Countering Antisemitism and Discrimination in K-12 Schools
AB 715 is the product of cross-caucus collaboration, jointly authored and supported by Chairs of the Jewish, Black, Latino, and AAPI Legislative Caucuses. This broad and unified front sends a powerful message: hate against one community is a threat to all – and we must stand together to confront it in every form.
What it is and What it is NOT:
AB715 is addressing a real and urgent problem.
Jewish students are increasingly facing antisemitic environments in schools with bullying, harassment, and discrimination to which schools lack sufficient trainings, tools, or accountability to respond.
AB715 is not a censorship bill.
It does not restrict constitutionally protected classroom curricula.
What AB715 Does:
Focuses on student safety and inclusion by protecting vulnerable students and strengthening school response systems.
Prevents hostile learning environments for Jewish students and creates safe and inclusive learning environments for all students including Jews.
Strengthens protections against antisemitic learning environments and all forms of discrimination in K-12 education. Ensures that classrooms are respectful and welcoming to everyone and free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
Gives schools the tools to identify, respond to, prevent, and counter antisemitic learning environments. Ensures that schools are equipped to prevent hateful conduct, respond effectively to incidents, and rebuild trust with the community.
Increases accountability for school districts by establishing an Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator to train educators and school leaders about antisemitism, track incidents, advise on accountability measures, and recommend future legislation.
Requires an annual notification to all schools on the protections, requirements, and responsibilities in this bill.
Why is AB715 needed? Because antisemitism is rising sharply in California.
Jewish students are increasingly facing antisemitic bullying, harassment, and discrimination while schools lack sufficient training, tools, or accountability to respond.
California Department of Justice Reports:
Jews make up 3% of the state’s population, but are victims of 15% of its hate crimes and are the second most targeted group in the state.
A 210% increase in California overall in the last decade, and a 64% increase in just the last two years.
Anti Defamation League Reports:
A 623% increase in K-12 schools in the last decade.