WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has opened an investigation into the National Education Association (NEA) regarding allegations of antisemitism. This investigation follows a charge filed by the Louis D. Brandeis Center alleging that the NEA subjected Jewish members to discriminatory practices in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The charge asserts that the NEA perpetuated hostile environments for Jewish members within the union, its state and local affiliates, and the workplace.

According to court filings, the charge alleges that these actions resulted in the spread of antisemitism throughout K-12 public schools. The charge documents depict the NEA's handbook removal of Jews as the primary victims of the Holocaust and the union's distribution of a map to all members that erased the State of Israel. Additionally, the charge documents depict the physical intimidation of members of the Jewish Affairs Caucus by anti-Israel members, including an incident at the NEA's 2025 Representative Assembly where Jewish delegates were physically surrounded and shouted at by anti-Israel advocates.

The charge against the NEA is under investigation by the agency's Washington Field Office. Officials stated that investigators have been gathering evidence and communicating with the Louis D. Brandeis Center, which has provided documents, witness information, and other materials in support of the charge.

Kenneth L. Marcus, chairman and CEO of the Louis D. Brandeis Center, said, "Unions exist to advocate for fair wages, protect employee rights, and ensure equal treatment for all members." "No employee or union member should be excluded, intimidated, harassed, discriminated against, or denied opportunities because of their Jewish identity," Marcus said. "That's why our goal is not merely to end antisemitic discrimination and harassment at the NEA but also to ensure an equal playing field for members of all races, religions, and national origins."