On Oct. 7, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two landmark bills aimed at combating hate and anti-Semitism in California schools.

The legislation strengthens accountability in schools by requiring stricter reporting and responses to incidents of hate and anti-Semitism.

Assembly Bill 715 and Senate Bill 48 introduce new measures that hold schools accountable and provide clearer guidance on preventing and addressing discrimination. Lawmakers emphasized the bills’ importance in protecting students from harassment and creating learning spaces free from fear or prejudice.

“Today, California is sending a strong and unambiguous message — hate has no place in our schools and will not be tolerated,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), co-chairs of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. “We have been inspired by the leadership of our colleagues — and the incredible advocacy of Jewish students, parents, teachers, and leaders from across California — who fought tirelessly to protect Jewish children.”

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) added, “Every student deserves to be safe, valued, and respected — no matter who they are or what they believe. At a time when hate is rising and anti-Semitism is sweeping our communities, AB 715 reaffirms California’s commitment to inclusion and standing up against bigotry in all its forms.”

Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) supported the bills saying, “This is a historic first-in-the-nation effort that centers on the well-being of children across our state, many of whom bravely shared horrific stories about their experiences in our schools.”

Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) said, “With these bills, we are sending a powerful message that our schools must be places of safety, belonging, and dignity for all students, regardless of their race, background, identity, or ZIP code.”

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Article By: Bo Tefu, California Black Media