Introduction to the Bill
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill that sets up a state Office for Civil Rights to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination in California schools. Assembly Bill 715 was among the most hotly contested education-related measures, spawning from dissatisfaction, largely among a coalition of Jewish groups, to the way ethnic studies has been taught in some California classrooms.
Background and Purpose
The critics said in some schools, ethnic studies classes have improperly focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and that lessons reflected bias against Jews. The allegations of bias are denied by those instructors who include lessons about the conflict in their syllabus. The law creates a state Office for Civil Rights that reports to the governor’s cabinet. It would take on a monitoring and assistance mission — fielding complaints and questions; preparing learning materials and reports on identifying and combating discrimination; and helping teachers, schools and school districts comply with state antidiscrimination laws.
Structure and Responsibilities
Different forms of discrimination would be addressed by a specialized coordinator — one each for antisemitism, religious discrimination, race and ethnicity discrimination, gender discrimination and LGBTQ+ discrimination. The final version of the bill — paired with companion Senate Bill 48 — expanded beyond an initial focus on antisemitism. This revision was a response to those who questioned why the original bill language addressed only discrimination against Jews.
Reaction from the Governor and Assemblymembers
“California is taking action to confront hate in all its forms,” Newsom said in a statement. “At a time when antisemitism and bigotry are rising nationwide and globally, these laws make clear: Our schools must be places of learning, not hate.” Bill co-author and state Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) called the legislation “a historic first … that centers on the well-being of children across our state, many of whom bravely shared horrific stories about their experiences in our schools.”
Opposition to the Bill
The bill drew strong opposition from teacher unions, faculty groups, Muslim organizations and liberal groups who worried about the suppression of discussion about current events in the Middle East.
A Surge of Antisemitism
Antisemitic incidents increased in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war that began with a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that killed about 1,200. The war continues with Israel’s campaign to eradicate Hamas, leading to a Palestinian death toll estimated at more than 67,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. At a recent news conference in support of the bill, a Jewish student told of her experience at a public middle school in the Bay Area. “After Oct. 7, everything changed,” said Ella, who was identified only by her first name. “People who I thought were my friends turned on me. They called me the Jew. They told me that my family is living on stolen land, and yelled at me that I was a murderer and a terrorist. They even started to chase me, and I had to run away for my own safety just because I’m Jewish and I speak Hebrew. I didn’t deserve any of this.”
A Contentious Debate
The legislation drew resistance from organizations including ACLU California Action and the California Teachers Assn. Leading voices among the critics also included pro-Palestinian and Muslim groups, a large faction of ethnic studies teachers and some Jewish groups that are strongly critical of the Israeli government. ACLU California Action warned of a “chilling effect on constitutionally protected speech by educators and students.” “We abhor and condemn antisemitism in any form,” the California Teachers Assn., wrote in a July letter to the state Senate Education Committee. But “at a time when there are those that seek to weaponize public education, AB 715 would unfortunately arm some ill-intentioned people with the ability to do so.”
The Ethnic Studies Connection
Although the bill evolved, it retained a mechanism to raise issues related to how ethnic studies is taught. The bill speaks of ensuring antidiscriminatory course and teacher-training materials. To investigate formal complaints, the state would rely on an existing complaint procedure, which examines alleged violations involving discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying. Some critics of AB 715 acknowledged that the bill was revised to address their concerns but they still opposed it. They continue to worry that the new law will chill discussion of controversial issues in ethnic studies and elsewhere — and also falsely equate legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
Conclusion
The signing of Assembly Bill 715 into law marks a significant step by California to address antisemitism and other forms of discrimination in schools. While the bill has undergone revisions to address concerns from various groups, its implementation and impact will be closely watched. The establishment of a state Office for Civil Rights and the appointment of specialized coordinators for different forms of discrimination are intended to provide a structured approach to combating hate and ensuring that schools are safe and inclusive for all students.
FAQs
Q: What is the main purpose of Assembly Bill 715?
A: The main purpose of Assembly Bill 715 is to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination in California schools by establishing a state Office for Civil Rights.
Q: How will the state Office for Civil Rights address different forms of discrimination?
A: The office will have specialized coordinators for antisemitism, religious discrimination, race and ethnicity discrimination, gender discrimination, and LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Q: What are the concerns of critics of the bill?
A: Critics worry that the bill will suppress discussion of current events in the Middle East, chill constitutionally protected speech, and falsely equate legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
Q: How did the bill evolve during its legislative process?
A: The bill initially focused on antisemitism but was revised to address other forms of discrimination as well, in response to concerns from various groups.
Q: What is the role of the state Office for Civil Rights in investigating complaints?
A: The office will rely on an existing complaint procedure to investigate formal complaints involving discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
