This article has been updated since publication to include a statement from Plano ISD.
Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a formal investigation into Plano Independent School District after multiple reports of antisemitic incidents and school-sponsored activities perceived as anti-Israel.
Paxton’s office is responding to concerns that students have been exposed to biased materials promoting a pro-Palestinian perspective, and that absences for participation in pro-Palestinian walkouts were classified as “excused”—suggesting school support for anti-Israel protests.
In a strongly worded statement, Paxton condemned radical anti-Israel rhetoric in schools and called for the swift termination of any teachers or administrators found to be facilitating such content.
“Any teacher or administrator [who] has facilitated or supported radical anti-Israel rhetoric in our schools should be fired immediately. I stand in solidarity with our Jewish community, and we will continue to do everything in our power to root out antisemitism in all its forms,” Paxton stated.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Paxton sent a detailed letter to Superintendent Theresa Williams demanding extensive documentation, including walkout policies, anti-Israel curriculum records, and disciplinary records tied to antisemitic actions.
The letter emphasized the “two-year anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel,” urging Plano ISD to take all necessary measures to combat antisemitism and enforce both state law and district policy.
The announcement follows heightened calls from federal and state officials, as well as community advocates, for Texas school districts to address antisemitic behavior proactively and transparently.
This investigation aligns with broader legislative efforts in Texas, such as the recently passed antisemitism bill that provides schools with a clear definition for disciplinary purposes.
While the aim is to halt legitimate discrimination and hateful acts, some critics have warned against any policy that might penalize protected speech or free expression.
In a statement given to Texas Scorecard, Plano ISD condemned antisemitic behavior, adding that “any suggestion that Plano ISD promotes or facilitates antisemitism is false and inconsistent with our values, policies and ongoing actions.”
The Texas Education Agency is also investigating Plano ISD over allegations of systemic antisemitism.
Plano ISD’s full statement can be viewed below:
| Plano ISD unequivocally rejects antisemitism and all forms of hate, and takes any allegation of discrimination with the utmost seriousness. We do not tolerate antisemitic behavior, and any such act is despicable and will be disciplined to the fullest extent allowed by state law.
We were made aware earlier of statements made on social media and in a press release by the Attorney General’s staff regarding an investigation into Plano ISD. Any suggestion that Plano ISD promotes or facilitates antisemitism is false and inconsistent with our values, policies and ongoing actions. We strongly believe that the political theater surrounding social media allegations—amplified by a discomposed former board member—serves only to distract from the real business of the district: educating and equipping students today who will shape the world tomorrow. Plano ISD is prepared to cooperate transparently and openly with any investigation, including our own independent audit into these claims. We are confident that these baseless allegations will not withstand scrutiny, and we expect elected officials to report their findings honestly when their review concludes. The district continues to partner with our deeply respected community and national organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, and the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, to strengthen our efforts to prevent and respond to antisemitism. The district will continue to partner with families, staff and the Plano ISD community to ensure that our schools uphold the highest standards of dignity, safety and respect for all. |
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