More than ten years have passed since this dreadful and mind-opening experience, one that definitely played a factor in me leaving the profession. However, several other teachers have told me that nothing has changed. A Jewish student of mine is constantly told that Hitler will come back to life and “get him,” a Buena Park teacher has told me. I have tried to write referrals to our Vice Principal when this happens, but they get ignored. It’s likely the student hasn’t told his parents; many children are embarrassed about being bullied.
anti-Semitism may be promoted in California public schools, but it is fully embraced at California state colleges. Abraham Miller, a well-known political science professor, recently wrote a harrowing essay about tax-funded anti-Semitism on California college campuses. Miller shed light on a group of pro-Gaza demonstrators who prevented Jewish students from entering a classroom building at the University of California-Davis. Despite the fact Jewish students were taunted both verbally and physically (some of which is caught on video), no action was taken against the demonstrators.
In March, the new California Assembly Select Committee, whose AMCHA initiative urges members of the committee to examine anti-Semitism on campus, provided a full packet of information to committee members regarding the many incidents of campus anti-Semitism throughout California. It is just one of many steps needed to curb the latest wave of anti-Semitism in the state.
More aggressive efforts need to be taken to curb anti-Semitism in students way earlier than their college years. Public schools in California need to make efforts to show students just how destructive anti-Semitism is. Taking students on an obligatory trip to the Holocaust Museum does more harm than good when the reasons and thinking behind the Holocaust aren”t discussed in full detail. Having students read “The Diary of Anne Frank” does more harm than good if students don’t understand that there will be more Anne Franks if they don’t realize the power of their harmful words and attitudes.
California has always been first in many movements, from immigrant rights to non-smoking initiatives. Perhaps, the influential state can lead other states in providing aggressive education that teaches tolerance is for everyone, even the Jewish kid in the back of the classroom.
