Federal Investigation Launched into Antisemitic Incidents at Baltimore Schools

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has initiated an investigation into Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) following allegations of persistent antisemitic discrimination and harassment against Jewish students. The probe, announced on August 7, 2025, stems from a complaint filed by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) accusing the district of failing to address numerous incidents of antisemitism, potentially violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The ADL's complaint details several disturbing incidents. At Bard High School Early College, a teacher allegedly performed Nazi salutes directed at the only Jewish student in the class during a Shakespeare seminar. The teacher reportedly told the class, "I'm about to go all Nazi on you." Despite an internal investigation confirming the teacher's misconduct, the individual remains employed by BCPS. At Mt. Washington School, Jewish students reportedly received antisemitic text messages, including a "Zionist or Nazi?" quiz, and faced threats such as "we should call Hamas and have them come here." Additionally, students allegedly performed Nazi salutes on the playground. The complaint also mentions swastika graffiti on school property and students expressing sentiments like "six million Jews in the Holocaust was not enough."

In response to these allegations, BCPS has stated its commitment to fostering a culture of tolerance and respect, condemning all forms of hate. The district announced plans to incorporate lessons confronting antisemitism and other forms of prejudice into their curriculum. Additionally, BCPS is designing an implementation plan for School Employee Anti-Bias Training, with a pilot to launch during the 2025-26 school year.

This investigation is part of a broader federal effort to address antisemitism in educational institutions. On January 29, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14188, titled "Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism." The order directs executive agencies to submit reports on actions to combat antisemitism and analyze pending complaints related to campus antisemitism occurring after October 7, 2023.

The allegations and subsequent investigation highlight ongoing concerns about antisemitism in educational settings. The ADL recorded 9,354 antisemitic incidents across the U.S. in 2024—the highest total since it began tracking cases in 1979. This figure marks a 5% rise from 2023 and represents a 344% increase over the past five years. Notably, college campuses experienced an 84% increase in incidents from the previous year.

The Department of Education's investigation aims to determine whether BCPS violated federal laws by failing to address these incidents adequately. The outcome could have significant implications for how educational institutions nationwide handle allegations of discrimination and harassment, particularly those involving antisemitism.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that all students have the freedom to learn in safe and inclusive school communities without disruption. The findings will likely influence future policies and practices aimed at preventing discrimination and promoting inclusivity in educational environments.