Today, we are announcing JewishLAUSD.org – a platform for students, families, educators, and administrators to advocate for full Jewish inclusivity within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
Our joint effort reflects a unified commitment across our campus communities to champion the cause of full Jewish inclusivity in public education. Specifically, we advocate for four crucial policy enhancements:
- Establishing a Clear Definition of Antisemitism: To provide a framework for safe and respectful school environments.
- Educating Staff on Jewish Identity: Enhancing awareness and understanding among educators and administrators.
- Holocaust Museum Visits: Ensuring all students gain a profound understanding of this dark chapter in human history.
- Celebrating Jewish American Heritage: Recognizing and valuing Jewish contributions in our schools and society.
The United States has seen an alarming increase in antisemitic incidents. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a 36% increase in antisemitic incidents in 2022 compared to the previous year, the highest number on record since tracking began in 1979. This included significant rises in harassment, vandalism, and assaults, with a notable 102% increase in organized white supremacist propaganda activity and marked increases in incidents at K-12 schools and college campuses.
This escalation in antisemitism aligns with a disturbing trend in public attitudes. The ADL’s 2023 report highlighted that 20% of Americans now believe in six or more antisemitic tropes, a significant increase from 11% in 2019. These figures suggest a growing normalization of antisemitic beliefs in society, potentially emboldening individuals to act on such hatred.
Our policy recommendations above aim to bring existing civil rights and anti-discrimination laws into clearer focus, specifically addressing the nuanced and varied forms that antisemitism can take. Beyond traditional anti-religious expressions, antisemitism in schools often manifests in subtler yet equally harmful ways related to national origin and ancestry.
By advocating for these policy changes, we seek to support the establishment of a model framework for schools to identify, address, and prevent antisemitism while cultivating a safe and inclusive environment for Jewish students and educators.
Stay tuned for updates, events, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the educational experience of every student in LAUSD.