Implementing the Recommendations of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism
October 2026
Introduction
In July 2024, the Massachusetts legislature established the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism (the Commission) to examine the growing impact of antisemitism across the Commonwealth and recommend strategies for addressing it. The Commission met for more than one year, held 16 public meetings, and heard from more than 200 witnesses, including education experts, community leaders, students, interested members of the public, and others.
The Commission's December 1, 2025, final report, focused on antisemitism in K-12 education, higher education, public safety and law enforcement, and the workplace. This Toolkit focuses only on those elements of the Report that concern K-12 education. It highlights several guiding principles that informed the Commission’s work, presents key findings based on the Commission’s research, and offers recommendations (referred to in the rest of this document as “Principles,” “Findings,” and “Recommendations”) for addressing antisemitism, and other biases through enhancements to policy, curriculum, and culture in K-12 schools. The Toolkit supplements the Commission’s Recommendations with resources produced by the AJC Center for Education Advocacy to help translate the Recommendations into action.
How to Use This Toolkit
The Commission’s Findings and Recommendations are not law. Implementing them will require action by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), school districts and administrators, the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, the Massachusetts Legislature, educators, families, and community members.
This toolkit is designed to help each of those stakeholders use the Commission’s Recommendations to drive knowledge, advocacy, and engagement. This includes how to:
- Strengthen systems for preventing and responding to bias;
- Improve curriculum and instruction;
- Support students and families affected by discrimination;
- Build inclusive school environments;
- Promote respectful dialogue and intellectual openness; and
- Prevent antisemitism and other forms of hate.
Community members can use the Commission’s work to support change on the ground, according to local needs and circumstances. For example:
- A parent concerned about a discrimination incident may use the Commission’s Findings and Recommendations to better understand best practices for school responses, ask informed questions, and advocate for appropriate support, accountability, and resolution.
- A superintendent can use the Commission’s Findings and Recommendations to identify gaps in district policies and practices and prioritize areas for improvement.
- A principal or educator can use the Commission’s Findings and Recommendations to evaluate curriculum, classroom materials, and lessons for bias or gaps in representation and make improvements that support a more inclusive learning environment.
- A community member can use the Commission’s Findings and Recommendations to engage school leaders, participate in community discussions, and advocate for practices that strengthen school culture and student belonging.
The Commission’s Key Findings
The Commission made 14 Findings regarding antisemitism in K-12 education in Massachusetts. Below we highlight eight of the most important themes and provide a citation to review the full Findings in the Commission Report.
- Antisemitism is Widespread
“Antisemitism in Massachusetts K-12 public schools is a pervasive and escalating problem with a large number of reported incidents of hate bullying, harassment, and discrimination experienced by families and teachers.” (Finding #1, p. 13) - Recognizing and Teaching About Antisemitism Requires Active Support
Schools, community institutions, and workplaces must be equipped not only to recognize antisemitism but to teach its historical roots and contemporary manifestations.”
(Principle #9, p. 9) - Misinformation and Disinformation Fuels Spread of Antisemitism
“Antisemitism arises across the political spectrum and is fueled by misinformation and disinformation….” (Finding #1, p. 13) - Jewish Students are Often Fearful of Expressing Their Identity Publicly
“Many Jewish students in Massachusetts schools are scared to publicly display their Judaism or let others know they are Jewish for fear of disparate treatment or bullying.” (Finding #1, p. 13) - Inaccurate, Decontextualized Curricular Content is Harming Jewish Students
“Massachusetts public school students have reported … content and curriculum that contain inaccurate, decontextualized, and harmful material regarding Israel and the Jewish people.” (Finding #10, p. 16) - Bias Education Commonly Neglects Antisemitism
“Programs for students, staff, and educators on combating hate and bias often do not include antisemitism as a form of bias …” (Finding #6, p. 6) - Victims Fear Retaliation for Reporting Incidents
“Many victims of antisemitic incidents do not report cases due to fear of retaliation and harassment …” (Finding #4, p. 14) - Most Jews See Israel as an Important Part of Their Identity
“[M]ost American Jews [though not all], including many Massachusetts residents … feel their relationship with Israel is an important part of their religious, ancestral, personal, and/or spiritual identity, and is grounded in religious texts, personal ties, and/or family traditions.”
(See Prefatory Statement, p. 6) - Lack of Resources and Training Undermines Effective Response to Antisemitism
A lack of understanding for what forms of expression may be antisemitic, is “compounded by the lack of resources and training for teachers on ways to identify early warning signs of hate and bias…” (Finding # 7, p. 15) - K-12 Educators are Often Not Attuned to Expressions of Antisemitism
“There is a lack of understanding and sensitivity among some K-12 educators and administrators in Massachusetts as to what forms of speech and expression constitute antisemitism.”
