the helpline’s role in fostering safe and respectful learning environments.
To report incidents at K-12 schools, visit Legal Protection K-12 Helpline.
Addressing the Legal Aspect
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, schools that receive federal funding are prohibited from discriminating against students based on race, color, and national origin, which includes antisemitism. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights recognizes the protection of Jewish students under this provision, especially when antisemitic actions are related to their Jewish or Zionist identity.
This initiative is an essential step in combating the rising tide of antisemitism in schools and ensuring that Jewish students have the legal support they need to create safer, more inclusive educational environments.
