Montgomery County Public Schools faces federal civil rights complaint over antisemitism

A federal civil rights complaint has been filed against Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, alleging the district failed to protect an Orthodox Jewish student from years of antisemitic harassment. The complaint, submitted to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights by the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, alleges the student experienced severe abuse at both Northwood High School and Montgomery Blair High School.

According to the filing, the harassment included students throwing coins at the student while using slurs, making Nazi salutes, and social exclusion based on his perceived connection to Israel. The complaint also details a bomb threat received via an anonymous phone call, followed by fireworks being set off outside the student's home. The student eventually transferred schools due to the unbearable environment.

The Brandeis Center argues that while the school district took some administrative steps, these measures were insufficient to stop the targeted harassment. The complaint seeks an investigation into whether the district violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Montgomery County Public Schools stated it is aware of the complaint but declined further comment, citing it as an ongoing matter.