LAS VEGAS — The family of an autistic Jewish high school student who was attacked by anti-Semitic thugs has filed a lawsuit against a Las Vegas school. The family claims that the Clark County School District not only failed to protect the 18-year-old but also neglected to provide him with a proper education.
According to the complaint filed on November 13 with the Nevada Department of Special Education, the district failed to create a safe school environment free from harassment, intimidation, and bullying for the student, identified only as S.K. The incident in question occurred on March 9, 2023, when the student returned home with a swastika carved into his back. The district denies having any knowledge of the incident.
The lawsuit, filed by the Lawfare Project, demands that the district cover the cost of the teen attending an outside program and compensate the family for any expenses incurred as a result of the attack and the inadequate education provided. The complaint also alleges that the district failed to meet the student’s educational needs under the Individuals with Disability Education Improvement Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The assault on the student in the school bathroom predates the recent surge in anti-Semitic incidents across schools and college campuses nationwide. The Lawfare Project’s Ziporah Reich referred to it as a “horrific act against a defenseless Jewish student” and emphasized the ongoing issue of anti-Semitism in society.
There was no comment from the Clark County School District regarding the pending lawsuit. Meanwhile, the teen has been receiving homeschooling since the incident occurred.
As incidents of anti-Semitism continue to rise globally, this lawsuit serves as a harrowing reminder of the deeply rooted problem that persists in society. The family’s complaint raises grave concerns not only about the incident itself but also about the school district’s failure to ensure a safe environment for all students. This case of an anti-Semitic attack on a Jewish student in Las Vegas illustrates the troubling reality faced by many individuals within marginalized communities. It calls for a collective response to eradicate prejudice, promote understanding, and create a safe space for everyone to thrive.