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 family’s complaint.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the family alleged that their 11-year-old daughter was harassed by peers at the school because of her Jewish religion and ethnic origin. The Office of Civil Rights issued a charge of discrimination on July 29, 2025, stating that other students made derogatory comments such as calling Jews “baby killers” in front of her and mocking her about the death of her uncle, incorrectly linking it to an October 7 attack. After these incidents were reported to school leadership, all three children in the family were expelled within two days.
Attorney General Miyares acknowledged the school’s cooperation in resolving the matter: “I am glad the parties could come to an amicable resolution,” he said.
As part of the settlement agreement, Nysmith School will provide monetary relief to the family and introduce new policies and procedures. These include issuing a non-discrimination statement, forming a committee to handle discrimination complaints, and adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism along with its contemporary examples. The school will also appoint an independent monitor to oversee committee activities and ensure annual training for staff on antisemitism. Students will receive yearly age-appropriate education about antisemitism and the Holocaust throughout a five-year period.
The Attorney General’s authority in this case is based on provisions from both the Virginia Human Rights Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
