The investigation, launched in March 2025 under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, stemmed from complaints alleging harassment based on religion, race, and national origin. The probe was initiated after the Anti-Defamation League, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, and the law firm Mayer Brown filed a complaint on behalf of affected students.
According to the Justice Department, students at both school levels were subjected to a series of antisemitic incidents. These included the repeated drawing of swastikas and the use of the word "Jew" as a derogatory term by fellow students against Jewish students.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division stated, "The Department will not tolerate antisemitic harassment of students at any level of education." She added that school districts must take prompt and effective action to address such harassment when it creates a hostile environment for Jewish students and must continue taking action until Jewish students are once again safe and welcome at their school.
Under the terms of the settlement, the Concord-Carlisle School District must review and revise its harassment policies and procedures. The district is required to respond promptly and effectively to potential incidents, ensuring all incidents are identified and complainants are protected from retaliation.
The agreement mandates that the district conduct full and comprehensive investigations of reported incidents. It must also take appropriate remedial measures, which include developing and implementing safety and support plans for victims and issuing public statements in response to incidents where appropriate.
Additionally, the district must designate a district-level employee to oversee compliance with the settlement requirements. The district is also required to provide additional training to both staff and students on its harassment policies and procedures.
The Justice Department will monitor the district's ongoing compliance with the agreement. The district will continue to report to the public about its efforts to address antisemitism. The Department commended the district for cooperating with the investigation and voluntarily entering into the settlement.
The case was handled by the Civil Rights Division's Educational Opportunities Section. The Department thanked the Anti-Defamation League, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, Mayer Brown, and their clients for filing the complaint and assisting with the investigation.