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Several prominent school districts in America defended themselves against accusations of failing to address a surge in antisemitism during contentious exchanges with a congressional committee. This committee, known for its high-profile interrogations of university leaders, shifted its focus to the heads of three predominantly liberal districts with significant Jewish populations.
The hearing was framed as an inquiry into the measures authorities were taking to protect Jewish students and staff amidst a growing atmosphere of bigotry, particularly in the aftermath of Israel's conflict in Gaza. Republican member Aaron Bean from Florida, deeming the hearing "a travesty," cited 246 reported antisemitic incidents in the three districts – New York City, Montgomery County in Maryland, and Berkeley in California – following Hamas' attack on Israel in October.
While acknowledging antisemitism's repugnance, the districts stated they did not tolerate it and had implemented various educational and disciplinary actions following the October attack. However, there were differing responses regarding the firing of teachers for antisemitic actions, with complaints lodged against each district's handling of post-October allegations.
David Banks, chancellor of the New York City school system, engaged in a tense exchange with Republicans over an incident at Hillcrest High School. Despite removing the principal following a protest against a pro-Israel teacher, the principal was reassigned rather than fired, leading to criticism from Republican representative Elise Stefanik.
Karla Silvestre, president of Montgomery County Public Schools, stated no teachers had been fired, prompting Bean to question if this meant allowing them to continue spreading hate. Enikia Ford Morthel, superintendent of the Berkeley Unified School District, cited privacy laws preventing her from discussing disciplinary actions.
In a familiar theme from previous hearings involving university presidents, Bean asked if the slogan "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" was considered antisemitic. Each district head agreed, with Silvestre and Morthel adding that their agreement depended on whether it implied the removal of the Jewish population in Israel, a point disputed by many pro-Palestinian activists.
In response to opening statements, Bean praised the testimony but drew parallels to college presidents who, in his view, failed to protect students. Ranking Democrat Suzanne Bonamici criticized Republicans for selective condemnation of antisemitism, highlighting the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and former President Donald Trump's comments.
Bonamici also mentioned Nick Fuentes, a participant in the rally whom she described as a "vile antisemite," noting that Trump hosted him at his Florida retreat. She challenged her colleagues to condemn these actions, which went unanswered.
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