California Assembly Passes AB 715 by 68-0 Vote to Combat School Antisemitism, Faces Teacher Union Opposition

Sacramento, California – Assembly Bill 715 (AB 715), a civil rights bill designed to bolster protections against antisemitism and bias in public schools, overwhelmingly passed the California Assembly with a 68-0 vote. Despite this strong bipartisan support, the legislation continues to face significant opposition, notably from the California Teachers Association (CTA) and other civil liberties groups, raising concerns about its potential impact on academic freedom and free speech.

Authored by Assemblymembers Rick Chavez Zbur and Dawn Addis, AB 715 aims to strengthen the state's capacity to prevent and respond to antisemitic incidents, which have reportedly surged in California's K-12 schools. Key provisions of the bill include reinforcing anti-discrimination protections based on religion and nationality, expanding the Uniform Complaint Procedure (UCP) process, and establishing California's first-ever State Antisemitism Coordinator to lead statewide efforts. The bill also seeks to ensure that instructional materials are free from antisemitism.

Proponents, including the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) and a coalition of 47 Jewish organizations, commend the bill as a crucial step towards creating safer learning environments. David Bocarsly, JPAC Executive Director, stated that the Assembly's vote sent "a resounding message to Jewish students and families: You are not alone," emphasizing that protecting students from hate is a moral imperative. This broad support highlights the perceived urgent need for legislative action against rising antisemitism.

However, the bill has drawn criticism from various organizations, including the California Teachers Association, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), and the Council of UC Faculty Associations (CUCFA). These groups argue that AB 715 could stifle critical classroom discussions and infringe upon academic freedom by conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism. According to the Israeli-American Civic Action Network, the CTA is "fighting a civil rights bill" that "protects students from antisemitism and bias in public schools," questioning the union's stance.

Opponents specifically raise concerns about the bill's redefinition of "nationality" and "religion," which they believe could lead to censorship of content related to Palestine or human rights. CAIR-CA warned that the bill's vague language and lack of a precise definition for antisemitism could result in politically motivated complaints against educators. The bill now advances to the Senate Education Committee, where the debate over its scope and implications is expected to continue.