Lawsuit against Canadian private school for anti-Jewish discrimination

In June 2025, The Lawfare Project and PortaLaw filed a human rights complaint on behalf of Laurie Allen, a Jewish former teacher at Victoria School for Ideal Education (VSIE) in British Columbia. The complaint alleges ongoing antisemitic harassment, discrimination, and retaliation by the school, culminating in her dismissal.

One incident involved Ms. Allen facing hostility after mentioning a friend killed in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. The school failed to protect her or address the discrimination.

“No teacher should face retaliation due to their Jewish identity or connection to Israel,” said Benjamin Ryberg of The Lawfare Project. The complaint highlights broader concerns about antisemitism in BC’s education system, with Jewish teachers and students reporting increasing incidents of hostility.

Erin Brandt of PortaLaw added, “Laurie is standing up for herself and others facing similar discrimination, and we urge the BC Human Rights Tribunal to act swiftly.”