Attorney General Jason Miyares announced that the Nysmith School for Gifted Children has reached a settlement with a Jewish family who alleged their children were expelled after reporting antisemitic harassment at the school. The settlement follows a complaint filed by the family with the Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights.
According to the complaint, the family’s 11-year-old daughter was harassed by peers based on her Jewish religion and ethnic origin. The Office of Civil Rights issued a charge of discrimination against the school on July 29, 2025. The charge stated that students made derogatory remarks about Jews and taunted the girl regarding her uncle’s death, even referencing recent events despite his passing years earlier. After the parents reported these incidents to school leadership, they received an email expelling all three of their children within two days.
The terms of the agreement require Nysmith School to provide both monetary relief and changes in its policies and procedures. The school will issue a non-discrimination statement and form a committee to handle discrimination complaints. It will also adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, including contemporary examples, as part of its policies.
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 about antisemitism and the Holocaust over a five-year period.
Attorney General Miyares commented on the resolution: “I am glad the parties could come to an amicable resolution.”
The Attorney General’s authority in this matter is provided under the Virginia Human Rights Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
