Particle.news
Download on the App Store

House Committee Opens Title VI Antisemitism Inquiry Into Berkeley, Fairfax and Philadelphia Schools

Republicans are escalating oversight of K‑12 responses to Israel‑related speech.

Overview

  • Chair Rep. Tim Walberg sent formal letters Nov. 24–25 to the three districts seeking extensive records to assess compliance with Title VI, setting a Dec. 8 deadline.
  • The letters cite reported bullying of Jewish students, educator conduct, and protest incidents, including an allegation that students chanted “Kill the Jews” during a walkout.
  • Fairfax County said it intends to fully cooperate, Berkeley characterized the cited matters as older allegations and said it will respond, and Philadelphia declined to comment due to an active investigation.
  • The requests cover a chart of all antisemitism complaints and documents on walkouts, curricula, course materials, speakers, trainings, and contracts referencing Jews, Judaism, Israel, Palestine, Zionism or antisemitism.
  • Philadelphia reached a 2024 federal OCR settlement on related issues that lawmakers say did not halt reported incidents, and Berkeley also faces a separate OCR probe alleging anti‑Palestinian discrimination.