A Jewish family has reached a settlement with the Nysmith School for Gifted Children following allegations that their children were expelled after reporting antisemitic harassment. The resolution was announced by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, whose Office of Civil Rights handled the complaint.
The family alleged that their 11-year-old daughter faced harassment at the school due to her Jewish faith and ethnic background. According to the charge of discrimination issued by the Office of Civil Rights on July 29, 2025, other students reportedly called Jews “baby killers” in her presence, referred to her as “Israeli,” and made comments about her uncle’s death, expressing gladness over his passing in connection with an October 7 attack, despite him having died years earlier. The parents said they reported these incidents to the headmaster and received an email expelling all three of their children within two days.
Attorney General Miyares acknowledged the school’s cooperation in resolving the issue. “I am glad the parties could come to an amicable resolution,” he stated.
As part of the settlement agreement, Nysmith School will provide monetary relief to the family and implement new policies and procedures aimed at preventing future discrimination. The school will issue a non-discrimination statement and form a committee responsible for evaluating and investigating complaints related to discrimination. This committee will use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples.
Additionally, an independent monitor will oversee the committee’s work. Staff members are required to receive annual training on antisemitism, while students will participate in yearly age-appropriate education on antisemitism and Holocaust awareness throughout a five-year period.
The Attorney General acted under authority granted by both the Virginia Human Rights Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
