US News
Survey highlights concerns over antisemitism in teachers unions
A report by the Anti-Defamation League finds that many Jewish union members self-censor and feel unsupported by leadership.
The short version
- A survey of 307 Jewish teachers union members by the Anti-Defamation League found widespread reports of antisemitism and self-censorship within union spaces.
- Nearly three-quarters of respondents reported censoring themselves in union activities, while 70% feared reputational or professional fallout for raising concerns.
- Leadership from major union organizations, including the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, stated they are actively partnering with advocacy groups to offer training and combat antisemitism.
Key facts
- The Anti-Defamation League surveyed 307 Jewish public and private school members of teachers unions across 24 states, with heavy representation from California, New York, and Massachusetts.[Fox News]
- According to the survey, 73.6% of respondents reported self-censoring in union environments, and 70% agreed that bringing up concerns about the treatment of Jewish members could carry professional or reputational risks.[Fox News]
- Sixty-nine percent of surveyed educators who reported raising concerns about antisemitism to union leadership stated they were dissatisfied with the response.[Fox News]
- American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten acknowledged that no institution is immune to antisemitism and noted ongoing partnerships with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs to provide combat-hate training and resources.[Fox News]
- A National Education Association spokesperson stated the organization stands firmly against antisemitism and relies on its Jewish Affairs Caucus and external partnerships to address members' concerns.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The full extent to which the survey sample of 307 respondents reflects the broader experience of all Jewish teachers union members nationwide remains undetermined.[Fox News]