Online toolkit empowers parents and educators to identify biased and inaccurate materials on antisemitism, the Holocaust, and Jewish history
New York, NY, January 14, 2026 – Today, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) launched an online toolkit to help parents and educators evaluate whether content on antisemitism, the Holocaust, Jewish identity, and history is accurate and unbiased. In an age of evolving technology, educators are drawing from a variety of sources to create curricula and units for the classroom. AI and other technologies can make it more challenging to locate unbiased, fact-based, and balanced resources. Further, some organizations and publications provide content infused with inherent biases.
A 2024 survey from ADL’s Center for Antisemitism Research (CAR) found that 71% of Jewish parents and 37% of non-Jewish parents surveyed reported that their child witnessed or experienced antisemitism in K-12 classrooms or through course materials. It is crucial, now more than ever, that educators and families have access to the most accurate, fair resources in K-12 schools.
The toolkit features an evaluative tool to use when examining content. The tool helps parents and educators assess whether content is appropriate or problematic by offering:
- Guiding questions to consider the goals and objectives of the content at issue
- Consideration of the language and tone utilized in the resource
- Guidance for considering historical accuracy and source credibility of resources
In addition, the toolkit provides an overview of several commonly used resources in schools that are problematic. Each analysis identifies areas of incomplete or inaccurate information, suggestions to improve the content and when appropriate, alternative resources to offer. Additionally, each analysis includes step-by-step guidance to support a conversation with school leaders or classroom teachers about the content. The content featured includes:
- Navigating the use of maps when exploring historical events
- A video from Vox on the history of Israel/Palestine
- How fictional novels can be misused to advance political agendas
"As online curricula increasingly enter K-12 classrooms, vigilance over what reaches students is critically important,” said Dr. Naomi Rodriguez, a K-12 Educator in Collegeville, PA. “Too often, materials about marginalized communities are created without input from those communities themselves, allowing inaccuracies to pass as instruction. When bias is embedded in curriculum, it doesn’t stay neutral—it normalizes harm, fueling antisemitism and other forms of hate. This toolkit empowers educators and caregivers to identify problematic content before it reaches students—ensuring that lessons on Jewish identity, antisemitism, and the Holocaust are accurate, balanced and create safe learning environments for all students."
"As a parent, it is heartbreaking and frustrating to see your child experience antisemitism anywhere, but especially in a classroom setting through a curriculum created by educators," Jessica Harrison, a parent from Henderson, Nevada, said. "Whether material is taught out of ignorance or hate, it is vital to advocate for our children and teach them to stand up. Unfortunately, my own child had an experience with problematic material this school year. I am proud that my child chose to do what was right rather than what was easy, and am grateful that the ADL was able to provide resources and support as we continue to engage in meaningful conversation in making things right."
ADL’s latest Audit of Antisemitic Incidents reported that during a lesson on decolonization, a New Jersey high school teacher reportedly referred to Hamas, an antisemitic U.S.-designated terrorist group, as a "freedom fighter group.” The teacher stated that Hamas only took Israeli hostages who were "living on Palestinian land." In another incident, during a lesson about the Holocaust, a teacher played a video that directly compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians in Gaza to the Holocaust.
“Our classrooms must remain safe spaces for learning. Building on ADL’s long incident response support, this tool will assist educators in assessing materials and empowering them to push back against biased and inaccurate content,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “It will also enable families to identify when problematic content has entered the learning environment and offer guidance on addressing this issue.”
Using this tool, parents, caregivers, and educators can support the inclusion of current events into the classrooms, striking a balance of perspectives, credible sources, and an emphasis on classroom culture and student well-being. Parents and educators can submit content for ADL to review here.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is "to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all." Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism, and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at www.adl.org.
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