LAUSD Teachers Created Hostile Environment for Jewish Students, Investigation Finds

Three teachers at Canoga Park High School created a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students through pro-Palestinian political messaging in dance recitals, classroom flyers, and lessons, according to findings from the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Office of Student Civil Rights. The investigation concluded that the teachers violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and a California law prohibiting biased instruction.

The probe was initiated following a complaint filed by the North American Values Institute (NAVI), with support from Jewish Teachers Los Angeles and Emet Legal. NAVI stated that the district substantiated all 11 allegations made in its complaint.

Investigators emphasized that while criticism of Israel and support for Palestine are not inherently discriminatory, the teachers' repeated use of their authority, class time, and school programs to push a specific political message crossed a line. The report, which does not name the teachers, refers to them as Teacher 1, Teacher 2, and Teacher 3.

Much of the investigation focused on Teacher 1, who served as the school's dance instructor and faculty advisor for the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) club. This teacher reportedly incorporated lessons on Palestinian resistance through dance movements, music, and history, and described students as "taking a stand." A May recital, for example, began with a student introduction about destruction in Gaza, urging support for Palestine and the SJP club. For their final exam, students were required to review the dance team’s YouTube recital playlist, which included content framing Gazans as "martyrs." The teacher denied operating the YouTube channel, though the principal stated otherwise, according to the report.

Investigators also found that Teacher 1 summoned 49 students from class for an SJP meeting, displayed "Free Palestine" and genocide-related posters in classroom windows throughout the school year, and offered community service hours for participation in Gaza fundraising events at their church. The report noted that no evidence was found of the teacher altering grades or penalizing students who did not share her views.

Teacher 3 was found to have repeatedly linked Israel to genocide in class, with students reporting comparisons between Gaza and the Holocaust. This teacher reportedly filed videos titled “Is Israel Guilty of Genocide?” and “How Did the Nakba Happen?” in a folder labeled “Videos – The Armenian Genocide” and encouraged students to join the SJP.

Teacher 2 is reported to have used three flyers in lessons that declared "Israel kills! USA pays!!" and blamed "Israeli genocide on Gaza" for orphaned Palestinian children. These flyers were reportedly reposted after being removed by school administration.

All three teachers wore keffiyehs while teaching and promoting their message, though the district specified that the findings were based on their actions and statements, not solely on the attire.

The investigation also identified a library display, approved by the principal and assembled with the teachers' assistance, that allegedly portrayed Palestinians only as victims and Israel as solely the aggressor. NAVI described this exhibit as a "mini-Gaza" display featuring vehicles with the Star of David alongside images of dead children.

In response to the findings, the district ordered the removal of all pro-Palestinian flyers, posters, and videos by October 29. By November 18, SJP advisors' roles are to be limited to "non-participatory supervision," and the dance team’s YouTube channel will be placed under administrative oversight.

Furthermore, all faculty and administrators at the school are mandated to undergo training on Title VI and preventing antisemitism by December 18. The three teachers will be subject to observation following this training. The district clarified that lessons on genocide and current events are permissible if they adhere to state standards and avoid "employee political advocacy."

"This determination establishes a national precedent for holding public school educators accountable when political activism replaces objective instruction," said NAVI founder and CEO David Bernstein in a statement. Ben Austin, NAVI's California director, praised the district's "thorough investigation" but stated, "this is clearly not an isolated incident."

Amy Leserman, chair of JewTLA, noted that her group's public records requests "helped break this case open." A spokesperson for LAUSD stated, "The District investigates complaints under the Uniform Complaint Procedures process in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and issues findings and corrective actions consistent with those standards. As these matters may include student or personnel information, confidentiality laws preclude sharing additional information." The district declined to comment on whether the teachers remain employed at the school.