By David Bocarsly in Sacramento, California
We have an important and exciting update on the legal challenge to AB 715, California’s landmark K-12 antisemitism prevention law.
Recently, a federal court decisively rejected an effort to block AB 715 from taking effect. In a sweeping ruling, the judge found that the law is constitutional, consistent with the First Amendment, and neither vague nor overbroad. As a result, AB 715 went into effect statewide on January 1.
Now, the plaintiffs have abandoned their appeal to the Ninth Circuit, closing one of the last remaining attempts to overturn the law. As a result, AB 715 remains fully in effect across California.
The court’s reasoning closely mirrored the arguments raised in the amicus brief filed by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP on behalf of JPAC and 31 Jewish organizations from across the state – underscoring the law’s strong legal foundation.
Where the case stands now: AB 715 is the law in California and is being implemented statewide. A judge has rejected the main legal arguments against it, the challengers have dropped their appeal, and while the lawsuit has not fully ended, it is now on much weaker footing.
This is not the final chapter. The underlying case may still technically continue. But in another significant development, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has formally urged that the remaining claims be dismissed in their entirety, reinforcing what the court has already signaled.
Taken together, these developments send a strong and consistent message: repeated efforts to undermine AB 715 continue to fail, and the law rests on a solid legal footing.
We are deeply grateful to Attorney General Rob Bonta and his office for their continued, vigorous defense of this law, and to Superintendent Thurmond for standing up for students.
Two ways you can get involved:
- Attend Capitol Summit (May 11-12 in Sacramento) to thank lawmakers for AB 715 and to help us to put Jewish values into legislative action. Early bird deadline is February 28th – register now.
- Support our work defending, implementing, and ensuring the long-term success of AB 715 with a donation or a gift from a DAF.
We will continue to keep you updated as this case moves forward, and as we focus on the real work ahead: implementing AB 715 and protecting students.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support.
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David Bocarsly is the executive director of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California.