Sequoia Union High School District settles with Jewish parents: District to strengthen discrimination protections against antisemitism

The lawsuit was resolved without further litigation of admission of liability, under the premise that the district implements several actions to protect staff and students, and pay $325,000 in attorney’s fees and costs, the press release said.

“The district acknowledged that preventing and addressing discrimination was important and noted that it had taken, and was taking steps to ensure that its schools were safe learning environments for all students,” the press release said.

The district agreed to strengthen board policies regarding protections from discrimination to specifically name antisemitism, enhance investigation and procedural processes around complaints and a third-party review of supplementary instructional materials before classroom use “when they address or reference the Israel-Palestine conflict.”

It also includes providing mandatory antisemitism training for district staff, integrating at least one lesson on antisemitism into each World History class, and developing an assessment to evaluate school climate with respect to antisemitic discrimination and harassment.

The group of parents filed the lawsuit alongside The Deborah Project, a public interest law firm defending Jewish people facing discrimination in school environments. The organization’s Legal Director Lori Lowenthal Marcus said she’s proud about the changes made.

“I’ve been litigating these issues for quite some time, and I don’t think I’ve seen anything as far ranging as we did in this case,” Lowenthal Marcus said. “We’re really thrilled about the lot of changes.”

The approved policy also expands the definition of antisemitism because it was “very cramped before,” she said.

Antisemitism may include “the denial of the Jewish people’s right to self-defense or self-determination” including “claiming that the State of Israel is a racist endeavor,” according to the settlement agreement.

The lawsuit claimed teachers were “indoctrinating students” on their own political perspectives, which they will no longer be able to do, Lowenthal Marcus said.

Sequoia Union High School District is committed to providing students with a safe and inclusive learning environment and maintaining its zero tolerance for antisemitism or any form of discrimination, Superintendent Crystal Leach said in the press release.

“We are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming learning environment where every student can thrive academically and socially, regardless of their background, religion or identity,” Leach said in the release.

An email sent to district parents from Leach Tuesday afternoon addressed antisemitism and other forms of discrimination in its schools. The correspondence was drafted and approved as part of the settlement agreement.

“[The distinct] acknowledges that Jewish and Israeli-American students, families and staff members have reported experiencing harm caused by discrimination, including antisemitism, within our school community,” Leach said in the email. “No student should feel unsafe, unwelcome or targeted because of their faith, heritage or identity.”