UK Schools' Antisemitism Policy Faces Legal Challenge

The United Kingdom government is preparing for a legal battle over its new guidelines for schools. The challenge centers on a recommendation for educational institutions to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism.

This policy stems from a recent review of antisemitism in English schools and colleges. The review found that one in five students had witnessed antisemitic incidents. Many students and teachers did not report these cases because they lacked confidence that the issues would be properly addressed. The review concluded that institutions must recognize antisemitism as a distinct category of harm.

The Good Law Project, a legal advocacy group, announced its intent to sue the government over the policy. The organization sent a letter to the government on Monday detailing its proposed grounds for the challenge. The letter requested additional information regarding the implementation of the IHRA definition. Good Law stated that the decision to sue depends on the government's response. If the group decides against litigation, it pledged to split any remaining funds equally between the Magical Breakfast and Medical Aid for Palestinians.

The NGO argued that schools have a legal duty to avoid promoting partisan political views. It also cited duties to protect free expression. Good Law described vigorous criticisms of Israel's actions as necessary in a moral society. The group strongly condemned the IHRA definition, claiming it prohibits criticism of Israel. It questioned whether students with family members killed in Gaza could say Israel is a racist state or that its actions resemble the Shoah.

A separate legal case involving the group Palestine Action is also approaching a critical stage. The Supreme Court will hear an appeal regarding the group's designation as a terrorist organization on November 4 and 5. Good Law has previously expressed support for Palestine Action.

The government proscribed Palestine Action in July 2025. This followed an incident in June 2025 where activists entered RAF Brize Norton and spray-painted two military aircraft. Under the ban, belonging to the group or expressing support for it is a criminal offense with severe penalties. The High Court ruled the ban disproportionate in February 2026. The Court of Appeal overturned that decision in June 2026, declaring the proscription lawful. The group's co-founder secured permission for the Supreme Court appeal.

The Jewish Leadership Council and Community Security Trust have been granted permission to intervene in the appeal. The two organizations will argue that the continued proscription of Palestine Action matters for the Jewish community and society at large. Their submission on Monday stated that the Jewish community is especially vulnerable to the group's violent activities. Before the ban, the group's target list expanded to include Jewish charities and businesses in predominantly Jewish areas.

The submission noted that the Court of Appeal rightly concluded that Palestine Action is a violent organization concerned in terrorism. The group's activities were often covert, with no suggestion of restraint or proportionality. At the time of the proscription, the group had an escalating trajectory of seriousness and an expanding focus. The submission argued that a campaign against institutions considered complicit with Israel effectively threatens the mainstream Jewish community in Britain.

The organizations warned that if the Supreme Court quashes the proscription as disproportionate, it would cause serious prejudice to the Jewish community. The hearings are scheduled for November 2026. The outcome will determine whether the ban remains in force.