US EditionCalifornia law to protect Jewish students faces challenge over free speech concerns
Plaintiffs argue the law restricts free speech by limiting discussion on Israel and Zionism; 860 antisemitic acts reported nationwide last year, the Anti-Defamation League said.
- The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee filed a federal complaint Sunday in San Jose challenging a California law Gov. Gavin Newsom signed last month that created an Office of Civil Rights.
- The law's wording omits a definition of antisemitism, and plaintiffs say it gives educators the impression they could be charged for exposing students to material critical of Israel and Zionism.
- Reported statistics indicate the Anti-Defamation League reported 860 antisemitic acts last year at non-Jewish K-12 schools, supporting the law, but plaintiffs say classroom examples like Jonah Olson's highlight free speech concerns.
- Supporters argue students facing harassment and bullying needed more protection, and state lawmakers approved the measure amid rising political tensions over Israel's war in Gaza.
- The complaint names individual teachers and students in California public schools and Los Angeles Educators for Justice in Palestine, who say the law’s vagueness could reshape academic freedom if educators avoid topics fearing discrimination charges.
46 Articles
46 Articles
Arab Rights Group Sues to Overturn K-12 Antisemitism Law in California
Illustrative: Anti-Israel protesters in Los Angeles, California, US, Oct. 2, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Daniel Cole A new California law which aims to combat antisemitism in K-12 schools is being targeted in a federal lawsuit filed by a group which calls itself the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). As previously reported by The Algemeiner, the legislation, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last month on the anniversary of Hamas’s Oct. 7, 20…
American Arab group sues over California's new antisemitism law
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee is challenging a new California law designed to protect Jewish students from discrimination, arguing it is unconstitutionally vague and violates their free speech rights.
Associated Press News
California law to protect Jewish students faces challenge over free speech concerns
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee is challenging a new California law designed to protect Jewish students from discrimination.
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