Protect Jewish Students: Sign AB 715 Without Delay

Dear Governor Newsom,

We urge you to sign AB 715 into law without delay. 

As Jewish teachers in the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), we have witnessed an alarming escalation in antisemitism not only since October 7, 2023, but also in the years preceding that terrifying day. Although Jews comprise only 2.4% of the population of the United States, we are disproportionately targeted by hate and our identity and history are frequently misunderstood, ignored, or erased altogether. 

As teachers, we know that the most powerful antidote to hate is education grounded in facts. That is precisely why AB 715 (and its companion bill SB 48) is urgently needed. 

During the legislative process,  Assembly Members and Senators heard arguments made by the California Teachers’ Association (CTA) in opposition to AB 715. These arguments included baseless claims that AB 715 suppresses freedom of speech, that “factual accuracy” in curriculum is negotiable, and that Jews do not deserve specific legal protections. These arguments are indefensible. 

The authors of AB 715 went to extraordinary lengths to engage CTA in good faith, amending the bill repeatedly to address CTA’s concerns and seek consensus. CTA refused time after time. Fortunately, California legislators acted decisively in the midst of the worst epidemic of hate our nation has seen since the Holocaust.

We are proud union members and we refuse to remain silent while Jewish students, and, by extension, Jewish faculty and staff continue to face harassment, intimidation, and exclusion in our schools. We ask our unions to stand with us in ensuring all students are protected.

The California State Legislature is leading the charge against antisemitic hate and violence in this country. AB 715 has blazed a trail we hope every other state will follow to stand against hate. In signing AB 715, you will make California the first state to take decisive action against antisemitism in schools. Your leadership alongside that of the state legislature will protect Jewish students and inspire the nation.

We urge you to sign AB 715 and SB 48. The stakes are too high to wait.

With urgency and respect,

NEA Jewish Affairs Caucus Executive Committee