Randi Weingarten Reaffirms Unions' Stance Against Antisemitism, Citing School Boards and Trump Administration as Key Drivers

Washington D.C. – Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has reiterated her assertion that teachers' unions are not a source of antisemitism, instead pointing to school boards and actions by the Trump administration as significant contributors to its rise. Her remarks, recently highlighted in a social media post by Rhyen Staley, underscore a continuing debate over the origins and responsibility for antisemitism in educational and public spheres.

In an August 26, 2025, opinion piece published in The Hill, Weingarten directly addressed criticisms, stating, "Where I disagree is that teachers’ unions are harbingers of the situation the story characterizes." She emphasized the AFT's commitment to combating all forms of hatred, noting her personal dedication as "a Jewish woman married to a rabbi." Weingarten further contended that the rise in antisemitism has "paralleled a rise in hate and extremism overall, alongside the rise of anti-democratic actions fostered by President Trump himself."

Weingarten clarified that curriculum decisions primarily rest with local Boards of Education, state and local elected officials, and education departments, rather than teachers' unions. She criticized the Trump administration for "destroying the very institutions and tools we need to protect Jewish and all vulnerable students," specifically citing the alleged gutting of the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. This office, she argued, is crucial for Jewish students seeking assistance against discrimination.

However, Weingarten's record on antisemitism has drawn scrutiny. A December 2023 article in City Journal criticized her past statements, including a 2021 comment suggesting "American Jews are now part of the ownership class" and her support for leaders of the Women's March who have faced accusations of antisemitic rhetoric. The article posited that such actions "cheapen the charge" of antisemitism and reflect a "mixed record."

Despite these criticisms, Weingarten, in a July 28, 2025, Newsweek Op-Ed co-authored with Jewish Council for Public Affairs CEO Amy Spitalnick, highlighted a partnership aimed at combating antisemitism. This piece also echoed concerns about deliberate efforts to "pit Jewish Americans against teachers’ unions, academic institutions, and public education itself," and reiterated criticisms of the Trump administration's actions against federal funding for universities and the Office for Civil Rights. The ongoing discourse reflects deep divisions on how best to address rising antisemitism and where accountability should lie.