Tue Jul 01 23:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A Northern Virginia private school, Nysmith School for the Gifted, is accused of expelling three Jewish siblings after they faced antisemitic harassment from classmates following the October 7th terror attack. The harassment included taunts about the death of a non-related family member, and insults about being Jewish and Israeli. The school allegedly failed to adequately address the issue after parents reported it and ultimately expelled the children when the parents raised further concerns. The Brandeis Center has filed a complaint on behalf of the family, seeking damages and antisemitism training for the school.

**News Article:**

**Virginia Private School Accused of Expelling Jewish Siblings Amid Antisemitic Harassment**

OAKTON, VA – The Nysmith School for the Gifted, a prestigious private school in Northern Virginia, is facing accusations of expelling three Jewish siblings after they were subjected to relentless antisemitic harassment by classmates. The harassment allegedly began in the wake of the October 7th terror attack on Israel.

According to a complaint filed by the Brandeis Center on behalf of the children’s parents, the 11-year-old daughter endured a “campaign of ostracizing” from other students who taunted her about the death of a non-related family member, and being Jewish and Israeli. The complaint further states that some students celebrated Hitler.

The parents reported the incidents to headmaster Kenneth Nysmith, who allegedly failed to take adequate action. The school also canceled a planned talk by a Holocaust survivor. Following further discussions where the parents raised concerns about a Palestinian flag displayed at the school, Nysmith allegedly told the parents their daughter should “toughen up.” Two days later, the children were expelled.

The parents had already paid tuition for the following academic year.

“Through [the Nysmith School’s] actions, the administration sent a clear message: bullying is acceptable, as long as it’s against Jewish families,” said Kenneth L. Marcus, chairman of the Brandeis Center.

The complaint seeks compensatory damages and mandatory antisemitism training for the school community.

Nysmith rejected the allegations, claiming the information circulating is incomplete and he is “not aware of any legal action involving the school.” The case has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of antisemitism in schools, with many calling for a thorough investigation and accountability.

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