ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt says, “Too many independent schools are sending a message that Jewish students are not welcome. ADL is partnering with parents to demand change.”
New York, NY, May 21, 2025, … Jewish families at independent K-12 schools are facing many challenges related to antisemitism and ongoing institutional shortcomings in addressing these issues, according to new research from the ADL Ratings and Assessments Institute (RAI) and the Ronald Birnbaum Center to Combat Antisemitism in Education (CCAE). To address the failures of many independent K-12 schools to address antisemitism, ADL is launching a new initiative to support and empower parents and to hold independent schools accountable.
This initiative will expand access to ADL’s growing suite of parent advocacy resources, ensuring parents have the information they need to urge their schools to take action and adopt best practices. ADL is also expanding its partnership with Jewish Leaders in Schools (JLIS), a no-cost, ADL-supported network that turns parents into powerful advocates. With expert one-on-one guidance and a proven framework, JLIS equips parents to fight antisemitism and partner effectively with schools to create lasting, positive change. Finally, ADL will offer free legal support through ADL’s K-12 Antisemitism Legal Line for Jewish families whose children have faced antisemitism.
"These independent schools are failing to support Jewish families. By tolerating -- or in some cases, propagating -- antisemitism in their classrooms, too many independent schools in cities across the country are sending a message that Jewish students are not welcome. It's wrong. It's hateful. And it must stop," said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “ADL is partnering with parents to demand change."
ADL’s new report reveals the widespread problem in independent schools. The research, which included a multi-state survey, as well as focus groups with parents of Jewish children in independent schools in metropolitan areas including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., found concern among parents about antisemitic symbols, as well as problematic curricula and classroom content related to Jews and Israel. Nearly one-third of surveyed parents said they identified problematic curricula since October 7, 2023, and even more parents reported that their children experienced or witnessed at least one form of antisemitism.
The prevalence of antisemitism contributes to a culture where some Jewish children feel uncomfortable expressing their identity in school. One parent told ADL researchers, “[My child] has a Jewish star necklace. He doesn’t wear it at school."
Many schools appear reluctant to address antisemitism, often downplaying parents’ concerns. Parents described school leaders who lead them to believe they were alone in raising concerns about antisemitism, despite evidence to the contrary. Many Jewish families feel pushed to the margins in independent K-12 schools and some are considering leaving. One parent said, “We recently pulled both our kids… after several antisemitic incidents went unaddressed.”
“School administrators and faculty have a duty to ensure safe, inclusive environments for all,” said Shira Goodman, ADL’s Vice President of Advocacy who oversees both RAI and CCAE. “ADL will fully invest in bolstering the families who are demanding that their schools meet this obligation.”
About ADL
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.