Trump admin won’t tolerate antisemitism in schools, says Leo Terrell as NYC schools under microscope

Executive Order to Combat Antisemitism: A National Call to Action

In a significant move to address the growing wave of antisemitism in the United States, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 29, 2023, aimed at combating antisemitic discrimination, vandalism, and violence. The order came in response to the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents, particularly following the Hamas terror attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. These attacks spawned a wave of anti-Jewish hatred that reverberated across America, with schools and campuses becoming breeding grounds for vicious attacks and intimidation. The president’s directive underscores the urgent need for federal action to protect Jewish Americans, who have increasingly felt vulnerable in their own country.

Leading this effort is Leo Terrell, senior counsel to the assistant attorney general for civil rights, who heads a newly formed Justice Department Task Force to Combat Antisemitism. Terrell emphasized that the president has empowered the task force to utilize all available tools to address this scourge. Attorney General Pam Bondi has reportedly given the task force a clear mandate to act decisively, leveraging the full weight of the federal government to combat antisemitism. Terrell painted a stark picture of the situation, stating that since October 7, Jewish Americans have been abandoned by the system, left unprotected in schools, colleges, and daily life.

Antisemitism in New York City Public Schools: A Growing Crisis

The crisis of antisemitism is particularly pronounced in New York City’s public schools, where a watchdog group, the New York Public Schools Alliance, has uncovered disturbing evidence of anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, and even anti-American prejudice. Led by co-founder Karen Feldman, the group conducted an investigation in October 2024, revealing systemic failures in protecting students and teachers from discrimination. Their findings exposed the presence of biased educational materials, a pervasive atmosphere of political activism that deepens divisions, and a lack of accountability for antisemitic incidents.

One school that has come under intense scrutiny is Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island. Fox News Digital previously reported on the troubling atmosphere of antisemitism at the school, which escalated during a January 2024 International Festival. What should have been a celebration of diversity turned into a scene of hatred, as audience members shouted “Free Palestine” during performances by the Israeli Student Club. Worse still, some spectators made vile antisemitic remarks, including calling Jewish students “stinky Jews” as they took the stage. While school personnel escorted the offending individuals out and banned them from future events, concerns remain about the broader culture of intolerance at the school.

Silencing Jewish Voices: The Chill of Antisemitism in Schools

The toxic environment at Susan E. Wagner High School extends beyond isolated incidents. Students and teachers alike have reported a pervasive climate of anti-Israel sentiment, which has effectively silenced Jewish voices. Some staff members have been observed wearing pro-Palestine paraphernalia, and administrators have participated in programming that presents a one-sided narrative of the Israel-Gaza conflict. For example, the Wagner Arab Student Association hosted a speaker who described themselves as a “survivor of the ongoing genocide in Gaza,” with teachers and the principal in attendance. Such actions send a clear message to Jewish students that their perspectives are not valued and that they are not protected.

This silencing is further compounded by the mislabeling of antisemitic incidents. The New York City Public School Alliance shared five school occurrence reports with Fox News Digital, each describing acts of anti-Israel or antisemitic hate. However, none of these incidents were recorded as bias-related, raising serious questions about the school system’s commitment to transparency and accountability. This failure to acknowledge antisemitism as a distinct form of hate has created an environment where Jewish students feel unsafe and unsupported.

The NYC Department of Education’s Response: Words vs.Actions

In response to these concerns, the New York City Department of Education (NYCPS) has emphasized its efforts to foster inclusivity and respect through training, workshops, and curriculum initiatives. A spokesperson highlighted the department’s “Hidden Voices” program, which aims to promote empathy and understanding by highlighting the experiences of diverse communities, including Jewish and Muslim Americans. The program emphasizes resistance to colonialism, oppression, and marginalization, but critics argue that its one-sided narratives may inadvertently foster bias against Jewish students.

Despite these measures, the NYC Department of Education has faced skepticism over its claims of progress. A spokesperson noted a 46% decrease in religious bias incidents so far this year, but Karen Feldman of the NYCPS Alliance questioned the validity of this claim, pointing out that incidents targeting Jewish students are often not logged as bias-related. Feldman accused the school system of failing to address the root causes of antisemitism, allowing a toxic environment to fester. She warned that the current situation is not just a Jewish issue but a sign of broader societal dysfunction.

Fighting Back: Help on the Way for Jewish Students

In the face of these challenges, there is hope on the horizon. Leo Terrell of the Justice Department Task Force to Combat Antisemitism has announced several initiatives aimed at protecting Jewish students and teachers. Among these is a dedicated complaint hotline that will allow victims of antisemitism to report incidents directly to the task force. Terrell assured the Jewish community that “help is on its way,” signaling a renewed commitment to holding schools accountable for fostering safe and inclusive environments.

While the road ahead is long, the combined efforts of federal, local, and grassroots organizations offer a glimmer of hope. The fight against antisemitism requires more than just words; it demands concrete actions, accountability, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. As the Jewish community continues to face increasing hostility, the nation must come together to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of justice and equality.