Jewish Student Faces Antisemitic Abuse and Laptop Cord Attack at Colorado School, ADL Claims
Jewish student targeted with antisemitic abuse – On June 11, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) filed a complaint alleging that a student at a Colorado high school used a laptop charger to strangle a Jewish peer and shouted an antisemitic slur, according to the report. The incident, described as part of a broader pattern of harassment, occurred at Southern Hills Middle School, where officials allegedly ignored repeated complaints over two years, allowing the student to endure a hostile environment. The ADL’s Title VI complaint outlines a series of antisemitic acts that escalated from verbal taunts to physical aggression, leaving a lasting impact on the victim.
Systemic Harassment and a Hostile Environment
The ADL asserts that school authorities at Southern Hills Middle School failed to act on multiple investigations into the student’s antisemitic targeting. Over two years, the eighth-grade student was subjected to a range of discriminatory behaviors, including verbal abuse and physical intimidation. In April 2025, students reportedly engaged in a game called “Jew touch tag,” where participants labeled Jews as “dirty” and “contaminated,” as detailed in the complaint. The ADL claims these incidents were part of a coordinated effort to create a hostile atmosphere for the Jewish student, with the harassment intensifying over time.
A Choking Incident and Public Response
The most severe incident took place in December 2025 when a student allegedly wrapped a laptop cord around the Jewish student’s neck while he was seated and dragged him backward from his chair, shouting a derogatory term. The action was so alarming that the Boulder Police Department was called to investigate, according to the complaint. Despite this, the school district did not take immediate steps to address the issue, leaving the student vulnerable to further attacks. In April 2026, a classmate reportedly told the student, “Hitler should have killed all the Jews when he had the chance,” reinforcing the ongoing antisemitic climate.
Following the laptop cord attack, a safety plan and protective order were established to safeguard the student. However, the protective order was reportedly breached on its first day, as stated by James Pasch, ADL’s Vice President of Litigation, during an interview with Fox News’ Alicia Acuna on Tuesday. Pasch emphasized that the school district’s inaction created a dangerous environment, undermining the student’s sense of security and contributing to the erosion of trust within the community.
Antisemitism’s Lasting Impact on Jewish Children
“The relentless nature of the harassment led the student to remove his Star of David necklace, symbolizing the deep psychological toll of antisemitic bullying,” Pasch explained. The ADL highlighted that the school district’s failure to address the situation, despite clear evidence of systemic bias, represents a violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, and the ADL argues that the antisemitic incidents in question fall under its protections.
“No family should have to fight this hard to ensure a Jewish child’s safety at school, and certainly no student should face the threat of assault or harassment because of their identity,” Pasch added. He stressed that the district has a moral obligation to intervene, as failing to protect students from hate fosters an environment where antisemitism can thrive unchecked. The complaint now demands not only an apology from the school district but also a comprehensive plan to implement antisemitism training for all students, aiming to prevent future incidents.
Addressing Antisemitism in Schools
Pasch also discussed the broader implications of the case, stating, “When antisemitic acts occur in a classroom witnessed by peers and then discussed in hallways and playgrounds, it’s incumbent on the district to send a clear message that this behavior is unacceptable.” He noted that while schools may not disclose individual disciplinary actions, they are responsible for addressing underlying patterns of hate. “They must speak out publicly against antisemitism and affirm that it is not part of the district’s values,” Pasch said, underscoring the importance of accountability.
“School officials have a solemn duty to keep children safe when they walk through those doors,” Pasch continued.
