Resources Related to Combatting Antisemitism and Islamophobia While Promoting Religious Inclusion in Schools | National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE)

K-12

In a world of diverse beliefs and practices, understanding and respecting religious diversity is vital, especially within our educational systems where young minds learn and grow. Antisemitism and Islamophobia represent significant challenges in this landscape, contributing to prejudice and exclusion. Addressing these issues is not only about countering specific incidents but also about cultivating an environment where we can prevent, address, and ameliorate the effects of bullying, violence, and hate.

The National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE) is dedicated to providing schools with the necessary resources to confront and counteract antisemitism and Islamophobia, while also embracing a broader spectrum of religious diversity and discrimination issues. Our resources aim to enlighten, foster unity, and promote an inclusive educational environment where all students, irrespective of their background, are treated with respect and dignity.

To bolster our commitment, NCSSLE has curated a collection of specialized resources designed for educators, students, parents, and community members. These tools equip users with knowledge and strategies to challenge discrimination, fostering spaces where every student feels valued and can thrive academically and socially. Let us work collectively to ensure safety, support, and mutual respect in our schools.

General Resources

2022-2023 Guidelines for Respecting Religious Diversity in Montgomery County Public Schools
Provides guidance for cultivating a culture of respect for all, where students have the right to express their religious or nonreligious beliefs and practices, free from discrimination, bullying or harassment. Guidance is provided on topics like absence for religious holidays and religion in instruction program.

Dear Colleague Letter on Shared Ancestry
Reminds colleges, universities, and schools that receive federal financial assistance of their legal responsibility under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations (Title VI) to provide all students a school environment free from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.

Fact Sheet: Protecting Students from Discrimination Based on Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics
Describes Title VI protections for students who are, or are perceived to be, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, or of another religious group.

Free to Learn
Provides resources to prevent, address, and ameliorate the effects of bullying, violence, and hate while also supporting school safety, school-based mental health, and positive school climate so all students are free to learn.

Office for Civil Rights Complaint Process
Provides information on how to file a complaint if an individual experiences or sees racial discrimination in education.

Preventing and Responding to Bias and Hate Incidents in K-12 Educational Settings: A Toolkit for School & Community Leaders
Provides guidance and strategies for creating safe and inclusive learning environments free of harassment and discrimination.

Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics
Provides guidance and resources on Title VI protections for students from religious discrimination, including harassment based on their actual or perceived shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics, citizenship, or residency in a country with a dominant or district religious identity.

Combatting Antisemitism

Combatting Islamaphobia