Tell Governor Shapiro: Take Action Against Antisemitism in Pennsylvania Schools

Earlier this month, the National Education Association’s (NEA) Representative Assembly—the annual gathering of the nation’s largest teachers’ union—passed a “new business item” calling for a boycott of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The ADL is a widely respected Jewish organization with a long-standing role in providing anti-bias education in K–12 schools and is a nationally recognized authority on antisemitism.

Although the NEA’s leadership swiftly vetoed the resolution, its passage sent a troubling message. It reflects a broader trend of marginalizing Jewish voices in educational spaces and highlights the growing need for policies that protect all students—especially those facing rising antisemitism.

According to the ADL, antisemitic incidents in K–12 schools have increased by 434% since 2020. In 2023 alone, there were 1,162 reported incidents; in 2024, 860 were already recorded—and many more go unreported. Jewish students and educators are increasingly facing harassment, bias, and isolation, undermining their ability to safely participate in school life.

Dear Governor Shapiro,

We are grateful for how you have supported the Jewish community and used your platform to speak out against antisemitism and other forms of bias. As a leader deeply committed to civil rights and education, your voice and leadership are critical in ensuring Pennsylvania schools remain safe, inclusive learning environments for all students. We urge you to take the following steps in partnership with community organizations and educational leaders:
- Continue to publicly condemn antisemitism in all its forms and affirm that hate has no place in Pennsylvania schools
- Direct state agencies to fully enforce Title VI and relevant state anti-discrimination laws in all federally funded educational institutions
- Collaborate with school districts and education leaders to ensure that curriculum and professional development present Jews, Judaism, and Israel accurately, age-appropriately, and without bias
- Formally endorse the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism as a guiding framework for identifying and addressing antisemitic incidents across the Commonwealth
We appreciate your leadership and, as always, we welcome the opportunity to work with your administration to support these efforts and ensure that every Pennsylvania student can learn and thrive without fear of discrimination or hate. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for all.

Sincerely,
______

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Address

Zip