A former student at Nathan Hale High School has filed a lawsuit against Seattle Public Schools, alleging the district failed to protect her from escalating antisemitic harassment during the 2023–2024 academic year. The legal action comes in the wake of heightened global tensions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.
According to the complaint filed last week by the student’s family, the girl—now 15 years old—was a freshman when the harassment began. She claims classmates targeted her with accusations of supporting genocide in Gaza, resulting in the loss of friendships and a growing sense of isolation.
“I felt scared and personally attacked,” said the student, who requested anonymity due to concerns about her safety and privacy at her new school.
The lawsuit describes what it calls “rampant antisemitism” on campus, alleging that school leadership failed to respond adequately. Two photos of swastikas reportedly found on school property were submitted as part of the evidence. The suit names Principal William Jackson and Vice Principal Makela Steward-Monroe, asserting they failed to take meaningful steps to address the student’s repeated concerns.
The student’s mother, identified only as Jennifer, described her frustration with the administration’s response. “I felt totally helpless,” she said. “I remember appealing to the principal time and time again—asking him, ‘What if this were your daughter?’”
Among the incidents detailed in the lawsuit are allegations that the student was spat on, received death threats, and was subjected to deeply offensive antisemitic comments, including references to Adolf Hitler and Holocaust denial rhetoric.
In a statement to KING 5, Seattle Public Schools said, “SPS will review and address these allegations. The district remains dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all students, and does not tolerate racism, discrimination, or violence in any form.”
However, when pressed for details on specific measures taken to combat antisemitism on campus, the district did not respond as of Monday evening.
The most serious incident, which the family characterizes as a hate crime, allegedly occurred on May 22, 2024. According to the lawsuit, throughout the day, several students attempted to lure the teen out of her classrooms. By the final period, a group of approximately 20 students had reportedly gathered outside her classroom, banging on the door and shouting threats.
Her teacher locked the classroom door and closed the blinds as the group outside called out, “We know you’re in there—come and get what you deserve,” according to the student’s account.
She was eventually escorted to the school office by a security officer. School officials then devised a short-term plan to have the student accompanied by an adult at all times while on campus. But her mother said the plan was quickly abandoned.
“One day after giving her an escort, the vice principal tells me they can’t keep it up—that they can’t keep her safe,” Jennifer said. “And this was after she saw the security footage of what happened.”
Feeling there were no other viable options, the family transferred the student to another school, where she completed the remainder of the school year.
“I had a much better year,” the student said of her new school. “The environment and the way they support students is so very different.”
The case is now pending in court, as the family seeks accountability from Seattle Public Schools for what they describe as a failure to uphold basic protections for student safety and civil rights.
