Bay Area schools need a new approach to antisemitism

Bay Area school administrators have to set a new tone and take widespread antisemitism more seriously than last year. To ensure that every student feels safe, welcome and seen, public school leaders must not only denounce antisemitism but forcefully act to counter it and equip staff with tools to establish and sustain strong relationships that can better prepare school communities when an international or local crisis strikes.

Stopping the normalization of antisemitism in our schools will require a multipronged approach, including training for staff and students, clear delineations between legitimate criticism and antisemitic tropes, curricula about Jewish history, culture, antisemitism and consistent enforcement of anti-hate policies and procedures, and deepening community connections.