A Portland high school teacher is suing the school district, teachers’ union, and school board on the claim that they have discriminated against his religious beliefs and national origin as an Israeli-born Jew.
The teacher’s union distributed anti-Israel teaching material such as “Teaching while Muslim” and “Woke Kindergarten.” Both resources state that Jewish people who hold the traditional views of their religion are racist bullies.
Additionally, the Portland Association of Teachers allegedly held anti-Israel events while frequently displaying anti-Israel messages and symbols in classes.
The teacher identifies as John Doe out of a “concern of retribution from the union and school district,” as the teacher has called his school a “forum for one-sided, anti-Israel rhetoric,” and that the school's administration allegedly permitted postings of Palestinian flags and print-out maps of Palestine that eliminated Israel.
When he asked if he could display the flag of Israel, he was dismissed as it would be “too disruptive,” according to the suit that was filed on May 19th, 2025.
The suit also reveals a lesson plan provided by the teachers' union, which was in a workbook for grades 1-5. The lesson describes the history of Israel and Palestine, and it’s been criticized for demonizing Jews and supporters of Zionism.
This was accomplished by focusing on the everyday destruction faced by Palestinians without mentioning the origins of the Israel-Hamas War.
Repeatedly, the Portland school district and teachers’ union failed to represent him, but instead chose to antagonize him and his beliefs.
Not only does he feel like he’s a victim of discrimination, but Doe feels as though his First Amendment right of association is being violated as he’s being compelled to be represented by an organization that contradicts his values, and has failed to protect him from discrimination in the workplace.
The reason he is compelled to be represented by the teachers’ union is that Oregon is a state of exclusive representation.
States of exclusive representation require public employees, regardless of union membership, to be represented by a designated union. As such, Doe has no choice but to be represented by a union that instructed him and his coworkers against his core beliefs.
Aaron Withe, CEO of the Freedom Foundation, which is currently representing Doe in the suit, released a statement:
“These educators didn’t sign up for politics or propaganda — they signed up to teach. Instead, Oregon law has bound them to an organization that violates their faith and their First Amendment rights. We refuse to stand by while this continues. We will hold the union and the district accountable.”
The Freedom Foundation also filed a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleging that the School District violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by discriminating against Doe and fostering a hostile work environment.