FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2025
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Washington, D.C. | On Friday, September 12, California lawmakers unanimously passed AB 715 with a 71-AYE vote, fast-tracking an unconstitutional K-12 education censorship bill at the 11th hour. The hearing and vote mirrored the classroom itself, systematically erasing Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students while privileging one group over all others.
Proponents claim the bill combats antisemitism, but AB 715 relies on the discredited and denounced IHRA definition—widely condemned for conflating rightful dissent against Israel’s genocide with anti-Jewish hate. During the hearing, bill authors could not answer basic questions, and the committee openly thanked JPAC, signaling political favoritism over educational integrity.
Abed Ayoub, National Executive Director of ADC, said: “AB 715 silences students and teachers who are committed to learning and teaching history as it happened—not as the powerful would rewrite it to serve their interests. Classrooms now risk being weaponized against honest education while privileging one group over all others. California students deserve learning environments rooted in truth, not censorship and deception, and we will continue to fight to ensure that they do.”
Once again, politicians have defied the will of the people in favor of special interests. California’s AB 715 is opposed by every major teachers’ and education association, yet the bill now heads to Governor Newsom’s desk—a gift from state legislators that will silence educators, students, and communities, while costing California taxpayers millions in litigation against state officials.
“This battle is not over. ADC will continue to fight to ensure teachers have the right to teach the truth,” concluded Ayoub.
ADC urges members and supporters to contact Governor Gavin Newsom and demand that he veto AB 715. Add your voice and take action HERE.