Josh Weiner speaks with Nicole Bernstein & Tamar Caspi, co-founders of PeerK12, about their mission to combat Jew hatred in K-12 education. They discuss their backgrounds, the emergence of ethnic studies, and the implications of AB 101 on Jewish students. The conversation highlights the complexity of ethnic studies curriculum, the importance of community mobilization, and the need for resolutions condemning antisemitism. They also explore how current events influence activism and the experiences of antisemitism in schools, emphasizing the importance of unity within the Jewish community. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by Jewish communities in the context of education, particularly regarding the spread of misinformation and antisemitism. They discuss the importance of community mobilization, the role of parents in advocating for their children's rights, and the need for accountability within school districts. They reflect on past experiences and the lessons learned, emphasizing the necessity of proactive engagement and collaboration with other communities to address these issues effectively. About PeerK12 Co‑founders of PeerK12: Partnering with Nicole Bernstein, Tamar co‑founded the organization in 2021. PeerK12 works to counteract institutionalized Jew-hatred in K‑12 education by mobilizing communities for legal protections, policy reform, and curriculum transparency. Website -https://www.peerk12.org/
00:00 Introduction to PeerK-12 and Its Mission
09:57 The Emergence of Ethnic Studies and Its Implications
19:06 The Controversy Surrounding AB 101
26:00 The Role of the Liberated Ethnic Studies Consortium
34:00 Real-Life Impacts of Antisemitism in Schools
39:58 Mobilizing the Community Against Antisemitism
43:15 The Importance of Nuanced Resolutions Against Antisemitism
44:39 Community Response to Antisemitism in Schools
46:51 Inclusion of Jewish Heritage in Education
49:10 Understanding Anti-Zionism and Its Implications
50:19 The Role of Student Advocacy in School Policies
54:18 The Impact of Immigrant Values on Community Support
57:10 The Complexity of Jewish Identity and Community Dynamics
01:01:11 The Challenge of Addressing Antisemitism in Education
01:06:22 The Need for Jewish Community Self-Care
01:09:07 The Role of Parents in Combating Antisemitism
01:13:05 Case Study: Addressing Classroom Incidents of Antisemitism
01:20:28 The Principle of Accountability
01:21:49 Going Public for Change
01:23:10 Navigating School Board Procedures
01:24:59 Community Support and Solidarity
01:26:12 Mobilizing Diverse Communities
01:28:04 The Power of Collective Action
01:29:19 Activating Parental Involvement
01:30:47 The Role of Transparency in Education
01:32:35 Curriculum and Accountability
01:34:29 Consequences of Inaction
01:35:18 The Importance of Community Engagement
01:39:15 Lessons from the Past
01:40:53 Ongoing Advocacy and Support
01:45:01 Challenges with Legacy Organizations
01:47:38 The Need for a New Approach