(Finding #7, p. 15) - Antisemitism is Harming Students’ Mental Health
“Antisemitic incidents and the more pervasive climate of antisemitism are causing serious harm to the mental health of Jewish and/or Israeli students and families.” (Finding #3, p. 14)
The Commission’s Recommendations and AJC Resources for Implementation
The Commission's K-12 Findings resulted in 10 guiding Principles and 23 Recommendations designed to help schools build inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments, hospitable to diverse cultures and points of view. Below we highlight key themes in the areas of school policy, curriculum, and culture, and provide a citation to review the full Recommendations in the Commission Report.
A. Policies for Preventing and Addressing Bias
Strong policies create the foundation for safe, inclusive, and respectful schools.
- Effective Anti-Bias Intervention Requires Trained Staff
“Every school district should have at least one professional trained in responding to allegations of bias-based conduct…” (Recommendation #4, p. 19) - Incident Reporting Requires Clear Transparent Protocols Around Complaint Reporting and School Response
“Schools should have a clear, transparent, and publicly available protocol for how a community member can report to the school administration an incident of hate, bias, or discrimination …” (Recommendation #8, p. 21)
“Schools should have a clear, transparent and publicly available protocol for how reports of hate, bias, and discrimination are handled by the district.” (Recommendation #9, p. 21) - Accommodating Religious Observances Requires Clear Policies
“Schools should have clear policies that assist students observing holidays not observed with a day off on the school calendar with making up missed classes or assignments.” (Recommendation #19, p. 25) - Community Members Need a Way to Report Problematic Curriculum
“DESE should develop a mechanism for reporting problematic curriculum … including materials that promote bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis or protected characteristics.” (Recommendation #15, p. 23) - State Law Requires Respect for Human and Civil Rights in School
“The Commission encourages robust implementation of and adherence to this regulation by DESE, school districts, and teachers.” It requires public schools to use curricula to promote respect for human and civil rights; teachers to “review instructional and educational material for simplistic and demeaning generalizations …;” and provide balance and context for stereotypes depicted in materials. (Recommendation #17, p. 24) - Schools Have a Legal Obligation to Prevent and Address Hate and Bias Incidents
At the start of each school year, DESE and the Attorney General should circulate guidance to all school districts that explain the school’s obligation to prevent bias incidents and harassment by students and staff. (Recommendation #10, p. 22)
AJC’s Recommended Resources
- Confronting Antisemitism in Our Schools: An Action Plan for Public K-12 School Administrators
Model policies and implementation guidance for school leaders - K-12 Administrators: A Guide and Checklist for Responding to Discrimination Incidents
Practical framework for preventing and responding to bias incidents
B. Curriculum: Teaching With Accuracy, Context, and Inclusion
The Commission emphasized the importance of educational materials and instruction that are accurate, balanced, and reflective of diverse experiences.
- Teachers Need Model Curricula on Antisemitism and Jewish History
“DESE should make available model curricula and best practices/resources around teaching antisemitism and Jewish history in schools …” (Recommendation #2. p. 18) - Teachers Need Resources for Teaching About Ancient and Modern History
“DESE should provide resources that are appropriate for classroom instruction … to teach about Ancient Israel, Palestine, the Modern State of Israel and related conflicts in the Middle East …” (Recommendation #3, p. 18) - Digital and Civic Literacy Can Help Address the Spread of Antisemitism
“Schools should address antisemitism, extremism, and antisemitic myths/tropes as part of a broader focus on digital literacy, civics and the critical evaluation of misinformation and disinformation.” (Recommendation #3, p. 18)
AJC’s Recommended Resources
- Confronting Antisemitism in Our Schools: An Action Plan for Public K-12 School Administrators
Curriculum and instructional recommendations - Who Are the Jewish People?
Brief introduction to Jewish identity and peoplehood - Guidance for K-12 Schools to Ensure that the Jewish Experience Is Included Across the Curriculum
Curriculum audit and inclusion framework with list of preferred providers - News Sources for Teaching Current Events in the Middle East
Diverse and credible sources for current-events instruction - Guidance for K-12 Administrators on Teaching About Elections
Best practices for addressing election-season political issues and while maintaining educational neutrality
C. Culture: Creating Safe, Inclusive, and Respectful School Communities
School culture plays a critical role in shaping students’ sense of safety, belonging, and well-being. The Commission found that proactive efforts to foster inclusive and respectful school environments can help prevent discrimination and improve student outcomes.
