ADL report finds systemic antisemitism in U.S. teachers unions

A new report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) documents widespread antisemitism and institutional failure within United States teachers unions. Based on a study involving Jewish K-12 educators, the findings suggest a systemic pattern of exclusion and hostile rhetoric that has fundamentally altered professional union environments since the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.

Key findings indicate that approximately 74 percent of Jewish teachers feel the need to self-censor within union spaces, with 70 percent fearing that vocalizing concerns regarding the treatment of Jews could lead to professional or reputational consequences. Nearly half of respondents reported reducing their participation in union activities due to harmful rhetoric or behavior targeting Jews or Zionism.

The report also highlights specific instances of bias, noting that 52 percent of Jewish teachers witnessed the downplaying or denial of the October 7 atrocities over the past year. Additionally, 44 percent stated that speakers who justify violence against Jews or Israel were invited to union events, and 78 percent of those who engaged with union-promoted curricula related to Jews or Israel described the programs as negatively biased.