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Quick Action Center

When You Need Help - Start Here

If you’re here, something concerning may have happened at your child’s school. Maybe a lesson that felt biased. Maybe something was said in class that made your child feel singled out or unsafe. You are not alone. And you are not overreacting. You are your child’s best advocate. No one understands your child’s experiences or needs better than you. You do not have to navigate this alone. SHIELD is here to help you respond with confidence, clarity, and support—on your terms. No action will ever be taken on your behalf without your permission.

 

Please Note: SHIELD is not a legal organization and cannot provide legal advice.
We offer general guidance and support to help you advocate for your child. When appropriate, we may connect you with partner organizations such as ADL, AJC, or other professional resources.

1.Parent Action Plan: 5 Steps to Take

STEP 1: Assess What Happened

Using the Checklist. Sometimes it’s hard to know for sure whether something that happened in the classroom was truly antisemitic. That’s why we recommend reviewing the checklist below developed by the National Education Association’s Jewish Affairs Caucus.

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📄 Antisemitism Detection Checklist
 

This tool helps answer key questions like:

  • Was a Jewish student, community, or identity targeted?

  • Were stereotypes, Holocaust denial, or dual loyalty accusations used?

  • Did the content apply double standards or deny Jewish indigeneity?

  • Was the lesson historically accurate, or did it omit key facts that significantly alter the historical narrative?
     

Using this checklist before taking action can help clarify what you experienced and make your case more clearly when speaking with school officials or advocacy partners.

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STEP 2: Document Everything
Take screenshots or photographs of classroom materials. Write down exactly what was said or shown. Be specific with dates, teacher names, and class periods.
 

STEP 3: Report to the ADL
The ADL helps track national data and can provide professional support.
🔗 Submit a School Incident Report to ADL

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STEP 4: Follow Up in Writing
After any conversation with a teacher or school official, be sure to send a follow-up email summarizing what was discussed. Keeping a written record helps create a clear paper trail.

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STEP 5: Decide Your Next Move
Ask yourself:

  • Is it safe for my child and family to continue?

  • Can I remain anonymous?

  • Is it safe for my child to return to school?

  • What outcome would feel like resolution?
     

Then proceed only when you’re ready. Follow the chain of command:

  1. Teacher

  2. Principal

  3. District

  4. State-level review (if needed)

Need Help Writing to the School?

If you're unsure what to say or how to express your concern, we've created sample letters for every stage of communication—from a first email to a teacher, to escalating the issue to the district or state level.

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View Sample Letters for Parents

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Feel free to personalize these templates to reflect your experience and voice.

2. Confidential Support with SHIELD

When you submit a concern through SHIELD, our team will follow up to offer personalized support. In some cases, we may recommend joining a private, confidential WhatsApp group to connect with others facing similar issues.

This space—when appropriate—provides a way to:

  • Speak directly with experienced advocates

  • Access expert partners from ADL, AJC, and others
     

All participation is optional and by request. You are in the driver’s seat. We’re just here to help you navigate.
 

3. Know Your Rights

You have the legal right to:

  • Review classroom materials and lesson plans

  • Request alternative assignments when material is discriminatory or inappropriate

  • Speak up without retaliation
     

In Georgia, the Open Records Act gives parents the right to request access to public school curriculum, lesson materials, communications, and more. Knowing how to make a request—and what to expect—can empower you to act with confidence.
 

📄 Read the Parent's Guide to Open Records Requests
 

We can also point you to:

  • Title VI protections (federal civil rights law)

  • Georgia curriculum standards (grade-specific expectations)

  • State education policy (board rules, ethics, etc.)
     

SHIELD does not offer legal counsel. We can help you identify when it might be time to consult with an attorney or contact a civil rights organization.

4. Georgia Standards to Watch

Classroom bias is most likely to occur in these units:

  • Grade 5: Holocaust in WWII

  • Grade 7: Zionism, Israel’s founding, Middle East & Arab Israeli conflicts

  • High School: Holocaust, formation of Israel, Arab-Israeli conflict
     

📄 View the Georgia Standards Watch List 

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