California Governor Signs Law Aimed at Stopping Antisemitism in Schools — Here’s What Changes

Gov. Gavin Newsom reads to kindergarteners in Sacramento, March 1, 2019. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)

Sacramento, Calif. — October 8, 2025 - Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a controversial bill into law Tuesday that establishes new measures to address antisemitism in California's public schools, creating a dedicated state office and coordinator position to investigate and prevent discrimination. The legislation, AB 715, responds to a surge in reported incidents following the Israel-Hamas war, amid debates over free speech and the definition of antisemitism.

Sponsored by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles) and backed by the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, the bill establishes an Office of Civil Rights within the Government Operations Agency to handle complaints of antisemitism and other forms of bias in K-12 schools and higher education.It also creates the role of an antisemitism prevention coordinator to develop training programs, track incidents, and recommend policy changes, with an initial budget of $5 million allocated for fiscal year 2026-27.

"This is a historic step to ensure every student feels safe and respected in our classrooms," Newsom said in a statement, noting the measure builds on existing civil rights frameworks while addressing "unprecedented" challenges.The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and requires annual reporting to the Legislature on complaint trends and resolutions.

The bill emerges from a documented rise in antisemitic acts in California schools. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recorded 589 incidents statewide in 2024—a 112% increase from 2023—many linked to anti-Israel protests on campuses.At UCLA, for instance, Jewish students reported harassment during spring 2024 encampments, prompting federal investigations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.The new office will streamline responses, allowing direct complaints to state officials rather than relying solely on under-resourced school districts.

Supporters, including the Jewish Caucus, praised the law for adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which includes certain criticisms of Israel as potentially discriminatory."It's a lifeline for Jewish families who've felt increasingly isolated," said Caucus Chair Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino).

Critics, including educators and free speech advocates, warn the IHRA framework could chill pro-Palestinian expression. The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California argued it risks conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism, potentially violating First Amendment rights.

During legislative debates, amendments to protect political speech were rejected, fueling opposition from groups like Jewish Voice for Peace.

Newsom, a Democrat facing reelection pressures, signed the bill despite these concerns, framing it as part of a broader anti-hate package including SB 48, which expands hate crime reporting.California, home to the nation's second-largest Jewish population of 1.2 million, has seen school-related complaints rise 200% since October 2023, per state data.

As implementation begins, the law positions California as a leader in school equity efforts, though its impact will hinge on enforcement amid ongoing national debates over campus safety and expression.