- School Leaders and Staff Need Anti-Bias Education That Includes Antisemitism
“Public school districts should institute mandatory anti-bias education for school committees and all K-12 faculty and administrators, which includes antisemitism.” This “should include antisemitism education aligned with a DESE-developed rubric.” (Recommendation #4, p. 19) - Guidance to School Districts
The Commission identified several areas for DESE is to develop guidance, including topics noted below.- Consistent High-Quality Anti-Bias Training
“DESE should provide statewide guidance on developing consistent, comprehensive, high-quality training” for school districts. (Recommendation #4, p. 19) - Safe and Supportive School Environments
“DESE should issue guidance … on creating safe and supportive school environments with respect to shared national origin, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics similar to its existing guidance on Gender Identity and LGBTQ+ students.” This guidance should include resources specific to the needs of Jewish students. (Recommendation #11, p. 22) - Resources and Training to Support Viewpoint Diverse Classes
“DESE should issue guidance and resources to support teacher training that will support teachers in creating classrooms that are intellectually diverse … welcoming to students of diverse backgrounds, committed to exposing students to a wide range of ideas and opinion, [and] … to providing resources that reflect diverse and competing points of view …” (Recommendation #18, p. 24)
- Consistent High-Quality Anti-Bias Training
- Jewish American Heritage Month Heightens Awareness
“Schools and districts should work with community organizations to create and implement Jewish American Heritage Month Each May to promote awareness of Jewish contributions to American society.” (Recommendation #5, p. 19) - Counseling Departments Need to Better Understand Bias Impact
“Antisemitic incidents and the pervasive climate of antisemitism are causing serious harm to the mental health of Jewish and/or Israeli students and families.” (Recommendation #3, p. 18)
“School counseling departments should deepen “their understanding of the effects of hate, bias, and discrimination on the mental health of young people, including the impact of antisemitism …” (Recommendation #7, p. 20) - Educators Need Help Recognizing Antisemitism
“Consistent with the Commonwealth’s 2022 proclamation ... the Commission joins with the last four Presidential Administrations, dozens of other countries, and “the Commonwealth’s 2022 proclamation endorsing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism as a non-legally binding definition” with which to assess contemporary manifestations of antisemitism.” (Principle #10, p. 10) - Schools Should Communicate Clearly About Antisemitic and Other Bias Incidents
At the start of the year and at other sensitive moments, make clear that “antisemitism will not be tolerated.” When incidents occur “speak clearly, forcefully, and with specificity.” (Recommendation #12, p. 22)
AJC’s Recommended Resources
- Confronting Antisemitism in Our Schools: An Action Plan for Public K-12 School Administrators
School climate and community-building guidance - K-12 Administrators: A Guide and Checklist for Responding to Discrimination Incidents
Incident response, student support, and communication tools - Jewish American Heritage Month Education Toolkit
Resources and activities for recognition programs - A Short Guide to Jewish Religion, Culture, and Holiday Observances
Practical information on Jewish religious practices and observances - Guidance for K-12 Schools on the Anniversary of October 7
School planning and communication guidance - Guidance for K-12 Administrators to Evaluate Programs and Speakers About Antisemitism
Criteria for selecting effective training programs and speakers
Turning the Commission’s Recommendations into Action
The Commission's work provides an important roadmap for addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts schools. The next step is implementation.
School leaders, educators, parents, policymakers, and community members all have a role to play in strengthening school policies, improving instructional practice, and fostering welcoming school cultures. By focusing on policy, curriculum, and culture, our community can help ensure that every Massachusetts student learns in an environment that is safe, respectful, welcoming, and conducive to learning.
About AJC, AJC’s Center for Education Advocacy, and AJC’s New England Regional Offices
American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. We create trusted partnerships with leaders around the world to ensure Jews and Israel are safe and thriving.
With an unparalleled reach spanning six continents, AJC engages leaders in more than 110 countries through 40 offices and dozens of partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide. Wherever the Jewish people and Israel need us, AJC is there—empowering leaders in government, education, partner communities, and the private sector to counter antisemitism and act as allies.
AJC’s Center for Education Advocacy (CEA) partners with school leaders, families, and policymakers to help schools build lasting capacity to recognize and respond to antisemitism, include Jews and Jewish life, and embrace democratic values. Grounded in critical thinking, viewpoint diversity, and fact-based inquiry, and backed by decades of experience in K-12 education, our approach reflects the same educational values schools strive to uphold.
To explore CEA's full library of guidance documents and toolkits, visit: AJC.org/EducationResources. To learn more about CEA's educational programming for administrators, faculty, students, or your school community, visit AJC.org/CEA or email [email protected].
AJC’s New England Regional Office
AJC New England connects our community with American Jewish Committee’s global advocacy initiatives that enhance the well-being of the Jewish people in New England, across the United States, and in Israel. Our work rests on partnerships and engagement with diplomats, elected officials, and civic leaders advances with whom we work to combat antisemitism, promote a safe and secure future for the State of Israel, and advance democratic values that secure the well-being of all Americans. This includes work alongside education leaders, policymakers, parents to help ensure that Jewish students, alongside all students, are nurtured, included, and empowered.
Learn more at AJC.org/NewEngland or [email protected].
