Sequoia Union High School District in Redwood City has been hit with lawsuits alleging antisemitism and civil rights violations by parents of a former student and six other families in the Bay Area. The families claim that the school officials turned a blind eye to the rampant antisemitic behavior, including bullying, taunting, and ostracism.
The lawsuits were filed separately in the U.S. District Court of Northern California against the Sequoia Union High School District and University Prep Academy in San Jose. They point to a surge in discrimination following the 2023 attack on Israeli settlements by Hamas and the Israeli retaliation in Gaza.
In the case of the Sequoia Union High School District, tensions have risen over the teaching of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has led to investigations and litigation in various school districts. The lawsuit also highlights the spread of an ideology by “leftist academics” that portrays Jews in a negative light, creating a hostile learning environment for Jewish students.
At University Prep Academy, a student named Ella Miller and her parents filed a lawsuit after facing months of abuse and antisemitic remarks at the charter school. The lawsuit alleges that Ella was targeted and harassed by fellow students, leading her to withdraw from the school.
The lawsuits shed light on the failure of school officials to address rising incidents of antisemitism and discrimination. They also highlight biased classroom instruction, with one teacher allegedly forcing a Jewish student to condemn Israel to receive a passing grade.
The families are seeking a range of remedies, including prohibiting discrimination and harassment, implementing comprehensive policies addressing antisemitism, providing training for staff, and appointing a special master to monitor compliance with the court’s orders.
The cases reflect a broader issue of rising antisemitism and civil rights violations in educational settings, prompting legal action to protect the rights and safety of Jewish students. As the lawsuits proceed, they aim to hold schools accountable for creating inclusive and respectful learning environments for all students.