Baltimore, MD – The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has filed a federal civil rights complaint against Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS), alleging that the district has allowed a hostile environment for Jewish students characterized by widespread antisemitic abuse and a failure to address reported incidents. The complaint, submitted to the U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Division, seeks an investigation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on shared ancestry. This action follows numerous reports of antisemitic behavior within the school system, as highlighted by a recent social media post from "Jews Fight Back 🇺🇸🇮🇱."
The complaint details a series of disturbing incidents, including a teacher reportedly making Nazi salutes toward a Jewish student and stating he would "go all Nazi." Students have allegedly yelled "ALL JEWS SHOULD DIE," while swastikas, antisemitic texts, and posters calling for Israel’s destruction have been found on school grounds. The social media account "Jews Fight Back 🇺🇸🇮🇱" stated, > "A teacher threw Nazi salutes at a Jewish student. Students yelled “ALL JEWS SHOULD DIE.” Swastikas. Antisemitic texts. Posters calling for Israel’s destruction. Jewish kids dropped classes and hid who they were just to feel safe."
Despite these severe allegations, the ADL asserts that the school district has largely failed to take effective action. Tali Cohen, regional director of ADL Washington, D.C., stated, "The failure of Baltimore City Public Schools to address this hostile environment has left Jewish students feeling abandoned and unsafe." She added that "Rather than removing antisemitism from classrooms and protecting Jewish students, the district remained inactive and silent." Andre Riley, Executive Director of Communications for BCPS, countered that the district "strongly" rejects and does not tolerate "antisemitism and racism against any group" and investigates concerns when brought to their attention.
The complaint also notes that a teacher accused of making Nazi salutes remains employed by the district. The allegations come amidst a backdrop of increasing antisemitic tensions, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Just recently, on July 22, 2025, a Baltimore School Board meeting was disrupted by an unauthorized individual displaying "antisemitic, racist, and obscene adult content," prompting a hate crime investigation by Baltimore City School Police and the Baltimore Police Department.
The ADL is calling for comprehensive remedies, including mandatory staff training on antisemitism, curriculum updates that incorporate Holocaust education, and the strict enforcement of zero-tolerance policies for antisemitic conduct. They also urge the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The outcome of the federal investigation could significantly impact how Baltimore City Public Schools addresses discrimination and ensures a safe learning environment for all students.