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The U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced on Thursday that it is launching an investigation into the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) over claims of discrimination directed at Jewish students.
According to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within ED, reports have surfaced alleging that certain NYCDOE staff members have organized under the banner “NYC Educators for Palestine.” This group is said to have conducted educational sessions on topics such as “Palestine, Zionism, and Resistance,” purportedly introducing children as young as five to ideas about “contemporary and historical Palestinian resistance” and labeling Zionists as “genocidal white supremacists.” Furthermore, the group is accused of showing support for Hamas, a group recognized as a terrorist organization by the federal government, and its “martyrs,” as outlined in a press release from ED.
The ED has received complaints suggesting that this group may be fostering an atmosphere of “hostility and hatred” towards Jewish students, potentially creating a “hostile environment.” The investigation seeks to determine if NYCDOE has breached Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by engaging in discriminatory practices against Jewish students.
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey emphasized, “No student should be subjected to lessons that promote animosity among peers. Jewish children should not be made to feel culpable or associated with hate and violence simply because of their heritage.”
Richey further asserted, “Discrimination must be eradicated from our educational institutions. Unlike the previous administration, the Trump Administration is committed to confronting antisemitic harassment head-on. The OCR will rigorously investigate these troubling claims to ensure fair treatment for all students.”
“Discrimination has no place in our schools, and, unlike the previous Administration, the Trump Administration will not turn a blind eye to antisemitic harassment. OCR will investigate these appalling allegations to ensure the equal treatment of all students,” Richey added.
ED said the investigation is in compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism.” The department also noted education programs must comply with Title VI to receive federal funding.
Dominique Ellison, a spokeswoman for the city’s schools, told the New York Times that NYC Educators for Palestine is not affiliated with the district.
“We received this notice today, and we are reviewing,” Ellison said,
The activist group did not respond to a request for comment from the Times by time of publication.
Katherine Hamilton is a political reporter for – News. You can follow her on X @thekat_hamilton.