ADL Report Highlights Antisemitism Faced by Jewish Educators in Teachers Unions

<p>Jewish educators are experiencing antisemitism from teachers unions, according to a report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The organization surveyed 307 Jewish members of teachers unions, many of whom reported self-censorship and disappointment with how unions addressed concerns about antisemitism.</p><p>ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt stated, "What we found is not the work of a few bad actors. It is a structural and cultural failure. Jewish educators deserve to feel safe and protected in their union spaces. And instead of that, they are self-censoring and fearing backlash for raising concerns." Greenblatt described the report's findings as a "dangerous trend of institutionalized antisemitism." </p><p>Sydney Altfield, CEO of Teach Coalition, expressed concern that teachers unions, which are meant to represent all educators, are failing to do so. Altfield noted, "What strikes me is that these unions are supposed to be homes for everyone, and [they're] not being that." </p><p>One significant finding from the report indicated that a high percentage of Jewish educators were self-censoring due to fear of retaliation. According to the ADL, 70% of respondents "somewhat or strongly agreed" that raising concerns about the treatment of Jews in union spaces could lead to reputational or professional consequences. Additionally, 73.6% reported needing to censor themselves in union spaces, and 47.6% reduced their participation in union activities due to harmful rhetoric or behavior targeting Jews, Zionists, or Israel.</p><p>One respondent claimed that their union leadership "actively works against" Jews and Zionists, citing instances of biased anti-Israel curriculum promoted by the union. The respondent reported that their spouse was "physically intimidated at a union event" and faced online attacks from union leadership.</p><p>Many respondents reported ongoing anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, and anti-Zionist conduct, with over 70% agreeing that union statements regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict failed to condemn the terror organization or the atrocities committed. The ADL noted that approximately 52% of respondents witnessed minimization or denial of the October 7 atrocities, while nearly 49% heard the term "Zionism" used pejoratively in the past year.</p><p>One respondent mentioned that their local union passed a resolution blaming Israel for the October 7 Hamas attack, stating, "We tried to come up with...amendments, but they voted us down and shouted us down." </p><p>Sixty-nine percent of respondents who raised concerns about antisemitism to union leadership expressed dissatisfaction with the responses they received. The ADL reported that a common request from respondents was for leadership to condemn threats and harassment against Jews.</p><p>One respondent remarked, "Jewish educators have gone into hiding. They do not admit to being Jewish or wear any identifying clothing/jewelry. We are still being told not to speak." </p><p>In response to the report, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten acknowledged that "no institution" is "immune" to antisemitism and stated that the AFT is working to address the concerns raised. Weingarten emphasized that every student and educator deserves to feel safe in their schools and unions.</p><p>A spokesperson for the National Education Association (NEA) stated that the union "stands firmly against antisemitism and hate in any form" and takes the concerns of Jewish educators seriously. The spokesperson highlighted that the NEA's Jewish Affairs Caucus brings members' concerns to union leadership and that the organization collaborates with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs on antisemitism workshops and resources.</p><p>Altfield emphasized the need for union leaders to address the issue if members believe antisemitism is emanating from leadership, suggesting that leadership changes may be necessary. Altfield stated, "If people are specifically saying that this is coming from the leadership, then the leadership needs to change." </p><p>The ADL report comes amid rising levels of antisemitism in the U.S., with 6,274 recorded incidents in 2025, averaging about 17 incidents per day. These incidents included 203 assaults, 4,003 instances of antisemitic harassment, and 2,068 acts of vandalism, with 32 assaults involving a deadly weapon. The survey included teachers from 24 states, with significant representation from California, Massachusetts, and New York, and nearly 99% of respondents worked in public schools.</p>