Parent Advocacy: Countering Antisemitism in Independent K-12 Schools
ADL continues to support parents in calling for meaningful change – backed by data, community mobilization and expert guidance. Together, we must demand better for every student, every parent, every educator and staff member, every school and every community.
Since October 7, 2023, ADL has been responding to the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents across educational institutions – including independent schools. Recognizing the urgent need for action, ADL has launched a focused initiative to understand and confront antisemitism in independent K-12 school communities by driving parent advocacy in the independent K-12 school space.
Research
Discover findings from ADL’s report on antisemitism and Jewish inclusion in U.S. independent/private K-12 schools. Conducted in Spring 2025 by ADL’s Ratings and Assessments Institute (RAI) and the Ronald Birnbaum Center to Combat Antisemitism in Education (CCAE), the research – based on a survey and focus groups with parents of Jewish students – reveals troubling trends and gaps in school responses. Many parents reported their children experiencing or witnessing antisemitism, highlighting an urgent need for safer, more inclusive learning environments and stronger parent-school partnerships.
Read the Experiences of Parents with Jewish Children
Six Asks
We’ve outlined six key steps independent schools must take to combat antisemitism and foster environments of inclusion and accountability. Encourage your independent school to take action by adopting these key steps to ensure Jewish inclusion and combat antisemitism within the school community.
Advocacy and Legal Help
Join Jewish Leaders in Schools (JLIS)
Become a member of JLIS, a no-cost, ADL-supported network that turns everyday Jewish parents into powerful advocates. With expert 1:1 guidance and a proven framework, JLIS equips parents to fight antisemitism and partner effectively with schools to create lasting, positive change.
Free Legal Protection for Jewish Students
ADL will provide free legal protection for Jewish students who have experienced antisemitism in an independent K-12 school. Parents, email us for support.
Contact ADL Advocacy Team
Parents and caregivers of K-12 students can request resources and advocacy support by emailing the ADL Advocacy Team.
Report an Incident
If your child experienced an incident of antisemitism, extremism, bias, bigotry or identity-based hate or discrimination, please report it using our incident form. Your confidentiality is assured by ADL staff.
Resources
Explore a curated selection of resources designed to help independent K-12 schools recognize, respond to and proactively address antisemitism. These tools support parents, educators, administrators and communities in fostering safe, inclusive and respectful learning environments for Jewish students and all students. Sign up to stay updated on new resources.
Letters
Template Letter to School Leadership
Use this template to write a letter to your school leaders emphasizing your partnership in advancing Jewish inclusion and proactively addressing antisemitism.
Template Letter to Head of School about NAIS
Use this template to write a letter to your head of school about engaging NAIS to amplify efforts to address antisemitism in their member schools.
Advocate within Your School
How to Advocate for Your Students
Learn how to counter antisemitism in K‑12 schools with actionable steps, contacts and strategies so parents and communities can advocate effectively for real change.
Guidance for Parents & Caregivers
Some common antisemitic issues that may take place in independent K-12 schools and how families can support their children and partner with their school to address antisemitism and help it be a more inclusive community for Jewish and all students.
Guidance for Alumni and Donors
As an alum, donor, or both, you bring unique value to advocacy efforts – institutional memory and financial commitment. Explore strategies to address antisemitism and foster Jewish inclusion at your school.
Share Personal Experiences
Engage with organizations that can amplify your voice and help you share your personal Jewish experiences, practices and family stories to raise awareness about Jewish life and identity as a complement to curriculum and special programs. Explore an example of how to get started.
Respond to Allegations and Slogans Regarding Israel
Explore pathways to address and respond to antisemitic and biased anti-Israel slogans and claims increasingly encountered in school settings.
Get Involved in a Jewish Group
Get involved (or help initiate) with other parents a Jewish Affinity Group or Jewish Family Alliance to help faculty and school leaders understand the issues Jewish students face and respond appropriately.
Advocacy Before Enrollment
Questions to Ask When Jewish Students Apply to Independent K-12 Schools
Explore key questions for Jewish students applying to K-12 independent schools to ensure selection of a school committed to safe, inclusive environments.
Strategies for Feeder Schools to Ensure Support for Jewish Students
Support safety and well-being advocacy for Jewish students with this guide for early childhood centers and K-8 schools, enhancing connections with K-12 institutions.
Parent & Teacher Resources
Conversations that Matter: Understanding and Discussing Antisemitism with Young People
Awareness to Action: Challenging Antisemitism
Looking for guidance on combating antisemitism in public schools?
Explore our resources to address the rise in antisemitic activity and help Jewish students and allies feel safe at school and in the classroom.
More Experiences of Parents with Jewish Children
Learn about the Ronald Birnbaum Center to Combat Antisemitism in Education (CCAE)
Through CCAE, ADL compels educational institutions – including college and university campuses and K-12 schools – to meet their legal and moral obligations to provide safe, welcoming learning environments for all members of their communities. We prioritize a whole-of-society approach to countering antisemitism in education, harnessing our research, advocacy, litigation, monitoring and outreach to drive meaningful action to change the education ecosystem and protect students. Learn more about CCAE ->
Learn about the Ratings and Assessments Institute (RAI)
Through RAI, ADL actively confronts antisemitism by rigorously researching and measuring it. Via ratings and assessments of critical sectors, RAI delivers nuanced insights on pressing issues and drives transparency, empowers stakeholders and pressures decision-makers to take meaningful action. Learn More About RAI ->