ADL Report Documents Widespread Antisemitism in Teachers Unions Nationwide

A comprehensive report from the Anti-Defamation League reveals that Jewish educators across the United States are contending with pervasive antisemitism within teachers union structures. The ADL surveyed 307 Jewish union members and found what leadership describes as institutional rather than isolated failures, with many respondents admitting they have suppressed their own voices and felt let down by union responses to their complaints.

Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt characterized the findings as evidence of “institutionalized antisemitism” rather than misconduct by scattered individuals. He emphasized that educators should experience safety and support in union environments, yet instead many are limiting their expression and worrying about retaliation when they voice concerns.

The survey documented alarming rates of self-censorship among Jewish union members. Nearly 73.6% of respondents reported feeling compelled to silence themselves in union spaces, while 70% indicated that expressing concerns about antisemitism could result in career or reputational damage. Additionally, 47.6% stated they withdrew from union participation due to what they characterized as discriminatory statements and actions targeting Jews, Israel and Zionism.

Respondents detailed specific instances of hostile conduct within their unions. Some described union leadership as actively opposing Jewish and Zionist members, while others recounted union-sponsored events promoting anti-Israel curriculum and distributing materials that endorsed the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. One educator reported that union officials publicly attacked his wife online and that she faced physical intimidation at a union gathering.

Following the October 7 attack, the problem intensified rather than diminished. Over 70% of survey participants said union statements regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict failed to condemn Hamas or its actions during the assault. Approximately 52% witnessed minimization or denial of the October 7 atrocities, while nearly 49% heard “Zionism” employed as an insult within the past year.

Jewish educators reported hiding their religious identity to avoid confrontation. Some stated they no longer disclose their faith or wear religious symbols, fearing professional consequences. Sixty-nine percent of those who brought antisemitism complaints to union leadership expressed dissatisfaction with how their concerns were addressed.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten acknowledged that “no institution” remains protected from antisemitism and stated the union is collaborating with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs on training and resources. The National Education Association similarly affirmed its opposition to antisemitism and noted its Jewish Affairs Caucus channels member concerns to leadership.

The survey encompassed teachers in 24 states, with particularly robust participation from California, Massachusetts and New York, and roughly 99% of respondents work in public schools. The findings arrive as the ADL documents record antisemitic incidents nationally, reporting 6,274 cases in 2025—averaging 17 daily—comprising 203 assaults, 4,003 harassment incidents and 2,068 acts of vandalism.