In a first-of-its-kind Congressional hearing on alleged antisemitism in public K-12 schools, Berkeley Unified Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel faced two hours of scathing criticism and scrutiny of her handling of antisemitic incidents and pro-Palestinian protests in the district as the Israel-Hamas war continues to rage.
Ford Morthel testified that while the district faces multiple complaints alleging antisemitism – including a federal civil rights investigation – discrimination is not tolerated in the small school district and is dealt with appropriately.
“Antisemitism is not pervasive in Berkeley Unified School District,” she said. “When investigations show that an antisemitic event has occurred, we take action to teach, correct and redirect our students.”
Ford Morthel was one of three school leaders across the country to testify during the Republican-led House education subcommittee hearing. New York City School Chancellor David Banks and Montgomery County School Board President Karla Silvestre of Maryland also faced questions on how they are handling a national rise of antisemitism in K-12 public schools.
Previous hearings by the committee involved testimony by presidents of college campuses, including Harvard, University of Pennsylvania and MIT. The presidents of Harvard and Penn resigned following their appearances amid criticism of their answers about what constitutes free speech or violates the institutions’ code of conduct.
In his opening statements, Florida Republican Aaron Bean, who chairs the House Education and Workforce subcommittee on elementary and secondary education, said “The very need for this hearing is a travesty,” and added that the witnesses represent “some of the largest school districts in the nation where there’s been some vile antisemitism.”
“What are you doing to keep students safe? And how can we stop this?” Bean asked the panel. “You’ve been accused of doing nothing and turning a blind eye.”
The hearing comes as Berkeley Unified has been thrust into the spotlight as it faces allegations of antisemitism, questions over the district’s ethnic studies curriculum and an ongoing federal civil rights investigation alleging that district administrators failed to protect Jewish students from “severe and persistent” harassment.
The incidents in the 41-page complaint range from hateful “Kill the Jews” chants and students being taunted about the Holocaust, to classroom-sanctioned walkouts and pro-Palestine curriculum.
Representatives’ questions at Wednesday’s hearing touched on issues of free speech, curriculum being taught in classrooms and disciplinary measures for antisemitic behavior.
Ford Morthel said Berkeley Unified investigates every incident alleging antisemitism, but is unable to publicly share actions taken due to federal and state law that protects student and employee personal information. She said non-disclosure can be confused with an action and “as a result, some believe we do nothing.”
She condemned antisemitism and discrimination, but explained that Berkeley Unified values education and restorative justice when disciplining students.
In one tense moment, Ford Morthel declined to answer California Congressman Kevin Kiley as to whether the district has fired any employees for antisemitic conduct, citing “confidential personnel matters.”
“I’m pretty sure your colleague Mr. Banks gave us an answer, so you can –” he replied before Ford Morthel cut him off and said, “I respect and appreciate that, but I’m not going to be able to do that.”
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