Educator Advocacy: Handling Problematic Colleague Situations

When a Trusted Colleague Uses Antisemitic Language, Behavior or Content

This can be one of the most challenging situations educators face, as it requires balancing professional relationships with your obligation to maintain a safe environment for all students and contribute to a safe workplace for all staff. When a colleague uses antisemitic language, engages in antisemitic actions and/or promotes antisemitic content, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it's crucial to address the situation thoughtfully and directly while preserving the potential for positive change and learning.

Building Allies Among Colleagues

Proactively share ADL's educational resources with your teaching team to build collective understanding before incidents occur. Organize professional learning opportunities about antisemitism, including training sessions that help educators learn about its origins, manifestations and impact while increasing personal self-awareness. Model inclusive language and practices in your daily interactions, demonstrating how to create welcoming environments for all students and colleagues. Create a supportive network of educators committed to challenging bias by encouraging colleagues to participate in training and leverage resources to deepen their understanding of antisemitism and how it manifests. Consider joining BEACON: Building Educator Allies for Change, Openness and Networks, ADL's Educator Advocacy Network. Part of ADL's School Action Network, participants grow their advocacy skills, network with other educators and learn how to combat antisemitism and hate in K-12 schools.

Address It Directly and Respectfully

Begin by speaking privately with your colleague, creating a safe space for dialogue rather than public confrontation. Use "I" statements such as "I was concerned when I heard..." or "I noticed that comment might be harmful because..." to express your concerns without immediately putting them on the defensive. Consider intent, but focus on impact while addressing the negative impact of their words, recognizing that many people may not fully understand how their language affects Jewish colleagues and students. Share educational resources about antisemitism to help build their understanding and provide concrete tools for learning and growth.

Provide Context and Information

Take time to explain what makes the language problematic, even if it was unintentional, helping your colleague understand the broader context of rising antisemitism in schools and its impact on Jewish students and staff. Share ADL resources like "Understanding Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism" to clarify important definitions and distinguish between legitimate criticism of policies and antisemitic rhetoric. Help them understand the current climate where antisemitic incidents in schools continue to expose students to concerning levels of hate, making it essential that all educators work to create safe and inclusive environments.

Know When to Escalate

If your colleague is receptive to learning, consider continuing to support their educational journey by providing additional resources and maintaining open dialogue about creating inclusive environments. However, if they dismiss your concerns or continue problematic behavior, you could consider escalating your concerns in a complaint to your school administrators or human resources department following district procedures. If you do so, it would be helpful to document incidents with dates, specific language used and witnesses present if applicable.