Massachusetts is grappling with how schools should address antisemitism, highlighted by a federal complaint alleging repeated antisemitic bullying in a Concord-Carlisle district school. The case emerges as Massachusetts — home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States — confronts heightened concerns about antisemitism following the Hamas attacks and the war in Gaza. In response, the state’s Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism held extensive hearings and released recommendations urging expanded education on antisemitism, Judaism and Israel, stronger reporting systems, and public statements against bias.

Questions remain about the efficacy of school-based interventions aimed towards reducing antisemitism. Ron Avi Astor, professor of social welfare at the Luskin School of Public Affairs, shared with The Hechinger Report that, “there isn’t a lot of research showing that any of the stuff that we’re doing works.” He emphasized the need to prioritize discussion in addition to ensuring that people’s feelings are respected, stating, “What’s relevant in classrooms is how the kids feel and what they think about the other groups.”