Overview
- Chair Rep. Tim Walberg sent letters to Berkeley Unified, Fairfax County Public Schools and the School District of Philadelphia seeking records on reported incidents and responses since Oct. 7, 2023.
- The inquiry cites press and whistleblower accounts alleging bullying of Jewish students, educator conduct, and events such as students allegedly chanting “Kill the Jews” and a teacher displaying an image of a fist crushing a Star of David.
- Berkeley said the request centers on older allegations and pledged to respond, Fairfax County said it intends to fully cooperate, and Philadelphia declined to comment on an active investigation.
- The probe follows prior federal actions, including a February 2024 OCR complaint against Berkeley and a December 2024 OCR settlement requiring Philadelphia to adopt a corrective action plan.
- Republican lawmakers frame the review as a Title VI compliance check that could inform legislation, while some local officials and advocates question the claims and the committee’s motives.