The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has filed a civil rights complaint against Colorado's Boulder Valley School District, citing years of alleged antisemitic harassment. Reported incidents include Nazi salutes, Holocaust mockery, and a disturbing game called "Jew touch tag," where Jewish students were chased. Parents and commentators have expressed outrage over the district's failure to adequately address the bullying, which has escalated to physical assaults and criminal referrals.

As the new school year begins, many Jewish families are concerned not only about academics but also about the safety of their children due to their Jewish identity. School environments are critical for children to learn their place in society and to feel protected by adults, but the recent rise in antisemitic threats and violence threatens this.

According to the New York Police Department, antisemitic hate crimes in New York City increased by 8.5% in the first seven months of 2026. Recent FBI statistics reveal that although Jews constitute only 2% of the U.S. population, they were victims of 16% of all reported hate crimes and nearly 70% of all religion-based hate crimes, with 10% of these crimes occurring in schools.

The Teach Coalition reports that Jewish schools spend over $400,000 annually on security—more than $1,000 per student—funds that could otherwise support teachers, scholarships, mental health services, and academic programs.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act protects all students, including those who are or are perceived to be Jewish, from discrimination. Experts emphasize that schools must take immediate and appropriate action to respond to harassment that creates a hostile environment.

Jewish students have also protested antisemitic incidents, such as a walkout at El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills earlier this year.

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