The Holden Caulfield Rules: Public Schools and Colleges Ignoring Jewish Hatred

Holden Caulfield, the disenchanted protagonist of J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, famously despises the "phoniness" of the adult world. This disdain for superficiality and pretense resonates deeply when we consider how public school districts and colleges handle Jewish hatred. Much like Holden sees through the veneer of society, we must peel back the layers to reveal the alarming negligence of antisemitism in our educational institutions. When schools and colleges allow teachers and administrators to make up their own rules, dismissing or belittling Jewish students, it perpetuates an environment of hatred and discrimination. Jewish students didn’t have it easy before but since October 7th, it’s been absolutely dangerous.

The "Phony" Rules of Education

In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield constantly points out the inconsistencies and hypocrisies of the people around him. This sharp critique mirrors the current state of many educational institutions. When it comes to addressing antisemitism, schools and colleges often operate under a set of "phony" rules—vague policies that leave too much room for interpretation. Administrators and teachers are free to dismiss or downplay antisemitic incidents, much like the insincere adults Holden encounters, who fail to address the real issues.

According to a 2023 survey by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), incidents of antisemitism on college campuses have surged by 30% over the past five years. However, we know that number has increased tremendously with longstanding encampments, violence, and college presidents denying Jewish students the right to a safe and secure environment. Public schools are not far behind, with numerous reports of antisemitic bullying and harassment. Some of the largest school districts in the United States are inundated with Jew-hatred including New York City Public School, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the Philadelphia School District. Yet, despite these alarming statistics, many schools remain indifferent. They prefer to maintain a facade of inclusivity while ignoring the real problem. This phony approach allows antisemitism to fester unchecked. Some of these schools and districts have doubled-down on their antisemitic climate, almost challenging lawsuits to be brought against them.

The Impact on Jewish Students

Holden Caulfield’s sense of isolation and alienation is a poignant reflection of what Jewish students experience in these hostile environments. Instead of focusing on their education, they are forced to navigate a minefield of verbal and physical harassment, vandalism, and even threats to their safety. The emotional toll is severe, leading to anxiety, depression, and a pervasive sense of isolation—much like Holden’s own struggles.

Moreover, when antisemitic behavior is tolerated or dismissed, it sends a dangerous message to other students: such behavior is acceptable. This normalizes hatred and bigotry, undermining the very values that educational institutions are supposed to uphold. It creates a toxic culture that affects not only Jewish students but the entire student body, perpetuating the cycle of discrimination and intolerance. Sadly, student “activists” are emboldened by paid actors who make the situation on campus or at school completely intolerable.

Teachers and Administrators Making Their Own Rules

One of Holden’s chief complaints is the inconsistency and hypocrisy of the adult world. This is starkly evident in how teachers and administrators handle antisemitism. Without clear guidelines and accountability, they are free to interpret policies as they see fit. This often results in a double standard, where antisemitic behavior is tolerated while other forms of discrimination are addressed more vigorously.

For instance, a teacher might excuse a student’s antisemitic remark as "free speech" or a "joke," while punishing a student for a less severe infraction. Similarly, administrators might choose to handle antisemitic incidents internally, minimizing their severity. This inconsistency not only fails to protect Jewish students but also erodes trust in the institution, much like the adults in Holden’s world who constantly let him down.

The Need for Genuine and Enforced Policies

To combat this issue, public schools and colleges must implement clear and enforceable policies against antisemitism. These policies should leave no room for interpretation and be backed by robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing incidents. Teachers and administrators must be held accountable for their actions, and there should be consequences for those who fail to uphold these standards.

Training and education are also crucial. Faculty and staff need to be educated about the nature and impact of antisemitism, as well as how to recognize and respond to it. This includes understanding the difference between legitimate criticism of Israel and antisemitic rhetoric, a distinction that is often blurred in academic settings. Trainings may be more aspirational, however, as the bad actors are training teachers at a much higher rate than Jewish organizations are able to do so.

Empowering Jewish Students

In addition to policy changes, it is important to empower Jewish students to speak out against antisemitism. Schools and colleges should provide platforms for Jewish students to share their experiences and advocate for their rights. This can be achieved through student organizations, forums, and support services. By giving Jewish students a voice, institutions can create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Holden Caulfield’s disdain for the "phoniness" of the adult world serves as a powerful metaphor for the current state of antisemitism in our educational institutions. Public schools and colleges must take a firm stand against this pervasive issue by implementing clear policies, holding individuals accountable, and empowering Jewish students. Only then can we create a safe and inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

Ignoring Jewish hatred and allowing faculty to belittle students undermines the core mission of education. It is time for institutions to stop pretending and start enforcing genuine policies, ensuring that every student is treated with dignity and respect. Just as Holden sees through the veneer of society, we must see through the pretense and address the real issues at hand. We all know this type of hatred would not be tolerated against any other class of people. 

Steve Rosenberg is the Principal of the TeamGSD. He is also the author of the book, Make Bold Things Happen: Inspirational Stories From Sports, Business And Life.