The Department of Education (EDU) conducted a series of sessions and meetings over a week to examine and address concerns of antisemitism and Islamophobia in schools. The discussions were held in different locations across the country with various community leaders and educational authorities to gather information and strategize against such discriminatory practices.
Officials included in these discussions were U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten, Under Secretary James Kvaal, along with other officials. The discussions were held in different locations across the country with various community leaders and educational authorities to gather information and strategize against such discriminatory practices.
According to a news release, Secretary Cardona traveled to New York City for a meeting with the Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council and leadership from Interfaith America.
Deputy Secretary Marten led an insightful roundtable discussion which included eight principals and superintendents from across the country, representing elementary and secondary schools from districts both large and small, and varying levels of urban and rural locations. Guests shared their district's strategies for ensuring respect among students and maintaining a safe learning environment.
In addition to these conversations, further engagements were scheduled with representatives from specific communities facing discrimination issues. Secretary Cardona met with Arab, Muslim and Sikh community leaders to discuss common issues and difficulties in schools, according to the press release.
Alongside these measures, the Department also focused on gathering information from higher educational institutions. On Tuesday, November 14, Under Secretary James Kvaal held another group discussion, this time with representatives from twelve colleges and universities. The discussion included effective strategies for countering antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other discriminatory acts, according to the media release. The participants represented public and private institutions from across the country.
