State Senate Committee Approves Bill to Combat Antisemitism in Schools

SACRAMENTO (Press Release)– In a critical step toward passing landmark legislation to combat antisemitism in California’s K-12 public schools, the Senate Education Committee voted 6-0-1 on Wednesday to advance Assembly Bill 715. The legislation now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee before heading to the Senate Floor.

“Antisemitism is rising in our schools, and California cannot afford to look the other way,” said David Bocarsly, Executive Director of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC). “AB 715 delivers the tools, accountability, and urgency needed to make sure every student feels safe in the classroom. Today’s vote affirms that the California Legislature is serious about combating hate and ensuring every child is afforded a safe and supportive learning environment. We are deeply grateful to Senate Leader Mike McGuire, Senate Education Committee Chair Sasha Renée Pérez, and the Committee for standing on the right side of history today.”

Authored by Assemblymembers Rick Chavez Zbur and Dawn Addis, sponsored by JPAC, supported by a coalition of 70 Jewish organizations, and principally co-authored by the Chairs of Jewish, Black, Latino, and AAPI Legislative Caucuses; the recently amended version of AB 715 will help prevent and combat antisemitism in California’s K-12 public schools and maintain an inclusive learning environment that protects all students’ abilities to learn and speak freely by:

–Giving schools the tools to identify, respond to, prevent, and counter antisemitism;

–Ensuring classroom content and materials are unbiased, respectful, and welcoming to everyone;

–Creating an Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator to train educators and school leaders about antisemitism, track incidents, advise on accountability measures, and recommend future legislation; and

–Requiring an annual notification to all schools on the protections, requirements, and responsibilities in this bill.

What’s Next

–Senate Appropriations Committee: AB 715 will next head to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

–Senate Floor Vote: Assuming Appropriations Committee approval, the bill will go to the full Senate for consideration.

–Return to Assembly: Following Senate passage, AB 715 will return to the Assembly for a final concurrence vote – all before this Friday’s end-of-session deadline.

*
Preceding provided by JPAC