Proponents claim that California’s AB 715 aims to combat antisemitism by strengthening anti-discrimination laws in public schools, but a closer look reveals it directly targets free speech on Palestine.
A controversial bill that would appoint an “Antisemitism Coordinator” to review school curriculum is heading to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. Teachers’ unions and civil rights groups warn the legislation could suppress criticism of Israel.
In a struggle that is eerily similar to the battle for the Mexican American Studies a decade ago, teachers, students, and community activists in California are fighting to defend the content and pedagogy of ethnic studies.
Michael Arria is on vacation this week, and Phil Weiss is filling in on trendspotting.…