Pennsylvania Governor Urges Philadelphia Schools to Address Rising Antisemitism

A spokesperson for Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has called on the School District of Philadelphia to address growing concerns about antisemitism in its classrooms, as the district faces a congressional investigation into allegations of anti-Jewish sentiment throughout the school system.

“Governor Shapiro takes a back seat to no one on these issues, and as he has repeatedly spoken out about, antisemitism and this kind of hateful rhetoric is unacceptable and has no place in Pennsylvania — especially not in our classrooms,” said Rosie Lapowsky, the governor’s spokesperson. “This is a matter the Governor has made clear the district needs to take very seriously.”

The nation’s eighth-largest school district is now under scrutiny from the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which launched an investigation in November to determine “whether there was or is a hostile environment against Jewish K-12 students.” The committee expressed deep concern that the district may be failing to uphold its obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

According to the congressional letter obtained by Fox News Digital, the committee has received numerous allegations of antisemitic incidents since October 7, 2023, including reports of teachers spreading antisemitism in classrooms and the district approving antisemitic walkouts that isolate Jewish students.

The situation apparently has become severe enough that the district entered into a federally mandated corrective action plan with the U.S. Department of Education in December 2024. However, according to whistleblowers and press reports, antisemitic incidents have continued to proliferate despite these measures.

Parents and teachers who spoke to Fox News Digital on condition of anonymity out of fear of retribution described a troubling environment within the district. One Jewish parent alleged that “There are teachers and administrators who are perpetuating Jew-hate,” specifically mentioning Ismael Jimenez, the director of social studies curriculum for the School District of Philadelphia.

The congressional investigation letter also references Jimenez, noting he “has been widely condemned by Jewish advocacy groups in light of his pattern of denying the Jewish connection to the Land of Israel, refusing to speak about peace or coexistence, and downplaying the lived experiences of Jewish people in the face of violence.” The letter cites a recent example where, following attacks on Israeli embassy workers and an antisemitic firebombing in Colorado, Jimenez allegedly wrote, “The groups who align themselves with American savageness should not be surprised when the savageness is turned on you.”

Documents obtained by Fox News Digital reveal the existence of a private Signal messaging group called “Philadelphia Educators for Palestine,” which has created a “Grounding Commitments” document that defends all Palestinian “resistance.” Critics argue this stance effectively endorses violence and terrorism. According to messages within the group, members have also recruited school children to advance their agenda, potentially violating district policy that prohibits educators from communicating with students on personal social media platforms.

Shelly Robinson, a retired Philadelphia school teacher who taught at Northeast High School until 2021, described concerning incidents predating the current investigation. At one multicultural fair, “there was a map on stage at school and there was no Israel,” Robinson said. After October 7, a “Muslim student group started selling buttons stating ‘From the River to the Sea’ after Oct. 7. Things got really bad for Jewish teachers at Northeast after Oct. 7.” The Anti-Defamation League has described the slogan as “antisemitic” and commonly used in anti-Israel demonstrations.

While Governor Shapiro has taken a clear stance on the issue, other local leaders have been less forthcoming. A spokesperson for Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker told Fox News Digital, “This is a matter with the School District of Philadelphia, not City government. We have no comment.” Similarly, a spokesperson for Dr. Tony Watlington, superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, stated, “It is the policy of the School District of Philadelphia to refrain from commenting on active investigations.”

The congressional investigation and Governor Shapiro’s comments come amid heightened tensions following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed over 1,200 people, including more than 40 Americans, and sparked ongoing conflict in the region.