Antisemitism in Schools: A Growing Concern
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed concern Thursday that Plano ISD “is allowing antisemitic behavior to take place,” asking in a letter to the superintendent for documentation about the district’s investigations and disciplinary actions related to pro-Palestinian protests, anti-Israel rhetoric and antisemitism.
The demand for information comes after reports of the district “permitting and facilitating antisemitic behavior” by students, teachers and administrators, Paxton wrote in his letter addressed to Plano ISD Superintendent Theresa Williams.
He said teachers presented “biased materials” that urged students to “take a pro-Palestinian view” and schools allowed pro-Palestinian walkouts and provided “excused absences” for participants.
Complaints from parents who reported anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric in classroom discussions and teaching materials have not been addressed by school administrators, board members or City Council members, Paxton said.
Reaction from the School District
Plano ISD did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment Thursday morning.
The attorney general’s office requested several documents related to how the district has investigated reports of anti-Israel and antisemitic action, including disciplinary actions and investigations into students who participated in pro-Palestinian or anti-Israel walkouts. It also requested “all disciplinary actions and investigations into teachers or staff for anti-Israel rhetoric and antisemitic curriculum, presentation materials, or other instruction.”
Support from Lawmakers
Earlier this month, GOP U.S. Reps. Keith Self of McKinney and Pat Fallon of Frisco demanded Plano ISD take action against antisemitic behavior in its schools.
In an Aug. 6 letter to Plano ISD board president Lauren Tyra, the two U.S. representatives wrote that “reports of antisemitism have become increasingly common within the district, even getting noticed outside our community and even outside our nation.” They cited a Times of Israel blog post, which called on Texas to stand up for Jewish students, “not only with words, but with meaningful action.”
Tyra responded to the congressmen two days later saying the district “unequivocally rejects” accusations that it condones or fails to investigate and address antisemitic behavior.
“Such assertions are without merit, legally unfounded and deliberately misleading,” Tyra wrote. “Political theatrics and sensationalism, especially when disconnected from facts and devoid of collaborative intent, only damage the very community you claim to protect.”
Concerns from the Jewish Community
“Any teacher or administrator that has facilitated or supported radical anti-Israel rhetoric in our schools should be fired immediately,” Paxton said in a statement. “I stand in solidarity with our Jewish community, and we will continue to do everything in our power to root out antisemitism in all its forms.”
Efforts to Address Antisemitism
Plano City Council Member Steve Lavine believes claims of antisemitism in the district are politically motivated.
“If justified, they need to be examined,” said Lavine, who himself is Jewish. “If proven, they need to be stopped and addressed. But I do not believe yet that these claims are legitimate examples of systemic or approved antisemitism in the Plano schools.”
Lavine believes the district is actively addressing concerns, including hosting a meeting for parents on how to be proactive and responsive in addressing antisemitism. The summit is presented by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, American Jewish Committee in Dallas and other organizations.
State Definition of Antisemitism
The probe comes after lawmakers passed legislation in the spring that directs Texas schools to consider the state’s definition of antisemitism in student disciplinary cases.
The state uses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which defines it as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.” It includes “rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism” directed toward “Jewish or non-Jewish individuals or their property,” as well as “Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
Supporters of the new law have described the definition as guidance for school administrators who are trying to determine whether a student’s actions were motivated by antisemitism. Opponents raised concerns that the legislation would not protect students’ First Amendment right to criticize the Israeli government, which they say is different from discrimination against people of the Jewish faith.
Last year, after college students protested Israel’s response after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order directing schools to update free speech policies to address what he described as rising antisemitism on campuses, which included establishing punishments up to expulsion.
Conclusion
The issue of antisemitism in schools is
