MONTCLAIR, N.J. (VINnews) – Teachers in the Montclair Public Schools district walked out of a mandatory staff training session earlier this month that referenced the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, as part of a federal settlement aimed at addressing discrimination against Jewish students.

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The June 2 training, required under a settlement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, stemmed from a Title VI complaint alleging that a former teacher harassed and discriminated against Jewish students. Critics, including the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), have condemned the use of the IHRA definition, claiming it equates legitimate criticism of Israeli policies with antisemitism and could silence discussions about Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The IHRA definition states: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.” It includes illustrative examples, such as denying the Jewish people’s right to self-determination, applying double standards to Israel not expected of any other democratic nation, or drawing comparisons between contemporary Israeli policy and that of the Nazis. The definition explicitly notes that “criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.”

According to slides shared with NJ.com and local reports, the training included statements that labeling Israel’s policies as racist could constitute antisemitism. Some educators expressed concerns about how to discuss current events in the Middle East without risking accusations of discrimination.

An anonymous Montclair teacher who attended the session told reporters it was unlike previous trainings, and that several staff members left in protest as the focus on the antisemitism definition became clear. Questions arose about whether teachers could address the war in Gaza or Israeli policy in the classroom.

At a June 17 school board meeting, CAIR-NJ spokesperson Naureen Akhter argued that the definition sends a message to Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab students that their perspectives are unwelcome. A parent of Lebanese descent described her family’s experiences in Lebanon and questioned whether criticizing alleged Israeli war crimes would be labeled antisemitic.

Montclair Superintendent Ruth Turner addressed the feedback in a statement, affirming the district’s commitment to compliance with the federal settlement while ensuring all students feel safe and respected, regardless of background.

The New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, which provided the training through its Foundation for Educational Administration, clarified that presenters offered the IHRA definition as one resource among others, including information on Islamophobia from CAIR, and did not mandate its exclusive use. The training aimed to foster safe learning environments in line with the settlement.

The IHRA definition has been adopted by the U.S. Department of Education under a 2019 executive order and endorsed by numerous countries, states, and organizations as a tool to identify antisemitism, particularly in the wake of surging incidents following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. In New Jersey, efforts to codify it into state law advanced in the legislature but ultimately.

Jewish parents and advocates have highlighted ongoing concerns about antisemitism in schools, with the Montclair settlement addressing specific allegations of hostility toward Jewish students. Proponents argue the definition provides necessary clarity to protect Jewish students without infringing on free speech or academic discussion.

The controversy reflects broader national debates over balancing free expression, combating hate, and maintaining inclusive school environments amid heightened tensions around Israel and antisemitism. Montclair officials have received community input from various perspectives following the training.

VINnews will continue to monitor developments in Montclair and similar cases across New Jersey schools.