U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights Settles Deal to Address Antisemitic Harassment in Carmel Unified School District in California

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) made an announcement today regarding the resolution of a complaint concerning antisemitic harassment of students at a school within the Carmel Unified School District in California. To ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), which addresses discrimination based on race, color, and national origin, including instances of antisemitic harassment, the district has committed to an agreement.

After conducting an investigation, OCR determined that in the school years 2021-2022 and 2023-2024, the district was informed of fifteen incidents involving swastikas, vandalism, or harassment that established a hostile environment for students based on their race, color, or national origin, including those with Jewish ancestry. During the 2021-2022 school year, nine incidents were reported, including the display of swastikas and the use of racial slurs such as the n-word. Subsequently, in the 2023-2024 school year, more incidents were reported, including threats against Jewish students.

Although the district took measures to address the reported incidents and discipline those responsible, OCR found that it failed to effectively eliminate the hostile environment and prevent its recurrence, violating Title VI. The district also neglected to assess the impact on affected students or provide appropriate remedies. Additionally, there was a compliance issue where the district did not maintain records related to responses to antisemitic harassment.

To address the violations and compliance concerns highlighted by OCR, the district committed to several actions:

Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon expressed the district’s commitment to providing a safe learning environment for all students, including those of Jewish descent, free from discriminatory harassment. OCR will collaborate with the district to protect students’ civil rights in the future.

The official letter sent to Carmel Unified School District and the resolution agreement can be found on OCR’s website.