TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Sundeep Iyer, Director of the Division on Civil Rights, stated the recent uptick in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in K-12 schools and higher education institutions. The increase has been observed following the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7 and subsequent military actions in Gaza.
The officials emphasized that the escalation in bias compromises the safety and inclusiveness of educational settings. New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) mandates that all students are protected from discrimination and harassment based on race, national origin, religion, or other characteristics. Schools must proactively address and respond to incidents of harassment, including peer-on-peer harassment.
Schools failing to take reasonable action to stop harassment may violate LAD, as well as other laws such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act. These laws collectively mandate prompt action against bias-based harassment.
The statement also clarified that existing laws do not prohibit age-appropriate dialogue in educational settings, provided it is based on accurate information and avoids perpetuating stereotypes or hate speech. Educational institutions are urged to denounce bias-based conduct when it occurs clearly.
To help schools take appropriate actions, the Department of Education and Division on Civil Rights have issued guidelines for K-12 schools. Similarly, guidance for colleges and universities has been issued by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and Division on Civil Rights. Officials strongly recommend that all educational institutions review these guidelines closely.
