JCRC-NY CEO Condemns SCOTUS Ruling to Dismantle U.S. Dept of Education

NEW YORK, NY (07/15/2025) (readMedia)-- Statement from JCRC-NY CEO Mark Treyger:

"Dismantling the Department of Education threatens both our democracy and our ability to confront antisemitism and other forms of hate taking root in schools and on college campuses nationwide. We need more, not less, investment in the Department of Education programs proven to make a real difference.

At JCRC-NY, we believe the most effective way to combat antisemitism is through comprehensive, evidenced-based Jewish identity education in K–12 schools, in addition to mandatory Title VI training facilitated by dedicated Title VI coordinators to combat antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and other forms of hate. That's why we've partnered with the NYC Department of Education to develop meaningful resources that help students understand the broader Jewish experience. By greenlighting these federal cuts, the Supreme Court is instead deepening divisions and leaving young people even more vulnerable to antisemitic messaging like the kind spread by the AI chatbot Grok just last week.

JCRC-NY has also continuously advocated for stronger Title VI enforcement on college campuses to help protect Jewish and other minority students and hold school administrations accountable. But now, the very office charged with ensuring that all students and staff can learn and work in hate- and harassment-free environments will be further gutted, leaving our communities less safe. JCRC-NY is also deeply concerned about the impact this ruling will have on already scarce resources for students with IEPs, multi-lingual learners, and Title I school communities that need additional support to ensure all of our students are both supported and safe.

We can't defund our way out of hatred. As this case continues through the lower courts, with the hope of a reversal, JCRC-NY remains steadfast in its commitment to combating antisemitism in classrooms, on campuses, and across New York's diverse communities."

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JCRC-NY, a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York, serves as the primary community relations agency for the Jewish community in the metropolitan New York area. As an active force in New York civic and communal life, JCRC-NY operates as a central coordinating and resource body with a mission to build relationships to advance the values, interests, and security of the Jewish community and to create a more interconnected New York for all.