California Senate Education Committee Advances Anti-Antisemitism Bill Amid Contentious Public Hearing

Sacramento, CA – The California Senate Education Committee recently advanced Assembly Bill 715 (AB 715), legislation aimed at combating antisemitism in K-12 public schools, following a public comment session described by some as resembling a "Jan. 6-style assault on democracy." The bill passed with a 6-0-1 vote, moving to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The contentious hearing on Wednesday, September 10, focused on ensuring the safety of Jewish students in California schools amidst a documented rise in religiously motivated hate crimes. According to The Voice of San Francisco, the public comment period was marked by unusual behavior from opponents of the bill. "Public comment looked more like the precursor to a Jan. 6-style assault on democracy," stated a tweet from @CheesemonkeySF, referencing the scene.

AB 715, authored by Assemblymembers Rick Chavez Zbur and Dawn Addis, is supported by a broad coalition, including the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) and various legislative caucuses. The bill seeks to provide schools with tools to identify, respond to, and prevent antisemitism, ensure unbiased classroom content, and establish an Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator. It also mandates annual notifications to schools regarding protections and responsibilities outlined in the legislation.

The California Teachers Association (CTA) and its allies have reportedly obstructed the legislative process, claiming opposition to what they term "censorship" and restatement of existing Education Code requirements. During the committee hearing, opponents, many wearing matching keffiyehs and masks, reportedly refused to adhere to basic civic norms, repeatedly challenging the committee chair's instructions. This conduct was described as a "siege of the hearing room" by The Voice of San Francisco.

David Bocarsly, Executive Director of JPAC, emphasized the urgency of the legislation, stating, "Antisemitism is rising in our schools, and California cannot afford to look the other way." The bill aims to protect all students and ensure a safe, supportive learning environment, particularly in light of a significant increase in anti-Jewish hate incidents in K-12 classrooms following events in October 2023.